Journeys: Iconic Thailand
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From AUD $5699
Small Group
Light
Rating
(1 reviews)
Journeys: Iconic Thailand
Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply
15 days
Small Group
Moderate
Light
English
Experience Overview
Experience the timeless grandeur of Thailand’s cities, temples, and landscapes on a cross-country adventure. Explore the rich cultural heritage and culinary delights of Chiang Mai, then head south to discover tropical coastlines.
Includes
Activities
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Thai Home Dinner, Chiang Mai Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet with Monks, Chiang Mai Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Farm and Culinary Experience, Ban Ta Khun Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Rainforest Eco-Walk & Dinner, Khao Sok Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Krabi Village Excursion, Krabi Your G for Good Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal, Ban Ta Khun Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class, Chiang Mai Your Discover Moment: Bangkok
- Arrival transfer
- Entrance to Thai-Burma war museum and train ride
- Visit to Erawan National Park
- Tour at Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Dinner on a converted rice barge
- Bangkok boat tour of the klongs (canals) and Wat Pho temple complex
- Hong Island Traditional Longtail Boat Tour
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (12 nts), lodge (2 nts).
- 14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport
- Private bus/minivan, tuk tuk, tricycle, boat, ferry, train, plane, walking.
Group Leader
- National Geographic Expedition Leader
Highlights
- Discuss daily life with a resident monk
- Explore the temples and palaces of Ayutthaya
- Cruise Bangkok’s delightfully chaotic canals
- Explore Hong Island on a traditional Longtail Boat
- Coast down Krabi River aboard a Longtail boat before hopping in a tricycle tuk-tuk
Trip Details
15 days
Private bus/minivan, tuk tuk, tricycle, boat, ferry, train, plane, walking.
English
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
Moderate
National Geographic Journey, Budget
Light
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Upon arrival at the airport, head to the arrival hall and go to gate number 4 near the airport information counter. Look for a driver holding a G Adventures sign with your name, who'll take you to your hotel so you can check in and start exploring.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Grand China Bangkok
Day 2: Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take in a piece of World War II history on this visit. You've seen or at least heard of the famous movie, "Bridge on the River Kwai" -- tour the real thing and take a train ride over the bridge. It's massive, majestic, and imposing, and offers fabulous views of the river below. Activity - Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about the Death Railway's dark history, and the Allied War Cemetery where more than 6,000 prisoners are buried.Accommodation - Royal River Kwai Resort
Day 3: Kanchanaburi/Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its seven tiers offer a unique experience at every climb, reaching up to 1,500m (4921 ft). Swim in the turquoise pools, snap photos from the top tier, and opt to hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Cruise down the river aboard a converted 1930s rice barge. Have a delicious Thai meal while taking in the incredible views of the city.Accommodation - Classic Kameo Hotel Ayutthaya
Day 4: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya/Chiang Mai
Khantok in the Northern dialect means wooden tray, used for carrying dishes, round in shape and made of teak wood. The host will invite guests to sit on the floor around the khantok. After dinner, enjoy tea time with the opportunity to talk with local people to learn their way of living.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore the ruins of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ayuthaya served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Late in the 17th century its population reached one million, and foreign visitors wrote awestruck accounts of its size and splendour.Transport - Hello again, Bangkok! Travel back to the city and to the airport by private vehicle.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Visit a village outside Chiang Mai and sit down to an authentic Khantoke dinner in the home of a local family. Dishes typically include sticky rice, hang-le curry, and crispy pork with chilli paste. Over tea, learn about life in rural Thailand and visit the family garden to learn about herbs and spices popular in local cooking.Accommodation - Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Monk chats are a great cultural exchange, but also important in helping the young Monks improve their English.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Pick out the best ingredients at a local market and learn how to make delicious Thai dishes.Activity - Visit a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai's Suthep district. Engage in an informal conversation with a teaching monk at the international meditation center. Discuss Theravadha Buddhism and monastic life. These sessions offer a unique opportunity for personal reflection and a deeper connection to the ancient wisdom of Buddhism.Activity - Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks. Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa
Day 6: Chiang Mai
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Chiang Mai is a mecca for shopping and handicraft production, so take advantage of this opportunity to do some shopping if you wish.Accommodation - Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa
Day 7: Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Take a quick flight back to Bangkok. Activity - Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.Activity - This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Grand China Bangkok
Day 8: Bangkok
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free day in Bangkok to explore. Accommodation - Grand China Bangkok
Day 9: Bangkok/Ko Samui
Off of Thailand's east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui offers everything you could possibly want in a seaside retreat: white sandy beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood, and warm, clear waters.
