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A Taste of Thailand: jungles, temples and beaches Our Thailand adventure itinerary will take you to some of the most exciting spots in Thailand. After a couple of days in Bangkok, you’ll visit floating markets, ride the famous Death Railway, sleep in a safari tent on the banks of the River Kwai and relax at some amazing waterfalls. Then you'll take the overnight train to Chiang Mai for a two-day trek through the mountains featuring an elephant ride, a bamboo rafting trip and a night in a hill tribe village. Finally, you'll visit the ancient Khmer temples in Ayutthaya before finally ending up on tropical Ko Samui.Prefer to build your own trip? Take a look at our bite-sized Thailand tours or go back to our list of Thailand itineraries. |
| Duration |
13 days / 12 nights Departure: Saturday & Tuesday from BKK |
Accommodation |
6 nights in double room in authentic hotels, 2 nights in luxury tented safari camp, 2 nights sleeper train, 2 nights in cozy jungle lodge (see accommodation) |
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Price |
£585 per person - based on 2 people |
Includes |
Transport, accommodation with breakfast, excursions, guide and other meals as described in detailed itinerary. |
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Transport |
Minibus, sleeper train, elephant! |
Excludes |
International flights, other meals & drinks, entrance fee to Erawan waterfalls (THB400 approx £8) |
Day 1: Arrival in BangkokOn arrival in Thailand, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to a lovely hotel in central Bangkok, around 10 minutes walk (or 5 minutes by tuk-tuk) from the popular traveller haunt Khao San Road. The hotel is in the lively neighbourhood Banglampoo, one of the most popular areas in Bangkok where you'll find most of the major attractions and hundreds of little restaurants and shops. It's also close to the Chao Praya river where you can take a rivertaxi. This is not just a fast and easy way to get around the city, but also a fascinating glimpse into life on the water in Bangkok. Your spacious room has air-conditioning. Once you've freshened up after your long flight, you can really begin your Thailand higlights itinerary. Head into the city to explore the area or if you’re looking for an instant cultural fix, visit the Royal Palace, home of the Thai king. Its the No.1 place of interest for Bangkok visitors and just 10 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk from Khao San Road. Doors are open until 3:30pm and remember to dress appropriately - knees and shoulders must be covered. |
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Day 2: BangkokToday you can explore the ‘City of Angels’ your own way. A day in Bangkok is never dull - with its many temples, shops, pagodas and the busy street scenes, there’s so much to see and do. The first stop should be the Royal Palace, just a short (boat) taxi ride from your hotel and a real 'must-see' during this Thailand highlights itinerary. Next, you can head to the Buddhist temple Wat Arun on the banks of the river and enjoy a lunch of freshly prepared pad thai at one of the many street stalls.If you’re feeling adventurous, a bicycle tour of Bangkok is a fantastic way to explore the city. With your local guide, you’ll cycle through small authentic neighbourhoods past houses, shops, workshops and tiny hidden alleyways. You’ll visit a traditional market where the locals come to buy their groceries before hopping on a longtail boat to cross the Chao Praya river to the other side where you’ll suddenly find yourself in a lush, green oasis. If you’d like to try our cycle tour, just let us know and we’ll book it for you. |
Day 3: Bangkok - River KwaiYou'll be picked up early this morning for the next stage of your Thailand highlights itinerary, travelling by air-conditioned minibus to the River Kwai accompanied by an english-speaking guide. You'll stop for about an hour at the famous floating market before continuing to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, where you'll begin a spectacular train ride along a stretch of the infamous Burma Death Railway. You’ll even cross a viaduct which is still made of the original wood beams. For the best views grab a seat on the right.At the end of the train ride you’ll have lunch (included) at the small train station before boarding a longtail boat. After around 30 minutes, you'll gently bump against the jetty of your River Kwai hotel. Here you’ll find yourself in a large open field lined with several khaki-coloured tents, one of which will be your room for tonight. The tents are spacious and with western toilets and (warm) showers. There’s no electricity and once it gets dark oil lanterns are lit, giving the whole place a really special atmosphere. You'll join the other camp guests for dinner in the restaurant and no camp would be complete without a camp fire, under a starry sky… |
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Day 4: River KwaiThis morning you'll probably want to get up early and explore - or perhaps not if it was a late one last night. We can recommend taking one of the kayaks out on the river, a wonderful way to see the area from the water. There's also a twisting trail leading off into the tropical jungle and mountain bikes in the camp if you don't fancy kayaking. |
