Thailand Explorer, Thailand

Thailand has long been one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. With jungle clad hills, beautiful palm fringed beaches, and warm blue waters, it really is the jewel of the east.

Ideal for backpackers who want a little organisation to help them along, or independent travellers on a tight budget, this comprehensive tour covers nearly the whole country.

In the north we have time in Bangkok, a jungle trek & rafting trip near Chiang Mai, and explore the Golden Triangle and Chiang Rai. In the south we visit Khao Sok National Park, and the beautiful islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1
On arrival in Bangkok you make your own way to your hotel. There is an optional meet & greet and airport transfer available should you require. The rest or the day is free for you to settle into your hotel and explore the local area. Our rep will be on hand to provide assistance should you need it.

Day 2
The morning is free for you to explore Bangkok before we take a local bus ride to our homestay in a village near Kanchanaburi. There is plenty of time to explore the village and join in with the day to day lives of the locals before enjoying the evening with your host family.

Day 3
After breakfast we say farewell to our hosts and catch a local bus to nearby Kanchanaburi. We take a walking tour of the town including the war museum, bridge on the River Kwai and other interesting sites. The rest of the day is free for you too explore further, like taking a ride on the Death Railway or renting a songthaew for a trip to Erawan National Park.

Day 4
Our next stop is Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand (1350-1767AD). Here you are free to visit any of the many ancient temples scattered around the site and along the banks of the Chao Phraya River at your leisure. In the evening we take the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai.

Day 5
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai we transfer you to your hotel and then take a walking tour of this intriguing northern city. There are plenty of interesting temples and colourful shops & markets to visit. The evening is free for you to enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai.

Day 6
Today we start our jungle adventure with a short trek to a Karen hill-tribe village. We'll learn all about their way of life and have a chance to explore their village before enjoying a specially prepared, simply dinner. We then spend the night in small bamboo huts in much the same way as the locals.

Day 7
Our jungle adventure continues today with a longer trek, where we learn all about the flora and fauna of the jungle from our knowledgeable local guide. Arriving at the elephant camp, we take a break for lunch then start our elephant trek through the jungle. Trekking by elephant is an excellent way to view the jungle and it's often elusive inhabitants. In the evening we enjoy another simple dinner and a peaceful night in bamboo huts.

Day 8
Our mode of transport today is by bamboo raft, and it is worth eating a hearty breakfast, as it will be a fairly strenuous day. We make our way down river through steep valleys and forested slopes, stopping at various villages en route and taking time to swim in the river. After lunch we leave the rafts behind and return to Chiang Mai by jeep. The evening is free for you to enjoy the city by night.

Day 9
It's a free day in Chiang Mai today, and there are many options available to keep us busy, including a Thai cooking course, bike ride around the temples and other sites of Chiang Mai, and a traditional Thai massage.

Day 10
Today we take a local bus to the picturesque town of Thaton, which is set in a beautiful valley. Climbing up to the hill to Wat Tha Ton is a must, as the views over the surrounding countryside are spectacular. If you prefer, you can just relax on the banks of the Mae Kok River in front of your bungalow.

Day 11
Leaving Thaton behind we head down river by long-tail boat to the charming city of Chiang Rai. This laid back city was once the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom, which was absorbed into Thailand in 1786. After checking into our hotel the rest of the day is free for a leisurely walk around the city.

Day 12
We have a free day today to explore more of Chiang Rai, or to relax and take it easy. There are plenty of options available, including walking some of the many trails into the surrounding jungle, in search of local wildlife. You could also venture further a field to the intriguing town of Mae Sai close to the Burmese border.

Day 13
Today we head back to Chiang Mai by local bus, where there is some free time before we board the overnight train back to Bangkok.

Day 14
After arriving back in Bangkok, we transfer you to your hotel were you can relax and settle in. Those would are still feeling energetic can take a walking tour of the city to visit some of the many interesting sites around Bangkok.

Day 15
Before leaving Bangkok, your tour guide will offer to take you to the Authentic Bang Nam Pung Floating Market. This evening we will take the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Surat Thani.

Day 16
After arriving in Surat Thani, we will get some breakfast at a local coffee shop, before taking the local bus to Khao Sok National Park. We will arrive at around noon, and you can choose what you would like to explore. Overnight at Khao Sok Lodge.

Day 17
We have left today free for you to explore Khao Sok further. You can choose to relax at your accommodation or choose one the various trails in search of wildlife such as Elephants, Serow, Banteng, Gaur or Dusky Langur.

Day 18
After an early Breakfast we take the Public Bus to connect with the ferry to Koh Samui. This afternoon is free for you to relax and recover from your long journey.

Day 19
You have a free day today to explore Koh Samui on your own or maybe relax on the beach. There are many activities available here such as Scuba Diving, Snorkelling and various sightseeing tours.

Day 20
We leave after breakfast and continue Island Hoping to Ko Tao. Ko Tao has some of the Gulf of Siam's best Scuba Diving, and is a great place to learn to dive.

Days 21-22
We have left these 2 days free for you to relax, sunbathe, swim or explore the island.

Day 23
Reluctantly, we leave Ko Tao today and take the public ferry to Chumporn. You have a few hours here to explore before taking the overnight train back to Bangkok.

Day 24
Our tour finishes today at Bangkok train station (0700). We can arrange additional accommodation in Bangkok or airport transfers.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Our Economy tours use a range of accommodation including lodges, camping, village huts, family home-stays and tourist
class hotels at approx. 2-3-star level. Nearly all rooms have air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.

Accommodation whilst trekking is in traditional bamboo huts, and a thin mattress, sheet and blanket is provided. Please note that for
the trekking you may wish to bring a light sleeping bag or extra blanket with you. These may be hired in Chiang Mai if required.

Note: For our group departures, we will advise you of the hotel to be used on the tour about 2 weeks before departure. If you have
specific requirements for hotels, then please request a private or tailor-made tour.

Hotels used on this tour (subject to availability):
Bangkok (2 to 3-star):
• Royal Hotel, Trang Hotel (a/c room).

Kanchanaburi (Basic):
• Sam House (fanned bungalow).
• Nong Khao Homestay (basic but comfortable accommodation, with all bedding provided).

Chiang Mai (2-3-star):
• Downtown Hotel, Prince Hotel (a/c room).

Thaton (Basic):
• Bansun Riverhouse (fanned room)

Chiang Rai (2-3-star):
• Golden Triangle Inn (a/c room).

Khao Sok (Basic):
• Khao Sok Rain Forest Resort (fanned bungalow).

Ko Samui (2-3-star):
• Samui First House (std. a/c room).

Ko Tao (2-3-star):
• Ko Tao Resort (mountain wing, fanned bungalow).

At certain times of the year or where circumstances dictate we may need to use different hotels from those listed above. In this event
alternative accommodation will always be of a similar standard.