18-day Thailand Family Jungle & Island Adventure

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Sonasia’s guide & driver will pick you up and transfer directly to the hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi.
Same same, but different. This Thailish T-shirt philosophy sums up Bangkok, a city where the familiar and the exotic collide like the flavors on a plate of pàt tai.
Later in the afternoon, after freshening up, take a half-day trip to discover one of the least-known-by-foreigners street areas in Bangkok, in Bangrak District. Once in the area, sample some local street food snacks while the guide explains how to use local modes of transportation like tuk tuk or local buses. Cool down with a local Thai iced coffee ‘Kafae Boran’ or frozen fruit shake. After that, hop on a tuk tuk to River City Shopping Complex Pier and take a ferry-crossing to Khlongsan District to explore the local market in the area.
End the day’s walking tour at the Jam Factory, a small industrial-design complex with a modern book café and a unique furniture shop by a famous Thai artist. Located in the complex is The Never Ending Summer Restaurant, a cool industrial-style Thai restaurant with authentic Thai tastes. Enjoy a nice dinner in a cozy atmosphere (client expense). After dinner, transfer back to the hotel.   
Overnight in Bangkok.  

This morning, we visit the Sor Vorapin Gym - the famous Muay Thai training camp, where we will watch Thai Boxing experts in action. 
Afterwards, we will have the chance to try out training techniques of the traditional martial art in a training session (there are showers). 
This afternoon, we head to Tha Tien Pier where we cruise in a traditional long-tail boat along Thonburi's klongs (canals). This is the ideal way to explore Bangkok's network of meandering waterways that continue to serve as an important thoroughfare in the city. 
Along our route, we watch local life taking place around us - vendors pass by on small wooden boats that are filled with vegetables and noodles to be sold to canal-side homes. 
We may even see the postman making his deliveries in his engine-powered banana-boat. 
This evening, we head to Siam Paragon Food Court, where we can enjoy a traditional Thai food dinner with the opportunity to shop in the area for souvenirs before returning to our hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Chiang Rai.
This afternoon, visit the beautiful Wat Phra Keo, where one of Thailand’s most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their respective capitals as a symbol of dominance, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane, before finally being enshrined in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo during the reign of King Rama I. 
Then visit the Rai Mae Fha Luang, a museum exhibiting ancient artifacts as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. Afterward visit Wat Ruang Khun (White Temple) and the local market.

After breakfast, visit the Black House, less popular than the white palace but it has a more eclectic collection of interesting things to see.
Next, proceed to the Doi Tung Factory where you can observe hand paper making and hand weaving. An alternative to this is to proceed to the botanical garden at Doi Tung and the Royal Palace.
The Doi Tung project was initiated by King Bumiphol’s mother to encourage tribal people to reduce their dependence on opium as a source of livelihood. The crop replacement project introduced new types of agricultural crops such as Arabica coffee and Macadamia nuts.
Proceed to Mae Sai where you can cross into Thachilek City (Union of Myanmar). (Border crossing fee into Myanmar is not included in our fee).
About half an hour’s drive from Mae Sai towards the east is Sop Ruak where you can see Thailand meet up with Myanmar and Laos.
Learn more about this history of opium by visiting the House of Opium (included in our fees) or from the more expansive Hall of Opium (200 Baht additional charge for museum entrance fee). You will need at least 2 hours for the Hall of Opium.
Ten kilometers to the south is Chiang Saen, an ancient city believed to have been established more than 1,000 years ago. The city was along an important “highway” that was the Mekong River and was one of the most important cites of the Lanna Kingdom.
The city fell into ruin after soon after the Burmese were defeated in the 18th century. This picturesque ancient city is beginning to reawaken. Much restoration work has been done on ancient structures such as temples, pagodas and the earthen city ramparts to keep enemies away.
Transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Rai.
Overnight in Chiang Rai
 

After breakfast, we drive to Thaton village, 70 km away from Chiang Rai center. Thaton is the bordering town with Myanmar and home to Yao and Akha hill tribes.  We also visit the village of Mae Salong enroute.
Alternatively, you can take the 3-hour speed boat up the Kok River to Thaton village instead. Discuss with our guide about this the day before. The boat service is not included in our price yet.
Our lunch will be served at the restaurant in Thatorn overlooking the Kok River. 
In the afternoon, continue to Chiang Mai, with brief stops at a picturesque local market and Chiang Dao caves. 
Arriving in Chiang Mai, we still have time to visit the impressive Doi Suthep, a constant part of life in Chiang Mai. A Thai saying goes, "If you haven't tasted Khao Soi or seen the view from Doi Suthep, you haven't been to Chiang Mai." 
This regal mountain overlooks the city from the northwest, providing commanding views from its summit. Aside from its dominating presence on the horizon, Doi Suthep is the home of some of the most deeply loved symbols in the Kingdom.
Transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai town.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
 

