Thailand – InsideAsia Tours US

Thailand

Hello

Welcome to our Thailand brochure – an ode to the hugely enjoyable range of cultural adventures this country has to offer.

Over twenty years ago, we started this company to share the joy of exploring unfamiliar cultures with as many people as possible. And for our generation, Thailand has always had a strong draw. For many it was the place we headed when we first slung on a backpack and set out to explore the world. But as we’ve grown older, the appeal of Thailand has only risen.

A tuk-tuk ride through the streets of Bangkok is as exhilarating as ever, the beaches are as beautiful, and the food needs no introduction. But alongside this we’ve grown to appreciate uniqueness of Thai culture, a nation that has a long history of absorbing art and knowledge from all corners of the world, fusing insights from Persia, Japan and France with local Khmer, Mon and Malay traditions to synthesize something entirely new. Having resisted the forces of colonisation in the 19th century, Thailand stands alone in Southeast Asia, and makes for a cultural adventure like no other.

Whatever your travel dreams might be, we are here to make them happen. Tell us what matters to you. What you like and what you don’t. The food you enjoy and the things you like to avoid. The hotels you’ve loved and those that have let you down. Because every trip we plan is unique, designed together with you – and the more we know about you, the better your trip will be!

However, it’s not just about where we travel; it’s also how we travel. We’ve always been conscious of the potential good that travel can do. Across Asia, tourism brings well paid jobs into disadvantaged areas; it helps prevent depopulation of rural districts where lack of opportunity sees young people head to the cities for work; it helps protect wildlife and important habitats giving an economic value to leaving land undeveloped. Done right, travel is a force for good.

This is why at InsideAsia Tours we are proud to be a B Corp — a rigorous, internationally recognized certification which signals that we hold ourselves to the highest social and environmental standards in every aspect of our business. We know we are not perfect. This is one journey where the destination is never reached. There is always more to be done. But when you book with us you are booking with a company that cares. One that recognises that the trips we sell and the experiences we provide must have a positive impact on the destinations we visit and benefit the local communities we operate in.

We hope you enjoy exploring Thailand through our brochure. And when you’re done, the next step is easy: Pick up the phone or drop us a line by email and we’ll help you explore for real.

ALASTAIR DONNELLY CO-FOUNDER SIMON KING CO-FOUNDER

About InsideAsia

Our story

When we started our business way back in the year 2000, it was to share what we love about Asia with as many people as possible. Two decades and thousands of trips later, that’s still at the heart of why we do what we do — but we’ve learned a few things along the way.

For a start, we’ve discovered that planning the perfect vacation is a collaborative process. You come to us with your ideas and we use our expertise to take it to the next level – adding a bit here, cutting a bit there, and injecting a huge dose of enthusiasm at every stage. Asia is always changing and every customer is different. That’s why the process never gets old, and we still genuinely love what we do.

Our people

We started out as two guys working out of a bedroom in Bristol and grew to become a company of over 200 people all around the world. Luckily, it wasn’t hard to find people as enthusiastic about Asia as we are – because without them, there’d be no us. They’re the ones who turn your ideas into incredible trips, supporting you from start to finish, giving you honest, opinionated advice, and introducing some much-needed personality into a process that could otherwise feel generic.

It’s not just about the people who work for us. We have spent decades building partnerships in Asia with some of the most charismatic and interesting people we’ve ever met. Whether they’re guides, historians, chefs, architects, or conservationists, we trust each and every one of them to bring your trip to life.

Tailormade trips

We don’t do ‘off the shelf’ or ‘one size fits all’. We make custom trips, just for you, using our years of Southeast Asia travel experience. It’s your vacation, your way.

Together with your own Southeast Asia expert travel consultant, you’ll create a trip that suits your interests and wishes exactly. Your trip can start on any day of the year, giving you complete flexibility over itinerary, duration, and budget. When the time comes to travel, our team on the ground will be there for you with round-the-clock assistance.

How it works

We’ve built amazing trips for thousands of happy customers using our proven process. Honed over 21 years, it’s why 88% of our customers rate us as excellent.

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The consultation

It all starts with a conversation. You give us your ideas and we listen to the things you’ve been dreaming of – your wish list for the perfect trip. We provide our advice and opinions and come up with a proposal, which we refine until you tell us it’s just right.

Locking in your trip

You tell us it’s a “go” and our team gets to work lining everything up ready for your arrival. We also set about creating your personalized Info-Pack: a guide to your journey complete with cultural tips, language hints, restaurant recommendations and sightseeing guides.

“The experience, from the first conversation on the phone to the end of the trip was excellent. Very good information, excellent service pre-trip and on the ground. What we valued the most was the ease with which all our needs were accommodated.”

BORJA GARCIA INSIDEASIA CUSTOMER KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK

“We’ll support you from the moment you first enquire to the day you get home, to make planning and traveling as smooth as possible.”

CHARLOTTE BOWER SENIOR SOUTHEAST ASIA PRODUCT EXECUTIVE

The journey begins

You’ll receive thoughtful, friendly and expert service throughout your trip, from logistical arrangements to professional service and insights from our guides. Our mission is to make sure your trip is everything you hoped it would be – and more.

Welcome home

We get in touch to hear all about the places you went, the experiences you had, the food you ate and the people you met (we can’t resist a good travel story). Plus, we’ll have a few ideas for how you can continue your exploration from the comfort of your own home.

RAMAYANA FESTIVAL

Why visit Thailand?

FOOD

If there is one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that Thai cuisine is nothing short of godly. And though you might think you’re familiar – think again. Sure, there’s old friends like pad thai and green curry, but there’s also sesame dumplings, stir-fried crab, bread rolls filled with chocolate, mung bean candy and oyster pancakes. The list is (literally) endless, and it’s all gloriously, incomparably delicious.

COUNTRYSIDE

Rolling countryside threaded through with rivers, lush tropical vegetation, mountains speckled with crumbling ruins and minority villages surrounded by rice paddies: northern Thailand is a walker’s paradise. Whether you’re after a gentle half-day hike or a challenging, multi-day trek to remote villages deep in the countryside, this stunning region really does have something for everyone.

BEACHES

Whether it’s Phi-Phi, Phuket, or Krabi, Thailand’s southern reaches are world-famous for their palm-fringed sands and turquoise seas basking in the heat of the tropical sun. But while they might all sound alike, Thailand’s southern islands can be surprisingly diverse; head to pp16–17 for a flavor of what it’s all about.

For many people, Thailand is their introduction to Southeast Asia – and for good reason. This welcoming and beautiful country encompasses much of what makes the continent so special.

Thailand first began welcoming tourists back in the 1970s, long before its neighbors. While it’s by no means untouched (in fact, it’s one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world), Thailand is a delightful place to travel – one of the most well-connected and well-developed in all of Asia.

Getting around is a breeze, accommodation is outstanding at all budgets, and the world-famous cuisine is an unmitigated joy, from the lowliest beach shack curry to the most lauded Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s also friendly to a fault, so expect smiles and good humor everywhere you go.

What’s it really like?

Though it’s perhaps most famous for its beaches – stereotypically idyllic, with gently rustling palms and brilliant blue skies – Thailand is about a whole lot more than just sun, sea and sand.

Bangkok is the archetypal Southeast Asian megalopolis: big, bold and brash, for sure – but somehow beautiful in its dizzying, non-stop chaos. Meanwhile, chilled-out Chiang Mai offers a seductive, East-meets-West blend of tradition and modernity; familiarity and exoticism. Endless coastline intersperses dramatic cliffs and caves with low-rise fishing villages and world-class luxury resorts, while Khao Sok National Park offers the chance to escape the modern world altogether as you sleep in a raft house surrounded by rainforest that’s changed little since prehistoric times.

Why travel with InsideAsia?

With so much to choose from, it can be difficult knowing how to tell the truly great hotels, tours and experiences from the substandard ones – those that enrich their local communities and give you a joyous experience of this fascinating country. The popularity of Thailand makes it tricky to get past the “must see” sights which should probably be avoided and find those off-radar gems which will be your most memorable experiences. And that’s where we can help.

DAMNOEN SADUAK

KO PHA-NGAN

Thailand

CHIANG MAI

Thailand is Asia’s most enduringly popular vacation destination, and after 50 years perfecting the art of hospitality, you won’t find better service or finer hotels anywhere else in the world.

It’s also beautiful. Really, really beautiful. Thailand is the original tropical paradise –with seas as clear as glass lapping at sand so white it defies description. It has jungles three times as old as the Amazon, lakes with limestone caves and jagged karsts, and mountains threaded with hiking trails through paddy fields, forests, minority villages and hot springs. Then, there are serene ancient ruins where you can trace the birth of Thai culture, laid-back towns full of art galleries and hipster coffee shops, and vast cities where tradition and modernity collide at 100 miles per hour in a chaotic explosion of life. Whatever you want from a travel experience, we bet Thailand has it.

In Chiang Mai, street-food shacks live side-by-side with gourmet coffee shops, while trendy contemporary arts spaces rub shoulders with traditional open-air bazaars. Add some magnificent mountain hikes, and you get one of the world’s bestloved destinations.

