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14-Nights Iconic Thailand - National Geographic Journeys from $3,149
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1532939
Journeys: Iconic Thailand
Experience the timeless grandeur of Thailand’s cities, temples, and landscapes on a cross-country adventure. Explore the rich cultural heritage and culinary delights of Chiang Mai, then head south to discover tropical coastlines. Stroll the sun-drenched shores of Ko Samui, and venture to limestone cliffs and sacred caves in Krabi. In each destination, marvel at intricate palaces and monasteries, meet locals in village homes and traditional workshops, and delight in the flavours of authentic Thai cuisine.
Highlights
Discuss daily life with a resident monk, Explore the temples and palaces of Ayutthaya, Cruise Bangkok’s delightfully chaotic canals, Explore Hong Island on a traditional Longtail Boat, Coast down Krabi River aboard a Longtail boat before hopping in a tricycle tuk-tuk
Accommodation
Hotels (12 nts), lodge (2 nts).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Group Size Notes
Max 16, Avg 12.
Meals Included
14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Thai Home Dinner, Chiang Mai
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet with Monks, Chiang Mai
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Farm and Culinary Experience, Ban Ta Khun
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Rainforest Eco-Walk & Dinner, Khao Sok
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Krabi Village Excursion, Krabi
Your G for Good Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal, Ban Ta Khun
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class, Chiang Mai
Your Discover Moment: Bangkok. Arrival transfer. Entrance to Thai-Burma war museum and train ride. Visit to Erawan National Park. Tour at Ayutthaya Historical Park. Dinner on a converted rice barge. Bangkok boat tour of the klongs (canals) and Wat Pho temple complex. Hong Island Traditional Longtail Boat Tour. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
14 nights from $3,149 per person
G Adventures: Journeys: Iconic Thailand
Day 1: Bangkok
Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included.
Day 2: Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
After breakfast, travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers. Board a train for a winding journey into World War II history as you cross the bridge made famous by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. At the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, learn about the Burma Railway, constructed by imperial Japanese forces to connect Bangkok and Burma; then visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to see where the prisoners of war who worked on the railway were laid to rest.
Day 3: Kanchanaburi/Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
This morning, hike into the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park, located high in the mist-shrouded Tenasserim Hills. Take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Erawan Falls—so called because its top tier of cascades resemble the three-headed, mythological elephant known as Erawan. This afternoon, transfer to the historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a former capital of the medieval kingdom of Ayutthaya, also known as Siam. Sample traditional Thai dishes during dinner on a converted rice barge from the 1930s.
Day 4: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya/Chiang Mai
Set out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, centered on the old city which served as the Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan regions in the world. Stroll down well-planned city streets to view magnificent palaces and Buddhist monasteries that set the standard for Thai architecture for generations to come. Later, return to Bangkok and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Visit a traditional village in the countryside and enjoy a khantok-style dinner, served on low pedestal trays.
Khantok in the Northern dialect means wooden tray, used for carrying dishes, round in shape and made of teak wood. The host will invite guests to sit on the floor around the khantok. After dinner, enjoy tea time with the opportunity to talk with local people to learn their way of living.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Delve into the bustle of Chiang Mai’s morning markets with a local chef, and learn about colourful fruits and fragrant herbs as you select ingredients for a Thai cooking class. Enjoy your creation for lunch, then set out to visit a historic temple. Sit down with one of the resident monks to discuss daily life and the tenets of Buddhism. Later, clear your mind to the chanting of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most spectacular gilded temples in Thailand.
Monk chats are a great cultural exchange, but also important in helping the young Monks improve their English.
Day 6: Chiang Mai
Spend a full day exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and forested hills on your own, or choose between a variety of optional activities. Opt to take a cycling tour through verdant rice paddies and the elegant historic district. In the evening, choose to visit Chiang Mai’s vibrant night market.
