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12 Day itinerary in Thailand, Asia

Thailand from the Jungle to the Beach

This tour is designed for travelers wishing to discover Thailand from Bangkok to the North, its natural landscapes, and its charming structures on a human scale, while privileging the proximity with local communities. A respectful tourism rich in discoveries and encounters.

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JordanLara

By Jordan and Lara

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Bangkok

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Visit markets

Meet local people

Outdoors & Nature

Culture & Arts

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Hike in Erawan National Park and its seven waterfalls where you can bath

2

Visit the site of Ayutthaya with its Buddha head embraced by the roots of trees

3

Discover a typical northern stilt house with a local resident and learn about the Lanna culture

4

Meet the Asian elephant for a better understanding of this sacred creature for Thai

Itinerary

High-end Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Airport transfer

“Sawasdee”, Welcome to Bangkok! "We start our descent to Bangkok. Please return to your seat and fasten your seat belt", announces the chief cabin attendant. In less than 30 minutes, your plane will land in Bangkok, the "City of Angels" and capital of the Kingdom of Thailand. When you leave the plane, you will be greeted by a privileged welcome: assistance and a porter will be waiting for you with a personalized sign. At the exit of the airport, you will be directed to your private vehicle for a transfer to the hotel. As the urban landscape unfolds before your eyes, you will feel the first sensations of the "Land of smiles", as Thailand is nicknamed. Room available from 14:00. Dinner at leisure and night at the hotel

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Mode Sathorn Hotel Bangkok
Day 2

place Bang Kra Chao, Bike Tour & Temples of the city

8:00 am Departure from your hotel 8.45 am Arrival by boat at Bang Kra Chao 9.00 am Bicycle tour 11:30 am End of your excursion and return to the hotel Lunch at leisure 14:00 pm Departure for the visit of the main temples of the city. Dinner at leisure This morning, move away from the center of Bangkok in a little frequented place: Bang Kra Jao nicknamed "the jungle" of Bangkok. This oasis dotted with bicycle paths crossing coconut groves, parks and villages, is formed by a large curve of the Chao Phraya river drawing a peninsula, and is not connected to the urban center by any bridge and only accessible by boat from the port of klong Toey. Once you cross the river, the change of scenery is such that you feel like you are in the countryside. By bicycle, ride along many small canals and traditional villages planted in the middle of a real tropical jungle. This ride is easy and accessible to the whole family. Another island, artificial this one because formed by a canal and the Chao Phraya river, another time: the historic district of Rattanakosin, where the Royal Palace is located, the most visited site in Bangkok, which houses the Wat Phra Keo and the famous Emerald Buddha, the most venerated representation of Buddha in Thailand. On the other side of the royal enclosure, the Wat Po and its 46 meters long golden reclining Buddha is also a temple known to teach the art of traditional Thai massage. What could be more relaxing than a 30 min foot massage before returning to the hotel (optional at extra charge).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Mode Sathorn Hotel Bangkok
Day 3

place Mae Khlong market, Damnoen Saduak, & Kanchanaburi

BANGKOK – DAMNOEN SADUAK – KANCHANABURI (Breakfast/-/-) English-speaking guide and private transportation 7:00 am Meet your English-speaking guide at the reception of your hotel. 8:30 am Visit of Mae Khlong “train” market 9:30 am Arrival at Baan Paew village and boat ride 10:10 am Visit of the floating market of Damnoen Saduak 10:45 am Road to Kanchanaburi (110 km, 2h drive) 1:00 pm Lunch at leisure 3:30 pm Journey aboard the death railway train (50 min) 5:00 pm: check in at the hotel Dinner at leisure at the hotel This morning, discover the amazing Mae Khlong market, also known as the "train market" located about 1h30 south of Bangkok. Indeed, the locals have set up their stalls on the sides of the rails, and each time the train approaches, they hurry to pack up their stuff and put their products back on sale after the locomotive passes by! You will take a motorized pirogue (40 min) to reach the most famous floating market of the country, by taking several klongs (canals) where you will observe scenes of daily life on the shores. At Damnoen Saduak, the merchants' boats are loaded with fruits and vegetables and food of all kinds. In Kanchanaburi, you will have lunch at the foot of the famous Kwai River Bridge, which inspired the eponymous film. "The train of death", built by the prisoners of the Japanese occupying forces (tens of thousands of men lost their lives) to bring military equipment to Burma, snakes through the jungle, passing over ravines on suspension bridges on the hillside between Namtok and Tha Kilen stations. An impressive journey at this moment of tragic history of the Second World War.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Royal River Kwai Resort
Day 4

