This legendary 13-day adventure features insider ins and outs of Bangkok, the incredible ancient capital of Ayutthaya, a healthy dose of life in the Kingdom’s northernmost province, Chiang Rai, and a chaser of beach paradise at the end.
The price quoted is from a personal airport pickup on Day 1 in Bangkok until the end of our planned itinerary on the evening of Day 13. The trip includes 80% of your meals (as indicated), 12-nights of quality accommodations, all transport, 4 internal airline tickets, personalized adventure kit, mobile phone, all admissions, tips, snacks and the finest western and Thai adventure leaders. Aside from alcohol and souvenirs you’ll rarely need to dig into your pocket during your adventure – we’ve got you covered. Prepare to be hosted and truly taken care of!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Thailand!!
Right from the start you’ll experience the difference. We’ll be waiting when your plane touches down, brush off the airline peanut shells and welcome you to the ‘Land of Smiles’. You’ll be whisked to your home away from home and introduced to your surroundings. Plush four-star accommodations await you in the City of Angels.
Upon check-in you’ll receive your personalized ‘Adventure Kit’, containing a custom-designed ‘Adventure Guidebook’, lots of neat tidbits and the best part – your very own mobile phone. Prior to your arrival we’ll inform you by email of your phone number during your time in the kingdom so friends and family are easily able to contact you. The phone is yours for your entire journey; a handy tool to have when you’re out exploring. Today sit back, relax, enjoy a swim and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 2: Bangkok Multi Transport Adventure
This day is simply incredible! Today we’ll tick-off five must-see sites, while using all forms of urban transport (tuk-tuk, motorcycle, rapid train, boats and taxi) in a citywide blitz of temples, alleyways, rivers, canals and fine eats to give you a true appreciation of the ‘City of Angels’. Today you’ll see the Golden Mount, the stunning Grand Palace, Wat Pho (reclining Buddha), curious corners of old and new Bangkok and the urban-canals of Bangkok Noi, to name but a few of our stops. Not only can you tick Bangkok off your list, but you’ll do it in swinging style!
“We have only rich, wonderful memories of our trip to Thailand and we feel lucky to have found. We really appreciate that you shared your personal knowledge and appreciation for the country with us.” – Don and Diane, Denver, CO
Meals: B,L
Day 3: Headlights (evening)
Enjoy the day relaxing by the pool, exploring on your own (we’ll provide you with lots of ideas and tips) and get ready for tonight’s main event – Headlights. This is your chance to experience ‘One Night in Bangkok’. It’s out for an incredible Thai meal, then your customized night on the town. Depending on group interest we’ll explore lots of interesting nooks and crannies, market hotpots, Bangkok’s highest rooftop bar ‘Vertigo’, perched atop a roof 61 floors up, slide into a spectacularly lit temple and perhaps even snack on a well-seasoned local delicacy - fried grasshoppers! Finally, we’ll wind things up at legendary Patpong, where night markets collide with colorful characters. Keep your eyes peeled, as you may even see Thai Tom Jones!!
Meals: B,D
Day 4: Ancient Ayutthaya
Prior to its sacking by the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was the crowning jewel of Siam. We’ll board a private shuttle for our short journey 90km north from Bangkok then use Mary-Poppins-style bicycles to explore the ancient ruins and stone palaces that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best part is there are no ropes between you and the sites, affording an up close and personal look at Thailand’s most famous historic temples. After our enchanting day exploring, we’ll shuttle back to Bangkok and catch an early evening flight with Thai Airways to the country’s northernmost province, Chiang Rai.
Arriving at Chiang Rai just after sunset sets the ideal tone for the next five days. Take in a cerebral evening in your luxurious villa along the Mae Kok River and drift into the northern groove. Enjoy the herbal spa, a dip in the infinity pool or perhaps a traditional Thai massage. We’ll spend the next two nights of our odyssey at The Legend, a stunning boutique riverside resort.
Riding: 20km (paved roads)
Meals: B,L
Day 5: Bikes, Boats & Elephants
Hang on for a day you’ll never forget. Using bicycles, then a longtail boat we’ll head up-river to a Karen hilltribe elephant camp. Mount your very own pachyderm, ride through the hills then enjoy a light lunch along the river. We’ll then set off on a beautiful country cycle back to Chiang Rai city, passing through quaint villages and quiet temples. This active, yet unobtrusive means of transport provides a natural glimpse into Chiang Rai’s enchanting rural communities.
Tonight we’ll celebrate with a dinner of champions at a charming outdoor restaurant. Afterwards it’s up to you - peruse the Night Bazaar and maybe even treat yourself to a well-earned traditional Thai massage to soothe those legs.
“We arranged for our family of four and another family to join them for what really, is one of the best trips we've taken. For us, it was like they were showing their friends a great time. I think this company probably is the best outfitter I've ever met.” – John, Menlo Park, CA
Biking: 20-55km (paved/dirt roads, depending on group experience)
Bicycles are high-performance, with front suspension, helmets, gloves and safety light provided
Meals: B,L,D
Note: non-cyclists can enjoy all of today’s activities by private van/jeep transport
Day 6: To Chinatown
With our comfy private van we’ll make a spectacular ascent to a stunning Chinese mountain village. For those who wish to summon their sense of adventure, strap on a helmet and learn how to ride a Thai motorscooter! We’ll lead you through a comprehensive and safe training program then head off on our ‘hogs’ and accompanying van to one of the Kingdom’s most stunning destinations – Doi Mae Salong. Riding roughly 75km, stopping at your will for great photo-opps, we’ll ride up and over spectacular jungle-covered mountains and past many hilltribe villages enroute to this enchanting retreat. Once opium country, Doi Mae Salong is now home to Thailand’s premier Oolong tea production and Yunanese who fled China during the Cultural Revolution. This charming township exudes a special, quiet energy that will leave you reflecting on your time here for years to come. We’ll spend tonight in a beautiful Chinese villa, perched on the mountainside, overlooking terraced tea plantations.
