Central & Eastern Thailand bite-sized trips

Bangkok is one of the most famous Asian cities, where east meets west and tasty food stalls adorn every corner. During your time here you will head out at sunrise with your local guide to explore the cultures and communities behind the bright lights of this bustling cosmopolitan city. Take a ride through the canals, or Khlongs, on a longtail boat to get a different perspective of the city and finish the afternoon on a rooftop bar overlooking the sprawling cityscape.

This River Kwai rafts trip is one of our favourite bite-size trips, taking you through the diverse landscape along the River Kwai- an essential experience in Thailand. You will begin with a visit to a market with local fresh produce. From there, you’ll visit a museum on the construction of the Burmese Railway and take a boat to your home for the night – a unique floating guest house on the River Kwai. The following day, you’ll take a swim in the aquamarine pools of Erawan falls and ride the rails of the infamous Death railway to the Bridge over the River Kwai.

Ayutthaya is an ancient royal city offering a peaceful place to explore temple ruins and a great break from bustling city streets. Stay in a cosy guesthouse with plenty of Thai charm, learn about the fascinating past of this historic former capital by bike before cruising down the river on a converted rice barge. Finish the afternoon off with a relaxing massage overlooking the water, pure bliss!

Take a walk on the wild side and uncover the true Thailand! Heading south from the busy streets of Bangkok you will visit Kui Buri National Park in search of wild elephants and water buffaloes. Next, you will spend the day at the Wildlife Friends Foundation to learn about the local rescued wildlife, from primates to tropical birds.

This trip will allow you to discover the ancient ruins of one of Thailand’s most important historic cities, Sukhothai. The name translates as “Rising of Happiness” and the Sukhothai Kingdom has had a huge influence on today’s modern Thailand. You’ll stay in a cosy hotel a world away from the bustle of Bangkok. During your Sukhothai trip you’ll have plenty of time to explore this UNESCO site under your own steam.

An hour from the Thai mainland is the peaceful island of Koh Kood. This tropical paradise, which lies close to the Cambodian border, has hardly been discovered by tourists. The interior of the island is almost completely covered in rainforest; the coastline is a string of picturesque bays. It’s the perfect place for some R&R time.

Uncover a slice of hidden Thailand with a trip to Isaan. From rural life and lush green rice fields to hidden temples and one of the most delicious dishes in Thailand: Papaya Salad. Spend the night with a local Thai family and explore rural Isaan by bike.

Do you want to finish your trip through northern and central Thailand on a beautiful beach, but don’t feel like taking a long train ride or flight south? Koh Samet is the perfect spot. Just a few hours from Bangkok, it’s a favourite getaway for locals, yet still has some hidden gems, and we’ve found a peaceful resort that’s right on the beach.

Discover some of Thailand’s best-kept secrets on this East Isaan adventure: from the ‘Mekong Grand Canyon’ to rock paintings dating back 3,000 years. This is one of the best unpublished routes to southern Laos by road and uncovers many little-visited sites along the way. Sailing across the Mekong, treks through national parks, and regional specialties add flavour to this trip.

Between Koh Chang and Koh Kood lies the idyllic snorkelling paradise of Koh Mak. This picture-postcard island is circled with palm-fringed bays; the green interior dotted with rubber plantations. Despite being located not too far from civilisation, it’s off the mass tourism radar, making it the perfect place to relax.

Travel by train from Bangkok to Vientiane to explore the less-visited Isaan province of Thailand. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in local culture. You’ll cycle through picturesque landscapes, learning to cook traditional dishes, and experiencing the authentic way of life. This trip is ideal for those looking to combine cultural discovery with relaxation. You’ll stay in charming, small-scale hotels full of character and enjoy meaningful interactions with the people of Isaan. The trip concludes as you cross into Laos, reaching the laid-back city of Vientiane.

Khao Yai is the oldest of Thailand’s National Parks and is one of the best places to see wildlife in Thailand. Just four hours from Bangkok you’ll find yourself immersed in a dense jungle with a variety of animals waiting to be spotted. With a trip to the bat cave, a full day’s safari and comfortable resort with pool, there’s no better way to explore the surrounding wildlife. Head out with your group and guide for a few days filled with jungle walks, wildlife spotting and connecting with nature.

Your Ko Chang beach stay is a great place for vigorous treks, climbing up to refreshing waterfalls or exploring the exotic underwater world. During your stay we’ll arrange explore some of the best snorkelling spots in the area on a boat trip with a small group. Only a 5 hour drive from Bangkok, Ko Chang is a great way to end an active holiday, or as a stop off point on the road from Cambodia. Alternatively, you can relax in a hammock and soak up the warmth.

Experience the elegant riverside cities and mystical temples of neighbouring Cambodia on this journey from Thailand to Battambang. The area is known as the “rice bowl of Cambodia” due to the fertile soil. You’ll stay in a comfortable resort just outside the city centre and go on an excursion through the neighbourhoods of Battambang. You’ll see the famous Bamboo train, visit hidden temples and stop at small local villages where you’ll see how sticky rice and banana paper is made. This trip finishes in Battambang, where we can extend your time in Cambodia with a visit to Angkor Wat.