Thailand: Nature & Beach

Bangkok is a quintessential blend of old and new! Meaning the city of angels, Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand - and is its largest metropolis. The city has always been ahead in terms of its modernity, and was at the heart of Siam, the former name for the Kingdom of Thailand. Every street turn is a new adventure, where skyscrapers meet astonishing traditional architecture, interspersed with numerous beautiful temples, monasteries and palaces. It is a shopper’s paradise too - from gleaming luxury malls with glittering electronic goods and designer fashion to charming street and night markets where you can hone your negotiation skills and pick up a marvellous bargain or two.

Discover the lifestyle and traditions of the Thai people on this full-day guided trip of Bangkok, using public transport. Start early with a ride on the air-conditioned elevated Sky Train (BTS). Disembark at BTS National Stadium Station and take a short walk to Jim Thompson House. Explore the idyllic gardens and traditional buildings, showcasing the life of this famous, mysterious American silk merchant. Next, board a ‘bus boat’ that takes you along the city’s canals, giving you an insight into the lives of locals. On arrival at the terminal station, hop on one of Thailand’s famous three-wheeled ‘tuk tuks.’ Whiz through quieter city streets to Soi Ban Batra to visit the family-run workshop that produces monks’ alms bowls. Watch the artisans at work as you learn about the daily lives of Buddhist monks. Finally, visit the outstanding temple of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, before heading back to the hotel. (Duration: Full Day; Time: 0800 hrs; Private Activity; Included: Use of Public Transport; Meal not included; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please dress appropriately for visits to palaces and temples. Wear comfortable walking shoes; Important Note: Shorts, mini-skirts, tight fitting trousers, sleeveless shirts or vests, and sandals are not allowed)

Kanchanaburi town lies 130kms west of Bangkok, bordering north-west Myanmar (Burma). The capital of Kanchanaburi province is situated on the River Kwai Noi which has been immortalized in the famed 1957 'Bridge on the River Kwai' movie! It is best known from World War II when the Japanese Imperial Army began constructing the infamous 'Death Railway' which included the Bridge Over The River Kwai. The town lies in a fertile valley with sugar-cane fields surrounded by limestone hills famous for their temple caves (once inhabited by neolithic man). Also, explore the unique Erawan Waterfalls with its seven-levels set amongst rough jungle in the Erawan National Park. See three war museums, two war cemeteries, a national museum, a historical park and hot springs.

Kui Buri sprawls across moist equatorial forests that is home to a variety of tropical flora and fauna. Located practically in the center of the country, this area is best known as the base for expeditions to Kui Buri National Park. Wonderfully peaceful and picturesque, a wildlife tour in the region offers the rare chance of observing wild Asian elephants amble about their natural habitat. The forest is teeming with plenty of other animals too, including gaurs, jackals, leopards and langur monkeys. Set on the fringes of the lush greenery, Kui Buri village offers its own quaint, rural charm, including the chance to watch villagers make paper from pineapples, tap rubber, and engage in wooden craftwork.

Khao Lak is Thailand’s tranquil seaside destination and home to many beach resorts. Located about an hour from the country’s most famous island, Phuket, it provides a tranquil ambience and seclusion in the form of uncrowded yet family-friendly beaches that touch the turquoise ocean. On the nearby mainland lies Khao Sok National Park, an evergreen natural reserve that boasts elephant encounters, jungle trekking, canoeing and is home to world renowned scuba diving. Due to its pristine coral reefs, the national park also provides some of the best snorkeling in Thailand.

Khao Sok is ideally located on the mainland between Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui and Khao Lak, in the southern province of Surat Thani. The Khao Sok National Park is the highlight of the region, where the lowland jungle (Thailand's wettest spot) is believed to date over 160 million years, thereby staking claim to be one of the oldest rainforests on the earth. It features theatrical limestone formations shooting straight up and out into the air, deep valleys, waterfalls rippling through dense thickets, scenic lakes, mind-bending caves, wild animals - keep your eyes peeled- and a thrilling assortment of indigenous creatures.

Day 1- Kick off an exciting safari that takes you through wondrous scenes on land and water. This morning you will be met at the airport or your beach hotel for approximately 1 to 2.30 hours (depending on the location) transfer to Khao Sok National Park. Be sure to look out the window as you travel into the park, you will begin to see towering limestone cliffs emerging over the small local farms and homes. Meet up with your guide at the office of our local partner in Khao Sok, where you may drop off your luggage if you wish. Continue on to your first stop to visit the village of Khao Pang and get a glimpse of rural village life. Enjoy a tour around the village and organic farm. Have a local lunch in the village prepared by a resident family before departing for nearby Wararam Village. Here, try your hand at making a traditional Thai dessert at a local family’s home, followed by an easy walk or short drive to the river passing local fruit farm. Afterwards, board your inflatable canoe for a ride down the river passing small homes and jungle. Half way through your journey make a stop to enjoy the local coffee served in traditional bamboo cups. At the end of your ride you will be transferred to your hotel for the evening. Thai Dinner is included at the accommodation. Overnight stay at Cliff & river Jungle Resort, Khao Sok. Day 2 - After a hearty breakfast, set off for Ratchaprapa Dam, located on the edge of Cheow Larn Lake, which is set amid spectacular and dramatic limestone scenery. Stop by at the visitor center located at the pier, where you can glean information about the lake and its stunning surrounds and how they were formed! After this, embark on a boat ride on that will take you through the towering karats towards your magical floating accomodation for your overnight stay – the Greenery Panvaree Floating Resort. Enjoy a delicious dinner in a stunning ambiance, surrounded by the craggy cliffs. Day 3 - Day two of your lake adventure begins with a scenic 30-minute hike and a guided longtail boat ride to the Coral Cave located in the middle of a lake. Embark on a longtail boat with your guide, spotting wildlife as you head towards the Coral Cave. The cave is enclosed in its own natural lake, requiring approximately 30 minutes’ hike before you reach the water. From here board bamboo rafts with small engines attached, a unique transport method of the region. Your guide will explain the background of the cave as well as point out some of the most interesting stalactites and stalagmites. Return to your accommodation for lunch before visiting a cluster of limestone karsts known as Guilin Noi (little Guilin). Bring the exciting tour to a close by heading back to Ratchaprapa dam for your onward journey. (Private Activity & Transfer; Meals Included; Fitness level: High. Please note that this tour may not be suitable for elderly guests and guests who have problems walking as the activities involve climbing steps to get on the boats and a high degree of fitness. Please do carry a backpack with: sunglasses, hat, trainers, swim suit, towel, sunscreen, bug spray, headlamp, camera, and toiletries.)