Overview
This 11 day adventure in Thailand will immerse you in the culture, cuisine and lifestyle of this vibrant country. Discover Thailand as a local, in a truly unforgettable off the beaten track experience.
Tour summary
Day 1 & 2 – Bangkok
Day 3 & 4 – Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Day 5 & 6 – Chumphon
Day 7 – Ranong
Day 8-10 – Koh Phayam
Day 11 – Bangkok
Your off the beaten track Thailand adventure starts in bustling Bangkok, before travelling south to traverse the lush rural landscape, with the opportunity to see mighty elephants and bison in Thailand’s largest natural park and then relaxing on stunning beaches with crystal clear waters.
Embark on an afternoon biking adventure through Bangkok, discovering the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and the third capital of Siam: Thonburi. Thonburi has a vibrant local community of people and places that we’ll explore as we ride through the back streets, contrasting with the imposing skyscrapers of downtown before visiting one of Bangkok’s greatest landmarks: The Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun. To end your biking adventure, we will enjoy a night time bike ride through an unusually quiet Bangkok whilst enjoying some authentic Thai street food. There are few better ways to enjoy the sites of Bangkok than when most of the other visitors have retreated to their hotels.
Journey South to the East coast of the Malay Peninsula and the beautiful beach resort of Sam Roi Yot in Pran Buri. When you arrive at Pran Buri, you will take a Songtheaw (the local transport, which is a covered pickup truck with rows of seats in the back for transporting local people along routes) to your accommodation in Sam Roi Yot village. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is the next stop on your ‘off the tourist track’ adventure. It is the largest marine national park in Thailand and has the largest area of wetlands in the country.
Visit Kui Buri National Park for some wildlife spotting. The park is home to one of the biggest populations of gaurs and bison in Thailand, there are around a hundred in the area, alongside over 300 wild elephants. Hike across the gorgeous landscape to a hidden bay and discover the beauty of Phraya Nakhon Beach.
Explore Chumphon off the beaten track, visiting the artisans at a Yui Batik shop and design and make your own batik.
Feel like a castaway on the tranquil island of Koh Phayam, one of the most beautiful, and undiscovered, of Thailand’s islands, it is relatively unknown and is not yet on the tourist trail. Enjoy white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. There’s no better place on earth to soak up some winter sun than this spot.
End your adventure travelling by overnight train back to Bangkok.
For full details of this fabulous trip, scroll down to the full itinerary below…