12 days in Thailand
The adventure of a lifetime
Experience the ultimate group adventure in Thailand, where stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage await. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Phuket, immerse yourself in Thai cuisine, explore ancient temples, and create lifelong memories with your fellow travelers in this exotic paradise.
Itinerary
November 22 to December 3, 2024
Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok
Your adventure begins in the country’s bustling capital, Bangkok, famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the hotel where we will meet later that evening for our welcome dinner.
Day 2 | Bangkok's Floating Market + Food Tour
Today, transfer to Khlong Lat maYom Floating Market, a well known floating market that sells a variety of Thai food, desserts, decorations, appliances, clothing, and pottery. Board a traditional boat to sail through the local community and experience the way of life of the village. Late afternoon, set off for an overview of Bangkok's most famous street foods in China Town from street-food to restaurants.
Day 3 | Day trip to Ayutthaya
Depart in early morning to Ayutthaya, where we will visit some of the key temples and the remains of its golden age with a guided tour of the picturesque ruins spread across the town. You'll have chance to see the rows of headless Buddhas at Wat Phra Mahathat, sacked by the Burmese in the 18th century and a Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots, which is perhaps the most photographed site in all of Ayutthaya. Stop for a street food stall for a demonstration and tasting of roti sai mai, a dish synonymous with the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. After that visit a local village and community farm for an epic day of cooking Central Thai regional specialities and feasting with your hosts. Late in afternoon, transfer back to Bangkok and having free time at leisure.
Day 4 | Bangkok to Chiang Mai
After your morning at leisure, we will be transferred to the airport to board our flight to Chiang Mai; The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Arrival at Chiang Mai and transfer to your charming hotel.
Day 5 | Elephant Sanctuary Visit
Today we will visit the elephant sanctuary, Chang Chill where we will have the opportunity to observe the elephants in their habitat while enjoying traditional Thai refreshments. After that you will move down to the riverside where they can learn more about the food and enrichment the elephants enjoy, and help to prepare their feed tubes, packed with corn, sugar cane, grass, bananas and other supplementary foods.
Day 6 | Explore Chiang Mai
Let’s experience the Chiang Mai local culture today! In the morning, board a local songthaew or called “Rod Daeng” to a market where we will walk around to see and taste local food from vendors and prepare food to do an alms giving a to monks (known as 'Tak Bart' in Thai - a Buddhist morning ritual that has been a Thai tradition for centuries). After that walk through Chiang Mai old city and visit both local and famous beautiful temples for example Wat Chedi Luang. In the afternoon, we will take a short scenic drive to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples. Continue drive further to visit Hmong Doi Pui, it is home of Hmong hill tribe where you will see their local life which develop into a city. And the same time they try to preserve their Hmong culture as well!
Day 7 | Chiang Mai to Krabi
After your morning at leisure, we will be transferred to the airport to board our flight to Krabi; A lively beachside town in Krabi Province, Ao Nang has a main street with restaurants, shops and bars, and is close to many idyllic islands.
Day 8 | Community Experience
Today, we will have time at leisure to enjoy the beach at Ao Nang. In the late afternoon, visit Baan Na Teen village and take part in Batik Making to learn about this ancient technique of dyeing and join a local family for a home-cooked feast. Here is also an opportunity to assist with the preparation of tonight's meal – learn some of the delicious secrets of southern Thai cooking and enjoy a dinner that tastes all the better thanks to your handiwork! This is a wonderful opportunity to absorb some of the daily rituals of Thai culture.
Day 9 | Island Hopping + Snorkeling
This morning, head out to Ao Nang beach and on board a long tail boat to start today’s exploration. Immerse in the beauty of the coast line with stops at Phra Nang Cave, Railey Beach, Koh Tup, Koh Gai and discover the amazing coral by snorkeling in the crystal clear water. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling and return back to Ao Nang beach in mid-afternoon.
Day 10 | Krabi to Khao Lak
Say goodbye to Ao Nang this morning and continue your journey to Khao Lak. On the way, stop at a great Community-based tourism initiative at Baan Nai Nang village (supported by Mangrove Action Project) where we'll spend the better half of the day here, experiencing the amazing nature and learning about local culture. Get active and venture out in a kayak to explore the amazing water, limestone cliffs and mangrove forests at Khao Ka Rot. Return back to the village and enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch after a good workout, then learn to prepare and taste the organic local mulberry leaf tea. Head out for a walk in the village and its organic fruit orchards after lunch before hopping back on your bus and continue to Khao Lak.
Day 11 | Thai Cooking Class
Today, we will have the day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful western coast of Thailand along the Andaman Sea in Phang Nga Province. In the afternoon, we will wrap up our group adventure with a Thai cooking class and meal.
Day 12 | Head Home
Today we will transfer to Phuket to board our flight back to Bangkok to make our journey home. Farewell!
verve
/vərv/
verve
1. vigor and spirit or enthusiasm:
"Travel with verve"
/vərv/
1. vigor and spirit or enthusiasm:
"Travel with verve"
Who is this trip for?
Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome on this trip! Solo travelers, couples, friends, etc. There will be some longer travel days, a good bit of walking, and a few excursions like snorkeling and kayaking that will require some physical activity. While we encourage you to participate in the activities we have planned, it is not required. This trip is perfect for those wanting to experience an adventurous destination with a group of 16 other like-minded travelers.
Accommodation
All accommodation is based on double occupancy. If you require a single room, there will be an additional cost. We are staying at a range of 3 star properties in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Khao Lak. Click on the bold links to check out our properties!
Transportation
We will be using a range of transportation from private vehicles, boats, airplanes, tuk tuks, and more.
Inclusions
Your trip will include all of the activities mentioned in the itinerary as well as hand picked accommodation in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Khao Lak. Meals will be included where specified during food tours and cooking classes in addition to breakfast at our hotels.
Exclusions
International flights, visas, services not mentioned in the itinerary, late/early check out, meals and drinks not mentioned, drinks w/ lunches/dinners, tips for leaders + guides, travel insurance, optional activities.
Cost + Payment | $2,165.00 per person
A nonrefundable deposit of $400 is required to secure your spot on our tour!
The final payment is due 90 days prior to departure (August 24, 2024).
There is a single supplement fee of $480 should you require your own room.
Cancellation Policy:
Between 60 and 90 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking cost. 30 days or fewer prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking cost.
