Real Thailand

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 9 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
USD $1,230
View dates and book
This trip is for 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, 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 51 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.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Meaningful experiences

Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience


Why you'll love this trip
  • Step into another world in Khao Sok National Park and go wildlife spotting and waterfall hiking through some of the oldest jungles in the world.
  • Immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Thailand, from cascading waterfalls, stunning beaches and mountainside views to a kayaking adventure on Mae Taeng River (followed by a spot of white-water rafting if you dare).
  • 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.
  • 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 Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center and learn how they rescue leatherneck turtle eggs (and other local turtle species) and provide environmental training to the community.

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. 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.
  • Some long travel days and three overnight trains are included, which can be tiresome. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a true local experience and the best way to travel long distances 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.
  • This trip is designed with a lot of free time to give you the flexibility and space for making your own discoveries. This is a great way to travel independently while drawing on the knowledge of local leaders.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

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
  • Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
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

4.9 out of 5 based on 9 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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Julia · Traveled August 2024
Overall the trip was excellent. The hill trek was fantastic, a must do. If I were to redo it I’d spend less time in Bangkok and more time in nature areas. Khao sok NP was amazing and I would have liked to stay and extra night. I did many things as part of this trip I wouldn’t have been able to do alone so that was great! Really enjoyed my time in Thailand
Review submitted 25 Aug 2024

Ellie · Traveled February 2024
The Group Trips I did in Thailand were amazing! It was a truly life changing experience that I would recommend everybody does. Our group trip leader, Pepae was so lovely and made the trip so so amazing. Can’t wait to do another tour in the near future ☺️
Review submitted 05 Mar 2024

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
Real Thailand
From
USD $1,230