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Gecko's Adventures

Hill Tribes & Beaches

Prices From: $1375 AUD
Local Payment: $346 AUD
Tour Code: GTHB
Tour Duration: 18 days
Countries Visited: Thailand


Overview

This adventure combines the best of northern Thailand with the highlights of the tropical south. From Bangkok we travel to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai for a glimpse into Thailand’s wartime past, before continuing to the ancient Siamese capital of Ayuthaya, with its wonderful temples. Further north is Chiang Mai where we trek and visit some of the local hill tribes, and as well as spend a night in their simple abode. Here, we also try our hand at elephant riding.

We then travel South to Koh Samui, famous for its coconut palms, and the Krabi area, where we stay by a peaceful beach at Krabi. We spend a night beach camping, on a secluded island in beautiful Phang Nga Bay, before finishing our journey on Thailand’s largest island, Phuket.



Tour Map
Tour Map

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok

Your trip starts today with your arrival in Bangkok. No activities are planned until your evening group meeting, so you may arrive at any time. Please check the noticeboard in the hotel lobby, located on the ground floor, for a notice containing details of your tour. This will advise you of your tour leader’s name, telephone number and the time and location of your group meeting. Normally this meeting takes place around 6pm. Until your meeting we encourage you to get out and discover the delights that Bangkok has to offer, including Thailand’s famous cuisine. Make sure that you take a hotel business card so that you will be able to find your way back to the hotel.

Day 2-3: Kanchanaburi

In the morning we will transfer by taxi to the Southern Bus Station for the two-hour public bus journey to Kanchanaburi. On arrival we transfer by songthaew to our fan-cooled guesthouse situated near the river from where, in the afternoon, we take a longtail boat ride to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai and an Allied war cemetery. We enjoy a full day tour to Hellfire Pass and Erawan National Park, where we have time to relax in the cool blue waters of the pools beneath the beautiful seven-tiered waterfall. If you are feeling energetic, you can also trek along the jungle trail to the top of the falls. At Hellfire Pass we walk down the cutting dug by Allied POW’s during World War II. Australian, Dutch, British and other allied POW’s worked 18 hours a day in order to complete the cutting, it took 6 weeks to construct. It was the most difficult cutting to dig as it was the largest rock cutting along the entire railway. There is an excellent museum to explore as part of our stop and learn more about the POW’s and ASEAN Labourers experience.

Day 4: Ayuthaya

Today we start early with a five-hour trip by local fan cooled bus through rich farming lands to Ayuthaya, the former capital of old Siam. Now a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, Ayuthaya was once the thriving capital city of the Kingdom of Siam, in 1765 the Burmese invaded Siam and laid siege to the city for 2 years before eventual victory. Following the victory the Siamese established a new capital in 1769 in Thonburi on the banks of the Chao Praya River, a few years later the capital was shifted to the other side of the river where a small village called Bangkok was situated, Thonburi is now a suburb of Bangkok. On arrival we have the use of a day room at a local hotel, where we can leave our backpacks for the day. In the afternoon we jump on a bike and ride to one of the many temples located in Ayuthaya, for a guided tour. Following this you have the option of either continuing on to visit more temples, going for a leisurely ride around town, to observe what’s going on, or heading back to the hotel to chill out. The bikes are yours to use for the afternoon. Tonight we board the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai (departure time is approximately 8-9pm, estimated travel time 13 hours). Thai trains have an open, relaxed feel about them and offer a great opportunity to mingle with fellow passengers. You may want to bring along your Thai phrasebook and practise speaking Thai with a local! You can purchase food and drinks on the train, but it is also a good idea to stock up beforehand.

Day 5: Chiang Mai

We arrive in Chiang Mai early in the morning and transfer by songthaew to our hotel, which is centrally located and close to the Night Market. The day free to do as you wish as there is much to see in this northern city, with over 120 temples in the centre alone. A visit to the Tribal Research Institute is an ideal preparation for your hill tribe trek, whilst an excursion to the top of Doi Suthep offers fantastic views over the city. It’s best to visit Doi Suthep in the morning or late in the afternoon, to avoid the heat of the day, as there are over 300 steps to climb! You may also wish to get a traditional Thai massage before your trek, or even partake in a cooking class, beware you eat what you cook. Your tour leader will be able to offer other suggestions for things to see and do your free time. This evening the Night Bazaar beckons, a shoppers paradise it is a great chance to practice your bargaining skills.

