Temples, Jungles and Tropical Islands - Thailand
Day 1: Bangkok
Today is an arrival day, so there are no activities planned. You are free to relax, explore the city, and adjust to Bangkok's frantic pace and humid heat. Then it will be an evening meeting with the tour guide and other group members. Finally, you may choose to head out for an optional group dinner to know your guide and fellow group members.
Days 2 - 3: Sukhothai
You will have a guided longboat tour of Bangkok's Klongs and visit the reclining Buddha at Wat Po. Then, explore the ancient city of Sukhothai Historical Park on a guided bike tour.
Day 4: Lampang
You will tour the city of Lampang with the option to take a traditional horse cart ride through the old historic district.
Days 5 - 6: Chiang Rai Province/Golden Triangle
Visit the Elephant Conservation Centre, visit the town of Mai Sai and the Opium Museum.
Days 7 - 9: Chiang Mai
Guided tour of Doi Suthep temple. Optional cooking class and bicycle tour. Also, opt to visit the Mae Sa waterfall, shop at the night market, or enjoy a traditional Thai massage. Finally, enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family, khantoke-style, in a village outside Chiang Mai. Overnight train to Bangkok on Day 9.
Day 10: Bangkok
Options to visit the Grand Palace, Jim Thompson's House, Baiyoke Tower, or Sanphet Prasat Palace.
FOR TRIPS DEPARTING NOVEMBER 1st THROUGH APRIL 30th:
Day 11: Koh Klang
After a short flight to Krabi, you will head to your homestay on Koh Klang, where you'll be immersed in southern Thai culture. Koh Klang is situated at the mouth of the Krabi River into the Andaman Sea. It is the closest island to Krabi town and is connected to the mainland only by long-tail boats traveling from two different piers. It takes only 10 minutes to travel across the island. En route to catching our boat, we'll stop at the Department of Fisheries to learn about fish in the Andaman Sea, mangrove forests, and local ecotourism of the Krabi area. We'll also stop at the best OTOP (government project called 'One Tumbol One Product'). Thailand consists of sub-districts, which are also known as tambons. To help build local communities, each tambon has uniquely made and marketed products that are promoted and sold all over the world. We'll see what this particular local community is producing and learn a bit more about the initiative.
Days 12 - 13: Krabi
After breakfast, we'll take a private boat to Jao Fah Pier and drive to Ao Nang Beach in Krabi. Explore the Ao Nang Beach area with activities such as rock climbing, hiking, fishing, snorkeling, diving, relaxing, kayaking, etc. Ao Nang in Krabi is a virtual paradise for anyone looking for relaxation or adventure. White sandy beaches with swaying coconut palms, incredible cliffs, and heaps of exciting excursions provide entertainment in all forms. The small village of Ao Nang still retains its tranquil pace of life while offering a host of shops, bars, and charming restaurants.
Day 14: Koh Phai (Bamboo Island)
We will take a private longtail boat to Koh Phai (Bamboo Island). On the way, you will enjoy an included island-hopping snorkeling tour to 4 small islands in the area. We will arrive at Koh Phai in the late afternoon and enjoy a local dinner under the moonlight before one night of camping on this tropical island. Koh Phai lies to the north of Phi Phi Don, with lovely beaches on the north and east sides and coral reefs spreading to the south. It is part of Hat Noppharat Thara – Phi Phi National Park archipelago. We will visit four small islands on the beach and snorkeling tour. Each one is a bit different and offers a unique experience. Koh Mor & Koh Tub: Koh Mor is a rocky beach with clean water about 70m from Koh Tub. A sand bar will appear during low tide, linking the three islands. Koh Kai (Chicken Island): This small island is situated just south of Poda, about 30 minutes by longtail boat from the west coast of Krabi. Koh Kai is well-known as Chicken Island because of a large rock formation that looks like, you guessed it, a chicken. Snorkeling around this island is fantastic, boasting spectacular coral reefs with tons of tropical fish. Phra Nang Cave: Located on the Railay Peninsula, the legend and mystery of Phra Nang go back many centuries to the belief in the Princess Goddess, remains strong amongst local people. Therefore, this cave is a sacred place. Koh Poda: Located west of Ao Nang, it has a fantastic beach on the north side of Koh Poda, complete with fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. It is sure to be one of the most beautiful beaches you will ever visit.
Day 15: Railay Beach
You will return from camping and stay one night in a guesthouse on Railay Beach. Railay is isolated from the mainland on a peninsula, surrounded by the warm Andaman Sea, lush jungle, and jagged rock. This area boasts plenty of sea kayaking, diving, snorkeling, jungle trekking, cooking, whitewater rafting, and quad biking. Feel free to lounge on the beach, too.
Day 16: Krabi
In the late afternoon, we'll depart Railay to head back to lively Ao Nang and Krabi. Spend the last night of your island adventure watching the sunset on Ao Nang Beach and opt to spend a final night out on the town.
Day 17: Krabi/Overnight Train
Enjoy a lazy beach morning followed by a transfer to the train station and an overnight sleeper train back to Bangkok.
Day 18: Bangkok
You will arrive at Bangkok station in the morning. Then you will be transferred to the airport, or you can extend the stay to explore the city.
FOR TRIPS DEPARTING MAY 1st THROUGH OCTOBER 31st
Days 1 - 10: Same as above
Days 11 - 12: Koh Samui
Catch a flight to the tropical island of Koh Samui. First, relax on the beach or visit the bustling little town. Then, opt for a snorkeling trip in Ang Thong Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands. There are many biodiversities here due to the protection of its national park status.
Days 13 - 14: Koh Phangan
After a short boat ride, we arrive on the small island of Koh Phangan, where we have the next two days to explore the island's waterfalls, swim in its lagoons, enjoy some scenic hikes or relax. With everything from yoga and meditation courses, natural beauty, and world-famous full moon parties, Koh Phangan has something for everyone.
Days 15 - 17: Koh Tao
Board another ferry to travel to Koh Tao, in English known as 'turtle island.' Initially, the island was not inhabited, but in the 1980s, the first travelers discovered the island paradise and incredible marine life, and word quickly spread. It's become a popular backpacker destination, known mainly for the surrounding 40 or so dive sites and cheap dive courses. While most of the visitors spend their days in the water, in the evening, the beach bars and hotels spill over with people looking to share their tales of the day's activities and a cold beer or two. Enjoy an included snorkeling excursion from Koh Tao through Koh Nang Yuan. Our resort is on the beach with comfortable twin and double rooms with en suite bathrooms. There is a pool close to the beach, and free wifi is available in the lobby. In the afternoon of Day 17, return to the mainland to board an overnight sleeper train back to Bangkok.
Day 18: Fly out