KANCHANABURI

WWII history is an unmissable part of a visit to Kanchanaburi, the location of the real-life Bridge on the River Kwai – but don’t forget the province’s more light-hearted attractions: otherworldly waterfalls, forested national parks and the luxurious FloatHouse on the river.

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

Part of a swath of protected forest thought to be 100 million years old, Khao Sok is the place to stay at a raft house lodge, kayak on Thailand’s most beautiful lake, hunt down threefoot-wide ‘corpse flowers’ and trek past whispering bamboo to remote wildlife.

CHIANG RAI

More than just a base for trekking and Mekong cruising, Chiang Rai is Thailand’s unofficial capital of offbeat travel. Start with the pop-culture-meetsBuddhist-sanctuary known as the White Temple, finish with the macabre, skeleton-festooned Black House and don’t forget to slurp some curry noodles on the way.

SUKHOTHAI

As the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam, it’s hard to overstate the historical importance of Sukhothai. Abandoned for four centuries, its 193 restored temples now enjoy World Heritage status, offering a glimpse into a shortlived yet magnificent civilization.

FANG & PAI RANONG

GOLDEN TRIANGLE

CHIANG RAI

MAE HONG SON

CHIANG MAI

SUKHOTHAI

KANCHANABURI

AYUTTHAYA

PETCHABURI

SARABURI

BANGKOK

KUI BURI

CHUMPHON

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

KHAO LAK

KO SAMUI

NAN

KRABI

PHUKET

AYUTTHAYA

Before its fall in 1787, Ayutthaya was one of the world’s biggest and most cosmopolitan cities. Today, its eclectic heritage can be traced in the brick spires of its UNESCO ruins, the white kupi caps of the Muslim Quarter and the Gothic Revival architecture of Wat Niwet.

BANGKOK

Over a thousand miles of canals. The biggest Chinatown in the world. A burgeoning contemporary art scene, and Portuguese cupcakes made to a 200-year-old recipe. Bangkok may be best-known for its glittering temples and raucous parties, but there’s so much more to it than that.

PHUKET

The largest and most popular of the Thai Islands has as many different personalities as it has beaches – and that’s quite a few! Pay no heed to those who say Phuket is past its prime: there are pockets of paradise here to compete with anywhere in the world.

KHAO LAK

Khao Lak’s beaches are straight out of central casting: white sand, deep blue skies, and rustling palm trees leaning out towards glittering seas. Add to this three national parks and the coral reefs of the Similan and Surin Islands – both within easy day-tripping reach – and you have one of our favorite spots in all of Thailand.

KRABI

Krabi’s coastline is the stuff travel dreams are made of. Emerald vegetation clings to dramatic, gravity-defying cliffs, towering limestone pinnacles teeter precariously over the sea, and hundreds of little islands lie waiting to be explored – all in a sea that seems to glow from within with a turquoise light.

KO SAMUI

With its trifecta of swoon-worthy tropical scenery, cutting-edge spas, and unbeatable, oceanfresh dining, could Ko Samui be the most indulgent island getaway in the world? Expect ultra-trendy, low-rise luxury resorts hidden away between coconut plantations and the sea.

SURAT THANI © Copyright of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

When to go

Thailand has a tropical climate consisting of two seasons: dry and wet. High season is November to February, when you can expect warm, dry weather throughout the country – but that’s not the only time of year you should consider traveling…

DRY SEASON

November – early May

NORTHERN & CENTRAL

Northern and central Thailand’s dry seasons run from November to May: a time when you can expect to encounter very little rain on your adventures (if any at all). November and December temperatures tend to be relatively cool, with a daily average of 62-68°F, but from midJanuary things start to heat up, with temperatures in the nineties (and even over 100°F) becoming the norm throughout March, April and May. Burning season – a time when farmers burn off last year’s crops in preparation for the new growth that comes with the wet season – takes place between January and April, usually peaking in March. This can mean that rural areas can become quite smoggy, and scenic views may be obscured.

SOUTH WEST COAST

On the west coast, the weather’s at its best from November to March – when cool winds help to stave off humidity and keep temperatures at a comfortable average of 7890°F. From March to May the wind drops – it's great for heat lovers with temperatures often in the mid-nineties. If you’re into diving or snorkeling, November to May also sees popular sites such as the Surin and Similan Islands open to visitors for the season.

SOUTH EAST COAST

If you’re heading to the east coast, we recommend visiting between December and February, when the weather is warm, and the rain is almost non-existent. Not only do cool winds help to keep the mercury from creeping too high at this time of year, but they also help to create the ideal conditions for water sports. From March until May, temperatures start to rise, hitting a daily average of 84-95°F.

WET SEASON

Late May – October

NORTHERN & CENTRAL

In northern and central Thailand, sizzling temperatures in the nineties can (and often do) continue well into rainy season, and the resulting humidity can make traveling uncomfortable during this time. Thailand’s monsoon rains begin as shorter downpours in June, but they gradually get heavier and more constant as the season progresses, peaking in August and September. As the rains begin, the rice is planted and grows throughout the wet season, culminating in lush green and gold fields in September/October before the November harvest.

SOUTH WEST COAST

Monsoon rains arrive at the west coast in late May, usually taking the form of short afternoon downpours. Peak rainfall levels tend to occur between September and October. Visiting western Thailand during wet season? We recommend taking advantage of the lower visitor numbers to enjoy activities away from the coast – like spending time in Khao Sok National Park, which is richly verdant at this time of year.

SOUTH EAST COAST

Light rain starts in June – but so light (and with fewer visitors) this is still a great time to visit the beach. Our recommendation? Spend your mornings enjoying the beaches, then retreat to the spa for the afternoon while it rains. You can emerge refreshed for a sunset cocktail as the rains clear! The monsoon arrives in earnest around late August, bringing heavy rains, high temperatures, and a rise in humidity – though the odd sunny spell isn’t uncommon. Rainfall peaks between October and November.

STILL UNSURE ABOUT WHETHER YOUR DATES MATCH UP WITH THE BEST TIME TO GO?

We’re only a call away! Let us know when you’re thinking of traveling and we’ll be happy to share our advice and recommendations.

Top things to see and do

Thailand is rightly famous for its dreamy beaches, but there's more. Much more.

There’s an elegance and opulence to Thailand, with its effortless natural beauty, exquisitely detailed temples and a long, unique history outside of colonial rule. For the full experience of what makes Thailand tick, check out the coast, wander the hills and delve into stories of its past (dining on world-famous cuisine all the while).

Think of it as ‘vacation tapas’, and the options on these pages as the menu. How many options you choose really depends on how hungry you are…

Pick your beach

Jungle-clad karst pinnacles rise from impossibly blue waters. Tranquil archipelagos house marine national parks. And the sand, the softest white sand. Whatever you want from your perfect beach (they come in every size, atmosphere and stage of development), Thailand can deliver – and then some.

KICK BACK IN A STUNNING HOTEL

Watch the wind play through muslin-shaded loungers by dreamy pools and sip cocktails as the sun sets into the sea. Whether you choose an exclusive resort accessible only by boat or a small, family run boutique, you’ll be living the high life.

ISLAND-HOP BY BOAT

Thailand’s islands are more diverse than the iconic photography would have you believe. In one day, you can eat seafood in a remote fishing town, find uninhabited jungle inlets, hike to viewpoints far from the busy beaches, and swim over teeming coral reefs.

TRY SOME SNORKELING

Turn your gaze to the underwater scenery and lazily float above the fishes for a whole new perspective on coastal life. You can head to the coral reefs of marine national parks, or just swim out from your nearest beach to see what’s happening down there.

GET ACTIVE

Change your vantage point, and something new about the beauty of Thailand’s coastline strikes you. And all adventures are available. Paddleboarding, kayaking, climbing, coastal walking – there’s so much more to do than sprawl on lounge chairs. Though those are a great vantage point too.

READY TO HIT THE BEACH?

Contact your local travel advisor or speak to one of our expert travel consultants – we’ll be happy to start planning a sun-drenched trip to suit you.

Dive into the cuisine

Lightly prepared and strongly aromatic with a signature kick, Thai food is a centuries-old fusion of influences from across Asia. From traditional dishes to modern takes, sampling the variety of one of the world’s most popular cuisines is an unmitigated joy.

TRY MICHELIN-STARRED THAI

A clutch of restaurants take Thailand’s famous flavors and elevates them into Michelin-starred experiences. Think of everything bold, fiery and hearty that you already love about Thai food, place it into a luxurious setting and enjoy.

GRAZE ON THAI STREET FOOD

An integral part of the culture, street food surrounds you at any (and every) time of day and night. Let your hunger guide you to experience not only the nuances of this worldfamous cuisine, but the nuances of street life in Thailand.

DRINK ARTISAN RUM

Set amongst peaceful sugar-cane gardens in Phuket, Chalong Bay Distillery crafts sustainable rum and gin using centuries-old French methods (with a unique, sugary Thai twist). Take a tour, or make sure to sample them in a cocktail during your stay.

