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Natural Beauty and Local Life

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Experience Travel Group

Natural Beauty and Local Life

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Thailand is astonishingly beautiful, blanketed by national parks and home to an array of traditional rural communities. Immerse yourself in the country's rich culture, unique traditions and natural beauty as you explore the Kanchanaburi province and up to the north. Perhaps you have seen Thailand’s classic sights before, or you’re seeking an adventurous holiday with all the comforts; this is a great itinerary that allows you to get under the skin of the country and spend time relaxing at the beach, too.

Your accommodation will range from boutique hotels to floating cabins, small resorts, a homestay, and beach villa, giving you an exciting range. Along the way, you’ll be in the company of knowledgeable local guides to ensure your experience is equal parts comfortable, engaging, and enriching.

Highlights include:

  • Kayaking along rivers in Sai Yok National Park, visit a local village, walk through the jungle and swim beneath waterfalls.
  • Staying with a family in the Thai Lua community to get an insight into their traditional and sustainable ways of life.
  • Five days spent unwinding on a peaceful island - entirely away from the beaten tourist path

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely 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 flight to Bangkok.

DAYS 2-4 BANGKOK

*If you would prefer to skip the city altogether, it is possible to transfer straight to Kanchanaburi on arrival and begin the itinerary from Day 5.

On arrival in Bangkok, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel to unwind before heading out in the afternoon. Venture out on a walking tour as you get to know the city, stopping to sample street snacks and visit local markets before enjoying dinner.
A full-day interactive journey will then 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, have a go at Thai cookery in the flower markets and then watch the sun go down overlooking the temples.

You'll also have chance to join a cycling adventure through the inner city oasis of Bang Kra Jao. Pedal through a paradise of lush tropical vegetation and enjoy a slower, more traditional pace of life.

DAY 5 KANCHANABURI

You will be transferred by road to Kanchanaburi to stay overnight in a floating property sitting on the River Kwai. Spend the first afternoon enjoying the must-see sights of the area - walking along the well-known bridge before boarding a train for a ride along the Death Railway.

DAYS 6 & 7 OUR LAND NATURE RESERVE

Today takes you to a less-known part of the region. Travel to Sai Yok National Park, set off on a guided walk and kayak, with your end destination being a beautiful waterfall. Cool off with a swim beneath the falls before visiting a village to get to know the local culture and ways of life. Stay overnight at a comfortable hotel in the nature reserve.

Your second day in the reserve includes a range of adventurous activities such as walks along nature trails to learn about the local flora and fauna, floating on a boat down the river and visiting a cave. Along the way, your guide will teach you about reforestation schemes and jungle survival. Return to Kanchanaburi for an overnight stay at a lovely boutique resort.

DAYS 8 & 9 CHIANG RAI

Spend the morning at a sanctuary for retired elephants. There is no riding, of course, just a caring environment where you can learn how elephants are taken care of and their complex social structure. Later, transfer to Bangkok for your short flight north to Chiang Rai.

Your two nights in Chiang Rai are spent at a delightful, sustainable property in the hills, offering privacy and opportunities for adventure and exploration. You can take part in several activities, such as trekking, bird watching, cooking classes, horse-riding and yoga.

DAY 10 THAI LUE

It's about two hours south to the neighbouring province of Phayao today for an overnight stay at a small resort. Visit the Thai Lua community, an ethnic minority of Thai people from southern China. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know the people, learn about their fascinating history and see how they have retained traditional ways of life. Visit their temple, wander through the village, help cook food and enjoy a traditional dinner with members of the community.

DAY 11 PHAYAO TOWN

You’ll travel an hour or so to Phayao town, stopping on the way to admire Buddha carvings in the cliffs at a temple. Take a trip in a Thai-style punt on the lake before visiting Wat Analayo, with its exceptional views of the lake and relaxing gardens. Continue to the village of Ban Dok Bua to spend a night in a homestay. In this community, the people live by the principle of being economically self-sufficient and organic farming is practised. Enjoy dinner with your homestay host family and learn how they maintain this self-sufficient lifestyle.

DAY 12 BAN DOK BUA

Gain a deeper understanding of how the community withhold their traditional ways of life, visiting a composting enterprise, seeing how rice husks are be used as a substitute for cooking gas and how bamboo is made into a variety of handicraft products. You’ll also board a Thai-style farm tractor for a ride around the village and up into the hills, taking in the tranquillity and beautiful scenery.

In the afternoon, transfer by road to Chiang Mai for your flight to Krabi. Depending on flight times a stay in either Chiang Mai or Krabi might be required here. On arrival in Krabi, after a short drive to a pier, take a long-tail boat ride to the sleepy island of Koh Jum. Stay for five nights in a lovely open-plan villa and unwind.

DAYS 13-16 KOH JUM

The sleepy island of Koh Jum gives you an idea of what Thailand and its islands were like decades ago before tourism developed to what it is today. Many travellers are yet to discover its beauty, which means it remains relatively untouched, with just one road linking the two main villages in the north and south. Spend your time wandering along the beaches, relaxing by the pool, enjoying your villa or heading out on a snorkelling trip.

DAY 17 FLY HOME

Today you will be transferred back to Krabi Airport for your 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...

Aek Pailin River Kwai

Aek Pailin River Kwai, Kanchanaburi

No-frills accommodation along the River Kwai in a great location to explore OurLand Nature Reserve.

Ariyasom Villa

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

Ban Dok Bua Homestay, Phayao

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

Good Times Resort

Good Times Resort, Kanchanaburi

A comfortable resort surrounded by palms and gardens along a river, with a particularly lovely restaurant and bar.

Koh Jum Beach Villas

Koh Jum Beach Villas, Koh Jum

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

Phu-Chaisai

Phu-Chaisai, Chiang Rai

A colourful, comfortable, occasionally eccentric hilltop hideaway resort. Great panoramic views of the northern mountains.

River Kwai Jungle View

River Kwai Jungle View, Kanchanaburi

Floating lodges right on the River Kwai within reach of some excellent adventures.

Tai Lue Resort

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 'Natural Beauty and Local Life'

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Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
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      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
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      • Laos
      • Myanmar
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  • Guide to Thailand
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    • Northern Thailand
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      • Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle
      • Mae Hong Son
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    • Isan
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      • Nakhon Phanom
      • Udon Thani
      • Phanom Rung
    • Central Thailand
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      • Ayutthaya
      • Bangkok
      • Kanchanaburi
      • Erawan National Park
      • Khao Yai National Park
      • Lopburi
      • Phitsanulok
      • Sukhothai
    • Central Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Hua Hin & Cha-Am
      • Koh Chang
      • Koh Kood
      • Koh Samet
    • Southern Thailand
      • Overview
      • Ao Phang Nga National Park
      • Khao Sok National Park
      • Trang
    • Western Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Phuket
      • Koh Lanta
      • Koh Lipe
      • Koh Phi Phi
      • Koh Yao
      • Khao Lak
      • Koh Jum
      • Koh Ngai
      • Krabi
    • Eastern Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Khanom
      • Koh Samui
      • Koh Pha-Ngan
      • Koh Tao
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