Van/scootering: 75km (paved roads and thrilling turns)
Meals: B,L,D
Note: non-scooter-riders can enjoy all of today’s activities by private van/jeep transport. Motorscooters are new, well-maintained 100+cc Honda bikes, equipped with safety helmets, gloves and comprehensive training program
Day 7: Over the Hills and Far Away
It’s back on the mountain roads for a spectacular day of upcountry cruising. This 105 km ride takes us places most visitors simply don’t make it to. We’ll have a royal feast at Doi Tung, the country’s premier royally-initiated development project where spectacular mountaintop botanical gardens are one of many attractions. This afternoon we’ll wind up, down and around a twisty mountain road that straddles the Thai-Myanmar border to Mae Sai – Thailand’s northernmost point. This fascinating town where traders from countries around the Golden Triangle converge to ply their wares and eek out a living is the perfect place to pick up interesting souvenirs and people watch. In the early evening we’ll shuttle to The Greater Mekong Lodge situated at the world famous Golden Triangle, where we’ll spend the night.
“We cannot say enough about you and the trip - you were (are) the perfect hosts - from taking us to some of the best restaurants in Thailand (best restaurant meaning ‘quality of food’, not tourist decorated or catered to) to tea tasting in Doi Mae Salong. You taught and showed us much more about the Thais’ traditions and culture than we could have ever learned on our own. If anyone out there wants a unique and lifetime thrilling memory of Thailand, you are the folks to provide that.” – Moira, Calgary, AB
Van/motorscootering: 105km (paved roads, spectacular curves & hills)
Meals: B,L,D
Note: non-motorcyclists can enjoy all of today’s activities by private van/jeep transport
Day 8: Golden Triangle
This morning we’ll visit the world-class ‘Hall of Opium’ museum to learn about the historical importance of this distinctive region and the role this illicit drug played. Next we’ll enjoy a relaxing riverside lunch along the mighty Mekong, then gear up for some real excitement. We’ll board a high-speed longtail boat and blast our way (60km/hr) down the legendary Mekong River to a Laotian market, then on to the charming town of Chiang Khong. Tonight we’ll rest our heads at a wonderful Thai-style resort right on the river.
Meals: B,L,D
Boating: 75km (twisting down the mighty Mekong…).
Day 9: Mekong Life
Chiang Khong sits on the banks of the Mekong with Laos facing her from the east. This sleepy town serves as a border crossing point between the two countries. It’s also home to uniquely delicious food and authentic fun. You’ve heard of tableside dining; well let us introduce you to a personalized Mekong riverside cookout. We’ll take a private boat to a secluded sandy beach between Thailand and Laos where we’ll grill some delicious northern treats, totally chill out and maybe even tube down the river. A reflective afternoon on the Mekong rounds out this northern Thai experience and affords an opportunity to get up close and personal with the many colorful characters that call this region home.
Early in the evening we’ll catch a private shuttle to the provincial capital of Chiang Rai and fly back to Bangkok.
Meals: B,L
Days 10 – Day 13: Bring on the Beach
This is where you get to really unwind and do your own thing. Depending on your preference, we’ll send you to one of two beach destinations, unescorted, with all the details taken care of, fully equipped with your mobile phone and a beach guidebook full of great suggestions to make your days in the tropics perfect.
Ko Samet:
A private minivan and speedboat shuttles you three hours southeast to the island paradise of Ko Samet. You’ll spend the next four-days and three-nights in a charming and comfortable beach bungalow, but a stone’s throw from silky-soft sand. This is the perfect setting to soak up some sun, reflect on the adventure you’ve just had and RELAX. Quiet bliss is the order of the day here but there’re lots of nice walks, paddling and snorkeling at nearby islands to be done for those who like to keep busy. On the afternoon of Day 13 a speedboat will shuttle you to the mainland where you’ll board your private minivan back to Bangkok.
Ao Nang, Krabi:
Early in the morning, you’ll board a Thai Airways flight to experience true tropical paradise – Ao Nang, Krabi. Located 850km south of Bangkok, this incredible area is quickly becoming ‘the’ sun and fun destination in Thailand. You’ll spend the next four days and three nights in a luxurious Thai-style suite at the Ao Nang Villa. Your exquisite home for the next four days reflects local Thai charm with an eye to luxury and harmonious natural design. Relax by the pool or venture to the beach, a grueling 15 meter walk as you’re located seaside. Nearby Railay Bay, where climbers dangle from limestone cliffs that rise hundreds of feet straight from the ocean is just a short longtail boat ride away and a perfect place to waste your days away on one of the many beaches. For the more adventurous, paddle a sea kayak, take a climbing course, master Thai cooking, snorkel, scuba dive, hike, bike or learn how to be a fire-juggler from one of the locals. While you’re in the area, listen carefully and the sound of jaws dropping can be heard – it’s really that spectacular! As the saying goes, ‘all good things must come to an end’. An afternoon flight on Day 13 takes you back to Bangkok.
Meals: B
Price Includes:
- Guides
- all transport
- 12 nights accommodation
- most meals (as indicated)
- 4 internal airline tickets
- mobile phone
- airport transfers
- all equipment
- all snacks and all admissions.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Things you may wish to add to your adventure:
- Extra nights before your adventure begins at our comfy downtown Bangkok hotel: $90US/night
- A night at the Rama Gardens airport hotel on Day 13: $85US
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Thailand
Cultural Journey
Hiking & Trekking
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