Thailand Eco-Adventure
This 14-day tour is a great mix of adventure, exploration and relaxation. Take in the main landmarks of the capital city, a prominent historical park in the Isaan region, spend a few days on a boat on a lake and lastly, exhale on a tropical beach. Along the way, you’ll swim in waterfalls, go kayaking, walk over a famous bridge, sit aboard an elephant and raft down a river.
Day 1 - Arrive Bangkok
On arrival in Bangkok you will be greeted at the airport by tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day as you choose. Either relax at your hotel or head out for some independent exploration of the Big Mango.
Day 2 - Explore Bangkok
After breakfast, head out for a day of city-exploration while visiting some of Bangkok's most iconic attractions on a guided tour of the city tour. Explore the majestic and elaborately decorated grounds of the Grand Palace, one of Thailand's most sacred sites, experience the serene beauty of the Golden and Emerald Buddhas, and cruise down the "Khlongs" of Bangkok's Chao Praya River on a longtail boat to discover why this area is called the "Venice of the East".
Wind up a whirlwind tour of the city's highlights with a visit to the city's oldest temple, Wat Arun. Ascend the impossibly steep steps of its stupa for an incredible view of the city. After a full-day of city sightseeing, head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 3 - Khao Yai National Park
Today, head to Khao Yai National Park about three hours from Bangkok, for an unforgettable jungle safari. Thailand's oldest and most renowned national park, Khao Yai is home to an astounding array of species ranging from a surprisingly abundant population of Sambar deer and wild elephants to elusive tigers which are still rumored to roam the area.
Join your guide on a trek through the area's grasslands to a wildlife watchtower overlooking a natural salt deposit. From the birds-eye view of the tower, watch as animals congregate around the deposit to replenish vital minerals and nutrients at the salt-lick. Afterwards, cool off with a swim at the picturesque Heiw Sawat Waterfall before returning back to town.
In the evening, head out again for an exhilarating night safari by jeep. Using spotlights to navigate through the darkness, your guide will point out the area's fascinating nocturnal critters which become active only at night including cat-like jungle civets, porcuipines and even restless elephants. Head back to your hotel later in the evening and be lulled to sleep by the sound of crickets and frogs in the background.
Day 4 - Korat
After breakfast, head to the city of Korat. Along the way, stop to see the ancient ruins of Buriram. The temples here are built in Khmer style, similar to those of Angkor, and are centuries old. Then, stop by the impressively restored Phnom Rung and its sister Muang Tham before popping into a small pottery village to try your hand at making a pot from clay on a wheel. Arrive at your hotel later in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing.
Day 5 - Pi Mai Historical Park - Bangkok
Spend the day learning about Thailand's fascinating history. After breakfast, head to the Ban Prasart archaeological excavation site. Set up as an outdoor museum, it consists of three excavated pits with bones and pots dating back some 3,000 years. Learn about this area's history before visiting Pi Mai Historical Park.
Home to Thailand's most significant Khmer temples, some of which date back to the 11th century, this area marked the end of an ancient road linking the Khmer Empire to the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Explore the fascinating ruins of this ancient temple complex. Then head to Bangkok, arriving late in the afternoon. Spend the evening at you're leisure, either relaxing in your hotel or heading out for a bit of exploration.
Day 6 - River Kwai - Houseboat
Leave Bangkok in the morning and head to Kanchanaburi -home to the famous Bridge over River Kwai. Learn the tragic history behind one of the world’s most famous bridges.Take a walk over this historic bridge and take a moment to pay your respects to the thousands of US soldiers whose slave labour was used to construct it.
After lunch, continue to a lakeside village where you will board a Thai houseboat. Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing on deck, or napping in a hammock as the houseboat slowly cruises around the lake. Fall asleep to the sound of nature as the house boat gently sways on the water.
Day 7 - Coconut Island
Heading off in the house boat early in the morning, gently glide past a traditional Mon fishing village built entirely on stilts. Soak up the scenery and the tranquillity of the lake before taking a guided tour of Coconut Island, one of several inhabited islands on the lake. Experience the unique local culture here and then spend the rest of the day enjoying yourself on the house boat.
Day 8 - Elephants & River Rafting
Wake up to the sound of the water gently lapping against the boat. Get set for a day of adventure starting with kayaking to small caves inhabited by hundreds of bats. Board a long-tail boat to reach a Karen hill tribe village and take a walk through the village and say hi to the locals. Then meet your elephant for a walk through the jungle followed by bamboo river rafting. Return to the houseboat in the afternoon just in time for snooze in a hammock.
Day 9 - Wang Kha - Hua Hin
Enjoy your last morning swimming, fishing and sunbathing on your floating home. Mid-morning, a motorboat will take you to the village of Wang Kha, home to a number of ethnic minorities. Explore a picturesque temple and wander through a Burmese market selling crafts and jewelery. Continue to Sangkhlaburi via Thailand’s longest wooden bridge, where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Hua Hin for a relaxing beach break.
Days 10-13 - Hua Hin Leisure
Spend the next few days on the beach, by the pool or exploring the town of Hua Hin. There are adventure tours to the nearby national park where you can raft, kayak or go mountain-biking. Explore markets, temples and a royal summer palace, or simply sit back and relax in the comfort of your hotel.
Day 14 - Bangkok
After breakfast you will be transferred to Bangkok’s international airport in time for your onward flight.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
* Experiencing the racing pulse of Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, by boat and visiting its highlights
* Going on a night safari through Thailand's oldest and most renowned national park in Khao Yai
* Seeing the impressive ruins of ancient Khmer-style temples in Korat
* Visiting an archaeological excavation where bones and artifacts from three millennia ago are being dug up
* Walking along the famous bridge at the River Kwai
* Exploring the scenic Khao Leam Lake, its islands and villages by houseboat
* Heading to a remote Karen hilltribe village by longtail boat
* Enjoying the coastal city of Hua Hin and its nearby national park