JOIN A COOKING CLASS

We love cooking classes when traveling – you’ll understand much more about what you’re eating on vacation. Plus, learn the artful balance of flavors and the ingredients that define the cuisine to take a slice of Thailand into your own kitchen.

TAKE AFTERNOON TEA

A tropical garden setting; midday dining; tea direct from Chiang Mai’s tea fields. But instead of little cakes home-cooked, traditional Thai dishes arrive Khantoke style, in bowls to share. Cultural fusion doesn’t get any more interesting and enjoyable than this.

WANT A TRUE GOURMET VACATION EXPERIENCE?

Look no further than our Taste of Thailand itinerary (p28-29) – or speak to one of our expert travel consultants and start planning a tastebud-tingling trip based around your own ideas.

BANGKOK

PANTAWAN COOKING SCHOOL

PHUKET

BANGKOK

TRAVEL THE MAE HONG SON LOOP

Head to the hills

Thailand’s most scenic road trip stretches 375 miles through jungle, mountains and rice paddies. Travel slow with overnight stops to visit hilltribe villages, caves, waterfalls and hot springs, and trek the surrounding mountain ranges. With a driver, this takes a week.

Spectacular, rugged geography and cultural influences from neighboring China, Myanmar and Laos give northern Thailand a style of its own. If you like your views swathed in green, dotted with waterfalls and backdropped by the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, the north will amaze you.

MEET THE HILLTRIBES

Hilltribe visits are controversial. Choose ethically, however, and they are an incredible way to meaningfully (and sustainably) interact with people from diverse cultures. The mutual benefits are huge, and exactly what travel should be about.

TREK IN DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK

Perfect for those packing sneakers, not hiking boots. Watched over by Thailand’s highest mountain, ‘The Roof of Thailand’, it’s crisscrossed with easy trails. Pass waterfalls, walk under ancient trees dripping in moss – and don’t forget to stop at Doi Inthanon temple.

CYCLE OUTSIDE CHIANG MAI

Cycling is a popular way to explore the fertile valleys, rice paddies and farmlands beyond Chang Mai. Following the flatter river routes (rather than hills), you can visit hot springs, sample seasonal fruits on local farms and take in jungle temples.

VISIT THE QUEEN SIRIKIT BOTANICAL GARDEN

Set on a stunning mountainside, Thailand’s oldest botanical garden spans 560 acres, with a vast collection of flora from different climates around the world. Don’t miss a walk through plants from tropical forests across Asia at the Rainforest Glasshouse.

READY TO EXPLORE THE THAI COUNTRYSIDE?

Let us know which out-of-the-way experiences appeal to you, and one of our travel consultants will be happy to weave them into your trip.

DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK

CHIANG MAI

CHIANG MAI

MAE HONG SON

QUEEN SIRIKIT GARDENS, CHIANG MAI

Understand the history

From the birth of Thai culture in ancient Sukhothai, Thailand has had a genius for absorbing influence from all corners of the world. To understand the history of Thailand, witness the fusion of insights from Persia, Japan and France, and local Khmer, Mon and Malay traditions synthesized into something entirely new.

BANGKOK’S

For hundreds of years, much of Southeast Asia was under colonial rule – with one exception. Thailand’s history of kingdoms, its excellence with statecraft, and its varied cultural influences define the country you see today. Discover it all in Bangkok’s Grand Palace.

VISIT THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI

During WWII, local people and Allied prisoners of war were forced to build the ‘Death Railway’, including the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. The bridge still stands today, and monuments commemorating those who died constructing it are found throughout Kanchanaburi.

VISIT SUKHOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK

The Historical Park covers the ruins of Sukhothai, the 13th-century capital of Thailand’s first independent kingdom, which is considered to be the birthplace of Thai civilization. One of Thailand’s most impressive UNESCO sites, it’s a serene place with scattered with temples and lakes.

TAKE TIME ON THE RIVER OF KINGS

Get ready to feel regal on the River of Kings. Travel by boat from Ayutthaya, the ruined, UNESCO-listed ancient capital of Siam, to the summer palace of the royal family, Bang Pa-In, which was restored by King Rama in the 19th century.

EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF BUDDHISM

Throughout your journey, chart the course of Buddhism’s history through the age, architecture, and religious adornments of Thai temples. Spot the differences in grandeur and style from ruined ancient cities right up to the modern ‘White Temple’ in Chang Rai.

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE CULTURAL SIDE OF THAILAND?

Get in touch, let us know what you’ve been dreaming of, and we’ll weave together an itinerary that explores its heritage and traditions.

EXPLORE

GRAND PALACE

AYUTTHAYA

BANGKOK

KANCHANABURI

SUKHOTHAI

BANGKOK

Thailand sample routes

Thailand is no stranger to mass tourism, but overdevelopment and backpacker madness are not the true story of this elegant country.

Our sample routes aim to tell that story, taking you beyond the usual tourist sites to learn to cook in a local home in Sukhothai, climb craggy limestone cliffs on Railay Beach, or visit an elephant sanctuary deep in the rainforest at Khao Sok National Park. Whatever your style of travel, there’s so much to do here that the hard part is getting to a shortlist.

The routes you we’ve created in this brochure are some of our personal favorites, but everyone’s different. Treat them as a starting point, then tell us what you love to do and we’ll design a trip that’s tailored to you.

Thailand’s most popular destinations are beloved for good reason, but sticking to the tourist trail doesn’t have to mean following the crowd.

Classic Thailand with a Twist

Where most visitors cram into tourist restaurants for pad thai, eat dinner in the home of a local family. Where others simply snap photos at the sparkliest pagodas and go, visit a temple-based massage school for a lesson in the art. This itinerary delivers a fresh perspective on Thailand’s ‘mustsees’.

HIGHLIGHTS

Experience different sides of Thai culture as you take a guided tour of Bangkok, get a traditional Thai massage (and learn to give one yourself!), explore floating markets, eat home-cooked meals, and receive a blessing at Wat Umong Temple

Learn about Thailand’s complicated history as you visit the Bridge on the River Kwai and explore the temples of Ayutthaya historical park

Soak up scenery on a longtail boat cruise to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and a day hike in Doi Inthanon National Park

Get some exercise on two cycling tours, one covering Bangkok’s temples and the other in the ancient city of Wiang Khum Kham

Sample stunning Thai cuisine on street food tours of Bangkok’s Chinatown and the ‘Village of Love’

DAY 1-3

BANGKOK

Sample stir-fried crab, sesame dumplings and sweet-and-sour shrimp on street-food tours of Chinatown and Bang Rak

Learn how to give a proper Thai massage at one of the country’s best training schools

Cycle through temples and flower markets to watch the sun go down over the Chao Phraya River

DAY 4-5

KANCHANABURI

Visit a floating market for a classic (albeit touristy) only-inThailand experience

Learn about Thailand’s war history at Kanchanaburi’s Railway Museum

Take a dip in the natural pools of a seven-tiered waterfall

DAY 6

AYUTTHAYA

Explore the brick reliquary towers and giant monasteries of Ayutthaya’s UNESCO-listed archaeological park

Try ‘candyfloss roti’ — a local Muslim specialty made with rainbow-colored spun sugar wrapped in a sweet crepe

Kick back on a longtail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to Bang Pa-In

DAY 7-10

CHIANG MAI

Receive a traditional blessing from the monks at Wat Umong

Cycle among the ruins of Wiang Khum Kham, an ancient Mon city that was rediscovered beneath a modern suburb in 1984

Visit a local family and experience a home-cooked khantoke meal made from fresh local produce

Explore the mountain scenery and hilltribe villages of Doi Inthanon National Park

READY TO EXPERIENCE TWO SIDES OF THAILAND?

Call your travel advisor or let our travel consultants plan this trip for you by speaking to us today. We can arrange the itinerary exactly as described or add in extra nights and different destinations to make for a longer vacation.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi confronts you with its history.

The men constructing the Death Railway were subjected to brutal conditions, and I was incredibly sobered by visiting both the war cemetery and railway museum. But what surprised me the most was how laid-back this riverside town is.

A popular escape for locals, you could easily spend some time just lazing by the river with a good book. Kanchanaburi is also the gateway to some spectacular nature; Erawan Waterfall, with its seven tiers, is great for a dip, if you don’t mind the resident tiny fish nibbling at your feet for a snack of dead skin. Whether you want to delve into history, get out of town and explore the beautiful surroundings, or just take it easy while escaping the bustle of Bangkok, you won’t regret heading west to this underrated part of Thailand.

JARROD SINCLAIR TRAVEL CONSULTANT

AYUTTHAYA

KANCHANABURI

CHIANG MAI

BANGKOK

AYUTTHAYA

KANCHANABURI

CHIANG MAI

Thai food is beloved all over the globe, but how well do you really know this culinary giant?