After breakfast at the hotel, head towards Elephant Discovery Camp, passing the most beautiful route of Chiang Mai with fantastic local road and panoramic views.
Upon arrival, meet an elephant mahout, be introduced to the elephants, and learn about their story and daily lifestyle. Interact and play with the elephants under mahouts’ supervision and form a bond with them. Enjoy a walk alongside them and watch them play in the mud pond. Learn to communicate with them and prepare nutritional food and desserts for them using various natural ingredients. Have fun bathing the elephants in a big pond. Lunch is served at the camp.
(Note: The elephant activity is join-in.)
In the late afternoon, return back to Chiang Mai.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Today, we will take the morning flight back to Bangkok.
Upon arrival, we drive to Pakseang, in Kanchanaburi province where we board a long-tail boat for the 45-minute journey to our raft house accommodation on the Kwai Noi (River Kwai). 
We spend the next two nights in this spectacular jungle setting with the rest of today free to relax and enjoy at your own pace. The resort is located in tranquil and natural surroundings of tropical forests and scenic mountain ranges with an eco-approach that includes having candles and lanterns rather than electricity, preserving the Mon culture by including traditional furniture within the lodges and assisting in providing decent living conditions for the elephants in the area. 
The river flows underneath the floating rafts with guest rooms made from bamboo that are weaved into the wall reflecting traditional Mon living.

This morning, we walk to a nearby Mon village from where we board bamboo rafts to explore more of the Kwai Noi. 
The Mon people are spread throughout Burma and the western provinces of Thailand. They are believed to have originated in either India or Mongolia, travelling south into the Chao Phraya Valley sometime during the 1st century BC and have been accredited with introducing Theravada Buddhism to the area. 
This afternoon, we take to the saddle for a cycle ride out to some impressive limestone caves. 
Lawa Cave is the largest cave in the Kanchanaburi province with a narrow entrance that opens into several chambers including the Music, Throne and Curtain Chambers with numerous stalactites and stalagmites in full display. 
The caves are home to the world's smallest bat, the Khun Kitti, which weighs only 2 g, is 2.5 to 3 cm long and has wing-span of 10cm

After a leisurely breakfast, board a long tail boat for a short journey to Phutakien pier where we disembark and drive to Erawan Waterfall, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. 
Trek to the waterfall along a well graded nature trail looking out for wildlife along the way. We have time at the falls to swim in the natural pools. 
We then travel to the infamous 'Bridge over the River Kwai', where over 16,000 allied prisoners of war and an estimated 75,000 Asian forced workers lost their lives building the 'Death Railway'. 
One of the most notorious atrocities of the Second World War, the bridge and railroad were built between June 1942 and October 1943 by the occupying Japanese to link Siam with neighbouring Burma (Myanmar). 
After spending some time at the bridge, we drive back to Bangkok to spend the night.

We will take the morning flight to Surat Thani, the gateway to the famous Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Upon arrival, take a short transfer to the Homestay at Klong Noi, a small village located in a mangrove forest near the coast. 
We meet our hosts for the night, one of many local families who participate in the Community Based Tourism program, an initiative set up to empower local communities to not only showcase but also help preserve their traditional way of life. 
We then visit the local shipyards and learn how the locals have made boats over the years, something that is vital to their way of life. 
Following lunch with our host families we set off to explore the mangrove forests by boat, looking for fish and wildlife along the way. The area is famous for its tiger fish and we should have plenty of chances to spot them. 
The village is also a great place to learn the art of weaving with palm leaves. 
In the afternoon we return to our host families and help with the preparation of our dinner. 
The evening is free to relax and spot the local fireflies lighting up the night sky.

