Thailand explorer: cities, islands & elephant encounters

Bangkok

Tag 1: Welcome to Bangkok

Bangkok is a bustling metropolis that is a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, and smells. The ancient capital is steeped in history and vibrant culture like nowhere else. During your stay here, we'll introduce you to what makes this city tick. The fascinating temples, the riverside lives, how the locals operate and show you a genuine side of this marvelous city that few visitors ever experience.

During our time here, your guide will show you all the must-see sights, travelling as the locals do, eating as the locals do and surrounding yourselves in their culture and customs. Temples, markets, canals, street food - you'll leave Bangkok with a true understanding of how Thailand operates.

Your guided tour of the city will take in the the lesser-known and fascinating back streets of Chinatown to experience the 'real' Bangkok. You'll experience the most stunning temples, the newly reinvigorated canal area, the River of Kings, small street markets and so much more.

Bangkok

Tag 2: Bangkok's markets

Bangkok is synonymous with markets. On your second day, we'll head to one of the most famous and unique of all - the world-renowned Maeklong Railway Market. This market is dissected by a live railway line and the traders have designed their stalls in such a way that as the trains pass through, the stalls are collapsed, and the visitors simply step aside! It's an experience that can't be missed.

Return to your hotel in the centre of culturally-rich Chinatown to relax away from the bustle. 

Chiang Mai

Tag 3: Overnight train to Chiang Mai

Enjoy some ime at leisure in Bangkok before boarding the night train to Chiang Mai. You will have your own private cabin featuring two beds, air-conditioning, drinking water, and plenty of space to stretch. 

Drift off to sleep to the gentle rocking of the train, knowing that when you wake up you'll have arrived at one of Thailand's cultural gems.

Chiang Mai

Tag 4: Discover Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a genuine highlight of Thailand. The city's quaint coffee-shop culture, tree-lined avenues, and laid-back lifestyle draws millions of travellers each year. Today, we show you around the walled old town, seek out the hidden gems of the city and introduce elements of the unique mixture of Thai, Laotian and Burmese culture.

In the evening, we head to the awe-inspiring Night Bazaar where the local artisans proudly display their unique and handmade crafts for sale.

Mae Wang

Tag 5: The elephants of Chiang Mai

The following day, we head to meet the real stars of Thailand - the rescued and rehabilitating elephants of Mae Wang.

Here, we join several of the daily on-site activities and receive a true understanding of the plight of these incredible animals. All done safely in the knowledge that our interactions are ethical, humane and sustainable. We do not, in any way, support elephant riding, or the forcing of elephants to 'put on a show' for visitors. However, you will have the opportunity to get up very close to these animals in a safe and responsible way - for both you and the elephants.

Please note: Our team on the ground in Thailand has worked with captive and rescued elephants for almost two decades. We are considered amongst the top operators of interactions with elephants. Rest assured, your time here is has nothing but a positive impact on the lives and the future of the elephants.

Phuket

Tag 6: Flying to Phuket

Time to head to the islands... This morning, we catch a quick, 2-hour flight to Phuket. On arrival, our private transfer delivers you to the stunning Burasari Hotel in the Patong beach area of the island.

Once checked-in, your guide will explain the day's itinerary before an informal walking tour of the local area where your guide will point out places of interest and importance. The rest of the day is at your leisure. The pool is wonderful and Patong Beach is just a stone's throw from the hotel.

Phuket

Tag 7: Second day in Phuket

Enjoy your first full day in paradisiacal Phuket.

As with most areas of Thailand, Phuket is full of stunning vistas, interesting places to visit, a variety of cultures and genuinely friendly people. Whilst on the island, you'll have the option to either take a guided tour of the island on land, or join a day on (and under) the water with a snorkel boat trip.

Phuket

Tag 8: Final day in Phuket

Enjoy your final day by the beautiful Patong Beach.

There is no shortage of activities to join on the island of Phuket. From cooking classes to watersports, to cultural trips or enjoying the beaches, restaurants and many spas. You'll have plenty of time to join any of these and your guide will be with you to organise any particular extra activities of interest.

Koh Mook

Tag 9: Tranquil Koh Mook

From the tourism-centric island of Phuket, we head further south to the quiet and hugely underdeveloped island of Koh Mook. Here, the fishing and farming industries play the most important role as these are the two main sources of income for the local community.

As our ethos is to only offer the finest, eco-friendly accommodation on our tours, we stay at Nature Hill during our time in Koh Mook. This laid-back jungle resort offers phenomenal bungalows and is a short walk from the beach - ensuring an excellent nights sleep whilst doing little to no harm to the planet.

Koh Mook

Tag 10: Exploring Koh Mook

Tourism has yet to make a big impact on Koh Mook. The way of life is very relaxed, the people are genuinely inquisitive of visitors, and warmly welcoming to tourists. During our time here, you'll learn about the lives of the locals, which is an amiable and fascinating mixture of Buddhist and Muslim cultures. You'll join a cooking lesson on how to whip up the local delicacies, visit a mangrove regeneration project, and (for those brave enough) visit the magical Emerald Cave.

The only way on and off the island is by ferry, adding to the mystique of the island. There are no cars here, only motorcycles with side cars and bicycles. Many liken Koh Mook to destinations such as Koh Samui, and even some areas of Phuket, around 30-years ago. But don't worry, you're not stepping back in time, you're blazing a trail! Once the wonders of Koh Mook gets out, travellers will be arriving in droves to experience this wonderful island and slow-paced lifestyle it offers.

Bangkok

Tag 11: Back to Bangkok

From Koh Mook, we head back north and back to where it all began. Our flight from Trang to Bangkok will take around 2-hours with a quick transfer back to the W22 hotel in Chinatown.

Once checked-in, we'll freshen up before heading out for a final feast in a very popular local restaurant. Here, we can reminisce on the adventure through Thailand, swap stories and photographs and should you wish to extend the night further, your guide will be happy to show you a few popular bars, pubs, and markets where you can dance the night away.

Bangkok

Tag 12: Farewell Thailand!

You've done so much over the last few days and you will have memories that will last you a lifetime.

Depending on your flight we will transport you to the airport for your international flight (assuming you didn't extend your stay).  But even though you must leave paradise now we are quite sure that you haven't had enough of Thailand and that you will be back to explore everything you missed. So let's not say farewell but instead say see you soon!