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
A beach and jungle-focused family adventure, hopping through Southern Thailand. Ideal for couples or families who love a good dose of adventures in nature and relaxing into island life.
Expect plenty of fun, great food, hands-on experiences, and some unusual but quality hotels throughout.
Jungle & Secret Island Adventure
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, you’ll meet your driver and be whisked to your first hotel, a lovely retreat right on the river.
Even though Bangkok is a bustling metropolis, there are pockets of nature and tranquility if you know where to look. Spend a morning on a leisurely cycling tour around the lush green jungle of Bang Kra Jao, nicknamed Bangkok’s ‘Green Lung’, an unlikely oasis in the heart of the city.
On the second day, you’ll go on a longtail boat tour of a maze of canals, before stopping at a hidden organic farm restaurant for a delicious farm-to-fork lunch.
Days 5 - 7
Koh Phra Thong
Fly south to Ranong and take a boat to the first of your island escapes.
On largely undeveloped Koh Phra Thong, you’ll check into your private villa at Baba Eco Lodge. Take a jungle trek with a picnic at a secluded beach, get up early for a 4×4 tour of the savannah-like landscape, or discover the rich marine life on a snorkelling trip. Or, of course, kick back on the beach and take stock of the rugged beauty of the island.
Days 8 - 10
Khao Sok
Bid farewell to the beach and travel by road to the dense jungle, flowing streams, and breathtaking lakes of Khao Sok National Park. Check-in and spend two nights in a treehouse, and explore the park’s wildlife on night safaris, kayaks, and treks. For your third night in the National Park, you will spend the night at a floating resort on Cheow Lan Lake.
The scenery here will stop you in your tracks.
Days 11 - 14
Khao Lak or Koh Yao Noi
From Khao Sok, we suggest either heading to Khao Lak or Koh Yao Noi for the last leg of your holiday. Khao Lak is on the mainland and closer to the National Park, Bangsak Village is a great hotel option here but only accepts guests over 12.
Alternatively, travel by car to Phuket and get a boat to the island of Koh Yao Noi. Here, we suggest Koyao Island Resort, a beautifully ‘barefoot’ property ideal for grown-up backpackers and their (lucky) offspring! You can explore this relatively sleepy island by bike, canoe through mangroves, and take a Thai cooking class before sundowners at a relaxed beach bar. Snorkelling trips are also available and there are small islands and villages to explore nearby.
Day 16
Fly home
Today, it’s sadly time to wave goodbye to the island and set off on your journey home. Your driver will drop you off at either Phuket or Krabi airport (or whichever airport you’re flying from).
Epic Trip in Thailand
From the moment we started conversations... we knew we would be in safe hands. ETG's first hand knowledge of all the destinations and experiences mean that they can bespoke the perfect trip for you. We experienced Thailand from a different perspective... with great guides. I work in hospitality and it’s all about the small details and surprise and delight moments which [they] get. Book with ETG you won’t regret it!
Simon
21 August 2024Excellent
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.
“Far from the overtouristed parts of Thailand, this adventure takes you right into the country’s pristine nature: from virgin jungle to practically deserted coves. You’ll also venture into secret parts of Bangkok and feast on fragrant food throughout.”
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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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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West Coast Islands, Thailand
Koyao Island Resort
Tranquil, boutique, undiscovered. And what’s not to like about an infinity pool with views over the Andaman sea dotted with fantastical limestone karst islets?
Highlights
Highlights
Thatched villas,
Beachfront pool,
Watersports
Best for
Families
Friends
Couples
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Thailand
BABA Eco Lodge
Highlights
Highlights
Undeveloped island setting,
Great Thai food,
Fun adventures
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
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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Explore Koh Phra Thong's Savannah
Koh Phra Thong is a true hidden gem: a large but unpopulated island off Thailand’s west coast. The lack of commercialisation sets it apart from other Thai islands: it’s blissfully free from 7/11s, beach vendors, or jet skis, and even phone signal, Wi-Fi, and electricity can drop out. This won’t suit everyone, but for anyone wanting to truly switch off and relax in nature, it’s a godsend! There’s still plenty to see and do on Koh Phra Thong, from its wildlife to the natural beauty of its beaches, forest, and unique savannah – the scene of this particular fun experience.
Unlike most Thai islands, Koh Phra Thong is flat, with a striking savannah grassland slightly inland. Best explored at dawn or dusk to avoid the full heat of the day, it can feel more like an African plain than Asia.
With few roads or cars, you’ll venture through it in an open-top jeep, and be in a prime position to observe plants and birdlife as you go.
On an early morning tour, as the sun rises over the island, expect to see a variety of birds and perhaps some reptiles warming themselves as the day begins. Or, on the evening outing, it’s a great place to enjoy a glass of wine on the hood of a jeep to the warm glow of sundown.
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Explore Cheow Lan Lake
Discover the natural wonders of Cheow Lan Lake on an overnight adventure, ending with a stay in a floating bungalow.
Begin your journey with a scenic longtail boat ride across the lake, taking in the breathtaking views of towering limestone cliffs and mountains. Your guide will show you the most beautiful sights of the lake, and you’ll have the chance to visit waterfalls and caves along the way.
Staying in a floating bungalow is fun, but waking up to the sun rising over the mountains, the mist hanging over the lake, and the chorus of birds and wildlife awakening is a truly unique experience. Take your kayak out for a paddle around the lake before breakfast, then head back to the mainland to carry on your adventure.
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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.
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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
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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Bangkok
Multi-Transport Adventure in 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.
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 Expert Guide to Thailand
Tempted to discover the secret sides of Thailand, far from the tourist traps and flee the crowds?
Our specialists have compiled many of their tips and insider secrets in this, The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand.
Download your complimentary copy for an insight into authentic Thailand that will help inspire your adventure.
