Classic Thailand West Coast (Nov - Apr)

16 days
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Small Group Tour
Combining the best of the north and south, this is the definitive Thailand tour. Travel from the clamour of the capital to the serenity of steamy rainforests; from atmospheric ruins to relaxed sun-drenched islands. Tour temples in Bangkok, bargain-hunt in lively Chiang Mai and then swim, snorkel or simply kick back on the divine beaches of the southern coast....
26%
$3,888
From$2,880
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Work up an appetite with a leisurely cycle through the ancient Buddhas and ruined temples of Heritage-listed Sukothai Park, then feast on a home-cooked picnic lunch
    • Experience daily rural life firsthand when staying with long-time Intrepid friends in a small Thai village
    • Support an important animal welfare initiative and get close to incredible creatures at the Chang Chill Elephant Park
    • Travel like the locals do on an overnight sleeper train, the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at destinations
    • Ease into the beach-loving lifestyle and enjoy various sea activities of snorkeling and kayaking to explore the amazing limestone cliff and caves, colorful coral reefs and mangrove forests.
    • Get deep in the community vibes of Baan Nai Nang village by spending time with the locals, enjoying a hearty home-cooked lunch and learn about their organic fruit orchids.

What's this trip about?

    Combining the best of the north and south, this is the definitive Thailand tour. Travel from the clamour of the capital to the serenity of steamy rainforests; from atmospheric ruins to relaxed sun-drenched islands. Tour temples in Bangkok, bargain-hunt in lively Chiang Mai and then swim, snorkel or simply kick back on the divine beaches of the southern coast. This adventure is the perfect chance to visit the many attractions and treasures of Thailand.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBangkok
End CityPhuket

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Thailand

Attractions

  • Ao Nang
  • Bangkok
  • Chao Phraya River
  • Chiang Mai
  • Khao Lak
  • Phuket
  • Sukhothai
  • Surat Thani

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

    • Sukhothai - Night Market
    • Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour
    • Sukhothai - Home-cooked picnic lunch
    • Village Homestay - Cultural performance
    • Village Homestay - Khantok dinner
    • Village Homestay - Home-Cooked Lunch
    • Village Homestay - Cycling tour
    • Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit
    • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary
    • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
    • Ao Nang – Baan Na Teen village community experience and home-cooked dinner
    • Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling Tour
    • Baan Nai Nang CBT village - village walk
    • Khao Ka Rot - sea kayaking
    • Ao Makham Beach - home cooked lunch & Mulberry leaf tea tasting
    • Phuket - Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation
    • Khao Lak – Lampi Waterfalls
    • Khao Lak – Tsunami Memorial Park

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

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 ...

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 th...

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...

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 th...

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 ...

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 famou...

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...

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 ...

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 h...

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’...

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...

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 a...

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 su...

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 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).

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,880
Price per day$180
Last Updated: 4/9/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
06 Oct 2024
21 Oct 2024
$3,020
9 spots left
20 Oct 2024
04 Nov 2024
$2,910
8 spots left
27 Oct 2024
11 Nov 2024
$2,910
6 spots left
01 Nov 2024
16 Nov 2024
$2,880
7 spots left
03 Nov 2024
18 Nov 2024
$3,365
4 spots left
08 Nov 2024
23 Nov 2024
$3,565
2 spots left
17 Nov 2024
02 Dec 2024
$3,400
8 spots left
29 Nov 2024
14 Dec 2024
$3,400
11 spots left
06 Dec 2024
21 Dec 2024
$3,400
8 spots left
13 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$3,400
11 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

Associations

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Logistics

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night),Overnight sleeper train (1 nights),Resort (6 nights),Hotel (7 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Overnight sleeper train,Speed boat,Private minivan,Taxi,Longtail boat,Songtheaw,Bicycle,Public Bus,Plane,

Transportation & flights

Overnight sleeper train,Speed boat,Private minivan,Taxi,Longtail boat,Songtheaw,Bicycle,Public Bus,Plane
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. SNORKELLING: Your leader will conduct a brief safety discussion before our snorkelling activities. BIKE HELMETS: Please note bike helmets are provided on the included bike activity on this trip but may not be of the same standard as from your home country, if you have any concerns about the quality of the helmets, we recommend you bring your own from home.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Sawaddi Patong Resort And Spa
  • 21 Sainamyen Rd, Pa Tong,
  • Kathu District,
  • Phuket
  • 83150
  • THAILAND
  • Phone: +66 76 343 444
Trip ID
intrepid-TTZBC

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