The second fascinating stop as you head down the mountain is the Royal Projects Highway Market run by the Hill Tribes of the Doi Inthanon region. You will stop and walk around the outdoor stalls selling fruits, produce, nuts and other items organically grown by the simple and now well-to-do tribal locals, some of whom will be dressed in their unique clothing. This market, its wares, and the tribal people that grow and sell here are a growing testament of the success of the Late King’s vision and efforts.
As in Chiang Rai, up until the 1960s, poppy fields were widespread in this region, and hill tribe villagers were working as laborers for opium producers and smugglers. King Bhumibol (Rama IX) initiated drastic reforms in the region to put an end to it, and this region was the beginning of the Royal Projects. These projects were highly beneficial to the whole region and to the ethnic communities who earlier had almost been slaves of the drug barons, and many of them were addicted to opium. Besides the Thai Army moving against the drug lords, the Royal Projects granted the Hill Tribes their own land to cultivate, free seeds, tools, and all other resources needed to make them succeed in becoming successful natural farmers. Now, over half a century later, the results of the Late King’s vision have brought happiness to everyone involved.
Day 9: Chiang Mai - International Departure. (Breakfast) You are assisted with your check-out at your choice of time before noon (depending on the departure timing of your international flight) and driven to the Chiang Mai airport and assisted in boarding your flight. Please note that international flights have check-in requirements that require you to be at their check-in counter approximately 2.5 to 3 hours (for coach), and 2 hours for premier classes, before that flight departs so Easy Tours will allow for unexpected delays on the flight from Chiang Mai to your departure city.
THE FOLLOWING DEPARTURE OPTIONS ARE OFFERED FOR GUESTS NEEDING GUIDANCE ON THIS SUBJECT. Please note that almost all international flights depart from Thailand’s airports either very late at night or early in the morning.
Option 1 for International Flights from Bangkok option: Those departing from Bangkok fly there from Chiang Mai with their Tour Director and, upon arrival, before bidding you farewell, your Tour Director will either assist you in connecting with your VIP Airport Concierge, or, if your flight is much later, assist you in checking in at the only upscale hotel connected with the airport. Since many flights depart Bangkok very late at night or in the early morning, this option can be added to your tour once you have confirmed your international flights. You have the option of a hotel shuttle, or a 5 to 10-minute walk on a covered walkway. When you return to the airport for your international flight, you will meet your VIP Airport Concierge at a prearranged location and then be escorted through all departure processes. Our services will end when your Tour Director bids you farewell.
Option 2: International Flights from Chiang Mai option: A couple of quality airlines, Korean Air and Cathay Pacific (the latter through its regional subsidiary), offer international departures from Chiang Mai, which will result in your not needing a flight to Bangkok, and a nominal reduction in your Easy Tours Journey flight costs. In this option, if your departure from Chiang Mai is going to be later in the day, you can either ask for an additional night’s stay, or to explore the city with your Tour Director until it is time for your airport transfer for your international flight. When you are driven to the airport for your international flight, you will be introduced to your VIP Airport Concierge and then be escorted through all departure processes.
Another Option for Day 9: Chiang Mai – Choices between Thailand’s Best Oceanfront Resorts in Phuket, Krabi OR Koh Samui. (Breakfast) Pricing for this option is quoted upon request based on the number of days you would like at your selected resort, and will include flights and transfers to the resorts, and, if needed, a flight back to Bangkok for your departure international flight. VIP Airport Concierge services are included upon your arrival at the beach destinations, and can be added for a return flight to Bangkok, upon request. Recommended resorts, room types, and international departure options are listed after all lodging, inclusion, and pricing details for the main tour. Upgrades and downgrades in room/suite/villa type are available at our preferred resorts upon request.
There are nonstop flights available from Chiang Mai to Phuket, Krabi and Samui airports. Your departure timing from your Chiang Mai resort will be in the morning and will depend on which of the three destinations you select.
You are assisted with your check-out in the morning and driven to the Chiang Mai airport where you are assisted in boarding your flight to Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui – your Tour Director will bid farewell after escorting you through check-in and security, and then board their own flight back to Bangkok.
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