12-day Thailand jungle adventure

Chiang Mai

Day 1: Welcome to Chiang Mai!

Chiang Mai is a genuine highlight of Thailand. The city's quaint coffee-shop culture, tree-lined avenues, and laid-back lifestyle draw millions of travelers 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.

Enjoy a traditional Thai feast for dinner while at the bustling Night Bazaar. Your guide will explain the various dishes, the melting pot of cultures that make northern Thai food so delectably delicious, and a bit of history about the city.

Chiang Mai

Day 2: Captivated in Chiang Mai

Time for a city tour! Soak in the street sounds, sniff the street food aromas, slurp on some Khao Soi noodles (a coconut milk-based curry soup that will leave you hankering for a second helping), and take a minute to thank yourself for straying from your comfort zone in a faraway land. Today's journey includes visits to Doi Suthep (mountain) and a mountain temple

You will also experience a lesser-known side of Chiang Mai and see why it is such a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Markets, canals, street food, culture, and smiling locals - you'll see a side of Chiang Mai that few visitors ever get to truly experience.

Your first true day of adventure is a special experience. Tonight, you will get dinner at the Night Bazaar so save up for a proper Thai feast surrounded by the lovely artist market.

Mae Wang

Day 3: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

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 is 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.

Activities at the camp began with an introduction, including its history, safety protocols for both you and the elephants, and how the elephants came to live at the sanctuary

Khao Sok National Park

Day 4: Wonder at Khao Sok National Park

Today, we catch a flight to the south of Thailand. Private pickup will transfer us from the airport to the exceptionally unique Our Jungle House Resort. After checking in, the afternoon is yours to spend as you please with plenty to explore in the surrounding jungle area - including a river for a quick dip.

Khao Sok National Park is a nature reserve of dense virgin jungle, towering limestone karst formations, and the man-made Cheow Lan Lake.

Tonight, we sit down for a full-course dinner in the jungle. After dinner, you can enjoy the jungle views from the treehouse terrace, enjoy some local beers or beverages, or tuck in early to prepare for tomorrow's guided jungle trek through the reserve.

Khao Sok National Park

Day 5: Jungle Trek in Khao Sok

Wake for breakfast in your jungle treehouse surrounded by the serenity of pure nature! Catch the sunrise from your perch or rest and have a good sleep before today's exciting adventure through the Khao Sok National Park Wildlife Reserve.

The reserve is home to rare species such as the giant parasitic Rafflesia flower, hornbill birds, gibbons and even tigers! But not to worry, these elusive creatures stay hidden deep in the reserve to ensure they rarely cross paths with visitors.

We explore the park along the vast hiking trails, with a guide to explain the history of the park and point out different wildlife along the way. After an adventurous few days, we're off for beach time.

Koh Mook

Day 6: Beach Time on Koh Mook Island

From the jungles of Khao Sok National Park, 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.

The only way on and off the island is by ferry, adding to the mystique of the place. There are no cars here, only motorcycles with sidecars and bicycles. Many liken Koh Mook to destinations such as Koh Samui, and even some areas of Phuket, around 30 years ago.

After jungle treks, you deserve some beach time. Today is all about rest and relaxation. The white sand stretches every which way and you'll have the island to yourself.

Koh Mook

Day 7: Island Tour around Koh Mook

During our time here, you'll learn about the lives of the locals, which are an amiable and fascinating mixture of Buddhist and Muslim cultures. The fishing trade binds the entire island and there is a convivial attitude that is both lovely and contagious. Those island vibes!

On the island tour, you'll join a cooking lesson on how to whip up the local delicacies, visit a local village and hear about their everyday way of life here in paradise. Things move at a different pace here and harken back to a day of less connectivity with the outside world and more with those who are in the moment with you. A genuinely lovely place to visit.

Koh Mook

Day 8: Kick Back on Koh Mook Island

Tourism has yet to make a big impact on Koh Mook. The way of life is very relaxed, and the people are genuinely inquisitive of visitors and warmly welcoming. Today is another chilled-out day to explore, hit the beach, mingle with the locals, or all three.

You may feel you're in a time warp but don't worry. You're not stepping back in time, you're blazing a trail! Once the wonders of Koh Mook get out, travelers will be arriving in droves to experience this wonderful island and the slow-paced lifestyle it offers.

Phuket

Day 9: Pure Paradise in Phuket

Time for more island time! This morning, we catch a short transfer by van 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 stones throw from the hotel.

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

Phuket

Day 10: Buddha & Beaches in Phuket

Phuket is full of stunning vistas, interesting places to visit, a variety of cultures, and friendly people. Today, enjoy a guided tour of Phuket to Big Buddha, Old Phuket Town, too many incredible viewpoints to count, and much more. The island is large but we bring you to all the island's must-see spots.

Stunning vistas, interesting places to visit, a variety of cultures, and genuinely friendly people. You'll get a taste of it all today. Phuket is one of the top places in the world for retirees and expats. After a taste of life here, you won't have to ask why!

Bangkok

Day 11: ´bout Time for Bangkok!

From Phuket, we head north to the bustling capital city - Bangkok!

Our flight from Krabi to Bangkok will take around 2 hours with a quick transfer back to the W22 Hotel in Chinatown where it all began.

You will laugh to think of everything you've experienced and how much you've changed your perception of Thailand - and perhaps even yourself - over the last eight, unforgettable days. 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 say our until-next-times.

Bangkok

Day 12: Until next Time!

Your trip is complete - and what an unforgettable adventure it was! Airport transfer is included so enjoy a final breakfast and you're off.

Your driver will drop you at your terminal and off at home or onto the next adventure you go. We can't thank you enough for entrusting us to plan this tour for you and we can't wait for you to come back for more life-changing experiences in the future!