Best of Thailand & Malaysia

Duration

22 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Visit South East Asia’s buzzing cities and pristine islands on a jam-packed journey through Thailand and Malaysia.

Highlights

Visit the Intrepid Foundation Partner project - Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary, dedicated to rescue and revitalize habitat for wild elephants. Get your hands on making food for elephants and walk with them on the camp while learning about the great work that they do
Learn about the dark history of 'Bridge over River Kwai' and explore Siam temple ruins at the UNESCO listed Sukhothai Historical Park
Experience the unbeatable hospitality of the locals - learn about the community projects, enjoy the idyllic countryside, and feast on home-cooked meals, accompanied by traditional dancing.
Dive into a nature lover’s paradise at Khao Sok National Park, exploring, hiking, relaxing, and cruising by longtail boat on a limestone cliff-circled lake.
Encounter the fusion of cultures that gives Penang a unique atmosphere; walk down the backstreets where historic buildings, tumble-down shops and hawker-filled alleyways meld with cool street art.

Trip Details

Duration

22 days

Transportation

Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Public bus, Songthaew, Taxi, Bicycle, Plane

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok, Malaysia

Finishes

Singapore, Malaysia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Thailan’s bustling capital, Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors who serve delicious Thai food. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road or relax with in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, maybe gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some world-famous street food.

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
Bangkok - Thai Massage (300 THB)
Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Kanchanaburi

Travel northwest to Kanchanaburi. Located where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge, Kanchanaburi is home to the well-known Bridge on the River Kwai. When you arrive, visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetary (POW Cemetary). This was one of the first museums opened with the aim to educate people and keep the memory alive of the prisoners of war (POWs) workers who died constructing the Death Railway.

Included Activities:

Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Accommodation:

Guest house (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Kanchanaburi

This morning, continue your journey through history with a visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, built to honour the POWs and conscripts who passed away while constructing some of the most challenging stretches of the Thai-Burma Death railway. Board the train at Nam Tok station, the main terminal of the Death Railway and ride the historic tracks along the Kwai Noi River to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Pass through beautiful scenery and take a moment to reflect on those who lost their lives in the process of bending this rugged environment to man’s will. This afternoon, make your way to the Erawan Falls. These terraced waterfalls, named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, tumble into a series of emerald-green pools – the perfect spot to go for a swim, take short walk around the area or simply sit back and relax.

Included Activities:

Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & Falls
Kanchanaburi - Historical train ride
Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

Accommodation:

Guest house (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Phitsanulok

After breakfast, you’ll continue to travel north. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. Along the way, visit Wat Tha Sung Temple – a magnificent ancient site dating back to the Ayutthaya period. After, continue to your final destination for the day, Phitsanulok. Originally established in the 11th century, this busy provincial capital sits on the banks of the Nan River. When you arrive this afternoon, join your local leader for a relaxed stroll through town before settling in for a free evening.

Included Activities:

Uthai Thani - Wat Tha Sung

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Sukhothai

This morning, visit the Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary – an Intrepid Foundation partner dedicated to rescuing wild elephants and restoring their natural habitat. Roll up your sleeves to help prepare food for these gentle giants, then walk alongside them as you learn about their habits and the important work the sanctuary is doing to ensure their future. After, continue your journey to Sukhothai. When you arrive, explore the ancient ruins of Old Sukhothai, beautifully set amid serene lakes and manicured gardens. The religious art and architecture of this era are regarded as the most classic expressions of Thai style, and the park is home to the remains of 21 historic sites, featuring impressive Buddha images and four large ponds often dotted with blooming lotus flowers. This afternoon, hire a bike and spend a leisurely afternoon pedalling through the ruins. Finish today with a home-cooked dinner before settling into your hotel for the night.

Included Activities:

Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour
Phitsanulok - Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary

Optional Activities:

Sukhothai - Night Market - Free

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Chiang Mai

After breakfast, travel to Chiang Mai. Along the way, visit the Lanna village Pong Huai Lan, nested in the hills and surrounded by rice fields. While you’re here, learn about their community project, which is recognised by Thailand’s Transition toward Net Zero Tourism, then hop on a bike and cycle around the village. As you cycle, stop in at a local masters Rattan weaving workshop (part of Thailand's Royal Project Initiative) and discover the community heritage in their community museum. Later today, you’ll be invited into the home of a local family for a home-cooked farm to table dinner. Then, continue to Chiang Mai where you’ll stay tonight.

Included Activities:

Huai Lan - Village cycling
Huai Lan - Local crafts master and community project visit
Huai Lan - home-cooked dinner and traditional dancing

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Chiang Mai

This morning, follow your leader through the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai. As you wander through the bustling markets, learn about the fresh produce and distinct Thai flavours. Then the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River cruise, join a Thai cooking class or have lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training centre, where you’ll hear about the work that the centre does to prepare women from the correctional institution with skills to return to society. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast to a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit

Optional Activities:

Chiang Mai - Night Market - Free
Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (50 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Bangkok

Today, you’ll take an unaccompanied flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, you’ll have a free afternoon to experience the fast-paced and fascinating Thai capital. This is a great opportunity to explore anything you missed in the beginning of the trip. Why not take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. Keep in mind that there will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary at 6 pm. After your briefing, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some of the world-famous street food.

