Day 1 – Welcome to Bangkok!
Your Thai adventure kicks off as soon as you land in Bangkok. Our team will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Take some time to settle in and maybe explore the nearby area. In the evening, you'll join your fellow travellers for a delicious welcome dinner featuring a spread of traditional Thai dishes. It's the perfect chance to meet your travel buddies for the next few days.
Day 2 – Wat Wonders and Urban Jungle
Start your day with a unique bicycle tour through Bang Kachao, Bangkok's ""Green Lung"". This unexpected oasis of nature in the city will surprise you with its lush gardens, elevated paths, and traditional wooden houses. Along the way, you'll see a Burmese temple, local farms, a Muay Thai gym, and other hidden gems, making it more than just a bike ride. After a local lunch, you'll cruise the Chao Phraya River on a traditional long-tail boat, watching city life unfold along the banks. Towards the end of the day you'll visit to two stunning temples: Wat Arun, with its intricate porcelain decorations, and Wat Saket, where you'll climb the Golden Mount for a breathtaking sunset over the city skyline. It's the perfect introduction to Bangkok's blend of chaos and serenity.
Day 3 – Cooking Class in Khlong Toei District
Today, you'll dive into Thai culinary traditions with a twist of social impact. Your cooking class, ""Cooking With Poo,"" takes place in Khlong Toei, one of Bangkok's most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods. You'll start with a guided tour of the local market, a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Learn about exotic Thai ingredients and select fresh produce for your class. This class has even caught the attention of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who has visited and praised the experience. Under the guidance of local cooks, you'll prepare authentic Thai dishes. The hands-on experience not only teaches you about Thai cuisine but also gives you insight into daily life in Khlongtoey and supports local initiatives. You'll leave with a full stomach and a fuller heart.
Day 4 - Sustainable Bangkok & Night Train to Chiang Mai
The morning begins with a visit to Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, one of Bangkok's most iconic temples. You'll reach it by boat along the river, taking in the sights of the city from the water. After exploring the temple, the early afternoon is yours to explore more of Bangkok before heading to the train station in the late afternoon to board the overnight train to Chiang Mai. This is a classic Thai travel experience – watch the city lights fade away as you settle into your berth. Chat with your fellow travellers, play cards, or simply watch the landscape change as you journey northward.
Day 5 - Discover Chiang Mai: A Day of Culture, Craft, and Community
Wake up as the train pulls into Chiang Mai, the cultural hub of northern Thailand. After freshening up, the morning is yours to settle in and relax after the overnight journey. In the afternoon, you'll take a walking tour of the old city, exploring its narrow lanes and ancient temples. Marvel at the impressive Wat Chedi Luang and learn about its fascinating history. The day ends with a unique ""Monk Chat"" session at Chiang Mai University, where you'll have the rare opportunity to converse with Buddhist monks and gain insights into their way of life. It's a day full of cultural exchanges that will give you a deeper understanding of Thai traditions.
Day 6 - Chiang Mai: Free Day & Evening Food Tour
Today is a free day for you to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace or relax. Perhaps you'll visit the serene Doi Suthep temple, perched on a mountain with panoramic views of the city or visit the quirky Art in Paradise Museum. If you're feeling active, you could try a Muay Thai boxing class.
In the evening, join our guide for a curated food tour introducing you to ""Lanna"" or Northern Thai cuisine. This guided tour will take you through local eateries, giving you a taste of Chiang Mai's culinary delights, ending with a delicious dinner.
Day 7 - Ethical Elephant Experience at Chang Chill
Get ready for an unforgettable day at Chang Chill, an ethical Elephant Care Project. Chang Chill is unique in its approach, offering a completely hands-off experience where you can observe the elephants in their natural, cruelty-free environment. You'll start with a guided forest walk, observing the elephants as they graze and socialise in their natural environment. Learn about conservation efforts and elephant behavior along the way. Enjoy refreshments at a mud pit where the elephants love to bathe, then help prepare feeding tubes with treats. The day ends with a transfer to a local village for an overnight stay, offering a genuine glimpse into rural Thai life.
Day 8 - Hill Tribe Trek Day 1
Lace up your walking shoes for an adventure into the lush hills of Northern Thailand. Explore Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand's highest peak, known for its lush forests and stunning landscapes. Visit the King and Queen Pagodas, which honor King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, and enjoy panoramic views and beautifully landscaped gardens. Trek to Wachirathan Waterfall and enjoy a jungle-style lunch. In the evening, learn how to cook traditional dishes with your guide, followed by a jungle dinner and a campfire. You'll spend the night at a local homestay, immersing yourself in the traditional way of life.
Day 9 - Hill Tribe Trek Day 2
Wake up to the serene sounds of the jungle and enjoy a traditional breakfast with your host family. Today, you'll trek to the Karen village, Bann Pang Khao Laam, where you'll learn about the local culture and way of life. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before being transferred back to Chiang Mai. In the evening, join your group for a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your journey.
Day 10 - Goodbye Thailand!
It's your final day on tour today. After breakfast at your accommodation, you will check out and say goodbye to your new found friends. Whether you're heading to the airport in Chiang Mai, or continuing your adventures elsewhere in Southeast Asia, you'll be leaving with a backpack full of unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the Land of Smiles.