Active Exploration of Thailand & Cambodia - 21 Days

Highlights

• Cruise down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok while enjoying a buffet dinner
• Swim in the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall near Kanchanaburi
• Spend a day caring for rescued elephants in Chiang Mai
• Take a wildlife-spotting safari cruise through Khao Sok National Park 
• Watch millions of bats take flight at dusk in the caves near Battambang
• Learn about local life in traditional Khmer villages near Siem Reap

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand), Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Welcome to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand! Meet your driver outside Bangkok International Airport for a private transfer to your hotel. Stay in to relax and recover from jet lag, or head out to explore the city on your own for a few hours. Stroll around the lively streets, admiring some temples you'll get a closer look at tomorrow, or visit one of the many spas to get a Thai massage and wind down after your flight. Your tension will disappear, as Thai massages incorporate a mix of stretching and acupressure techniques.

Return to your hotel to get ready for a luxury dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, the city's arterial waterway, to see the illuminated buildings from the water. Admire some of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks, which look even more spectacular at night, such as the temples of Wat Arun and Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace. As you watch the incredible scenery pass by, enjoy a delectable buffet dinner accompanied by a traditional Thai dance performance. After the cruise, your driver will pick you up at the pier and escort you back to the hotel.

Day 2: Tour the Temples & Grand Palace of Bangkok

Today, you'll get a closer look at some of the temples you passed on last night's boat cruise, starting with Wat Pho. Wake up bright and early to experience the monk's morning chanting ritual outside the temple, giving you a spiritual introduction to one of the oldest temples in the city. After the ritual, explore the temple grounds before going inside to see the famous 150-foot-long (46 m) reclining Buddha. Then, head to Chinatown to visit Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). Marvel at the 900-year-old solid gold Buddha statue inside, then continue your tour at Wat Arun.

Better known as the Temple of the Dawn, this landmark is aptly named as its shell and porcelain-decorated spires glitter in the morning sun. In the afternoon, move on to the Grand Palace, the highlight of today's tour. It was the official residence of the country's kings from 1782 to 1925 but is now used for ceremonial purposes. Walk through the massive grounds and enter the adjoining Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple), the most important Buddhist temple in the country. Listen as your guide teaches you more about Thailand's traditional art and architecture before returning to your hotel.

After resting your feet, your guide will pick you up and take you to some local hotspots to try authentic Thai dishes for a late dinner. Savor favorites like the well-known noodle dish pad thai, or wattana panich, a beef noodle soup. The last stop is a rooftop bar along the Chao Phraya River. Have a drink at the top and admire the city lights spilling over the river. At the end of this action-packed day, a driver will drop you off at your hotel.

Day 3: Visit the Mae Klong Railway Market & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Meet your guide this morning for the 1.5-hour transfer out of the city to visit one of the most interesting markets in the world, the Mae Klong Railway Market. Vendors set up their stalls on an active railway track, and each time a train approaches, they swiftly retract their awnings and merchandise to make way for the passing locomotive. Witnessing this incredible feat of coordination and precision allows you to understand the ingenuity of the local vendors. Once you've seen this spectacle, stroll through the bustling aisles of the markets to sample delicious street food or shop for souvenirs.

Head to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market next, where you can witness a plethora of vendors peddling on small, wooden boats adorned with colorful fruits, snacks, and souvenirs. Walk along the narrow canal banks and capture candid snapshots of authentic Thai life, or hop in a boat yourself to browse the wares up close. Many merchants also cook and sell food from their boats, such as tom yum noodles, a spicy seafood soup with noodles and shrimp. Take your time exploring the market and discovering the local culture before returning to your hotel in Bangkok.

