The lesser-known east and northeast
On this tour, visit Thailand' s lesser-known east and northeast where historic sites, national parks, wildlife and mountain peoples vie for attention before descending to the tropical south. From the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, you will travel past several historical sites such as Ayutthaya, Phimai and Sukhothai. In the national parks of Khao Yai, Phu Hin Rong Kla and Sam Roi Yot, you will take the most beautiful walks in search of monkeys, elephants and colorful bird species. From the city of Udon Thani, travel via Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to the northern area known as the Golden Triangle. While hiking through the mountains, you will meet different mountain peoples. Where the world can't find you...
The tropical south
At a leisurely pace, you will descend from bustling Bangkok to the panoramic south, passing plantations, fishing villages, viewpoints and national parks. The stunning landscapes are constantly interspersed throughout the trip with inspiring encounters with locals, wildlife tracking, treks through dense jungle and relaxing moments on the water.
TIPS & TOPS ROUNDTRIP UNEXPECTED THAILAND
- In bustling Bangkok, visit your first temples - Wat Pho, Grand Palace and Wat Arun - and then explore Chinatown where you will discover delicious street food
- Take your bike on the longtail boat, take a beautiful tour through Bangkok's canals before getting on your bike. You will take a ride full of surprises through suburbs, narrow alleys and past hidden temples
- Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest - and perhaps most beautiful - national park with elephants, numerous colorful bird species and the stunning Nam Tok Haew Suwat waterfall
- In Khao Yai, you will search for animals both during the day and at night. Spot barking deer, sambar deer and porcupines; however, the chances of seeing tigers and bears are very low
- Phimai Historical Park is Thailand's Ankor Wat; at nearby Ban Prasat you will find cemeteries and pottery from a vanished culture
- Through traditional villages, drive to the city of Udon Thani, an atmospheric, non-touristy city full of temples and restaurants
- In Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, hike the Lan Hin Tak trail through tropical mountainous landscape with beautiful waterfalls
- Cycle in Sukhothai (UNESCO World Heritage Site) past ancient palaces, temples and Buddha statues
- Climb the 309 steps of the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai
- The Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Burma and Laos border each other was notorious for the opium trade
- Marvel at the unconventional architectural style of the famous White Temple Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai
- Take a boat ride on the Mae Kok River
- In Sam Roi Yot National Park, look for the hidden beach among the rocks, climb to the Phraya Nakhon cave and let the surreal view of the sun-shrouded royal pavilion take your breath away
- In Kui Buri, you can join the local community in making paper from elephant dung and pineapple, see how rubber is tapped from rubber trees, and see the process from silkworm to silk
- From Ranong, visit the many small tropical islands during a day of island hopping
