Your adventure starts with a ferry journey across the Chao Phraya to Koh Kret, a tiny island in the river that is home to a small community of craftsmen famed for their distinctive pottery. A leisurely stroll enables exploration of market stalls and the opportunity to taste delicious snacks before we view a traditional pottery workshop to watch artisans create unique red-black glazed products. You can try your hand at creating your own simple earthenware. We then visit Baan Silp Siam, an artist’s house focused on traditional Thai arts including khon masks and handicrafts. Lunch is served at a small restaurant overlooking the river, followed by a ‘DIY’ (do it yourself) coffee where you get to roast the coffee beans on a stove, grind them and make the coffee yourself. We end the perfect day at Chit Beer, a small riverside bar to enjoy a Thai craft beer, followed by the drive back to the hotel.

Ranong – #Tide Ranong – Ranong                                                              [L, D]

The journey begins in Ranong, a southern province that sits on the border with Myanmar. We have lunch at a local restaurant before stopping to visit Waree Ban Phot, a stunning Thai-Burmese style temple that sits close to Ranong town.

In the late afternoon, we visit the #Tide plastic collection centre in Ranong and learn about the impact of this social enterprise on the community and surrounding environment. This organisation helps to keep the ocean clean by arranging activities to collect plastic waste from coastal areas. Today, we take part in some of these activities with the workers of #Tide. After getting involved in the clean-up, take a break with local snacks and drinks.

The experience at #Tide includes a presentation on plastic pollution where we gain a more in-depth understanding of the organisation and how it creates a circular economy by recycling waste collected from nearby islands. Return to Ranong and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Ranong – #Tide Koh Chang – Ranong                                                      [B, L, D]

Transfer to Ranong pier to board a speedboat bound for Koh Chang. On arrival on the island, we are greeted by representatives of #Tide and take a five minute walk to the warehouse. Explore the #Tide plastic collection centre on the island and learn about the activities that take place in the warehouse. Get a sense of island life and discover the diversity of cultures and ethnicities that exist in the community, including Thai, Myanmar and Moken people.

Learn more about the issues caused by plastic pollution and the solutions that #Tide offers. The organisation supports Moken women who create handicrafts using discarded fishing ropes.

We then travel in vintage motorbikes with sidecars from the warehouse to a bungalow on the beach. Here, we have an opportunity to swim or relax. Our lunch today will come with the Moken fishermen who arrive by boat, bringing their catch of the day. Enjoy a meal of fresh seafood prepared by the local community.

After lunch, we take part in farming activities at a nearby resort. Experience roasting and cracking locally grown cashew nuts. Later, we have time for more relaxation or a swim at the beach. Return to Ranong by speedboat and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Bangkok – Rayong                                                                                                 [L, D]

Guests are warmly welcomed upon their arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, or at a Bangkok hotel, depending on individual travel itineraries and taken on a three-hour drive to a serene beach in Rayong province. The first stop is lunch at Laem Charoen Seafood Restaurant, one of the oldest Thai restaurants on the beach near Rayong city. We then head to the selected hotel to check-in. After freshening up, it is time to meet the guide in the lobby and start our sustainable activities at Centre Pra Chedi Klangnam. We will participate in beneficial pursuits such as creating a crab condominium, a structure that helps this important species to thrive. Other possible activities are building a refuse trap in a river, or planting saplings in a mangrove forest. We then transfer back to our respective hotels for dinner and overnight.

Rayong – Pattaya                                                                                          [B, L, D]

Our excursion provides the best of both worlds – the rural splendour of Rayong province, followed by the lively resort city of Pattaya. In the morning, we drive to Ban Krasae Bon community village to absorb the local lifestyle. We will enjoy a welcome drink at Krasia Khuha Sawan Temple and take part in varied religious traditions, including a blessing administered by a monk. We then head to Somchit Orchard by a traditional three-wheel vehicle. Next, we boat down the Prasae River and try to spot the elusive Chinese Water Dragon. Lunch is prepared by the friendly villagers and served on a raft with an idyllic river view. It is then time to transfer to Pattaya. After checking in to the hotel, we visit the Sanctuary of Truth. This is the most iconic local structure in the city and created entirely from teak. The amazing 105-metre-tall replica of both a temple and a palace is unique in the world. Detailed carvings of animals, people and scenes from mythology are of exceptional fine detail. We then enjoy a seafood dinner cooked Thai-style at Glass House Silver Restaurant, followed by a transfer to the hotel.

