Budget Thailand Adventure

Joining the tour in Bangkok today you will meet with your local Thai leader, after which there will an opportunity later this afternoon to take an optional cruise along the city’s Klongs (canals) in a traditional longtail boat. This is the ideal way to explore something of the network of meandering waterways that lead away from the main channel of Bang-kok’s Chao Phraya River. The excursion passes many of the stilt houses that make up a large part of the city, as well as the Royal Barge Museum and the iconic Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. 

Overnight Standard Hotel

A free day allows an opportunity this morning to join an optional tour of the city, taking in the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha and Wat Po. The opulent Grand Palace is one of the city’s most impressive sites, filled with an unrivalled collection of palaces, golden stu-pas and wats (temples), the most impressive of which is Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Another site visited on the tour is the rambling complex of Wat Po, older even than the city itself, and home to the fabulous reclining Buddha, a 46 metre golden plated statue depicting Lord Buddha as he enters Nirvana. Other options for today include the fascinating house of Jim Thompson and the city’s National Museum (home to the largest collection of Buddhas in Asia), whilst the bustling streets of Chinatown provide an excellent setting for an afternoon of cultural interaction. Late this afternoon we transfer to the railway station, to catch the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Overnight Basic Train Included meals: Breakfast

Arriving in Chiang Mai this morning we transfer to the hotel by public bus, where there will be time to relax and freshen up before a morning orientation tour of the old city. A complete contrast to the noise and heat of Bangkok, Chiang Mai comes as something of a relief. Situated at the foot of the majestic Doi Suthep Mountain, the city still retains much of its charm; its old town filled with the traditional wooden houses, ancient chedis and bustling markets that give it such character. After our walking tour, the rest of the day is free to enjoy as you wish, with opportunities to enjoy some traditional Thai cookery classes, or take a wander through the markets of the country’s handicraft capital. Another option is to pay a visit to the nearby temple of Doi Suthep, occupying the lofty heights of the mountain to the west of the city. The holiest shrine in northern Thailand, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is approached up a Naga staircase of some 300 steps, which leads onto a stunning upper terrace of marble tiles, gold leaf and intricately carved wood. Housing a number of holy Buddha relics, its centrepiece is a dazzling golden chedi adorned with ceremonial parasols, from where the views out across the surrounding landscape are simply breathtaking. This evening there is a chance to visit the city’s bustling night market.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Leaving Chiang Mai this morning we head into the northern hills, to spend the coming days trekking through landscapes that are home to a number of colourful hilltribes, each holding different belief and each following a way of life that has remained individual and unchanged for genera-tions. The first part of the day sees us driving the 160 kilometres to Soppong, from where we then follow a snaking trail that winds through a staggeringly rich landscape to the trailhead. From here we begin hiking, making our way through forests of Indian mahogany and teak, to the Red Lahu village of Ban Phamon. Originally from China, the Lahu are traditionally Animists, who still believe in a deep spiritual connection to their ancestors. Renowned hunters, they are also skilled herbal-ists and weavers and are known for some of the most intricate basket-work in Thailand. We will be staying amongst these people this evening, sleeping in bamboo houses and enjoying the hos-pitality of our hosts during a traditional homemade dinner. We may also be lucky enough to glimpse the village shaman, one of the community’s most exalted members, who mediates with the village and the jungle spirits. The group will be divided between a number of villagehouses, and sleep in communal, dormitory-style areas on bamboo/rattan mats on the floor.
Approx walking: 3 hours.

Overnight Simple Village House Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast this morning we will hike another 6 hours through the jungle, taking our lunch en route as we make our way to the Long Yao Cave. A small opening that leads into a network of tunnels, the cave provides an interesting diversion along the route, before we trek the last hour through the forest to the Karen village of Muang Paem. It is possible to cut this walk shorter by taking a more direct route to the village, trimming some three hours off the final walking time. However do be aware that anyone undertak-ing the shorter route will be led by one of the local team and not the tour leader. Our hosts for this evening are the Karen, a tribe that forms the largest group amongst the hill-tribe communities. Renowned for their creative skills, especially with regards to the pro-duction of woven baskets, musical instruments and animal bells, the Karen women are usually decked out in brightly coloured local dress, a marked difference to their menfolk, who often resort to western clothing. Approx walking: 7 hours.

Overnight Simple Village House Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After taking breakfast in the village we trek down to the Bamboo Rafting Centre on the Pai River, a journey time of about an hour. There is an opportunity on arrival to board rafts to continue down to the Shan village of Bann Tham (optional). The rafts each take between 3 and 4 people and life jackets are provided for all participants. Those not rafting may continue on foot, covering the hour long journey to the village overland. After taking lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense), the afternoon affords a chance to take an elephant ride through the jungle landscapes around the village (optional), before we meet up with our vehicles for the journey back to Chiang Mai (a distance of some 185 kilometres, which should get us into the city late this afternoon).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today is free to enjoy more of Chiang Mai’s many highlights. There are a number of options available, including the ‘Flight of the Gibbon’ jungle canopy tour, a 2 kilometre adventure that spends 3 hours up in the treetops, exploring the lush landscapes of a 1500 year old rainforest. Other possible activities for today include bicycle tours around Chiang Mai, handicraft centres and the option to visit the nearby Lampang Elephant Sanctuary, where you can watch elephants bathing and working, and even painting! This evening we then transfer to the railway station to catch the overnight train to Bangkok.

Overnight Basic Train Included meals: Breakfast

Arriving in Bangkok early this morning we transfer to the bus station, to take a public bus east then a short ferry ride to the beaches of Koh Chang. On arrival in the town we will transfer to our hotel. Koh Chang is Thailand’s second largest island, set in a beautiful protected marine reserve lying off the country’s southeastern coast. The ideal spot for some exhilarating land and water based fun. You can take a tour of the island by vehicle, or hike up to the summit of one of the island’s forested mountains. The seas around Koh Chang are rich in colourful reefs and marine life, making a full day’s snorkelling trip another exciting option. Of course, you may just prefer to relax and make the most of the golden beaches and warm waters.

Overnight Standard Hotel

At leisure to enjoy optional excursions and relax on the tropical island.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we head back to the Thai capital by bus where, on arrival, the rest of the day will be free to enjoy as you wish.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Included meals: Breakfast