Marvel at beautiful Buddhist temples, share smiles with villagers during a remote hillside trek and dive into southern waters. This comprehensive 19-day tour gets you to the cultural heart of Thailand and its best beaches. After elephant rides and temple ruins, head south for a week of island-hopping in search of great snorkelling and cold drinks on the best beaches—whether you're relaxing in the warm Andaman or the stellar Gulf of Thailand depends on the time of year. Whatever the season, this trip is the perfect introduction to Thailand.
What's Included
- Klong boat tour, Entrance and guide tour of Wat Po, Entrance to Doi Suthep temple, 3 day trek through hill tribe villages, Elephant ride, Entrance to Opium museum, Tour of temple ruins, Floating Raft House, River Kwai War Museum, Erawan Falls, Sea safari (Nov - April), Island visits (April to Nov).
- For trips that run from May-Oct (East Coast) 15 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners. For trips that run from Nov-Apr (West Coast) 14 Breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners. (Allow USD380-500 for meals not included.)
- Guesthouses/hotels (9 nts), raft house (1 nt), hilltribe villages (2 nts, multishare), sleeper train (3 nts), beach camping (2 nts Nov-Apr), simple bungalows (2 nts).
- Train, cycle-rickshaw, longtail boat, elephant, raft house, walking, minibus, songthaew, local bus, boat, ferry, plane.
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
- Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10
Places Visited
- Thailand
Day 1 Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok at any time.
Day 2 Bangkok (B)
Guided longboat tour of Bangkok's klongs followed by a visit to Wat Po. Overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Days 3 Chiang Mai
Guided tour of Doi Suthep temple, optional cooking class or bicycle tour.
Days 4-6 Hillside Trek (3B,2L,2D)
Trek through the hills of the north, staying in remote hilltribe villages, eating locally prepared meals, take an elephant ride through the jungle.
Day 7-8 Chiang Mai/Overnight Train (2B)
Post-trek massage anyone? Overnight train on day 8 to Ayuthaya.
Day 9 Ayuthaya
Visit some of the historical temples of the old capital city Ayuthaya.
Days 10-11 Kanchanaburi/River Kwai (B,D)
Spend the night on a floating raft-house, visit the Bridge Over The River Kwai and Erawan National Park.
Day 12 Bangkok (B)
Return to the Kingdom's bustling capital.
Days 13-16 Koh Samui/Koh Phangan/Koh Tao or Krabi/Koh Muk (4B)
For trips departing from May to October, fly Bangkok to Koh Samui. Island-hopping with optional snorkelling tour to Ang Thong Marine Park, kayaking and water activities, overnight train to return to Bangkok. For trips departing from November to April, short flight on Day 13 Bangkok to Krabi. Option to swim, snorkel, kayak, attend a Thai cooking school, rock climb. Visit Koh Muk and explore the Emerald Cave.
Days 17-19 Koh Samui/Koh Phangan/Koh Tao or Andaman Sea (3B)
For trips departing from May to October, sea safari to secluded islands. Fish, eat seafood and sleep in tents. For trips departing from November to April, sea safari to secluded islands. Fish, eat seafood and sleep in tents.
Day 20 Bangkok
Trip ends on arrival at Bangkok train station. Onward travel can be booked for 1pm or later.
Find dates, prices, and more trip options.
Book Now
Your Wishlist Add this trip