Best Of Thailand East Coast (May Oct)

All content by Intrepid

18 days (ex Bangkok)

Destinations visited: Thailand, Bangkok, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,515

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Description

Experience the best of Thailand, north and south, on a compact, 18-day journey. There's no need to choose between an active adventure in the mountains or a lazy sojourn on the beautiful beaches because this trip caters to both. Discover the remote north with its hilltribes and gorgeous green scenery and travel to the striking jungles and emerald islands of the tropical south. Explore Thailand from top to bottom and really get to know the country. Meet the locals and come to understand the wonderful cultures that make up this fascinating corner of South-East Asia.

Highlights

Explore a myriad of fascinating cultural attractions in Bangkok.
Bargain hunt on a visit to Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar.
Take a longtail boat tour along Bangkok's khlongs.
Meet villagers while trekking the northern hills.
Stroll along jungles paths and cool off under waterfalls in Khao Sok.
Travel from north to south on sleeper class trains.
Laze on stunning beaches in southern Thailand.
Be awed by the underwater scenery on a snorkelling adventure.
Laze about in Thailand's world famous holiday destinations.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Bangkok

Get acquainted with rambunctious Bangkok where there are so many things to see and do. Take a walk through Bangkok's vibrant streets to discover colourful markets, tranquil temples and delicious hawker-style food. For a break from the tuk-tuks and traffic, why not take a longtail boat trip down the khlongs? Then it's all aboard the overnight train to Chiang Mai, northern Thailand's cultural capital.

Day 3 Chiang Mai

Sharpen bargaining skills on a visit to Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar, cycle into the countryside or climb the dragon staircase to the Doi Suthep temple.

Days 4-6 Hilltribe Trek

Trek into the northern hills for a unique glimpse of rural Thailand and meet smiling locals on the way. At night, experience a slice of hilltribe life and stay in a simple village hut.

Day 7 Chiang Mai

Return back to charismatic Chiang Mai and grab some last-minute mementos, indulge in a classic Thai massage or continue to temple-hop before boarding the train to Bangkok.

Days 8-9 Bangkok

Back in the fast-paced capital, there are plenty more palaces and temples to explore. Perhaps ascend one of the many skyscrapers and admire a carpet of Bangkok city lights.

Days 10-11 Khao Sok National Park

After an overnight train journey it's time to go wild in the thick jungles of Khao Sok National Park. Roam beneath the shady canopy, cool off under waterfalls or trek along one of the jungle paths.

Days 12-13 Ko Samui

Visit Thailand's beachside bliss at a remote and little-developed part of Ko Samui. Stretch out on the perfect white sands, take refreshing swims or wander through endless coconut groves to discover why this is one of Thailand's best-loved island destinations.

Days 14-17 Ko Tao

Leap into crystal clear waters, explore an underwater paradise teeming with tropical fish and brilliant coral, and discover why Ko Tao is such a popular diving destination. Maybe grab a kayak to explore hidden coves or take a nap on a deserted beach. Leaving Ko Tao, travel to Chumphon for a look around town before catching an overnight train back to Bangkok.

Day 18 Bangkok

Return to vivacious Bangkok city after an overnight train ride where the Best of Thailand trip wraps up. Check out its shopping malls, thumping nightlife, gourmet delights and fascinating cultural attractions.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nts), Guesthouse (5 nts), Overnight sleeper train (4 nts), Hilltribe village (2 nts)

Transport

Taxi, Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew, Bus, Ferry

Budget

Allow USD $350 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,515

Book now

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