Epic Bangkok to Singapore

Intrepid Travel · 22 days

4.3

2 Reviews

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Duration

22 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Want to explore South East Asis but don't want to go it all alone? On this epic 22-day exploration of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, you’ll explore the bustling hub of Bangkok, checking out the night markets and bars before trekking the hillside villages outside Chiang Mai.

Highlights

Trek deep – super deep – into the northern Thai hinterland with two days of trekking and two nights staying in a traditional hilltribe village, laughing with the locals and learning about their lifestyle.
Immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes, from cascading waterfalls, stunning beaches and mountainside views to a kayaking adventure on Mae Taeng River (followed by a spot of white-water rafting if you dare).
Settle into local life with a homestay in Phrom Lok. Cycle around the countryside, cool off in a waterfall and tuck into some delicious home-cooked meals.
Eat on the roadside in Bangkok, Penang and Singapore, with included and optional street food experiences and plenty of free time (not to mention your trusty local leader) to find all the best food stalls.
Enjoy loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s a bit of rest and relaxation with a Thai massage or discovering new friends at the Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary.

Trip Details

Duration

22 days

Transportation

Shared boat,Overnight sleeper train,Private minibus,Public bus,Songthaew,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok, Malaysia

Finishes

Singapore, Malaysia

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there's plenty to keep you occupied – maybe take a walk around Chinatown and explore the vibrant streets or head to the magnificent Grand Palace. Tonight, it’s time to dig into some traditional tastes of Thailand. Bangkok is known for its street food, so maybe head out with your leader and check out some roadside stalls around the Sukhumvit area. Later, maybe discover Bangkok’s nightlife and head out to one (or more) of the best local bars. Ask your guide for directions or grab your new travel mates and attempt to navigate the BTS skytrain and MRT subway.

Included Activities:

Bangkok - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Bangkok - Overnight Train

This morning, you have a free day in Bangkok before your overnight train this morning. Maybe start off with a relaxing Thai massage – the perfect way to limber up and start your day. Then, maybe check out Talad Noi by bike, take on the Bangkok Temples. After your day exploring, hop on an overnight train up to Chiang Mai.

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Chiang Mai

Arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning and transfer to your guesthouse. Then, you’ll head out on an orientation walk to get your bearings. Chiang Mai is the perfect entrance to the Thai highlands, with misty mountains and colourful hillside villages waiting to be explored. This will be your base for the next few days, as you’ll return here after your hillside trek. Today, you’re free to relax or explore the city. Maybe get active and go ziplining or cycle around the city. Take on a cooking class to learn some local flavours (and pick up some mad skills to take home) or just wander around on foot and visit Doi Sethep Temple and a couple of the cool cafes around the area. Tonight, why not get your group together to go bar hopping or explore the night markets in the happening Nimman area?

Included Activities:

Chiang Mai - Night Bazaar & Anusarn Market
Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

Chiang Mai - Thai massage (300 THB)
Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (50 THB)
Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour (1100 THB)
Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School (1400 THB)
Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) (1900 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Chiang Mai - Hilltribe Trek

This morning at around 8 am, leave Chiang Mai and head to Mae Malai Market to stock up on some delicious fresh snacks for your trek. Then, visit Mok Fah Waterfall for a cheeky dose of natural beauty. Sit down for some lunch to refuel with your group at a local restaurant, then continue to the starting point of today’s hike. Your destination for this evening is the Mae Ma Nai Hilltribe Village. Walk along the mountain ridge and take in the views of the natural forest and remote scenery. When you arrive, enjoy a local home-cooked dinner by the campfire to celebrate a successful day. Later, take a walk around the village and chat with the locals. This is a really special opportunity to experience rural Thai life first-hand!

Included Activities:

Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
Hilltribe Trek - Mae Malai Market Visit
Hilltribe Village - Home-cooked Dinner
Hilltribe Trek – Mok Fah Waterfall

Accommodation:

Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Hilltribe Trek

The best thing about being deep in the jungle in the morning is waking up to the natural sounds of wildlife calls. After breakfast, begin today’s trek through the storybook landscape of farmland and jungle, exploring other hilltribe villages and seeing how life differs between them. Your whole trek is the perfect nature photo op, so make sure you’ve got your camera handy! Enjoy lunch along the way and reach Pong Ngan Lahu Village this afternoon. After two long days of hiking, relax your legs and soak in some natural scenery before an included home-cooked dinner tonight.

Included Activities:

Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days

Accommodation:

Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Chiang Mai

The Mae Taeng River awaits you this morning, as you head off on a kayaking adventure towards Sop Kai Village. Paddle downstream as you're immersed by gorgeous surroundings for 2 to 3 hours, taking in the lush green scenery. From here, you can choose to head back to Chiang Mai via private transfer and enjoy a leisurely evening or opt to take to the rapids for some whitewater rafting. Paddle further down the river and get the adrenaline pumping before you head back to Chiang Mai for the night. When you arrive, maybe refresh and recharge or head out to explore the Wat Prasingh and Wat Chedi Luang temples in your free time. Tonight, ask your leader for the best spots for a pad thai or a khao soi.

Included Activities:

Sop Kai Village - River Kayaking

Optional Activities:

Chiang Mai - Thai massage (300 THB)
Mae Taeng - Whitewater Rafting (1800 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Chiang Mai - Overnight sleeper train

Today is a free day to explore Chiang Mai and you’re spoilt for options. Maybe take the chance to learn one of the world’s legendary martial arts, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) this morning. Spend 1.5 hours learning the basics of Muay Thai with the pros, plus how to adapt yourselves to be the weapons and the guard. You could also visit the Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary and witness these majestic animals roaming the valley and chilling in nature. Or maybe stop by Chuan Chom Vocational Training Center for lunch or a massage. Here, you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Later, board an overnight train for Bangkok.

Optional Activities:

Chiang Mai - Muay Thai Class (Thai boxing) (460 THB)
Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School (1400 THB)
Chiang Mai - Chuan Chom Vocational Training Centre - Massage (from) (250 THB)
Chiang Mai - Wat Chedi Luang Temple (40 THB)
Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour (990 THB)
Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) (1900 THB)
Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary (1900 THB)
Chiang Mai – Whitewater Rafting (1800 THB)
Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon (Entrance) (300 THB)
Chiang Mai - Wat Prasingh Temple (40 THB)
Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (50 THB)

Accommodation:

Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Bangkok

Your train is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok early this morning. The rest of the day is free until your second meeting at 6 pm tonight. Why not take a walk around Chinatown while you wait and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist hub of Khao San Road or indulge in a Thai massage?

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Bangkok – Overnight Train

Wake up to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok this morning. Today, you’ll visit Wat Pho – or ‘the temple of the reclining Buddha’. This is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok and as well as the huge reclining statue, this wat is home to over a thousand images of Buddha. Wander around the complex, then take a ferry to Wang Lang Market. Next to Chao Phraya River, the local market is home to food, handicrafts and clothes. After wandering around the market, take the ferry back across the river and wander through the leafy riverside district of Tha Maharaj, maybe grabbing some lunch. Tonight, you’ll hop on an overnight train to Surat Thani.

Included Activities:

Bangkok - Wang Lang Local Market
Bangkok - Wat Pho

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Thai Massage (300 THB)

Accommodation:

Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Ko Samui

This morning you’ll arrive in Surat Thani in the early hours before hopping on a local bus and a ferry to the gorgeous Koh Samui. Thailand’s second-largest island is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest. With your local leader, you’ll enjoy a half-day tour around the island, before settling into island life in the afternoon. Relax on the beach, go cocktail hunting or maybe just find the best spot to park yourself for sunset – the nightly display of colour is a must.

Included Activities:

Ko Samui - Half Day Guided Tour

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Ko Samui

Today is a free day in paradise. Maybe spend your day relaxing by the sea, or maybe you’d like to head out for a sightseeing tour of the island. Explore coastal beach spots or go searching for the many arms of the deities at Wat Plai Laem Temple. Foodies might like to take a cooking class and learn how to dish up some of Thai cuisine. Day trips are also available, like a visit to Anthong National Marine Park or a full day snorkelling trip around Koh Nang Yuan. Your local leader will be on hand to help you choose your own adventure.

