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Tour Thailand – 18 days – Adventurous Thailand
Tour Thailand – 18 days – Adventurous Thailand
Highlights of this safari:
- Bangkok’s old and famous temples
- Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Burma Railway
- Ayuttaya, the old Siam Capital
- Chiang Mai’s citylife, rafting and trekking
- Khao Sok’s wilderness and wild life safari’s
- Koh Samui’s white beaches and nature trails
Short overview:
Day 1 – 3: Bangkok Day 4 – 5: Kanchanaburi Day 6: Ayutthaya – Chiang Mai, sleepertrain Day 7: Chiang Mai Day 8: Palong Village, Local Thai home Day 9 – 10: Chiang Mai Day 11: Bangkok Day 12: Bangkok – Surat Thani, sleepertrain Day 13: Khao Sok Day 14: Khao Sok Day 15-17: Koh Samui Day 18: Departure from Bangkok
Program & Route:
Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok, Nouvo City Hotel
On arrival at Bangkok International Airport, meet your guide and driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. Rest of day is free at your own leisure.
Day 2: Bangkok, Nouvo City Hotel
Visitors often see Bangkok as an enormous modern metropolis, full of expressways, massive department stores and skyscrapers, but there is an other (more hidden) side, which clearly shows the origins of a people who still believe in traditions from years gone by. This morning you will be picked up by your guide at 07.00 AM to go on a special walking tour to explore hidden Bangkok. From the Giant Swing via the prison park we wander through small alleys, encounter wooden houses, guardian spirit signs, fresh markets and more. At the city pillar and amulet market you will learn more about ancient superstitions. This day’s tour ends with a local lunch at one of the riverside restaurants.
Day 3: Bangkok, Nouvo City Hotel
Early morning you will be transferred to River City, the startingpoint for an exciting cycling tour. We select the appropriate bicycles according your preference (mountain bikes, lady bikes, or hybrids) and we start by exploring the bustling everyday life of Chinatown. Through narrow alleyways and winding pathways best accessed through two-wheel transport, we pass markets, local Buddhist temples, and a vast array of unique “street life”.
We cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry and continue the tour in Thonburi, a former capital city of Thailand. A common stop in this part of the tour is King Mother’s Memorial Park where we can visit a museum and relax in a nice garden. We cross the river again to continue in the area behind Pakk Klong Talad Flower Market back to Chinatown where we finish our tour. Back to River City and transfer back to your hotel.
Day 4: Kanchanaburi, River Kwai Jungle Lodge
Early this morning you will be picked up from your hotel by minivan and guide and driven to the old fishing port of Samut Songkram, locally known as Maeklong, which is well known for its railway market. Your guide will walk with you through the market along the tracks until the train arrives!
We then board the train to Nam Tok over the infamous Burma Railway, constructed in WWII under Japanese orders.
After lunch in Pakseng we will take a long-tail boat for trip on the Kwai Noi River and pass mountainous jungle scenery on the way to the River Kwai Jungle Rafts. Although there is no electricity at River Kwai Jungle Rafts, oil lamps create a special atmosphere. Accommodation consists of basic, though comfortable, rooms with hammocks on the front porch and private bathrooms. In the evening there will be the traditional dances and music of the Mon (modest fee to be paid locally).
Day 5: Kanchanaburi, Royal River Kwai Resort
After breakfast, you will return by boat. Drive to visit the Erawan Waterfall. You will spend a couple of hours at this wonderful waterfall. You can walk up all the way to the top of the waterfall or have a swim in the crystal clear water at one of the many levels of the falls. After a simple Thai lunch at the falls, transfer to your hotel in Kanchanaburi town. In Kanchanaburi you will visit the Bridge over the River Kwai, War Cemetery and the interesting Thailand Burma Railway Centre. The day ends in accommodation near Kanchanaburi.
Day 6: Ayutthaya and sleeptrain to Chiang Mai
Early this morning, we begin this day by driving to Ayutthaya with your private guide and a driver. We stop on the way at the impressive Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, the highest stupa in Southeast Asia. Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from the 15th through the 18th century. The Thai moved their capital to Bangkok (Krung Thep) in the 1770s. Known as the center of distinctive art and architecture, Ayutthaya preceded modern Thailand, and is still known for its flourishing artistic community. Ayutthaya-period Buddhas are still some of the most treasured in the land. You will spend time exploring Wat Phanachoeng, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol and Wat Mahatat. After visiting these acient highlights you will be drop off at Ayutthaya railway station for the night train to Chiang Mai.
Day 7 Chiang Mai, Wangburapha Grand Hotel
Upon arrival at Chiang Mai railway station, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. A full day to explore the city. Every evening, the centre of Chiang Mai comes alive with the massive Night Market that stretches for several blocks and includes restaurants, bars and entertainment. Few people visit Chiang Mai without picking up a few bargains here. In fact, the stalls that are squeezed on to the pavement and in the purpose-built arcades of Chang Klan Road are one of Chiang Mai’s biggest attractions.
