Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Meals

9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

OVERNIGHT TRAINS: Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/ Overnight sleeper train , Speed boat , Public bus , Private minivan , Taxi , Speed boat , Songtheaw

Accommodation

Resort (4 nights), Guesthouse (5 nights), Hilltribe village (2 nights), Hotel (7 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights), Rafthouse (1 night)

Others

Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour Bangkok - Wat Pho Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery Rafthouse - Wat Baan Tham cave temple Kanchanaburi - Rafthouse experience Rafthouse - Wat Tham Suea temple Rafthouse - Wat Tham Khao Noi Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour Chiang Mai - Night Market Do Mae Salong - Local market Organic Farm - Farm To Plate Demonstration & Lunch Chiang Rai - 3 day Hilltribe villages trek Hill Tribe Trek - Lunch Ar Pha Pattana Village - Community Dinner Baan Yafu Lahu Village - Community Dinner Chiang Rai - Wat Rong Kun (White Temple) Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Ao Nang – Baan Na Teen village community experience and home-cooked dinner Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling Tour Baan Nai Nang CBT village - village walk Khao Ka Rot - sea kayaking Ao Makham Beach - home cooked lunch & Mulberry leaf tea tasting Phuket - Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation Khao Lak – Lampi Waterfalls Khao Lak – Tsunami Memorial Park

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included.

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Others

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok has so much to offer those with time to explore, so perhaps arrive a day or so early and take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, why not get some of your newfound travel pals together for a street food crawl.
Day 2 Day 2: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi

Start the day with a one-hour river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’, or canals. Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Pay a visit to Wat Pho, one of the ‘trinity’ of Bangkok temples, with a 46-metre long gold plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, three metres long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are equally fascinating, filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls and shrines. Afterwards, hop on a local bus and travel northwest to Kanchanaburi (approximately 4 hours). Located where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge, Kanchanaburi is home to the infamous ’Bridge on the River Kwai’.
Day 3 Day 3: River Kwai - Erawan Np - Kanchanaburi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: River Kwai - Erawan Np - Kanchanaburi

This morning you’ll get an insight into the darker side of Kanchanaburi’s history with a visit to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetary (POW Cemetary) which was one of the first museums to attempt to educate the public and keep alive the memory of the Asian and POW workers who died constructing the infamous ‘Death Railway’. Then travel to Erawan National Park (approximately 1.5 hours each way), where you can explore the famous seven-level waterfall, and take a dip, if you’d like! The falls are considered the most beautiful in the whole country, with turquoise blue waters rushing through the forest into bamboo-shaded pools. If you want to make the climb all the way from level one to level seven it’s about a 90-minute hike, with the uppermost level usually quiet and with a stunning view over the jungle below. Be sure to pack your swimming gear, but also appropriate footwear if you’re going to make the walk. Level seven features a triple cascade that gives the falls their name – Erawan is the mythological three-headed white elephant that carries the Hindu god Indra.
Day 4 Day 4: Rafthouse
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Rafthouse

Be ready for a cruisy day as you’ll spend today and tonight floating down the Mae Glong River in a raft house. The rafthouse is towed by a boat and is an ideal and relaxing way to travel down the river – definitely setting the scene for pure relaxation. Spend the afternoon temple-hopping down the river, stopping off to see the cave temple of Wat Baan Tham, the Chinese Wat Tham Khao Noi, and Wat Tham Suea. There’s also plenty of time for travel games, reading a book, listening to your favourite playlist or just watching the world go by with a view of the lush Thai countryside. Enjoy a Thai meal on board and watch day turn to night as you moor on the riverside and fall asleep with the gentle rock of the boat.
Day 5 Day 5: Ayutthaya - Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Ayutthaya - Overnight Train

After your river adventure, disembark and travel by private minivan to Ayutthaya, via Suphanburi (approximately 4 hours). You’ll have access to a day room, so you can freshen up before your overnight train later tonight. Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai, and it became one of the most powerful in Asia with over a million residents by the 18th century. Trading brought great riches to the city, and merchant tales tell of golden palaces, elaborate ceremonies, and breathtaking temples. You’ll see the remains and reminders of its golden age with a guided tour of the historic ruins and temples spread across the town. The rows of headless Buddhas at Wat Phra Mahathat, sacked by the Burmese in the 18th century, are very atmospheric, and a Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots is perhaps the most photographed site in all of Ayutthaya. This evening, head north to Chiang Mai on an overnight train journey, accommodated in air-conditioned sleeping berths (approximately 13 hours).
Day 6 Day 6: Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Chiang Mai