Day 4: Transfer to Kanchanaburi, Visit the Hellfire Pass Museum & Krasae Cave

Say goodbye to the Thai capital for now as you transfer three hours west to the picturesque town of Kanchanaburi. After leaving your bags at the hotel, venture back out to visit the Hellfire Pass Museum to pay your respects to the prisoners of war who were forced to build the Thailand-Burma Railway, better known as the "Death Railway." Discover the museum's evocative exhibits, artifacts, and photographs depicting the hardships prisoners endured. Then, you can walk along the railway and through the Hellfire Pass yourself for a deeper understanding of the resilience and sacrifices of those who suffered here. 

Continue to another important site along the Death Railway, Krasae Cave, where prisoners used to sleep. Enter the small quarters and pause at the shrine dedicated to the former residents. Walk across the famed bridge over the River Khwae for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, then hop in a boat to cruise along the river, learning more about the hardships endured in this region. End the tour at Don Rak War Cemetery, the final resting place of many prisoners of war. Seeing the rows and rows of headstones can help you understand the true scale of loss that occurred in this region. 

Day 5: Explore Erawan National Park, Visit a Mon Village, Enter Lawa Cave 

Venture into the great outdoors this morning with a visit to Erawan National Park, renowned for its emerald-green Erawan Falls, a seven-tiered waterfall in the heart of the park. Swim in the turquoise ponds at the base of each waterfall to escape the tropical heat and prepare for a trek to the next tier. When you reach the top, admire the final tier, said to resemble an elephant head. This inspired the name of the park, as Erawan is a white elephant god from Hindu mythology. While you float in each tier, keep an eye on the trees to look out for the monkeys and colorful birds that reside in the rainforest.

After a refreshing dip in the waterfall's ponds, head to a nearby village to witness the traditional lifestyle of the Mon people, an ethnic group originating from Myanmar. Tour the village to admire the stilted houses, listen to the melodious rhythms of traditional music, and smell the fragrances of the local cuisine. If there's time left in this action-packed day, you can also visit Sai Yok National Park to explore Lawa Cave. Walk through tropical greenery and enter the cave to admire its surreal stalactite formations. If you're lucky, you may spot the smallest bat on Earth, the khun kitti bat, sleeping above you.

Day 6: Fly to Chiang Mai via Bangkok, Explore the City's Temples

Your driver will take you back to Bangkok this morning to catch a 1.5-hour flight north to the mountainous city of Chiang Mai. After settling in, meet your guide for a temple-hopping tour. Start inside the old walled city center at Wat Chedi Luang, a Buddhist temple built in the 14th century. Admire the towering ancient stupa that once soared higher than any structure in the whole Lanna Kingdom. Continue to Wat Phra Singh, an architectural masterpiece that houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image.

Drive up Doi Suthep next to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a revered Buddhist temple perched atop the forested mountain. When you arrive, climb the 306 steps of the Golden Naga Staircase or pay to take a cable car to reach the temple's golden pagodas. No matter which route you take, you'll be rewarded at the top with gorgeous views of Chiang Mai and its surrounding valleys and mountains. Explore the temple's serene courtyard, featuring various shrines and statues that invite visitors to reflect and pay their respects. After walking through this golden paradise, transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 7: Play with Elephants at Baan Chang Elephant Park

Day 8: Cycle to the Ping River, Cooking Class with a Lanna Family

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Chiang Mai sits in a flat valley surrounded by jungle-cloaked mountains, so its beautiful surroundings and cooler climate make it the perfect location for a bike ride. This morning, join a small group to cycle through the winding lanes of Chiang Mai toward the Ping River. Watch as the urban landscape gives way to the lush greenery of the serene countryside. As you cycle, you'll pass the ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, a recently discovered city built in 1286 that was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Take a break at the river, sitting among the lush greenery as long-tail boats lazily drift by.

Head back to the hotel to relax before visiting an authentic Lanna village in the afternoon. Enjoy a welcome drink, then follow your host to their traditional teakwood house, where you can meet their family and admire the walls adorned with carvings and brightly-colored textiles. Take a stroll through their garden, full of various fruits, spices, and herbs, and learn about their traditional dishes. Afterward, prepare a delicious home-cooked meal influenced by Lao, Burmese, Yunnanese, northeastern Thai, and central Thai cuisines. Cook and try the staple food, sticky rice, paired with chicken, pork, or beef. 