Day 6-8: Hill Tribe Trek - Chiang Mai

We take a two-day/one-night excursion to a Palong Village in the hills beyond Chiang Mai, where we get to try our hand at elephant riding. From on top of these magnificent creatures, we get to enjoy the spectacular surrounding scenery around us, dominated by Chiang Dao Mountain. There are a number of villages in this area that are homes to various hill tribes - each unique their own customs, housing and colourful clothing. There are plenty of opportunities for you to haggle with the villagers, in order to purchase some authentic Hilltribe handicrafts. Trekking is a great way to experience all this at a grassroots level. A fairly good level of fitness is required, but the highlight is a night spent sleeping in a local village hut, as a guest of the hill tribe people. After our trek we return to Chiang Mai for a night, where we have a final day to explore the town or shop at its markets before catching an overnight train back to Bangkok on the evening of Day 8 (approximately 13 hours).

Day 9-10: Bangkok

Arriving in Bangkok early on the morning of Day 9, we have two days to explore the fascinating Thai capital. Please note that check in time at the hotel is midday, however the reception staff will do their best to have our rooms ready as early as possible, you may have to wait to check in. On a city tour, we are introduced to some of Bangkok’s most famous sights, including the impressive Grand Palace and the adjoining Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). We also visit Wat Po – the temple of the famous Reclining Buddha. From just outside our hotel we jump on board a local khlong (canal) boat, before catching a public bus to these sites. This is a great way to sample a couple of the more popular forms of local transport. You have a free afternoon to make your own discoveries or to do some shopping in the many excellent shops and markets for which Bangkok is renowned. In the evening we catch the overnight train to Surat Thani, in the south of Thailand.

Day 11-12: Koh Samui

Our train arrives in the early morning and we transfer by bus to the ferry terminal (approximately 2 hours) for the two-hour ferry trip to the beautiful island of Ko Samui. In the afternoon we take a trip around the island in a songthaew, visiting the 15-metre tall Big Buddha. There’s time to take a dip in the cool tropical waterfalls of Na Muang and also to drop in to see the Mummified Monk. After this we head back to our secluded fan-cooled accommodation, situated in the north of the island. The rest of your time on Koh Samui is free to choose amongst a multitude of activities. Swim, laze in the sun, ride an elephant, dive or snorkel, take a optional day tour to the breath taking Ang Thong National Marine Park - the decisions are yours. In the evenings you can relax, dine on the beach at the water’s edge and soak up the pleasant tropical atmosphere.

Day 13: Khao Sok National Park

We take the ferry back to the mainland and then continue to Khao Sok National Park by local songthaew (the ferry ride is approximately 2 hours and the drive to Khao Sok approximately 3 hours). This is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets, containing the country’s finest and largest rainforest and home to a rich variety of wildlife. From our jungle guesthouse, we head down to the river for a canoeing trip. There is every chance of seeing monkeys playing by the waters edge during your excursion. Please note that we generally need to be lucky to spot other wildlife, due to the thick jungles and the nocturnal nature of many of the species. We also have the option of going for a walk along the many interesting trails and beside the many waterways that exist within the park.

Day 14-15: Krabi (Ao Nang)

In the early morning we first take a bus from Khao Sok to Takua Pa (approx 2 hours) where we transfer to another local fan cooled bus bound for Krabi (approx 2 hours). A songtaew transfer and then longtail boat takes us to the beautiful and secluded beach area of Ao Nang, where we spend two days appreciating the peace and tranquillity. This is a great place to kick back, relax and swim in the warm waters of a hidden tropical paradise. Our accommodation is in comfortable but basic fan-cooled bungalows. There are plenty of optional activities to fill your time, you can choose from cave exploring, sea kayaking, diving and rock climbing.

Day 16: Koh Lawa (Beach Camping)

We catch a local fan-cooled bus towards beautiful Phang Nga town (approx 2 hours), which set in the stunning Phang Nga Bay is full of spectacular limestone islands jutting out of the water. A longtail boat takes us out in the midst of this beautiful area, which was used as a setting for the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. We pass traditional southern Thai Muslim villages, built on stilts, and spend a night camping on a beach, on a small and secluded island. (N.B. During the months of May to October inclusive, weather conditions may mean that we are unable to reach the island. If this occurs, we would change our accommodation to the nearby Muslim fishing village of Koh Panyi.)

