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Highlights of Thailand

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Highlights of Thailand

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Description

Journey through the Land of Smiles, where spicy delicacies, majestic elephants, golden Buddhas, colourful hilltribe villages, and fantastic markets all come together. Thailand’s stunning beauty and charming culture are always present on this 10-day small group adventure. Witness traditional hilltribe life in a Hmong village, support the rehabilitation of the endangered Asian elephant in Chiang Mai, cruise down Bangkok’s famous khlongs, step back in time in the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai and try your hand at creating some delectable Thai dishes. This is your chance to capture the adventure and timeless essence of Thailand.

Trip Name
Highlights of Thailand
Last Updated
2024-07-25
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Experience an unforgettable day in the company of the giants of the jungle, Asian elephants, at a reserve that will teach you about conservation and animal protection in this region.
  • Take in some of Thailand’s most iconic sights, including the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi, and the Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai.
  • Whip up a culinary storm in Sukhothai, creating and tasting delicious traditional dishes at a cooking class with a local host.
  • Immerse yourself in an ancient culture with a night in the Hmong lodge, where you’ll be treated to a barbecue dinner and Hmong cultural show.
  • Uncover the ancient charms of Sukhothai on a leisurely bike tour through the ruin-filled Historical Park, followed by a delicious picnic lunch.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.

