Explore a series of relatively known areas hand picked by our Destination Specialist for Thailand. Created for nature and wildlife lovers, this active trip offers incredible intimate experiences at responsibly operated establishments. Go on an exciting safari trip to a National Park to see some of the last remaining wild elephant herds. Explore remote villages and small towns that are still untouched by mass tourism to uncover authentic local culture. End the trip on a high note with a once-in-a-lifetime sea kayaking expedition with overnight camping at secluded islands.
Created for nature and wildlife lovers, this active trip offers incredible intimate experiences at responsibly operated establishments. Go on an exciting safari trip to a National Park to see some of the last remaining wild elephant herds. Explore remote villages and small towns that are still untouched by mass tourism to uncover authentic local culture. End the trip on a high note with a once-in-a-lifetime sea kayaking expedition with overnight camping at secluded islands.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to rest up from your long flight.
Overnight at Bangkok
This morning or afternoon, explore the famous Grand Palace and Temples followed by a unique foodie tour in a traditional neighborhood known only to locals.
Constructed in 1782, the Grand Palace in Bangkok was a former residence for King Rama I to King Rama V of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Today, the place is used for hosting royal ceremonies and welcoming the king’s guests, State guests, and other foreign dignitaries. Your visit includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the former royal residence.
Located south of the Grand Palace, Wat Po is the most iconic temple in Bangkok and also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand and the famous 150 ft. long reclining Buddha. It is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage which is still taught and practiced in the temple.
Then take a short tuk tuk ride around the old town past some iconic sights. At sundown, visit The Golden Mount, known locally as Wat Saket Temple. Climb up 300 short steps on a wide stairway that spirals up and around the sides of the mount. It is not a strenuous climb as the slope is gentle and there are areas to stop and rest. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city once you’re at the top!
Overnight at Bangkok
Travel by long tail boat to discover traditional neighborhoods hidden along the banks of Bangkok’s winding river canals. Along the cruise, you will do short walks to discover centuries old communities and visit the 17th century Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn.
Stroll through the backstreets to explore the Kudeejeen neighborhood, a 200-year-old community of mixed Thai-Portuguese ancestry. Stop by a Catholic Church, Chinese Shrine and a small folk museum that showcases the ties between the Kingdom of Siam and Portugal. Sample the famous “Kanom Farang Kudeejeen”, Portuguese style cupcakes and a special Portuguese-Thai fusion lunch at Baan Sakulthong, a restaurant whose family can be traced back to Portuguese settlers who migrated here from Ayutthaya in the 18th century.
Continue by car to Wat Sanam Nua, Pakkret. From there you will take a short 5 minute ferry ride to Koh Kret, a small man-made island in the Chao Phraya River. Koh Kred’s inhabitants are mainly Mon (originally tribes who dominated central Thailand between the 6th and 10th centuries) and have retained a distinct identity in their flavor of Buddhism and their pottery skills. Do an easy bike ride through local villages, temples, old kilns and pottery shops along the way.
If your visit falls over the weekend (Saturdays & Sundays), stop at a unique local microbrewery. Meet the master brewer who offers weekend lessons to locals and visitors alike. The microbrewery offers up to six beers on draft, as well as several craft ales in bottles.
Overnight at Bangkok
Depart this morning with a comfortable one-hour ride on a local train, visit a huge seafood market and a historic small town steeped in Chinese heritage.
Mahachai Market is one of the largest fresh seafood markets in Thailand that supplies their daily catch to many Bangkok’s best restaurants. See the vast variety of daily fresh catch and many other exotic local sea critters. Continue with a short local ferry ride to Baan Ta Chalom, a small charming village of the Thai-Chinese community and dotted with vintage Thai and century old shop houses that are fast vanishing in the cities. Visit Wat Chong Lom, a small Buddhist temple with beautiful wall paintings and a very old railway station. Enjoy a rickshaw ride and a delicious local seafood lunch.
Continue by car for about 2 hours’ to your lodge where you can enjoy views of free roaming rescued elephants around their compound.
This comfortable lodge is located within the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand property where many rescued animals are rehabilitated and treated for various injuries, including elephants.
