Thailand Explore Road Trip (2 weeks)
From the buzzing streets of Bangkok to the still waters of a rainforest lake, this 14-day journey through Thailand’s cultural heartland and stunning south delivers the full spectrum of the ‘Land of Smiles’. Tuk tuks, temples, jungle rivers, floating bungalows and island-hopping—all at a relaxed pace designed for curious first-timers and seasoned travellers alike.
- Tuk tuk night tour, Chinatown visit and traditional welcome dinner in Bangkok
- Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Bangkok’s canal communities
- Coastal hike at Khao Kalok and beach time in laid-back Hua Hin
- Thai cooking class and bamboo weaving workshop
- Mangrove national park boat cruise
- Zip lining at a treetop adventure park and beach sports
- Tubing through jungle rivers in Khao Sok National Park
- Overnight stay on floating bungalows surrounded by limestone cliffs and rainforest
- Sunrise boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake and waterfall visit
- Phang Nga Bay boat trip: caves, Pan Yee island and iconic James Bond Island
- Optional snorkelling trip to the Surin Islands including a Moken sea gypsy village visit
- Farewell gathering in Phang Nga before onward travel or return flight from Phuket (HKT)
We require a minimum of 5 participants to run this trip, so please bring friends. Also ideal for college, school and university groups, seeking a well structured and meaningful tour experience in Thailand. We require 2 staff per 8 students to take part in this trip if students are under 18.
Thailand is a country that rarely leaves visitors indifferent. As the only nation in Southeast Asia never colonised by European powers, it carries a cultural identity entirely its own—one built on Buddhism, hospitality and an infectious pride in what Thais call their ‘Land of the Free’. This 13-night, 14-day journey is designed as an ideal first encounter with that culture, taking in the country’s most rewarding landscapes from north to south.
The adventure begins in Bangkok, one of Southeast Asia’s great cities. After an airport welcome and transfer to your hotel, the evening kicks off with a visit to the neon-lit streets of Chinatown followed by a tuk tuk night tour and a traditional welcome dinner—the perfect introduction to Thai food, noise and energy. Day two brings the city’s iconic landmarks: the Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and a leisurely boat tour along Bangkok’s canal communities, including The Artist’s House and the Giant Buddha, before a free evening on Khao San Road.
Travelling south to the seaside town of Hua Hin, the programme shifts to a more relaxed, hands-on rhythm. Over four nights, you’ll hike coastal trails, visit temples and cave shrines, cruise through mangrove forests by boat, try your hand at a Thai cooking class, and take part in a bamboo weaving workshop. There’s also time for zip lining, beach sports and an evening exploring the famous Hua Hin Night Market and Cicada Market.
The programme then moves deeper into Thailand’s wild interior at Khao Sok National Park— one of the oldest rainforests in the world. An afternoon of river tubing gives way to an unforgettable overnight experience on floating bungalows moored on the glassy surface of Cheow Lan Lake, encircled by dramatic karst peaks. The following morning begins with a sunrise boat trip, a waterfall walk and then onward travel south to Phang Nga.
The final chapter of the journey is spent in Phang Nga, staying in a local guesthouse and exploring one of Thailand’s most scenic coastal environments. A boat trip takes in the extraordinary cave systems, the floating stilt community of Pan Yee island and the world-famous James Bond Island. Optional canoeing through sea caves and a viewpoint visit to Samet Nangshe complete the picture before a free day that can be spent relaxing or joining an optional snorkelling excursion to the Surin Islands—home to pristine reefs and the Moken sea gypsy community.
The programme concludes with a farewell gathering on the final Friday evening. On the last day, you can head off independently for onward travel or we are happy to assist with getting to the nearest airport. Those returning to Bangkok or connecting internationally can use Phuket International Airport (HKT), located approximately 48 km (30 miles) south of downtown Phang Nga and around one hour away by road—making it a straightforward option for departures.
Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.
Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.
2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.
3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.
4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.
Arrive at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airport and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. The evening begins with a visit to the vibrant streets of Chinatown, followed by a tuk tuk night tour weaving through Bangkok’s illuminated neighbourhoods. The night concludes with a traditional Thai welcome dinner. Overnight: Hotel, Bangkok.
Visit the Grand Palace complex and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) in the morning. In the afternoon, join a canal boat tour taking in The Artist’s House and the Giant Buddha, offering a window into Bangkok’s historic waterway communities. Evening is free to explore Khao San Road at your own pace. Overnight: Hotel, Bangkok.
Morning departure south to the coastal resort town of Hua Hin. On arrival, visit a local temple, enjoy some beach time and spend the evening browsing the Hua Hin food market for street food and local produce. Overnight: Guesthouse, Hua Hin.
Morning coastal hike and beach time at Khao Kalok headland with great views along the Gulf coast. In the afternoon, visit the local market to shop for fresh ingredients before joining a Thai cooking class to prepare classic dishes. Evening is free. Overnight: Guesthouse, Hua Hin.
Visit the intriguing Chicken Drop Cave and the impressive Huay Mongkol Temple, home to one of Thailand’s largest statues of the revered monk Luang Pho Thuad. Afternoon free for shopping, followed by an evening stroll and dinner at the famous Hua Hin Night Market. Overnight: Guesthouse, Hua Hin.
