From the jungles of Chiang Mai to the white-sand beaches of Krabi, discover the riches of Thailand on this spectacular adventure. Energized by the action of Bangkok, depart for the far reaches of former Siam, along the way enjoying the contrasting topography, architecture and cuisine of Southeast Asia’s premier destination. Explore old kingdoms by foot, rural villages by bicycle and Thailand’s clearest waters by kayak. Be inspired by the many temples dappling the cities around Thailand’s dynamic interior. Exotic delicacies, savory dishes and refreshing cocktails are yours to savor, whether you’re sampling dim sum in Bangkok’s China Town or indulging in fresh seafood in at your beachside resort. All the while, a warm, beautiful people welcome you to unravel the mysteries of Thailand’s fascinating history and culture as you grow accustomed to returning their glowing greetings in this Kingdom of Smiles.
Welcome to the Land of Smiles! You’re invited to discover true hospitality on this action-packed, small group journey through Thailand. Savor a warm welcome and a delicious taste of Thai culture, cuisine, tradition, and scenery on this extraordinary Bangkok to Krabi adventure. During this all-inclusive vacation package, our expert guides introduce you to the boundless treasures of this Southeast Asia country from the jungle-clad mountains of Chiang Mai to the scintillating flavors of Bangkok on a Chinatown “foodie” tour. Take in the dazzling architecture of Sukhothai. Keep an eye out for gibbons, monkeys, and hornbills on a hike through evergreens, and relish a refreshing dip below cascading waterfalls. Explore Krabi by mountain bike, kayak, and beach walk, taking in one of the most serene and spectacular coastlines the world has to offer. Throughout this exclusive voyage, enjoy the best in regional accommodations as Austin’s signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service invites you to soak in the many surprises and wonders of Thailand.
Introduce your palate to the flavors of Bangkok on a Chinatown “foodie” tour
Take in the dazzling architecture of Sukhothai, once the capital of Siam
Keep an eye out for gibbons, monkeys, and hornbills on a hike through the evergreens of Khao Yai National Park
Relish in a refreshing dip at the base of the waterfall made famous in “The Beach”
Sea kayak to the famous mangrove forest of Ao Thalane, located in what we consider, the most beautiful bay in Thailand
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
The food: Besides Pad Thai, Thailand boasts some fantastic, fresh fare for your taste bud's pleasure!
02
The tradition: Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia to have never been colonized by a European power.
03
The temples: With 95 percent of the population practicing Buddhism, Thailand is home to some of the world's most spectacular temples.
04
Perfect balance of luxury and adventure: With accommodations like Rayavadee, explore the wonders of Thailand by day and enjoy ultimate relaxation at night.
05
In-the-field expertise: From spinning fascinating regional interpretation to orchestrating seamless group dynamics, our guides keep their eyes on the details, ensuring that the toughest part of your vacation truly is going home.
Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, your driver and guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
About The Siam Hotel
Step into your private urban sanctuary: a stunning, luxury hotel, replete with exquisite art & antiques and set amidst 3 acres of lush gardens on the Chao Phraya River, adjoining Bangkok’s must-see historical and cultural attractions. The Siam Suite has every feature meticulously planned with one simple objective: to help you relax. From the oversized king bed, as soft as a cloud, to the imported Italian bathtub big enough for two, to the beautifully decorated Art Deco living room; take time to explore every corner of your 80 square-meter Siam Suite.