Day 8: Village House
This morning we will drive to the north into the mountains near Chiang Dao. At the market your guide will do some shopping for the coming days and will explain about the different ingredients he will be using for dinner. On the Tang River where you will make an experience in an exciting whitewater raft trip by rubber boat before boarding a bamboo raft for a short trip. Continue by car to Chiang Dao where we will have lunch and start trekking. Late in the afternoon we will reach our final destination of today, the Palong village Pang How. This tribe only recently moved from Myanmar to Thailand. The women wear a distinctive costume mostly in red, with rattan hoops and silver belt worn around the waist. After arrival in the village you can relax, explore the village or learn some Thai cooking by helping your guide prepare the dinner. He can explain you about the herbs and ingredients he uses. After dinner you will meet some of the villagers. Overnight will be in one of the village houses.
Day 9: Chiang Mai, Wangburapha Grand Hotel
After the sounds of nature and the locals woke you up, your guide will prepare breakfast. After breakfast your guide will show you around the village. He will explain about the village shrine and about the ‘huja rawl’, the ‘village heart’. After this we will say goodbye to the villagers and start trekking for about 1.5 hours to the Karen village Thakilek. Along the way we will stop at Lahu village Ban Huay Bong where we will visit the very interesting spirit temple and a black smith. After this we will continue trekking to the Karen village. Drive to the foot of Doi Chiang Dao, the 3rd highest mountain in Thailand. Here we will have lunch in a local restaurant and we will visit the famous Caves of Chiang Dao.
Day 10: Chiang Mai, Wangburapha Grand Hotel
Early start for arriving at 06.30 am at Chiang Mai Gate Market, a traditional market where you will find fresh vegetables, fruit, fruit-shakes, spices, cooked chicken, fish, sweets, coffee and other food products. Our guide will let you sample some typical Thai snacks, appetizer! Of course the monks are making their alms rounds as well! Afterwards return to your hotel for breakfast. Following breakfast we take a “songtaew” to the riverfront (& much larger) Worarot Market. Be ready for colorful flowers, unfamiliar smells and friendly crowds. Nearby textiles, hill tribe clothes, silks, hats and beads can be found as well. From the market we go to Thapae Gate, one of the four original city gates, where we will continue by “Samlor,” or rickshaw. You have the opportunity to stop at Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, during this cyclo part. At the last temple you will meet an English-speaking monk for a chat.
Day 11: Bangkok, Nouvo City Hotel
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. The afternoon you can explore the city by yourself.
Day 12: Sleepertrain from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Check out time is normally at 12:00 (Noon). Then you will be transferred to Hua Lumpong railway station for a night train to Surat Thani.
Day 13: Khao Sok, Thai Floating Bungalow
Today you will be transferred by shared minivan from Surat Thani Railway Station to Ban Ta Khun and we stop at a local market there to buy snacks for your overnight stay. Around 10:00 AM we arrive at Rajjapraba Dam, board your long tail boat and enjoy a tour of the breathtaking scenery on the way to the raft house. Upon arrival at the floating bungalows you check into your very own traditional Thai style floating bungalow. Relax, take a swim, borrow a kayak and explore the many inlets and klongs of Cheow Lan Lake. At noon we enjoy a traditional Thai lunch prepared with rich southern Thai curries, and delicious local vegetables with mangos, pineapple and watermelon for dessert. Afterwards we depart for 3-hour trek through the ancient jungle of Khao Sok National Park. Depending on the season, your guide may show you edible plant species, how to find drinking water in bamboo, and how to spot wildlife in the canopy. In the late afternoon we return to the raft house.
Day 14: Khao Sok
We leave before breakfast and enjoy tea or coffee before boarding your long tail boat for a wildlife safari, sometimes with morning mist. From your boat you may see Macaque monkeys, Dusty Languars, Great Hornbills, wild boars, gibbons, and even the occasional wild elephant! Upon return at the raft house enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast of Khao Tom (a savory rice porridge) or a delicious pancake topped with honey or chocolate sauce. Around 10:30 AM we hop aboard a kayak for a guided tour of the surrounding area. Sliding peacefully along the banks of the lake without a motor, you will experience the peace and serenity the lake has to offer, and may have a chance to see some of the more skittish animals who are more sensitive to noise. At noon we return to the raft house for lunch and check out.
Day 15: Koh Samui, Samayabura
This morning you will be transferred to Donsak pier, where you will board a join-in ferry to Koh Samui.
Upon arrival in Samui, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can have a stroll on the beach and enjoy the pool.Day 16 – 17: Koh Samui,
Two days to explore the beaches and sights of the island. The hotelstaff can give you suggestions on tours which you can plan at your own schedule. Enjoy the white sand beaches and lovely sunsets and create some wonderful memories.
Day 18: Departure from Koh Samui
Check out time is normally at 12:00 (Noon) You will be transferred to Samui airport for your flight back to Bangkok or any other destination of your choice.