Thailand Encompassed

24 days - from $1568

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

• Bangkok
• Ayuthaya
• Chiang Mai
• Hill Tribe Village & Trekking
• Elephant Riding
• Bamboo Rafting
• Chiang Rai
• Golden Triangle
• Lampang Elephant Centre
• Kanchanaburi
• River Kwai
• Erawan Falls
• Hellfire Pass
• Grand Palace
• Koh Samui
• Khao Sok National Park
• Krabi (Railay)
• Beach Camping
• Phuket

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 (Ton Sai)22 Koh Lawa - beach camping23-24 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: Allow US$280 for additional meals. On tour we generally do not include meals, as this gives you the flexibility to go out and make your own choices as far as what to eat and where to go and eat. This flexibility reflects the very nature of Gecko's tours. Your tour leader will always be on hand to offer recommendations and, in many cases, organise group meals that introduces you to the local specialities. These meals are optional.
Valid From: 10 Jan 07
Notes: Please note that, on your tour, you may link up with passengers booked on other tours in our Gecko's Asia program. Local Tour Leaders By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Just as importantly is the benefit to you, the traveller. Your tour leader's friendship, humour, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success. Tipping Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend tipping 10% of the total bill in restaurants and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags. At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing what is an appropriate amount to tip. It is customary to tip your tour leader, at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected. Thai Visas Please note that any travellers of certain nationalities (ie. Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders) do not normally require a visa for Thailand if flying in and staying up to 30 days. However, travellers will only get 15 days of stay if arriving without a visa at a land border checkpoint from a neighbouring country. Travellers arriving in Thailand this way and planning to stay in the country longer than 15 days should obtain a Thai visa before they leave home. All other nationalities should check for visa requirements with their travel agents. Please note that those nationalities requiring a visa may need to acquire one before they arrive Thailand, as a visa on arrival is not available at certain land borders.
Starts/Ends: Bangkok to Phuket
Trip Reference: GTTE