850 ReviewsRiverside pool, Stylish, Rooms with river or city views
Depart your home country on your flight to Bangkok, Thailand.
Most suited for
Families, Couples
Ideal time to visit
November – April
This holiday is a fun and interactive way to explore Thailand’s capital and countryside. Bursting with outdoor adventures in some of the country’s prettiest nature spots, interspersed with sleepy, scenic train journeys.
Kick things off in Bangkok, weaving through its colourful backstreets and ancient temples, before cycling through a quiet pocket of greenery. Then swap the city for Kanchanaburi, travelling there by rail, where your guide will share the area’s stories and history. Take in the beauty of its rivers, waterfalls and caves along the way.
From there, head into the wild heart of Khao Sok National Park, before rounding things off on the tropical island of Phuket.
Family Adventure by Train
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Bangkok
On arrival in Bangkok, your guide and driver will welcome you to Thailand and whisk you to your riverside hotel to relax after your flight.
After some R&R, you’ll take a guided walking tour through a maze of sidestreets and shophouses before boarding a tuk-tuk to explore some of Bangkok’s ancient temples and bustling markets.
Cross the river to experience the charm of Kudijeen, a small Portuguese area with a quaint Catholic church and centuries-old teak houses. From here, you’ll take a boat down small canals to a hidden restaurant where you’ll be served lunch from their organic garden, before trying your hand at making delicious Thai desserts.
On your second day in the city, you’ll set off on a cycling adventure around Bangkrachao, Bangkok’s ‘Green Lung’. A stark contrast to the concrete metropolis of the city, this mangrove forest is crisscrossed with elevated wooden walkways for cycling and plenty of interesting stop-offs, giving you a dose of fresh air and the chance to meet some of the local community.
Days 5 - 6
Kanchanaburi
A leisurely train journey to Kanchanaburi is a great way to reflect on your time in Bangkok while admiring the countryside. From Nam Tok Station, the journey will continue with a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre, where you’ll learn about the area’s history and significance during World War 2 and be able to walk the old tracks, now a short, scenic trek.
At the end of an exciting and informative day, you’ll take a longtail boat up the River Kwai to check into your luxury floating bungalow.
After waking up to the sound of the river flowing past your door, the adventure will continue with a walk to Sai Yok Waterfall, a visit to a traditional village and an exploration of the Lawa Caves.
Day 7
Surat Thani
Today, you’ll board a train back to Bangkok, arriving at Thon Buri Station in the late afternoon.
After a delicious local dinner in the city, you’ll transfer to Bangkok’s central Krungthep Apiwat station to board the sleeper train to Surat Thani.
This train route is a contrasting experience to the journey up to Kanchanaburi and has decent bunks, food, and drink on board, making it a fun and comfortable way to reach the south.
Days 8 - 10
Khao Sok National Park
From Surat Thani, you’ll head to the absolutely beautiful Khao Sok National Park, where you’ll check in to Our Jungle House. Be wowed by the park’s natural beauty as you settle into your rustic treehouse or bungalow. Your adventures begin with a guided rafting trip along the river, allowing you to get acquainted with the deep jungle surrounding you.
The following day, you’ll take a day trip to Cheow Lan Lake for a scenic boat journey around its dramatic limestone karsts. As you navigate the waters, look for local wildlife. The lake has a few interesting things to do, including small jungle treks and a network of caves.
On your final day in the National Park, you’ll have the chance to learn the art of jungle cooking. Your skilled instructor will show you how to find ingredients in the surrounding environment and help you prepare a hearty meal using traditional cooking methods.
As darkness falls, you’ll enter the jungle on a guided night safari to see what kind of nocturnal creatures you can find!
Days 11 - 13
Phuket
After breakfast, you’ll travel south to Phuket for the last chapter of your Thailand adventure.
The scenery on the drive will help the journey fly by, and you’ll arrive at your final hotel, The Slate. This hotel has not 1, not 2 but 3 swimming pools and access to Nai Yang Beach. There’s an array of activities and dining options here and plenty of local restaurants to choose from within walking distance.
This is a great place to slow down and get a slice of island life, before flying back home.
Day 14
Fly home
Today, it’s time to wave goodbye to Thailand. Your driver will drop you off at Phuket airport for your flight home.
The best family holiday we have ever been on
This holiday had everything. Great people, food, wildlife, beaches and scenery. Experience Travel Group were exceptional from planning stage to our return home. Holly created the perfect trip for our family.
