A Taste of Thailand

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

Day 1 Bangkok
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 18:00 (this time may vary from time to time). Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information.

Please note that your leader will collect your local payment today. Please bring notes/bills in large denominations.

Bangkok has so much to offer those with time to explore - why not take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, or wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road?

Our comfortable hotel in Bangkok is centrally located near Khao San Rd and the Chao Phraya River and has ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning and a swimming pool.

Days 2-3 Sangkhlaburi
We travel west by bus to Kanchanaburi (approx. 2.5 hours), then continue on the long and windy road to Sangkhlaburi (approx. 4.5 hours). This is a dramatic region of limestone mountains and forests, with our accommodation situated next to a serene lake. The view is staggering, especially in the morning as the mist dances playfully on the mountain tops and the local Thai, Karen and Mon people go about their daily ritual of offering alms to the monks. Become part of the postcard and get involved or just sit back and let the sun's morning rays wake you.

On day 3 we take a boat trip on the beautiful Khao Laem Lake before stopping for a simple lunch of fried rice and fruits in a hill tribe village. Then it's off to enjoy the magic of elephant riding (approx. 1.5-2 hours), Returning to the guesthouse, there's time for a quick swim in the lake before we make our visit to the historical Three Pagodas Pass (approx. 30 minutes). The border area with Myanmar (Burma) is a fascinating place to explore and the daily market has heaps of things for the avid treasure hunter to find.

In Sangkhlaburi we stay in basic twin share fan-cooled bungalows with private bathrooms.

Day 4 Thong Pha Phum
After a short journey (approx. 2 hours) to a nearby village we have the opportunity to gain insight into the daily life of the Karen villagers who originated from Burma. Here you have the opportunity to learn about local customs, religion, farming techniques and general way of life. There is even the chance to share some of your English skills with the local children and perhaps pick up some local language skills yourself! We stay overnight in the small town of Thong Pha Phum. Home to many Mon and Burmese from neighbouring Burma, this town is pleasantly unaffected by the tourist trade. The produce market or nearby temple are great places to spend an hour or so in the morning, with its backdrop of mountains.

Our comfortable guesthouse has twin share air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, in a quiet location overlooking the river.

Day 5 Kanchanaburi
At the Hellfire Pass Museum (approx. 1 hour from Thong Pha Phum) we can walk through the hand-cut gorge and learn about the arduous lives of POWs working in this district during World War II. We then board a train on the infamous Thai-Burma railway to take us to the infamous 'Bridge over the River Kwai' (approx. 2.5 hours). For something a little different this afternoon, enjoy a bicycle rickshaw (or saamlaw in Thai) tour around the town of Kanchanaburi, stopping to ponder at the Jeath War Museum and the war cemetery. Spending the night in Kanchanaburi, we can dine at the local night market or in one of the many restaurants offering tasty Thai dishes.

Our comfortable guesthouse is a short walk to the shops and restaurants and has ensuite bathrooms and fan-cooled rooms.

Day 6 Thai House
This morning presents many options for you to consider. Visit the spectacular Erawan waterfalls and marvel at the turquoise waters that flow over its seven levels of limestone beauty. Of course, also take a plunge to cool off from the midday sun. You can also try your hand in the kitchen as you learn the art of Thai cooking. Fancy something a little more active? Jump on a kayak and paddle down the infamous River Kwai. After a bus journey back to Bangkok (approx. 2 hours) we transfer to the outskirts of the city to a magnificent traditional Thai teak house to stay with a friendly Thai family.

Tonight we'll sleep amongst the orchids in a traditional Thai house, with basic twin room and multishare bathrooms.

Days 7-8 Bangkok
In the morning of day 7 we journey out to a colourful market to learn about the local spices and produce, before returning to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok by longtail boat (approx. 40 minutes) along the Chao Phraya River - also known as the River of Kings. We'll return to our hotel and you'll have a free afternoon, which gives you one last chance to brave the chaos that is the weekend market, or a visit to tranquil Wat Pho which houses the famous reclining Buddha. Be sure to grab those last-minute bargains for friends and family back home before our final dinner together where we head out for a feast of local food in any one of a number of restaurants in the area.

There are no activities planned for day 8 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Checkout time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.