Taste of Thailand

Sure, we’ve all heard of green curry and pad thai, but that’s just the beginning. Peruse markets by night and by day, dine at worldclass restaurants, learn to cook up a storm in a local home, and mix cocktails at a rum distillery: this itinerary will introduce a side of Thai food you’ve never imagined.

HIGHLIGHTS

Set your tastebuds dancing with a range of food-themed experiences, including two cooking classes, four street-food tours, two tea experiences, a tasting tour of the Chalong Bay rum distillery, a dinner cruise, and an evening at a Michelin-starred restaurant

Dip into history with a tour of the beautiful ruins of Sukhothai

Get to know the different faces of Thai culture with a spiritual tour of Chiang Mai and three different tours of Bangkok — by day, by night, and by boat!

DAY 1-4

BANGKOK

Explore the highlights of the capital via its brilliant public transport network

Get to know the different flavors of the street food scene with tours by day and by night

See another side of the city with a boat tour of its labyrinthine canal district

Experience the very best of Thai cuisine with dinner at a Michelinstarred restaurant

DAY 5-6

SUKHOTHAI

Take a guided tour of UNESCOlisted Sukhothai Historical Park and see the ruins of the first Thai kingdom

Learn to cook some Sukhothai classics in a beautiful local home

Go for a late afternoon cycling tour and watch the sun go down over Sukhothai

DAY 7-10

CHIANG MAI

Get to know Thailand’s spiritual side on a tour of Chiang Mai’s sacred sites

Travel by songtaew minibus, saleng tricycle taxi, train and bicycle to a cooking class in the countryside

Learn about the many surprising uses of elephant dung as you tour rural Chiang Mai on the back of a Vespa

Sample regional delicacies on a street food tour of the city

Learn about tea cultivation at the beautiful Araksa Tea Garden, then experience afternoon tea, Chiang Mai-style, with Chef Gee

DAY 11-14

PHUKET

Go on a street food tour of Phuket, where Indian roti and Chinese Hokkien noodles meet traditional Thai cuisine

Learn about rum making and mix some cocktails at the Chalong Bay Distillery

Take to the water for a sunset dinner cruise

Relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches

WANT TO EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE BEST AND MOST INTERESTING CUISINE IN THE WORLD?

We’d love to arrange this trip for you. Our expert travel consultants can create a bespoke itinerary to suit your travel dates and interests – so please get in touch with us, or contact your local travel advisor.

Bangkok

Even now I remember my first time in Bangkok, where I found some little hole in the wall for lunch. They had a ‘spicy pork salad’ on the menu – and I should’ve known when the dish arrived with a mysterious dressing on the side that I should go easy. Luckily, good sense has never stopped me before. I poured the whole jar all over the salad, and I lived to both celebrate and regret that move!

What followed was one of the most delicious meals that I’ve ever had – and one of the spiciest. In fact, that dish remains to this day the hottest thing I’ve ever eaten, and I love spicy cuisine. Fifteen minutes and one ice cream cone after I finished, my lips were still tingling.

GRANT EKELUND SENIOR TRAVEL CONSULTANT

BANGKOK

BANGKOK

Bennet

PHUKET

BANGKOK

SUKHOTHAI

CHIANG MAI

Often called the friendliest country in the world –and for good reason – there’s nowhere better than Thailand for an unforgettable family vacation.

KUI BURI

CHUMPHON RANONG

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

DAY 1-2

BANGKOK

Wild Thailand Family Adventure

KHAO LAK

This trip is packed with crowdpleasers: a treasure hunt in Bangkok, snorkeling and islandhopping at the coast, several days in the jungle with the elephants – and that’s just for starters. Add fabulous food, family-friendly hotels and hands-on cultural activities, and you’re onto a winner.

HIGHLIGHTS

Suitable for children aged seven and up Get to know Thai culture the fun way, with a city-based treasure hunt and a boat trip on Bangkok’s canals

Soak up the scenery of the beautiful south, with beaches, jungles, and a walk through the mangroves

Let off steam with kayaking, snorkeling and island-hopping excursions

Learn about the diversity of Thai food and drink with a hands-on cooking class and coffee tasting in Ranong

Immerse yourself in wildlife at Kui Buri National Park, the Wildlife Friends Foundation, and Elephant Hills

Explore Bangkok’s different neighborhoods on a treasure hunt through the city

See a quieter side of the capital on a boat trip through Bangkok’s canals

Escape the crowds at temples rarely visited by foreign tourists

DAY 3

PETCHABURI

Meet the animals at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

Get up close and personal with the magnificent Asian elephant

Spend the night at an eco-lodge surrounded by jungle

DAY 4

KUI BURI

Have a go at making paper from elephant poo and pineapple (yes, really!)

Learn how silkworms produce their precious crop

Go in search of elephants, gaur and jackals on a 4x4 safari in Kui Buri National Park

DAY 5

CHUMPHON

Take in the incredible views from the Khao Matsri Viewpoint

Kayak amongst the twisted roots of the mangrove forests

DAY 6-7

RANONG

See how robusta coffee is roasted and brewed

Go island-hopping off the coast, with plenty of stops for snorkeling

Stop off at Ko Gum Island and climb to a spectacular viewpoint

DAY 8-9

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

Meet and interact with the gentle giants of Elephant Hills

Go for canoe trips and boat safaris on the lakes and rivers of the National Park

Stay in a floating rainforest camp on Thailand’s most beautiful lake

DAY 10-14

KHAO LAK

Round off your trip with some relaxation on the palm-fringed beaches of Khao Lak

Chef up some delicious Thai food with a family-friendly cooking lesson

Soak up the sunsets from your beautiful beachfront resort

Elephant Hills

Meeting elephants had always been one of those bucket-list experiences for me. I knew by traveling in Asia I’d get the opportunity to do it, but I wanted to make sure I did it right.

I’d heard many stories of elephants that had been ‘rescued’ into a sanctuary, only to then have to work for tourists’ entertainment, so needed to find a sanctuary that was all about the welfare of the elephants; no riding allowed. Elephant Hills offers just that, and spending an afternoon watching these gentle giants plodding around their enclosure and learning more about them from their skilled mahouts is one of my favorite travel memories.

FEELING THE CALL OF THE WILD?

You can book this trip exactly as described on these pages, or ask our travel consultants to tailor it to suit you.

CHARLOTTE BOWER

SENIOR SOUTHEAST ASIA PRODUCT EXECUTIVE

BANGKOK

RANONG

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

© Copyright of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Elephant Hills; iStock/Brostock/PhotoTalk; Unsplash/Robin Noguier

PETCHABURI BANGKOK

This itinerary proves that getting away from the well-worn tourist trail doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and relaxation.

Boutique Thailand

DAY 1-2

BANGKOK

Get an in-depth introduction to two icons of Bangkok: Wat Pho and the Royal Palace

Join in an alms-giving ceremony and watch the monks chanting prayers

Learn about how Buddhism and Taoism have shaped the life of the city as you tour some of Bangkok’s most important (and beautiful) temples

Dive into the fascinating minority cultures and spectacular mountain landscapes of northern and central Thailand, then relax in comfort at a variety of beautiful lodges and boutique hotels across the countryside. This itinerary offers effortless adventure in some of the most stunning scenery Southeast Asia has to offer.

HIGHLIGHTS

Soak up the different cultures that make Thailand so unique as you visit the Malbri hilltribe and the Ban Na Thon Chan Community, tour Chiang Mai by night, spend a day with a local family, and explore the many religious sites sacred to Thailand’s religions

Steep yourself in Thai history as you tour the temples, palaces and ruins of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Mae Hong Son and Doi Suthep

Experience Thailand’s finest scenery as you hike through minority villages, visit Tam Lod Cave, explore the mountains and markets of Fang, and go sightseeing in beautiful Nan

Get active as you explore the Sukhothai Historical Park by bike and go swimming beneath a waterfall

DAY 6 NAN

Admire the 19th century teakwood buildings of beautiful Phrae

Explore the cultural heritage of Nan, from temple frescoes to modern art

DAY 3

AYUTTHAYA & SARABURI

Visit Bang Pa-In, where successive kings have spent their summers (and indulged their architectural whims) since 1632

Explore the monumental ruins of Ayutthaya to get a glimpse of this city’s former splendor Visit Ayutthaya’s thriving Muslim Quarter to try the local specialty: ‘candy floss’ roti

DAY 4-5

SUKHOTHAI

Meet the mischievous macaques of Lopburi, one of Thailand’s oldest cities

Trace the origins of Thai culture as you explore the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Sukhothai

Visit Ban Na Thon Chan to experience life in a traditional Thai village

DAY 7-8

GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Meet the Mlabri, a formerly nomadic community with fewer than 400 members keeping their heritage alive

Learn about the culture and traditions of the Lahu and Hmong people at Lanjia Lodge

Visit a mountaintop temple with superb views over the Golden Triangle: where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar

DAY 9-10

FANG & PAI

Take a dip beneath a waterfall in the forest

Explore the wooden shophouses and Shan-style temples of the Lanna town of Fang

Visit the tea and coffee-growing region of Doi Pu Muen

ALREADY DREAMING OF SEEING THAILAND IN STYLE?

