Day 1
Arrive in Bangkok
Meet your private driver on arrival and transfer into Bangkok. The rest of the day is deliberately easy, giving you time to settle in before the touring begins.
Bangkok, the north & rainforest lakes
Thailand Culture & Khao Sok
A wide-ranging private journey from Bangkok’s temples and waterways to northern communities, Chiang Rai’s countryside and the forested landscapes of Khao Sok, with two quieter nights beside the sea along the way.
14 days / 13 nightsPrivate guided cultural and nature journeyPrivate expert guide
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Our specialist view
Why this journey works
“This route goes well beyond Thailand’s familiar highlights. Local transport and good guiding bring Bangkok and Chiang Mai to life, the northern stays add genuine cultural depth, and Khao Lak provides a useful pause before the final adventure in Khao Sok.”
Bangkok→Chiang Mai→Northern Villages→Chiang Rai→Khao Lak→Khao Sok
Your journey, day by day
From Bangkok’s river life to the rainforest lakes of Khao Sok
Day 2
Bangkok’s landmarks and local transport
Explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Jim Thompson House with a private guide. Travel between them using a thoughtful mix of Skytrain, river boat, longtail boat and tuk tuk, experiencing more of the city than you would from a car window.
Day 3
The Chao Phraya & overnight train
See a quieter side of Bangkok from the water, travelling through the city’s canals and riverside neighbourhoods. Later, board the overnight sleeper train north to Chiang Mai.
Day 4
Doi Suthep
Arrive in Chiang Mai and take time to refresh. In the afternoon, travel into the hills to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for its sacred atmosphere and views across the city and surrounding countryside.
Day 5
Chiang Mai by river, rickshaw & bicycle
Discover several sides of Chiang Mai using local transport. Journey along the Ping River, continue by rickshaw and cycle through the ruins and quiet lanes of Wiang Kum Kam.
Day 6
Into the northern countryside
Leave the city for a community-based stay in the countryside. Spend time with local people, learn about traditions and explore the village and surrounding landscape with your private guide.
Day 7
Tea country & rafting
Cycle through the rural landscape, pausing at a tea plantation to understand the local crop. Later, take to the river for a more active journey towards another small village.
Day 8
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Travel through northern Thailand towards Chiang Rai, with stops chosen to break the road journey and reveal more of the countryside. Arrive with time to settle in and enjoy the evening at your own pace.
Day 9
Chiang Rai countryside
Explore outside Chiang Rai by bicycle, travelling at a gentle pace through small villages and farmland. Pause for a local lunch and see a quieter side of northern life away from the city.
Day 10
Fly south to Khao Lak
Transfer to Chiang Rai airport for the flight south, then continue by private road transfer to Khao Lak. The evening is free after a substantial travelling day.
Day 11
Khao Lak at leisure
Keep the day completely free beside the coast. It is a useful pause between the cultural touring in the north and the more active final days in Khao Sok.
Day 12
Village life & Khao Sok
Travel towards Khao Sok with your guide. Visit a community farm, enjoy a locally prepared lunch and take a canoe journey through the surrounding waterways before settling into the forested landscape.
Day 13
Cheow Lan Lake
Continue to Cheow Lan Lake and travel by boat between its limestone cliffs. Spend the night on the water, with time to appreciate the scale and stillness of this remarkable setting.
Day 14
Wildlife, caves & departure
Make an early start on the lake when conditions are quieter, watching for wildlife as you travel by boat. Explore one of the area’s caves before returning to the mainland for your onward journey.
Stay a little longer
Extend the journey with more time beside the sea.
Add extra nights in Khao Lak or choose another Thai beach that suits your dates and preferred style of resort.