Natural Beauty and Local Life

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 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, 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 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, where you'll set off on a guided walk and kayak, ending at a beautiful waterfall. Cool off with a swim beneath the falls before visiting a village to get to know the local culture and way 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 practiced. 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 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 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. Settle in for five nights in a lovely open-plan villa and stretch out.

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, unwinding by the pool, or simply making the most of your villa. You can also take to the water and head out on a snorkelling trip.

DAY 17 FLY HOME

Today, you'll be transferred back to Krabi Airport for your flight home via Bangkok.