Compare Classic Thailand West Coast (Nov - Apr) by Intrepid Travel vs Thailand & Singapore in style by Audley Travel

Day 1 Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. With no planned activities until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm, why not head out and explore. You could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some into world famous street food.

Day 2 Sukhothai

This morning, leave the current capital of Thailand and head north by train (approx 6 hours) and private mini van (approx 1 hour) to one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, Sukhothai. Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century, and the name means the 'Dawn of Happiness'. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed historic park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Tonight, be sure to head to the fascinating local night market and try the local dishes, like Sukhothai noodles.

Day 3 Sukhothai

Head out to the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai, set amid beautiful lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, and the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of 21 historic sites, with awe-inspiring Buddha images and four large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Upon arrival at the park, hire bicycles and enjoy a few leisurely hours feeling the breeze in your hair and learning about the history of this fascinating place. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch somewhere along the way, and if you have enough free time, visit a local ceramics factory.

Day 4 Village Homestay

Travel by private minivan from Sukothai (approx 4 hours) to the warm and welcoming home of Intrepid's long-time friends in a small Thai village where you’ll spend the night. Accommodation at the homestay is multishare and basic (there will be fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms), but there is no better way to better understand a country and its people. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional northern Thai khantok dinner, accompanied by live music and dancing.

Day 5 Village Homestay - Chiang Mai

In the morning, jump on some bikes and cruise around the homestay village. This is a great opportunity to see how the locals live, and you’ll make a few stops along the way to see small country industries in the area. Cycling past the rice fields and breathing in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance, makes this morning a picture-postcard experience. Say goodbye to your new friends and travel on to Chiang Mai (approximately 45 minutes). The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings and enjoy a free evening tonight.

Day 6 Chiang Mai

This morning, follow your leader to the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai for a visit. You'll be able to learn about these fresh ingredients and where the beautiful flavors of Thai cooking comes from. Then the rest of the day is free.Perhaps explore the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approximately 45 mins). The rewards justify the climb with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention fantastic panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to listen to hypnotic evening chanting by resident Buddhist monks. Or maybe wander markets, meet monks, cruise the river, and slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River Experience. Don't miss out on trying lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training center where you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Or maybe join a Thai cooking class to discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine. Your tour leader will be able to help you make the best of your day with plenty suggestions.

Day 7 Chiang Mai

Today, you’ll have a pretty special time visiting the ChangChill elephant experience. Take a 1.5-hour drive out of Chiang Mai to ChangChill, where you’ll begin to learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will be able to give you a ‘live lecture’ on the elephants themselves, its sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit but be careful not to get a spray! Be treated to some lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai where the rest of the time is at leisure.

Day 8 Bangkok

Today, take a flight back to Bangkok. You will be unaccompanied on the flight. Enjoy some free time before your group briefing at 6pm to meet your new tour leader and fellow travellers. Bangkok is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and slick modernity, where markets (obviously bustling) and world-class cuisine are only the beginning. How about acquainting yourself with this frenetic city of tuk tuks, street food and traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River and just having a walk around. After your important meeting, you might want to experience the unique tourist mecca of Khao San Road with some of your new travel crew.

Day 9 Bangkok

You’ll start today with a visit to Wat Arun – Temple of the Dawn. Named after the Indian God of Dawn – Aruna, this impressive landmark of Bangkok sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities, and this city has so much to offer – perhaps head next door to the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Pho, home to the country's largest reclining Buddha and keeper of the magic behind Thai massage. You may want to take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, or travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous 'khlongs' (canals) of Bangkok. Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Tonight, board an overnight train southbound for Surat Thani (approximately 13 hours).

