Thailand in Depth

17 days - from $1625

This trip is perfect for those with limited time and would like to sample the rich diversity Thailand offers. We travel on a wide variety of local transport, including train, bus, boat, songthaew and tuk-tuk, and stay in an interesting mix of hotels and guesthouses. We visit hill tribe villages in the north, while in the south we enjoy relaxing on tropical beaches, as well as trekking in the pristine jungles of Khao Sok National Park.

Highlights

• Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar - Lanna handicrafts and traditional wares of the hilltribes
• Elephant Trekking
• Bangkok's Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha
• Hill tribe trek to the ethnic minority villages of Northern Thailand
• Muay Thai in Bangkok
• Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai
• Vegetarian Festival, Phuket
• Pak Klong Talat Flower Market,Bangkok

Itinerary:

Day 1: Bangkok2: Sukhothai3: Lampang Thai Elephant Conservation Centre4-5: Chiang Mai6: Village Homestay7: The Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai8: Chiang Rai9: Bangkok10-11: Koh Samui12: Khao Sok National Park13-14: Ao Nang15: Koh Mak(Beach Camping)16-17: 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.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Bangkok - Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha and Wat Po; the Golden Triangle region with an opportunity to cross the border into Burma (subject to political conditions); and Koh Samui - Songthaew excursion to the 15-metre tall Big Buddha, visit to the Mummified Monk and a swim at Na Muang waterfalls.

• Bicycle tour around the ancient capital of Sukhothai and an overnight stay in a local-style wooden guesthouse.

• Time with the elephants at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang, including an overnight stay in local-style accommodation.

• All-day excursion to Sun Pah Tong - home to many hill tribes, including an elephant ride and a swim beneath a waterfall.

• Longtail boat ride on Mae Kok, with an overnight stay in a hill tribe village.

• 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, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui and Phuket.

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

• Day train from Bangkok to Phitsanulok.

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.