Optional Activities:

Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary (3500 THB)
Ko Samui - Thai Massage (300 THB)
Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class (2300 THB)
Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park tour (2500 THB)
Ko Samui - Day trip to Koh Tao (2400 THB)
Ko Samui - Island sightseeing tour (1800 THB)
Koh Tao - Koh Nang Yuan Snorkeling Day Trip (2200 THB)

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Phrom Lok Homestay

Say goodbye to the palm trees, silky sands and bright waters of Koh Samui this morning. When you arrive back on the mainland, you’ll take a private transfer to the Phrom Lok District, where you’ll stay tonight during a unique homestay experience. Meet the local villagers and immerse yourself in local life as you take on their daily activities and gain an insight into their culture. Have a home-cooked lunch together, then hop on two wheels for a cycling adventure around the community. Cycle to Phrom Lok Waterfall and cool off with a swim (depending on the season), then ride to Phrom Khiri District. Tonight, you’ll tuck into an authentic home-cooked dinner of southern Thai food, then try your hand at the art of Batik painting (a textile technique that uses wax and dye to create patterns on pieces of fabric).

Included Activities:

Phrom Lok – Bike Hire
Phrom Lok – Home-cooked Dinner
Phrom Lok – Community Visit and Homestay
Phrom Lok – Waterfall Visit

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Ao Nang

Tuck into breakfast with the locals this morning, then head out on the bike again to visit a local mushroom farm, rubber plantation and see a grass broom making demonstration. After, refuel with lunch back at the village, then say goodbye to your hosts and head to Ao Nang. This resort town is known for its gorgeous beaches, colourful sunsets and limestone islands that jut out from the still seas. You’ll have free time from the late afternoon to soak in the beauty of the sky as the sun goes down – maybe ask your leader where the best spot for a local feed or a couple of beers might be and enjoy the balmy evening.

Included Activities:

Phrom Lok – Bike Hire

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Ao Nang

You’ll have a free day for beach activities in Ao Nang today. You can opt to go sea kayaking around the limestone islands, rock climbing on the nearby mountains and cliffs, or take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands. You can always ask your leader for tips if you’re feeling spoiled for choice.

Optional Activities:

Ao Nang - Transport to Railay Beach (round trip) (200 THB)
Ao Nang - Rock Climbing (1800 THB)
Ao Nang - Sea kayaking (1800 THB)
Ao Nang - Thai Cooking Class (1300 THB)
Ao Nang - Phi Phi Island Day Tour (1600 THB)
Ao Nang - Scuba Diving (3 dives) (4000 THB)
Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling Tour (1400 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Penang

Today, you’ll say goodbye to the beauties of Thailand. Next stop – Malaysia! Today will be a long travel day, but it’s a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a little better, play some road trip games or get stuck into a good book. After border formalities, hop in a private transfer to Penang, Malaysia's prized island. Known for its coastline and Georgetown area – a cool, World Heritage-listed blend of religious sites – this place is also serious about its street food! Head out with your leader tonight on a tour of the best local haunts and pick up some delicious specialties. You might snag an ice kacang (a dessert made with crushed ice, syrup and a mixture of jellies, nuts and sweet beans), a hearty nasi kandar (steamed rice accompanied by curries, fried chicken, seafood or vegetables) or the popular char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles). After, maybe head out for an optional bar crawl with the gang.

Included Activities:

Penang - Hawker food experience

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Penang

Today, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the Georgetown area, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to check out the shophouses, Penang Museum, street art and clan jetties. When you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours. You might like to get your heart rate up with a testing hike up Penang Hill, where the views are worth the effort. Or maybe check out Kek Lok Si (the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia), Khoo Kongsi (one of the oldest clan houses in Malaysia) or Cheong Fat Tze Museum (if you have an interest in Feng Shui), then go looking for some more local food. This place is famous for its cuisine, and it’s all thanks to the many cultures that have lived side-by-side for ages.

