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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of Thailand & Malaysia

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Best of Thailand & Malaysia

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Description

Visit South East Asia’s buzzing cities and laidback islands on a jam-packed journey through Thailand and Malaysia. Travel to Northern Thailand to discover the troubled history of River Kwai, cycle through temple ruins at Sukhothai, explore hill village and immerse in the charm of Chiang Mai. Relax in the laidback beachside bliss of Ao Nang, see a different side to the modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, and find food heaven in Penang and Singapore. By visiting rural communities, animal welfare initiatives and local cooking schools along the way, you’ll gain a true sense of what this region is really about and discover why South East Asia shines bright as a diverse and delightful place of adventure.

Trip Name
Best of Thailand & Malaysia
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
22
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Visit the Intrepid Foundation Partner project - Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary, dedicated to rescue and revitalize habitat for wild elephants. Get your hands on making food for elephants and walk with them on the camp while learning about the great work that they do
  • Learn about the dark history of 'Bridge over River Kwai' and explore Siam temple ruins at the UNESCO listed Sukhothai Historical Park
  • Experience the unbeatable hospitality of the locals - learn about the community projects, enjoy the idyllic countryside, and feast on home-cooked meals, accompanied by traditional dancing.
  • Dive into a nature lover’s paradise at Khao Sok National Park, exploring, hiking, relaxing, and cruising by longtail boat on a limestone cliff-circled lake.
  • Encounter the fusion of cultures that gives Penang a unique atmosphere; walk down the backstreets where historic buildings, tumble-down shops and hawker-filled alleyways meld with cool street art.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Bangkok
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Thailan’s bustling capital, Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors who serve delicious Thai food. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road or relax with in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, maybe gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some world-famous street food.
Day 2 - Kanchanaburi
Travel northwest to Kanchanaburi. Located where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge, Kanchanaburi is home to the well-known Bridge on the River Kwai. When you arrive, visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetary (POW Cemetary). This was one of the first museums opened with the aim to educate people and keep the memory alive of the prisoners of war (POWs) workers who died constructing the Death Railway.
Day 3 - Kanchanaburi
This morning, continue your journey through history with a visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, built to honour the POWs and conscripts who passed away while constructing some of the most challenging stretches of the Thai-Burma Death railway. Board the train at Nam Tok station, the main terminal of the Death Railway and ride the historic tracks along the Kwai Noi River to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Pass through beautiful scenery and take a moment to reflect on those who lost their lives in the process of bending this rugged environment to man’s will. This afternoon, make your way to the Erawan Falls. These terraced waterfalls, named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, tumble into a series of emerald-green pools – the perfect spot to go for a swim, take short walk around the area or simply sit back and relax.
Day 4 - Phitsanulok
After breakfast, you’ll continue to travel north. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. Along the way, visit Wat Tha Sung Temple – a magnificent ancient site dating back to the Ayutthaya period. After, continue to your final destination for the day, Phitsanulok. Originally established in the 11th century, this busy provincial capital sits on the banks of the Nan River. When you arrive this afternoon, join your local leader for a relaxed stroll through town before settling in for a free evening.
Day 5 - Sukhothai
This morning, visit the Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary – an Intrepid Foundation partner dedicated to rescuing wild elephants and restoring their natural habitat. Roll up your sleeves to help prepare food for these gentle giants, then walk alongside them as you learn about their habits and the important work the sanctuary is doing to ensure their future. After, continue your journey to Sukhothai. When you arrive, explore the ancient ruins of Old Sukhothai, beautifully set amid serene lakes and manicured gardens. The religious art and architecture of this era are regarded as the most classic expressions of Thai style, and the park is home to the remains of 21 historic sites, featuring impressive Buddha images and four large ponds often dotted with blooming lotus flowers. This afternoon, hire a bike and spend a leisurely afternoon pedalling through the ruins. Finish today with a home-cooked dinner before settling into your hotel for the night.
Day 6 - Chiang Mai
After breakfast, travel to Chiang Mai. Along the way, visit the Lanna village Pong Huai Lan, nested in the hills and surrounded by rice fields. While you’re here, learn about their community project, which is recognised by Thailand’s Transition toward Net Zero Tourism, then hop on a bike and cycle around the village. As you cycle, stop in at a local masters Rattan weaving workshop (part of Thailand's Royal Project Initiative) and discover the community heritage in their community museum. Later today, you’ll be invited into the home of a local family for a home-cooked farm to table dinner. Then, continue to Chiang Mai where you’ll stay tonight.
Day 7 - Chiang Mai