After an early breakfast, meet your guide to begin your journey by visiting Wat Po, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples, arriving just in time to hear the morning chanting of the monks. Continue to the Grand Palace Complex, which includes the Temple of The Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow), unquestionably a “must” for every visitor to Bangkok. For lunch, instead of a standard restaurant, explore the backstreets of Thammasat University! Your guide will take you for a culinary visit among hundreds of Thai students rushing to the numerous small street restaurants. Early afternoon, we depart by long tail boat and embark on a klong tour, a great way to observe local life along the canals. We stop at a kind of local artist community: Khlong Bang Luang. Well-preserved wooden homes more than a century old and historic but non-touristy temples join smaller art studios, vintage antique galleries, a few outstanding hole-in-the-wall noodle shops, a tiny guesthouse and several family-run cafes, convenience shops and barbers. The centerpiece of the Khlong Bang Luang community is Baan Silapin (Artists House), which occupies a traditional two-story wooden building set beside the canal and centered around a 300-plus-year-old chedi. Later, return to your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Today we explore Bangkok’s sights off the tourist track by bicycle. Explore very small back streets, alleys, markets, temples and even the small streets and houses below Bangkok’s highways. The tropical landscape and Thai-style homes will shatter all Western illusions as you discover the real Bangkok. Upon arrival at the Chao Phraya River, board a boat with your guide and bikes, leaving the city behind. Continue your tour through an oasis of green landscape, scattered with fruit plantations and typical Thai-style houses. Return to your hotel in the afternoon for some free time to freshen up. Tonight, enjoy a mouthwatering exploration of Bangkok’s 200-year-old China Town district by visiting various tasty eateries, from sit-on-the- pavement-vendors to characterful restaurants. You’ll get to sample all kinds of dishes (and a few local drinks too!) from the likes of dim sum, dumplings, fresh seafood, local deserts and more!
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Sukhothai. On arrival, meet your guide and driver and transfer to your hotel for the rest of the day free at leisure. Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has a number of fine monuments, illustrating the beginnings of Thai architecture. The great civilization, which evolved in the Kingdom of Sukhothai, absorbed numerous influences and ancient local traditions; the rapid assimilation of all these elements forged what is known as the ‘Sukhothai style’.
About Sukhothai Heritage Resort
Embraced with vast organic fields, adjacent to the Sukhothai Airport, this low-rise boutique accommodation is styled with ancient Sukhothai architecture and eclectic interior design inspired liberally by genuine Thai touch. Relaxing ambiance is sought inside the compound where the serene garden and lotus ponds meet with a large swimming pool. This boutique resort is an ideal choice for your sojourns back in time with great accessibility to Sukhothai’s main attraction.
Your cycling tour starts from a small village on Sukhothai’s outskirts known as Ban Kheay. We take a dirt road passing though endless rice paddies with beautiful views of the Kao Laung mountain range in Ramkhamhang National Park. Arriving at the Southern Gate we will explore some of Sukhothai’s famous ancient ruins. You will marvel at beautiful Buddhist and Hindu architecture and be exposed to some of the country’s most stunning craftsmanship from a period known as Thailand’s Golden Era. The tour offers the visitor a guided cultural experience, learning about Sukhothai’s history and complex architecture as well as the story of Buddhism in Thailand. After a delicious local lunch we will continue our journey along small irrigation canals (Klong Mae Lampan) passing through rural villages before arriving back at the hotel.
This morning, meet your guide and depart Sukhothai on the approximately four-hour drive to Chiang Mai, making a full day of it with interesting stops along the way. First stop at Si Satchanalai, located just north of Sukhothai. A 12th-century Khmer outpost, Si Satch became a royal residence of the Sukhothai period and an important pottery-producing center. Next stop in the town of Lampang, which was an important center of the international teak trade and was influenced by the British Raj because of his familiarity with the teak industry in Burma. After a local lunch, visit the most impressive sites yet: Wat Phra That Lampang Luang as well as Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao which once housed the sacred Emerald Buddha. Late in the day arrive in Chiang Mai and check in at your charming, boutique hotel, located in a traditional neighborhood, but just a short ride from the heart of town and Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar.