We don’t blame you! Speak to one of our Thailand travel consultants or your local travel advisor about this trip, or visit our website for guideline pricing.

Wat Pho and the Royal Palace

DAY 11-12

MAE HONG SON

See 2,500-year-old teakwood coffins and cave paintings as you explore Tham Lod Cave on a bamboo raft

Visit the Shan-style temples of Mae Hong Son and learn about Burmese influence on the region

Visit the beautiful lake and villages of Pang Oung

DAY 13-15

CHIANG MAI

Explore the 500-year-old chedis and murals of Doi Suthep’s beautiful temples

Experience the charm of Chiang Mai by night on an after-hours tour of the city

Spend a day with a host family and learn about traditional Lanna food and culture

I’ve visited Wat Pho and the Royal Palace a couple of times now – and each time I’m mesmerized by the richness of the architecture, and the history and beauty of the sites.

They’re located next door to one another, so it’s easy to see them both within a day –though you could easily spend a day at each, wandering the area and taking in the intricate details. My favorite of the two would have to be Wat Pho Temple (mostly because of the impressive Reclining Buddha statue), but the entire complex is just really pretty: full of exquisite decorations and golden Buddha statues and paintings.

NICOLE NEWPORT AUSTRALIA SALES MANAGER

BANGKOK

MAE HONG SON MAE HONG

BANGKOK

SARABURI

SUKHOTHAI

CHIANG MAI

GOLDEN TRIANGLE

If sun, sea and sweat are your idea of the perfect vacation, look no further.

Active Southern Thailand

Sunbathing? What, are you mad?

This itinerary is about getting the blood pumping – whether you’re kayaking through mangroves, climbing up cliff faces, standup paddleboarding at dusk, or exploring caves deep in the rainforest.

HIGHLIGHTS

Get those limbs moving with a diverse array of active experiences, including kayaking on lakes and in mangroves, cycling through jungles and villages, climbing at the famous Railay Beach, snorkeling in Phang Nga Bay, and stand-up paddleboarding with bioluminescent plankton

Enjoy the spectacular landscapes of southern Thailand as you explore the caves and rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, and relax on the white, sandy beaches of Krabi and Phuket

Get an insight into Thai cuisine with a street-food walking tour of Krabi

DAY 1-2

KHAO SOK

Stay in a floating villa on Thailand’s most beautiful lake

Explore the limestone caves and karst pinnacles of Cheow Lan by boat

Trek through the jungle to the Emerald Lagoon

DAY 3-5

KRABI

Get an introduction to southern Thai cuisine on a street food tour Kayak among the twisted roots of Krabi’s mangrove forests

Cycle through the countryside to rural villages and hidden hot springs

DAY 6-7

RAILAY

Scramble up the world-famous cliffs of Railay Beach

Go paddleboarding at dusk to see bioluminescent plankton

Rest tired muscles with a day on the beach — or spend your free time snorkeling and swimming

DAY 8-11

PHUKET

Enjoy the islands of Phang Nga Bay by longtail boat

Discover underwater worlds on snorkeling stops

Relax on some of Thailand’s most famous and beautiful beaches

EXCITED TO VENTURE TO STUNNING SOUTHERN THAILAND?

Get in touch with your local travel advisor or call us today and we’ll create a detailed itinerary proposal, starting whenever you like. You can book Active Southern Thailand exactly as described, or discuss your Thailand travel ideas with us so we can tailor the plans just for you.

Krabi

After spending a few days by Railay Beach, I wanted to see what else Krabi had to offer beyond silky white sands and crystal-clear sea – so I decided to join a tour to Krabi’s hot springs and lagoons.

I started the day with a bike ride deep into the forest, where we were greeted by the incredible natural blue waters of the Emerald Pool.

As an avid photographer, I thoroughly enjoyed the contrasting colors of my surroundings, from the aquamarine of the lagoons to the deep, lush green of the forests. After relaxing in the Emerald Pool, I hiked the 1,237 steps to the top of the Tiger Cave Temple. From the top, had some amazing views of the stunning Krabi valley. Finally, I ended the day relaxing in a natural thermal hot spring, feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of my vacation.

AARON BOOTHE SENIOR TRAVEL CONSULTANT

RAILAY

KRABI

RANONG

PHUKET

KRABI RAILAY

KHAO SOK

Did you know that, until the 18th century, northeastern Thailand was part of the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang? Or that even today, a third of the region speaks not Thai, but a dialect of Lao?

Thailand and Laos Explorer

DAY 1-3

CHIANG MAI

Visit Wat Umong, a temple known for its maze of passageways and grottoes built in the 14th century for the ‘mad monk’ Therachan

Visit a Hmong village for lunch and learn about this unique minority, known for their brilliantly elaborate traditional fabrics

Modern political borders often ignore cultural and historical connections, but you don’t have to. Beginning in Chiang Mai and traveling via Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw, this journey combines some of the most magnificent scenery in Thailand and Laos with two of the top travelers’ towns in Southeast Asia.

HIGHLIGHTS

Relax on a two-day cruise on the Mekong River, including a visit to the Pak Ou Caves

Soak up the scenery with visits to beautiful Kuang Si Falls and the caves of Nong Khiaw

Explore Laos’ mountains and jungles as you go trekking and kayaking in Nong Khiaw

Compare Thai and Lao cuisines with a Lanna cooking class in Chiang Mai and a sindat barbecue in Luang Prabang

Meet rescued elephants at the MandaLao sanctuary outside Luang Prabang

Get a sense of daily life with walking tours of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Luang Prabang

Meet members of the White Hmong on a visit to an ethnic minority village outside of Chiang Mai

Take a walking tour of Chiang Mai’s classic sights, including the city walls, its oldest temple, and the Lanna Folklife Museum

Head into the countryside for a Lanna cooking class at an organic farm

DAY 4

CHIANG RAI

Slurp spicy prawn soup and pad thai at a restaurant with an important social mission

See the spectacular White Temple, which combines Buddhist themes with pop culture references in a riot of powdered-sugar kitsch

Tour Chiang Rai’s historical highlights by samlor (threewheeled rickshaw)

DAY 5

PAKBENG

Watch the hills and villages drift past as you journey deeper into Laos

Leave your boat to explore a Khmu minority village, where chickens and ducks wander beneath stilt houses with plaited bamboo walls

Watch the sunset over the Mekong from your riverside lodge

DAY 6-9

LUANG PRABANG

Tour the palm gardens and mist houses of the Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden, then follow the Limestone Walk to the former royal hunting lodge

Walk with elephants at the MandoLao elephant camp

Play a game of pétanque with the locals, then enjoy a traditional sindat barbecue cooked over a bucket of hot coals

Beat the crowds to Kuang Si Falls and have a picnic breakfast by its luminous blue pools

DAY 10-13

NONG KHIAW/

LUANG PRABANG

Visit Phathok Cave, where locals sheltered during the ‘Secret War’

Trek through fields and farmland, then cool off with a refreshing dip beneath a waterfall

Kayak down the Nam Ou River and watch daily life on the riverbanks

FASCINATED BY THE SIGHTS OF THAILAND & LAOS?

You can book this trip to start on any day of the year –or let our expert travel consultants tailor it to suit your travel style. Give us a call today!

Boat trip on the Mekong

As we boarded our boat, a mist sat over the Mekong River, so the scenery was slightly masked and a little spooky – compounded by the quiet stillness of the early morning.

But as I settled in for my second day aboard the longboat, the mists began to lift, revealing the rocky jungle surroundings that line the riverbanks. Children playing soccer at the water’s edge smiled and waved, and I was lucky enough to glimpse wild elephants coming down to the water for a drink. would have missed all of this if I’d opted for a flight instead!

As I got closer to town, life on the river picked up, and disembarking was the only time I have ever found the quiet oasis of Luang Prabang ‘busy’.

CHARLOTTE BOWER

SENIOR SOUTHEAST ASIA PRODUCT EXECUTIVE

CHIANG RAI

NONG KHIAW

NONG KHIAW

UPPER MEKONG

CHIANG MAI ©

Group staff/Tyler Palma; iStock/Diversity Studio/Mlenny/noelhtan; Luang Say; Unsplash/Peter Porter

CHIANG MAI

CHIANG RAI PAKBENG NONG KHIAW

LUANG PRABANG

Guided tours and excursions

Thailand is overflowing with guided tours and excursions, but not all are created equal.

What makes a great experience? For us, it always starts with the people. A fantastic guide is your magic key to understanding Thailand, whether it’s getting to grips with war history or visiting remote tribal villages. They’re not just there to make sure you don’t get lost; they’re there to share their stories, reveal the subtleties of their culture and show you what makes this country tick.

You might be exploring the Chiang Mai countryside on the back of a vintage Vespa, stopping off to admire the views and visit old-fashioned farmhouses. You might be island-hopping in the southern islands, visiting hidden coves to splash about in coral reefs. Or you might be in the heart of Bangkok, sampling street-food treats as you explore the city’s world-famous nightlife. Whatever the experience, expect full immersion, hands-on fun, and the company of some of our favorite people in all of Thailand. We only work with the best.