Day 7: Chiang Mai/Bangkok
This morning, fly to Bangkok and board a traditional klong boat for a ride along the winding canals that have earned the city the nickname the “Venice of the East.” Glide past colourful temples, modern skyscrapers, and houses perched above the water. Visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple complex, and often considered Thailand’s first public university—its many inscriptions were intended to instruct visitors. Marvel at the magnificent statue of the Reclining Buddha, glittering with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl.
Day 8: Bangkok
Enjoy a free day in bustling Bangkok. Opt to visit the dazzling Grand Palace, formerly the official residence of the Thai royal family, and gaze upon the sacred statue of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. Browse the stunning collections of Thai art and artifacts at the Bangkok National Museum, including weaponry, ceramics, textiles, and musical instruments; or hop on a bike to explore the quieter side of the city, pedalling past hidden temples and lush parks.
Day 9: Bangkok/Ko Samui
This morning, transfer to the airport in Bangkok and catch a flight to the tropical island of Ko Samui, bordered by the sapphire waters off Thailand’s southeast coast. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to relax by the pool, stroll along a white-sand beach, or explore the local village.
Off of Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui offers everything you could possibly want in a seaside retreat: white sandy beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood, and warm, clear waters. Our resort is nestled in tropical gardens with a private beach leading into crystal clear waters. The property also has three freshwater swimming pools and the resort is just 15 minutes by road to Lamai Beach’s bustling nightlife district.
Day 10: Koh Samui
Enjoy a full day of free time to relax in Koh Samui. Opt for an island tour or a visit to Ang Thong Marine Park.
Day 11: Ko Samui/Khao Sok
Catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Kao Thep Pitak, a community-owned farm supported by G Adventures. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties and take a stroll through the surrounding fruit orchards. Continue to Khao Sok National Park, where you will settle into a lovely resort overlooking the riverside and tucked beneath the rising cliffs in the distance.This evening, venture into the rainforest park on a nighttime walk with a community guide, then gather for a campfire dinner surrounded by the music of the jungle.
Khao Sok is a stunning location with one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world, surrounded by limestone karst cliffs.
Day 12: Khao Sok
Khao Sok National Park is southern Thailand’s largest area of virgin rainforest, encompassing a breathtaking wilderness of karst peaks, turquoise lakes, and tropical rainforest that stretch along the southwest coast. Explore the park on your own today, choosing between a variety of optional jungle activities. Head out for a hike in search of monkeys and tropical birds inhabiting the dense canopy. Glide down the sparkling Sok River aboard a canoe or take a boat tour in the beautiful scenery of striking limestone cliffs.
Day 13: Khao Sok/Krabi
This morning, drive south to Krabi, situated on Thailand’s tropical southwest coast. Cross the Krabi River by private longtail boat, gliding past mangrove forests and limestone peaks. Venture into the Khao Khanap Nam cave to view prehistoric paintings and fascinating rock formations. Later, head to Ko Klang island and board motorized tricycle tuk-tuks to explore local communities and traditional industries, including a rubber plantation, rice fields, and a batik workshop. Chat with villagers and learn about timeless agricultural and artisanal techniques passed down over generations.
Day 14: Krabi
Hop on a traditional longtail boat and set out on a full-day tour of the Hong Islands with stops at Hong Beach, Hong Lagoon, Phak Bia, and Lading Island with an included lunch. Enjoy the calm waters and colorful aquatic life as you soak up the sun.
In the evening enjoy some of the beautiful scenic views that have made southern Thailand so famous. Grab a cocktail and relax at the pool. Your CEO will fill you in on all the other interesting options that are available in the area. This is the perfect place to get active or simply chill out and relax.Our resort is located at Aonang Beach and only a short distance by Tuk -Tuk to Noppharat Thara Beach. End the day in paradise with a stroll along the beachfront.
Day 15: Krabi/Bangkok
This morning, return to Bangkok, where your trip concludes.
The tour ends at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport). Please note: your flight must not depart earlier than 15:00 on this day.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at the time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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