place River Kwai

English-speaking guide and private transportation 11:00 am Visit of the "Hell's Fire Pass". 12:30 pm Lunch at leisure at the entrance of the national park. 1:30 pm Walk and swimming in the national park. Return to your hotel at the end of the afternoon. Dinner at leisure at the hotel. Departure in the late morning for the visit of the Hellfire Pass center and a walk on the railroad built by the Japanese prisoners of war during the Second World War. A moment to remember and never forget that thousands of men lost their lives there. You will then join the Erawan National Park for lunch (at leisure) on site (local specialties). This park is worth the detour thanks to its seven-level waterfall that flows into the Khwae Yai River. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit and a towel, as the hiking trail leads you to several natural pools. A stroll in the jungle between natural pools with turquoise waters and tropical vegetation await you.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Royal River Kwai Resort
Day 5

place Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya and Train to Chiang Mai

English-speaking guide and private transportation 9:30 am Departure from the hotel 11:30 am Arrival in Ayutthaya 12:00 pm Lunch at leisure 1:00 pm Visit of the main temples on archaeological site 6:00 pm Transfer to the city center and then to the train station Dinner at leisure This morning, take the road to the emblematic city of Ayutthaya, an archaeological site classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. The Burmese destroyed it in the 18th century. Its vestiges, characterized by the "prangs", or reliquary towers, and by monasteries of gigantic proportions, give an idea of its past splendor. Enjoy a (free) local lunch followed by a tasting of the local specialty, the Roti Sai Mai known as the "cotton candy" of Ayutthaya. You will visit the various temples that are most emblematic and impressive, such as Wat Phanangchoeng, Wat Lokaya Sutharam with its 42 meter reclining Buddha. You will also visit the Phra Si Sanphet, a Buddhist temple of Ayutthaya style, which was used at the time as a royal temple. The visit of Wat Mahathat, symbol of Ayutthaya, will mark this dive into the rich history of Siamese past. Very beautiful pictures in perspective when, at the end of the afternoon, a shower light comes to illuminate the site. Before reaching the train station and preparing to spend a night in the train (restaurant car on board), you will take a trip to the Ayutthaya market, the best time to sit on a small stool at a stand to taste one of the specialties of the region, accompanied by a cool drink.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6

place Explore Chiang Mai

English-speaking guide and private transportation 7:00 am Arrival at Chiang Mai train terminus, welcome by your guide and transfer to your hotel (room available upon arrival) 8:00 am Breakfast and morning free 12:00 pm Lunch at leisure 1:30 pm Visit of the Old Town and his unique Buddhist temples 4:15 pm View point and visit of Doi Suthep, 6:30 pm Street-food dinner at Chiang Mai University 8:30 pm Back to the hotel Terminus, all passengers are invited to get off the train. The Chiang Mai station has retained its old-fashioned charm. It's a great way to discover the Rose of the North, as the former capital of the Lanna kingdom (13th to 18th century) is nicknamed. The historical "old square" center, bounded by ramparts and moats, has some of the most beautiful and oldest Buddhist temples in the region, characterized by their very particular architecture. You will visit the old town by tuk-tuk. The gastronomy has also made the fame of Chiang Mai. For your lunch, 150 meters from your hotel, you will find a small restaurant, "The Chef", which serves local specialties. Doi Suthep Mountain, with its breathtaking view, dominates the entire Chiang Mai valley bordered by mountain ranges, at more than 1000 meters above sea level. Further North, Doi Inthanon is the highest point of the country (2565 m). Doi Suthep Temple is also a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world, as it is said to contain relics of Buddha. Take advantage of it to take part in the prayer of the monks. On the way down the valley, you will stop at the university of Chiang Mai street-food market where you will dine among the students in a joyful atmosphere.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Lannatree Boutique Chiang Mai
Day 7

place Kad Luang Walk, Meeting with Mr. Praphat, Cooking class & Visit of an orchid farm