Pattaya – Takien Tia Community – Bangkok                                                                    [B, L]

After a delicious breakfast, we check-out from the hotel and set off on a leisurely journey. We will gain immersion into eco-tourism at Baan Takian Tia Community in Bang Lamung district in Chonburi, a 40-minute drive from Pattaya. This experience will give us the opportunity to learn about coconut cultivation and how the community has united to preserve a green sanctuary in a rapidly industrialised area. A local villager will give us an insight into efforts to maintain a small slice of the countryside in the rapidly advancing concrete jungle, as this location’s close proximity to Bangkok has made it a prime area for development. We then get hands-on during a floral embroidery bag workshop and get to keep our creation. After lunch with community members, we continue on our way to Bangkok.

Bangkok – Khao Yai                                                                                                 [L, D]

The day’s adventure starts with us leaving Bangkok by private car, minibus. or coach for Saraburi, a central Thai province renowned for its collection of ancient Buddhist temples. We will stop at Phra Buddha Badh, home to a shrine of the holy footprint of Buddha and a large number of temple bells that surround the temple compound. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Saraburi before continuing to Khao Yai National Park, home to more than 50 km of hiking and biking trails and several waterfalls including 150 metre high Haew Narok and the famous 20-metre-tall Haew Suwat that featured in Danny Boyle’s Hollywood hit The Beach. The park is also home to a diversity of flora and fauna, including bears, gibbons, elephants and hornbills. On the way, we stop at the hillside temple of Wat Theppithak with its huge seated Buddha and fruit market at Klang Dong. Dinner at hotel.

Khao Yai – Korat                                                                                                         [B, L, D]

The day starts exploring some of Khao Yai National Park’s natural beauty with a visit to impressive Krong Keo Waterfalls that are home to a bamboo suspension bridge. We then stop at Thao Suranaree Memorial, built in commemoration of Khunying Mo, wife of the town’s second in command, who rallied her people to defeat Laotian invaders in 1826 under the reign of King Rama III. Next, we visit Wat Sala Loi, where the main chapel is constructed in the shape of a Chinese junk using local materials in the form of the famous earthen tiles from Daan Kwien. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Korat before continuing to Pimai to visit the museum and magnificent Khmer temples, dubbed the Angkor Wat of Thailand, that are believed to have been built by King Jayavarman VI in the 11th century. Before returning to Korat, we visit Sai Ngam Banyan Grove, home to Thailand’s largest banyan tree. Dinner at hotel.

Korat – Surin                                                                                                         [B, L, D]

We start the day with a trip to the village of Daan Kwian, famous for its beautiful earthenware. Set on the Moon River, it is home to a quaint collection of pottery studios, stores and museums to explore. We then continue to Prasat Phnom Rung, the most important Khmer temple complex in Thailand. Perched atop a small hill, this complex comprises a stunning monumental staircase and its sanctuary is one of the best examples of Khmer architecture in the country. We also visit Prasat Muang Tham, a Khmer temple that dates back further than Prasat Phnom Rung, with a collection of well-preserved bas reliefs. After a local lunch, we set off to the northeast province of Surin. Dinner at hotel.

Note: The Surin Elephant Round-Up is held every year on the third weekend of November. Tour programmes available on request, surcharges apply.

Surin – Bangkok                                                                                                     [B, L]

We leave for Si Saket, famous for its Khmer ruins. We visit Prasat Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai, an 11th century Khmer-era temple built to honour Hindu god Shiva before switching to a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in the 13th century. We continue to Prasat Wat Sa Kamphaeng Noi, which comprises a laterite stupa and chapel with a lotus pond at the front. We drive on to Ubon Ratchathani, one of the four major cities of Isan. After lunch, we continue to Ban Pa Ao, one of the oldest villages in Ubon Ratchathani, whose residents are said to have migrated from Vientiane, Laos during the reign of King Siri Bun San. This area is famous for its skilled artisans who create bronzeware and handwoven silk. We then visit Ban Kan Lueang archaeological site. In 1992, an excavation of the site unearthed a range of artefacts that date back 2,000 years. We then drive to Ubon Ratchathani Airport to fly to Bangkok.

Bangkok – Nan                                                                                                 [L]

We will be met at Nan Airport by your guide and taken to a local restaurant for lunch. We start our exploration of Nan with a visit to Wat Ming Muang. This ancient site dates back to 1857 and was once an abandoned temple where the city pillar, made of two huge trunks, was found in the ruins of its vihara. We then continue to Wat Phumin, famous for the ancient mural paintings that decorate its walls in Thai Lu style, called Pu Man-Ya Man. They are considered highly valuable and depict stories of Buddha, legends, and the local way of life. We also visit nearby Wat Chang Kham Woravihan. The chedi inside the temple reflects the influence of Sukhothai arts. The main vihara enshrines an elegant ancient Buddha image that showcases Chiang Saen-style of art and Nan craftsmanship skills. On our return to the city, we stop at hilltop temple, Wat Pratardnoi, to enjoy its views before the check-in to your overnight accommodation.

