A Taste of Thailand

Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok

Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of this Asian metropolis. There's time to stroll down lively Khao San Road, watch a bout of Thai boxing or even set out on a shopping spree.

Days 2-3 Sangkhlaburi

Wake to views of misty mountaintops and the voices of local Thai, Karen and Mon tribespeople. Glide over glassy Khao Laem reservoir before embarking on an elephant ride. Travel along the historical Three Pagodas Pass to the Myanmar border for a chance to browse the daily market for handmade Burmese goods such as sarongs, embroidered blankets and cheroots.

Day 4 Thong Pha Phum

Spend a day in a remote Karen village learning about local customs, language and lifestyle. An overnight stay in the tiny town of Thong Pha Phum offers a taste of Mon culture and cuisine. Sample one of the colourful pots of curry that line the main street or amble through its nearby temples to watch a golden sunset.

Day 5 Kanchanaburi

A moving visit to the Hellfire Pass Museum is followed by a train journey along the infamous Thai-Burma Railway where so many prisoners of war lost their lives.

Day 6 Thai House

Plunge into the cool turquoise pool beneath Erawan's seven-tiered waterfall, try your hand at fragrant Thai cookery or even traverse the River Kwai in a kayak - there's plenty to do before heading on to the traditional teak house that will be home for the night.

Days 7-8 Bangkok

Returning to Bangkok there's ample time to scour the night markets for the latest styles, sample delicious street food or visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.