Following breakfast, we bid farewell to our hosts and drive to our jungle adventure in Khao Sok National Park. Covering an area of some 65 square kilometers, the park is one of the oldest and most bio-diverse jungles in South East Asia, boasting a lush rainforest that is older than those of either the Amazon or Central Africa. 
Set against a spectacular backdrop of towering limestone mountains, it is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephant, tiger, and the Malaysian sun bear. With some 180 species of birds in residence, it is a haven for keen birdwatchers and novices alike. 
Head out on a guided walk through the surrounding jungle keeping eyes peeled for mischievous monkeys playing in the canopy above and watch out for colorful hornbills and kingfishers as they dart amongst the trees. 
The park is a haven for a wide variety of exotic plants, including bamboo, fig, palms and the carnivorous pitcher plant. 
The rest of the day is then free to indulge, explore or relax as you see fit. 
Our jungle lodge accommodation will be our base for the next two nights. In this magical setting, we can look forward to the sight of monkeys descending from the surrounding canopy to drink from the river.

Our second day in the jungle sees us exploring by canoe. Gently floating down the Khao Sok River, this is a very relaxing way to take in the astounding surrounding beauty. 
Passing towering cliffs and shoals of vibrant fish, we have the chance to break our journey with a swim in the cool waters. Along the way, our guide will show us brightly colored birds and monkeys on the shore, and maybe even a snake or two hanging high up on the trees. 
The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. This evening, there is the option to go on a walking jungle safari and witness the jungle bursting with life at night.

Transferring by road to Don Sak Pier, we then catch the ferry to Koh Samui. This island is the largest in the Samui Archipelago and is known for its distinctive mix of quiet palm- fringed beaches, backpacker resorts and coconut plantations. 
Our beachside accommodation for the next three nights is in the north of the island. This area is more relaxed than the bustling east coast and retains a laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for families. 
The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace. 
You may choose to take to the waters with mask and snorkel, or simply wander the palm-fringed beaches and trails around the island. 
Koh Samui has a slightly different feel to many of the other islands in southern Thailand, owing in part to the influence of the Hainan islanders, who first settled the island 150 years ago. 
The Chinese influence is still visible in some of the buildings in Na Thon, and some descendants of the original settlers still live in the area.

You will be picked up at 09:30. Get a taste of Thai cuisine with a fun, hands-on Koh Samui cooking class cooking class. After a light breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Island Organics where chef Lat and her team await.
Take a stroll through the organic garden, learning about the exotic herbs and fruits growing there. Lat will explain more about the organic process and its health benefits. While walking through the garden, pick fresh produce that will be used to prepare today’s lunch.
Then head into the kitchen, don an apron and start cooking. Use traditional techniques – such as mortar and pestle- to prepare the ingredients. Lat will share her recipes and secrets as she leads the group through the cooking process step-by-step. Cook popular dishes such as Green Curry with chicken, Pad Thai, coconut soup and many more tasty items.
The time spent in the kitchen is about more than just food. Chit-chat with Lat, who will share her personal story of growing up in rural Thailand. She will also provide insight into local culture and explain more about the Thai obsession with food.
When the dishes are ready, sit down for a fantastic, organic meal. Savour the delicate flavours of authentic, fresh Thai cuisine.
Then say farewell to Lat and her team, returning to the hotel with a full belly and a new appreciation for Thai cuisine.
Free for the rest of the day to enjoy the beach.
Overnight in Koh Samui

You will be picked up at 08:00. Head out to Angthong National Marine Park from Koh Samui by a big boat and spend a full day at sea cruising through the park.
Travel past several uninhabited islands, stopping at Koh Wao or Koh Tay Plow. Jump overboard with a snorkel and mask to discover an incredible underwater world teeming with exotic fish and corals.
Be served a delicious lunch on board in buffet style, including spicy curries and seasonal fruit. After lunch, continue to Koh Mae Koh, and visit the beautiful emerald lagoon Talay Nai, surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, where the platform offers a stunning panoramic view of the picturesque islands from the marine park on one side and of the emerald lagoon on the other.
The final destination is Koh Wua Talap, choose to go see the caves with beautiful limestone formations which is about a 50 minutes challenging hike up tough and steep terrain for an unforgettable viewpoint, or choose to relax and enjoy the beach.
In the late afternoon, depart the marine park back to Koh Samui

Today is a free day to enjoy Bang Rak beach or relax by the pool. Take a tuk tuk to lively Chaweng beach, located just ten minutes away from our hotel. Koh Samui offers a little something for everyone with numerous white sandy beaches, coral reefs, hip restaurants, lively night spots, waterfalls, temples and great shopping opportunities; the choice is yours.

After breakfast, we will take the ferry back to boat pier in Surat Thani and transfer directly to the airport to take the flight back to Bangkok.
Free for the rest of the day for the last-minute shopping.
Overnight in Bangkok
 

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight