Real Thailand

15 Days | Discover real Thailand on this beach-soaked odyssey

5 out of 5 based on 7 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
USD $1,205
View dates and book
This trip is for the 18 to 35 year olds

Take on an epic journey through Thailand and make loads of new friends along the way – the islands are calling! On this 15-day adventure, you’ll check out the night markets and bars in Bangkok, trek the hillside outside of Chiang Mai, chase waterfalls and maybe go searching for elephants. Go kayaking and soak in some gorgeous natural scenery that you’d only see from local hilltribe villages, plus enjoy loads of free time to go snorkelling, swimming or ziplining. With a local leader who has all the insider knowledge, you’ll hike, learn about turtles, sail on rivers, bliss out on the beach and get your safari fix in the jungle of Khao Sok National Park. Eat your weight in noodles, find your new fave nightlife spots and end it all in bustling Phuket with a banger sunset.

Trip overview

Map of Real Thailand including Thailand
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Phuket, Thailand
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
Thailand
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
TTYDC
This trip generates 40 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Step into another world in Khao Sok National Park – an essential experience in Thailand, nature-lover or not (but how could you not be?). You’ll go wildlife spotting and waterfall hiking through some of the oldest jungles in the world.
  • Trek deep – super deep – into the northern Thai hinterland with two days of trekking and two nights staying in a traditional hilltribe village, laughing with the locals and learning about their lifestyle.
  • Immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Thailand, from cascading waterfalls and mountainside views to a kayaking adventure on Mae Taeng River (followed by a spot of white-water rafting if you dare) to get a new perspective.
  • Get your street food fix in bustling Bangkok and cool Chiang Mai and tuck into some of the tastiest eats in all of Asia. When you’ve had your fill (is that even possible?), be treated to traditional homecooked dinners during your hilltribe village homestays.
  • Visit the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation in Phuket and learn how they work with local organisations and educational facilities to rescue leatherneck turtle eggs (and other local turtle species) and provide the community with environmental training.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip includes a two-day hillside trek, which is challenging and involves a lot of walking. Take note of the time of year you’re trekking to know what to expect weather-wise. The wet season runs from May to October and often results in muddy or slippery paths. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have a good level of fitness.
  • Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people. 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 and three overnight trains, 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.

Itinerary

Map of Real Thailand including Thailand

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew, Tuk-tuk, Shared Boat, Public bus

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights), Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (2 nights), Resort (2 nights) Rafthouse (1 night)

Activities
  • Bangkok - Orientation Walk
  • Chiang Mai - Night Bazaar & Anusarn Market
  • Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk
  • Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
  • Hilltribe Trek - Mae Malai Market Visit
  • Hilltribe Village - Home-cooked Dinner
  • Hilltribe Trek – Mok Fah Waterfall
  • Sop Kai Village - River Kayaking
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho
  • Ko Samui - half day guided tour
  • Khao Sok National Park – Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
  • Khao Sok National Park - Rafthouse Stay
  • Khao Sok National Park – Waterfall Hike
  • Khao Lak - Tsunami Memorial
  • Phuket - Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation
Add on activities
  • Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
  • Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure - THB2900
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
  • Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB200
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance) - THB50
  • Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB990
  • Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School - THB1400
  • Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) - THB1900
  • Mae Taeng - Whitewater Rafting - THB1800
  • Chiang Mai - Muay Thai Class (Thai boxing) - THB460
  • Chiang Mai - Chuan Chom Vocational Training Centre - Massage (from) - THB250
  • Chiang Mai - Wat Chedi Luang Temple - THB40
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary - THB1900
  • Chiang Mai – Whitewater Rafting - THB1800
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon (Entrance) - THB300
  • Chiang Mai - Wat Prasingh Temple - THB40
  • Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
  • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) - THB200
  • Ko Samui - Thai Massage - THB300
  • Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class - THB2300
  • Ko Samui - Day trip to Koh Tao - THB2400
  • Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park tour - THB2500
  • Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary - THB3500
  • Phuket - Phi Phi & Koh Khai Island Day Trip - THB3500
  • Phuket - Banana Beach & Koh Mai Ton Day Trip - THB2500
  • Phuket - Similan Day Trip - THB3500
  • Phuket - Surin National Marine Park Day Trip - THB3500
  • Phuket - Elephant Sanctuary - THB3500

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2, 7 & 9 (Overnight sleeper train), Days 4 & 5 (Hilltribe Village), and Day 12 (Rafthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 7 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Amy · Traveled November 2023
Oat was an amazing leader and I would highly recommend doing the whole 16 day trip as the hill tribe trek was unforgettable! Khao Sok was also a must!
Review submitted 27 Nov 2023

Holly · Traveled September 2023
I had the best time on this trip, met the best people and had some incredible experiences. Doing the hike in the north and staying at the raft-house in the south was an experience i will never forget. This was my first solo trip and it couldnt have gone any better.
Review submitted 27 Sep 2023

Ellie · Traveled June 2023
I had do much fun on this trip and really made friends for life. As everyone is a similar age we all got on so well and had a great time all round
Review submitted 22 Jun 2023

Isabelle · Traveled January 2023
Overall the whole trip was great, it was a great experience for me during my first solo trip. I was nervous at the start but my trip leader was very comforting and taught me so much. I think that intrepid is a great travel agency for people of all ages and I think that everyone should at least once travel with this agency as you make so many friends, have many memories and your trip can take you out of your comfort zone. I definitely would recommend.
Review submitted 24 Jan 2023

Olivia · Traveled November 2022
An amazing trip with great variety. I felt like I really got to experience Thailand in an authentic, fun way.
Review submitted 08 Dec 2022
Real Thailand
From
USD $1,205