Day 10 Ao Nang/Krabi

Arrive into Surat Thani this morning and continue by bus (approximately 2.5 hours) to the resort town of Ao Nang in Krabi Province. Ao Nang has a main street with open-air restaurants, shops that light up the sidewalk and bars perfect for kicking back with a beer. It’s also in a great position to hop on longtail boats to places like Railay Beach and the idyllic islands surrounding the bay. There's plenty of free time to relax on the beautiful beaches and get into the spirit of southern Thailand. You also might want to take advantage of some of the optional activities on offer, like a cycling trip that takes you on back country tracks, gets you close to local culture, and rewards you with a lovely afternoon dip in a beautiful waterfall. Otherwise, consider a relaxing massage on the beach (no kidding), or just sit back with a good book and a cool cocktail to watch the sun slip beneath the horizon. This is living. In the late afternoon, visit Baan Na Teen village and take part in Batik Making to learn about this ancient technique of dyeing and then join in a local family for some home-cooked feast. Here is also an opportunity to assist with the preparation of tonight's meal – learn some of the delicious secrets of southern Thai cooking and enjoy a dinner that tastes all the better thanks to your handiwork! This is a wonderful opportunity to absorb some of the daily rituals of Thai culture.

Day 11 Ao Nang/Krabi

This morning, head out to Ao Nang beach and on board a speed boat to start today’s exploration. Immerse in the beauty of the coast line with stops at Phra Nang Cave, Railey Beach, Koh Tup, Koh Gai and discover the amazing coral and tropical fish through snorkelling in the crystal clear water. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling and return back to Ao Nang beach in mid-afternoon. Tonight, why not grab some travel pals and stroll down the main drag to find a seafood restaurant.

Day 12 Khao Lak

Say goodbye to Ao Nang this morning and continue your journey to Khao Lak. On the way, stop at a great Community-based tourism initiative at Baan Nai Nang village (supported by Mangrove Action Project) and you’ll spend a better half of the day here, experiencing the amazing nature and learning about local culture. Get active and venture out in a kayak to explore the amazing water, limestone cliffs and mangrove forests at Khao Ka Rot. Return back to the village and enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch after a good workout, then learn to prepare and taste the organic local mulberry leaf tea. Head out for a walk in the village and its organic fruit orchards after lunch before hopping back on your bus and continue to Khao Lak (approx. 3 hours).

Day 13 Khao Lak

Enjoy a free day at Khao Lak. There are plenty to do in Khao Lak. Why not visit Lam Ru National Park andTon Chong Fa Water Fall, or make it a day trip to Similan Islands or Surin Islands? Your tour leader will be on hand to help you make the best of the day.

Day 14 Phuket

This morning leave for the tourist haven of Phuket, Thailand’s largest and most visited island. This island is certainly a brasher, more vibrant extrovert to the mellower sibling of the last few days. If a little modern pizazz is what you’re after with your dose of sunshine exotica, look no further – this island offers a little something for everyone. It’ll take about 3 hours to get to Phuket.Once you've arrived on the island, there's a chance to stop at the Tsunami Memorial if you would like to visit. Then continue to Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation which support the protection of turtles and research of the Marine Biodiversity. You'll be able to learn about the important work that they do here and see the different type of turtles at the foundation. Then it's another hour to Kata beach. You’ll stay in the heart of Kata beach, where everything from shops to restaurants to nightclubs awaits.

Day 15 Phuket

Phuket is ringed with beaches, each with their own distinct personalities, from a party vibe to perhaps something quieter and more romantic. If you can pull yourself away from the beautiful beaches and curving coasts, Phuket also has a range of activities to fill your day, from Thai boxing exhibitions to cabaret shows. If you love getting out on the water and exploring the islands, then perhaps use your last day to take a day trip out to the stunning Phi Phi and Khai Nok, a tiny island surrounded by white sandy beach perfect suitable for swimming and snorkelling. If you want to spend some time with Thailand’s magnificent elephants, take a visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. You will get to see the elephants in the safety and security of their natural home and get an insight into the behaviour and personal history of each elephant. Perhaps gather together your fellow travellers tonight and enjoy a celebratory dinner.

Day 16 Phuket

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you’d like to continue to soak up the very best of Phuket, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Singapore.

