Join us on a fantastic adventure around Thailand as we explore ancient ruins and discover beautiful beaches. We visit hilltop temples, grand palaces and religious sanctuaries as we travel south from Chiang Mai to Nam Tok. We uncover the ruined temples of the former royal capital Ayutthaya and visit the renowned ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’. We take a longtail boat along the Kwai Noi River, stay in jungle raft houses and ride elephants through Khao Sok National Park. During July and August we travel to the Gulf of Thailand to experience a piece of paradise: we explore hidden coves on Koh Phangan Island, enjoy fantastic snorkelling among Koh Tao’s coral reefs and relax on the white sands of Koh Samui.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Bangkok
Arrive Bangkok and check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free. You may choose to take an optional cruise along the city’s Klongs (canals) in a traditional longtail boat. This is the ideal way to explore Bangkok’s network of meandering waterways that branch off from the main channel of the Chao Phraya River. The excursion will also include visits to the Royal Barge Museum and the iconic Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, which was built to represent the towering slopes of Mount Meru, the home to the gods of Khmer mythology. Alternatively visit two of Bangkok’s most impressive monuments; the 18th century Grand Palace and the rambling complex of Wat Po, home to the fabulous 46 metre reclining Buddha.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
In Bangkok; train to Chiang Mai
Our sightseeing tour this morning is on foot and includes the Grand Palace with its stunning Emerald Buddha and Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). The afternoon is left free, then in the evening we board the overnight train for Chiang Mai.
Overnight Basic Train
Included meals: Breakfast
3
Arrive Chiang Mai; visit Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai offers a complete contrast and relief from the heat and noise of Bangkok. Its elevation is just over 300m, so the climate is most agreeable. Founded in the 13th century, it owes its prosperity mainly to the teak trade. Our sightseeing will include the famous Doi Suthep temple and an orientation walk of the old town.
Overnight Standard Hotel
4
In Chiang Mai
Our second day in Chiang Mai is left free. In the morning there is the option to visit the Lampang elephant sanctuary, the largest elephant conservation centre in the country, hosting an elephant hospital caring not just for the sick, but also for abandoned elephants. In the afternoon you may choose to take a Thai cooking course, where an expert cook will teach even the most inexperienced the fundamentals of Thai cookery. Chiang Mai is easy to get around so you may decide to hire a bicycle, or alternatively spend time visiting the markets in the city reputed to be the handicraft capital of Thailand.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
5
Drive to Sukhothai
Today we head south to Si Satchanalai the twin city to Sukhothai. Although architecturally very different, it is just as impressive in many ways with a variety of outside influences noticeable in the construction of the wats and chedis (religious memorials). The most impressive and most sacred is Wat Chang Lom. Situated in the heart of the old city it is decorated with 39 standing elephants and is unusual due to its Ceylonese-style chedi – the earliest of its kind in Thailand. After visiting the site we make our way to nearby Sukhothai.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
6
Exploring Sukothai, Drive to Phayuha Khiri; rice barge on Chao Phraya River to Uthai Thani
Today we explore (Old) Sukhothai by bicycle, the first capital of Siam; which was at the pinnacle of Thai civilisation for over 200 years up to the end of the 1400s. It then went into decline as Ayutthaya took over as the most important city in the area, and was deserted until it was discovered as a ‘lost city in the jungle’ in the 19th Century. The city has now been fully excavated and it comprises 21 historical sites within the city walls and a further 70 outside. Leaving Sukhothai by bus, we drive to Phayuha Khiri where we embark on a leisurely cruise down the river aboard our converted rice barge. We enjoy dinner before disembarking at Uthai Thani for the night.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Rice barge on Chao Phraya River; drive to Ayutthaya
This morning we plan a visit to a local market before re-boarding our rice barge once again. We will stop en route as we drift down the winding Chao Phraya river, giving us a real insight into the authentic life of the indigenous river dwellers and boat people. There’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch we arrive at haopraya Dam and disembark. Heading south by bus we reach another of Siam’s stunning ancient capitals, Ayutthaya. Situated on an island at the confluence of three rivers, the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi rivers, Ayutthaya had a very strong defensive position and retained its power for over 400 years, during which time it became extremely wealthy. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is still a stunning complex of palaces, shrines, stupas and monasteries. We will include a walking tour to visit the Royal Palace and a few wats.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
8
Drive to Kanchanaburi; train and boat to River Kwai
An early morning drive, by-passing Bangkok takes us to the River Kwai and Kanchanaburi, where we visit the war cemetery and the famous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’. The building of the bridge and the ‘Death Railway’ as it has become known, is one of the most infamous episodes of the Second World War. The Japanese built the railway to link Siam and Burma (Myanmar) using Prisoners of War between June 1942 and October 1943. It was to carry supplies to their fast expanding empire and by doing so it would cut almost 1300 miles off the sea route from Japan. The working conditions were atrocious and over 16000 allied troops lost their lives as well as an estimated 75,000 Asian forced labourers, we then take the train along part of the original route and then we continue by bus to the ‘Hellfire Pass’ and visit the Memorial Museum. Finally we transfer to longtail boats for a journey up the River Kwai to our Raft Houses, set in a tranquil location on the river’s edge.
