Thailand Encompassed – East Coast Islands

This is the ultimate Thailand experience for every kind of traveller. This 23-day trip combines the best highlights of Northern Thailand, with the picturesque tropical appeal of the islands. Experience cultural touchstones like the former capital city of Ayutthaya and a hilltribe trek outside of Chiang Mai and then head south to discover some of the most idyllic beaches in the entire world. Want Thailand? You've got it.

Day 1 Bangkok
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a klong boat tour of Bangkok including a visit to Wat Pho. Travel to Kanchanaburi and head to your floating rafthouse accommodation. Enjoy free time to explore.

Day 3 Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a day of sightseeing at Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai.

Day 4 Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya
Explore the Allied War Cemetery and the Thai-Burmese Railway Centre to learn more about the area's history. Travel to Ayutthaya and visit the historical sites of the old capital city. Opt to visit Chan Kasem National Museum and Chao Sam Phraya Museum.

Day 5 Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
Spend a full day exploring Ayutthaya before boarding an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Day 6 Chiang Mai
Arrive in Chiang Mai and explore the city. Visit Doi Suthep in the afternoon.

Day 7 Chiang Mai/Ban Pha Mon
Drive from Chiang Mai to the trailhead. Trek through farmland and bamboo and teak forests. Learn about bush food and medicinal plants. Enjoy lunch en route before continuing through rice fields and valleys to reach the first village of a Lahu tribe. Assist with food prep and cooking, learn about weaving and embroidery or check out a local Lahu massage.

Day 8 Ban Pha Mon/Ban Muang Pam
Trek between villages, over farmlands and grasslands, and ascend to the ridge line. Learn about bush medicine and seasonal fruits as you make your way to the lunch stop. Go for a swim and help the local guides prepare lunch. Continue on to the Karen village and spend the night. Opt to learn about medicine from a shaman or play football with the locals.

Day 9 Ban Muang Pam/Chiang Mai
After breakfast, leave the village and continue on, stopping at other villages along the way. Arrive at Tham Lod, a 1666m deep cave. Enter by bamboo raft and move to different chambers - a truly unique experience. After lunch, drive back to Chiang Mai for some free time to explore.

Day 10 Chiang Mai
Enjoy free time to explore Chiang Mai. Opt for a bicycle tour, a visit the Mae Sai waterfall, shopping at the night market, or getting a traditional Thai massage. Enjoy a local cooking class with dinner.

Day 11 Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai
Travel to Chiang Rai and start exploring.

Day 12 Chiang Rai
Visit the town of Mae Sai and the Opium Museum.

Day 13 Chiang Rai/Lampang
Continue on to Lampang and enjoy a homestay in a traditional Lanna village. Participate in craft demonstrations and opt to help prepare a local meal.

Day 14 Lampang/Sukhothai
Take in traditional morning activities, followed by lunch in the village. Travel to Sukhothai and enjoy a free afternoon.

Day 15 Sukhothai
Take a half-day guided bike tour of Sukhothai Historical Park and explore the area with some free time.

Day 16 Sukhothai/Bangkok
Travel to Bangkok and enjoy some time for last minute shopping.

Day 17 Bangkok/Ko Samui
Catch a flight to Surat Thani and board a ferry to the tropical island of Ko Samui. Relax on the beach or visit the bustling little town.

Day 18 Ko Samui
Relax on the beach or visit the bustling little town. Opt for a snorkelling trip in Ang Thong Marine Park.

Day 19 Ko Samui/Koh Pha Ngan
Take a ferry to nearby Ko Pha-Ngan, with time to explore the island's waterfalls, swim in lagoons, hike, or relax. If it's the right time, opt to take part in the island's famous Full Moon Party.

Day 20 Koh Pha Ngan
Enjoy free time to make the most of Ko Pha-Ngan.

Day 21 Koh Pha Ngan/Ko Tao
Travel by ferry to Ko Tao, in English known as ‘turtle island’. While most of the visitors spend their days in the water, in the evening the beach bars and hotels spill over with people looking to share their tales of the days activities and a cold beer or two.

Day 22 Ko Tao
Enjoy an included snorkelling trip from Ko Tao through Ko Nang Yuan.

Day 23 Ko Tao
Depart at any time. If booking a flight out of Ko Samui airport, the earliest departure time should be 11:00 am

Want to take the hassle out of getting back to Bangkok? Book the Bangkok Express, a two-day post-tour Extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.