Depart your home country on your flight to Bangkok, Thailand.
Most suited for
Families, Couples
Ideal time to visit
November – April
This holiday shows just what is possible in Thailand for genuinely ethical and immersive elephant encounters and off-the-beaten-track cultural experiences.
The ‘Mountain Adventure’ at the heart of this trip is an extraordinary experience in a Karen village and tracking rescue elephants in their natural habitat on foot. Your stay will directly contribute to the rescue of more elephants, too. Not just ‘off-the-beaten-track’, the location is 100s of miles from the tourist trail and all the better for it! A unique and memorable experience.
Elephant Encounters in Thailand
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 in Bangkok, your guide and driver will welcome you to Thailand and whisk you to your hotel. Unwind after your flight, before heading out in the afternoon.
You’ll take a guided walking tour to get to know the city, stopping to sample street snacks and visit local markets, before having a delicious dinner.
The next day, go on a full-day guided interactive journey to uncover 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, which are much less visited by tourists. Sample more of the city’s 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 a chance to go on a cycling adventure through an inner city oasis, nicknamed ‘Bangkok’s Green Lung’. Pedal through a paradise of lush tropical vegetation and revel in the slower, more traditional pace of life.
Days 5 - 8
Mae Sot
Fly northwest to Mae Sot and begin your 4-day immersive journey into the heart of a Karen community near the Thailand-Myanmar border.
Live alongside your host family in simple accommodation and discover their rich culture through traditional weaving, basket-making, and community activities.
The highlight is spending time with rescued elephants, learning from expert mahouts as you trek through untouched cloud forests to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat (note that zero interaction is allowed: you are encouraged to watch and learn from a safe distance). You’ll also explore organic rice fields and coffee plantations and take in breathtaking views over Myanmar from a mountaintop village.
Days 8 - 9
Sukhothai
Continue by road to Sukhothai and check into your hotel for a two-night stay.
Spend a day exploring the sites of Thailand’s ancient capital, where serene temples and Buddha statues stand proud in tranquil landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site gives you a fascinating glimpse into the origins of Thai art, culture, and history.
Days 10 - 13
Chiang Mai
Today, you’ll head to Phitsanalok nearby and board a train to Chiang Mai. Journey through the countryside, which takes around 6 hours.
On arrival, check in to your hotel on the banks of the Ping River for a 4-night stay. You’ll have a chance to explore the city cultural highlights, take a local street food tour and learn a little about Thai culture and tradition.
Days 14 - 17
Krabi
After breakfast, you’ll fly south to Krabi via Bangkok.
Check in at Tubkaak, a lovely relaxed resort with views of the picture-perfect Hong Islands. Spend your time here enjoying the beach and the pool and reflecting on your Thai adventure.
Day 18
Fly home
Today, it’s time to wave goodbye to Thailand. Return to Bangkok for your flight home.
ETG look outside the box
They always come up with things that no one else seems to, that's why they are so good. They are original and trying their best to show you the real country and people and not the facade. Great listeners, always a smile and a good banter... exceptional service and insight.
Susan
25 July 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
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.
“Ready to venture off the beaten path in Thailand? Think cloud forests, Karen village life, and rescued elephants in the wilderness – rounded off with a beach you won’t want to leave.”
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.
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.
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 Guide to Thailand
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.
