Don Willcox takes you inside Northern Thailand to meet his Lahu, Akha, and Hmong friends. Chat and dine in their homes, learn about their way of life, crafts, and religions, wander the night market in Chiang Mai, and ride elephants. This is Northern Thailand as it should be seen. 8D/7N $2,150 pp

With beauty all its own, and archeology dating back to the Bronze Age, Northern Thailand will stir your imagination and charm your heart. Bathe in the magnificent waterfalls and forests of Khao Yai, wonder at the archeological finds of Ban Chiang, explore the Khmer temples of Phimai and the graceful architecture of Sukkothai. Cross into Laos to see Vientiane and Phu Hin Rongkla Park.

Sit down with the Hmong, Akha, Lahu, Lisu, and other people in the tiny villages of Thailand and Laos. Learn how they live, celebrate their festivals, and raise their families. Explore their markets and visit their temples. Travel through the famous Golden Triangle, Doi Mai Salong, and Chiang Mai. Roam the exotic cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos, as well as the surrounding hill tribes and communities. This is one of the few trips that is off the main road, and yet includes stunning hotels along the way.