English-speaking guide and private transportation 8:00 am Breakfast. 9:00 am Kad Luang Walk 10:00 am Meeting with Mr. Praphat 12:00 pm Cooking class and lunch 2:30 pm Visit of an orchid farm 4:00 pm Return to your hotel Dinner at leisure The Kad Luang market will surprise you with its great diversity of colors and scents. Locals looking for the best products mainly frequent this large market. The competition is hard between the merchants, and the most beautiful stalls win the game. The best manufacturers of homemade sausages and grilled pork rinds are immediately recognizable to the many buyers who are patiently waiting their turn. A very interesting space is dedicated to the ethnic handicrafts of the northern tribes. Mr. Praphat will receive you in his over hundred years old traditional house of pure Lanna style, a real living museum where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather already lived. A return to the past, amidst fruit trees, medicinal plants and herbs. You will participate in the elaboration of the lunch under the wise advice of the whole family. After hearing the details of the orchid-replanting program in the forest at the University of Maejo Nursery, you will visit a farm where these orchids grow. After transfer back to your hotel. Rest of evening and meals at leisure. Night at the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Lannatree Boutique Chiang Mai
Day 8

place Elephant Nature Park

Join-in – Group tour with an English-speaking guide. 8:30 am Departure from your hotel Immersion with elephants 12:00 pm Lunch on site 3:30 pm Return to your hotel This morning, meeting with the most emblematic animal of the kingdom. Long used by the wood industry and then the tourist industry, the domesticated Asian elephant is today preserved in sanctuaries dedicated to its well-being, like the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary. Through various playful activities, you will share a privileged moment in the respect of the most sacred animal of Thailand. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Take advantage of this end of the day to get lost in the charming little streets of the old square of Chiang Mai, between small restaurants, cafés and art stores.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Lannatree Boutique Chiang Mai
Day 9

place Flight to Phuket and transfer to Khao Lak

English-speaking guide and private transportation Room available until 12:00 noon. According to the schedule, transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Phuket (flight not included). Upon arrival, transfer (1 hour by road) and check-in to your hotel in Khao Lak. Room available from 14:00. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner on your own and night at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Manathai Khao Lak
Day 10

place Free Day in Khao Lak

Day and meals at leisure. Night at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Manathai Khao Lak
Day 11

place Free Day in Khao Lak

Day and meals at leisure. Night at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Manathai Khao Lak
Day 12

place Airport Transfer

According to the flight schedule, private transfer to Phuket airport for your international return flight (not included).

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Mode Sathorn Hotel Bangkok
  • Royal River Kwai Resort
  • Lannatree Boutique Chiang Mai
  • Manathai Khao Lak

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (11)
  • Dinner (1)
  • Lunch (2)

Transport expand_less

  • During the tour, private air-conditioned vehicle (except boats and local transportation)

Activities expand_less

  • Visits mentioned in the program

Extras expand_less

  • Entrance fees to tourist sites and national parks
  • Hotel taxes and service
  • Our 24-hour English-speaking hotline in case of emergency during your trip

Not Included expand_less

  • Visa fees (If necessary)
  • Beverages and personal expenses
  • International flights
  • Domestic flights
  • Inter-Asian flights
  • The tips for the guides
  • Repatriation and Health Insurance

About Jordan

TEAM LEAD

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I am a dynamic and dedicated travel expert ready to share my experiences, passion and expertise on five destinations in South East Asia. I am ready to help you plan your vacation of a lifetime and look forward to speaking to you!

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,294.00 USD