Day 17-18: Phuket

Our final stop is Phuket, the largest island in Thailand. Here is a great place to finish our journey, as we can along the streets and indulge in the numerous shopping opportunities or wander through a local market in search for some delicious Thai food. Our tour finishes after breakfast on the morning of Day 18; however, you may wish to extend your holiday and stay longer in Phuket. There are many facets to this island, especially in Phuket Town, which was a major port over the centuries visited by Portuguese, Chinese and Malay traders. Here, historic remnants of the island’s past are reflected in its eclectic architecture.

Tour Grade: Trekking

Think about the feeling you get after completing one of the world’s great treks: seeing Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate after gruelling days on the Inca Trail; looking down on Africa from its summit, Kilimanjaro; relaxing by Pokhara’s perfect lake after tackling Annapurna’s rugged tracks. The legs might ache but the feeling of pride in your achievements is overwhelming. More than that though, trekking gets you up close and personal with the world’s finest landscapes and many interesting cultures. Walk through remote jungle to visit the tribes of northern Thailand and Vietnam, or explore China’s iconic Tiger Leaping Gorge by foot, and you’ll find the country opens up in a whole new way, the slow pace all the better for appreciating the surroundings. It’s definitely better to travel than to arrive – particularly when the travel’s all on your own steam.


Tour Dates
Start DateEnd DatePrice
25 Feb 201213 Mar 2012$1375
03 Mar 201220 Mar 2012$1375
10 Mar 201227 Mar 2012$1375
17 Mar 201203 Apr 2012$1375
24 Mar 201210 Apr 2012$1375
31 Mar 201217 Apr 2012$1375
07 Apr 201224 Apr 2012$1375
14 Apr 201201 May 2012$1375
21 Apr 201208 May 2012$1375
28 Apr 201215 May 2012$1375
05 May 201222 May 2012$1375
12 May 201229 May 2012$1375
19 May 201205 Jun 2012$1375
26 May 201212 Jun 2012$1375
02 Jun 201219 Jun 2012$1375
09 Jun 201226 Jun 2012$1375
16 Jun 201203 Jul 2012$1375
23 Jun 201210 Jul 2012$1375
30 Jun 201217 Jul 2012$1375
07 Jul 201224 Jul 2012$1375
14 Jul 201231 Jul 2012$1375
21 Jul 201207 Aug 2012$1375
28 Jul 201214 Aug 2012$1375
04 Aug 201221 Aug 2012$1375
11 Aug 201228 Aug 2012$1375
18 Aug 201204 Sep 2012$1375
25 Aug 201211 Sep 2012$1375
01 Sep 201218 Sep 2012$1375
08 Sep 201225 Sep 2012$1375
15 Sep 201202 Oct 2012$1375
22 Sep 201209 Oct 2012$1375
29 Sep 201216 Oct 2012$1375
06 Oct 201223 Oct 2012$1375
13 Oct 201230 Oct 2012$1375
20 Oct 201206 Nov 2012$1375
27 Oct 201213 Nov 2012$1375
03 Nov 201220 Nov 2012$1375
10 Nov 201227 Nov 2012$1375
17 Nov 201204 Dec 2012$1375
24 Nov 201211 Dec 2012$1375
01 Dec 201218 Dec 2012$1375
08 Dec 201225 Dec 2012$1375
15 Dec 201201 Jan 2013$1375
22 Dec 201208 Jan 2013$1375
29 Dec 201215 Jan 2013$1375
05 Jan 201322 Jan 2013$1375
12 Jan 201329 Jan 2013$1375
19 Jan 201305 Feb 2013$1375
26 Jan 201312 Feb 2013$1375
02 Feb 201319 Feb 2013$1375
09 Feb 201326 Feb 2013$1375
16 Feb 201305 Mar 2013$1375
23 Feb 201312 Mar 2013$1375
02 Mar 201319 Mar 2013$1375
09 Mar 201326 Mar 2013$1375
16 Mar 201302 Apr 2013$1375
23 Mar 201309 Apr 2013$1375
30 Mar 201316 Apr 2013$1375
06 Apr 201323 Apr 2013$1375
13 Apr 201330 Apr 2013$1375
20 Apr 201307 May 2013$1375
27 Apr 201314 May 2013$1375
04 May 201321 May 2013$1375
11 May 201328 May 2013$1375
18 May 201304 Jun 2013$1375
25 May 201311 Jun 2013$1375
01 Jun 201318 Jun 2013$1375
08 Jun 201325 Jun 2013$1375
15 Jun 201302 Jul 2013$1375
22 Jun 201309 Jul 2013$1375
29 Jun 201316 Jul 2013$1375