Overnight Simple Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
9
On the River Kwai
We spend a full day here exploring the jungle and the river by elephant and bamboo rafts. A visit to nearby ‘Mon’ minority villages will also be organised or you may choose to relax with an optional Thai massage. Alternatively you may prefer to simply relax in your raft house and watch the world go by.
Overnight Simple Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10
Boat and drive back to Bangkok
We head back by longtail boat to Pak Sang Pier this morning and join our vehicle for the drive to Bangkok.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
11
In Bangkok; overnight train to Surat Thani
Today is free for you to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of Bangkok, perhaps you may enjoy a visit to Jim Thompsons house or to enjoy one of the many markets. Early this evening we will take an overnight train to Surat Thani and the start of our southern experience.
Overnight Basic Train
Included meals: Breakfast
12
Drive to Khao Sok National Park
Arriving in Surat Thani this morning we will transfer to our jungle lodge in Khao Sok National Park. Covering an area of some 65,000sq km the park is one of the oldest and most bio-diverse jungles in Southeast Asia, boasting a lush rainforest that is older than those of either the Amazon or Central Africa. The park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including elephant, tiger and Malaysian sun bear and with some 180 species of birds it is a haven for keen birdwatchers and novices alike (please note, no animal viewings can be guaranteed). This afternoon we include a walk with our park ranger through the jungle of the national park. This evening there is also an option to go on a night safari (weather dependent). For those wanting a more relaxing afternoon our lodge is set close to the river, with swimming a possibility. The setting is altogether idyllic with the noises of the forest all around and the sight of monkeys descending from the surrounding canopy to drink at the waters edge.
Overnight Standard Lodge
Swimming available
13
In Khao Sok
Today we plan a jungle walk through the Khao Sok National Park. Our route includes a set of waterfalls where there are plenty of opportunities for swimming. Later we take to our elephants for completely different view of our surroundings. The rest of the day is left free for further optional activities and relaxation in this wonderful setting.
Overnight Standard Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast
14
Ferry to Koh Phangan
Driving back to Surat Thani this morning we catch a ferry to Koh Phangan and on arrival we are transferred to Hat Salad on the northwestern side of the island. This afternoon is free to acquaint yourselves with this beautiful bay, the perfect spot to base ourselves for the next few days. A quiet location with no loud music permitted with good swimming beaches, it is an ideal location for our tropical sojourn.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
15
On Koh Phangan
Today we explore this beautiful area on a boat around the island, stopping at many of the secluded bays and waterfalls, many of which are only possible to reach by boat. The waterfalls on the island were considered so beautiful that they attracted the attentions of the Thai kings of old and a number of them can be found with the carved insignia of these regal visitors etched into boulders and rocks.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
16
Ferry to Koh Tao
Transferring back to the port this morning we take a fast ferry to Koh Tao. On arrival we transfer to our hotel and the rest of the day is free. Koh Tao actually translates as Turtle Island, so named because of its shape.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
17
On Koh Tao
We include a snorkeling trip around the island, visiting the main areas and giving you the opportunity to experience for yourselves the aquatic wonderland that surrounds this island. As well as the presence of hard and soft corals the island boasts an impressive array of marine life including rays, turtles and a plethora of colourful reef fish. You may get the opportunity to swim with sharks here too as the reefs attract white and black tip reef sharks. The deeper waters off the island boast some whale sharks (the largest living fish in the seas). For anyone wishing to keep their feet dry then you may like to try your hand at fishing, with a number of trips available from the island.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
18
Ferry to Koh Samui
Our final tropical destination is the island of Koh Samui. Transferring again by fast ferry we arrive at our beachside destination later this morning. The largest of the islands in the Samai Archipelago, Koh Samui is the most developed of the three we visit and it is a distinctive mix of quiet palm fringed beaches, backpacker resorts and coconut plantations. Should anyone feel the need for action the local songthaew taxis ply the route to the bars and discos of Chaweng and the town of Na Thon is just a 20 minute walk along the beach. This evening you may wish to partake in an optional Thai cookery course, where an expert cook will teach even the most inexperienced the fundamentals of Thai cookery so that the fabulous cuisine can be recreated on your return home.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
19
On Koh Samui; Free day
Today is again left free for you to enjoy exploring and indulging at your leisure. The island has opportunities to swim, but you may just prefer to wander and discover a little bit more of this island paradise. Alternatively there will be an opportunity to take an optional trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, inspiration for the book “The Beach”. Koh Samui is slightly different from many of the other islands in southern Thailand, owing in some part to the influence of the Hainan islanders who first settled the island some 150 years ago. The Chinese influence is still visible in some of the buildings in Na Thon and some descendants of the original settlers still live in the area.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
20
Overnight Train
The morning is free to enjoy. In the afternoon we will catch a public ferry back to mainland, which should take approximately 1.5hrs. We continue to the railway station of Punpin to catch an overnight train to Bangkok.
Overnight Basic Train
Included meals: Breakfast
21
In Bangkok
Once in Bangkok we are transferred to our hotel. The day is left free for you to explore Bangkok at your own pace.
Overnight Standard Hotel
22
Tour ends in Bangkok
Tour ends after breakfast. If you have time you may wish to wander through Chinatown for a different flavour of the city.
Included meals: Breakfast