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)
Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure (1960 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Bangkok

Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the khlongs (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Visit Wat Pho – one of the Bangkok temples with a 46-m-long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, at 3 m long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls and shrines. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train journey to Surat Thani.

Included Activities:

Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
Bangkok - Wat Pho

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Thai Massage (300 THB)
Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House (200 THB)

Accommodation:

Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Phrom Lok Homestay

Arrive at Surat Thani in the morning, then travel by minivan to Khao Sok. Set amid hectares of thick jungle, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and an island-studded lake, the national park of Khao Sok is a nature lover's paradise. Here, you’ll have free time to explore one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Walk along the dirt trails that snake through the quiet park, looking out for wildlife as you head for rivers and waterfalls. Look out for the rare Rafflesia Kerri – one of the world’s largest flowers, only found in Thailand. Spend the night in a rustic hut within the ancient trees of the rainforest.

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Phrom Lok Homestay

Travel through jungle, rubber and oil plantations before boarding a long tail boat for a ride across Cheow Lan Lake. With limestone karsts rising almost 1000 m out of the green waters, this area is incredibly picturesque. You’ll trek to an island cave to see the eerie stalactites and bats hanging from the ceiling, with subterranean streams at your feet. Have lunch in a local raft-house before soaking up some free time to relax, swim or kayak around the lake to search for wildlife – the water is clear and teems with aquatic life, and you can also look out for hornbills, langurs, macaques and gibbons.

Included Activities:

Khao Sok - Cheow Lan Lake tour
Khao Sok - Rafthouse lunch

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Ao Nang

Head to Ao Nang in a private minivan, stopping at Baan Bor Tor along the way. When you arrive, embark on a sea kayaking journey. About halfway along the coast between Than Bok Khoranee and Krabi town is a bay of mangroves that might just be the most beautiful bay in Thailand. Surrounded by towering karst formations and many small offshore islands, these waterways will be your pathway as you move slowly through the bays and canyons, through the inlets, caves and hidden lagoons. Look out for the birds overhead and the monkeys in the trees – if you do see a monkey, make sure you secure your belongings and any food! Arrive at Ao Nang late in the afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.

Included Activities:

Ao Nang - Baan Bor Tor sea kayaking
Ao Nang - sea kayaking lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Ao Nang

If you’re a nature lover, Krabi might just be your favourite spot. Today is a free day to soak up everything this island has to offer. Maybe head to the water for a diving adventure or take a daytrip to explore Phi Phi and Khai Nok – these islands are surrounded by white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The area around Krabi is also home to some of the best climbing routes. Whether you're a novice or a pro, being securely tied high up a limestone cliff-face looking down on jungle and is an unforgettable experience! Tonight, maybe watch the sunset light up the sky and indulge in some local seafood at a beachside restaurant.

Optional Activities:

Ao Nang - Rock Climbing (1800 THB)
Ao Nang - Phi Phi Island Day Tour (1600 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Trang

This morning, you’ll head on to the small village of Baan Mod Tanoy. When you arrive, you’ll go on a walk around the village and gain some insight into the locals’ day to day life. Then, time to enjoy the great food and hospitality of the village. Get your hands dirty with some Batik handkerchief dyeing and learn a few tricks from the local craftsman at a workshop showcasing this traditional art. Your accommodation tonight is in a local resort in the village.

Included Activities:

Trang - Mod Tanoy village walking tour
Trang - Mod Tanoy village community activities
Trang - Mod Tanoy village community lunch

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Pulau Penang

Say goodbye to Thailand this morning – you're off to Malaysia! The island of Penang was the first destination of the colonial British in 1786 and they invited the Chinese (as well as others from all over Asia) to live on this island in the tropics. Today, this fusion of cultures still exists, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Georgetown shows the fascinating mix in its range of places of worship. When you arrive, you’ll take an orientation walk around the tumble-down shops and hawker-filled alleyways to get your bearings. The food here might just be the best in Malaysia, so you’ll seek out some hawker food stalls with your leader and get a taste for the local cuisine. Sample some local specialties such as nasi kandar, Penang laksa and char kway teow.

Included Activities:

Penang - Hawker food experience

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Pulau Penang

Take a half-day sightseeing walking tour around Penang and Georgetown, soaking up the relaxed pace of life and the mix of cultures. See the original 19th century shophouses, the street markets, and the strong cultural and religious identity still on display in each neighbourhood – Little India, Chinatown or the Muslim Quarter. Check out the street art and stop by a clan jetty – clans were formed by 19th century immigrants who banded together based on the area of China that they came from, and they built rival waterfront societies on wooden jetties. Visit Thai and Burmese temples like Kek Lok Si – the largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia. You’ll have this afternoon free top explore at your own pace. Maybe see the clan house of Khoo Kongsi and check out the ornate carvings on the walls, roof and pillars. Maybe see more Chinese architecture in the blue Courtyard House of Cheong Fatt Tze – a wealthy merchant.

