Thailand Experience

Itinerary

Day 1-2 Bangkok

As congested and hectic as it is, Bangkok has plenty of appeal. With towering skyscrapers pressed up against Chinese shop-houses and brand-new Mercedes squeezing past vendors with pushcarts, this is a city of distinct contrasts. Culture fiends will delight in the dazzling Royal Palace and the city’s countless pagodas, while shoppers could spend weeks sifting through Bangkok’s malls and open-air markets. Entertainment ranges from highbrow (classical Thai music concerts) to low (transvestite revues) with everything in between. Dining options are equally varied. Whether you’re eating French cuisine in a plush hotel restaurant or sampling fried crickets on the side of the road, prepare to have all of your senses engaged. This is the place to eat, drink and be merry.Travellers will be arriving at all times today so there are no activities arranged. Please try to arrive by 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the tour leader and the other group members. You have the day free to relax and adjust to the frenetic pace and humid heat of Bangkok.On Day 2 begin our day with a visit to Wat Po, home of the giant reclining Buddha before heading off on a longtail boat to explore the canals of Bangkok. You have free time after until we head off to the railway station in the evening to board our sleeper train to Chiang Mai.

Day 3-4 Chiang Mai

Surrounded by rolling hills, Chiang Mai offers both pretty surroundings and architecture. Enclosed by a moat and crumbling walls, the old city features great cafes, shops and accommodations. An important Buddhist centre since the 14th century, Chiang Mai is home to more than 300 temples. Many visitors come here to attend meditation retreats, massage classes or yoga lessons. It is also a centre of handicraft production, with a long history of silverwork, woodcarving, pottery-making and weaving. Not to be missed is the Night Bazaar, a series of covered markets, shops and stalls that offer the best selection of handicrafts in Thailand.Arrive in the early morning in order to have free time to explore for the rest of the day. In the evening set off to visit the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep about a 45 minute drive from the center of the city.The following day take a short trip to a nearby national park to enjoy an elephant ride through their natural habitat and home. At the end of the ride take the opportunity bamboo raft back to the starting point.

Day 5 Chiang Rai

The provincial capital of Thailand’s northernmost province, Chiang Rai, is a good base from which to explore the Golden Triangle, the remote area where Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet. Mountains form a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar, while the mighty Mekong River divides Thailand from Laos.

Day 6-8 Hillside Trek (3B,2L,2D)

From Chiang Rai, start a 3 day hilltribe trek where you visit various villages each with their own language, clothing and religion. We walk approximately 4-5 hours each day along slopping hills and valleys. Each person is required to be able to carry their own day pack as our porters will be carrying food and water supplies. Accommodation is group share, where you will be sleeping on the floor of the village huts. Toilet and washing facilities are basic in most of the villages so be prepared to rough it for a few days. It is possible to rent trekking gear in Chiang Rai before the trek in case you have forgotten to pack something vital.

Day 9-10 Golden Triangle

Populated by diverse hill tribes, this region has long been associated with the opium trade, although poppy fields have now given way to vegetable plots—at least on the Thai side. Trek on foot or by elephant through the region’s treed hills, river raft down jungle rivers, and meet the residents of isolated ethnic minority villages.Visit the border town of Mae Sai, which gives you the opportunity to see some local Burmese traders and pick up a few souvenirs. Pay a visit to the Opium Museum to understand the history of the region before heading back to Chiang Rai and then onto Chiang Mai to catch the overnight train.

Day 11 Ayuthaya

Ayuthaya served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Late in the 17th century its population reached one million, and foreign visitors wrote awestruck accounts of its size and splendour. Located 86km north of Bangkok, the ruins of this World Heritage Site may be visited on foot and include various pagodas and Buddha images.

