2-Week Thailand Train Itinerary - Chaing Mai & Ko Phangan

On arrival in Thailand, you’ll be collected from the airport and taken to a hotel in central Bangkok where you’ll stay for 2 nights. This hotel is tastefully decorated and has a swimming pool – perfect for those hot days. Suitably refreshed, your adventure can really begin and you can explore your fascinating neighbourhood. Your time here is free to do as you wish, those craving an instant culture fix can head straight to the Royal Palace. This is the number one place of interest for most Bangkok visitors.

After an early breakfast you’ll start your trip to the River Kwai as part of a small group. First you will visit a market before heading to the Hellfire Pass Museum where you can learn all about the haunting history of this region. In the afternoon a longtail boat will take you upstream to your accommodation for the night, a floating raft house lit by flickering oil lamps.

After a peaceful night’s sleep in your floating hut you’ll you’ll visit the Erawan Waterfalls, a spectacular collection of waterfalls. As you climb why not take a plunge in one of the clear pools to cool off. Next it’s time to board the train for a trip across the Burma ‘Death’ Railway. During the ride you’ll see panoramic views of the River Kwai and visit the Bridge over the River Kwai. You’ll spend the second night of this trip in a small, cosy riverside resort in Kanchanaburi.

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 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.

You’ll spend the next few days in a secluded bay on the tropical island of Ko Phangan. We’ll arrange for you to be collected from the ferry port and transfer you to your resort with swimming pool on Ko Pha Ngan’s Ao Thong Nai Pan Beach. The famous full moon parties are held on the other side of the island at Had Rin Beach, so they won’t impact you during your stay. Your time here is free to do as you please! If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike up to the island’s highest point – Kao Ra. This breathtaking viewpoint is located at an altitude of 627m. Alternatively you can sit back and relax on the shimmering beach with a local beer or tropical cocktail.