Highlights
- Hike to Suthep Temple, one of Chiang Mai's most revered temples, on your first day
- Observe wild elephants in their natural habitat followed by lunch in the jungle
- Swim and snorkel in Phang Nga Bay surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs
- Learn the daily rituals of hill tribes and fishing communities with hands-on activities
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Chiang Mai, Hike to Mount Doi Suthep | Chiang Mai |
| Day 2 | Full-Day Adventure in Siri Lanna National Park | Chiang Mai |
| Day 3 | Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, Homestay | Karen Village |
| Day 4 | Trek to See Wild Elephants, Homestay | Ging's Bungalows |
| Day 5 | Fly to Phuket, Drive to Phang Nga Bay, Jungle Lodge | Phang Nga Bay |
| Day 6 | Hike & Kayak through Mangroves, Jungle Lodge | Phang Nga Bay |
| Day 7 | Morning Fishing Excursion, Homestay | Ban Samchong Village |
| Day 8 | Snorkel & Swim in Phang Nga Bay, Transfer to Phuket | Phuket |
| Day 9 | Free Day at the Beach | Phuket |
| Day 10 | Depart Phuket |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai, Hike to Mount Doi Suthep
Welcome to northern Thailand! Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you'll transfer to the top of Mount Doi Pui and walk the trail along the ridgeline to visit a Hmong village, a lovely hill tribe that lives in its natural environment. Try some of the locally grown and roasted coffee. Then, continue on to see the 800-year-old temple ruins before climbing the steps up to Suthep Temple, one of Chiang Mai's most revered temples.
You'll then transfer to your hotel for some relaxation. The evening is yours to explore the Chiang Mai Night Market, stroll along the Ping River, or explore the art and silk galleries all within walking distance of your hotel.
Day 2: Full-Day Adventure in Siri Lanna National Park
After breakfast at your hotel, get ready for a full-day adventure in Siri Lanna National Park! Located in the Chiang Mai Province, this is the eighth-largest national park in Thailand and offers an abundance of pristine nature.
First, you'll drive two hours to Mae Ngat Dam, home to a vast reservoir surrounded by mountains. This is the peaceful setting for your two-hour kayaking trip that takes you to a floating restaurant for lunch. Here, enjoy fried rice, spicy salads, grilled meats, and other Thai favorites. If you feel like going for a swim, just jump into the water straight from the floating deck. If you've had enough activity, feel free to lounge on the deck in the shade and read a book or watch the swimmers.
After lunch, you'll take a long-tail boat back to the dam followed by a 30-minute scenic route through shady mountain passes that will bring you to the curious Bua Thong Waterfalls, also known as the "Sticky Waterfalls." The limestone rocks here are porous and easy to climb when wet, making them feel sticky beneath your feet. Take off your shoes and climb the falls, or simply take a stroll on the path that runs along the cascading water.
Day 3: Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, Homestay
Today you'll depart Chiang Mai and drive uphill past the north side of Doi Inthanon National Park. From here, you'll hike 30 minutes to see a waterfall and go for a midday swim (if you so choose), before continuing on to one of several small villages in the region, outside of Mae Cham, that are occupied by members of the Karen Tribe. Pronounced, Kah-Ren, this Indigenous group that originated from Tibet is located near the Thailand-Burma border.
Upon arrival in the village, you'll meet your warm and welcoming homestay family. Then spend the rest of the day immersing yourself in this unique hill tribe culture by cooking with your hosts and learning how to weave baskets the traditional way from one of the elders in the village.
Day 4: Trek to See Wild Elephants, Homestay
After an early start this morning, you'll say goodbye to your Karen family and depart the hill tribe village. From here you'll hike for under two hours to find wild elephants. Spend some time watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat, and have lunch in the jungle.
