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.
Depart your home country on your flight to 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. 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.
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 Tai Lue 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.
While travelling through the province, you’ll stay in some wonderful homestays as a guest of the friendly communities and enjoy deliciously authentic home-cooked meals. On day seven, you will be transferred to Chiang Rai for your onward flight to Bangkok.
During your time in Bangkok, your guide will take you on an immersive and interactive journey that will reveal the city’s 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 city’s 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!
You’ll arrive in Phatthalung at around 6.30 am 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.
Time to totally relax at 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 a traditional Thai massage in the outdoor Sala, take a canoe to hidden coves or swim and snorkel in the Andaman Sea?
Today, it’s time to wave goodbye to Thailand and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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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:
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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Bangkok
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
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
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).
Bangkok
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.
Chiang Mai
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.
Bangkok
Travelling by public transport in Bangkok is fun, immersive and often much quicker than sitting in a car. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on an exciting journey through the city’s bustling streets using a variety of local transport, each offering a unique experience.
You’ll zip through the traffic on a nimble three-wheeled tuk-tuk, glide above it all on the BTS Skytrain, or stroll along at your own pace and take in the sights and sounds of various atmospheric neighbourhoods.
You’ll have the chance to see some famous sights and some lesser-known gems, and your guide will take you deep into the city to places that are unreachable by taxi. It’s a great opportunity to get a glimpse of real life here and delve into Bangkok’s vibrant culture.
Leave some room in your belly because you’re in one of the world’s best foodie cities! With so many delicious street food options, you’ll want to try as many as possible.
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.
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.