Guided tours and excursions

Visit Araksa Tea Garden

Discover the secrets of growing, harvesting and roasting top-quality tea against the backdrop of the evergreen hills of Mae Tang. The lush, undulating hills of tea plantations are an iconic image of Asia, and, established 70 years ago, Araksa is Thailand’s oldest. This boutique organic plantation is set deep in the countryside an hour’s drive from Chang Mai.

On a morning visit, you’ll get to participate in the organic tea production process from start to finish – harvesting the leaves, kneading and roasting the tea, and brewing and tasting it yourself – before concluding with a beautiful set lunch in the garden.

Experience Bangkok after dark

Bangkok is the city that never stops eating, as you’ll discover on this late-night tuk-tuk tour of the city’s finest street-food and drinking spots. Zipping through the streets, your guide will take you beyond the tourist hotspots and deep into the after-hours food culture of the city. Grazing from Michelin-starred snacks to everyday street-food staples, you’ll experience Bangkok’s bars and thronging night markets along the way – and in between bites, you’ll explore iconic landmarks, including chedi temple spires glowing golden against the night sky. It’s an experience that’s essential to understanding a local’s view of the city’s night-time rhythm and varied cuisine.

Explore the ruins of Ayutthaya

Once the capital of the Siamese Kingdom and a global center of diplomacy, the UNESCO city of Ayutthaya had a culture and architecture influenced by nations as far-flung as Britain, Persia and Japan. The city was razed by the Burmese army in 1767, who burned it to the ground. With an expert guide on hand to demystify Ayutthaya’s multicultural origins, you’ll hunt down crumbling chedi spires hidden along wood-panelled lanes, and Buddha images in temples sandwiched between modern businesses and cafés. If you’re a history lover, this is one of our top recommended tours in all of Thailand.

Trek northern Thailand

Thickly forested and startlingly green, northern Thailand‘s landscape is one of rippling rice paddies, lush vegetation and dramatic mountain valleys. This region is also home to a patchwork of ethnic minorities, each with their own rich customs and culture. Exploring means getting to know the local way of life, visiting traditional villages for home-cooked food, and sleeping in homestays. In between, there’s endless countryside to be explored, criss-crossing trails through farmland and forest, crumbling jungle temples, rural markets, and even a ‘lost civilization’. There are options for every kind of walker, from halfday hikes to challenging multi-day routes.

Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai

The ‘Death Railway’ was built, using forced labor, by the Japanese during WWII, earning its name from the sheer number of lives lost during its construction. Much of the railway was destroyed by bombing, but the now infamous Bridge on the River Kwai still stands today. Wandering the sleepy streets of riverside Kanchanaburi, it’s hard to imagine it was the setting for such horrific events. Visiting the monuments commemorating those who died and reading firsthand accounts of their suffering at the Railway Museum is sobering, but it’s essential to understanding this dark part of Thailand’s history.

KANCHANABURI

BANGKOK

AYUTTHAYA

CHIANG MAI

Guided tours and excursions

Stay at Elephant Hills jungle camp

Deep in Khao Sok National Park, surrounded by towering limestone mountains and virgin jungle, is Elephant Hills: one of our favorite wildlife experiences in Southeast Asia. Part nature park, part wildlife sanctuary, and part eco-lodge, you’ll stay in luxurious, safari-style tents. Canoe the Sok River as hornbills fly overhead, watch traditional Thai dance, and – of course – meet the elephants who call this paradise home. Elephant Hills is committed to the welfare of these gentle giants, so you’ll be able to meet and interact with them, but not ride them.

See the Chiang Mai countryside by Vespa

The countryside surrounding Chiang Mai is a breathtaking setting for a scooter tour: rippling rice paddies backed by forested mountains, and rolling green farmlands dotted with traditional, thatchedroof villages. With an expert driver to tackle the twists and turns, you’re free to soak up the scenery, with plenty of stops to absorb the rhythm of countryside life. Eat lunch in a tropical garden, visit a hilltop temple with a giant Buddha, then stop in at a Thai farmhouse. Equal parts exhilarating and enlightening, this tour is one of our favorite ways to see the rural side of Chiang Mai.

Go kayaking in Ang Thong National Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 jewel-like islands in the Gulf of Thailand, is so impossibly beautiful it hurts. Spanning 95 square miles, the only way to truly explore this natural playground is by water. Starting by speedboat, you’ll island-hop, trek to viewpoints, and swim the coral reefs. But the most sublime way to travel is by kayak: paddle across the clear waters without an engine sound to disrupt the sounds of sea and nature around you. If you ask us, that’s as close to a day in heaven as you’ll find on Planet Earth.

Island-hop in southern Thailand

Picture Thailand and it’s likely you’ll see impossibly blue ocean dotted by forested islands, with long-tail boats bobbing on the waves. The country has long been famous for the sheer beauty of its southern reaches, and Thailand’s islands are surprisingly diverse. Spend a day island-hopping to discover uninhabited jungle islets, sleepy seaside fishing towns, upmarket enclaves and deserted, hidden coves. You’ll swim among coral reefs teeming with fish, stop to sample the freshest seafood, and drop anchor on beaches so stunning they’ve starred in Hollywood films. Finish having truly explored the dreamy scenery that makes southern Thailand so iconic.

Tour Bangkok’s khlongs

Threaded with hundreds of canals (or khlongs) and lined with teakwood homes, Bangkok was once known as the ‘Venice of the East’. A half-day tour of Thonburi will introduce you to that Bangkok of old, where life moves at a lazy pace in villages along the khlongs. Travel by longtail boat past old shophouses and temples whose eclectic architecture reflects the region’s centuries of trade. Disembark to explore a city icon: the sparkling, mosaicencrusted temple of Wat Arun. Then, it’s a short walk to the Grand Palace, whose magnificent complex of over 100 buildings has been the seat of Thai royalty for over two centuries.

WHY TRAVEL ACROSS THE WORLD TO SIMPLY SCRATCH THE SURFACE?

With our range of tours and excursions, you’ll get beyond the guidebooks to really experience Thailand. These are just a few of our favorites; head to our website for more inspiration or talk to our travel consultants about your ideas.

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

ANG THONG MARINE PARK

KO PHI-PHI

CHIANG MAI

BANGKOK

Special places to stay

The accommodations we love in Thailand are far more than just places to sleep – they’re the places that will charm your socks off. We only choose hotels, camps and homestays with a combination of top-notch service, heaps of character and plenty of je-ne-sais quoi – whether exclusive beach resorts or safari tents on the edge of the rainforest.

You’ll find a selection of our favorites here, with a healthy mix of adventure, luxury and getting back to nature (after all, a great trip is often a mixture of everything). If you want more suggestions, just get in touch! We could talk about amazing places to stay all day long...

Special places to stay

Tamarind Village

Whitewashed buildings wrap around a series of courtyard gardens, with a 200-year-old tamarind tree at their center. This is a magical, peaceful place in the heart of historic Chang Mai, with rooms that reflect the rich ethnic diversity of northern Thailand.

Elephant Hills

Luxurious safari-style tents on the edge of Thailand’s most beautiful lake, ringed by rainforest. The world’s most scenic swimming pool backdrop. Plus, a wildlife refuge for elephants. An utterly unique experience. Need we say more?

Rayavadee

Located in the beautiful Krabi Marine National Park and only reachable by boat, this is pure exclusivity in a stunning natural setting. There are 26 acres of gardens, panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and access to three beaches.

Pullman Phuket Arcadia

Naithon Beach

The Arcadia’s elevated position means sunsets to die for, and there’s direct access to a quiet beach below. With contemporary décor, the resort brings a cosmopolitan sensibility to a seaside setting –everything you could want from a chilled-out getaway.

Ahsa Farm Stay

Nestled in the foothills of the mountain range between Thailand and Myanmar is Ahsa Farm Stay –where you’ll be welcomed by Thoo, Aong, and their adorable children. You’ll stay in a beautiful guesthouse tucked next to the main farmhouse, help cook up northern Thai dishes in the evening, and enjoy rural life during the day.

CHIANG MAI

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

PHUKET KRABI

© Ahsa Farm Stay; Elephant Hills; Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach; Rayavadee; Tamarind Village

OUTSIDE CHIANG RAI

places to stay

SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort

SALA’s signature bright whites and crisp lines give the whole resort a feeling of understated luxury. A quieter option without having to be truly remote, there are two pools, complimentary yoga, plus kayaks and paddleboards for you to use.

Riva Surya Bangkok

Our go-to favorite in Bangkok, Riva Surya’s small, boutique feel is hard to find in the city. Many of the lovely rooms have river views, the location is peaceful and there’s a pool and a terrace. Great location, too.

Reverie Siam Resort

A charming place from a bygone era when exploratory missions were the order of the day. Rooms are decorated with antique furniture and curiosities; the elegant dining room serves contemporary dishes; and two pools offer varying views into tropical gardens.

