Classic Thailand West Coast (Oct - Apr)

Intrepid Travel · 16 days

4.6

9 Reviews

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Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Combining the best of the north and south, this is the definitive Thailand tour. Travel from the glamour of the capital to villages in the mountains and from atmospheric ruins to relaxed sun-drenched islands on this 16-day adventure.

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.
Discover the turbulent past at the infamous 'bridge over the River Kwai' and cycle through the ancient Buddhas and ruined temples of World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Park
Experience community projects at local villages, learn from their masters of crafts, pick fresh vegetables, enjoy hearty farm to table cooking and traditional dancing.
Ease into the beach-loving lifestyle and enjoy various sea activities of snorkeling and kayaking to explore the amazing limestone cliff and caves, colorful coral reefs and mangrove forests.
Kick back and DIY your own adventures with ample free time in Phuket, maybe discover your own white sand beach, wander the busy streets and get into the buzzing night life. Your adventure, your pick!

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Overnight sleeper train, Speed boat, Private minivan, Taxi, Longtail boat, Songtheaw, Bicycle, Public Bus, Plane

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok, Thailand

Finishes

Phuket, Thailand

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

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, take an unaccompanied flight back to Bangkok. Enjoy some free time before your group briefing at 6pm to meet your new tour leader and fellow travellers. Bangkok is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and slick modernity, where markets (obviously bustling) and world-class cuisine are only the beginning. If you didn’t get the chance to explore on your arrival, now’s your chance! How about taking a walk through this frenetic city of tuk tuks, street food and traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River. After your important meeting, you might want to experience the unique tourist mecca of Khao San Road with some of your new travel crew.

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure (2900 THB)
Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure (1960 THB)
Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Bangkok

You’ll start today with a visit to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn. Named after the Indian God of Dawn, Aruna, this impressive landmark of Bangkok sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own exploration. Perhaps head next door to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or visit Wat Pho – home to the country's largest reclining Buddha and keeper of the magic behind Thai massage. Maybe take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, or travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous khlongs (canals) of Bangkok. Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Tonight, board an overnight train southbound for Surat Thani.

Included Activities:

Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Ao Nang

Arrive at Surat Thani this morning and continue by bus to the resort town of Ao Nang in the Krabi Province. Ao Nang has a main street with open-air restaurants, shops that light up the sidewalk and bars perfect for kicking back with a beer. You can also hop on a longtail boat to places like Railay Beach and the idyllic islands surrounding the bay. There's plenty of free time to relax on the beaches and get into the spirit of southern Thailand. You might like to take a cycling trip through back country tracks, getting to know local culture and taking an afternoon dip in a waterfall. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage on the beach or just sit back with a good book. In the late afternoon, visit Baan Na Teen village to take part in Batik Making. Learn about this ancient technique of dyeing, then join a local family for some home-cooking.

Included Activities:

Ao Nang – Baan Na Teen village community experience and home-cooked dinner

Optional Activities:

Ao Nang - Longtail Boat Taxi to Railay Beach (100 THB)
Ao Nang - Thai Massage (300 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Ao Nang

This morning, head out to Ao Nang beach and board a private longtail boat to start today’s exploration. As you sail, take in the beauty of the coastline, stopping at Phra Nang Cave, Railey Beach, Koh Tup and Koh Gai along the way. See the coral and tropical fish in the crystal clear waters below on snorkelling excursions and enjoy a half day of swimming and sailing. Tonight, why not grab some of your fellow travellers and stroll down the main drag to find a seafood restaurant.

Included Activities:

Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling Tour

Optional Activities:

Ao Nang - Thai Cooking Class (1300 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Khao Lak

Say goodbye to Ao Nang this morning and continue your journey to Khao Lak. On the way, stop at the community-based tourism initiative of Baan Nai Nang village (supported by Mangrove Action Project) where you’ll spend the better half of the day. Soak up the amazing nature and learning about local culture. Then, get active and venture out in a kayak to explore the water, limestone cliffs and mangrove forests at Khao Ka Rot. Return to the village and learn to prepare the organic local mulberry leaf tea, sitting down with your hosts for a home-cooked lunch. Head out for a walk through the village’s organic fruit orchards before hopping back on your bus to Khao Lak.

Included Activities:

Baan Nai Nang CBT village - village walk
Khao Ka Rot - sea kayaking
Ao Makham Beach - home cooked lunch & Mulberry leaf tea tasting

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Khao Lak

Enjoy a free day to explore Khao Lak at your own pace. Maybe visit Lam Ru National Park, known for its nature trails, secluded beaches and Ton Chong Fa Waterfall. Or take a daytrip to the Similan Islands or the Surin Islands, soaking up the gorgeous natural landscapes. Your local leader will be on hand with suggestions and to help you out with logistics.

Optional Activities:

Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park & Ton Chong Fa WaterFall (200 THB)
Khao Lak - Pa-Kin-Na-Ka Thai Cooking Class (2000 THB)

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Phuket

This morning, you’ll leave the natural paradise for Phuket – Thailand’s largest and most visited island. When you arrive, you might like to stop at the Tsunami Memorial. Then, continue to the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center, which supports the protection of turtles, focusing on marine biodiversity. Learn about the important work that they do here and see the different type of turtles at the foundation. Later, continue to Patong Beach, where you’ll stay in the heart of it all near local shops, restaurants and nightclubs awaits.

Included Activities:

Khao Lak – Lampi Waterfalls
Khao Lak – Tsunami Memorial Park
Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Phuket

Phuket is ringed with beaches and you can find everything from a party vibe to something a little quieter. If you can pull yourself away from the curving coasts, Phuket also has a range of activities to fill your day, from Thai boxing exhibitions to cabaret shows. If you love getting out on the water and exploring the islands, then perhaps use your last day to take a daytrip to the Phi Phi Islands and Khai Nok – a tiny island surrounded by white sandy beach, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. If you want to spend some time with Thailand’s elephants, maybe visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Here, you can see the elephants in the safety and security of their natural home and get an insight into the behaviour and personal history of each elephant. Tonight, maybe get together with your fellow travellers for dinner and toast to a trip well travelled.

Optional Activities:

Phuket - Phi Phi & Khai Nok Island Day Trip (3500 THB)
Phuket - Elephant Sanctuary (3500 THB)

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Phuket

There are no activities planned for the final day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you’d like to continue to soak up the very best of Phuket, 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 $4,340

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Apr 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Katherine

Traveled, March 2024

04/19/2024

An absolutely amazing, unforgettable trip! Would highly recommend if you are looking to experience the true culture of Thailand without all the hassle of planning the details. Intrepid handles everything for you! This trip was truly life-changing for me. Thank you to Intrepid and Ben, our Tour Director.

5.0

Shari

Traveled, February 2024

05/01/2024

Great itinerary, including lots of involvement with the locals and the community. I’ve had great experiences with Intrepid and look forward to my next adventure.

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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