2026 ITINERARY

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*INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE *

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Welcome! Margie is thrilled to be leading her 39th group to Thailand since 1996, offering decades of experience and trusted local connections.

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Booking an international flight to Thailand can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Guests are welcome to fly with Margie, and if you’d like to be on the same flight, you may use our trusted travel agent, Nancy at Buford International Travel (bufordtravel@hotmail.com). When contacting her, please request the same flight as Margie, who will depart from Atlanta, GA on November 16 and arrive in Chiang Mai, Thailand on November 18. If you choose not to fly with Margie, that’s perfectly fine—simply send your flight details to our team before you book so we can coordinate airport pickup and ensure all arrangements are approved.

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✈️ Wednesday, November 18 – Arrival in Chiang Mai

• Arrive in Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Margie will provide airport pickup for guests not arriving on her flight

• Check in at Chiang Mai Gate Hotel

• 1:30 PM: Meet in the lobby for a Welcome Lunch (Included) and money exchange

• 4:00 PM: Depart for a traditional Thai massage at one of Margie’s favorite local massage studios

 

 🚶‍♀️Thursday, November 19 – Walking Tour & Orientation

• Breakfast buffet (Included) | 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM

• 10:00 AM: Meet in the hotel lobby

• Guided walking tour with Margie and local guide, Ghan:

  • Learn your way around Chiang Mai

  • Discover hidden gems and lesser-known areas

  • Assistance with booking optional excursions and understanding pricing

• Welcome Lunch (Included)

• Afternoon and evening at leisure:

  • Explore the town

  • Enjoy dinner on your own

  • Visit the Night Bazaar

  • Or return to the hotel to rest
    (Margie will ensure everyone knows how to safely return to the hotel.)

 

🛕Friday, November 20 – Gardens, Temples & Jade

• Breakfast buffet (Included) | 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM

• 7:30 AM: Meet in the lobby

• Visit Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Park

  • Explore the gardens by bicycle or trolley

• Scenic drive to Doi Suthep Temple:

  • Receive a blessing from a monk

  • Have your fortune told

  • Enjoy panoramic views and photo opportunities

• Walk through the Handicraft Village on the way to the Jade Factory

  • Famous Thai street corn on the cob

  • Optional adventurous snacks (including insects for the brave!)

• Lunch (Included)

• Visit the Jade Factory:

  • Learn how jade is mined

  • Explore the wide range of jade colors

  • Shop for certified jade jewelry and unique gifts

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⛰️Saturday, November 21 – Doi Inthanon National Park

• Breakfast buffet (Included) | 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM

• 7:30 AM: Meet in the lobby

• Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s highest point
  (Please bring a jacket — temperatures can be cool)

• Walk through the mystical Cloud Forest on the boardwalk

• Visit the King and Queen Chedis

• Enjoy waterfalls and scenic mountain views

• Lunch (Included)

• Shop at a local waterfall market

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🐘Sunday, November 22 – Elephant Sanctuary & Night Market

• Breakfast buffet (Included) | 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM

• 7:30 AM: Meet in the lobby for a half-day excursion

• Visit a well-respected and ethical elephant sanctuary:

  • Feed, bathe, and interact with Thailand’s revered elephants

• Return to the hotel by 1:30 PM
  (Lunch not included; Margie will provide snacks)

• Afternoon at leisure

• 5:00 PM: Sunday Walking Street Market

  • Meet Margie in the lobby at 4:30 PM for guidance on getting there

  • Enjoy vendors, food, and local culture

 

 💆Monday, November 23 – Friday, November 27

Thai Massage Training (Optional)

• 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily

• Training held at the famous Old Medicine Hospital, where Margie first trained

• MUST be in the lobby by 8:00 AM to catch the bus

Open to anyone — not only massage therapists

Don’t Forget:

• Copy of passport

• Three passport-size photos (photos will be taken during the walking tour)

• Comfortable, stretchy, breathable clothing (100% cotton recommended)

• Respectful attire (no shorts, tank tops, or low-cut tops)

• Plenty of water

• Lunch money (approximately $10 per day)​

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For Non-Students:

Enjoy five free days to explore Chiang Mai, also known as The Rose of the North.

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🍲Friday Evening, November 27 

• Dinner and graduation celebration at the Old Cultural Center

• Traditional Thai music and dance

• A feast for all the senses
  (Alcoholic and specialty beverages not included)

 

🎏Loy Krathong Festival | November 23–25

• Participate in Thailand’s famous Loy Krathong Festival

• Purchase an authentic krathong and float it down the river

• Enjoy parades, cultural activities, and celebrations

 

Saturday, November 28 – Sunday, November 29

Free Days

Enjoy two full free days to relax or explore:

• Optional tours (not included in trip price)

• Spa days or Thai massages

• Explore the Old City

Popular optional excursions include:

• White, Black, and Blue Temples

• Hot Springs and factory tours (umbrella, silver, wood, lacquer, silk)

• Hill tribe visits

• One-day cooking class

• Tiger Kingdom

• And much more

 Monday, November 30

• Depart for the airport

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 Tuesday, December 1

Arrive Home