Siam Encounter

10 days - from $675

On this ten-day trip you experience many of the wonderful surprises of central and northern Thailand. From Bangkok we travel to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai, for a glimpse into Thailand’s wartime past. Next stop is 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 spend a night in their simple abode. We also try our hand at elephant riding and bamboo rafting, before returning to the Thai capital.

Highlights

• Bamboo Rafting
• Elephant Trekking
• Hill tribe trek to the ethnic minority villages of Northern Thailand
• Muay Thai in Bangkok
• Pak Klong Talat Flower Market,Bangkok
• 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

Itinerary:

Day 1: Bangkok2-3: Kanchanaburi4: Ayuthaya5: Chiang Mai6-8: Hill Tribe Trek - Chiang Mai9-10: Bangkok

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

• Elephant ride through the forest.

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

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

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.