Thailand Encompassed

24 days - from $1960

This remarkable journey explores Thailand from north to south, enabling you to experience the many exciting facets of this beautiful country. We travel on a wide range of local transport and stay in an interesting mix of hotels, guesthouses, local homes and basic hill tribe village huts.

From Bangkok we travel to the ancient capital of Ayuthaya and on to Chiang Mai, our base for an incredible four-day trek into the surrounding hills. During the trek we stay with the local hill tribes in their simple and basic village huts and try our hand at elephant riding and bamboo river rafting. We then head to the far north and visit the infamous Golden Triangle. Returning south, we visit Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai – a major scene of Thailand’s World War II involvement, before continuing to the beautiful tropical beaches of Koh Samui. In Khao Sok we have time to explore the jungles and rainforests of the national park, before travelling to the Andaman Sea for a homestay with a Muslim family on the island of Koh Panyi and a beach stop near Krabi. Your Thailand adventure ends on the tropical island of Phuket.

Highlights

• Bamboo Rafting
• Bathe an Elephant at Lampang Elephant Centre
• Dawn monk procession, Ayuthaya
• Elephant Trekking
• Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Hill Tribes
• Khao Sok National Park
• Ko Lawa Beach Camping
• Listen to the rice grow in the Golden Triangle
• Pak Klong Talat Flower Market,Bangkok
• The bridge over River Kwai at Kanchanaburi
• The Night Bazaar of Chiang Mai

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Bangkok - Ayuthaya3: Chiang Mai4-6: Hill Tribe Trek7-8: Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai9: The Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai10-11: Lampang12-13: Kanchanaburi14-16: Bangkok17-18: Koh Samui19: Khao Sok National Park20-21: Krabi - Rai Leh Beach22: Koh Lawa - Beach Camp23-24: Phuket

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: An experienced local leader, and there will be the services of local guides at some sites. All transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as indicated.
Not Included: International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
EquipmentIncluded: 02 Sep 10
Valid From: 10 Jan 07
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Bangkok to Phuket
Trip Reference: GTTE