This morning, follow your leader through the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai. As you wander through the bustling markets, learn about the fresh produce and distinct Thai flavours. Then the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River cruise, join a Thai cooking class or have lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training centre, where you’ll hear about the work that the centre does to prepare women from the correctional institution with skills to return to society. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast to a trip well-travelled.
Day 8 - Bangkok
Today, you’ll take an unaccompanied flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, you’ll have a free afternoon to experience the fast-paced and fascinating Thai capital. This is a great opportunity to explore anything you missed in the beginning of the trip. Why not take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. Keep in mind that there will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary at 6 pm. After your briefing, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some of the world-famous street food.
Day 9 - Bangkok
Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the khlongs (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Visit Wat Pho – one of the Bangkok temples with a 46-m-long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, at 3 m long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls and shrines. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train journey to Surat Thani.
Day 10 - Phrom Lok Homestay
Arrive at Surat Thani in the morning, then travel by minivan to Khao Sok. Set amid hectares of thick jungle, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and an island-studded lake, the national park of Khao Sok is a nature lover's paradise. Here, you’ll have free time to explore one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Walk along the dirt trails that snake through the quiet park, looking out for wildlife as you head for rivers and waterfalls. Look out for the rare Rafflesia Kerri – one of the world’s largest flowers, only found in Thailand. Spend the night in a rustic hut within the ancient trees of the rainforest.
Day 11 - Phrom Lok Homestay
Travel through jungle, rubber and oil plantations before boarding a long tail boat for a ride across Cheow Lan Lake. With limestone karsts rising almost 1000 m out of the green waters, this area is incredibly picturesque. You’ll trek to an island cave to see the eerie stalactites and bats hanging from the ceiling, with subterranean streams at your feet. Have lunch in a local raft-house before soaking up some free time to relax, swim or kayak around the lake to search for wildlife – the water is clear and teems with aquatic life, and you can also look out for hornbills, langurs, macaques and gibbons.
Day 12 - Ao Nang
Head to Ao Nang in a private minivan, stopping at Baan Bor Tor along the way. When you arrive, embark on a sea kayaking journey. About halfway along the coast between Than Bok Khoranee and Krabi town is a bay of mangroves that might just be the most beautiful bay in Thailand. Surrounded by towering karst formations and many small offshore islands, these waterways will be your pathway as you move slowly through the bays and canyons, through the inlets, caves and hidden lagoons. Look out for the birds overhead and the monkeys in the trees – if you do see a monkey, make sure you secure your belongings and any food! Arrive at Ao Nang late in the afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.
Day 13 - Ao Nang
If you’re a nature lover, Krabi might just be your favourite spot. Today is a free day to soak up everything this island has to offer. Maybe head to the water for a diving adventure or take a daytrip to explore Phi Phi and Khai Nok – these islands are surrounded by white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The area around Krabi is also home to some of the best climbing routes. Whether you're a novice or a pro, being securely tied high up a limestone cliff-face looking down on jungle and is an unforgettable experience! Tonight, maybe watch the sunset light up the sky and indulge in some local seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Day 14 - Trang
This morning, you’ll head on to the small village of Baan Mod Tanoy. When you arrive, you’ll go on a walk around the village and gain some insight into the locals’ day to day life. Then, time to enjoy the great food and hospitality of the village. Get your hands dirty with some Batik handkerchief dyeing and learn a few tricks from the local craftsman at a workshop showcasing this traditional art. Your accommodation tonight is in a local resort in the village.
Day 15 - Pulau Penang
Say goodbye to Thailand this morning – you're off to Malaysia! The island of Penang was the first destination of the colonial British in 1786 and they invited the Chinese (as well as others from all over Asia) to live on this island in the tropics. Today, this fusion of cultures still exists, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Georgetown shows the fascinating mix in its range of places of worship. When you arrive, you’ll take an orientation walk around the tumble-down shops and hawker-filled alleyways to get your bearings. The food here might just be the best in Malaysia, so you’ll seek out some hawker food stalls with your leader and get a taste for the local cuisine. Sample some local specialties such as nasi kandar, Penang laksa and char kway teow.
Day 16 - Pulau Penang
Take a half-day sightseeing walking tour around Penang and Georgetown, soaking up the relaxed pace of life and the mix of cultures. See the original 19th century shophouses, the street markets, and the strong cultural and religious identity still on display in each neighbourhood – Little India, Chinatown or the Muslim Quarter. Check out the street art and stop by a clan jetty – clans were formed by 19th century immigrants who banded together based on the area of China that they came from, and they built rival waterfront societies on wooden jetties. Visit Thai and Burmese temples like Kek Lok Si – the largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia. You’ll have this afternoon free top explore at your own pace. Maybe see the clan house of Khoo Kongsi and check out the ornate carvings on the walls, roof and pillars. Maybe see more Chinese architecture in the blue Courtyard House of Cheong Fatt Tze – a wealthy merchant.