The Siam Hotel

This magnificent hotel has Art Deco-style elegance and glamour thanks to renowned architect and designer Bill Bensley. Two restaurants, a bar, a spa and a lovely pool complete the experience. A cool, calm and collected take on luxury accommodation.

The FloatHouse River Kwai

Location, location, location! Only accessible by boat, accommodation is in floating villas, each with a private sun deck and views of the Sai Yok National Park jungle. There’s also a small spa and restaurant. A truly memorable place.

LET US KNOW WHICH HOTELS SOUND LIKE YOUR CUP OF TEA… and our expert travel consultants will be happy to weave them into a bespoke journey, just for you.

KO SAMUI

BANGKOK

MAE HONG SON

BANGKOK

© Reverie Siam Resort; Riva Surya Bangkok; SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort; The Float House River Kwai; The Siam Hotel

Stopovers

If you were driving for 6,000 miles, we’re guessing you’d plan a few places to explore along the route. Why should flying be any different?

The major hubs on the way to Thailand are Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore: each an excellent introduction to the continent before diving into your vacation proper.

And as chances are you won’t be in that neck of the woods again for a little while, why not see as much as you can? Talk to your travel consultant for all the options.

Here’s a little on what we love about – and love to do in – each.

Hong Kong

The former British colony of Hong Kong is a vertical city where skyscrapers rise from the waterfront like a glittering bar chart.

Here, you can hike in the surrounding mountains, try a spot of t'ai chi at dawn, tuck into street food at a dai pai dong stall, or take afternoon tea in a five-star hotel. After something a little more sedate? Sail the harbor in a traditional junk boat, or take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak for the finest views over the city. Partly westernised, but with all the thronging activity, sounds and sceneries you’d expect from an Asian destination, a stopover in Hong Kong is the perfect way to ease yourself into a longer Southeast Asian adventure.

Here are some stopover highlights to help you get a feel for the city in just a few days...

HONG KONG ISLAND

Strolling around Hong Kong Island, you’ll see a tale of two cities: the Western District, with its seafood vendors, Chinese herb shops and antique dealers, and the Central District, all glass buildings and financial conglomerates. After exploring on foot, take a tram journey to Victoria Peak for views over the island, or ride on the iconic Star Ferry to see the city from the water.

KOWLOON

Gritty, hectic and mischievous, the neon lights, busy streets and popular night markets of Kowloon showcase a very different side of Hong Kong. Bursting with life, there are superb eateries, great museums, intimate neighborhoods, quiet parks, and bars with views of Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers over the bay. Strap yourself in and let Kowloon take you on a big city adventure.

LANTAU ISLAND

With mountainous terrain, long sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages, national parks and secluded waterfalls, Lantau has more in common with an island idyll than a sprawling city. Spend a night here to visit old monasteries, see the enormous bronze Tian Tan Buddha and ride on the cable car.

STAR FERRY AND HARBOR CRUISES

Shuttling passengers across the harbor since 1888, the Star Ferry is an authentic way to see Hong Kong’s breath-taking skyline from the water. After something a little more glamorous? A cruise in a traditional junk boat, with dragon-like sails and teak hulls, is a swish way to spend an evening.

INTERESTED IN STOPPING OVER IN HONG KONG?

Speak to your travel advisor or one of our experienced travel consultants, and they’d be delighted to start designing a trip to suit you.

MAN MO TEMPLE

VICTORIA HARBOUR

Singapore

With a tropical climate and a multicultural population, Singapore makes a great first-time stop in Asia – it’s sparkling clean, English is widely spoken, and everything is efficient.

Shop for designer goods on Orchard Road, explore the restaurant scene at Dempsey Hill and stroll around the National Botanical Gardens – then take in the views over the rainforest canopy at MacRitchie Park’s treetop walkway, or spend a day at Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island. After all of that, you’ll be ready to sip a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel.

Planning on spending a few days here? Here are our recommendations...

NIGHT SAFARI AND GARDENS BY THE BAY

A trip to Singapore isn’t all city slicking among the skyscrapers. Night Safari, the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals, has 85 acres (35 hectares) of rainforest, with over 2,500 residents from over 130 species – including the endangered Asian elephant, Malayan tapir and Malayan tiger. There’s also the award-winning Gardens by the Bay, spanning 250 acres (101 hectares) of reclaimed land with massive Supertrees, vertical gardens, a mistveiled mountainous cloud forest and the world’s largest indoor waterfall.

RAFFLES AND THE SINGAPORE SLING

Since opening its doors in 1887, Raffles remains one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks; no trip to the city is complete without a visit to this historic hotel. Its world-famous Long Bar is packed every night with people enjoying Singapore Slings, a famous cocktail first mixed here in 1913. Although it will set you back nearly £17 a pop, it’s money well spent! An evening here is like stepping back in time; sit back with your cocktail and a handful of peanuts for a nostalgic look at days gone by.

SENTOSA ISLAND

Originally a Japanese prisoner of war camp for British and Australian servicemen during WWII, bustling Sentosa is now a resort island with sandy beaches and world-class hotels. There are plenty of things to do besides dipping in the pool and sprawling out on the beach, though; Universal Studios Singapore, the SEA aquarium and the Tiger Sky Tower (Singapore’s tallest stand-alone observatory tower) are nearby.

CHINATOWN, LITTLE INDIA AND KAMPONG GLAM

Modern Singapore has more to offer than impressive skyscrapers and shiny shopping malls; the cultural quarters of Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam have close communities, a huge variety of food and religious centers sitting harmoniously side by side. Wander around to see the diversity of this historic trading port and get lost in the maze of streets.

WANT TO TAKE IN SINGAPORE EN ROUTE TO THAILAND?

Call us (or your travel advisor)! We’ll be happy to weave a stopover into your trip of a lifetime.

GARDENS BY THE BAY

CHINATOWN

PETRONAS TOWERS

Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas Towers, also known as the “Twin Towers”, are a world-renowned landmark and an iconic symbol of Malaysia’s journey into the 21st century. The towers were designed in a distinctive postmodern style by Argentine architect Cesar Pelli and were the tallest buildings in the world from their construction in 1998 until 2004. Seeing the towers up close is awe-inspiring – but 550 feet (170m) above ground in the Skybridge and Observation Deck, you get a sense of the scale of the city, with views for miles.

BATU CAVES

Chinese, British, Indian and Japanese all influenced modern Kuala Lumpur, with its traditional temples and hawker stalls alongside futuristic architecture and shopping malls.

The skyline is punctuated by dazzling skyscrapers above colonial buildings and minarets towering from charming mosques. Spend a few days here to try the best fusion cuisine in Chinatown; see the stunning Moorish architecture of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, where Malaysian Independence was declared in 1957; and head up the iconic Petronas Towers for a birds-eye view of the city below.

These are our top four unmissable experiences, if you’re planning on stopping by...

CENTRAL MARKET

Built in 1929, Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market is the perfect place to piece together the city’s past. With origins as a humble wet market, over the years it has evolved into a warren of handicraft boutiques and souvenir stalls. Local traders sell goods reflecting Malaysia’s various cultures: Straits Chinese, Lorong Melayu and Lorong India. While you’re here, don’t miss the Annexe, an arts space hidden on the top of the market’s small auxiliary building.

KUALA LUMPUR WALKING TOUR

Take a walking tour with a local guide to see how Kuala Lumpur’s various communities have shaped the city and influenced its eclectic blend of architectural styles. Visit important Indian mosques to find out more about the Indian-Malay community; walk around the iconic colonial architecture of old KL; then cross into Chinatown to try street food stalls at the market, pay respects at ancestral shrines and pick up souvenirs in the hidden house-shops of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinese-Malay residents.

The Batu Caves are a limestone outcrop 7 miles (12km) north of Kuala Lumpur. Guarded by a towering 135foot (42m) statue of Lord Murugan, and home to the country’s holiest Hindu temple and shrine, thousands of worshippers make the trip here each year. Climb 272 stairs to the main cave to see depictions of the Ramayana legend, then reach the main temple inside the caves for impressive views of the city.

WOULD A STOP IN KUALA LUMPUR MAKE YOUR TRIP TO THAILAND COMPLETE?

Get in touch and we’ll pull out all the stops to build a unforgettable trip tailored to you.

LITTLE INDIA

Book with confidence

Here at InsideAsia, we’re founded on the principle of crafting the very best cultural adventures to Southeast Asia, designing trips tailored to you.

In fact, from start to finish, we have your back at every step of planning, so you can book your vacation with confidence. It's all designed around you.

We’ll keep you updated

We keep a close eye on what's going on in all our destinations to make sure you have all the information you need to have a fantastic trip and don't have to worry about it. Whether it be current visa requirements or sightseeing suggestions, we've got your back.

We support you every step of the way

We’re on hand whenever you need us – and whatever you need us for. We take care of everything, from booking your train tickets to arranging cultural experiences, making day trip suggestions, and pretty much anything else you’d like us to do!

