Thai Explorer 18 dage
This is the absolute best of both South and North Thailand in 18 days!
You’ll discover Bangkok by boat and Tuk Tuk, visit ancient temples, learn to cook delicious Thai food, sleep on floating bungalows in the middle of a rainforest, explore tropical islands, learn Muay Thai boxing, have a Thai massage, party on the world famous full moon beach, cruise around the iconic Phi Phi Islands, trek through the jungles of Chiang Mai, visit local hill tribes, go zip-lining, experience a once in a lifetime day at an Elephant sanctuary and much more!
All with a group leader from the moment you step off the plane, an instant group of friends and help with all your onward travel. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
Starts: Bangkok
Finishes: Chiang Mai
Transport: Overnight Train, Taxi, Minibus, Tuk Tuk, Ferry, Plane
Meals: 3 x Breakfast, 8 x Lunch, 6 x Dinner
Age Range: 8 ‐ 22
Group size: 18 – 39
Local Fees: None
Accommodation:
2 Nights Bangkok – Twin/Dbl Share Guesthouse (Wild Orchid Villa)
1 Night Sleeper Train – Multi-Share Cabin
1 Night Khao Sok – Floating Bungalows Twin or Triple Share
4 Nights Koh Phangan – Twin, Dbl or Triple Share Beachside Bungalows (Sarana Bungalows)
4 Nights Phi Phi Islands – Twin or Triple Share guesthouse (Kinaree House)
4 Nights Chiang Mai – Twin, Double or Triple Share Guesthouse (SK House 2)
1 Night Local Jungle camp – Multi-Share Hut
Included:
Airport pickup, 17 nights accommodation, Ancient temples, Bangkok River Cruise, Bangkok Nightlife, Cooking Class, Floating Bungalows, Tubing, Kayaking, Island Trip, Snorkeling, Thai Massage, Muay Thai boxing or Yoga experience, Paradise Islands exclusive boat trip, Phi Phi Islands experience, Jungle zip-lining, overnight Hill Tribe trek, Elephant sanctuary, Farewell Dinner, all transport, some meals, experienced western Group Leader and local guides, onward travel help & planning, 24/7 support after the trip finishes.
Not Included:
Flights, Insurance, Visas, some meals, Return transfer to Bangkok
Trip Highlights
- Experience the fascinating culture and crazy nightlife of the buzzing capital of Bangkok as you discover ancient temples, learn to cook delicious Thai food and party the night away on the famous Khao San Rd!
- Enter the magical and relatively unknown rainforests of the stunning Khao Sok National Park. Cruise along pristine emerald green lakes, go tubing, kayaking before sleeping overnight on floating bungalows!
- Discover the best of the beautiful southern island of Koh Phangan, snorkel in crystal clear water, sip a cocktail on the balcony of your beachside bungalow before partying on the famous ‘full moon’ beach.
- Experience the world famous Phi Phi Islands on an exclusive boat trip.
- Experience the wonder and culture of the jewel of Northern Thailand. Trek through the jungle and visit a local hill tribe, swim under waterfalls, go bamboo rafting, zip lining and experience a once in a lifetime day at an Elephant sanctuary!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and meet the Group – We’ll pick you up from the airport and take you to the guesthouse in Bangkok. You’ll then have plenty of time to recover from your long flight, chill out and meet everyone in your group.
Day 2: River Cruise & Temples – Soak up Thailand’s fascinating culture as we cruise the canals of Bangkok by long tail boat, explore ancient temples, ride in a Tuk Tuk, then head out and experience the crazy nightlife! (B)
Day 3: Thai Cooking Class & Overnight Train – Learn the secrets to preparing delicious Thai cuisine first hand with a traditional Thai cooking class. Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of Thailand when we board the overnight train and travel down south. (L)
Day 4: Khao Sok National Park – Enter the magical Khao Sok National Park, a hidden paradise of pristine lakes & limestone mountains. Chill out, go kayaking and sleep overnight in floating bungalows!
(L, D)
Day 5: Arrive in Koh Phangan & Beach Party – We’ll travel by boat to the beautiful tropical island of Koh Phangan – home of the world famous full‐moon parties. After checking in to our own amazing beachside bungalows you can spend the afternoon exploring the island or just relax by the pool and work on your tan. We’ll then head out and party on the beach! (B)
Day 6: Traditional Thai Massage & Beach time – A day to unwind, relax and get some well-deserved beach time before being pampered with a traditional Thai massage.
Day 7: Island trip & Snorkeling – You’ll discover the beauty of the island as we travel to some of the most amazing beaches in the world. Chill out, soak up some sun and snorkel in crystal clear water. We’ll then kick back with a BBQ on the beach! (L, D)
Day 8: Muay Thai or Yoga Experience – Today you have the choice of learning the art of Muay Thai boxing or bringing some peace and harmony into your action packed trip with a private Yoga class. We’ll then head out for our last night on Koh Phangan.
