13 adventure days in Thailand exploring the less-touristy areas

After breakfast at the hotel, you start to discover Bangkok with your private tour guide and driver. Your first stop is at Wat Traimit to visit the largest Golden Buddha statue in the world (3m high, weighs 5.5 tons, and is carved in solid gold). Your next visit is to Wat Pho to admire the massive reclining Buddha statue, which represents the entry of Buddha into Nirvana and the end of all reincarnations.

You will visit the Grand Palace just 800m from Wat Pho. The dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Bangkok and a must-see. Continues with a long-tail boat ride along the canal to see Thai houses and typical rural life, as well as a visit to the Temple of Dawn before ending your day.

Evening tuk-tuk Food Tour.

Bangkok is claimed to be the city that never stops eating. Bangkokians usually find themselves enjoying eating even at midnight. So, what would be a better idea than exploring this city of angels via a fun Tuk Tuk ride and visiting the best local eateries after sunset? That’s why we’d love to invite you to come with us on the FOOD TOUR BY TUK TUK.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Bangkok Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Immerse yourself in a local cultural practice while you get your blood pumping by joining this fun and exciting Muay Thai class in Bangkok that’ll teach you all you need about this ancient martial art! The Muay Thai class is run by Watchara MuayThai Gym, a local martial arts studio known for its friendly instructors and high-quality courses, where you’re sure to get that coveted adrenaline rush with the course you take. Beginners will enjoy the introductory courses, where they will learn the fundamentals as well as all of the necessary techniques to prepare them for more advanced maneuvers at the next level.

On the other hand, more advanced participants will be able to work on their personal fitness goals and spar with their classmates inside the air-conditioned classroom. Get handy tips and tricks from your professional English-speaking instructors, who will guide you through the entire duration of the two-hour class tour. If you’re looking for a more personalized experience or simply want a hands-on class with your teacher, a private course is a perfect choice for both groups and individuals. Muay Thai is a must-try activity for those looking for new things and for those who crave an unforgettable experience during their days in Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast.

Bangkok Muay Thai

After finishing breakfast, you check out. Viland Travel will bring you to Hua Lampong train station, where you can get a ticket and depart for Ayutthaya. Train transfer, Train #75, Dep. 08:20 Bangkok Hua Lampong – Arr. 09:39 Ayutthaya. This trip is a chance to see the scenery from the outskirts of the Thai capital down to the green farms and surrounding villages.

Upon arrival, see Viland Travel’s driver and drive to the cycling starting point. Ride a bike to Ayutthaya Historical Park and visit the ancient palace grounds. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, lying beside the Grand Palace, was once the most significant temple during the Ayutthaya period. Adjacent to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, an impressive building that houses a seated bronze Buddha image. Lunch is at Malakor, a local Thai restaurant. After lunch, embark on a private transfer to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace, south of Ayutthaya. Visit the beautiful palace, followed by Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, the Gothic-style temple. End the tour there, and transfer to your hotel in the city.

Stay overnight in Ayutthaya. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Ayutthaya Wat Niwet Thammaprawat

Saying goodbye to the ancient Ayutthaya, you ride a train, head to the north, and arrive in a small town called. Lopburi. Train #111, Dep. 08:37 Ayutthaya – Arr. 09:42.

Upon arrival, meet your local tour guide and take a leisurely walk to Prang Sam Yot, situated just opposite the railway station. This more than 800-years-old temple is considered the most ancient religious structure here, built when the city was under the control of the Khmer empire. The temple consists of 3 main towers in the classical style of Khmer architecture. The most impressive scene at the temple is a group of monkeys freely walking around, making friends, and playing with tourists. Afterward, proceed by van transfer to King Narai’s Palace. Then, continue further along the Lopburi River to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterward, head back to the train station and board the train to Phitsanulok.

Upon arrival at the train station in Phitsanulok, transfer to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight in Phitsanulok.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Lopburi Prang Sam Yot

Sukhothai is less affected by the process of urbanization and is known as the “dawn of happiness. To get an insight into the splendor and magnificence of Sukhothai’s past, you will take a full day of cycling tour exploring this area. Start from Ban Kheay, a small village on the Sukhothai outskirts. It would be a relaxing ride on the flat, paved rural roads. While your local guide tells you about farming life, you pass the endless rice paddies with beautiful views of the Kao Laung mountain range in Ramkhamhaeng National Park.

Arrive at the Southern Gate, and explore some of Sukhothai’s famous ancient ruins. Marvel at beautiful Buddhist and Hindu architecture and be exposed. The tour offers the visitor a guided cultural experience, learning about Sukhothai’s history and complex architecture and the story of Buddhism in Thailand. After a delicious local lunch, ride along a small irrigation canal (Klong Mae Lampan), passing through rural villages before returning to town. The cool climate makes the 15km cycle trip easier than ever.

In the early evening, you are transferred back to the Phitsanulol train station for a night train to Chiang Mai. Train #109, Dep. 20.37 Phitsanulok – Arr. Chiang Mai 04:05.

