Thai Intro
An amazing 9, 12 or 18 days full of sightseeing, culture, adventure and parties!
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Group Size: Max 22
Trip code: THTO
Duration: 9, 12 or 18 days
Join one of our most popular tours and explore Thailand’s best bits, from buzzing Bangkok to paradise landscapes and idyllic Thai islands. Hit the streets and canals of Bangkok, relax on the lake amidst beautiful mountain scenery in Khao Sok National Park, party in paradise on Koh Phangan, snorkel over colourful coral reefs on Koh Phi Phi and trek into the jungle for a night in a hill tribe village near Chiang Mai, as well as meeting some of the most majestic animals on Earth at an ethical elephant sanctuary. Choose between a 9, 12 or 18 day tour to suit your budget and dates –just awesome!
Trip Highlights
- Discover the buzz of Bangkok with boat rides, temple visits, cookery classes and tuk tuk adventures
- Travel south to the stunning, secret landscape of Khao Sok National Park and stay in unique floating bungalows
- Enjoy a traditional Thai massage, learn Muay Thai and get your downward dog on with some beach yoga on the party island of Koh Phangan.
- Explore the spectacular hidden bays and coves around Koh Phi Phi, with not one but two snorkelling boat trips (12/18 day trip only)
- Spend a night in an authentic hill tribe village near Chiang Mai and visit an elephant sanctuary (18 day trip only)
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- All accommodation
- Some meals (see accommodation & meals section for more info)
- Trip leader
- Airport pickup
- On trip transport (inc overnight train & internal flight)
- Overnight train
- River boat ride in Bangkok
- Temple visits Bangkok
- Tuk Tuk discovery ride Bangkok
- Traditional Thai cooking class in Bangkok
- Party night out in Bangkok
- Overnight stay on floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park
- Kayaking, tubing & monkey spotting in Khao Sok
- Thai massage Koh Phangan
- Muay Thai Boxing or Yoga session Koh Phangan
- Phi Phi Le full day boat trip (12/18 day trip only)
- Half-day Phi Phi Islands sunset boat trip (12/18 day trip only)
- Phi Phi beach party (12/18 day trip only)
- Phi Phi viewpoint(12/18 day trip only)
- Sticky Waterfalls Chiang Mai (18 day trip only)
- Overnight hill tribe trek Chiang Mai (18 day trip only)
- Bamboo river rafting Chiang Mai (18 day trip only)
- Elephant sanctuary (18 day trip only)
- Help with onward travel
- 24 hour emergency support
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Most meals
- Return transfer to Bangkok (assistance given)
Get set for fun and unforgettable adventures in the backpacking Mecca of the world – amazing Thailand. Our Thai Intro tour takes you to all the top Thai highlights in a whirlwind tour of fun and partying and is an experience not to be missed!
Day 1: Arrive in the Buzz of Bangkok! Airport meet and greet and transfer to guesthouse accommodation in Bangkok is included. Meet your group and get set for a whirlwind Thai Intro tour!
Day 2: Relaxing River Cruise & Amazing Temple Visits in Bangkok. Relaxing boat ride down the river followed by incredible temple visits and a tuk tuk ride back through the buzz of Bangkok. Party in Bangkok by night! Breakfast included.
Day 3: Tasty Thai Cooking Class & Overnight Train Journey South. Whip up some tasty treats at a Thai cooking class, then board an overnight train south. Watch the beautiful countryside go by as you ride the rail across the Asian landscape and relax. Lunch included.
Day 4: Unspoilt Paradise in Khao Sok National Park. Long-tail boat ride through stunning Khao Sok National Park. Adventure activities on offer such as tubing, sea kayaking and monkey-spotting. Overnight stay in unique floating bungalows on an idyllic lake. Lunch and dinner included.
Day 5: Island Adventures on Koh Phangan. Travel to the beautiful Thai party island of Koh Phangan. Relax in your breathtaking beachside resort and live it up in paradise! Breakfast included.
Day 6: Beach Time & Traditional Thai Massage. Relax on Koh Phangan's amazing beaches and then get pampered with a traditional Thai massage.
Day 7: Stunning Beaches. An island trip to beautiful beaches begins your day; swim in these crystal clear waters. Enjoy the ultimate party island by night! Lunch included as well as a BBQ dinner.
Day 8: Muay Thai or Yoga Session & Farewell Dinner on the Beach. Choose from a Muay Thai Boxing lesson or yoga session today, then sit down to a group dinner on the beach on your last night on Koh Phangan! Dinner included for travellers on the 9 day trip.
Day 9: Tour ends (9 day tour) or Travel on to Phi Phi Islands (12 day tour). If you are booked onto the 9 day tour, you’re adventure comes to an end today on Koh Phangan. A return transfer to Bangkok is not included but your tour leader can help arrange this for you. If you’re on the 12 day tour, you’ll hop over to the Phi Phi Islands.
Day 10 (12 day tour only) - Islands and Bays Boat Trip. This opportunity is not to be missed, as you set off today on an amazing boat adventure in magical bays around Phi Phi. Enjoy an included dinner and sunset drinks on the boat, before heading back to Koh Phi Phi.
Day 11: (12 day tour only) Paradise Islands Boat Trip. Jump on board a private speed boat and explore the more remote Paradise Islands off Phi Phi on this memorable island experience. Lunch and dinner included.
There is a possibility we may not be able to enter right into Maya Bay at certain times of the year due to government closures.
Day 12: 12 day Thai Intro ends. If you are on the 12 day option your Thai Intro comes to an end this morning on the Phi Phi islands. Say goodbye to your group and head home. Your guide can help you arrange transport back to Bangkok or Phuket to fly home, For those doing the 18 day option, you have a chilled morning before transferring to Phuket this afternoon. Check into our amazing hotel and have sunset drinks by the pool.