Day 5: Erawan waterfalls - Bangkok - departure to Surat ThaniAfter another night in the camp, you'll be collected by minibus for the trip to the Erawan waterfalls (400 Baht, approx £8 to be paid locally). You'll be dropped off at the entrance to the park, where you'll also find a couple of kiosks selling snacks. A ten-minute walk will take you to the first of the seven levels of waterfalls. If it's not too hot, you can head further up the path to the higher falls. It's a tough uphill walk, but the higher you go the more exotic the waterfall plateaus become, and the less people around. Once you reach the highest plateau and sink into the warm, turquoise water you'll feel duly rewarded for your climb.In the afternoon, the minibus will pick you up and take you back to Bangkok. You’ll have plenty of time to buy some food and drinks before boarding the overnight train to Surat Thani. We’ve reserved 2nd class sleeper seats -spacious chairs facing each other which you can pull out into comfortable sleepers. Snacks are available in the restaurant carriage if you’re feeling peckish. On the train, you’ll be joined by lots of other travellers as well as local Thai people. Don’t worry about falling asleep and missing your stop, you’ll be woken up an hour before your arrival in Surat Thani. |
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Day 6: Arrival Surat Thani - Khao Sok National ParkEarly this morning, your train will arrive into Surat Thani station, where your guide will be waiting to meet you who will take you to Khao Sok National Park. You'll stay in bungalows next to a beautiful river deep in the jungle. Monkeys and hornbills will wake you with their calls and this day is free to spend doing whatever you like. You could try tubing downstream in a rubber ring (optional) - a great way to see the jungle. In Khao Sok National Park, you may see monkeys, porcupines, hornbills, butterflies and other insects. There are also masses of flowers, palms, vines, ferns and towering tree trunks. Tonight, you'll eat at the hotel restaurant, which has a good menu with plenty of choice. With a little luck you might spot some monkeys sitting whilst you eat. |
Day 7: Khao Sok - Elephant jungle rideAfter eating breakfast surrounded by the sounds of tropical birds, it's time to really go into the jungle. You discover the jungle in a special way, by riding on the back of an elephant! Your Mahout (elephant keeper) will sit on the neck of your new best friend and guide you through the jungle.You'll be amazed at how these huge graceful animals manouvre through the narrow paths, whilst enjoying the variety of wildlife as you bump along. With some luck, you'll see monkeys swinging in the trees. At around lunchtime you'll return to your accommodation and the afternoon is free for you to do as you please. The lodge has short walking trails through the park or you could try canoeing or tubing on the river. |
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Day 8: Khao Sok - Ko Pha NganAfter breakfast it is time to pack your bags and get ready for your short trip from Khao Sok to Ko Pha Ngan, where you'll stay for the next five days.We arrange accommodation for you far away from the masses, right on the north beach known for its white sandy beaches and lovely clear water with a pleasant temperature of around 25 degrees. There are waving palm trees, a handful of restaurants and beautiful sunrises. The hotel is modest but very comfortable, and it's location is perfect. There is a nice swimming pool for a refreshing dip, and your bungalow has air conditioning. Ko Pha Ngan has many beautiful beaches where you can snorkel and sunbath to your heart's content. Many beaches are remote and the best are reached by long tail boat. These small colourful boats are quintessentially Thai, and can take you to idyllic little beaches. There is plenty to see underwater if you enjoy snorkelling. |
Day 9, 10 and 11 - Ko Pha NganThese few days are yours to relax and enjoy doing nothing on the white sandy beaches or beside the pool. Or maybe you want some action, in which case maybe a day trip to Angthong National Marine Park is a good idea. This national "Sea" park has great coral gardens which are great for snorkelling and diving, and the whole area around the 18 small islands is protected from fishermen.You could visit nearby Ko Samui and it's famous and beautiful white sandy beaches. Ko Samui has a very beautiful interior with many tropical coconut palm plantations. Visit the waterfalls at Na Muang and Laem Saw, or visit the Samui Tiger Zoo, where you can take your picture with a tiger, it's open daily from 9.00 - 17.00. |
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Day 12: Ko Pha Ngan - Overnight train to BangkokYou'll have the morning and afternoon to spend as you wish (perhaps one last cocktail on the beach?) as in the early evening you'll begin your journey back to Bangkok - the last leg of your Thailand highlights itinerary. |
Day 13: Arrival Bangkok - End of itineraryThis morning you'll arrive back into Bangkok fresh from your sleep on board the overnight train.Depending on the time of your flight home you can either spend the day shopping for last minute bargains and souvenirs, or head straight to the airport. It is also possible for us to arrange a day room at a central hotel in Bangkok for you (at extra cost) if you have a late flight and would like somewhere to base yourself and shower before making your way to the airport. When to go? This Thailand itinerary is possible all year-round, but the very best months are between January to September. From November to mid-December more rain is likely. |
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