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

Support an important animal welfare initiative and get close to incredible creatures at Chang Chill Elephant Park.
See how the locals live on a bicycle ride through your homestay village. Ride past the rice fields and breathe in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance.
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.
Find a slice of paradise on an included sea kayaking trip through the stunning inlets, caves and hidden lagoons of mangrove forests.
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 Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. With no planned activities until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm, why not head out and explore. You could 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 a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some into 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: Sukhothai

This morning, leave the current capital of Thailand and head north by train (approx 6 hours) and private mini van (approx 1 hour) to one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, Sukhothai. Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century, and the name means the 'Dawn of Happiness'. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed historic park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Tonight, be sure to head to the fascinating local night market and try the local dishes, like Sukhothai noodles.

Included Activities:

Sukhothai - Night Market

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Sukhothai

Head out to the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai, set amid beautiful lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, and the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of 21 historic sites, with awe-inspiring Buddha images and four large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Upon arrival at the park, hire bicycles and enjoy a few leisurely hours feeling the breeze in your hair and learning about the history of this fascinating place. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch somewhere along the way, and if you have enough free time, visit a local ceramics factory.

Included Activities:

Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour
Sukhothai - Home-cooked picnic lunch

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Village Homestay

Travel by private minivan from Sukothai (approx 4 hours) to the warm and welcoming home of Intrepid's long-time friends in a small Thai village where you’ll spend the night. Accommodation at the homestay is multishare and basic (there will be fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms), but there is no better way to better understand a country and its people. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional northern Thai khantok dinner, accompanied by live music and dancing.

Included Activities:

Village Homestay - Cultural performance
Village Homestay - Khantok dinner

Accommodation:

Homestay (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Village Homestay - Chiang Mai

In the morning, jump on some bikes and cruise around the homestay village. This is a great opportunity to see how the locals live, and you’ll make a few stops along the way to see small country industries in the area. Cycling past the rice fields and breathing in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance, makes this morning a picture-postcard experience. Say goodbye to your new friends and travel on to Chiang Mai (approximately 45 minutes). The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings and enjoy a free evening tonight.

Included Activities:

Village Homestay - Home-Cooked Lunch
Village Homestay - Cycling tour

Optional Activities:

Chiang Mai - Night Market - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Chiang Mai

This morning, follow your leader to the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai for a visit. You'll be able to learn about these fresh ingredients and where the beautiful flavors of Thai cooking comes from. Then the rest of the day is free.Perhaps explore the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approximately 45 mins). The rewards justify the climb with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention fantastic panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to listen to hypnotic evening chanting by resident Buddhist monks. Or maybe wander markets, meet monks, cruise the river, and slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River Experience. Don't miss out on trying lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training center where you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Or maybe join a Thai cooking class to discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine. Your tour leader will be able to help you make the best of your day with plenty suggestions.

Included Activities:

Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit

Optional Activities:

Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (50 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Today, you’ll have a pretty special time visiting the ChangChill elephant experience. Take a 1.5-hour drive out of Chiang Mai to ChangChill, where you’ll begin to learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will be able to give you a ‘live lecture’ on the elephants themselves, its sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit but be careful not to get a spray! Be treated to some lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai where the rest of the time is at leisure.

Included Activities:

Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Bangkok

Today you will fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and then transfer to your hotel. Please note you will be unaccompanied on this flight. You will have the afternoon free to check out the fast-paced and fascinating Thai capital. Once checked in, 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, usually around 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 - Overnight train

Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’ (canals) (approximately 1 hour). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Pay a visit to Wat Pho, one of the Bangkok temples, with a 46-metre-long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, three metres long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are equally fascinating, filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls, and shrines. No trip to Thailand is complete without an overnight train journey and this evening you’ll head south to Surat Thani, accommodated in air-conditioned sleeping berths (approximately 12 hours). Multi share compartments have bunk beds, with sheets and pillow provided, your baggage travels in the carriage with you and there is a food and drink service available on board.

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: Khao Sok

Arrive into Surat Thani in the morning and then travel by minivan to Khao Sok (approximately 2.5 hours). Set amid hectares of thick jungle, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and topped off with 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. The flora is also top-notch, with the rare Rafflesia Kerri, one of the world’s largest flowers, only found in Thailand here. Spend a night in a rustic hut amid ancient gnarled rainforest trees.

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Khao Sok

Travel through pristine jungle, rubber and oil plantations before boarding a long tail boat for a ride across stunning Cheow Lan Lake, with one of its islands as your destination. With limestone karst hills rising almost 1000 metres into the air and surrounded by beautiful green waters, the area is incredibly picturesque. Trek to an island cave and discover its eerie stalactites and bats hanging from the ceiling, with subterranean streams at your feet. You’ll enjoy lunch in a local raft-house before having 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 might spot hornbills, langurs, macaques or gibbons above water. Return to your accommodation for the night.