About Pillars House
The importance and wealth of a property owner in Chiang Mai was often recognized by the size of their Lanna style Thai houses, and in particular how many pillars (sao) the house had…the more the pillars, the more important you were. On one occasion a publisher wanted to write about ‘the house with the most number of pillars’. So Jack Bain decided to count the number of pillars which came to 137… and as noted in the old map of Wat Gate, there is reference to ‘Baan 137 Sao’, which translates to 137 Pillars House. 137 Pillars House Suites are havens of tranquility with every imaginable convenience — large terraces with expansive daybeds and signature planters rattan rocking chairs – high ceilings with large super king size beds, en suite dressing room with walk-in closet and views to the tropical gardens. Large bathrooms with separate indoor /outdoor garden showers, and Victorian baths make these suites unique in every sense.
After breakfast, meet your guide and visit the riverfront Worarot Market, with its colorful flowers, pungent spices and friendly, bustling crowds. Stroll the alley next to the market, filled with textiles, hill tribe clothes, silks, hats and beads. From the market take a Samlor, or rickshaw ride along Thapae Road down through the city wall, passing residential and important government buildings around the city. Local lunch in one of the old town’s delicious restaurants. This afternoon, visit the Hilltribe Ethnographic Museum for some insight into the minority cultures, which inhabit the hills of northern Thailand. Then continue to what is probably Chiang Mai’s most famous landmark—Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the temple located on the 1,676- foot-high Doi Suthep. Climb the 300-steps staircase, flanked by Nagas, or take the cable car up. With clear weather, the views are incredible.
This morning, you’ll go for a drive and discover a unique and private hands-on experience. Thailand is truly “the land of the elephant” with nearly 5,000 wild and domesticated elephants in the country. Travel to a local temple where you’ll learn about the role elephant’s play in Buddhism and how Thai people relate to them. In the early afternoon, travel to a waterfall and cool off in the falls. Then go back to the camp. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to the hotel.
After breakfast, meet your guide and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Bangkok. On arrival, your guide will transfer you to Khao Yai, established in 1962 as Thailand’s first national park. It is the third largest national park in the country covering an area of 2,168 square kms and has many open grassland areas, which increases the chances to see some amazing mammals such as elephants, gaurs, and deer. Furthermore, there are a number of waterfalls in the park, most of them easily accessible by vehicles combined with a short walk. Haew Nerok Waterfall in Khao Yai is one of the highest and most impressive waterfalls in the country. Check-in at your hotel and take the rest of the day free at leisure.
About Muthi Maya
A five-minute drive from Kirimaya, Muthi Maya offers an instant escape from crowded city life. Guests will find themselves indulging in the chic elegance of contemporary living blended seamlessly with natural beauty. In an exquisite community that embraces nature, Muthi Maya harmonizes with the forest and surrounding mountains and becomes a part of Khao Yai’s breathtaking panorama. Its outstanding open architecture complements its surroundings and captures the essence of the natural living experience.
Early wake up this morning to enjoy the day’s nature expedition to its fullest! First we will visit the park headquarters and later our driver will take us to the beginning of the trail. Here we will hike through dry evergreen forest where Gibbons, Monkeys, and Hornbills are often seen. Then we will drive up to the Haew Suwat Waterfall, famous from the movie “The Beach”, for a nice picnic lunch. In the afternoon we will drive up to the second highest mountain of the park to enjoy a superb viewpoint. In the evening, before returning to the hotel, we will hopefully spot wild elephants that usually come to the salt licks.
After an early breakfast, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Krabi. On arrival, meet your hotel representative and transfer to your accommodation. Check in at your beach resort and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
About Rayavadee
Rayavadee is situated in the heart of Krabi’s beautiful Phranang Peninsula on the border of Krabi Marine National Park, an area renowned for its natural beauty and rich flora, fauna and marine life. When the resort was built more than two decades ago, it was with the idea of living in balance within this unique environment. The resort’s 96 two-story pavilion and 5 luxurious villas are dotted throughout tropical gardens and coconut groves just a few minutes’ walk from Railay and Phranang Beach and feature fully equipped, spacious accommodation and stylish Thai-inspired details throughout. The pavilion’ unique design and award-winning architecture blends perfectly with the resort’s natural surroundings whilst the villas offer another level of luxury and space with dedicated butler service.
