Journeys: Thailand in Depth - 15 Days

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Step onto a boat heading down the Chao Phraya River toward Tha Tien Pier to begin your morning. Walk to the grand grounds of Wat Pho to see the massive Reclining Buddha, then take time to wander the bustling food stalls nearby. In the afternoon, board a traditional longtail boat to navigate the historic waterways, slipping from the main river into the quiet, wooden-built canals of the Thonburi district. Here, daily life unfolds right along the water's edge: laundry dries in the sun, kids splash from docks, and vendors paddle past, showing you a grounded, local side of the city before you head back for a free evening.

Leave the capital behind and head toward Kanchanaburi, where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers meet. Stop near the historic Death Railway for an optional lunch at Tham Krasae, then board a local train for a moving journey through World War II history. Continue to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum to deepen your understanding through local artifacts and exhibits, before checking into your hotel along the river for an evening at your leisure.

Venture into the lush canopy of Erawan National Park to find the famous seven-tiered waterfall. Spend your morning swimming in the turquoise pools, taking photos from the upper limestone ledges, or hiking the quiet jungle trails. After a morning at the falls, travel across the green plains to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. As dusk falls over the old city, climb aboard a beautifully converted 1930s rice barge for a dinner cruise. Drift past ruins and riverside villages while sharing a traditional meal, watching the stars come out over the water before checking into your hotel.

After breakfast, wander the towering stone prangs and weathered brick Buddhas of Ayutthaya Historical Park on a guided morning walk. From here, drive back to the Bangkok airport, for an afternoon flight to Chiang Mai. Arrive to a warm northern welcome, then travel to a nearby village. Step into the home of a local family for a Khantoke dinner, passing platters of sticky rice, rich hang-le curry, and crispy pork with chilli paste. After dinner, walk through the garden, sip tea, and learn more about rural Thai life before checking into your hotel.

Dive into the smells and colours of the neighbourhood market this morning, picking out fresh ginger, lemongrass, and chillies alongside local shoppers. Take your ingredients to a cooking class to learn the balance of Thai flavours, then sit down to devour the dishes you made for lunch. In the afternoon, meet with monks at Wat Suan Dok temple, before riding a cable car up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Listen to the monks' evening chanting, then join a talk at the International Meditation Center with a teaching monk about Buddhist life, the remainder of your evening at leisure.

Spend a free day exploring Chiang Mai on your own terms. Your National Geographic Expedition Leader can help you choose the right path, leaving you free to follow the community, culture, or quiet corners that call to you most. You might choose a scenic, flat cycling tour along the banks of the Mae Ping River, pedalling past fruit orchards in small riverside communities. As evening approaches, join an optional street food walk through the buzzing night market, browsing handmade crafts from local artists and sampling spicy northern snacks from sizzling woks.

Gather your belongings and bid farewell to the northern hills as you travel as a group to the airport for your flight south to Krabi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. This evening, join your fellow travellers for an optional dinner by the sea.

Step aboard a traditional longtail boat on an excursion with a community-run enterprise, supported by the tour operator. Cruise the waters of the Andaman Sea, heading for the Hong Island archipelago. Spend your day exploring four islands: Hong, Pakbia, Lahding, and Paradise. Sink your toes into white sand, share a quiet picnic lunch surrounded by limestone cliffs, and snorkel in clear waters teeming with colourful marine life. It is a day defined by the simple rhythms of the sun and sea, offering plenty of time to swim, relax, and absorb the natural beauty of the coast before heading back to Krabi for a free evening.

Begin the morning by crossing the Krabi River on a longtail boat to explore quiet rural communities. Hop on tuk-tuk to wind through farming villages, meeting residents and learning about daily agricultural life and the customs of the predominantly Muslim community. In the afternoon, travel to Khao Sok National Park, where you will join a local guide for a walk through the rainforest. Arrive at a secluded jungle clearing for a bamboo cooking experience, helping to prepare a feast of green curry, barbecued chicken, and rice inside freshly cut bamboo tubes, dining as the forest comes alive with evening sounds.

Today is yours to shape as you wish, with optional excursions that let you dive deeper into this ancient rainforest. Choose to set out on a guided jungle trek to spot wild orchids, towering bamboo groves, and signs of native wildlife along the leafy trails. Alternatively, opt for a peaceful canoe tour down the gentle Sok River. Whatever you choose, spend a slow-paced day connecting with one of Thailand's most biodiverse wilderness areas.

Discover how delicious southern Thai dishes go from plot to plate at Kao Thep Pitak farm and restaurant, a the tour operator supported community-run project. Walk through organic orchards and a nearby rubber plantation, learning how this self-sustaining initiative supports more than 140 local families. Share lunch prepared by village members, then travel to Don Sak pier to board the afternoon ferry to the tropical island of Koh Samui. Arrive on the island and settle into your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Set out on a day of discovery across Koh Samui, travelling beyond the beaches to see the island's interior. Wind past coconut plantations, wander jungle sanctuaries, and stand before waterfalls and island temples. Along the way, take in sweeping panoramic views from high mountain lookouts and stop to feel the soft sand of quiet Silver Beach. This journey offers a balance of culture, local life, and natural beauty, ending with a relaxed evening at your leisure.

Spend a free day taking in Koh Samui at your own pace. Choose to spend the day relaxing on the sun-warmed beaches, dipping into the Gulf of Thailand, and browsing local seaside markets. Or, opt for an excursion to Angthong National Marine Park, an archipelago of hidden lagoons and limestone cliffs. Your National Geographic Expedition Leader is on hand to help you arrange your perfect final day, leaving you free to gather with your fellow travellers in the evening to swap stories and celebrate your shared journey.

Depart at any time.