Thailand Experience West Coast (Nov - Apr) 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.

Soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Krabi before taking a snorkelling day trip to Phi Phi Island.

Sail around admiring Phang-Nga Bay's spectacular jagged cliffs and islands before pulling on a mask for more fantastic snorkelling. A tour of Ko Yao Noi provides a fascinating glimpse of daily life on a tropical island.

Take a refreshing dip in a waterfall en route to Phuket's Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre. There is so much to see and do on Thailand's largest island. Bungee jump, go deep-sea fishing, take in a cabaret show or kick back with a cocktail for a seaside sunset.