Day 9: Transport and arrival to Phi Phi Islands -‐ You’ll now make your way to the beautiful Phi Phi Islands. You’ll arrive in Phi Phi late afternoon, check into your guesthouse before trekking to a spectacular mountain view point to soak up the stunning scenery.
Day 10: Phi Phi Islands Experience -Take off on an amazing boat trip around the stunning Phi Phi Leh. Snorkel, kayak, see an incredible underwater light show at night and enjoy a few drinks and dinner under the stars. It’s a truly unforgettable experience! (D)
*There is a possibility we may not be able to enter right into Maya Bay at certain times of year due to government closures.
Day 11: Paradise Islands Boat Trip – Hike to Phi Phi’s iconic viewpoint in the morning and then explore Phi Phi’s amazing Paradise Islands on an awesome private and exclusive boat trip. Visit hidden lagoons, snorkel in crystal clear water and discover some little known and stunning white sandy beaches. Then head out to experience Phi Phi’s awesome nightlife one last time! (L)
Day 12: Chill out in Phi Phi -‐ Today is your day to relax, work on your tan or explore more of Phi Phi.
Day 13: Fly to Chiang Mai -‐ Today we’ll make our way by ferry and minivan to Phuket airport for our one hour flight to the amazing capital of the north – Chiang Mai. Check in, relax and then head out and explore the city.
Day 14: Jungle Zip-‐lining -‐ Fly high amongst the rainforest canopy and experience the most spectacular views of the mountains of Chiang Mai in this adrenaline charged afternoon of fun! Enjoy a delicious mountain top lunch before heading home. Head out that night and see the amazing night markets! (L)
Day 15: Hill Tribe Trek – We’ll trek through the amazing jungle of Chiang Mai, wander through beautiful rice paddy fields, visit a local hill tribe and learn first hand how the locals live, see stunning waterfalls before reaching our jungle camp for the night. (L,D)
Day 16: Hill Tribe Trek -‐ We continue our trek before bamboo river rafting our way back home! You’ll arrive back to the guesthouse that afternoon and relax or head out and see more of Chiang Mai’s fascinating nightlife. (B, L)
Day 17: Elephant Sanctuary Experience ‐ A very special way to experience Thailand’s most sacred animal in their natural environment. You’ll learn to feed and care for elephants and even share a swim in what is a truly unforgettable experience! (L, D)
Day 18: Check out & Onward travel -‐ Your epic adventure comes to an end today. You can check out that morning and continue your travels, extend your stay in Chiang Mai or simply return to Bangkok. It’s up to you! Your group leader can help you with any of these options.
Arrival Information
It’s best to arrive on the actual start date. There’s no activities on the first day, so you can arrive at any time. If you do arrive early we’ll still pick you up from the airport and will book you into our Bangkok guesthouse – Wild Orchid Villa from the day you arrive. Extra nights will be approx. 25 GBP / 45 AUD per night for a twin room and can be pre-paid with your agent or paid on arrival.
After your trip
Your trip finishes in the northern capital of Chiang Mai. You can choose to stay on longer in Chiang Mai or if you need to get back to Bangkok the quickest option is to fly. Otherwise a cheaper option is either a train or bus. Your Group Leader will help with any other local transport and ensure you’re comfortable with all parts of your onward travel.
Visas
Most nationalities including the UK, Europe, Australia, NZ, Canada, USD, Scandinavia and Brazil will usually receive a
30-day visa exemption on arrival for free.
If you would like a longer tourist visa or are not eligible for the visa exemption you can apply for a visa at your nearest Thai consulate prior to entering Thailand. If you’re unsure of your visa requirements or need any help just contact us.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for Thailand is compulsory to join the trip. Your Group Leader will ask to see proof of your cover before your trip begins. Se mere her
F.A.Q.
Do many people travel alone?
Yes. Lots of people who go to Thailand are travelling solo. But by doing Thai Intro you’ll be part of a group, so it’s a great way to meet and make friends!
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
The great thing about Thailand is it’s usually quite hot all year round, so it’s great to go at any time. There is a slightly higher chance of rain around October and November, however it usually only rains for an hour or so which can be a nice relief from the heat.
How much spending money will I need?
All your activities, accommodation, transport and some meals are included, so you’ll just need money for any extra meals, drinks, shopping and any onward travel. We recommend you bring at least £500 / $800 spending money.
How will I access money while I’m away?
It’s best to take a Visa or Master Card debit, credit or travel money card. There are ATM’s available throughout Thailand so it’s easy to get access to cash. Some places accept credit card but not all.
Is there WiFi throughout the trip?
All accommodations we stay at have free WiFi available. Thailand’s network quality is often lower than you’re used to but you can generally connect and do basic stuff.
What luggage do you recommend?
We always recommend travelling with a backpack and packing light! 10-20 kg of stuff should be plenty. It’s generally quite hot in Thailand so dragging around a huge suitcase is not much fun. There is luggage storage at the airport or at some accommodations if needed.
What plugs do they use in Thailand?
Thailand generally uses a flat or round 2 pin socket the same as most of Europe. It’s always best to grab yourself an appropriate adapter if needed before you go.