Upgraded Thailand

If you’re looking for a trip that combines Thailand’s cities and temples with the stunning beaches of its tropical coastline, well, you’ve found it. Learn about the rich cultural heritage and culinary magic in Chiang Mai before cruising south to lounge along pristine beaches and swim in warm, turquoise waters. Visit limestone cliffs and sacred caves in Krabi, and leave footprints in the sand along the shores of Ko Samui. Every place you go will give you something to talk about, so get ready to meet some incredible people, partake in traditional workshops, and fall in love with the vibrant flavours of Thai cuisine.

Day 1 Bangkok
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
In the morning transfer to the city of Kanchanaburi, at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers. Journey by train across the bridge on the River Kwai and then visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn about the history surrounding the Burma Railway. Afterwards, the group will visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

Day 3 Kanchanaburi/Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Stretch those legs this morning on a hike into the fertile landscapes of Erawan National Park in the Tenasserim Hills. Enjoy a quick swim in the turquoise pools of Erawan Falls. In the afternoon, travel to the historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya where the group will try some traditional Thai dishes for dinner on a rice barge from the 1930s that has been converted into a restaurant.

Day 4 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya/Chiang Mai
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ayutthaya Historical Park where you will be able to walk down well-planned city streets to see beautiful palaces and Buddhist monasteries that inspired Thai architecture for years to come. After spending some time here, return to Bangkok where the group will board a flight to Chiang Mai. Dinner will be enjoyed at a traditional village in the countryside. It will be khantok-style and served on low pedestal trays.

Day 5 Chiang Mai
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Chiang Mai’s morning markets. You’ll be with a local chef during your time there and will learn about Thai cuisine as you select ingredients for an included cooking class. For lunch the group will eat what they made during the class and will visit a historic temple together. Then, meet with one of the resident monks to learn about life in the temple. From there, listen to the chanting of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Sethep temple.

Day 6 Chiang Mai
The day is yours. Check out Chiang Mai’s temples and choose from a variety of optional activities to fill your time. Maybe travel the rural lanes of the city in a tuk-tuk, or choose to take a cycling tour through rice paddies and the historic district. After dark, opt to visit Chiang Mai’s bustling night market.

Day 7 Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Fly to Bangkok in the morning and hop on a traditional klong boat to ride through the winding canals. Stop for a visit to Wat Pho, the largest and oldest temple complex in Bangkok. See the grand statue of the Reclining Buddha and simply enjoy your surroundings.

Day 8 Bangkok
Did someone say free day in Bangkok? Sure did! Choose to visit the Grand Palace, stare up at the sacred statue of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew, or wander through the art and artifacts at the Bangkok National Museum. The choice is yours. If you can’t decide, maybe hop on a bike to check out the calmer side of the city, riding through hidden temples and beautiful parks.

Day 9 Bangkok/Ko Samui
The adventure certainly begins today as the group transfers to the airport in Bangkok to board a flight to the island of Ko Samui. Get settled and then explore your surroundings during a free afternoon. Lounge by the pool, leave footprints along the beaches, or become acquainted with the local village.

Day 10 Ko Samui
Today you’re in for a treat. Board a traditional longtail boat in the morning and set off to the islands of Ko Mat Sum and Ko Taen. Indulge in a local lunch at the beach and then choose to relax, explore more on foot, by kayak, or with a snorkel. There’s so much to do and see, especially under the calm, clear waters.

Day 11 Ko Samui/Khao Sok
Board a ferry to reach the mainland for your drive to Kao Thep Pitak. This community-owned farm is supported by G Adventures. It’s here that you’ll have lunch and take a walk through the surrounding fruit orchards. Then, it’s onward to Khao Sok National Park, where the group will stay at a sustainable, community-focused eco-lodge near the park boundary. After dark head out with a community guide into the rainforest to witness the jungle at night.

Day 12 Khao Sok
It’s all about Khao Sok National Park as you get a day to enjoy the largest virgin rainforest area in southern Thailand at your own pace. There are many optional activities to choose from that will get you into the jungle. Go on a hike to search for monkeys and tropical birds, relax in some hot springs, grab a canoe and float down the Sok River, or book a cycling tour through the park’s winding trails.

Day 13 Khao Sok/Krabi
Today’s journey includes driving south to Krabi along the southwest coast of Thailand. After crossing the Krabi River by private longtail boat you’ll visit the Khao Khanap Nam cave to view some prehistoric paintings and cool rock formations. Afterwards, travel to Ko Klang island and hop on some tuk-tuks to weave through local communities seeing local life at work. Stop and chat with villagers to learn about cultivation techniques passed down through generations.

Day 14 Krabi
You’ve earned some down time, so why don’t you take today to relax and explore Krabi. Maybe jump on a tuk-tuk to visit Ao Nang beach, or choose to kayak through the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Maybe go snorkeling and search for tropical fish. If you want even more adventure, book a speedboat day trip to some of the best beaches on the Ko Phi Phi islands.

Day 15 Krabi/Bangkok
This morning, return to Bangkok, where your trip ends on arrival.