The Stern Family
22 April 2022Excellent
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Thailand Experts
Ella’s first trip to ‘The Land of Smiles’ sealed the deal. She fell instantly for the effortlessly friendly people and the banging food. Now, she spends her time helping travellers experience the Thailand she loves – from Bangkok’s hidden gardens with secret restaurants to quiet islands where you won’t be part of a pack of tourists. Phew.
“This trip is great for families lokoing for more than just a beach break. You’ll trundle through Thailand by train and sleep in floating river lodges and treehouses – a mix of adventures your kids will still be talking about years from now.”
Ella
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Kanchanaburi, Thailand
The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort
Quality thatched-roof villas and outdoor adventures on a peaceful bend of the River Kwai.
Highlights
Highlights
River villas,
Pristine nature
Best for
Families
Couples
Gallery
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Bangkok, Thailand
Riva Surya Bangkok
Ideally located right on the Chao Phraya River, this hidden gem of a hotel is great value.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Families
Couples
Friends
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Our Jungle House
Rustic retreat where you can experience the best of this tropical jungle location. Sleep up high in a treehouse within a canopy.
Highlights
Highlights
Sleep high up in a jungle canopy
Best for
Families,
Couples
Gallery
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Thailand
The Slate
Large “design” hotel with five-star facilities, a great stretch of beach and fantastic food.
Highlights
Highlights
Bill Bensley’s bold design,
Substance as well as style
Best for
Couples
Families
Gallery
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Thailand
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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Night Safari in Khao Sok NP
As the sun sets, you’ll set off on your trek into the jungle wonderland of Khao Sok National Park, just as the nocturnal animals begin to emerge.
Your experienced guide will be able to spot any glowing eyes in the darkness and find any critters hiding in the shadows, showing you wildlife you’d never spot during the day. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the world’s smallest deer, slow loris or civet cat.
Surrounded by the thick jungle and the symphony of its nighttime sounds, this experience may even be a little scary, but out of your comfort zone is the best place to be!
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Bangkok
Evening Street Food Tour in Chinatown, Bangkok
ETG’s Chinatown Night Walking tour is a fascinating culinary journey through one of Bangkok’s liveliest and most diverse districts.
Guided by a local expert, the tour takes you to seven eateries, ranging from air-conditioned restaurants to simple street food stands, where you will sample a range of this 200-year-old area’s heritage dishes. With a minimum of 11 well-considered dishes to sample, you will likely be quite full by the time you get to the end!
The menu will likely include steamed Dim Sum, Chinese herbal drinks, Chinese Bun, “Guau Jab” (a unique, peppery noodle soup), Lychee Ice Cream, Grilled King Prawns, Succulent Duck Cheek and Black Sesame Dumplings with Ginger Tea.
Bustling with activity, Chinatown is one of Bangkok’s most photogenic neighbourhoods. The tour lasts for approximately three hours, starting at 6pm, when this 24-hour district is just getting into full swing.
Between each tasting location, you will go on behind-the-scenes adventures to get a closer look at this unique neighbourhood: you will meet the food bazaar’s lively characters, hear memorable stories, and visit religious and cultural landmarks.
The tour can be taken privately, with a guide meeting you at your hotel, or as part of a group (if you would prefer to share the experience with other food lovers). The tour has been superbly researched to ensure you get the chance to taste some of the city’s best and safest street food from vendors with decades of experience and repeat customers.
Gallery
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Bangkok
Discover Bangkok's Hidden Garden
Set on the banks of a small canal, Poomjai Garden is a welcome oasis right in the heart of the city.
What sets Poomjai apart is its commitment to sustainable practices and its unique collection of flora and fauna not typically found elsewhere in Bangkok. It is a fantastic environmental project that also functions as an organic farm and restaurant.
On your visit, you’ll join a guided tour of the grounds, learning about the diverse plant life and the range of animal species supported here. As part of the experience, you’ll also participate in a Thai dessert workshop. You’ll be provided with all the necessary ingredients and instructions to create a selection of delicious Thai desserts, such as Khanom Bua Loi (Small rice dumplings in a sweet coconut cream) and Khanom Tako (Thai pudding with a coconut topping).
An immersive experience where you can support a fantastic little project while enjoying a delicious lunch in a lovely garden setting.