A morning boat cruise through the mangrove national park offers a peaceful look at one of Thailand’s most important coastal ecosystems. In the afternoon, take part in a bamboo weaving workshop and learn a traditional Thai craft. The evening is spent at the colourful Cicada Market. Overnight: Guesthouse, Hua Hin.
A morning of zip lining through the forest canopy at a treetop adventure park, followed by beach sports. In the evening, board an overnight coach for Khao Sok National Park, saving a full day of travel time. Overnight: Sleeper bus.
Arrive in Khao Sok in the morning and check in to your bungalow accommodation. After settling in, spend the afternoon tubing along jungle rivers beneath a canopy of ancient rainforest. Evening is free to explore the village. Overnight: Bungalow, Khao Sok.
A morning boat journey across Cheow Lan Lake takes you deep into the national park to your floating bungalow accommodation on the water. After lunch, spend the afternoon swimming, kayaking and wildlife spotting by boat, watching for macaques, hornbills and perhaps a passing deer on the shoreline. Overnight: Floating bungalow, Khao Sok.
A full-day boat trip into Phang Nga Bay, visiting dramatic sea caves, the floating stilt community of Ko Panyi (Pan Yee island) and the iconic limestone outcrop known as James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan). An optional canoeing add-on (€30) allows you to explore the cave systems at water level. Evening is free. Overnight: Guesthouse, Phang Nga.
Optional morning exploration of further cave systems by canoe and bamboo raft. After lunch, travel to the Samet Nangshe viewpoint for sweeping panoramic views across Phang Nga Bay’s spectacular karst landscape—particularly stunning at golden hour. Evening is free. Overnight: Guesthouse, Phang Nga.
Enjoy a free day at your own pace, relaxing in Phang Nga or exploring independently. Alternatively, join the optional Surin Islands snorkelling tour (pre-booking required) for a day of clear-water reef snorkelling and a visit to the Moken sea gypsy village—a rare and memorable encounter with a traditional island community. The evening brings a farewell gathering with the group. Overnight: Guesthouse, Phang Nga.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport. Phuket International Airport (HKT) is approximately 48 km (30 miles) south of downtown Phang Nga and around one hour away by road, providing easy access to domestic and international connections. Alternatively, participants may choose to extend their stay independently and continue onward travel at their leisure.
This programme departs every month on a fixed Sunday. A minimum of 5 participants is required per start date. Arrivals are at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airport on the listed Sunday. The programme concludes in Phang Nga on the Saturday of week two (13 nights).
2026 Start Dates
5th Jan
2nd Feb
2nd Mar
6th Apr
4th May
1st Jun
6th Jul
3rd Aug
7th Sep
5th Oct
2nd Nov
7th Dec
2027 Start Dates
4th Jan
1st Feb
1st Mar
5th Apr
3rd May
7th Jun
5th Jul
2nd Aug
6th Sep
4th Oct
1st Nov
6th Dec
Visa
Most nationalities, including UK and EU passport holders, can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days on arrival. Requirements vary by nationality—please check the current entry requirements for your passport with the Thai Embassy or official government travel advice before departure.
- Airport pickup on arrival day (Bangkok)
- Accommodation throughout: hotels, guesthouses, bungalows and floating bungalows (13 nights)
- Sleeper bus (Day 7 overnight travel, Hua Hin to Khao Sok)
- Meals as listed in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
- All guided tours and entrance fees for included activities
- Tuk tuk night tour and welcome dinner (Day 1)
- Grand Palace and Wat Arun entrance and guide (Day 2)
- Canal boat tour, Bangkok (Day 2)
- Coastal hike, Khao Kalok (Day 4)
- Thai cooking class including market ingredient shopping (Day 4)
- Temples and cave visits, Hua Hin (Day 5)
- Mangrove national park boat cruise (Day 6)
- Bamboo weaving workshop (Day 6)
- Zip lining at treetop adventure park and beach sports (Day 7)
- Afternoon tubing, Khao Sok (Day 8)
- Floating bungalow boat journey, kayaking and wildlife spotting (Day 9)
- Sunrise lake boat trip and waterfall visit (Day 10)
- Phang Nga Bay boat trip including Pan Yee island and James Bond Island (Day 11)
- Samet Nangshe viewpoint visit (Day 12)
- All intercity and included activity transport throughout
- Ferry tickets where applicable
Schedule note: This itinerary is an example. Daily activities are subject to change depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances. The programme operator reserves the right to amend the schedule where necessary.
- International flights to/from Bangkok and from Phuket (HKT)
- Travel insurance (mandatory – must cover adventure activities)
- Optional activities: Surin Islands snorkelling tour; canoeing add-on in Phang Nga Bay; any additional excursions not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and shopping
- Camera or filming fees at certain sites
- Any meals not listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities and tips
- Private room upgrades (available on request, subject to availability)
- Drop-off or onward transfer after the programme concludes on Day 14
- Visa fees (where applicable depending on nationality)
Suitable for ages 18 to 65
Most people are between 18 and 30 but we welcome anyone. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
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