Thailand in a Nutshell
Itinerary
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 – The River and the Railway
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 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.
Days 5-7 – Elephant Encounters in Chiang Mai
This morning, after breakfast you’ll take the bus back to Bangkok, which will take about 2.5 hours. You will then make your own way to the airport for your 90-minute domestic flight to Chaing Mai in Northern Thailand. 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 7-10 – At Home with the Thai
This morning you’ll make your way to the train station in Chiang Mai for the next location on your Thailand trip. You’ll journey for 3-4 hours to Den Chai for your trip into the Thai countryside to stay with a local family. 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 10-13 – Discover the Flavours of Ko Lanta
Today, your hosts will take you back to the train station in Den Chai where you’ll catch the 10-hour overnight train to Bangkok. You’ll spend the night in a 2nd class carriage sitting in spacious seats across from each another that will be transformed into a bed. The couchette is comfortable and there’s a good restaurant carriage onboard for your evening meal. You’ll find that there are many international travellers on board, as well as Thai locals. One of the train stewards will wake you an hour before your arrival. When you arrive in Bangkok you’ll make your own way to the airport for your 90-minute flight south to Krabi. On arrival, we’ll arrange your 3-hour transfer on to the vast stretches of white sand and swaying coconut palms of Ko Lanta.
As well as vast stretches of white sand and swaying coconut palms, Thailand is also famous for it’s cuisine. From spicy coconut curries and stir-fried noodles to fresh papaya salad and crispy spring rolls, it’s easy to find something truly mouth-watering. During this trip to the tropical island of Ko Lanta you’ll take a cooking class and learn how to make some of these tasty dishes for yourself. You’ll stay in a comfortable wooden bungalow, just a short walk from the island’s natural rainforest and rugged coastline. You’ll have plenty of time to relax on the peach-sand beach and savour the easy going atmosphere.
Day 13 – Departure
It’s the last day of your holiday in Thailand and you’ll say goodbye to your island paradise today as it’s time to leave Ko Lanta and return home. We’ll arrange your transfer back to Krabi where you’ll catch a flight to Bangkok to connect onto your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Thailand in a Nutshell - In Style Accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.
