Elephants, Jungle & Beach
Elephants, Jungle & Beach
This 2 week itinerary covers all the wonderful experiences that come to mind when you think about a holiday to Thailand… and a bit more! Kick off with Bangkok’s rich culture, then head to Chiang Mai to encounter elephants at one of the best sanctuaries in the country, sample its famous street food and markets and explore the forests the adventurous way, with a treetop zipline and white water rafting.
Spend a few nights at Khao Sok national park in a jungle treehouse and a floating hut on the beautiful Chiaw Laan lake, enjoying hiking, swimming and and boat safaris to spot tropical birds and monkeys. Finish by relaxing on the white sands of one of Thailand’s islands or try snorkelling, scuba diving or sea kayaking in the crystal-clear waters. Perfect for families, outdoors lovers and adventurous souls!
Day to Day Itinerary
Overview
This is a suggested itinerary. Dates, stops & activities are all flexible.
14 Days: Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Khao Sok National Park – Beach
Activities: temples and culture, street food, meeting elephants, white water rafting, ziplining, wildlife spotting, jungle treehouse, floating rafthouse, beach
Bangkok
Day 1: Arrive at Bangkok airport where you will be met by our local representative and taken to your hotel.
Day 2: A full day visit to the ‘must see’ attractions of Bangkok as well as some hidden gems. Begin at Bangkok’s signature landmark, the Grand Palace and Wat Po, with its impressive huge reclining Buddha image. After lunch, board a classic long-tail boat to explore the city’s network of canals and watch a traditional Thai puppet show, then cruise back to the magnificent royal temple Wat Arun. In the evening you’ll explore China Town and the photogenic city flower market by tuk tuk, sampling some of the best street food in the city along the way. (B/L)
Chiang Mai
Day 3: Fly to Chiang Mai, then the rest of the day is free to explore the “Rose of the North”, with its historic temples, incredible street food and famous ‘walking street’ markets. We can also arrange city tours, trekking, hilltribe visits, outdoor adventures and much more. (B)
Day 4: Spend the day at a project supported by Elephant Nature Park, the country’s leading advocates of ethical elephant experiences, where you can interact with these majestic animals in their natural habitat. No shows or tricks, just your chance to observe the world’s largest land mammals and to get up close to touch, feed and wash them – a once in a lifetime experience! In the evening, pay a visit to the famous Night Market. (B/L)
Note: this is also available as an overnight experience staying in a hilltribe village.
Day 5: Finish your visit to Chiang Mai with treetop ziplines and white water rafting – for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers alike this has got to be the most unique way to explore the beautiful forest. There are 18 platforms to try, working up to the highlight: a 400m river traverse on the one of the highest and longest ziplines in the Thailand. Afterwards, enjoy 2 hours of exhilarating rafting, including the best 14 rapids in the country along the Mae Tang River. (B/L)
Khao Sok National Park
Day 6: Transfer to the airport for a flight to Surat Thani, then continue to your jungle treehouse at Khao Sok National Park and relax with a traditional Thai massage. Enjoy an exciting night safari before falling asleep to the sounds of nature. (B)
Day 7: In the morning choose between canoeing or tubing down the river, where your guide will point out brightly-coloured birds along the banks and maybe a snake or two hanging high up on the trees. The afternoon is free until you meet your guide for a very special evening experience in the jungle – bamboo cooking and a night safari. (B/L)
Day 8: Drive to Chiaw Laan lake, where you will spend a night under the stars in a basic floating bungalow that matches the simplicity of the surroundings. Daytime activities include hiking through virgin jungle, swimming, exploring caves, kayaking and relaxing amidst the amazing scenery. (B/L/D)
Beach Time
Day 9: Early morning cruise around the lake shores in search of the elusive but prolific wildlife that can be found here, before returning to the rafthouse for breakfast. Afterwards depart back across the lake and drive to Surat Thani to catch a catamaran to one of the east coast islands such as Koh Samui or Koh Tao.
Note: these islands are recommended for June-Aug but Thailand has numerous amazing beaches – which one you go to depends on the prevailing weather and your personal tastes! (B/L)
Days 10-13: Free days to relax and enjoy the Thailand’s famously stunning beaches. Tao is small and fairly quiet and is known as one of the best scuba diving sites in the world. Koh Samui is better known and offers more varied amenities like shops and restaurants but it’s still possible to avoid the crowds and discover a slice of tropical paradise. (B)
Day 14: Transfer by catamaran to Koh Samui for a flight back to Bangkok, connecting with your flight home. (B)
What’s Included
Prices from: £1349 per person
Services included: hotels on shared room basis, meals, transfers and activities as mentioned, entry fees, English speaking guide, 24 hour assistance
Services not included: flights, drinks, tips and personal expenses
Note: stops can be extended, added or cut – just ask us!