Featuring the best of urban and rural areas, we engage you into the very lifeblood that is Thailand. This epic 9-day, multi-activity adventure was designed with an eye to value and a total quality experience. It features tons of interesting fun in Bangkok, the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya and a spectacular northern expedition along the Thai-Myanmar and Laoation borders in Chiang Rai province. Hang on for the ride of your life!
The price quoted is from an airport pickup in Bangkok until the end of your planned itinerary. The adventure includes 90% of your meals (as indicated), eight nights of top-quality accommodations, personal mobile phone, all transport, two internal airline tickets, all admissions, snacks, and the finest western and Thai adventure hosts. 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’. We’ll escort you to your home away from home and introduce you to your surroundings. Plush new 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 useful tidbits and your 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 tranquil urban-canals of Bangkok Noi (‘Little Bangkok’), 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!
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 hotspots, 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 sites, affording an up close and personal look at Thailand’s most famous historic temples. After our day exploring we’ll shuttle back to Bangkok and catch an early evening flight 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 snack on 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.
“You guys put on an amazing trip, not just in an amusing way (though it was that), but in a life-changing sort of way, where you meet people, experience Thai culture and have your way of looking at the world blown wide open.” – Kim, High River, AB
Biking: 20-55km (paved/dirt roads, depending on grou
p 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 exquisite destinations – Doi Mae Salong. Riding roughly 75km, stopping at will for great photo-opps, we’ll ride up and over dramatic mountain passes and past hilltribe villages 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 mountain roads for a spectacular day of upcountry cruising. This 105km ride takes us places most visitors simply don’t make it to. We’ll enjoy 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.
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
The morning is free to take in the brand new 'Hall of Opium' museum and learn 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 perched along the river's edge.
Meals: B,L,D
Boating: 75km (twisting down the mighty Mekong…).
Day 9: Mekong Life
Chiang Khong sits on the banks of the Mekong River 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; we’ll introduce you to a personalized Mekong riverside cookout! We’ll take a private boat to a secluded sandy beach between Thailand and Laos, grill up some delicious northern treats, watch the magic and mystery of the Mekong go by 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.
An early evening private shuttle takes us to the Chiang Rai airport for your flight back to bustling Bangkok.
Meals: B,L
As we say goodbye you’re bound to be thinking about your next adventure! “Krang na, pope gan mai na” (see you again next time).
Price Includes:
- Guides
- all transport
- 8 nights accommodation
- most meals (as indicated)
- 2 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:
- Top things off with one of our incredible Beach Extensions
- Extra nights before your adventure begins at our comfy downtown Bangkok hotel: $90US/night
- A night at the Rama Gardens airport hotel on Day 9: $85US
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Thailand
Cultural Journey
Hiking & Trekking
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