Day 9: Chiang Mai Forest Zipline Adventure

Day 10: Fly to Surat Thani, Transfer to Khao Sok National Park, Evening Safari Cruise

Leave the mountains of Chiang Mai behind as you catch a two-hour flight south to Surat Thani, the gateway to the Gulf of Thailand and its pristine islands. When you land, meet your driver outside Surat Thani Airport and start the 2.5-hour drive to your hotel in Khao Sok National Park. Once you're checked in, choose from a variety of activities depending on your interests and arrival time. One option is to join a guided tour of the park in a long-tail boat. Drift along the park's rivers and expansive Cheow Lan Lake, enveloped by ancient rainforest and limestone cliffs. 

If hiking is more your thing, head out on a tour through the rainforest. Follow your guide down their chosen path and immerse yourself in the vibrant greenery, towering hardwood trees, and an orchestra of bird calls. Your guide may take you to hidden waterfalls, serene rivers, and secluded caves to fully immerse you in the park's mesmerizing landscapes. No matter which option you choose, you can end the night with an evening safari cruise. As the sun sets, the jungle awakens with nocturnal life. Try to spot elusive creatures like owls, frogs, and crocodiles, guided only by the soft glow of the boat's lanterns. 

Day 11: Enjoy a Leisurely Morning, Hike Through Khao Sok's Rainforest

Enjoy a free morning to yourself in the park, where you can choose between a number of activities, such as relaxing by the tranquil waters of the lake or going for a leisurely swim. If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, you can join a kayaking or tubing tour to see more of Khao Sok's waters. Whatever you do, try to fit in some relaxation time before you head out on a four-hour hike this afternoon.

After a leisurely morning, meet your guide for a hike through the rainforest. Walk down one of the well-maintained trails, keeping an eye out for some of the 48 mammal species or 311 bird species that call this park home. Each turn of the trail reveals another facet of the forest's enchanting beauty, so you won't be bored on this trek. Following the hike, return to your hotel to rest your feet and relax. 

Day 12: Morning Boat Safari & Free Time in Khao Sok, Transfer to Krabi

Wake up bright and early for a boat safari to watch the mist drift along the lake and listen as nature awakens around you. After gliding past limestone cliffs and rainforest bathed in the soft morning light, return to the raft house for a Thai breakfast of khao tom, a savory rice porridge, or western-style pancakes. Return to your room for a nap or enjoy your last few moments in the park with a stroll or swim.

Have lunch by the lake or in Khao Pang village, depending on the season, then meet your driver for the 2.5-hour drive to Krabi, a province home to 80 islands on the Andaman Sea. Get settled, then head to the beach to catch one of the region's famous sunsets.

Day 13: Cruise to Ko Phi Phi Ley & Ko Phi Phi Don

Pack your swimsuit and make your way to Nopparatthara Pier to hop on a speedboat tour of the Phi Phi Islands, an island group between Phuket and the Straits of Melaka. Cruise to Ko Phi Phi Ley to see Maya Bay, a beautiful cove that you may recognize from the movie "The Beach." Admire the iconic bay from the boat before cruising to the other side of the island to Pi Leh Bay. Jump into the pristine waters for a refreshing swim, then cruise to Viking Cave to see the ancient paintings lining its interior and the edible bird's nests locals harvest for culinary and medicinal purposes.

Cruise to Ko Phi Phi Don to visit Monkey Beach, named after the resident monkey population you can typically see frolicking along the shoreline or in the nearby jungle. Have lunch at a local restaurant on the island, then cruise to Bamboo Island to swim in the crystal clear water, snorkel to see the sea life in the Andaman Sea, or lie on the white-sand beach. Return to Krabi in the afternoon and transfer back to your hotel to relax before dinner.