Next, you'll travel to a typical Thai town, where your hosts Ging and Bu will greet you. They have built some bungalows in their longan orchard where you will stay overnight. Ging is a lover of modern Thai design and his home is a mix of repurposed antiques from Northern Thailand and Shan State in Myanmar. His wife Bu will show you how she makes typical Northern Thai dishes for a memorable evening of cooking and dining with your local hosts.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Fly to Phuket, Drive to Phang Nga Bay
It's time to head to southern Thailand! At the appointed time, you'll depart your homestay and drive to Chiang Mai airport. From here, it's less than a two-hour flight to get to Phuket, Thailand's largest island. Set against the turquoise Andaman Sea, Phuket is also home to some of the country's best beaches.
But before you get to those, you'll transfer north to Phang Nga Bay and check in at the Baan Suen Jungle Lodge where you'll stay for two nights. Take the rest of the day to unwind in the tranquil and serene location of your jungle home. Tonight you can try delicious southern Thai dishes at the on-site restaurant that serves tasty organic seafood, among other things.
Day 6: Hike & Kayak in Phang Nga Bay
After breakfast at your lodge, start the day with a walk on a nature trail through a mangrove forest, then drive up to see the famous Sarasin View Point, which acts as the gateway between Phuket and Phang Nga. You'll return to the jungle lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you may kayak in a nearby estuary to explore the mangrove forest by water, or just simply relax in a hammock at the lodge and enjoy the views.
Day 7: Morning Fishing Excursion, Homestay
Rise and shine! You'll wake before sunrise and spend the morning with a local fisherman in a small fishing village. Join him in his long-tail fishing boat on his daily fishing rounds. During the excursion, you can swim in the ocean and relax on a secluded small island while waiting to collect your catch of the day.
Your accommodation tonight is a homestay in a small Muslim fishing village called Ban Samchong. This village sits on the edge of Phang Nga Bay and overlooks the scenic islands scattered throughout the bay. You'll stay in local Thai-style homes among family members, with traditional Thai-style cushioned floor mats for sleeping, mosquito nets, sheets, pillows, fans, squat toilets, and bucket showers. Enjoy the simplicity of village life in southern Thailand, and eat dinner on-site, where you can try some local spicy food!
Day 8: Snorkel & Swim in Phang Nga Bay
Today you'll enjoy a leisurely day trip cruising on your private long-tail boat through the dramatic, sheer limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay that jut out of the emerald-green water. As you will have spent the night in the village you can reach the iconic areas of Phang Nga Bay before the day tour boats arrive from Phuket. The first stop will be made at Khao Phing Kan and Khao Ta Poo. Since 1974, the islands have been nicknamed "James Bond Island" after being featured in "The Man with the Golden Gun."
Then lunch will be served at a local restaurant on the small Pan-Yee Island, comprised of huge, almost vertical limestone cliffs. You'll see hundreds of huts, shacks, restaurants, and houses built on stilts over the surrounding shallow sea. No one is quite sure how many wooden and concrete piles hold up this extraordinary community, but it is certainly a fascinating and unique feat of informal engineering.
After returning from your boat, check in at the elegant Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa. Enjoy an evening walk on pristine Natai Beach while watching the sunset over the Andaman Sea.
Day 9: Free Day at the Beach
Today is a free day to enjoy at your own pace! Perhaps you want to spend quality time relaxing at the beach resort where you can sunbathe and cool off with frequent swims in the sea.
Or, sign up for an excursion offered by your beach resort with options for cooking classes, cycling excursions, and cultural tours. You can also head into Phuket City and explore the colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, as well as small shops for souvenirs, local restaurants, and cool coffee shops. Walking around town also provides a chance for you to visit both Thai temples and distinct Chinese shrines, as well as museums and beautiful old mansions.
In the early evening, you may want to head to Thalang Road with a bustling night market. Check out the lively stalls serving tasty Thai street food before heading back to your resort.
Day 10: Depart Phuket
The day has come to say goodbye to Thailand! Spend the morning relaxing at the resort until it's time to check out. From here you'll transfer to Phuket airport and depart for Bangkok to connect to your international flight. Safe travels!
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