Hill Tribes and Beaches

18 days - from $1180

This adventure combines the best of northern Thailand with the highlights of the tropical south. From Bangkok we travel to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai for a glimpse into Thailand’s wartime past, before continuing to the ancient Siamese capital of Ayuthaya, with its wonderful temples. Further north is Chiang Mai where we trek and visit some of the local hill tribes, and as well as spend a night in their simple abode. Here, we also try our hand at elephant riding.

We then travel South to Koh Samui, famous for its coconut palms, and the Krabi area, where we stay by a peaceful beach at Krabi. We spend a night beach camping, on a secluded island in beautiful Phang Nga Bay, before finishing our journey on Thailand’s largest island, Phuket.

Highlights

• Vegetarian Festival, Phuket
• Rice barge cruise and dawn monk procession in the former capital of the Siamese empire - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ayuthaya
• Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai
• The bridge over the River Kwai at Kanchanaburi
• Pak Klong Talat Flower Market,Bangkok
• Ko Lawa Beach Camping
• Bamboo Rafting
• Elephant Trekking
• Hill tribe trek to the ethnic minority villages of Northern Thailand

Itinerary:

Day 1: Bangkok2-3: Kanchanaburi4: Ayuthaya5: Chiang Mai6-8: Hill Tribe Trek - Chiang Mai9-10: Bangkok11-12: Koh Samui13: Khao Sok National Park14-15: Krabi (Ao Nang)16: Koh Mak (Beach Camping)17-18: 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:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour, and professional local site guides at some sites.

• Longtail boat ride to the Bridge on the River Kwai and a visit to an Allied war cemetery.

• Full day tour of Hellfire Pass and a swim at Erawan Falls.

• Bicycle tour around UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Siamese capital of Ayuthaya.

• 2-day hill tribe trek, with an overnight stay in a hill tribe village hut as guests of the Palong people.

• Elephant ride through the forest.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Bangkok - Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha and Wat Po; and Koh Samui - songthaew excursion to the 15-metre tall Big Buddha, visit to the Mummified Monk and a swim at Na Muang waterfalls.

• Stay in a jungle guesthouse in Khao Sok National Park, including a canoeing trip.

• Two days relaxing in secluded Ao Nang, with accommodation in comfortable, fan-cooled bungalows.

• Longtail boat ride in Phang Nga Bay with a night camping on a beach on a secluded island.

• Free time to explore Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Phuket.

• Overnight sleeper trains from Ayuthaya to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Bangkok and Bangkok to Surat Thani.

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.