Thailand Experience East Coast (May - Oct) Itinerary

Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of the Asia’s thriving metropolis, Bangkok. There's time to wander down legendary Khao San Road, watch a bout of Thai boxing or set out on a shopping spree.

Glide over the glassy Khao Laem reservoir before stopping for lunch in a hilltribe village. Soak up views of misty mountaintops and traverse the historical Three Pagodas Pass to the border of Burma (Myanmar). Browse the lively market for handmade goods such as sarongs, embroidered blankets and cheroots (cigars).

Spend a day in Thailand's remote Karen village learning about local customs, language and lifestyle. An overnight stay in the tiny town of Thong Pha Phum offers a taste of Mon culture and cuisine. Sample one of the colourful pots of curry that line the street or meander through ancient temples.

A moving visit to the Hellfire Pass Museum is followed by a train journey along the infamous Thai-Burma Railway where so many prisoners of war lost their lives. Spend the night in historic Kanchanaburi.

Plunge into the cool turquoise pool beneath Erawan's seven-tiered waterfall, try your hand at fragrant Thai cookery or traverse the River Kwai in a kayak - there's plenty to do before heading on to a traditional teak house for the night.

Fast-paced and fascinating, Bangkok's chaotic streets are a traveller's delight. Head out to Wat Arun to visit the 'Temple of the Dawn' and see its ornate Khmer-style tower. Then climb aboard a southbound overnight train.

Chilled out and picturesque, Ko Pha-Ngan is the perfect place for a tropical island getaway. Visit fishing villages, discover temples or swim under refreshing waterfalls.

Soak up the best of beach life on the white sandy shores of Ko Tao. Diving is the order of the day for many visitors to Ko Tao but snorkelling over the colourful reefs is equally as impressive. There's also plenty of time to simply relax on the beach under swaying coconut palms.

Travel across to Ko Samui and enjoy long white beaches, ancient temples and cooling waterfalls - but this time with the addition of a lively nightlife. Take a day tour to Thailand's largest national marine park, home to the beautiful Emerald Lake, or choose to head out on a sea-kayak trip. If that seems like too much hard work, just kick back with a cocktail on one of Ko Samui's beaches.