This is a suggested itinerary. Dates, stops & activities are all flexible. 14 Days: Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Khao Sok National Park - Beach Activities: temples and culture, street food, meeting elephants, white water rafting, ziplining, wildlife spotting, jungle treehouse, floating rafthouse, beach Day 1: Arrive at Bangkok airport where you will be met by our local representative and taken to your hotel. Day 2: A full day visit to the ‘must see’ attractions of Bangkok as well as some hidden gems. Begin at Bangkok’s signature landmark, the Grand Palace and Wat Po, with its impressive huge reclining Buddha image. After lunch, board a classic long-tail boat to explore the city's network of canals and watch a traditional Thai puppet show, then cruise back to the magnificent royal temple Wat Arun. In the evening you'll explore China Town and the photogenic city flower market by tuk tuk, sampling some of the best street food in the city along the way. (B/L) Day 3: Fly to Chiang Mai, then the rest of the day is free to explore the “Rose of the North”, with its historic temples, incredible street food and famous 'walking street' markets. We can also arrange city tours, trekking, hilltribe visits, outdoor adventures and much more... (B) Day 4: Spend the day at a project supported by Elephant Nature Park, the country's leading advocates of ethical elephant experiences, where you can interact with these majestic animals in their natural habitat. No shows or tricks, just your chance to observe the world's largest land mammals and to get up close to touch, feed and wash them - a once in a lifetime experience! In the evening, pay a visit to the famous Night Market. (B/L) Note: this is also available as an overnight experience staying in a hilltribe village. Day 5: Finish your visit to Chiang Mai white water rafting and treetop ziplines - for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers alike this has got to be the most unique way to explore the beautiful forest. Enjoy 2 hours of exhilarating rafting, including the best 14 rapids in the country along the Mae Tang River. Continue to the woodland adventure park and fly gently through the treetops on 14 ziplines strung from tree to tree, using an ingenious system of platforms, cables and sky bridges. (B/L) Day 6: Transfer to the airport for a flight to Surat Thani, then continue to your jungle treehouse at Khao Sok National Park and relax with a traditional Thai massage. Enjoy an exciting night safari before falling asleep to the sounds of nature. (B) Day 7: In the morning choose between canoeing or tubing down the river, where your guide will point out brightly-coloured birds along the banks and maybe a snake or two hanging high up on the trees. The afternoon is free until you meet your guide for a very special evening experience in the jungle - bamboo cooking and another night safari. (B/L) Day 8: Drive to Chiaw Laan lake, where you will spend a night under the stars in a floating bungalow that matches the simplicity of the surroundings. On the way you will have lunch with a local community, enjoy stunning vistas of the lake and take a hike along an undisturbed jungle trail. At dusk, take a boat safari to look for dusky langurs, macaque monkeys, gibbons or even wild elephants. (B/L/D) Day 9: Early morning cruise around the lake shores in search of the elusive but prolific wildlife that can be found here, before returning to the rafthouse for breakfast. Afterwards depart back across the lake and drive to Surat Thani to catch a catamaran to one of the east coast islands such as Koh Samui or Koh Tao. Note: these islands are recommended for June-Aug but Thailand has numerous amazing beaches - which one you go to depends on the prevailing weather and your personal tastes! (B/L) Days 10-13: Free days to relax and enjoy the Thailand's famously stunning beaches. Tao is known as one of the best scuba diving sites in the world, while Koh Phangan has a great laid-back vibe and more to offer than just full moon parties. Koh Samui is very family-friendly and offers more varied shops and restaurants but it's still possible to avoid the crowds and discover a slice of tropical paradise. (B) Day 14: Transfer to Samui airport for your onwards flight and leave Thailand with lots of amazing memories and photos! (B) Prices from: £1699 per person
Services included: hotels on shared room basis, meals, transfers and activities as mentioned, entry fees, English speaking guide, 24 hour assistance
Services not included: flights, drinks, tips and personal expenses
Note: stops can be extended, added or cut - just ask us!
