Thailand Encompassed

days

This trip encompasses many of Thailand’s most popular attractions and offers exceptional opportunities for exciting activities and new experiences.

Itinerary:

Day 1,BANGKOK Arrive in this vibrant exciting city. Check in to your hotel, relax before meeting up with your Tour Leader this evening. (No meals) Day 2,BANGKOK A free day before taking the overnight train to Chiang Mai. Approx. 13 hrs train journey.(B) Day 3,CHIANG MAI Arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to our guesthouse. The rest of the day is free to explore the town or perhaps visit the hilltop temple of Doi Suthep. (B) Day 4,CHIANG MAI - TRIBAL MOUNTAIN VILLAGE We head out of Chiang Mai into the hills. After a visit to an elephant training camp we travel by pick up truck to a small tribal village. We then continue on foot through mountainous terrain to a Palong village where we spend the night in a traditional village house. (BLD) Approx 2 hours driving and 1 1/2 hours walking Day 5,ELEPHANT RIDE AND BAMBOO RAFTING After breakfast we ride elephants through the jungle to a small river. We then continue by bamboo raft down the river. Later we return via an orchid garden and butterfly farm to Chiang Mai. There is time to relax around the pool before the overnight train to Bangkok. (BL) Approx 1 hour elephant ride, 1 - 2 hour raft journey and 2 hours driving. 13 hours overnight train. Day 6,BANGKOK Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to our guesthouse. Free day. Day 7,BANGKOK - KANCHANABURI An early start takes us to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai. We visit the cemetery and the famous bridge before travelling onto Nakhon Pathom for the overnight train to Surat Thani. Approx. 4 hours driving, 13 hours train journey. (B) Day 8,KOH PHA NGAN Travel by ferry to the beautiful island of Koh Pha Ngan. On arrival we board local pick-up trucks for an unforgettable ride across the island through rainforest to Thongnaipan Beach. Overnight in beach bungalows. Approx. 1½ hours by bus, 3 hours by ferry and 30mins by pickup. Day 9 to Day 11,KOH PHA NGAN Three full days to enjoy activities like jungle hiking, snorkelling, swimming and boat trips to surrounding areas. Alternatively you can spend your time soaking up the sun on one of the nicest beaches on Koh Pha Ngan. Day 12,KOH PHA NGAN Tour ends.

Included

Group Size  Max 18
Activities  Hilltribe walk (easy), village homestay, elephant ride, bamboo rafting, optional watersports
Accommodation   3 nights simple hotels, 3 nights sleeper train, 1 night village homestay, 4 nights beach bungalows (or hotel on Krabi)
Transport  Local bus, taxi, pick-up truck, tuk tuk, ferry, sleeper train, elephant, bamboo raft
Fully Escorted  By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides at village homestay and when elephant riding and bamboo rafting

Excluded

Arrival Transfer  Visa costs Border Taxes Entrance fees Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature. International flights Local Payment  Departure transfers Meals other than those listed: Not included

Note: This tour finishes in Koh Pha Ngan / Krabi to enable you to extend your time on the beach or continue on to Malaysia. However we can also arrange an overnight bus and train transfer back to Bangkok. Please ask us for more information.
Note: For all departures from November – April the tour visits Krabi instead of Koh Pha Ngan on days 8-12 resulting in a slightly amended itinerary. (See asterisked departures in the brochure for the exact dates of the amended tours). This amended itinerary is as follows:
November - April Itinerary
Day 8 KRABI
Transfer to Krabi province in Thailand, famous for its magnificent limestone scenery. We spend our time in an area named Ao Nang. From this lively resort you can travel daily by boat to unspoilt beaches. Approx. 3 hours driving
Day 9-11 KRABI PROVINCE
Three full days to take advantage of all Krabi has to offer.
Krabi Province
Set on the banks of the Krabi Estuary, this fishing town takes its name from the sword, or krabi, allegedly discovered nearby. We shall stay at nearby Ao Nang, fronted by a magnificent beach with spectacular views out to the islands lying just offshore. Surrounded by limestone outcrops and mangrove shorelines, Krabi serves an important role as the embarkation point for some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. The area is famous for the challenging rock climbing that can be done on nearby cliffs, as well as kayaking and snorkelling. In addition there are stunning white sand beaches, beautiful jade-green sea, lagoons, and stunning views that are to be found here too.
DAY 12 KRABI
Tour ends.

Trip Reference: SATE