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. 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 the country’s bustling capital, Bangkok, famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. A welcome meeting will take place at 6pm tonight where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Bangkok with time to spare, you may like to take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, perhaps get to know your group over dinner at one of the many restaurants surrounding your hotel.
Day 2 - Kanchanaburi
Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’ (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Pay a visit to the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The sprawling royal complex houses numerous ornate structures that highlight the grand architectural traditions of Thailand. Later in the day, travel south by private minibus to Kanchanaburi (approximately 2.5 hours). Located where the confluence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers, Kanchanaburi is home to the infamous 'Bridge on the River Kwai'.
Day 3 - Kanchanaburi
This morning, make tracks for the Erawan Falls. These terraced waterfalls, named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, cascade into a series of emerald green pools – a beautiful place to swim, walk or sit back and relax. After your visit drive to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, built to honour the allied prisoners of war (POWs) and Asian conscripts who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Thai-Burma Death Railway. You can head out to a teak observation deck and look across to Myanmar just kilometres away. You’ll also see the eponymous pass, cut through rock 18 metres deep, that got its name from the hellish fires used to light the work at night. Boarding at Nam Tok station, the main terminal of the Death Railway, take a ride along the historic tracks along the Kwai Noi River and travel over the original wooden viaduct (the Bridge on the River Kwai) constructed by the allied POWs. Pass through magnificent scenery and spend a moment reflecting on those who were forced to give their lives in the process of bending this environment to man’s will. Tonight, you can explore the rows of street vendors in town and perhaps grab a drink overlooking the River Kwai.
Day 4 - Ayutthaya
Head away from Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya in a private minivan this morning. Once the capital in the Kingdom of Siam, the ruins of palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues can be found in Ayutthaya’s Historical Park, which you’ll explore this afternoon. See Wat Panan Choeng (adorned with a huge 19 metre Buddha image), Wat Yai Chai Mong Kol (with its 62 metre Victory Pagoda), and the famous Wat Maha That (the Buddhist temple with a figure head swallowed by tree roots). 
Day 5 - Sukhothai
Buckle up for a bit of travelling today. Take a traditional songthaew from your accommodation to the train station, then board a day train to Phitsanuloke. From there, take a minivan to Sukhothai, the historic capital of Siam, stopping off at the Wat Yai Phitsanuloke temple along the way. Be sure to have your music, podcasts or movies downloaded or a good book handy, as you’ll be sweeping through the countryside on a relaxing travel day. Once arrived at your resort, spend some time in the open air and perhaps have a swim in the onsite pool!
Day 6 - Sukhothai
Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century as one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, and the name means the 'Dawn of Happiness'. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed Historic Park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Head out to the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai, set amid beautiful lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, and the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of 21 historic sites, with striking Buddha images and four large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Upon arrival at the park, hop on bicycles and enjoy a few leisurely hours learning about the history of this fascinating place, tucking into a tasty picnic lunch at the end of your ride. Have some free time this afternoon before heading to a local house for a Thai-style cooking class. You’ll learn some traditional recipes from the Sukhothai region like chilli pastes, fragrant curries, spicy soups, steamed fish cakes and Thai custard. Your host will help you prepare these dishes and will assist you in making a delicious spread to share at the end.
Day 7 - Hmong Hilltribe Lodge
Take a minivan on a drive north to the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge in picturesque hilly countryside. Set in a peaceful valley of a scenic mountain range and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes of jungle and mountains, the Hmong lodge offers a unique and tranquil experience. It's a great escape from the hustle and bustle of busy tourist spots. The rooms are simple and rustic, fitting perfectly with the natural environment. Be sure to pack a warm jumper as the weather will be mild and cool year-round due to the lofty mountain location. The Hmong are an ethnic minority in Thailand who originated in central China, and today they make up the second largest hilltribe group in Thailand. After a barbecue dinner in the lodge's open-air dining area, the day concludes with a cultural performance by the Hmong people. You'll gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the tribe, with a wedding ceremony enactment, shamanic ritual and makong (cotton ball) throwing.
Day 8 - Chiang Mai
Transfer by private vehicle to Chiang Mai, the most vibrant city in northern Thailand and home to many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. In the late afternoon, embark on a scenic, winding drive up a mountain to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes, Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a memorable experience. Your leader can help you to arrange optional activities for your free time today – you can get active with a bicycle tour to discover the city and surrounding countryside from a different perspective, indulge in a Thai massage or a spa treatment, or just relax with a book by the pool.
Day 9 - Chiang Mai
Today is set to be one to remember as you visit the ChangChill elephant reserve – a truly special experience. Drive out to the reserve and learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will give you a live lecture on the elephants as well as the reserve’s sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments near the elephant’s mud pit, then be treated to lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. On your way back to Chiang Mai, stop by Kaomai Estate 1955 cafe for a coffee – this eclectic tobacco factory-turned-cafe holds a Cultural Heritage Conservation for New Design accreditation from UNESCO. This evening, get together for a final group dinner in town and celebrate today’s unforgettable experience.
Day 10 - Chiang Mai
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-08-202425-08-2024AUD $ 2,628-
13-09-202422-09-2024AUD $ 2,482-
04-10-202413-10-2024AUD $ 2,890-
18-10-202427-10-2024AUD $ 3,170-
01-11-202410-11-2024AUD $ 3,150-
08-11-202417-11-2024AUD $ 3,120-
15-11-202424-11-2024AUD $ 3,125-
22-11-202401-12-2024AUD $ 3,490-
26-11-202405-12-2024AUD $ 3,125-
29-11-202408-12-2024AUD $ 3,365-
13-12-202422-12-2024AUD $ 3,185-
27-12-202405-01-2025AUD $ 3,155-
03-01-202512-01-2025AUD $ 3,185-
17-01-202526-01-2025AUD $ 3,185-
07-02-202516-02-2025AUD $ 3,185-
14-02-202523-02-2025AUD $ 3,185-
21-02-202502-03-2025AUD $ 3,185-
28-02-202509-03-2025AUD $ 3,065-
07-03-202516-03-2025AUD $ 3,065-
14-03-202523-03-2025AUD $ 3,065-
21-03-202530-03-2025AUD $ 3,065-
28-03-202506-04-2025AUD $ 3,065-
11-04-202520-04-2025AUD $ 3,065-
13-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 2,950-
04-07-202513-07-2025AUD $ 2,950-
18-07-202527-07-2025AUD $ 2,950-
08-08-202517-08-2025AUD $ 2,950-
05-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 2,950-
03-10-202512-10-2025AUD $ 2,950-
17-10-202526-10-2025AUD $ 2,950-
31-10-202509-11-2025AUD $ 2,950-
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $ 3,065-
14-11-202523-11-2025AUD $ 3,065-
21-11-202530-11-2025AUD $ 3,065-
28-11-202507-12-2025AUD $ 3,185-
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $ 3,185-
19-12-202528-12-2025AUD $ 3,185-
26-12-202504-01-2026AUD $ 3,185-
02-01-202611-01-2026AUD $ 3,025-
16-01-202625-01-2026AUD $ 3,025-
06-02-202615-02-2026AUD $ 3,025-
13-02-202622-02-2026AUD $ 3,025-
27-02-202608-03-2026AUD $ 3,025-
06-03-202615-03-2026AUD $ 3,025-
13-03-202622-03-2026AUD $ 3,025-
20-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 3,025-
27-03-202605-04-2026AUD $ 3,025-
10-04-202619-04-2026AUD $ 3,025-
12-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 3,025-
03-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 3,025-
17-07-202626-07-2026AUD $ 3,025-
07-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 3,025-
04-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 3,025-
02-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 3,025-
16-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 3,025-
30-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 3,025-
06-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 3,025-
13-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 3,025-
20-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 3,225-
27-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 3,225-
11-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 3,225-
18-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 3,075-
25-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 3,075-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights),Lodge (1 night),Resort (5 nights)

Transport

Train,Private mini van,Longtail boat,Songtheaw,Bicycle

Map

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