From the hills to the beaches, experience authentic Thailand on this 16-day trip.
Leave behind crowded Bangkok and head into parts of Thailand that lots of travellers never see. By the time they’re up and ready to shake off last night’s hangover, you’ll be on your way to Doi Inthanont National Park, where you will find Hilltribe villages, waterfalls and jungle. From there, it just keeps getting better. Sure, you’ll see the vaunted beaches of Koh Samui and Ao Nang, but you’ll also spend a night in a rafthouse in Khao Sok National Park and partake in a Muay Thai Class in Chiang Mai. Now THIS is Thailand.
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Feel like one of the locals on an overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Grab some snacks from the on-board vendors, utilise your phrase book and embrace this unique journey.
Obsessed with the Tom Yam Goong at your local Thai joint? Imagine how much better it would be in Thailand, on a beach, with a cocktail, at sunset. Nice, eh?
Koh Samui is a slice of paradise. Cruise the island, go chasing waterfalls and feel peachy on the beach before carving up the dance floor in one of Koh Samui's famous bars.
Kick back for a few days in Ao Nang. Plenty of free time to take up optional activities like, cook some food in a Thai cooking class, cook yourself in some hot springs or paddle to a hidden lagoon on Koh Hong island.
Need more reasons? Here are 7 more why we love it: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/southern-thailand/
This trip includes a two-day hillside trek, and can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
Accommodation can be basic but it's always comfortable, especially in the hillside village.
We use hostels on this trip in Chiang Mai, so think dorm beds and shared bathrooms. It’s modern, comfortable and has some great communal spaces to hang out with your new mates.
We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
This trip involves some long journeys on the road, lots of public transport (songthaews, public buses) and an overnight train, which can be tiresome. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a true local experience and the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at your destinations. Occasionally passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and/or you'll be sharing with locals or travellers from other groups. For your own security, take a lock for your luggage.
As this is a Basix trip, the majority of activities are optional and you'll have lots of free time. This means you're able to do your own thing at your own pace.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Real Thailand trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is bookable on this trip, subject to availability, and excludes Day 2 overnight train, Day 3 Chiang Mai (Hostel), Day 4 Hilltribe village house, Day 5 & 6 Chiang Mai (Hostel), Day 7 overnight train, Day 9 overnight train
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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