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 (approximately 3 hours). On the way, stop at Baan Bor Tor and embarking 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, let the waterways become your pathway as you move slowly through the bays and canyons, discover inlets, caves and hidden lagoons, and check out the local wildlife up-close – the birds overhead and monkeys in the trees. If you do see a monkey, make sure you secure your belongings and any food! Arrive at Ao Nang late afternoon, and enjoy 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

Famous for the incredible limestone karst scenery of the headland, sun-seekers will fall in love with Krabi's unspoilt beaches, the spectacular cliffs will tempt avid rock climbers, while scuba fans can embark on a Krabi diving adventure. If you love getting out on the water and exploring islands, then consider taking a trip by boat to explore Phi Phi and Khai Nok, islands surrounded by white sandy beach perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The area around Krabi is also home to some of the most spectacular climbing routes around. Whether you're a novice or a pro, being securely tied high up a limestone cliff-face looking down on jungle and crystalline seas is unforgettable. In the evening, look out for a beautiful sunset and consider dining on seafood in a beachside restaurant, followed by a drink in one of the many clubs and bars along on the beach.

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 head onto a small village called Baan Mod Tanoy (approximately 2 hours drive). On arrival, enjoy a walk around the village and gain some insights into their day to day life.Then time to enjoy the great food and hospitality of the village. Get your hands dirty at Batik handkerchief Dyeing and learn a few tricks from the local craftsman of this traditional art. Your accommodation tonight in the village is a local resort so take the chance to enjoy the peaceful rural night.

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: Penang

The journey by private minibus sees you say goodbye to Thailand and wave hello to the cultural melting pot of Malaysia. The fascinating island of Penang was the first destination of the colonial British in 1786. They invited the Chinese, as well as others from all over Asia, to live on this island in the tropics. Today, this exotic fusion of cultures still exists and the World Heritage site of Georgetown contains a fascinating mix of religious places of worship. When you arrive, you’ll take an orientation walk around the blend of colonial buildings, tumble-down shops and hawker-filled alleyways to get your bearings. The food here might just be the best in Malaysia, so seek out some food stalls with your leader, and get a taste of this food paradise on an included Hawker food tour. 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: Penang

This morning you’ll take a half-day sightseeing walking tour around Penang and Georgetown, soaking up the relaxed pace of life and the mix of cultures on show in this heritage area. 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 that adorns the walls and stop by a clan jetty. Clans were formed by 19th century immigrants, banding together based on the area of China that they came from, and they built rival waterfront societies on wooden jetties. You’ll also pay a visit to Thai and Burmese temples, and see Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia. You’ll have this afternoon free and, aside from sauntering along the interesting streets (or hoping in a trishaw for a ride that will take you back in time), you might want to see the clan house of Khoo Kongsi. Check out the ornate carvings on the walls, roof and pillars, and maybe see more Chinese architecture in the memorably blue Courtyard House of Cheong Fatt Tze, a fabulously wealthy merchant. Don’t forget to feast on the island’s culinary delights tonight.

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 on a private vehicle. Kuala Lumpur, the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia, is affectionately known as KL and you'll almost always hear locals refer to it by its acronym. 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 main 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 in the evening follow the Bukit Bintang Walkway and see the Petronas Twin Towers lit at night. You’ll be incredibly spoilt with the breadth and quality of dining options on offer. From simple-street side fare that attracts queues of customers eager to try the latest dish said to be the best around, to seriously high-calibre, world-class cuisine.

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 gain another view on this cosmopolitan city. Lake Gardens is home to a number of sights, including the National Planetarium and the superb Islamic Arts Museum. Or if you are more active, you may like to join a bike tour and cycle through the history and modern life of KL. In the evening you may wan to experience the multicultural mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures through sampling some of its best food. Walk around local neighbourhoods and visit local grocers and street vendors. Your leader will be on hand making suggestions to help you make the best of the day.

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 (approximately 3 hours). Back when Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore left little impression on a map, the historic city of Melaka was 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 World Heritage Site in 2008, and like its Penang sibling, the city is a harmonic mix of cultures, a place where colonial buildings sit next to Chinese shophouses and temples.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Melaka

Today you’ll get to know this port city better with a quaint 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 (so called because it contains the prayer houses of Malaysia's three main faiths), 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 sights and museums to check out. From 17th century Dutch buildings and ships, to museums that showcase the local history of ethnic Chinese-Malays, the travels of diplomat and explorer Zheng He, and even a museum that focuses on concepts of beauty in different cultures. If you’re looking to get more active, then you could perhaps 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 on this incredible journey – Singapore (approximately 5 hours). Singapore has few areas untouched by modernisation, however 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 the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any 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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $6,570

(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 12 Oct 2025

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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

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