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Day
1 : Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok! Today is free as group members will arrive individually. We will though provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area until it is time for the group meeting in the evening where we would like you to give your local leader an idea of some of the things you would like to see and do on your tour.
Day 2-3 : Homestay and River Kwai
Leave busy Bangkok behind by catching a local bus to a small village near to Kanchanaburi town. After settling in to your charming homestay and receiving a warm welcome from our host family you will then have time to explore the village and the chance to offer our English skills to the local school children. And join in the daily activities of your 'Thai family'. Time to say farewell to your kind hosts as you need to catch the local bus to Kanchanaburi and explore many sights in the area, including the 'Death Railway', Erawan Falls, one of Thailand's most beautiful national parks or visit the Tiger Temple - All at your own choices.
Day 4-5 : Ayuthaya and Chiang Mai
Jump to a local bus for Ayuthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many sites to visit and so many ways to visit them; by bicycle, local Tuk Tuk or on elephant back! At our own expense you can chose exactly what you want to see, and how. Then, when it is time to leave for Chiang Mai in the evening, it is another fun mode of transport - the overnight sleeper with comfortable second-class air-conditioned berths. After settling yourself into your cozy hotel in town you leader will take you on a walking tour around the old city to see charming temples, the local Warorot Market to practice your shopping skills, and perhaps, visit a meditation temple. So many things to do here, something for everybody; spectacular temples, the gastronomic delights offered by the local food vendors and fantastic shopping.
Day 6-8 : Hilltribe Trek
Time to set off on an exciting 3-day trek through the hills and forests, a highlight of your tour. You will not find the trekking too strenuous as long as you are reasonably fit as it will be a good mix of walking, meeting people of very different cultures and ways of life, elephant-back riding and an exhilarating bamboo-raft trip.
Day 9 : Chiang Mai
A full day's break after the hard work in the jungle. However those who are still energetic enough can take more options, such as a short Thai cooking, a visit to Doi Suthep or just enjoy more shopping at the night bazaar. Alternatively, relax with a traditional Thai massage. Your leader will be ready to give you help and advice.
Day 10-12 : Thaton - Chiang Rai
Tha Ton is a fascinating sleepy town and we will take 4-hour local bus ride to get there. The town is set in a beautiful valley so climbing up the hill to Wat Tha Ton is a must to see the wonderful views over the mountainous countryside. Or if you prefer, just relax on the grassy bank of Mae Kok River in front of your bungalow. The 4-hour boat trip from Tha Ton to Chiang Rai on the next day is an unforgettable experience and on arrival you will have some time for a leisurely walk around Chieng Rai town. We leave the next day up to you, your choices include, among other things, a visit to the Golden Triangle (to add more country stamps on your passport!) or perhaps Doi Tung, the famous horticultural project instigated by His Majesty the King's mother.
Day 13-14 : Back to Bangkok
Finally we take the local bus for the 3-hour journey to Chiang Mai to connect with the evening air-conditioned overnight train for Bangkok. On arrival at your hotel after some time to relax and for those who are energetic can perhaps join a walking tour to see a different side of the bustling city.
Day 15 : Down South
A full day free that our tour leader will offer to take you to visit a guanine Bang Nam Pung local floating market. Take a local bus for about one and a half hour off Bangkok to a small community named Pra Pradaeng. You will find various local delicious food, fruits and many handmade products brought by the villagers at the market that is set in the coconut grooves and canals.
In the evening you will board the train for the overnight journey to Surat Thani, with second-class air-conditioned sleeping berths provided.
Day 16-17 : Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is 656 sq. km. of dense rainforest with waterfalls, limestone cliffs, numerous streams, an island-studded lake and many riverside walking trails. Your options include to laze around your simple forest huts near the bank of Sok river or choose one of various trails and search for signs of wildlife including elephants, serow, banteng, gaur or dusky langur as well as a multitude of bird species. Don't forget that the park entrance fee of 200 baht is not included in the tour price as your accommodation is just outside the park perimeter.
Day 18-19 : Ko Samui
After taking a public bus to Surat Thani to connect with the ferry to Ko Samui you will have lots of free time for relaxation; swimming, sunbathing and exploring the island.
Day 20-22 : Ko Tao
Continue your island hoping to Ko Tao, or Turtle Island (named for its shape). A remote island north of Ko Samui with some of the Gulf of Siam's best scuba-diving waters, for those who are keen to learn to dive where better place to start than Ko Tao?
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Transfers by public transportations. Non air-conditioned transportation will be used in remote areas.
