We booked the trip through Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). They made it an easy choice by arranging all transportation, lodging, meals, guide and no more than 16 people in our group. 

The price quoted sounded too good to be true, but it was. Our guide, Sarun was great! The transportation and lodging was very good, the food was great, and the other members of the group very pleasant. 

We traveled from Bangkok to the River Kwai, Sukothai ancient ruins, the area around Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle. We had a saying: "A temple and a message a day" and we did elephant rides, rafting/barge cruises, Buddhist lectures and alms giving, and home visits for cooking demonstrations. Plus many local attractions and shopping. 

The Thai road infrastructure was very good and made it easy to get around. The people are warm and open to all visitors. I would have enjoyed ending the trip at an ocean resort in the south, but that is for next time.

There were many young people who took advantage of the great value due to the local recession and trekked around the country. If you want to do that I would recommend you go in Nov/Dec when it's not as hot and pollution is less (in the countryside they cut and burn the underbrush creating a heavy smog-like haze over everything. However, Bangkok has pollution all the time).

I did no antique buying as I am not into Asian articles and they are great at copying everything so I would not know what to buy.

No Brimfield Fair for me this year! I could not make arrangements with my friends so there will be even more items at my annual yard sale in RI in July.

Good pickin'

Until Next Time,
                    Jared