Adventure Through Pure Thailand

After breakfast, experience Bangkok from a totally different and unique perspective as you cycle through the city and get close to its inner workings without the distance created by a car. From your hotel, you will be transferred to meet your guide who waits for you at the Khlong Toei Pier. Here, you can board a longtail boat and make your way across the Chao Phaya River over to Bangkok’s Jungle, Bang Krajao. You will initially embrace the atmosphere of the Bangkok Jungle in many ways, due to the stark contrast between the jungle and downtown. Everything in the jungle is quieter, cooler and tranquil, showcasing a wilderness of lush green jungle, mangroves, gardens, and exceptional nature. It’s a wonderful place to ride a bicycle and inhale the fresh air. Along the way, ride on elevated jungle pathways through coconut plantations, canals, and local communities; stopping off to visit the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park, a little green oasis occupying trails, pavilions and luscious lakes. You’ll even have the opportunity to visit the Bangkok Tree House and an unmissable statue of Lord Ganesh.

Before heading back to the river and crossing to the Bangkok city-side, stop to delight in a delicious Thai lunch at the local restaurant.

Note: Join-in Bike tour starts at 09.00 hrs and lasts for approximately 4 1/2 hrs.

Bike distance: about 12-15 km – Flat Terrain Route

In the evening, at approximately 18.00hrs, embark from the meeting point on an exciting tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok’s vibrant streets, eventually reaching Saphan Khao Market. Wander the rows of bustling stalls, embracing the local delicacies and enjoying samples from the vast array of street food, including coconut pudding, suckling Thai-style grilled meat, and local fruits. Hop back into this iconic street vehicle and continue your culinary excursion of the city’s hidden eateries. Along the way, catch a glimpse of two of the most important Bangkokian landmarks, the Giant Swing and the Democracy Monument – both wonderfully illuminated during the evenings. Stop by a Michelin-starred Pad Thai restaurant and enjoy the explosion of spicy and savoury flavours, as well as the amazing variety of textures derived from the delicate noodles to the crunchy peanuts. Travel to Phra Athit Road to encounter Bangkok’s Roti expert and taste incredible Thai-Indian cuisine, including the freshly-baked Roti and uniquely flavourful curries. Taking a short break from eating, stroll through Pak Klong Talat, Thailand’s largest flower market which only operates overnight. Continue on to Wat Pho and get the chance to visit the majestic temple after dark. Admire its sparkling gold towers beautifully lit up before concluding the night at a laid-back riverside rooftop bar. Sip on a refreshing cocktail whilst you witness the splendid views of the Chao Phraya River and the twinkling buildings which run along the riverbanks. Head back to the meeting point by tuk-tuk and continue back to your hotel by van.

Note: Timing is 19.00- 23.00 (Approximately)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive up north approx. 2 hours to the Sam Chuk Hundred Year Market, one of the most preserved traditional markets in all of Thailand. The market still contains original wooden shophouses that date back to the reign of King Rama V, allowing visitors to witness Thailand’s history right in front of you.

Then, continue driving for approximately another hour and a half to Uthai Than. Upon your arrival, delight in a midday lunch while enjoying a cruise along the Sakae Krang River. Witness the unique life of workers, fishermen and locals who float up and down the river at all hours of the day. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel for checking and spend the rest of the evening at your own leisure.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and participate in another day of travelling through the rich regions of  Thailand, arriving at Sukhothai in the early afternoon; lunch will be served at a local restaurant en route.

Once in Sukhothai visit the region’s unmissable landmarks. These include the Sukhothai historical park, the ruins of the royal palaces, the city gates and Buddhist temples, as well as much more. Witness the water dyke control system, which was the magical and spiritual centre of the kingdom, now preserved and restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of UNESCO, safeguarding a fine example of mankind’s cultural heritage.

After exploring Sukhothai, continue your journey to Tak province. Check into your hotel and spend the evening in a new location at your own leisure.

After breakfast, drive to Mae Sot, the westernmost district of Tak. Located along Maenam Moei on the Thai border and facing Myanmar on the opposite bank, Mae Sot is a cultural melting pot and an insight into the authentic life of Thailand. Few tourists make it to this part of Thailand and you will be able to gain an exclusive insight into a less developed and globalised region of the country. Famous for its gemstones, Mae Sot has now become a major trading spot for jade and gems. Explore the market places on foot and meet local traders, with the opportunity to taste regional specialities. In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to your hotel, to enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive for around four hours to the Ob Luang National Park, an amazing natural attraction comprising of both splendid charms and mysterious scenery. Discover the picturesque beauty of the national park, shaped by curvy rivers and limestone mountain ranges. The river stream flowing through the canyon is the most memorable scene of Ob Luang, especially when witnessed from the middle of the man-made bridge connecting either bank.

Continue the drive to the small and sleepy town of Mae Sariang,  a valley surrounded by mountains and forests and mostly populated by the Shan or Tai Yai  – a minority group who originate from southern China – in addition to the different hill tribes that reside in the area. Make way to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.