Today’s adventure involves sea kayaking to a nearby mangrove forest called Ao Thalane. About halfway along the coast between Than Bok Khoranee and Krabi town is a bay of mangroves that may be the most beautiful bay in Thailand. Here, bays and canyons are like secret passageways, perfect for our kayaks. Several species of kingfishers, little herons and crab eating macaques are almost guaranteed to be seen on our journey. Lunch will be served in the restaurant at Ao Thalane. In the afternoon, we will carry on with our Ao Thalane exploration to see more forests, animals, and scenery. If lucky, you may have a chance to see the monkeys or macaques coming very close to you while you are paddling. However, they can be a bit naughty as they are looking for food. Make sure to protect your belongings! After our paddle, we return to the pier, get changed and transfer back to the hotel.
Take in Krabi’s culture, rural life and beautiful scenery as well as a fantastic waterfall by bicycle today. We begin in Tup Prik village north of Ao-nang, pedaling along a quiet road with incredible scenery of mountains, large palm oil plantations and rubber plantations. Pedal up and downhill, eventually arriving at Phanom Benja National Park where “Huay Tho waterfall” invites you for a cold and refreshing swim. After snapping some photos and enjoying a snack, head back down the way you came (the way back is mostly downhill!). At the end of your ride, cool down with a cold towel, drinks and fruit before arriving back to your hotel.
After breakfast, it’s already time to depart this piece of paradise! Meet your driver and transfer to the Krabi Airport for your flight to Bangkok (routed through Chiang Mai). In Bangkok, connect with your onward flight home. We hope you enjoyed your trip in the Kingdom of Smiles!
* This trip is offered in partnership with Khiri Travel.
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures and Khiri Travel.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Departs weekly.
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
An Austin Adventures representative will meet you upon arrival at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Upon clearing customs, transportation to the Siam Hotel will be provided. On Day 14 you will be transferred from your Krabi hotel to the Krabi Airport for your flight to Bangkok (routed through Chiang Mai). From Bangkok, connect with your onward flights.
Activities
Walking: 1 to 4 hour guided walking excursions to view forests, markets, temples, ruins, national park trails, wildlife and city splendors. Biking: 10 to 15 miles on quiet paved back roads/sidewalks or countryside dirt road with stops at local sites along the way. Surfaces can be uneven and at times a bit bumpy; your guide will demonstrate technique on how best to handle this terrain. Sea Kayaking: Half day paddling excursion to view the mangrove forest called Ao Thalane. Paddling instruction provided, no experience necessary.
Your guides will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Cultural Discoveries
Welcoming and fun-loving, cultured and historic, tropical and exotic, Thailand radiates a golden hue from its dazzling temples and sandy beaches to the ever-shining Thai smile. Explore Bangkok, the “City of Angels” with its multifaceted personality of air-conditioned mega malls alongside 200-year-old village homes; glittering Buddhist temples side-by-side with neon-lit restaurants; and slow moving traffic jams bypassed by long-tail boats plying the royal river. Take a look back in time in the city of Sukhothai (Rising of Happiness), a Kingdom that flourished from the mid-13th century to the late 14th century which was often viewed as the golden age of Thai civilization. Keep an eye out for elephants, gaur, barking deer, gibbons and hornbills in Thailand’s oldest reserve, Khao Yai National Park. Relax on the white sandy beaches of several of the 150 islands of Krabi, known for its impossibly angular limestone karsts curving along the coast like a giant fortress. Come experience Thailand with the leaders in adventure travel.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. Meals are included as indicated in the daily itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals as listed in daily detailed itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Fully trained, English-speaking professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes, helmets and other necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
All entrance fees.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Meals as not designated in daily itinerary.
Visa fees and/or visa authorization.
All internal flights within Thailand.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
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