Tour Fact Finder

Included

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local leader throughout the tour, and professional local guides at some sites.

• Longtail boat ride to the Bridge on the River Kwai and a visit to an Allied war cemetery.

• Full day tour of Hellfire Pass and a swim at Erawan Falls.

• Bicycle tour around UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Siamese capital of Ayuthaya.

• 2-day hill tribe trek, with an overnight stay in a hill tribe village hut as guests of the Palong people.

• Elephant ride through the forest.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Bangkok - Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha and Wat Po; and Koh Samui - songthaew excursion to the 15-metre tall Big Buddha, visit to the Mummified Monk and a swim at Na Muang waterfalls.

• Stay in a jungle guesthouse in Khao Sok National Park, including a canoeing trip.

• Two days relaxing in secluded Ao Nang, with accommodation in comfortable, fan-cooled bungalows.

• Longtail boat ride in Phang Nga Bay with a night camping on a beach on a secluded island.

• Free time to explore Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Phuket.

• Overnight sleeper trains from Ayuthaya to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Bangkok and Bangkok to Surat Thani.

Meals

4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Not Included

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.

Additional Accommodation

You may wish to extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation - ask Gecko's or your travel agent for details and prices when you book your trip.

Optional Extras and Sightseeing

  • Bangkok - Grand Palace: <p> Grand Palace</p> US$12 (THB350)
  • Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House: Jim Thompson’s House US$3
  • Bangkok - National Museum: National Museum US$2
  • Bangkok - Royal Barges Museum: Royal Barges Museum US$1.50
  • Bangkok - Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): $US1.50 (THB50)
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple: Doi Suthep Temple US$1.00 (THB 30)
  • Chiang Mai - Tribal Museum: Tribal Museum Depends on group size
  • Chiang Mai - Vehicle to Tribal Museum and Doi Suthep Temple: Vehicle to Tribal Museum and Doi Suthep Temple US$55 (approx THB 1800)
  • Kanchanaburi - JEATH Museum: JEATH Museum US$0.80 (THB 30)
  • Kanchanaburi - Thai-Burma Railway Centre: Thai-Burma Railway Centre US$ 2 (THB 60)
  • Khao Sok National Park - Elephant Riding: Elephant Riding US$25 (THB 800)
  • Khao Sok National Park - Park Entrance Fee: Park Entrance Fee US$6 (THB 200)
  • Khao Sok National Park - River Tubing – 1.5 hours: River Tubing – 1.5 hours US$7.50 (THB 250)
  • Koh Samui - Day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park by slowboat: Day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park by slowboat US$25 (THB 800)
  • Koh Samui - Day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park by speedboat: Day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park by speedboat US$65 (THB 2200)
  • Krabi (Ton Sai Beach) - Day trip to Koh Phi Phi by slowboat (incl. lunch): Day trip to Koh Phi Phi by slowboat (incl. lunch) US$38.00
  • Krabi (Ton Sai Beach) - Day trip to Koh Phi Phi by speedboat (incl. lunch): Day trip to Koh Phi Phi by speedboat (incl. lunch) US$48 (THB 1800)
  • Krabi (Ton Sai Beach) - Diamond Cave: Diamond Cave US$1.25 (THB 40)
  • Krabi (Ton Sai Beach) - Rock Climbing at Rai Leh – Full day: Rock Climbing at Rai Leh – Full day US$55 (THB 1800)
  • Krabi (Ton Sai Beach) - Rock Climbing at Rai Leh – Half day: Rock Climbing at Rai Leh – Half day US$25 (THB 800)

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