Discover Thailand 2026 WEST - 12 Days

Our tour starts today in Thailand's capital, Bangkok. Here, old meets new, and the energetic local life - awash with street vendors, locals and tourists - is set against a backdrop of ornate shrines and modern skyscrapers. Sample fragrant street food, haggle in the non-stop markets and take a cruise out on the Chao Phraya River to witness stunning sunsets.

For those arriving on time today, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on a tour of Bangkok's street food. We'll take the city's metro system before weaving our way through the bustling stalls of Chinatown.

Our tour leader will fill us in on the local history while helping us make sense of the wild and colourful sights around us. If you're feeling peckish, there are tons of street foods to sample. And for the daring among us, you can even try the local speciality - crispy fried bugs.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is around a one-hour drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up on day 2. Please note that if you'd like to join the street food tour of Chinatown today, you need to arrive at the hotel by 6pm. If you're booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around a one-hour drive, so the latest your flight can arrive is 3pm.

Our itinerary allows us limited time to see the highlights, so we highly recommend booking additional nights in Bangkok before the start of your trip.

Today is free for you to explore Bangkok at your own pace. If you'd like some ideas, there are several optional excursions to choose from.

One of the city's main highlights is the Grand Palace, built in 1782 and home to Thai royalty for more than 150 years. The complex is admired for its intricate carvings, striking artwork, and gold-covered architecture. It also houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of the most important religious sites in Thailand. Nearby is Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which features a 46-metre-long golden Buddha statue.

Alternatively, you could explore Bangkok's klongs - a network of narrow canals that reveal a quieter, more traditional side of the city. Travel by long-tail boat, passing stilted houses and local markets, and stop at a riverside temple that's home to the largest Buddha image in Bangkok.

Another great option is a cycling tour through Bangkok's lesser-known neighbourhoods. Ride along backstreets and hidden alleyways, passing local homes, small temples and vibrant markets. It's a relaxed and authentic way to see everyday life in the city, away from the busy main roads.

Start the day with an early breakfast before meeting the group and heading to Bangkok's Thonburi Railway Station. Here, we'll board one of Thailand's classic trains a slow but wonderfully authentic experience with open windows, ceiling fans and a lively local atmosphere. The journey to Kanchanaburi takes around three hours, offering a glimpse of rural life as the cityscape gradually gives way to rice paddies, small villages and palm-lined countryside. Vendors stroll through the aisles selling everything from snacks and cold drinks to unexpected trinkets you never knew you needed. If you've never travelled by local Thai train before, this scenic ride is the perfect introduction.

While most visitors are busy photographing the Bridge over the River Kwai, we'll be riding across it. Feel the weight of history as the train crosses this iconic landmark - part of the infamous Death Railway - and continues through some of its most picturesque stretches, hugging the river with sweeping views of jungle-covered hills and towering limestone cliffs.

We'll disembark at Namtok Railway Station, the final stop on the historic line, before continuing by road to the Hellfire Pass Museum, a poignant memorial dedicated to the prisoners of war who built the Burma-Thailand Railway. Overlooking the rugged Hellfire Pass cutting - carved by hand through solid rock - the museum offers a deeply moving insight into this tragic but significant part of history.

From here, the journey continues to your floating accommodation, tucked away within a national park and far from the more touristy sections of the River Kwai. Family-run for generations, the property offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience. The simple yet comfortable floating bungalows are moored along the river and reached via a small suspension bridge. Each room includes quality bedding, a fan, and a mosquito net, with electricity available in the evenings. Staying here directly supports the local community and helps preserve this peaceful, little-visited area of Thailand.

End the day with dinner served by the river, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the jungle.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning. You may want to take a short walk along the nearby trails or visit a few small historical sites in the area.

In the late morning, we meet the group and board our private raft, which will be towed by a long-tail boat to a quiet stretch of the river. Surrounded by forest, we'll hear little more than the sounds of birds and monkeys in the trees. Lunch and soft drinks are provided on board, and there's time to swim in the cool water and enjoy lunch on the raft. The trip continues to a small waterfall where we can take another refreshing dip.

In the afternoon, you could choose to continue by kayak, paddling gently downstream along the Kwai River and past the forested banks of Sai Yok National Park.

In the evening, we enjoy another dinner by the river.

Wake up to the gentle sound of Sai Yok Waterfalls and enjoy one last breakfast in this peaceful natural setting. After taking in the morning views, we'll board our minivan and begin the journey south.

