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.
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.
