Thailand trekking & discovery tour

DAY 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Sa-wat-dee! Welcome to Bangkok, the “City of Angels!”

As the capital and largest city of Thailand, Bangkok is one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, brimming with magnificent temples, grand palaces, authentic canals, bustling markets, and a lively nightlife to suit every taste.

Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel (check-in is at 2:00 PM).

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Depending on your arrival time, you might want to take a riverboat taxi to Chinatown and wander through its vibrant, bustling streets, explore the city’s many sights, sounds, and aromas, or indulge in some shopping.

In the evening, why not head to the colorful Khao San Road, Bangkok’s tourist hub, to soak up the exciting nightlife and savor a street food feast?

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Bangkok

DAY 2: Sightseeing Bangkok

Begin your day with a visit to Wat Pho, a first-class Royal temple known for its impressive 46-meter-long reclining Buddha. Take in the serene morning chanting and explore the fascinating temple grounds. Next, visit the Royal Grand Palace, once the residence of Thailand’s kings and a stunning example of ancient Siamese architecture. This majestic complex features various grand halls and magnificent surroundings. Nearby, you’ll find Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, intricately carved from a single block of jade and deeply respected as the nation’s spiritual guardian.

Later, embark on a long-tail boat cruise along the winding ‘khlongs’ (canals) of Thonburi, a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Bangkok. As you glide along, you’ll pass lush greenery, glittering temples, wooden stilt houses, charming local markets, and vendor boats offering delicious Thai treats. Life along these canals remains deeply rooted in Thai tradition, seemingly untouched by time.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure, whether exploring more of the city or treating yourself to a relaxing Thai massage. In the evening, transfer to the station for an overnight train journey to Chiang Mai

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Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Boat
• Bangkok Sightseeing tour
• Breakfast
• O/n train

DAY 3: Chiang Mai explore

Arrive in Chiang Mai early in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Start your day with an orientation walk through the town center, followed by a local breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Known as the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai is northern Thailand’s most vibrant city, celebrated for its stunning temples, charming old city with lively streets, warm-hearted locals, delicious food, bustling night markets, and breathtaking surrounding landscapes.

Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most iconic Buddhist temple. Stroll through the temple grounds, ring the bells, and take in the spectacular panoramic view of the city. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace.

In your free time, consider joining a Thai cooking class to immerse yourself in Chiang Mai’s culinary delights. Later in the evening, why not venture out to experience the lively atmosphere of the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar?

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Chiang Mai
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 4: Pai hill tribe trekking

After breakfast, depart from Chiang Mai for a thrilling drive of over two hours along a winding road through stunning mountain landscapes to reach Pai, a quaint town nestled in a picturesque valley along the Pai River in Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border.

Upon arrival, embark on a three-hour trek along hillside slopes, passing through farmlands, charming villages, bamboo forests, lush valleys, and striking rocky outcrops covered in dense jungle. Your destination is a Lahu hill tribe village, where you’ll spend the night.

Upon arrival, settle into a local house and enjoy a warm welcome tea from your host. Take some time to explore the village, interact with the locals, and observe their daily activities. The Lahu are one of several hill-tribe groups in Thailand, each with distinct costumes, languages, and traditions.

Join your host in preparing dinner and savor a feast of local flavors in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Overnight in the village’s local house.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Pai Hill tribe trek
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Homestay local house

DAY 5: Pai trekking

After breakfast, bid farewell to your host and embark on a four-hour trek to a White Karen village. The journey takes you through stunning natural landscapes, including lush valleys, dense jungles, streams, waterfalls, and a backdrop of majestic mountains. Along the way, you’ll have several opportunities to stop for photos and explore a fascinating natural cave. A picnic lunch will be served en route.

Upon arrival, settle into a local Karen house and take time to explore the village. The Karen people in Thailand belong to the Sino-Tibetan linguistic group and are the largest hill-tribe community in the country. The Karen are divided into sub-groups, each distinguished by their unique dialects and traditional costumes. In Burma, the Karen have their own state and have long struggled for independence and later autonomy from the central Burmese government. They are renowned for their deep connection with elephants and are often seen as mahouts and elephant trainers. The Karen practice an animistic religion, believing that plants and animals possess a vital spiritual essence.

Enjoy a dinner of local flavors and spend your second night in a homestay.

Summary of inclusions

• Pai Hill tribe trek
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Homestay local house

DAY 6: Pai trekking – Mae Hong Son

After breakfast today, you’ll embark on a two-hour trek to Shan village. The Shan people primarily live in southeastern Myanmar, with some communities scattered along the border between Thailand and Myanmar. Enjoy your visit to the village and take the opportunity to learn about the local culture before continuing your journey. Next, you’ll take a bamboo raft down the Pai River, floating toward Mae Hong Son.