Our first leg takes a little over three hours to reach Phetchaburi, a historic town known for its beautiful temples, fascinating caves, and a genuine local atmosphere where you'll hardly see any tourists. We'll arrive in time for lunch at a local restaurant where you can sample some of the region's distinctive dishes.

After lunch, we'll visit the Khao Luang Cave, an impressive limestone cavern of historical and cultural importance. A short drive from the town centre brings us to the entrance, followed by a gentle walk down a well-maintained path into the cave. Inside, a network of chambers is filled with stalactites, Buddha statues, and natural openings where shafts of sunlight filter through, illuminating the golden figures and creating a calm, almost sacred atmosphere.

From here, we continue for another two hours south to Pranburi, a peaceful coastal district known for its quiet beaches and laid-back pace of life. On arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind for the evening - take a swim in the hotel pool, enjoy a walk along the shoreline, or simply relax as the sun sets.

Later, head out for dinner at one of the local restaurants along the beach, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and the relaxed coastal vibe.

Start the day by heading to Pranburi Train Station to board the southbound train - a scenic five-hour journey through rural Thailand. Sit back and watch as the landscape changes from coastal plains to small villages and stretches of tropical countryside. After arriving in Surat Thani, continue by bus towards Khao Sok National Park, reaching your accommodation around sunset. It's a long travel day, but the varied scenery and glimpses of everyday life make it an experience to remember.

Upon arrival in Khao Sok, check in to your accommodation, set amid lush forest. Take the evening to relax, listen to the sounds of nature, and unwind before the adventures that await tomorrow.

The morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure - take the time to relax or explore the area.

You can also choose from two optional excursions.

Join a guided walk through the surrounding rainforest, where your local guide will help you spot wildlife and share insights about the park's rich ecosystem. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys swinging through the treetops and colourful hornbills and kingfishers flitting between branches. The jungle here is thick and diverse, home to towering bamboo, ancient fig trees, palm groves and the fascinating pitcher plant, a carnivorous species unique to this environment.

Alternatively, embark on a boat excursion across Cheow Lan Lake, one of Thailand's most striking natural settings. Cruise over emerald-green waters surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts, dense rainforest, and hidden caves. You'll stop at some of the lake's most scenic viewpoints and have the chance to take a swim in the refreshing water or kayak among the quiet inlets. The nature surrounding the reservoir is serene and almost untouched, offering a glimpse into what the whole of Thailand must have looked like centuries ago.

Both options offer a unique perspective of Khao Sok National Park, whether you prefer to explore on foot or glide across its tranquil waters.

Today we leave the lush landscapes of Khao Sok and head to the shores of Koh Lanta. After breakfast, we will travel through scenic countryside for about four hours and then take a short ferry ride to the island.

On arrival in Koh Lanta, you will find quiet beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. After checking in, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish. You may choose to rest by the beach, explore the local area or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Today is free to enjoy Koh Lanta. Unwind on its pristine beaches, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or explore the island's interior. Whether you choose to visit the local markets, discover hidden coves or simply relax by the sea, the island offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

One of the highlights of the island is its ethical elephant sanctuary. The 'Following Giants' experience allows visitors to observe and interact with rescued elephants in a natural, compassionate environment. Instead of riding or exploiting the elephants, guests can walk alongside these majestic creatures, learn about their behaviour, and see their rehabilitation in a setting that prioritizes their well-being and freedom.

We have another free day on Koh Lanta today, giving you time to enjoy the beachfront hotel's facilities or take part in one of the many activities available on the island.

You may choose to kayak off the coast and paddle through calm waterways, where you can observe monkeys, birds and other wildlife in their natural environment. Alternatively, you could join a boat tour to visit neighbouring islands, with opportunities to swim in clear water, snorkel over colourful coral reefs and explore quiet beaches and sea caves. If you prefer to stay on land, the island offers gentle walks, small local villages to visit and plenty of places to enjoy fresh seafood by the shore.

After a relaxing morning, we will say goodbye to Koh Lanta and make our way to Krabi for our final night. The journey takes around three to four hours and includes a short ferry crossing followed by a bus transfer.

Once we check in to our hotel, the late afternoon is free for you to unwind or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. You might choose to take a walk along the waterfront, browse local shops or simply enjoy some time by the pool. This evening, there will be an opportunity to join the group for dinner at a local restaurant, a chance to share highlights from the trip and enjoy our last night together.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Krabi.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Krabi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Krabi Airport (KBV), which is a 40-minute drive from our hotel.

There are so many amazing places to discover around Krabi - it's the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the other local islands. If you'd like more time in Krabi, we strongly recommend booking additional nights post-tour. Contact us to arrange accommodation.