Overnight at Petchaburi
At 10am you will join other visitors to learn about the rescued animals and conservation efforts at the Wildlife Rescue Center. In the morning, you will see the different variety of wildlife rescued and the efforts to rehabilitate them. Many of them are endangered species and often injured when rescued.
After lunch, take a short 20min drive to their Elephant Refuge and Education Center. See free roaming rescued elephants and the daily tasks carried out by volunteers. Hear personal stories of some rescued elephants, some conversation issues and exploitation of elephants at some tourist attractions. Rest of the afternoon is free at leisure, you can ask the lodge for more snacks to feed the elephants roaming around your room.
Before sundown, drive about 30min to a beautiful forested mountain for a sunset bat cave experience. From below, you can view more than more than 10 million bats flying out in a stream against a backdrop of spectacular sunset. This spectacular rare sight occurs every evening.
Overnight at Petchaburi
Enjoy more feeding time with the elephants from your room’s balcony. After lunch, proceed to Kui Buri National Park, the best place in Thailand to spot wild elephants and gaurs in big herds. Other possible sightings during include sambar deer, banteng and wild boar.
Due to strict regulations, the game drive is conducted by park rangers only between 3pm to 6pm and no prior reservations are permitted. The vehicle used is an open-air truck with padded wooden planks. The rangers speak limited English but well experienced with spotting the animals. You will be accompanied by your English speaking guide for translation.
The drive starts slow along a dirt road heading to the main grasslands, then stop at 2 to 3 viewing areas where you can get off the vehicle for reasonably good sightings of elephants, guars and bantengs (forest ox that resembles domesticated cow). If you are lucky, sometimes the animals come in big herds!
After your exhilarating wildlife experience, continue to a local pineapple plantation where a simple but delicious local dinner will be served. From there, it’s about 45 to 60min drive to your hotel.
Overnight at Kui Buri
Drive this morning for a 1.5h drive to Monsoon Valley Vineyard for lunch. This vineyard has produced several its award winning wines, you will get a quick tour by jeep followed by a 3 course set menu with your choice of wine.
Continue about 4h drive to Bangkok Airport for an evening flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at Chiang Mai
Start the day at the lively riverfront market for a foodie walk. Starting first at a famous shop to enjoy freshly made Chinese Crullers, locally known as “Pa Tong Kho” with a hot cup of soymilk, tea or coffee. You can choose your artisanal fried cruller in cute animal shapes such as elephant, crocodiles or a dinosaur! Continue on to Warorot market to see interesting selection of local snacks, herbal tea and dehydrated fruits. Along your walk, you will also sample other local popular breakfast items such as Khanom Krok (mini coconut custard cupcake), Khanom Jeen (fermented rice noodles with curry), Sai Ua (grilled Chiang Mai sausage) and Jok (Thai congee).
Afternoon, explore the old town of Chiang Mai to visit two famous ancient Lanna temples, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Take a coffee break at a local café serving fresh brews from local hill tribe coffee farms.
Before sunset, drive up the mountain to Wat Doi Suthep and climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase (or take an elevator) to reach its golden pagodas. After admiring the beautiful sunset and panoramic views of Chiang Mai, stop by one of the best-kept secret temples of Chiang Mai, Wat Palad, known as the Temple below the Temple. This temple is significant to Chiang Mai’s history with its temple grounds dated beyond 650 years old. Return to your hotel in the evening and you can explore the bustling night markets on your own.
Overnight at Chiang Mai
Spend the day a very remote hill tribe, sample rare tribal food and enjoy a very exclusive coffee experience with scenic views of the valley.
Starting with a 2 hour drive from the city, explore the surrounding forest on a 2 to 3 hour hike where the Pga K’nyau hill tribe people go foraging for natural ingredients and harvest local ‘Buer Chor Mee’ rice in their rice terraces. The hike consists of up and downhill sections, sturdy shoes will be required.
Arriving at Pha Mon Village, meet friendly villagers to learn about their culture and heritage. See the hill tribe way of roasting fresh coffee beans from their plantation and taste a warm brew with stunning rice terrace views. Receive a crash course in cooking some rare Northern Thai dishes from a native expert. Some dishes such as ‘Ber’, a tribal curry made from rice, baby rattan palm, and minced pork mixed together; steamed chicken offal with curry paste, or Pga K’nyaus’ chili paste that is made from pounded grilled chilies and shallots, fermented soybeans, salt, boiled crickets, and coriander.