Included Activities:

Penang - leader led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Penang - Trishaw Ride (50 MYR)
Penang - Penang Hill and Temple Tour (230 MYR)
Penang - Teluk Bahang National Park (50 MYR)
Penang - Khoo Kongsi (15 MYR)
Penang - Kek Lok Si Temple (16 MYR)
Penang - Funicular Railway (from) (30 MYR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Penang - Cameron Highlands

Spend your morning walking around Georgetown before heading to the Cameron Highlands, stopping at the city of Ipoh along the way. This city looks like it comes right out of an anime movie, with its dramatic rock formations, caves and the ornate Perak Cave Temple. Spend some time wandering around and then carry on to the highlands, making your way into the undulating green hills. This area is beyond gorgeous, and you’ll have a full day tomorrow to choose how to best explore it.

Included Activities:

Ipoh - Temple Visit

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Cameron Highlands

Today is a free day to spend how you want. Enjoy some downtime or maybe explore the district on a sightseeing tour. Take up an optional adventure to Mount Brinchang, trekking through the Mossy Forest or head out to visit the local tea plantation and factory, a strawberry farm, a honey bee farm, a Buddhist temple and the market square. Enjoy a free night to grab some dinner with your group or find somewhere to catch the sunset – your leader will have the best recommendations.

Optional Activities:

Cameron Highlands - Adventure Tour (60 MYR)
Cameron Highlands - Sightseeing Tour (110 MYR)

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Kuala Lumpur

Wake up to the lush surroundings of the highlands before taking a public bus to Malaysia's capital – Kuala Lumpur. If you're still feeling up for a little adventure when you arrive, you might like to head out to a bar with a view and take in the city lights over a cocktail. Be sure to try and find one with a view of the mighty Petronas Towers, which come to life under the lights of night.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Kuala Lumpur

Today is a free day to explore Kuala Lumpur at your own pace. Maybe head out of the city and visit the famous Batu Caves. Check out the tall Murugan statue and the colourful steps that lead up to the limestone karsts (but be careful of the mischievous monkeys.) When you’re hungry, your leader can show you where to find some of the best roti in the city. You can hit Bukit Bintang (for restaurants and bars), the Golden Triangle (for shopping) or Menara Tower (entry fee applies). Kuala Lumpur also has some great nightlife and your local leader will be sure to know the best spots!

Optional Activities:

Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower (Observation Deck) (49 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur - Bike Tour (230 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur - Foodie Experience (350 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower (Observation and Sky Decks) (110 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur - National Mosque - Free
Kuala Lumpur - Batu Cave - Free
Kuala Lumpur - Islamic Arts Museum (20 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower (Sky Decks) (140 MYR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: Singapore

Today, a public bus journey will take you to Singapore. After a long travel day and border formalities, your leader will take you on an orientation walk to give you an introduction to this ever-evolving city. There will be time to take in the retail hot spots like Orchard Road and the 'booming cross-cultural culinary scene' before enjoying an evening with your fellow travellers. You might like to hit up one of Singapore’s famous hawker centres (Newton, Lau Pa Sat or Tiong Bahru) or head to the Sky Bar at Marina Bay Sands, which boasts sweeping views of the Singaporean port and skyline. Maybe grab a couple of drinks here with the gang – the 360-degree views across the city also gives a great bird’s eye view of Gardens By The Bay. While you’re up in the clouds, you might catch its light show!

Included Activities:

Singapore - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: Singapore

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay and soak in more of what Singapore has to offer, just speak to your booking agent.

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 $2,865

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 22 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 10 May 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

4.0

Alicia

Traveled, February 2023

03/12/2023

I really enjoyed this trip, I felt like the Thailand aspect was very well organised, Malaysia we had a lot more free days. I loved staying in the jungle and the rafthouse - they were definite highlights for me. I felt like we had too long at some places in Malaysia and there wasn’t much to do. Singapore was great too but I would recommend staying there more than the one night included as there was lots to do.

4.5

Amber

Traveled, October 2022

10/28/2022

I had an amazing time . Phenomenal guide and fun activities.

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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