Hidden Hotels and Secret Adventures

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This holiday showcases what Experience Travel Group are all about when it comes to Thailand. It offers a thoroughly unique way to explore the very best of the country, combining nights in heritage hotels with stays in village communities. Get an insight into rural daily life and take a sleeper train through the countryside before relaxing on a little known island gem. Weave beyond the tourist-trail, even in the most visited locations — Thailand at its best.

Highlights include:

Two genuinely unique experiences staying with small communities in both the north and south, parts of Thailand most travellers miss
Staying in carefully chosen hotels that give you the best perspective on your location
Bunking up in an overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to the south, an exciting and different way to travel
Time spent relaxing on a hidden island in a beautiful resort overlooking the Andaman Sea

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can change it to suit your budget, pace and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday, fill in the form below.

DAY 1 DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Chiang Mai (usually via Bangkok or Singapore).

DAYS 2-4 CHIANG MAI

On arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel where you will be for a three-night stay. Spend your first afternoon here getting acquainted with the city on an introductory walk through Old Chiang Mai. Venture out to explore sacred temples, ancient ruins and markets by songtaew, long-tail boat and bicycle. Spend your second day out in the countryside as you walk through the forest, passing tea and coffee fields before observing jungle life from a unique perspective.

DAYS 5- 7 PHAYAO

Travel from Chiang Mai northeast by road with your guide to spend three days exploring the Phayao Province, a part of Northern Thailand untouched by mass tourism. Spend your first day in the region getting to know the Thai Lua community in the Chiang Kham district, an ethnic minority of Thai people from southern China. Here, visit the local temple, learn about the history, explore the village and enjoy some shared experiences, like helping to make sticky rice with coconut wrapped in banana leaves; a famous local dessert.

In Phayao town, you’ll be taken to a local restaurant for an authentic bowl of Khao Soi, a tasty Northern Thai speciality, before a Thai-style punt on the lake and a visit to a little-known temple. The surrounding countryside is, in a word, blissful; you’ll meet local people who will introduce you to the rural way of life, and your guide will take you to a mesmeric hidden mountain spot.

Whilst travelling through the province, you’ll stay in some wonderful homestays as a guest of the friendly communities and enjoy some deliciously authentic home-cooked meals. On day seven, you will be transferred to Chiang Rai for your onward flight to Bangkok.

DAYS 7 -9 BANGKOK

During your time in Bangkok, your guide will take you on an immersive and interactive journey that will reveal the cities rich diversity. You’ll loosely follow the course of the Chao Phraya River, veering off to explore its famous canals and some communities that are much less visited by tourists. Sample the cities amazing street-food, take a sundowner with an awesome temple view and stay in a quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle.

On day 9 you’ll board an overnight train bound south for Phatthalung. Bunk up in an air-conditioned cabin and wake up in an area that is once again, truly off-the-beaten tourist track!

DAYS 10 -12 PHATTHALUNG

You’ll arrive into Phatthalung at around 6.30am to be met by your guide who will transfer you to the community lodge of Lamnai to meet your hosts. Here you can have a swim in a nearby waterfall, watch the sunrise over the forested hills, learn about the manufacturing process of rubber at a nearby factory and discover a cave temple.

Venturing on to Tale Noi, you’ll stay overnight in a lovely boutique resort set on a lake. The sunrise over the stilted fishing platforms here is particularly beautiful. Take a boat trip on Thale Noi to explore the Waterfowl Reserve where over 180 species of resident and migratory birds can be found.

On day 12 you’ll take lunch back in Phatthalung,before commencing the journey to your beach retreat.

DAYS 12-15 KOH JUM

Time to totally relax on a quiet resort overlooking the Andaman Sea. A little-known retreat in beautiful surroundings where you can experience Thailand’s famous beaches and idyllic views. Your time here is simply for relaxing and enjoying beach life; why not enjoy traditional Thai massage in the outdoor Sala, take a canoe to hidden coves or swim and snorkel in the Andaman Sea?

DAY 16 FLY HOME

Today you will be transferred by boat and road to Krabi airport for your onward flight home via Bangkok.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
Accommodation as described
Privately guided tours and transfers
Tips for guides and drivers
Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences
Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.)
24-hour in-country backup while away
Your dedicated travel expert in the UK

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Ariyasom Villa, Bangkok

A beautiful boutique hotel in central Bangkok that’s modelled on a 1940s design. Bonus points for an award-winning vegetarian restaurant.

Ban Dok Bua Homestay, Phayao

An authentic homestay with a lovely Thai family set amidst the beautiful countryside with comfortable rooms and delicious food.

Koh Jum Beach Villas, Koh Jum

Spacious villa-style accommodation set on peaceful, undiscovered Koh Jum island. An authentic glimpse into Thailand island life.

Rachamankha, Chiang Mai

Delightful boutique hotel in the centre of Chiang Mai, within the walls of the old city.

Sripakpra Resort, Phatthalung

A stilted resort sitting over Songkhla Lake. Rooms are light, modern and overlook the water, with lovely facilities and excursions on offer.

Tai Lue Resort, Phayao

A small, comfortable property well located in Phayao, a short walk from town and close to beautiful scenery.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Hidden Hotels and Secret Adventures '

Hidden Hotels and Secret Adventures

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