From here, it’s about a 2-hour drive back to Chiang Mai.
Overnight at Chiang Mai
Take a flight to Phuket to begin your spectacular Sea Kayaking Expedition. The first day is a group join-in tour where you will explore the stunning Karst formations around Phang Nga Bay. Starting from around noon time to night, you will be led by experienced guides to kayak amidst stunning limestone islands and sea caves. At night, participate in a spiritual ritual by releasing your self-made flower “Kratong” inside an inner lagoon.
At about 8pm, you will be dropped off at a private beach camp on an island with your private guide. You can continue an exciting night paddling session into empty caves and circumnavigate the island. Camping tents, sleeping mat, blanket, pillow and towels will be provided.
Overnight at Private Beach Camp
Rise early morning to paddle with your private guide before breakfast at campsite. Then depart to a secluded area where you will get to paddle around two islands. Lunch will be served at a small village on one of the islands, then set off in the afternoon to paddle around two more islands. Arrive at your second beach campsite late afternoon. You can opt for more paddling before and after dinner.
Overnight at Private Beach Camp
Rise early for sunrise paddle and breakfast, then depart to another region for more paddling around small islands. After lunch break, paddle around mangroves and spectacular limestone formations. Late afternoon, cruise to Phuket or Koh Yao Noi Island for your final beach stay.
Overnight at Phuket
Free day to relax at your beach resort before returning home. We recommend adding a delicious foodie tour at Phuket Old Town, a UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy since 2015
Overnight at Phuket
Depart today from Phuket Airport for your onward journey.
Our private tours include the things that make it so you don’t have to worry about logistics for your trip.
Consider a pre- or post-tour extension to this itinerary in either Vietnam or Cambodia depending on which city your international flight is routed through. It’s quite easy to add a couple of days in the tropical island of Phu Quoc to relax by pristine beaches or Siem Reap, home to the majestic Angkor Wat temples and Tonle Sap, biggest freshwater lake in South East Asia.
Spend 4 nights in Siem Reap to explore the various Angkor archaelogical sights including Angkok Wat, Ta Prohm, and others along with fascinating cultural activities in and around Siem Reap such as the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, a cooking class with a celebrity chef, and the creative arts scene like the Phare Circus, and Bambu Stage puppet shows.
Relax by beautiful beaches at the tropical paradise island off the Southern Coast of Vietnam. Easily accessible with direct flights from Hanoi or Saigon, Phu Quoc also offers snorkeling and diving opportunities around off shore islands.
Here’s an explanation of what to expect and the planning process with a Red Lantern Journeys travel consultant.
The price for this trip will vary based on many factors including:
Your personal travel consult to work with you to prepare your itinerary, recommend tours and activities and accommodation and explain the reasoning behind every aspect of your tour.
You'll have your own private, chauffeur-driven vehicle for all of your airport transfers and daily excursions. These will also include your personal, English-speaking guide who is licensed and will provide the insights to make each of your tours an exceptional experience.
We've inspected hundreds of hotels and can recommend accommodation that fits your style and budget.
We have access to a wide range of activities to make your trip truly memorable. Activities range from visiting iconic sights to meeting local personalities, adventure sports, and exclusive dining experiences!
The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring months of March to May when the valleys come alive with flowers in bloom. The Himalayan peaks are at their most visible with the clear skies of October and this is the best time for trekking though temperatures will be on the cold side.
April, May, September and October are the best months with optimum weather. Although it is colder, the skies are generally clear and blue, and most importantly, it won’t be muddy.
Winter is a good time to catch the endangered black necked crane in their winter home, the Phobjika valley and summer is a wonderful time for mushroom picking (there’s even a Matsutake Mushroom Festival) and to catch glimpses of (sometimes double) rainbows over the valleys. If you’re there to seek solace or for spirituality reasons, anytime would be a good time to go.
The monsoon season lasts from June through September. During this time, light rain (1-2 hours) in the morning is typical.
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