The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has is most renowned for its temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound – chances are, you may not want to leave. When you arrive in Chiang Mai, your day will be free. There are a number of optional activities for you to choose from, so you can do as much, or as little, as you like. There are also many Thai cooking schools offering courses for budding chefs, sure to help you impress your friends when you return home. Or get active with a bicycle tour to discover the city and surrounding countryside from a different perspective. Tonight, you might like to get some of your crew together and tackle the famous night markets – your group leader can help you out with their recommendations.
Day 7 Day 7: Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Today is another free day for you to spend how you wish. While Chiang Mai’s markets, temples and cooking schools offer more than enough to keep visitors busy, there’s also the option of a very special outing to Chang Chill Elephant sanctuary. In a country where the cruel industry of elephant riding is still big business, Chang Chill provides a sanctuary for rescued, injured and orphaned elephants. You’ll be greeted by an expert guide, who’ll tell you stories of rescued elephants and explain the issues surrounding elephants in South East Asia. You’ll then have a chance to feed the elephants from a viewing platform. Lunch on these activities is also provided, followed by elephant bath time. Sit back and watch these creatures so clearly enjoying themselves.
Day 8 Day 8: Doi Mae Salong
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Doi Mae Salong

Set off by road and travel by public bus from Chiang Mai to Mae Chan (approximately 4 hours), then transfer to a private minivan to continue onto Doi Mae Salong (approximately 1 hour). The atmosphere in the charming town of Doi Mae Salong is reminiscent of a small southern Chinese village, as it was settled by former Chinese Nationalist soldiers who fled from (then) Burma in the 1960s. The region is famous for its Chinese tea traders and you can enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional Chinese tea house overlooking the mountains and tea fields. Check out the interesting markets, where you may see produce and crafts made by hilltribe people like the Akha.
Day 9 Day 9: Chiang Rai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Chiang Rai

Jump in a private vehicle and drive for about 1 hour into the Mae Chan District to reach the Ahsa farm stay. Here, take part in a farm to table cooking experience, where you’ll wander the property in search for organic eggs, fruits and vegetables. Then, continue back to the kitchen and begin whipping up a culinary storm – you’ll learn the secrets of a punchy chilli paste, hot and sour soups, a Thai-style stir fry and a traditional dessert. You’ll learn how to make these dishes from a local chef from the village, and then enjoy the fruits of your labour over a relaxed lunch. After your hunger is tamed, continue to Chiang Rai city, where you’ll arrive at your guesthouse for the evening. Chiang Mai’s ’little sister’, Chiang Rai boasts a relaxed atmosphere, a great night market, and a variety of good restaurants. This charming city has a small-town feel and is a great place to explore on foot.
Day 10 Day 10: Hilltribe Villages Trek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Hilltribe Villages Trek

Depart for Trekking, stop along the way at a shop for fresh food, arrive the starting point at Doi Bor Village. Start walking from Doi Bor village, the first 1 km. we walk on the dirt road through rice fields and pineapple plantations. Then keep walking pass the rice fields, pineapple plantations, and rubber plantation. We will walk pass the bamboo forest, stop for lunch laong the way which prepared by our local guide. Today we walk up about 4 km. take about 2 hrs.to reach our 1st night destination, Baan Arpha Pattana (Akha Tribal Village). There are about 250 people with 43 families, most of them are Buddhists but there are still some people who respect spirits (ghost religion) migrated from Myanmar around 70 – 80 years ago and Mr. Arpha who was settled down in this area and called the village by his name, most of them grow rice, pineapple and domestic animals (pigs and chickens). We will overnight at Arpha Pattana Village Akha Tribal house. This evening we also include wristband group activity. Everyone will have a chance to learn how to do the small handicraft gift themselves from the real local hilltribe people.
Day 11 Day 11: Hilltribe Villages Trek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Hilltribe Villages Trek