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Bangkok
Overnight Sleeper Train in Thailand
Travelling by train in Thailand is a unique and memorable experience that offers a glimpse into the country’s cinematic landscapes and rich culture. The Thai railway system is extensive, covering most of the country, and has a range of train types to suit different budgets and preferences.
From the bustling city of Bangkok, you can board a train and journey through the lush countryside, passing by rice paddies, rolling hills, and charming villages. The slower pace of train travel allows you to take in the sights and sounds of your surroundings and to connect with local people and cultures along the way.
One of Thailand’s most popular train routes is the Northern Line, which runs from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. This journey takes 11-12 hours, but sleeper trains make it an overnight option, with private cabins and beds.
Another popular train route is the Southern Line, which runs from Bangkok to the South with jumping-off points at Chumphon, Surat Thani (for Ko Samui or Khao Sok National Park), Trang and Hat Yai.
Here at ETG, we really recommend travelling by train at least once in your Thailand trip. Not only is a practical way to get around but it’s also often an adventure in itself: a great chance to see everyday life unfold and different landscapes in a unique way.
(It’s worth noting that it can often be tricky to obtain first-class tickets, as they are few and far between and sell out instantly. Second-class tickets are easier to obtain, and the carriage is still comfortable with air conditioning and seats that convert into sleeper beds).
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Bangkok
Cycle in Bangkok's 'Green Lung'
Take a short boat trip across the Chao Phraya River to Bangkrachao (or Bang Kra Jao), a jungly area nicknamed the ‘Bangkok’s Green Lung’. Sleepy Bang Kra Jao feels worlds away from the city’s energetic streets and is the perfect place for a peaceful two-hour bike ride.
Tropical plants and lush trees surround the roads in Bang Kra Jao, creating an urban sanctuary in the city centre. Cross over canals and admire the mangrove forests that line the waterways and pass traditional Thai houses and golden temples rarely visited by tourists. Stop to chit chat with people as you go, visit markets selling an array of fresh produce and refuel with snacks at one of the many street stalls en route.
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Important FAQs about Thailand
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Thailand for around 20 years and some of our team live there. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships and network of specialist local guides, we can really help you under the skin of the country and discover her secret sides.
Over the years, we’ve developed enriching experiences that bring together cultural depth and give you the freedom to explore. Think hands-on food adventures in Bangkok’s backstreets, access to peaceful beaches, countryside stays where local life still ticks to its own rhythm, or journeys into the mountainous north to meet the hill tribes – all bespoke to you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can get into holiday mode knowing everything’s covered – while still having the freedom to discover Thailand your way. We don’t do cookie-cutter trips. Every holiday is personal, every route considered, and every detail designed to show you a side of Thailand that most visitors miss.
So come with us, to the Thailand we know and love.
In general, November to April is the most popular time, with warm, dry weather across most of the country – ideal for both exploring and beach time. But Thailand’s seasons aren’t as simple as they look, and with a little know-how, there’s somewhere worth visiting year-round.
The Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) is at its sunniest between November and April, while the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) comes into its own from February to August when the west coast monsoon winds bring in rain to the west coast. With its mountains and cooler breezes, Northern Thailand is best for trekking and outdoor adventures from November to February.
Travelling during the “green season” (roughly May to October) can be rewarding: fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and lower hotel rates. Rain tends to arrive in short, heavy bursts rather than all day, leaving plenty of sunshine in between. National parks are glorious at this time, with waterfalls in full flow. During late August and September, Thailand often experiences flooding, so this time is usually best avoided, though even then, you can still visit many of the beach destinations very happily.
The months of April and October are the turning points worth considering for great-value travel, with fairly reliable weather. In April, the Songkran New Year festival is a joy to be part of, if you don’t mind getting a soaking from a water pistol (or water blaster!). The rates fall dramatically compared with March. While Songkran marks the start of the rainy season, it has not fully kicked in. It can be a good time to travel throughout the country for those who can put up with some serious heat and humidity. In October, the rains tend to fall away as Thailand returns towards the settled November weather.
So while November to March might be the sweet spot for most of Thailand, there’s always a way to plan a Thailand holiday that fits your timing – and often, going slightly against the grain can mean quieter beaches, great value and a richer experience.
Every ETG holiday is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience the country in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand
Tempted to discover the very best of Thailand, far from the tourist traps?
Our experts spill their secrets in The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand.
Download your complimentary copy for an insight into the country’s highlights, hot hotels and unusual experiences to inspire your next great adventure.
