Thailand

Bangkok, the colorful capital of Thailand, is a great starting point for our adventure through Thailand. From Bangkok, we’ll journey south to the stunning Khao Sok National Park for time on the lake and time with the elephants! After our time at the park, travel north to beautiful landscapes and temples of Chiang Mai, a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure.

 

Sunday/Monday, November 1/2: Arrive in Bangkok after an overnight flight. A driver will meet you at arrivals for the transfer to the hotel.

Nestled in the heart of the city (central Sathon/Silom area), renowned for its lively streets, exquisite dining, and colorful heritage, our hotel is the perfect base to explore the city.

Tuesday, November 3: Catch up on sleep with a casual morning in Bangkok. Over the next few days, we’ll take a guided tour of the city by foot and by boat. See the striking Grand Palace, the six-ton Golden Buddha, the Golden Mount and the klongs of Thonburi just some of the main highlights.

Wednesday, November 4: Bangkok is full of places to explore and thrilling experiences. An orientation tour with a local guide is a great way to ease us into the city’s frenetic pace while exploring Bangkok’s most famous landmarks.

While in Bangkok, explore the tangled maze of canals, known locally as klongs, that wind through the city and are home to fascinating local life and the photogenic floating markets.  

Once known as the Venice of the East, Bangkok exudes both chaos and charm. A latticework of quiet canals, vibrant night markets and scores of towering skyscrapers; the cacophony of noise, smells and sights here is mesmerising.

Thursday, November 5: Bangkok hasn’t always been Thailands capital. Ayutthaya, an ancient historical city with a fascinating, dark history was founded in 1350 and destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century, meaning it was Thailand’s capital for 500 years.

Today on a private guided tour, we’ll take in the remnants of the gilded temples and palaces at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, comprised of four different temples.

Friday, November 6: This morning we will take a 7am flight south. Khao Sok National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful parks in Thailand.

Huge rocky limestone cliffs loom high above the calm emerald green lake in the center of the National Park. Surrounding the stunning lake are thick green rain forests, beautiful waterfalls and hidden caves.

Upon arrival, a variety of delicious Thai dishes will be served. Later in the afternoon, touch and learn about the life of Thai elephants and the elephant conservation project. Our guide will also teach us about the mahout, the elephant caretaker. While participating in our amazing Elephant experience we will have the chance to interact with them and learn the secrets of their mahouts.

After lunch, relax during a jungle river canoe trip down the Sok River. The canoes are very stable and safe; life jackets are provided as well as a local river guide to paddle the canoe. Drift along the jungle river passing Limestone Mountains and cliffs covered with exotic tropical vegetation. Sometimes hornbill birds can be seen flying high overhead or reptiles basking in the sun on the riverbanks. From the canoe you can experience some of the last areas of primary rainforest, a world that has changed little in thousands of years.

Spend the night in your luxury safari tent with a comfortable bed, reading lights, hot water and a western-style toilet. The tents’ doors and windows are covered with mosquito netting as well as canvas flaps, so insects and reptiles will not bother you. Temperatures at night drop a little, the tents are well ventilated; blankets keep you warm in the chill of the night. This is real luxury so close to the heart of the rainforest!

Saturday, November 7: Wake up to the sounds of nature and birds calling from the bushes next to the tent. By the time the sun comes up and the mist over the rainforest-covered mountains clears, gibbons’ territorial morning calls echo down the valley. Tea and coffee making facilities are available in your tent for early risers; breakfast is at your leisure.

Today we will explore the lake by local long-tail boat. Cruise across emerald waters passing towering rainforest covered Limestone Mountains to the “Guilin” of Southern Thailand. Known as the wonder of southern Thailand, the lake features a first-class habitat for wild elephants, the rare Asian ox, hornbills and hundreds of other tropical birds, various monkey species, amphibians, reptiles and even tigers and leopards.

Head to the floating Rainforest Camp, situated in the heart of the national park, where staff will check you in to your luxury tent with private en-suite bathrooms, solar and wind powered electricity, and hot and cold water showers. Sit back and enjoy the surrounding views of the lake while enjoying a fabulous lunch of Thai dishes.

Sunday, November 8: After breakfast our guide will take us on a guided canoe safari into the little channels and side arms of the lake. Take one of the kayaks and start scanning the tree tops for lazy hornbill birds or energetic primates. Find yourself in heart of the rainforest on a silent adventure – words cannot do this experience justice.

Before traveling on, the last lunch is served at the floating tented camp.

This evening, we’ll fly to Chiang Mai.

Monday, November 9: Surrounded on all sides by jungle, Chiang Mai, the Norths largest city, feels like a respite from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Chiang Mai extends far beyond its ancient city walls. Local Hill tribes bring exquisitely crafted goods to the night bazaars, where the scents of street food and spices fill the night air. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s jewel of the North, a stones throw from the Himalayas.

Chiang Mai is home to over 300 temples, each with a different style. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a temple situated on a mountain overlooking the city, to experience breathtaking views and Buddhist artwork.

Tuesday, November 10: Today, we’ll travel to Chiang Rai and visit the magnificent temples on a full-day, private-tour from Chiang Mai. Visit Wat Sang Kaew Photiyarn, Wat Rong Khun, Wat Huai Pla Kung, and more, with a break for lunch in a local restaurant.

Wednesday, November 11: Doi Inthanon National Park, often referred to as “The Roof of Thailand” is an iconic destination in Thailand’s northern province. Home to the highest mountain in Thailand, offering a wide range of attractions including lush green forests, thundering waterfalls, and beautiful temples.

This morning, we’ll go for a sunset hike to the top of the temple, and witness the Golden Pagoda, believed to enshrine holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Take in the panoramic views of Chiang Mai City, while hearing the Monks early morning chanting.

Thursday, November 12: This morning, we’ll return to Bangkok airport for our international flights home this afternoon/evening.