Stay in a overnight train.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Khao Luang Ramkhamhaeng National Park

Unlike the hustle and bustle of life in Bangkok, Chiang Mai is beautiful and gentle like a rose and is most famous for its beautiful ancient temples. The striking mountainous landscape around the city provides a lot of natural attractions and is home to two tribal villages.

Meet your private tour guide and driver at 6:00 for an early departure for Doi Suthep Mountain. You can expect to be there on time and participate in the local almsgiving ceremony, a custom in Theravada Buddhist countries that helps to sustain the monastic community. In Thailand, this ritual morning food donation to the monks, or almsgiving, is called DAK BAT, and the image of barefooted monks carrying their alms bowls in the dawn becomes a beauty that attracts many photographers.

After the ceremony, you take the gondola to the Gold Temple on top of the Mountain. You can admire a golden spire that decorates the center of the complex inside the main temple; the walls around it are decorated with historical murals, shrines & statues. There is also a replica of the Emerald Buddha statue on display. Outside, you can see the Shine of the White Elephant, a viewing terrace, some of the world’s largest gongs, a wall of bells, and so much more. Then, you walk the 309 steps down the Naga Serpent (the body of a dragon) staircase to meet your private driver.

Note: Please remember to dress respectfully or you are not allowed to enter. You are required to remove your shoes while walking around inside the main temple. There are shoe racks to store your shoes, or you could put them in your backpack.

Next, proceed to Wat Umong, built in the 14th century, a heavily forested temple covered by moss and small plants, offering a unique yet charming sense of natural decay; You walk through mysterious tunnels to reach the Viharn of the temple, where you will experience your own private blessing ceremony. Enjoy your lovely day with a tasty bowl of Khao Soy. This famous Northern Thai dish is truly a combination of coconut cream, crispy noodles, and plenty of spice that is sure to delight!

In the afternoon, you return to downtown Chiang Mai to visit the Three Kings Monuments, and the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center. Note: The Chiang Mai Arts & Culture Center is closed on Monday and during the Songkran Festival. Opening hours from Tuesday-Sunday are 8:30-17:00.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Chiang Mai Gold Temple

3-hour Chiang Mai trekking adventure to a waterfall is a nice way to see the jungle and cool off in the water. The trek itself is about 1.6 km through the jungle to a 10-meter waterfall. We then take a break here so you can go for a swim, so it’s good beforehand to change into your swimming attire at the camp before you start the hike. The guide along the way will point out flora and fauna and some of the cultural aspects of Thailand.

We return along the same track. If you’re a quick hiker and would like to go further past the waterfall, we can do that as well. The main difference between the 2 hours and the 3 hours is the amount of information you’re given about the forest. This is perfect to add to any of our other adventures.

10 km of white-water rafting has it all and is broken into 3 sections. First is a great warm-up where you learn skills by practicing with the guides and getting used to the boat. This section has one class III and is probably the most beautiful section of the river, with the encroaching jungle offering lots of shade. The middle section is action-packed with rapids and is among the best whitewater in Thailand.

Most of this section is class III and IV rapids. The 3rd section lets up in the beginning, giving you some time to relax before entering a great class III and into a short continuous section of rapids that goes almost all the way to the takeout where our camp is. We have top-of-the-line equipment and expertly trained guides to make sure you have a safe adventure. We have towels for you when you finish and shower facilities that you can use before heading home. Make sure to bring a second set of dry clothes so you can ride home dry.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Chiang Mai trekking adventure

Patara’s Baby Elephant For A Day is an ideal trip to learn and care for elephants. The emphasis is on caring for our pregnant elephants and mothers with babies. You will learn about the conservation philosophy called “The Elephant Conservation In Action” and participate in the daily healthcare routine, which includes health inspection, feeding, walking with the elephants for exercise, and bathing. It is a great chance to observe the elephants interacting with their families in natural environments. Patara’s knowledgeable staff will provide you with further information regarding their daily care. This trip will not include riding elephants. It is suitable for all, especially friends, families with children, and animal lovers.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Chiang Mai elephants conservation in action

Breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer back to Bangkok airport for a short flight bound for Krabi. Krabi is a beautiful province located in the south of Thailand and belongs to the Andaman Bay region. Karabi is famous for its breathtaking scenery, tropical islands, and pristine beaches. Besides crystal clear water with long sandy beaches and lots of sunlight, Krabi offers travelers many national parks and more than 80 islands & Islets to discover. Hence, it is totally worth spending the last 3 days of the trip there. Upon arrival, meet a local driver and drive to your accommodation.

Overnight in Krabi.

Meals: Breakfast.

Krabi Andaman Bay

Enjoy a wonderfully relaxing day together in Krabi. Laze on the beautiful beaches or spend time snorkeling or diving in the azure waters teeming with colorful coral reefs and tropical marine creatures

Overnight in Krabi.

Meals: Breakfast.

Krabi Andaman Bay in sunset

Another day to enjoy the beach.

Overnight in Krabi.

Meals: Breakfast.

Krabi Andaman Bay

Free at leisure until the transfer to Krabi Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast.

Krabi Andaman Bay in sunset