Basic breakfast will be prepared by our trekking guide and porter. After breakfast, we will start walking from Arpha Pattana Village to Huai Mae Sai waterfall approx 4.5 km. Take about 2 hrs. along the way we walk through the bamboo forest. There will be both walking up and down. When we reach the waterfall, pax will have a chance to swim and relax by the pond, easy lunch will be here. This is the trekking activities the clients can experience how to cook in bamboo cups, and this is the highlight of the trekking. After having lunch at the waterfall, we walk up the hill for 3 km., we will pass the rice fields of Lahu people. It takes about 1.5 hrs to Doi Bor viewpoint. After Doi Bor viewpoint, we walk down to Yafu Village by one and a half hour. The walking distance today 10.5 kms. Walking time is between 5-6 hrs.Baan Yafu, Lahu Tribal village, There is about 40 families and 200 people. Most of them are Buddhists but there are still people who respect spirit (ghost religion). 4 families are Christian. They migrated from Myanmar since World War 2. Mr. Yafu who was the first family set up the village, the village is called Yafu as his name. The villagers do the agriculture i.e. growing corn, rice, nut, ginger and domestic animals (cows, pigs and chickens)
Day 12 Day 12: Hilltribe Villages Trek - Chiang Rai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Hilltribe Villages Trek - Chiang Rai

Basic breakfast prepared, then we start walking our last day will be approx 6.5 km. It takes about 2.5 hrs. Starting walking from Yafu Lahu Village to finishing point, Ruammit Village. Then, we take Songthaew back to Chiang Rai.
Day 13 Day 13: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Overnight Train

In the morning visit privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple – a must visit in Chiang Rai. This contemporary temple is constantly being updated, and its strange design features references to Buddhist mythology, human sin and pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman. Afterwards, return to Chiang Mai by bus (approximately 4 hours). The rest of the day is free to explore, so perhaps take a scenic, winding drive up a mountain to one of the country’s most stunning temple complexes, Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a most memorable experience. Keep in mind this evening you’ll get back on the rails for an overnight train to Bangkok (approximately 13 hours).
Day 14 Day 14: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Bangkok

Arrive back in Bangkok and spend your day shopping or sightseeing before meeting up with your group for dinner. Being a weekend, this is a great opportunity to visit the weekend market at Chatuchak – one of the biggest and busiest markets you will ever see. Your leader can also give you other ideas of what to do – places like Jim Thompson’s House, the Grand Palace and Chinatown are all great to explore. There’s a fantastic array of transport options available for getting around this traffic-choked city and although it’s most efficient to stick to the canals, river, and Skytrain, a trip in a tuk-tuk is certainly an experience!
Day 15 Day 15: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Bangkok is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and slick modernity, where markets (obviously bustling) and world-class cuisine are only the beginning. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you do arrive early, kudos to you! How about acquainting yourself with this frenetic city of tuk tuks, street food and traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River and just having a walk around. After your important meeting, you might want to experience the unique tourist mecca of Khao San Road with some of your new travel crew.
Day 16 Day 16: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Bangkok

You’ll start today with a visit to Wat Arun – Temple of the Dawn. Named after the Indian God of Dawn – Aruna, this impressive landmark of Bangkok sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities, and this city has so much to offer – perhaps head next door to the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Pho, home to the country’s largest reclining Buddha and keeper of the magic behind Thai massage. You may want to take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, or travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ’khlongs’ (canals) of Bangkok. Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Tonight, board an overnight train southbound for Surat Thani (approximately 13 hours).
Day 17 Day 17: Ao Nang/Krabi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Ao Nang/Krabi

Arrive into Surat Thani this morning and continue by bus (approximately 2.5 hours) to the resort town of Ao Nang in Krabi Province. Ao Nang has a main street with open-air restaurants, shops that light up the sidewalk and bars perfect for kicking back with a beer. It’s also in a great position to hop on longtail boats to places like Railay Beach and the idyllic islands surrounding the bay. There’s plenty of free time to relax on the beautiful beaches and get into the spirit of southern Thailand. You also might want to take advantage of some of the optional activities on offer, like a cycling trip that takes you on back country tracks, gets you close to local culture, and rewards you with a lovely afternoon dip in a beautiful waterfall. Otherwise, consider a relaxing massage on the beach (no kidding), or just sit back with a good book and a cool cocktail to watch the sun slip beneath the horizon. This is living. In the late afternoon, visit Baan Na Teen village and take part in Batik Making to learn about this ancient technique of dyeing and then join in a local family for some home-cooked feast. Here is also an opportunity to assist with the preparation of tonight’s meal – learn some of the delicious secrets of southern Thai cooking and enjoy a dinner that tastes all the better thanks to your handiwork! This is a wonderful opportunity to absorb some of the daily rituals of Thai culture.
Day 18 Day 18: Ao Nang/Krabi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Ao Nang/Krabi

