Real Thailand

Intrepid Travel · 15 days

4.6

8 Reviews

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Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Take on an epic journey through Thailand and make loads of new friends along the way – the islands are calling! On this 15-day adventure, you’ll check out the night markets and bars in Bangkok, trek the hillside outside of Chiang Mai, chase waterfalls and maybe go searching for elephants.

Highlights

Step into another world in Khao Sok National Park and go wildlife spotting and waterfall hiking through some of the oldest jungles in the world.
Immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Thailand, 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).
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.
Get your street food fix in bustling Bangkok and cool Chiang Mai and tuck into some of the tastiest eats in all of Asia. When you’ve had your fill (is that even possible?), be treated to traditional homecooked dinners during your hilltribe village homestays.
Visit the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center and learn how they rescue leatherneck turtle eggs (and other local turtle species) and provide environmental training to the community.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Overnight sleeper train,Songthaew,Tuk-tuk,Shared Boat,Public bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok, Thailand

Finishes

Phuket, Thailand

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. When you arrive at the station, say goodbye to the members of your group who are leaving today and head to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free until a second group meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok is a huge, buzzing metropolis, so while you wait for the meeting, why not make the most of the city's bustling markets, grab some spicy noodles from a street cart or relax with a Thai massage. After your meeting, get the new gang together and head out for dinner or ask your local leader for the best spots to soak in some local nightlife – cocktail, anyone? 

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Bangkok - Overnight Train

Today, you’ll explore some of Bangkok's most famous sites. Take the SkyTrain to Taksin station, then hop on a public boat on the Chao Phraya River to see the temple complex of Wat Pho, which houses the famous 46-m-long statue of the Reclining Buddha. Soak in the gorgeous scenery and then head back to Tha Tien Pier. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover more of the city, like the Grand Palace or Jim Thompson House. Tonight, you’ll head south on an overnight train to Surat Thani.

Included Activities:

Bangkok - Wat Pho

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House (200 THB)
Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) (200 THB)
Bangkok - Thai Massage (300 THB)

Accommodation:

Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Ko Samui

Arrive in southern Surat Thani this morning and then board a bus and ferry to Ko Samui. From here, it's waterfalls, swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling all day, every day (for the next three days). When you arrive, you have free time to explore Ko Samui. Known for its palm-fringed beaches and coconut groves, maybe hire a scooter and beach hop your way around the island. This evening, maybe get a group of your new friends together and find a place for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations of where to eat.

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Ko Samui

Today you’ll go on a half-day guided tour of the island on a songthaew (a traditional Thai bus) with your group and local leader and see the iconic 15-m Big Buddha along the way (Wat Phra Yai). Due to the scenery and natural wonders, the island of Ko Samui has been a tourist hotspot for decades. This afternoon, maybe relax in the waterfalls at Na Muang. Tonight, feast on a curry and then join in the party atmosphere in Ko Samui's famous nightlife.

Included Activities:

Ko Samui - half day guided tour

Optional Activities:

Ko Samui - Thai Massage (300 THB)
Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class (2300 THB)
Ko Samui - Day trip to Koh Tao (2400 THB)
Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park tour (2500 THB)
Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary (3500 THB)

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Ko Samui

Spend a free day today however you’d like – swimming, lazing in the sun or actively exploring. You might like to take an optional day tour to Ang Thong Marine National Park by either slow boat or speedboat. The park is an archipelago of over 40 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, featuring pristine beaches, jungle, mangroves and limestone mountains rising out of the sea. Swim at popular Ko Mae Island and check out the saltwater lagoon of Thale Nai (Emerald Lake). For a quieter experience and some great snorkelling opportunities, head to the nearby islands of Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan. Ko Samui is also home to an elephant sanctuary, and you can come close to these gentle giants. Watch them bathe, roam the fields and socialise with other elephants, knowing they are in a caring and peaceful environment.

Optional Activities:

Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park tour (2500 THB)
Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary (3500 THB)
Ko Samui - Thai Massage (300 THB)
Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class (2300 THB)
Ko Samui - Day trip to Koh Tao (2400 THB)

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Khao Sok National Park

This morning, head from Ko Samui to Khao Sok National Park (don’t forget your camera today!). Take a songthaew and an early ferry from Samui Pier to Don Sak Pier. Then, jump in a private vehicle to Chiew Larn Lake, where you’ll hop in a traditional longtail boat for a calm sail to your raft house. Keep your eyes out for wild bull elephants, gibbons and spectacled langur (dusky leaf monkeys). Khao Sok National Park is the wettest spot in Thailand with some of the oldest jungles in the world. See loads of amazing limestone rock faces and, if you're lucky, monkeys playing here and there. Later, take an evening safari with your group, where you’ll head by longtail boat deep into the jungle, looking (and listening) out for more animals. After, you’ll head to your raft house accommodation. Enjoy a homecooked traditional southern Thai meal with the locals and take the opportunity to get to know their lifestyles and stories before falling asleep to the relaxing sound of the jungle.

Included Activities:

Khao Sok National Park – Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
Khao Sok National Park - Rafthouse Stay

Accommodation:

Rafthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Khao Sok National Park - Phuket

This morning you’ll wake up in the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. Your raft house sits right inside the park, so you’ll have time this morning to catch the mist drifting along the lake as you search for wildlife in the jungle on a longtail boat. Before lunch, take a jungle hike around the park, and depending on the season, maybe see waterfalls or head up high to a panoramic viewpoint. If you're lucky there might be a glimpse of elephants, hornbills and langur monkeys. After, make your way to Phuket. Along the way, visit the Khao Lak Tsunami Memorial for some sobering history of the area’s past tsunamis and their victims. Then head to the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Phang Nga. Learn about how the Navy rescues eggs from surrounding beaches and their environmental efforts to ensure the conservation of turtles and to preserve the environment with local communities, schools, universities, government organisations and other NGOs. Tonight is a free evening in Phuket to watch the sunset and maybe grab a couple of drinks and toast to a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

Khao Sok National Park – Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
Khao Lak - Tsunami Memorial
Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Khao Sok National Park – Waterfall Hike

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Phuket

Your adventure comes to an end this morning and with no activities planned, you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer (we wouldn’t blame you), just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Phuket - Similan Day Trip (3500 THB)
Phuket - Surin National Marine Park Day Trip (3500 THB)
Phuket - Elephant Sanctuary (3500 THB)
Phuket - Phi Phi & Koh Khai Island Day Trip (3500 THB)
Phuket - Banana Beach & Koh Mai Ton Day Trip (2500 THB)

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 $1,860

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 31 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

Ellie

Traveled, February 2024

05/05/2024

The Group Trips I did in Thailand were amazing! It was a truly life changing experience that I would recommend everybody does. Our group trip leader, Pepae was so lovely and made the trip so so amazing. Can’t wait to do another tour in the near future ??

4.5

Amy

Traveled, November 2024

11/27/2023

Oat was an amazing leader and I would highly recommend doing the whole 16 day trip as the hill tribe trek was unforgettable! Khao Sok was also a must!

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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