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Day
1-2 : 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.
On the second day is a tour on foot to experience a different side of bustling Bangkok. Your local leader's aim will be to make sure that you see as much as possible of the everyday life of Bangkok and its people. What better way to do that than to combine your walk with as many different modes of public transport as possible. Boat, bus and Skytrain. Stops on the tour will normally include a couple of interesting Buddhist, Chinese or Hindu temples, a flower market, Chinatown and Little India. Don't forget that no entrance fee is included as the visiting place can be very much varied, depends on group interest. In the evening you will board the train for the overnight journey to Surat Thani, with second-class air-conditioned sleeping berths provided.
Day
3 :
Chiang Mai
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 4-6 : Adventurous 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 7 : 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.
In the evening board the overnight train to Ayudhaya with comfortable second-class air-conditioned sleeping berths.
Day 8-9 : Bangkok then down South
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. Before leaving Bangkok, 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 10-11 : 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 12-13 : 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 14-16 : 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?
Day 17-18 : Bangkok
Take the public ferry back to the mainland, disembarking at Chumphon ready for the night train to Bangkok. Our trip finishes on arrival at Bangkok train station at about 07.00. Please check with your local leader for onward travel arrangements.
Additional accommodation in Bangkok is available on request.
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Transfers by public transportations. Non air-conditioned transportation will be used in remote areas.