Day 14: Explore Krabi's Beaches & Temples at Your Own Pace

The day is yours to explore the island at your own pace. If you want to stay on land, head to Wat Tham Suea, also known as the Tiger Cave Temple. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll climb over 1,200 stairs to get to the summit. You'll be rewarded for your efforts with panoramic views of the countryside and coastline. When you're ready, visit the temple itself, admiring the intricate golden Buddha statues scattered across the terrace. Venture back down and stop by one of the many markets to try local staples, like khua kling—Thai ground pork with curry paste, red chilies, and shrimp paste.

Those interested in more water activities can join another speedboat tour to discover more tropical islands just west of Krabi. One is the renowned Railay Beach, popular for its silky sand and clear, shallow water that's perfect for swimming. Here, you can also find Princess Cave, a fertility shrine with eye-raising anatomical offerings. Spend a day relaxing on the sand or floating in the water before returning to Krabi to discover its nightlife. 

Day 15: Fly to Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Visit the Royal Palace & National Museum

Wave goodbye to Thailand as you fly to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. After a four-hour flight, including a brief layover in Bangkok, meet your driver outside Phnom Penh International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Drop off your bags and jump right into your exploration of the city with a guided tour of the gleaming Royal Palace, a showcase of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage and impressive architecture. Inside, the Silver Pagoda is an impressive sight to behold, as every inch of its floor is covered in shimmering silver tiles that reflect light in all directions.

Next, make your way to the National Museum of Cambodia to discover the country's history and culture through its impressive collection of Khmer artifacts. The museum houses over 14,000 items, including sculptures, ceramics, and textiles, spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. Finally, visit Wat Phnom, the most important Buddhist temple in the city. Built in 1373, the temple's intricate architecture, colorful murals, and Buddha statues attract visitors from around the world. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the temple gardens or sit under shady trees while taking in views of the surrounding area. 

Day 16: Tuol Sleng Museum & the Choeung Ek Memorial, Transfer to Battambang 

Phnom Penh was the site of many horrors during the civil war between 1975 and 1979. Today, you can learn more about this dark history by touring the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a somber look into the Khmer Rouge's impact. Walk through this former school-turned-prison to see the cramped cells where prisoners were held and tortured. The walls are lined with photographs of those who were imprisoned here, many of whom never made it out alive.

Afterward, visit the Choeung Ek Memorial, which sits on one of the many "Killing Fields" in the area. Walk through the fields full of mass burial plots containing thousands of human remains and learn about the horrors that occurred during the war. The museum provides a detailed account of how innocent people were tortured and killed in unimaginable ways, while the memorial site serves as a reminder of this suffering and the resilience of the human spirit. Visiting these sites may be emotionally challenging, but it's an essential part of understanding Cambodia's history.

After a quick two days in Phnom Penh, it's time to transfer to Battambang, the third-largest city in the country. Pass through local villages and stop in the town of Oudong to break up the four-hour drive and try local delicacies. Continue on your journey, ending at the Battambang bamboo train. Ride through the beautiful countryside atop a bamboo platform on wheels powered only by a motorcycle engine, reminiscent of the days when it was a vital means of transport for farmers and villagers. Hop off and explore the small village at the other end of the tracks before returning to Battambang for the night.

Day 17: Bike Tour in the Cambodian Countryside, Visit Phnom Sampeau's Caves

Explore Battambang's countryside on an early-morning bike tour today, led by a knowledgeable student guide. Start the 13-mile (22 km) cycle by visiting local family farms to observe their traditional methods of producing goods like rice paper, dried bananas, and fish paste. Sample some of these treats paired with refreshing coconut water, then jump back on your bicycle. Pedal through the rolling hills and lush rice fields, watching as farmers go about their daily lives and the bamboo train from yesterday's adventure passes you by. End the tour at a memorial site honoring victims of the Khmer Rouge. 

