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!

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.

Chiang Mai

After Dark Vespa Tour in Chiang Mai

Get ready to explore Chiang Mai nightlife like a true local. This evening tour is designed to give you an immersive experience of the city’s rich culture and hidden gems for food and drinks. 

Hop on the back of a Vespa for a journey through the winding backstreets and residential neighbourhoods of Chiang Mai. Your guide will lead you to a local restaurant that is tucked away from the tourist trail, where you can dig into some delicious treats and mingle with the locals.

Next, you’ll stop at a small shop where you’ll learn how to make a beloved northern Thai dish. Roll your sleeves up for a hands-on food experience that will tantalise your taste buds.

As the night progresses, you’ll make your way to the banks of the Ping River, where you’ll be greeted with a lively atmosphere of bars and restaurants

The tour wraps up with a nightcap at a live music bar. You’ll experience Chiang Mai’s best local talent in action as you join the crowd. All in all, this will be a memorable evening with flowing music, food, and drinks.

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).

Chiang Mai

ChangChill Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

ChangChill is an ethical elephant sanctuary in the hills, roughly 90-minutes west of Chiang Mai. We love this sanctuary as it has a strictly hands-off policy, meaning you can observe the elephants in their natural element, relaxing, eating, playing and interacting exactly as they would in the wild. 

Many visitors to Thailand want to experience elephants on their trip but don’t know how to do so in an ethical way. Although there has been progress in prioritising elephant welfare in Thailand over the past decade, there are still parks with questionable practices, such as riding the elephants or chaining them up when not in public. ChangChill’s philosophy is that “elephants can simply be elephants”, so they are free to roam around their eight acres of land without being disturbed by humans.

ChangChill (meaning ‘relaxed elephants’) offers half-day or full-day packages, including plenty of chances to see the sanctuary’s elephants in their natural environment. After a quick introduction to the organisation and a safety briefing, you are led into the forest to search for the elephants. This trekking can be challenging, so isn’t suitable for anyone with mobility issues. The expert guides will teach you about elephant behaviour and conservation as you trek through the jungle, before reaching a mud pit where elephants like to roll around and cool down on hot days.  

The day continues with more chances to see the elephants going about their business and getting to know the mahouts and the Karen tribe they originate from. In between observing the elephants, your guides will show you how to prepare some healthy snacks for them and give you a crash course in Thai herbs picked straight from their organic garden.

We thoroughly recommend ChangChill to anyone who wants an educational elephant experience with the confidence of knowing that both the elephants and their carers are treated well.