Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Bangkok. Arrival transfer – A walking tour to explore the city. Sawasdee means Welcome! Our guide will meet and greet you at the airport, giving you information while taking you to your hotel. You will have the opportunity to get some rest until it is time for the group meeting in the evening when you will meet the other members in your adventure group. We will discuss together the itinerary and share ideas of the things you would like to see and do on your tour.
Days 2-3: Home stay and River Kwai. Join the villagers and Home stay hosts for various activities. Leave busy Bangkok behind by catching a local bus to a small village near to Kanchanaburi town. After settling in to your charming home stay and receiving a warm welcome from your host family you will then have time to explore the village and the chance to offer your English skills to the local school children and join in the daily activities of your 'Thai family'. Finally it will be time to say farewell to your kind hosts as you need to catch the local bus to Kanchanaburi and explore many sights in the area, including the "Death Railway", Erawan Falls, one of Thailand's most beautiful national parks, or visit the Tiger Temple – the choice is yours.
Days 4-5: Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai. A walking tour to explore the old historical park. Jump on a local bus for Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many sites to visit and so many ways to visit them; by bicycle, local Tuk Tuk or on elephant back! At your own expense you can chose exactly what you want to see, and how. Then, when it is time to leave for Chiang Mai in the evening, it is another fun mode of transport - the overnight sleeper with comfortable second-class air-conditioned berths.
After settling yourself into your cozy hotel in town your leader will take you on a walking tour around the old city to see charming temples, the local Warorot Market to practice your shopping skills and perhaps visit a meditation temple. So many things to do here, something for everybody; spectacular temples, the gastronomic delights offered by the local food vendors and fantastic shopping.
Days 6-8: Hill-tribe Trek. Trekking – hill-tribe villages – elephant riding – bamboo rafting – return to Chiang Mai. Time to set off on an exciting 3-day trek through the hills and forests, a highlight of your tour. You will not find the trekking too strenuous as long as you are reasonably fit as it will be a good mix of walking, meeting people of very different cultures and ways of life, elephant-back riding and an exhilarating bamboo-raft trip.
Day 9: Chiang Mai – at leisure. A full day's break after the hard work in the jungle. However those who are still energetic enough have more options, such as a short Thai cooking course, a visit to Doi Suthep or just enjoying more shopping at the night bazaar. Alternatively, relax with a traditional Thai massage. Your leader will be ready to give you help and advice.
Days 10-12; Thaton – boat to Chiang Rai. Walking tours to explore the towns. Tha Ton is a fascinating peaceful town and we will take a 4-hour local bus ride to get there. The town is set in a beautiful valley so climbing up the hill to Wat Tha Ton is a must to see the wonderful views over the mountainous countryside. Or if you prefer, just relax on the grassy bank of Mae Kok River in front of your bungalow.
The 4-hour boat trip from Tha Ton to Chiang Rai on the next day is an unforgettable experience and on arrival you will have some time for a leisurely walk around Chiang Rai town. We leave the next day up to you. Your choices include, among other things, a visit to the Golden Triangle (to add more country stamps on your passport!) or perhaps Doi Tung, the famous horticultural project instigated by His Majesty the King's mother.
Days 13-14: Back to Bangkok. Finally we take the local bus for the 3-hour journey to Chiang Mai to connect with the evening air-conditioned overnight train for Bangkok. On arrival at your hotel after some time to relax, those who are energetic can perhaps join a walking tour to see a different side of the bustling city.
Day 15: Down South. Local bus to "Bang Nam Pung" local floating market – night train to Surat Thani. A full free day and our tour leader will offer to take you to visit a genuine "Bang Nam Pung" local floating market. Take a local bus for about one and a half hour out of central Bangkok to a small community named Pra Pradaeng. You will find various delicious local foods, fruits and many handmade products brought by the villagers to the market that is set in coconut groves along the canals. In the evening you will board the train for the overnight journey to Surat Thani, with second-class air-conditioned sleeping berths provided.
Days 16-17: Khao Sok National Park. Free to explore the park. Khao Sok National Park is 656 sq. km. of dense rain forest with waterfalls, limestone cliffs, numerous streams, an island-studded lake and many riverside walking trails. Your options include lazing around your simple forest huts near the bank of Sok river or choosing one of various trails and go searching for signs of wildlife including elephants, serow, banteng, gaur or dusky langur as well as a multitude of bird species. Don't forget that the park entrance fee of 200 baht is not included in the tour price as your accommodation is just outside the park perimeter.
Days 18-19: Ko Samui. Local bus and boat to Ko Samui - At leisure on the beach. After taking a public bus to Surat Thani to connect with the ferry to Ko Samui you will have lots of free time for relaxation; swimming, sunbathing and exploring the island.
Days 20-22: Ko Tao. At leisure on the beach. Continue your island hoping to Ko Tao, or Turtle Island (named for its shape). A remote island north of Ko Samui with some of the Gulf of Siam's best scuba-diving waters, for those who are keen to learn to dive where better place to start than Ko Tao?
Days 23-24: Bangkok. Ferry and train to Bangkok. Take the public ferry back to the mainland, disembarking at Chumphon ready for the night train to Bangkok. Our trip finishes on arrival at Bangkok train station at about 07.00. Please check with your local leader for onward travel arrangements.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Thailand
Multi-activity
Cultural Journey
|