Our resort is nestled in tropical gardens with a private beach leading into crystal clear waters. The property also has three freshwater swimming pools and the resort is just 15 minutes by road to Lamai Beach's bustling nightlife district.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Free_time - Kick back and relax on the beach, or opt to explore the town. Accommodation - Fair House Villas & Spa
Day 10: Koh Samui
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend a full free day getting to know Koh Samui on your own. Stroll along the pristine beaches, visit the various temples in the area, hike through the island jungle, or set out on a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park.Accommodation - Fair House Villas & Spa
Day 11: Ko Samui/Khao Sok
Khao Sok is a stunning location with one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world, surrounded by limestone karst cliffs.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Discover how delicious southern Thai dishes go from plot to plate at this community farm and restaurant experience. Take a walk through Kao Thep Pitak's organic farm and fruit orchard to see how those same items are made into a tasty meal by local village residents. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the rubber plantation and learn how the village has made this farm into a self-sufficient economy benefitting over 140 families. Planeterra and G Adventures are proud to support this endeavour.Activity - Indulge in traditional Southern Thai cuisine prepared by members of Kao Thep Pitak village. Your meal will be made with ingredients picked from local organic farms and a fruit orchard on the property. Over 140 families benefit from the community-owned and managed eatery through the Kao Thep Pitak Community Ecotourism Enterprise, supported by Planeterra and G Adventures.Activity - Explore the incredibly lush rainforest of Klong Phanom National Park alongside one of the locals who call this region home. This expert tracker is a conservationist and ecotourism guide who is now dedicating his life to the protection of the rainforest. He’ll also discuss traditional jungle medicines and their role in the lives of the area’s people. Afterward, sit down with our host at a campfire dinner of rainforest specialties.Accommodation - Anurak Community Lodge
Day 12: Khao Sok
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Today is free for optional activities including jungle hikes or canoeing.Accommodation - Anurak Community Lodge
Day 13: Khao Sok/Krabi
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - With our local guide, cross the Krabi River by typical long-tail boat, and jump in tuk tuks to explore local villages and farming communities. Interact with people going about their daily lives farming rice and vegetables and other rural industries. Learn about the culture and beliefs of the mostly Muslim population.Accommodation - Aonang Princeville VIlla Resort & Spa
Day 14: Krabi
In the evening enjoy some of the beautiful scenic views that have made southern Thailand so famous. Grab a cocktail and relax at the pool. Your National Geographic Expedition Leader will fill you in on all the other interesting options that are available in the area. This is the perfect place to get active or simply chill out and relax.
Our resort is located at Aonang Beach and only a short distance by Tuk -Tuk to Noppharat Thara Beach. End the day in paradise with a stroll along the beachfront.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore the Hong Islands on a full-day tour from Krabi that travels by traditional Longtail boat. Head to white-sand beaches and hidden lagoons where you can snorkel in the clear waters of the Andaman Sea and search for an abundance of colorful fish and other aquatic life. Take breaks to lie on the white sand and soak up the sun.Accommodation - Aonang Princeville VIlla Resort & Spa
Day 15: Krabi/Bangkok
The tour ends at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport). Please note: your flight must not depart earlier than 15:00 on this day.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
- 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.
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.
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.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
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.
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.
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.
Duration: 15 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Light
Experience the timeless grandeur of Thailand’s cities, temples, and landscapes on a cross-country adventure. Explore the rich cultural heritage and culinary delights of Chiang Mai, then head south to discover tropical coastlines.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 May 2027
Customer Reviews
10/16/2018
I’ll begin by stating that all of the hotel accommodations provided on this tour were excellent. However, nothing else was up to my expectations. I booked this trip based on its title billing as “Iconic Thailand National Geographic Journeys”. However, the only mention of any National Geographic involvement was on our Day 11 visit to Khao Sok which is a very small land area inhabited by less than a dozen native families eking out a meager existence on it’s miniscule rubber production. In my humble opinion, the reason for National Geographic’s support of this insignificant settlement and lending it’s name and reputation to this tour is questionable. Although a minority of the sites visited were interesting (the Bridge on the River Kwai, the waterways and caves of Krabi, and privately, the old City of Chiang Mai and the Grand Palace in Bangkok), most of the rest of the tour (I estimate over seventy percent) involved long arduous and boring coach, train or long boat travel with no commentary or explanations of any places or buildings of interest along the way. When I requested to be given a heads up of any such things upcoming along the way so that I could take a photo from the vehicle, my tour guide told me that she didn’t know what would be of interest to me or other members of the group, hence my only photos were destination shots. The main focus of our tour guide (pardon me C.E.O.) seemed to be on edifying the group on the history of Buddhism in Thailand although I am sure that there are many Thais who were never mentioned that practice other religions or ways of life, the latter as claimed by Buddhists is what Buddhism is all about. I am very disappointed in this tour.
Tour Operator
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
10/16/2018
I’ll begin by stating that all of the hotel accommodations provided on this tour were excellent. However, nothing else was up to my expectations. I booked this trip based on its title billing as “Iconic Thailand National Geographic Journeys”. However, the only mention of any National Geographic involvement was on our Day 11 visit to Khao Sok which is a very small land area inhabited by less than a dozen native families eking out a meager existence on it’s miniscule rubber production. In my humble opinion, the reason for National Geographic’s support of this insignificant settlement and lending it’s name and reputation to this tour is questionable. Although a minority of the sites visited were interesting (the Bridge on the River Kwai, the waterways and caves of Krabi, and privately, the old City of Chiang Mai and the Grand Palace in Bangkok), most of the rest of the tour (I estimate over seventy percent) involved long arduous and boring coach, train or long boat travel with no commentary or explanations of any places or buildings of interest along the way. When I requested to be given a heads up of any such things upcoming along the way so that I could take a photo from the vehicle, my tour guide told me that she didn’t know what would be of interest to me or other members of the group, hence my only photos were destination shots. The main focus of our tour guide (pardon me C.E.O.) seemed to be on edifying the group on the history of Buddhism in Thailand although I am sure that there are many Thais who were never mentioned that practice other religions or ways of life, the latter as claimed by Buddhists is what Buddhism is all about. I am very disappointed in this tour.
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