Included Activities:

Penang - Walking tour, including Clan Jetty & Kek Lok Si Temple

Optional Activities:

Penang - Khoo Kongsi (15 MYR)
Penang - Funicular Railway (Fast Lane) (80 MYR)
Penang - Teluk Bahang National Park (50 MYR)
Penang - Trishaw Ride (50 MYR)
Penang - Chong Fat Tze Museum (The Blue Mansion) (25 MYR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Kuala Lumpur

Continue south to Kuala Lumpur – the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia, affectionately known as KL by the locals. Communities of Indian, Chinese and ethnic Malay people mingle peacefully, allowing travellers to get the best of all three worlds. KL has grown from a sleepy little village to a skyscraper-lined multi-million-peopled metropolis. The city can seem vast, but the focus is the traditional core of the Old Town (the former colonial centre), the luxury hotel and shopping mall district of the Golden Triangle, and bustling Chinatown and Little India. Follow your leader on an orientation walk near the hotel and tonight, follow the Bukit Bintang Walkway and see the Petronas Twin Towers lit at night. From simple-street side fare that attracts queues of customers eager to high-calibre, world-class cuisine, you’ll have no problem finding a good dinner spot.

Included Activities:

Kuala Lumpur - Orientation Walk - leader led

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Kuala Lumpur

Enjoy a free day today for your own exploration! Perhaps visit the National Monument (commemorating those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom and based on the Iwo Jima Memorial in the USA), the vast National Mosque featuring a bold and modern design, or the Istana Negara (National Palace). You might like stroll Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), or shop in Suria KLCC (one of Malaysia’s premier shopping destinations) and then head up to the Skybridge & Observation Deck of the iconic Petronas Towers to get another view of the city. Lake Gardens is home to a number of sights, including the National Planetarium and the Islamic Arts Museum. Or if you’re seeking something active, you might like to join a bike tour.

Optional Activities:

Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower (Observation Deck) (80 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower (Sky Decks) (140 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur - Planetarium (12 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur - Islamic Arts Museum (14 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur – Bike Tour (215 MYR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Melaka

Transfer by local bus to the old port town of Melaka – once the most important trading port in Malaysia, attracting Chinese, Indian, Dutch, Portuguese and British traders. These visitors sought wealth or an opportunity to control the Straits of Malacca, a vital trading route between the Indian and Pacific oceans, which lead to 400 years of colonial rule. Today, Melaka's wealth of historical sites reminds visitors of times gone by, and its multicultural past is revealed in its distinctive cuisine. Like Georgetown, the Melaka was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, and like its Penang sibling, the city is a harmonic mix of cultures. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening to explore.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Melaka

Today, you’ll get to know this port city better with a trishaw tour along the narrow winding streets. You’ll admire Chinatown's unique Peranakan architecture, get a taste of old Melaka and learn about the ancient spice trade. Take in sites such as Harmony Street and stop by a mosque, Chinese Buddhist Temples, and a traditional Muslim house-museum. In your free time this afternoon there are plenty of historic sites and museums to check out. Maybe jump on two wheels for an eco bike tour around the city or see Melaka from a different perspective with a boat tour along the river.

Included Activities:

Melaka - Trishaw sightseeing tour

Optional Activities:

Melaka - Stadhuys (10 MYR)
Melaka - Taming Sari Tower (23 MYR)
Melaka - Cheng Ho Museum (20 MYR)
Melaka - Eco Bike Tour (120 MYR)
Melaka - Museum Of Enduring Beauty (1 MYR)
Melaka - River Tour (38 MYR)
Melaka - Half day cycling tour (200 MYR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: Singapore

Travel by local bus to the last stop of the journey – Singapore. Singapore has few areas untouched by modernisation, but wandering the streets of Little India and Chinatown is a great way to see the old parts of the city. To explore further, check out the renowned shopping precinct of Orchard Road, or stop by Raffles to experience the old-world charm of a Singapore Sling. An evening in Singapore is not complete without a stroll along Clarke Quay, or even a river cruise to learn more about the fascinating history of this city. Your accommodation tonight is a centrally located hotel, perfect for easy exploring. Whatever you choose today, maybe gather together your fellow travellers for a celebratory drink or meal as your Bangkok to Singapore adventure comes to an end.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: Singapore

There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Singapore and explore the sites, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $6,155

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 22 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Visit South East Asia’s buzzing cities and pristine islands on a jam-packed journey through Thailand and Malaysia.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Mar 2026

View Map

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now