Day 17 - Kuala Lumpur
Continue south to Kuala Lumpur – the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia, affectionately known as KL by the locals. Communities of Indian, Chinese and ethnic Malay people mingle peacefully, allowing travellers to get the best of all three worlds. KL has grown from a sleepy little village to a skyscraper-lined multi-million-peopled metropolis. The city can seem vast, but the focus is the traditional core of the Old Town (the former colonial centre), the luxury hotel and shopping mall district of the Golden Triangle, and bustling Chinatown and Little India. Follow your leader on an orientation walk near the hotel and tonight, follow the Bukit Bintang Walkway and see the Petronas Twin Towers lit at night. From simple-street side fare that attracts queues of customers eager to high-calibre, world-class cuisine, you’ll have no problem finding a good dinner spot.
Day 18 - Kuala Lumpur
Enjoy a free day today for your own exploration! Perhaps visit the National Monument (commemorating those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom and based on the Iwo Jima Memorial in the USA), the vast National Mosque featuring a bold and modern design, or the Istana Negara (National Palace). You might like stroll Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), or shop in Suria KLCC (one of Malaysia’s premier shopping destinations) and then head up to the Skybridge & Observation Deck of the iconic Petronas Towers to get another view of the city. Lake Gardens is home to a number of sights, including the National Planetarium and the Islamic Arts Museum. Or if you’re seeking something active, you might like to join a bike tour.
Day 19 - Melaka
Transfer by local bus to the old port town of Melaka – once the most important trading port in Malaysia, attracting Chinese, Indian, Dutch, Portuguese and British traders. These visitors sought wealth or an opportunity to control the Straits of Malacca, a vital trading route between the Indian and Pacific oceans, which lead to 400 years of colonial rule. Today, Melaka's wealth of historical sites reminds visitors of times gone by, and its multicultural past is revealed in its distinctive cuisine. Like Georgetown, the Melaka was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, and like its Penang sibling, the city is a harmonic mix of cultures. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening to explore.
Day 20 - Melaka
Today, you’ll get to know this port city better with a trishaw tour along the narrow winding streets. You’ll admire Chinatown's unique Peranakan architecture, get a taste of old Melaka and learn about the ancient spice trade. Take in sites such as Harmony Street and stop by a mosque, Chinese Buddhist Temples, and a traditional Muslim house-museum. In your free time this afternoon there are plenty of historic sites and museums to check out. Maybe jump on two wheels for an eco bike tour around the city or see Melaka from a different perspective with a boat tour along the river.
Day 21 - Singapore
Travel by local bus to the last stop of the journey – Singapore. Singapore has few areas untouched by modernisation, but wandering the streets of Little India and Chinatown is a great way to see the old parts of the city. To explore further, check out the renowned shopping precinct of Orchard Road, or stop by Raffles to experience the old-world charm of a Singapore Sling. An evening in Singapore is not complete without a stroll along Clarke Quay, or even a river cruise to learn more about the fascinating history of this city. Your accommodation tonight is a centrally located hotel, perfect for easy exploring. Whatever you choose today, maybe gather together your fellow travellers for a celebratory drink or meal as your Bangkok to Singapore adventure comes to an end.
Day 22 - Singapore
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Singapore and explore the sites, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 6,430-
22-03-202612-04-2026AUD $ 5,756-
29-03-202619-04-2026AUD $ 6,021-
19-04-202610-05-2026AUD $ 6,290-
17-05-202607-06-2026AUD $ 5,925-
19-07-202609-08-2026AUD $ 6,620-
23-08-202613-09-2026AUD $ 6,230-
27-09-202618-10-2026AUD $ 6,230-
04-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 6,230-
11-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 6,230-
25-10-202615-11-2026AUD $ 6,230-
01-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 6,230-
08-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 6,620-
15-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 6,730-
22-11-202613-12-2026AUD $ 6,730-
29-11-202620-12-2026AUD $ 6,620-
13-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 6,230-
20-12-202610-01-2027AUD $ 6,395-
24-12-202614-01-2027AUD $ 6,960-
27-12-202617-01-2027AUD $ 7,295-
03-01-202724-01-2027AUD $ 6,850-
10-01-202731-01-2027AUD $ 6,850-
17-01-202707-02-2027AUD $ 6,460-
24-01-202714-02-2027AUD $ 6,460-
31-01-202721-02-2027AUD $ 6,975-
07-02-202728-02-2027AUD $ 6,975-
14-02-202707-03-2027AUD $ 6,975-
28-02-202721-03-2027AUD $ 6,655-
07-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 6,655-
14-03-202704-04-2027AUD $ 6,655-
21-03-202711-04-2027AUD $ 6,655-
28-03-202718-04-2027AUD $ 6,850-
18-04-202709-05-2027AUD $ 6,460-
16-05-202706-06-2027AUD $ 6,460-
10-06-202701-07-2027AUD $ 6,460-
18-07-202708-08-2027AUD $ 6,655-
22-08-202712-09-2027AUD $ 6,460-
03-10-202724-10-2027AUD $ 6,460-
17-10-202707-11-2027AUD $ 6,460-
24-10-202714-11-2027AUD $ 6,460-
31-10-202721-11-2027AUD $ 6,655-
07-11-202728-11-2027AUD $ 6,850-
14-11-202705-12-2027AUD $ 6,975-
21-11-202712-12-2027AUD $ 6,975-
28-11-202719-12-2027AUD $ 6,850-
12-12-202702-01-2028AUD $ 6,460-
19-12-202709-01-2028AUD $ 6,460-
23-12-202713-01-2028AUD $ 7,445-

Accommodation

Resort (4 nights), Hotel (14 nights), Guest House (2 nights), overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Transport

Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Public bus, Songthaew, Taxi, Bicycle, Plane, Rafthouse

Map

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