After some well-deserved rest at the hotel, head to Phnom Sampeau, a limestone hill home to a complex of caves and ancient temples. Climb the steep steps to the hill's summit for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and entrance to the Killing Cave, now a memorial to the many people who were murdered inside the caverns by the Khmer Rouge. Continue to the nearby Bat Cave to watch millions of bats emerge at dusk, painting the sky with their mesmerizing patterns. Venture back down the hill before it gets dark and return to your hotel in Battambang.

Day 18: Transfer to Siem Reap, Half-Day Khmer Village & Tonlé Sap Lake Tour

Bid farewell to Battambang as you join your driver for the 2.5-hour transfer to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor ruins of the Khmer Empire. After settling into your hotel in the city, set off on a scenic drive to a Khmer village, enjoying views of rice fields and palm trees along the way. Explore the village's stilted houses, serene rice paddies, and bustling markets, where you can witness locals creating traditional crafts. Talk to residents, who are known for their hospitality, to learn more about their daily lives.

Continue on to another set of villages next, these ones floating on Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Board a boat and cruise across the glassy waters to observe how locals have adapted to life in this floodplain by building entire villages of floating houses, shops, and markets. Cruise through these colorful communities, but keep an eye on the skies and the shores as you cruise. This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve is home to over 225 species of birds, and you're sure to spot more than a few as you make your way back to the dock and return to Siem Reap for the evening.

Day 19: Explore Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat

Today, you have the opportunity to discover one of the most important archaeological sites in the world—the ancient temple complexes of Angkor. Start at Angkor Thom, which means "Great City" in Khmer, and discover the ruins of what was once the most impressive royal city of the Khmer Empire. Enter at the famous South Gate, flanked by stone-face towers, and walk through the archaeological site, stopping at Bayon Temple, composed of 54 Gothic towers, all covered in sculpted faces.

Head to Angkor Wat next; built in the 12th century and famed for its beauty and splendor, this complex is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. Its five towers are so iconic that they're emblazoned on the Cambodian flag. Immerse yourself in the ruins as you stroll through galleries, libraries, pavilions, and courtyards. Your guide will time your tour perfectly to end with a stunning sunset view from Bakheng Hill.

After all that walking, return to Siem Reap to visit Pub Street, a vibrant avenue of restaurants, bars, and clubs where you can sit down, enjoy a delicious meal, and have a cold drink. Once you're refueled, browse some of the city's night markets with your guide. If you're feeling up for it, continue your evening at one of the many bars or nightclubs or return to the hotel to relax.

Day 20: Watch the Sunrise Over Angkor Wat, Visit More Angkor Temples

Wake up before dawn and return to Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise over its iconic spires. As the darkness turns into light and the sun climbs higher in the sky, return to the hotel for breakfast to refuel and prepare for the next temple, Banteay Srei, also known as the "Citadel of Women." This 10th-century Cambodian temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, stands out for its bold red sandstone carvings. Next is Banteay Samre, a temple showcasing the characteristic Khmer architectural elements, including intricate bas-reliefs, elegant colonnades, and finely carved lintels.

In the afternoon, continue your tour at the fantastic Ta Prohm, a temple embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers, showcasing a symbiosis of art and nature. Visit Banteay Kdei next, a temple characterized by its weathered sandstone structures, picturesque courtyards, and elegant carvings. End the tour at Prasat Kravan, a small, private temple built in the 10th century and dedicated to Vishnu. If your feet aren't too tired, you can take a walk along the languid Siem Reap River and the adjacent Royal Independence Gardens in the evening.

Day 21: Depart Siem Reap

After a memorable three weeks in Southeast Asia, your adventure draws to a close this morning. If you have time before your flight, you can explore some more of Siem Reap on your own. Wake up early to see Angkor one more time or visit Phsar Chas, the Old Market, to pick up some last-minute souvenirs, such as wood carvings, artwork, textiles, or jewelry to remind you of your trip. When it's time, meet your driver back at the hotel to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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