Nan                                                                                                                               [B, L, D]

We start the day early with a trip to the market to make merit with monks. We then return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to Wat Nong Bua, an ancient temple built by the Thai Lue group who migrated from South China. We then take a stroll through Nong Bua Thai Lue village to see locals hand-weaving beautiful fabrics in a Nam Lai design before driving to Doi Phu Ka National Park, a stunning primeval forest. We admire the living fossil Phu Kha tree and its enchanting flowers before continuing on a scenic drive to Bo Klua district, stopping enroute for lunch at a local restaurant. Bo Klua district is an important salt production area. We will explore the salt mountains and watch the traditional salt mining process before returning to the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant along Nan River.

Optional: After dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a stroll through the local night market and admire nearby temples illuminated at night.

Nan – Bangkok |or Cross the Border to Laos                                                                       [B]

We start our final day with a visit to one of Nan town’s most sacred spots, Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng, which is perched on the eastern banks of the Nan River and was the former centre of the town after relocating from Pua. The temple’s name derives from Phra That Chae Haeng, the gilded chedi that contains a relic of the Buddha. It was founded in 1355 and features a mix of architectural styles, including Lanna and Thai Lu. Phra Borommathat Chae Haeng represents the year of the rabbit in the lunar calendar. Lanna people believe that travelling to pay respect to the Phrathat of their birth year brings abundant prosperity. Afterwards, we transfer to Nan Airport for your onward flight, or to Huai Kon immigration to cross the border to neighbouring Laos.

Khao Lak – Surin Islands – Koh Prathong                                             [L]

Escape to a tropical island paradise within the idyllic Koh Surin National Marine Park. An early 7 am start, with a transfer from Khao Lak to Kuraburi Pier, is followed by an exhilarating speedboat trip to Koh Surin. A guided tour conducted by the island’s original inhabitants, the Moken, provides a unique insight into their home. We will learn about the intricate relationship between this indigenous group and the environment, view brightly coloured poles that honour the spirits of nature and see bamboo stilt houses erected on the sand. We also try our hand at rowing a traditional boat, spearfishing and weaving, including the creation of a bracelet made from Pandanus leaves. Lunch is a Thai set menu served under the shade of a tree on the beach, followed by a short walk to a coral reef to view the Moken’s impressive diving techniques. It is then time to enjoy a cooling swim surrounded by tropical fish. We then take a long-tail boat to Baba Ecolodge Resort, with the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this idyllic site nestled within lush tropical jungle and facing a 12-km deserted beach.

Koh Ra                                                                                                    [B, L]

After breakfast at the resort, our adventure begins with a 15-minute long-tail boat ride to Koh Ra. This is a long and mountainous island and covered in ancient rainforest. The elevated and overgrown terrain has preserved the serenity. Consequently, it is home to abundant flora and fauna and this makes it an excellent trekking venue. We will set off on a leisurely hike and look out for hornbills and other native species. Lunch is served al fresco on a secluded beach, with time afterwards to enjoy a cooling swim, or relax on the pristine sand. At around 2 pm, we head back to the resort on Koh Phrathong, with the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the stunning beauty of this tranquil destination.

Optional activities                                                                            [B]

Savannah Tour with breakfast (by Baba Ecolodge Resort)
Another day in an idyllic island paradise unfolds, with the option to relax at the resort, or undertake some excellent optional excursions. The Savannah Tour reveals native wildlife and abundant nature. Our destination, Ko Phra Thong’s savannah interior is more reminiscent of Kenya than Thailand. We leave by jeep at 6 am and head to a spectacular environment featuring brilliant white sandy dunes covered with thick grass. This is one of the best bird watching destinations in Thailand and one of the few places on earth to spot the endangered lesser adjutant stork.

Island Adventure
Another option is an island adventure tour that reveals rustic Tung Dap village. The discovery starts with a 9 am transfer. After a briefing and a cultural orientation, we join an interactive workshop where we learn how to make squid traps, an essential tool for the indigenous Moken. We then enjoy a homemade lunch and a cultural exchange with our host family. We then head out to catch crabs, fish or gather seashells, depending on the tide. We also learn how to make a traditional Moken desert. At around 4.30 pm we arrive back at the resort, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Koh Prathong – Khao Lak                                                               [B]

Our escape from civilization to a remote island getaway concludes today. After breakfast, we have some time to soak up rays and enjoy a cooling swim. We then check-out of the resort and take a long-tail boat transfer to Kuraburi Pier, followed by a speedboat trip back to either Khao Lak or Phuket, depending on individual itineraries. This excursion provides the ultimate escape from modern life and promotes sustainable travel practices.