This morning, head out to Ao Nang beach and on board a speed boat to start today’s exploration. Immerse in the beauty of the coast line with stops at Phra Nang Cave, Railey Beach, Koh Tup, Koh Gai and discover the amazing coral and tropical fish through snorkelling in the crystal clear water. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling and return back to Ao Nang beach in mid-afternoon. Tonight, why not grab some travel pals and stroll down the main drag to find a seafood restaurant.
Day 19 Day 19: Khao Lak
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Khao Lak

Say goodbye to Ao Nang this morning and continue your journey to Khao Lak. On the way, stop at a great Community-based tourism initiative at Baan Nai Nang village (supported by Mangrove Action Project) and you’ll spend a better half of the day here, experiencing the amazing nature and learning about local culture. Get active and venture out in a kayak to explore the amazing water, limestone cliffs and mangrove forests at Khao Ka Rot. Return back to the village and enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch after a good workout, then learn to prepare and taste the organic local mulberry leaf tea. Head out for a walk in the village and its organic fruit orchards after lunch before hopping back on your bus and continue to Khao Lak (approx. 3 hours).
Day 20 Day 20: Khao Lak
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Khao Lak

Enjoy a free day at Khao Lak. There are plenty to do in Khao Lak. Why not visit Lam Ru National Park andTon Chong Fa Water Fall, or make it a day trip to Similan Islands or Surin Islands? Your tour leader will be on hand to help you make the best of the day.
Day 21 Day 21: Phuket
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Phuket

This morning leave for the tourist haven of Phuket, Thailand’s largest and most visited island. This island is certainly a brasher, more vibrant extrovert to the mellower sibling of the last few days. If a little modern pizazz is what you’re after with your dose of sunshine exotica, look no further – this island offers a little something for everyone. It’ll take about 3 hours to get to Phuket.Once you’ve arrived on the island, there’s a chance to stop at the Tsunami Memorial if you would like to visit. Then continue to Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation which support the protection of turtles and research of the Marine Biodiversity. You’ll be able to learn about the important work that they do here and see the different type of turtles at the foundation. Then it’s another hour to Kata beach. You’ll stay in the heart of Kata beach, where everything from shops to restaurants to nightclubs awaits.
Day 22 Day 22: Phuket
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Phuket

Phuket is ringed with beaches, each with their own distinct personalities, from a party vibe to perhaps something quieter and more romantic. If you can pull yourself away from the beautiful beaches and curving coasts, Phuket also has a range of activities to fill your day, from Thai boxing exhibitions to cabaret shows. If you love getting out on the water and exploring the islands, then perhaps use your last day to take a day trip out to the stunning Phi Phi and Khai Nok, a tiny island surrounded by white sandy beach perfect suitable for swimming and snorkelling. If you want to spend some time with Thailand’s magnificent elephants, take a visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. You will get to see the elephants in the safety and security of their natural home and get an insight into the behaviour and personal history of each elephant. Perhaps gather together your fellow travellers tonight and enjoy a celebratory dinner.
Day 23 Day 23: Phuket
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Phuket

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you’d like to continue to soak up the very best of Phuket, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

+20

23 days tour

Thailand Adventure West Coast (Nov - Apr)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Thailand Adventure West Coast (Nov - Apr)

Day 1: Bangkok

Day 2: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi

Day 3: River Kwai - Erawan Np - Kanchanaburi

Day 4: Rafthouse

Day 5: Ayutthaya - Overnight Train

Day 6: Chiang Mai

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Day 8: Doi Mae Salong

Day 9: Chiang Rai

Day 10: Hilltribe Villages Trek

Day 11: Hilltribe Villages Trek

Day 12: Hilltribe Villages Trek - Chiang Rai

Day 13: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Overnight Train

Day 14: Bangkok

Day 15: Bangkok

Day 16: Bangkok

Day 17: Ao Nang/Krabi

Day 18: Ao Nang/Krabi

Day 19: Khao Lak

Day 20: Khao Lak

Day 21: Phuket

Day 22: Phuket

Day 23: Phuket

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