Day 2 : Singapore

After being met by an Audley representative on arrival into Singapore airport you have a private transfer to your luxurious historic hotel.Depending on your flight time, you might have time to explore Singapore. There are a number of interesting shops and restaurants surrounding the hotel you might like to take a walk to, before enjoying a cocktail in the Long Bar at your hotel - a famous Singapore institution.

Day 3 : Singapore

Today is at leisure to relax after your flights. If you would like to venture out of the hotel there is plenty to see and do. For impressive views of the city you may like to consider a visit to the SkyPark in Marina Bay. Chinatown is a great spot to explore on foot, with lots of delicious street-food stalls and vibrant temples.

Day 4 : Singapore

Your driver will collect you this morning for your private transfer to Singapore's Woodlands Railway Station. Here you will board the Eastern & Oriental Express for your two night rail journey to Bangkok. Once on board enjoy the changing scenery as the train travels over the causeway into Malaysia. All meals are included during your time on board.

Day 5 : Singapore

After breakfast arrive at the royal town of Kuala Kangsar where you have the opportunity to disembark and enjoy a small group tour of the grand Ubudiah Mosque, the Royal Museum of Perak and the Sultan Shah Gallery. Back on board the train, spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the views from the Observation Car as the train makes its way into Thailand.

Day 6 : Bangkok

The E&O train arrives into Kanchanaburi this morning. After being transferred to the river, enjoy a short river cruise to view the lush scenery along the River Kwai with your fellow train guests. You also have the chance to visit the town's museum as well as the well-known Don Rak War Cemetery. Back on board the train have lunch before arriving into Bangkok in the afternoon where your guide is waiting to take you by private car to the famous Mandarin Oriental, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Day 7 : Bangkok

Enjoy a private guided tour exploring the ancient city of Ayuthaya today, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and now home to atmospheric ruins and ancient temples. Still an important site for pilgrims, you might be able to see offerings of flowers and gifts being made at some of the temples.

Day 8 : Bangkok

Meet your guide at your hotel this morning for a fascinating private tour of Bangkok, visiting three of the city's most unusual Buddhist temples and the majestic Grand Palace.You will have the afternoon at leisure before enjoying a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.

Day 9 : Chiang Mai

This morning have a private transfer to the airport for your internal flight to the historical and colourful city of Chiang Mai, located in the north of Thailand. Your guide will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your boutique hotel located in the hills above the city. Your afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the city. In the evening you may like to visit the city's famous night bazaar.

Day 10 : Chiang Mai

Explore the main sights of Chiang Mai with your private guide today, including the hilltop temple of Doi Suthep - Chiang Mai's most famous landmark and one of Thailand's most important temples. Continue on to the White Hmong village of Chang Khien where the 800 inhabitants still wear their traditional hill tribe clothes and practice a culture that dates back 500 years.

Day 11 : Chiang Mai

Today visit the Patara Elephant Farm to have a hands-on experience with these magnificent creatures as you learn the traditional skills of the mahout (elephant keeper). This is part of a small group.

Day 12 : Phuket

Your guide collects you from your hotel and takes you to the local airport for your internal flight to Phuket, a journey of about two hours. At Phuket airport our driver will take you to your luxurious beach accommodation, the Amanpuri. Set amongst palm trees next to a pristine beach this is a wonderful place to spend time relaxing before heading home.

Day 13 : Phuket

Today is at leisure to relax on your beautiful beach. Your hotel has a spa and can organise activities on the sea or inland. With clear and calm waters, you might like to try an organised snorkeling trip.

Day 14 : Phuket

Day at leisure. Today you may like to explore the island's craggy coast by kayak or catamaran. It's possible to find completely untouched coves and bays to stop off at for a swim.

Day 15 : Phuket

Today is your last day to enjoy your lovely beach setting before heading home. You might like to make your trip special by booking a private dinner on the beach.

Day 16 : International return flight

This morning your driver will collect you from the hotel for your private transfer to Phuket airport in time for your onward flights. Your return flight will arrive the same day.