Surrounded by mountains and forests, Mae Hong Son is a charming provincial capital known for its small yet picturesque Jong Kham Lake. This pleasant town has a unique atmosphere and diverse cultural heritage, being home to Burmese, Thai, Shan, Muslim, and various hill tribe minorities. These communities live together in harmony, creating a fascinating blend of cultures reflected in the town’s architecture, cuisine, and traditional attire. Despite its remote location, Mae Hong Son has retained much of its original charm and character.

Overnight in a hotel in Mae Hong Son.

Summary of inclusions

• Hill Tribe trek
• Rafting on Pai river
• Private vehicle
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Mae Hong Son

DAY 7: Mae Hong Son explore

Today, you’ll explore Mae Hong Son, starting with a visit to the Padong village of the Long Neck Karen people. The women here are known for wearing multiple brass rings around their elongated necks, earning them the nickname “Giraffe Women.” You’ll have the opportunity to interact with them and learn about their unique culture and lifestyle.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour to visit local temples, including Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang, both built by the Shan people, who make up about 50% of the local population. You’ll also visit Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, known as the “Temple on the Hill,” which houses relics of the Lord Buddha. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Mae Hong Son discovery
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Mae Hong Son

DAY 8: Doi Inthanon National Park

Depart from Mae Hong Son and head to Doi Inthanon National Park. Begin with a visit to the Royal Twin Pagodas at the mountain’s peak, standing 2,565 meters above sea level. These pagodas, named Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri, were built to honor Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand.

Next, embark on a two-hour hike along the Pha Dok Sieo Trail, winding through the wilderness of the jungle and cloud forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, birds, flowers, rice fields, and stunning scenic views. Later, visit the Wachirathan Waterfall, a spectacular natural highlight of the national park, where the water flows year-round.

Afterward, continue your drive back to Chiang Mai. Check into your hotel, and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Trekking Doi Inthanon NP
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 9: Chiang Mai country cycling

Today, embark on a bicycle ride to explore Chiang Mai and its surroundings, a fantastic way to experience the region. You’ll visit the ancient temple ruins of the former Lanna capital, stop by local villages, and ride along the Ping River, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere and picturesque countryside. Return to the hotel by noon for some rest before boarding an overnight sleeper train back to Bangkok.

Summary of inclusions

• Chiang Mai cycling
• Breakfast
• O/n train

DAY 10: Kaeng Krachan National Park

Arrive in Bangkok in the morning and transfer south to Kaeng Krachan National Park. Situated in the southwestern part of Thailand, spanning Petchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces and bordered by Myanmar to the west, this park covers nearly three thousand square kilometers. It is the largest national park and one of the oldest tropical forests in Thailand. The park boasts a rich array of flora and wildlife, making it an excellent destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

Check into your hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, travel to Ban Krang and embark on a trek along the Langur & Elephant Trail, where you may encounter langur families and, with a bit of luck, larger mammals like deer and elephants. Later, follow a different trail to visit mineral licks and explore the birding trail.

Return to the resort, making stops along the way to observe large mammals.

Overnight at a hotel or resort in Kaeng Krachan National Park.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Kaeng Krachan NP trekking
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel (or camp) in Kaeng Krachan

DAY 11: Kaeng Krachan NP trek

Wake up to the natural symphony of birds and gibbons singing around you. Breathe in the fresh, crisp morning air and enjoy a bird-watching session, spotting various bird species in the national park.

After breakfast, we’ll head back into the park, driving along a dusty road towards the mountain to witness the mist in the Phanenthung area. Next, embark on a trek to Thor Thip Waterfall, renowned as the most beautiful waterfall in Kaeng Krachan.

After a picnic lunch, continue trekking for the rest of the day. In the late afternoon, exit the forest and drive back to the hotel. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Bird watching
• Mountain & waterfall trek
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel (or camp) in Kaeng Krachan

DAY 12: Hua Hin Beach

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Hua Hin. Known as a popular beach resort in Thailand, Hua Hin, which means “stone head” in Thai, boasts white sands, crystal-clear waters, and a serene atmosphere.

Upon arrival, visit Klai Kangwon Palace, the Royal summer residence designed in Spanish style with three seaside mansions. Next, head to Khao Takiap Vantage Point, where you can climb the hilltop for panoramic views of Hua Hin and visit the Wat Khao Takiab temple, which features a towering golden Buddha statue set against the cliff.

Check into your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, taking in the sun, sea, and sand of Hua Hin.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Hua Hin
• Beach relax
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Hua Hin

DAY 13: Hua Hin Beach relax

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the day at your leisure, relaxing on the beach or taking advantage of the hotel’s facilities.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Hua Hin.

Summary of inclusions

• Beach relax
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Hua Hin

DAY 14: Hua Hin – Bangkok departure

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your time at leisure until check-out. Then, take a private transfer to Bangkok airport for your departure flight to your next destination.

Safe travels and see you again!

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Breakfast