Day 12-13 Kanchanburi (B,D)

Situated alongside the River Kwae Yai amongst limestone hills, Kanchanaburi (golden city) is most famous (or infamous) for the death railway that was constructed during WWII using prisoners of war and Asian labor. The bridge on the River Kwae, the war cemetery, hellfire pass, JEATH war museum all make up the major attractions of this town. Many veterans and descendants of the POW’s return here to honor those that died during the construction of the railroad. The story goes that the British were the first to survey the track lines but decided it would be too difficult to build. The Japanese during WWII want to establish a supply route to Myanmar and India. As the route along the river was covered by thick forest, the Japanese thought that it would be better protected. The allies bombed the railway in two places – at the beginning in Thailand (the bridge) and the end in Myanmar. All up the track is 415kms long, with around 300km in Thailand. Around 100,000 Asian laborers and 16,000 POW’s died during its construction with the track only running for about 20 months. Kanchanaburi province itself is the third largest province in Thailand and possesses some of the best preserved natural sites in Thailand – partly due to the fact that it is still sparsely populated. Erawan National Park which contains the waterfalls of the same name (seven tiers of blue clear water with little fish that nibble at your feet), is well worth a visit. You are meant to be able to see Erawan; the 3 headed elephant that carries the Hindu God Indra, when you reach level seven (use your imagination!).

Day 14 Bangkok

Return back to Bangkok in order to have time to explore the weekend market at Chatuchak Park before catching a flight on day 15.

For trips that run from May to Oct, East Coast

(While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below during the designated seasons, please note that trips that are in April/May and October/November may be changed to the opposite itinerary due to weather conditions. Our goal is to visit the area with the best optimal weather conditions.)

Day 15-16 Ko Samui

A short flight on day 15 takes us to Ko Samui.Lying off Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui offers everything you could want in a beach retreat: white sand beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood and clear water. With an area of 247 square kilometres, Ko Samui is the largest island in an archipelago of around 80 islands. The nearby Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao also offer many beach resorts and great diving. Like Phuket, Ko Samui attracts many visitors yet has plenty of out-of-the-way spots for those wishing to get away from it all.

Day 17-18 Ko Pha Ngan

A short ferry ride from Ko Samui we head to Ko Pha Ngan for it’s magnificent beaches and party nightlife. We have a tour of the island and it’s main sights before we leave you to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Pha Ngan Island is located in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. It’s about 100 kms from the mainland and about 15 km from Koh Samui.

Day 19-21 Koh Tao

A ferry takes us to Koh Tao, also known as 'Turtle Island'. A small island, Koh Tao is known for having some of Thailand's best coral reefs- perfect for scuba diving or snorkelling. On day 21, we transfer back to the mainland for an overnight train to Bangkok (approx 11hrs).

Day 22 Depart Bangkok

We will arrive in to Bangkok in the early morning,at about 8am. The tour ends upon arrival and your tour leader will help you arrange any transport or transfers that you need.

For trips that run Nov to Apr, West Coast

(While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below during the designated seasons, please note that trips that are in April/May and October/November may be changed to the opposite itinerary due to weather conditions. Our goal is to visit the area with the best optimal weather conditions.)

Day 15-16 Krabi

Leaving Bangkok, we will fly down to Krabi where we check into our beach guest house to enjoy the stunning Karst scenery and white beaches.

Day 17-18 Ko Muk

A short drive and then a boat ride take us to the small island of Ko Muk where we have the next few days to explore the nearby caves and swim in the lagoons.

Day 19-21 Andaman Sea

Leaving the beauty of Ko Muk behind we board our longtail boat and head out for 3 days of cruising around the Andaman Sea exploring white sandy beaches and coral bays. We camp under the stars for 2 nights enjoying the relaxed pace of the South. The longtail boat carries basic snorkeling equipment for you to use but you may want to bring your own.On day 21, we transfer back to the mainland at Trang to catch our overnight sleeper train to Bangkok(approx 13hrs).

Day 22 Depart Bangkok

We will arrive in to Bangkok in the early morning,at about 8am. The tour ends upon arrival and your tour leader will help you arrange any transport or transfers that you need.