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A Taste of Thailand: jungles, temples and beaches
Our Thailand trip will take you to some of the most exciting spots in Thailand. After a couple of days in Bangkok, you’ll visit the train market, 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 Khao Sok where you'll stay in a simple jungle lodge surrounded by the sounds of tropical birds. On your second day you will ride an elephant through the jungle before you head over to end your trip with white sand between your toes on tropical Ko Phangan. |
| 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 simple jungle lodge (see accommodation) |
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Price |
£760 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. Your spacious room has air-conditioning.Once you've freshened up after your long flight, you can really begin your Thailand trip. 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. It's 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: Bangkok - Tuk-Tuk and Longtail boat tourThis morning you'll be met by your guide in the lobby of your hotel, and together you'll embark on an exciting drive through Bangkok by tuk-tuk. You'll travel to Thewet river pier where you will first visit the local 'fresh market and then board a classic longtail boat!Your boat journey will give you a great insight into how much the city life still revolves around the river and its network of 'klongs' (canals). In some ways it is a trip through the past where you'll see wooden houses on stilts, local folks doing their laundry in the klongs, monitor lizards suddenly swimming by, and lots of other fascinating sights. Back at the pier again your guide will return you to your hotel by tuktuk! You should be back before noon, and the rest of your day is free to explore the city. |
Day 3: Bangkok - River KwaiYou'll be picked up early this morning for the next stage of your Thailand trip, travelling by air-conditioned minibus to the River Kwai accompanied by an english-speaking guide. First stop will be the Samut Sakhon 'train market' where you'll get to try your haggling skills. Afterwards you'll then continue to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, where you'll take a train ride along a stretch of the infamous Burma Death Railway.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 simple jungle 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 manoeuvre 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 its 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 its 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 trip. |
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 trip 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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Thailand trip - Accommodation (click to enlarge)
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