Journey from Ancient Ruins to Swaying Palms
Itinerary
- Itinerary:Bangkok - Sukhothai - Chiang Mai - Golden Triangle - Thai Homestay - Khanom - Bangkok
- Duration:16 days / 15 nights (flexible)
- Price:From £ 1,761.- per person (excluding flights)
Days 1-3 – Bright Lights of Bangkok
You’ll arrive in the bustling capital of Bangkok and stay on the riverside of Chao-Phraya, with a rooftop pool, and just a short walk to the famous Khao San Road. The following morning we’ll arrange a thrilling full day excursion that will give you a taste of life in Bangkok. You’ll discover local communities, learn about the history and finish the afternoon with a refreshing drink at a roof-top bar.
Days 3-5 – Ancient Cities: Your Own Way
After breakfast you’ll make your own way to Bangkok train station where we’ll have arranged your train ticket to Phitsanulok, the gateway to Sukhothai. During the roughly 7 hour journey all you need to do is sit back, relax and take in the beautiful Thai scenery. On arrival you’ll be transferred from Phitsanulok train station to your comfortable hotel close to the historic centre, with the wonders of the ancient temples and ruins of Sukothai’s UNESCO Historic Park not far away. Your time is free to spend at your leisure and a quick tuk-tuk ride will get you to the temples where you can explore these well-preserved ruins.
Days 5-7 – Elephant Encounters in Chiang Mai
Today we’ll arrange for a transfer to take you back to Phitsanulok train station where you’ll take the day train to Chaing Mai. Today’s journey will take about 8 hours. When you arrive in Chiang Mai, you’ll make your own way to your hotel in the centre of the city. With a laid-back, spiritual atmosphere, Chiang Mai is a walkable city scattered with sacred temples and shrines. If you have time, it’s worth stopping at the night market, packed with souvenirs and aromatic street food stalls.
Next you will learn all about these gentle giants at the Elephant Nature Park. You’ll be collected from your hotel in Chiang Mai and transferred to the park an hour away. You will learn all about the issues faced by elephants in Asia and the personal stories of those rescued by the park. You will have the chance to observe these majestic animals and aid in their rehabilitation before returning to Chiang Mai in the early evening for another night in the city.
Days 7-9 – Myanmar, Monks and the Mekong
The next few days you will spend together with your private guide and driver in the far north of Thailand. Your tour starts in the bustling city of Chiang Mai, from here you will travel past green hills and sleepy towns to the Golden Triangle where the red Mekong forms a natural border between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. The next day you will gain an insight into the life of Myanmar by going across the border and spending a few hours in the Burmese border town of Tachilek. In the afternoon you will travel to Chiang Rai and stay in a comfortable hotel for the final night of this trip of Northern Thailand. Enjoy the green mountainous landscape and let yourself get carried away by the atmosphere of the northern cities.
Days 9-12 – At Home with the Thai
This morning you’ll make your way to the bus station in Chiang Rai for the next location on your Thailand trip. The bus journey will take roughly 3 hours and will drop you just a few streets away from our authentic Thai Homestay.
Sometimes when travelling in Thailand, it can be hard to discover authentic experiences or take a detour off the well-worn tourist route. However, we’ve found an authentic homestay in the Thai countryside. You’ll stay with a local Dutch-Thai family who run their Thailand homestay in a sustainable, eco-friendly way and offer you a unique opportunity to experience real life in rural Thailand. You’ll take a trip to a local village and learn all about the traditional Thai way of life before jumping on a bicycle and cycling through the untouched countryside. Here the landscapes are more rugged, the stars seem to shine brighter, and the people are ready to welcome you.
Days 12-16 – Relaxing on Dolphin Beach
Today your hosts will take you back to the train station where you’ll catch the overnight sleeper train to Bangkok. You’ll spend the night in a 2nd class couchette with spacious seats across from one another that can be easily transformed into a bed. The journey takes roughly 10 hours. The couchette is comfortable and there’s a good restaurant car onboard for your evening meal. On arrival into Bangkok you’ll make your own way to the airport for your flight to Surat Thani in Southern Thailand. Today’s flying time is usually just over an hour. On arrival you will be transferred to Khanom for your beach stay, about 2 hours away.
Next you’ll stay in Khanom, a pretty town on the mainland of southern Thailand. Much less touristy than the nearby islands you can relax without the crowds. You will stay in a comfortable resort with a pool overlooking the sea, they also offer a shuttle service into town so you can check out the local markets and beaches too. There’s nothing planned for the first day so you can kick back and relax with a good book.
Today it’s time to try and spot some pink dolphins. You’ll be collected from your hotel this morning and taken to the pier to catch a longtail boat out into the bay to spot these friendly animals, make sure to keep your camera ready as they often jump alongside the boat. The boat will glide past jagged cliffs and dense mangroves over the smooth water; of course we cannot guarantee you will see dolphins but as they are friendly animals it is highly likely. After the excursion the rest of the afternoon is free to spend as you wish.
Day 16 – Departure
Unfortunately it’s time to say goodbye to your exotic island paradise. After breakfast we’ll arrange your transfer back to Surat Thani train station for your 13 hour sleeper train back to Bangkok. From here you can catch your international flight home.