You’ve got flexibility

Our itineraries are fully flexible and tailored. We'll work with you to make sure it's exactly right. If you need to make changes after booking, we'll do our best to minimize any additional costs to you.

Your money is safe

All our trips are fully financially protected by either ABTOT or ATOL, so you can rest assured that your money is in safe hands.

Ready to start planning?

Asia is an amazing continent, and we're the people to help get you beneath the surface. Get in touch and one of our travel consultants will be happy to hear all about your ideas.

Our commitment

We believe travel brings huge benefits; vacations make us happy, improve our well-being, create life-long memories, and strengthen the relationships that matter most to us. Tourism creates jobs –and done right, it protects and benefits the destinations visited.

At InsideAsia we feel a deep sense of responsibility to the places and people we work with, and to the wider planet. But there is an elephant in the room – tourism accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions. This means there can be no such thing as guilt-free travel.

But as a certified B-Corp, we are working constantly to reduce our environmental impact and maximize the good that we can do for the communities we live, work and travel in.

You and your trip

Traveling responsibly means that you often get to see a more authentic side of the country you’re visiting. A steaming-hot bowl of pho from a backstreet stall, a warm welcome at a homestay after a day of trekking, a friendly farmer who’ll teach you how to plant rice — we work directly with hundreds of local people and small businesses to bring you only the best experiences.

This doesn’t just mean a better trip for you, it means tourist dollars that would otherwise be concentrated in cities can support communities all over the country. And it’s not just people who can benefit from this approach — many of the community-based projects we work with focus on conservation, creating jobs for local people while protecting endangered wildlife. We vet each project carefully and only work with the very best, like Dr Wong's Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the MandaLao Elephant Centre in Luang Prabang, and the Nam Nern Night Safari in Laos.

Giving back

As a business, we are dedicated to giving back — not just to the communities in our destinations but in our home countries too.

This is why we donate 5% of our profits to charities such as Bristol’s “Break Free” initiative (providing fun days out for Bristol’s disadvantaged families), and towards building koala habitats in Brisbane — amongst other projects. In Southeast Asia, for instance, we support the Child’s Dream Foundation –an organisation that’s been empowering children and young adults to shape their communities since 2003.

Want to find out more?

If you’d like to learn more about our sustainability practices, the charities we support, and the experiences mentioned on this page, visit our website.

Our actions

If the travel experiences we have loved and shared with tens of thousands of others are to be available for future generations, change is needed. Actions speak louder than words, so here are ours:

We measure all our carbon emissions (not just those of your trip)

We have a plan to reduce those emissions by 50% by 2030

Every year we make changes to how we work and who we work with to reduce our emissions in line with global targets As a certified CarbonNeutral® company, all our trips are fully offset through verified sustainable projects across Asia

Important information

TRAVEL ADVICE

In advising our clients on safety issues we follow the advice of the UK, US, Australian and Canadian governments. For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk

For US citizens, check: www.travel.state.gov

For Canadian citizens, check: www.travel.gc.ca

For Australian citizens, check: www.smartraveller.gov.au

VACATION DESCRIPTIONS & INCLUSIONS

Contact us or visit the InsideAsia website for full details of the inclusions and dayby-day itineraries of the trips described in this brochure. Every effort will be made to deliver your trip exactly as described in your personal itinerary. Occasionally, however, changes have to be made; in such cases, we will notify you as soon as possible.

FINANCIAL PROTECTION

InsideAsia Tours® is a trading name of Inside Travel Group Limited. We take pride in the services we offer and the financial protection we offer clients through our membership of internationally recognized travel trade organizations.

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Inside Travel Group Limited (5233) and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for:

• Non-flight package bookings sold by Inside Travel Group Limited (Company No. 04094031) as Principal in the contract with the customer / consumer.

• Flight inclusive package bookings commencing outside of the United Kingdom and sold to customers / consumers outside of the United Kingdom by Inside Travel Group Limited (Company No. 04094031) as Principal in the contract with the customer / consumer.

ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet traveled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Inside Travel Group Limited.

In the unlikely event that you require assistance while abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline at +44 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.

You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here.

Book with confidence. Inside Travel Group Limited is a fully bonded Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct and your money is protected.

Visit ABTA.com for more information.

Inside Travel Group Limited is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO). The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. Inside Travel Group Limited abides by the Association’s Code of Business Practice and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on AITO.com. Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call +44 020 8744 9280

Inside Travel Group Limited is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). For more details please visit www.asta.org

Inside Travel Group Limited is also a member of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA). For information please visit www.acta.ca

BOOKING, PAYMENT & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

You can book through your local travel advisor or by contacting InsideAsia Tours direct. If you are booking through a travel agency, all subsequent correspondence should be made through that agency. For all bookings you will be required to accept our terms and conditions on behalf of all of those in your party. InsideAsia Tours asks for a non-refundable deposit upon booking and then full payment 60 days prior to your package start date.

After we have processed your booking, we will issue you or your travel advisor with a confirmation document, which will show exactly what is included in your trip. Please check all the details carefully and advise your booking agent if there are any mistakes or if there is anything that you do not understand. Your Info-Pack and final travel documents will be sent to you approximately three weeks before departure.

LATE BOOKINGS

Bookings made less than four weeks before your planned departure date will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. For late bookings we will endeavor to confirm your vacation arrangements and the price within three working days.

SPECIAL REQUESTS, MEDICAL CONDITIONS & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

If you have a special request, you must advise us at the time of booking. Although we will endeavor to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret that we cannot guarantee any request will be met. If you have any medical condition or disability which may affect your trip, or if you suffer from reduced mobility, please tell us or your travel advisor before you confirm your booking so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and/or making the booking. You must also let us know if there is any change in your medical condition or disability after your booking has been confirmed. A number of meals are included in most packages. Please advise your travel consultant or booking agent of any dietary requirements and we will do our best to accommodate them.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party have the correct passports and visas to enter the countries on your itinerary. Please contact the relevant local embassy or consulate to check the visa requirements for your nationality.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is a condition of booking with InsideAsia Tours that you and all members of your party have adequate travel insurance to cover medical costs and repatriation. You will need to accept our terms and conditions to show that you have this insurance in place for the duration of your trip. Although not compulsory, we also recommend that you also take out cancellation and baggage insurance.

MONEY & DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS

With the exception of international chain hotels or the larger tourist restaurants, cash remains the dominant means of exchange in Southeast Asia and credit cards are not widely accepted across the region. We will provide a detailed currency guide for the country or countries that you will visit, but in general we recommend bringing a cash float in USD and supplementing this with money withdrawn from ATMs.

ATMs are widespread in all but the most remote destinations, and although rates and charges can often be higher, this is a reliable method of obtaining cash.

CHILDREN

Children aged 12 years or older are treated as adults in terms of accommodation and transport costs. For younger children we can sometimes offer discounts on the published prices; please ask your travel consultant or booking agent for further details. Any children aged 17 years old or younger at the time of travel must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or another adult who will assume legal responsibility for them for the duration of the trip.

ROOMING

Adjoining, triple or quad-share rooms may be available upon request; please ask your travel consultant or booking agent for further details.

LUGGAGE

The luggage allowance on most domestic airlines in the region is 20kg (44 lbs), so please bear this in mind when packing for your trip. If an overnight train journey is included, please also note that luggage must be stored either under the bottom bunks or on a ledge above the door, so heavy or bulky suitcases are best avoided.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

If you have any questions please contact us direct or speak to your local travel advisor. Our full terms & conditions can be found on our website insideasiatours.com

FAQs

Is my booking financially protected?

All of our trips are fully bonded via ABTOT, the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust, or ATOL, Air Travel Organiser's Licence, for your financial protection and peace of mind.

What visas do I need to travel to Thailand?

Most visitors to Thailand (including those from the UK, EU nations, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) do not need a visa for visits of up to 30 days. Individuals are entitled to up to 2 visa exemptions per calendar year. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after entry.

What general vaccinations do I need to travel in Thailand?

For the most part, the vaccinations recommended for travel in Asia are the same standard vaccines recommended in the US, UK, Australia, Europe, Canada, and New Zealand. There are some additional vaccinations/medications required when visiting certain areas or participating in certain activities, so we recommend checking with a travel health professional well in advance of travel.

Is Thailand safe?

In a word, yes. The crime rates are relatively low and aside from usual precautions against petty crime, there’s not too much to be concerned about day to day in the cities.

Will my dietary requirements be catered for?

A wide variety of dining options are available throughout Thailand. We can help you plan a trip to meet almost any dietary requirement, while making the most of the culinary side of your holiday. Some destinations are a little more challenging for certain dietary requirements, but as long as you let us know what you need, we can plan ahead so you have a delicious trip.

Why should I use a tour operator like InsideAsia?

Working with a tour operator like InsideAsia takes the stress out of travel, from the earliest planning stages to your return home. Our experts will share in-depth knowledge about the areas we love, and connect you with experiences you couldn’t arrange by yourself. Meanwhile, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that all the details are taken care of – with your booking protected and your money safe in case plans need to change.