Day 13: Travel to Chiang Mai. Say goodbye to Phuket and fly north to beautiful Chiang Mai. Check into our traditional guesthouse in the heart of the old city, before heading out for some dinner and drinks.
Day 14: Temples & Sticky Waterfalls. Discover the breathtaking natural wonders and culture of Chiang Mai today. Our first stop is the stunning Doi Suthep Temple before we enjoy a delicious Thai style lunch at a local fish farm. After our feast, get ready for the incredible ‘sticky’ waterfalls!
Day 15: Jungle trek & hill tribe. We’ll spend today trekking through the most incredible landscapes, to an authentic hill tribe village where we’ll experience the customs and traditional ways of life lived by people in the area. It’s a really memorable cultural experience.
Day 16: Bamboo rafting & Chiang Mai. Wake up with the sounds of the jungle in your ears. We’ll journey back to Chiang Mai with some more trekking and some traditional bamboo river rafting. This evening, enjoy some more of Chiang Mai’s lively nightlife.
Day 17: Elephant sanctuary. Pay a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary today where we’ll learn all about the animals, the history of elephants in Thailand, and their connection to rural communities, as well as getting up close with the eles themselves – just amazing.
Day 18: Trip end. Your unforgettable adventure comes to an end today. If you’re flying home, make your way to the airport, or continue your travels around Thailand. See you next time!
Moon Parties in Koh Phangan
Visit Koh Phangan at the right time and you can experience the legendary moon parties, like the Full Moon Party. Check out our guides and make sure they line up with your travel dates or speak to one of our expert travel advisors for help:
Half Moon/Jungle Party Dates & Guide
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Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Most expensive: £809 July, 2024
Arrival
You should arrange your arrival into Bangkok airport on day 1. An airport meet and greet and transfer to your accommodation is included.
You can arrive in advance of the start date and still take up the inclusive transfer if you book extra night's accommodation through us. If you wish to arrive before the start date then please let us know this in advance.
Departure
A return transfer back to Bangkok is not included. Your tour leader can help you organise onward travel at your own cost.
9 day tour: You have three return transfer options from Koh Phangan. You can take a short ferry ride to Koh Samui and then take a flight to Bangkok, or you can catch a ferry to the Thai mainland and fly from Surat Thani.
The earliest time you should book a return flight if flying from Koh Samui is 2pm on day 9. If you are flying from Surat Thani you should book a later flight. This is to allow time to travel to the airport location from Koh Phangan. If you book earlier than this you may miss some of the final Thai Intro activities.
Alternatively, take a ferry to the mainland and then you could take an overnight train to Bangkok. Please plan your transfers carefully before you book any onward travel, and ensure you allow enough time to complete each leg of your journey.
12 day tour: The 12 day tour will end in the morning of day 12 of the tour on the island of Koh Phi Phi. You will then need to catch a ferry to Phuket, from where you can begin your onward journey. You should not book any flights that depart from Phuket before 3pm. Many of our travellers prefer to book an extra night on Phuket and fly home the following day. Please contact us for further details.
18 day tour: The 18 day tour finishes in Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. If you’re staying on longer in Thailand, your group leader will help organise any of your onward travel. If you need to get back to Bangkok, the quickest option is to fly, but trains and buses are frequent and more budget friendly.
All accommodation is included as part of the Thai Intro tour. Rooms vary from twin-share or double to triple or quadruple occupancy.
If you’re on the 9 day tour, 8 nights’ accommodation are included, if you’re on the 12 day tour, 11 nights and on the 18 day tour, 17 nights.
9 day tour
- 2 nights Bangkok: in a comfortable and smart guesthouse in Bangkok, located near to the legendary Khao San Road. The guesthouse has good quality rooms, an in-house restaurant and bar, safe lockers, an internet café, and air conditioning.
- 1 night overnight train: travelling from Bangkok to south Thailand, sleeping in shared carriages.
- 1 night Khao Sok National Park: unique floating bungalows, located on a stunning lake in the unspoilt paradise of the Park.
- 4 nights Koh Phangan: in a beautiful, private beach resort on Koh Phangan, in a sensational beach setting, with an infinity pool, safe lockers and access to some of the island’s best beach parties.
12/18 day tours
- 3 nights Ko Phi Phi: beautiful accommodation in a central location with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool and bar.
18 day tour only
- 1 night in Phuket: stylish 4* hotel with 2 pools, poolside bar, gym and a short stroll from the beach
- 4 nights Chiang Mai: traditional hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai with rooftop pool.
- 1 night hill tribe stay: basic but unique hut in the jungle with multi-share rooms and shared bathrooms.
Meals
- 9 day tour: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
- 12 day tour: 2 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
- 18 day tour: 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners
If you wish to arrive in Bangkok before the start date, we will book you into the guesthouse in Bangkok for extra nights at your request (extra cost). If you’d like to extend your stay once the trip ends, this can be booked locally once you are at the accommodation.
Single-Use Plastics
Our local team have installed safe refillable water stations at every overnight stop on this tour and also at many of the activity destinations as well. In an effort to reduce the use of single-use plastics, we ask that you bring your own refillable water bottle with you on this trip.
This Thai Intro tour is designed for those aged 18-35.
Visas
The allowed duration of your trip varies depending upon how you plan to arrive into Thailand. British nationals arriving by land or air can remain in the country for a maximum of 30 days. If you wish to spend longer in Thailand you should apply for a 60 day tourist visa before you leave the UK. It’s your responsibility to obtain the necessary visas for your time away. Visa rules are subject to change without prior notice, so please do check visa requirements at the time of your trip.
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