Hidden Hotels and Secret Adventures

DAY 1  DEPART UK

 Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Chiang Mai (usually via Bangkok or Singapore).

DAYS 2-4  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.

DAYS 5- 7  PHAYAO

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.

DAYS 7 -9  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!

DAYS 10 -12  PHATTHALUNG

 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.

DAYS 12-15  KOH JUM

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?

 DAY 16  FLY HOME

 Today you will be transferred by boat and road to Krabi airport for your onward flight home via Bangkok.