KOSHER HOLIDAYS 2012

AACI KOSHER THAILAND

JAN 11-20, 2011

Day 1: Tuesday Jan 11 – Tel Aviv to Bangkok- THAI AIRWAYS evening departure 23:10

Day 2: Wednesday Jan 12 arrival in Bangkok 14:50 transfer to hotel. In the evening we will visit the famous Night Market.  Overnight Bangkok

Day 3: Thursday  Jan 13- Bangkok –The Royal Palace, Temples and Klong tour
Our guided sightseeing of today will take us for a drive across the city into the inner core to see the contrast between old and new Bangkok. Visit to the outstanding temples (Wat) such as - Wat Pho famous for its Reclining Buddha, Wat Trimitr, and the world’s largest Golden Buddha believed to be about 700 years old. Then visit the Royal Grand Palace, the most important landmark in Bangkok. It is famous for its impressive architectures and building. Explore the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, with the revered Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of jade, and other key attractions such as the Coronation Throne Hall, Royal Reception Hall, Royal Funeral Hall, the Golden Chedi, and the Royal Pantheon. Afternoon will enjoy a cruise on Chaophraya River. Overnight Bangkok



Day 4: Friday Jan 14– Chiang Mai
Transfer to the airport for the Flight to Chiang Mai located about 700km northwest of Bangkok. This city, known as the "Rose of the North", is a must see for any journey to Thailand. In this cooler city to the north the pace slows down a bit and the experiences are plentiful. From the airport we will proceed to the outskirts of Chiang Mai to visit the craft villages in order to get an insider’s perspective at the Thai handicraft production: cotton and silk weaving, silverware, lacquer ware, woodcarving and Thai doll making. After the visit we will continue to our hotel. Heat service at hotel.  (Catered dinner from Chabad) Overnight Chiang Mai

Day 5: Shabbat Jan 15– Chiang Mai
After morning Services and Shabbat lunch, enjoy a walking tour of the area around the hotel.
Overnight Chiang Mai



Day 6: Sunday Jan 16– Chiang Mai – Elephant Camp and Doi Suthep Temple
We open the day with a visit at an Elephant Camp where we can ride through the Jungle on the back of these massive beasts and witness a demonstration of their skills. Northern Thailand is mountainous with many rivers, which tumbles out of the hills. On our way back we will visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai’s most important Temple, a sacred site and pilgrimage destination to many Thai people. The temple is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first Chedi was built. Set on the hilltop and visible all around the countryside it offers magnificent views. In the evening we will visit the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

Day 7: Monday Jan 17– Long Neck Women Tribe, Chiang Rai
This morning we’ll embark on a hill tribe journey in the mountainous area surrounding Chiang Mai. Transfer to Thaton visit the Longneck Women Village.

Then transfer to Chiang Rai.  Overnight Chiang Rai.

Day 8: Tuesday Jan 18 Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle, Mekong River Boat Trip, Mae Sai
Chiang Rai is a starting point to reach the sites of many Hill Tribes and to get acquainted with their special ethnic features, dress and tradition in their original habitat. We shall visit Yao and Akha tribes. Then we drive to the Golden Triangle – where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Laos meet up at the Mekong River. In the past this was the center of the opium trade run by the local hill tribes. Here we board for a motor boat ride along the scenic Mekong River. At the end of our river cruise we visit the ancient fortified city Of Chiang Saen situated on the Banks the Mekong River. We finish our full day tour at the border town of Mai Sai where the Thai and Burmese ground borders meet. In the evening we will return to Chiang Mai.
Overnight Chiang Mai



Day 9: Wednesday Jan 19– Chiang Mai /Bangkok
 A morning flight takes us back to Bangkok. Directly from the airport we go out for ride through the countryside which will bring us to Ayutthaya the ancient Capital of Thailand for some 400 years (1350 to 1767). We will take a walk through the ruins offering us an insight into Thailand of the past with many fine temples and two museums. A short drive along the banks of the Chaopraya River will bring us to Bang Pa In, summer Palace of the kings of Thailand. The Palace dates back to the 17th century, pre-dating the establishment of Bangkok as the Capital, although it did fall into disuse for a long period. All the buildings we see date from its revival by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 19th century. Today, the Palace is only used infrequently, and then mostly for State occasions rather than as a Royal summer residence.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home

Day 10: Thursday Jan 20– THAI AIRWAYS departure from Bangkok at 00:50 arriving in Tel Aviv at 06:20am

Price per person in a double room: $2650 for AACI members

Single supplement: $185

Non AACI members add $75 per person to above price

Price includes:

  Flights on Thai Airlines International and Domestic

  7 nights Hotel accommodation as follows or similar:

Bangkok -   Grand Mercure Park Lane. (Superior) 

Chang Mai -    Empress (Superior)

Chiang Rai -    Rimkok    (Superior)

  Meals:

Half Board basis + products for preparation sandwiches for lunch + Seudah shilishit Shabbat (The meals are of Chabad – except Chiang Rai where vegetarian fish dinner)

as the flight last day is late we included a dinner at Chabad also day 9( that means you have 8 dinners total)   

  Air Conditioned bus

  Local English speaking guide

  Entrance fees as per program

  Gesher tour’s tour leader

  Tips for local tour guides

  Tip for Gesher Tour Leader

  Escorted by AACI staff

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  Insurance

  Items of personal nature

* Minimum number of participants required

**Itinerary is subject to change without notice

PAYMENT

  Deposit of $500 per person at time of reservation.

  Final payment due by  Nov 30, 2010

CANCELLATION:

  Cancellation from time of registration until Oct 31, 2010- $50 per person

  Nov 01, 10- Nov 29, 10- $100 per person

  Nov 30, 10 – Dec 27,10 - $200 per person

  Dec 28, 10- Jan 03, 11 - 50% of total package

  Less then 7 days prior to departure- 100%

INSURANCE

WE STRONGLY SUGGEST EVERYONE TAKES MEDICAL INSURANCE

TOUR ORIENTATION

There will be an orientation session for all participants.  Date to be announced

For further details or to make your bookings please fill out the enclosed application form and mail/fax/ e-mail it with your deposit to 

Livia Berman

Ophir Tours

68 Ahuza St

Raanana 43209

Telephone: 09-777-7100 or email LIVIA@OPHIRTOURS.CO.IL

Fax: 09-777-7101

Thailand 2011 Application Form

Insurance Thailand Tour

All reservations and cancellations must be sent in writing.