After checking out, drive for half an hour to Mae La Noi to visit Kaew Komol Cave, the only calcite cave found in all of Southeast Asia. The glittering calcite sparkles against the cave walls, producing shards like clear ice. Continue the drive en route to Mae Hong Son. Nestled in a deep valley and hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year. Wander around the town and visit Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a grand white temple, featuring two lavishly decorated pagodas that reflect the strong influence of the Burmese on this region. Additionally, the hilltop temple affords an exceptional aerial view of the city, surrounding mountains and valleys. Visit the ancient temples, Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang, built by proficient Thai Yai people and then decorated with extraordinary Thai Yai art. Both are found on southern Chong Klang Lake, masterfully located for the sun to reflect their images onto the water. Check in to your hotel in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

In the morning, enjoy a boat trip along Pai River, visiting the nearby Long Neck Karen Village. The village began as a refugee camp, with visitors to the area witnessing the local people embracing the unique tradition of wearing heavy brass rings to make their necks appear very long. The reason for this behaviour is lost to history but some believe that the rings would save women from Tiger attacks. Then visit Tham Pla, also known as Fish Cave, surrounded by brooks and cool hilly forests suitable for relaxation. Visit the hollow cave filled with numerous freshwater Pla Mung or Pla Khang Fish, which belong to the same family as the carp. The fish are exempt from being caught and eaten, as they are believed to belong to the gods.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and journey to Tham Lod Cave, one of Thailand’s most impressive and easily accessible caves. The cave attracts tourists every year, partly for its size, partly for its attractive limestone stalactite formations and partly for an unusual coffin cave hidden within the main cave. Tham Lod Cave is a natural limestone cave system, with a freshwater stream that runs through the middle of the cave for about three hundred meters. Inside the walls are covered with massive formations and columns over two metres high, housing a large number of bats and swifts.

After exploring the cave, continue driving for another hour and a half to the Pai district, where lunch is served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit the  Yunnanese Chinese village of Ban Santichon, a village of Yunnan migrant descendants who continue to cherish the many aspects of Chinese culture and traditions. Witness the conservative cultures and traditions of the Yunan people in their language, clothing, and especially their authentic Yunnan foods. From here, you can travel to the Tha Pai World War II Memorial Bridge, which was built in 1942. At that time, the Japanese troops chose Pai to be their military base since Pai was completely surrounded by mountains and rivers, and therefore served as a very advantageous spot. Therefore this bridge, made of strong iron and wood, was constructed across the river in order to transport weapons and provisions to Myanmar.

If time allows, take a trip to Pai Canyon where steep cliffs have eroded over hundreds of years, creating a twenty-metre deep valley amidst the scenic pine forests and red hills – unmissable to any traveller searching for the best landscape views.

After breakfast, transfer to the beautiful Mok Fah Waterfall. The source of the waterfall originates from the stream that flows through the thick woods and separates into two separate streams, eventually falling from the stone cliffs into the swamp below. The area is full of vast foliage, grand trees and plants, that are cooled from the glare of the basking sun by the moisture rising from the waterfall. The optimal time to visit the region is during the winter seasons, since the water is crystal clear and tourists can go for a swim. Continue driving to Chiang Mai, where lunch is served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, drive up the slopes of Doi Suthep, a mountain that towers over the city of Chiang Mai. Once up the mountain, you will be able to find the highly-revered Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A visit here is an absolute must for first-time visitors, and part of the allure is the journey getting here. Make the exciting drive up along the long and winding road as you relax in the surprisingly cool air as you ascend the mountain. Arrive at the temple where you will start a walk to the top. Alternatively, should you feel tired from the day’s excursion, you can opt to reach the top by cable car instead. Once at the summit, explore the central chedi adorned in golden flakes and renowned for its glittering façade under the mid-day sun. The architecture, statues, murals and shrines that can be seen here are nothing short of breathtaking and promise commanding views over the surrounding wilderness. Head back to your hotel for a much-needed rest.

After breakfast, discover Chiang Mai’s hidden corners on two wheels! Off-the-beaten-path, explore some of the lesser-known cultural highlights the city has to offer, including local temples, schools and markets. Experience a quick historical lesson at the temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, a complex at the heart of the former Lanna capital. Afterwards, continue the journey passing a rehabilitation centre that was once a leper colony; a special school for monks and an elementary school attended by hill-tribe children. Reaching the scenic Ping River, ride along the breezy banks to a local bakery for some sweet buns and a momentary break. Take an alternative route back to the hotel, where you will witness more temples before making one last stop at a local market – ideal timing to purchase a handmade souvenir or some tasty Thai street food and exotic fruits. The rest of the afternoon is to be spent at your own leisure.

Take a private transfer to Chang Mai Airport where you will board a flight to Krabi. Upon your arrival at Krabi Airport, meet your guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Krabi. Here you can spend the rest of your day at your own leisure.

The Air ticket is not included in the price and no guide will be on the plane.

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning at your Krabi hotel. For the next few days, delight in this little version of paradise located in Thailand. Bask in the inviting sun or bathe in the warm crystal waters. It is now time for you to relax and set your own adventure in Krabi.

On Day 15 you will be transferred from your hotel to Krabi Airport where you will take a short flight to Bangkok and a connecting flight to your next destination.