Thailand road trip: Chiang Mai, Phi Phi and Khao Sok

The tour

This 21-day road trip crosses Thailand from north to south. It begins in Bangkok, with Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the street food of Chinatown, then heads north on the night train to Chiang Mai: the old town and its temples, a Muay Thai lesson, an early-morning food offering to the monks and a chat with them, a jungle trek and a homestay night in a hill tribe village.

Much of the second week is spent at a kindergarten, where you teach the children English, play games, have lunch together and plan the next day’s lesson. Then it is south by plane to Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands, the Railay peninsula and Maya Bay, with snorkelling, kayaking and sunsets on the beach.

The trip ends in Khao Sok National Park, in a floating bungalow on the lake, with a cave to explore. It suits adults, young travellers and families who want to see Thailand at its own pace, as a group and with support on the ground, from night markets to mountain villages.

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok

Airport welcome at Suvarnabhumi and transfer to your hostel. Meet the group and have dinner together.

Day 2: Bangkok and the night train

An introduction session on the itinerary, then visits to Wat Pho, home to one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world, and Wat Arun. A wander through Chinatown to try the street food. Welcome dinner with the group and the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Day 3: Chiang Mai old town

Check in to your hostel in the city centre, then explore the old town on foot, including the temples of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. A stroll through the Sunday Walking Street market, with its crafts and street food, and dinner in the old town.

Day 4: Muay Thai and Nar Moh market

A Muay Thai lesson, Thailand’s traditional martial art, followed by a free afternoon. Dinner at Nar Moh market, known for its street food and lively atmosphere.

Day 5: An introduction to Buddhism

An early start to offer food to the monks at a local temple. An introduction to Buddhism, a monk chat and a meditation session. Free afternoon.

Days 6 and 7: The hill tribes

A jungle trek to hill tribe villages to learn about their traditions and take part in community life, helping with village chores or practising English with the children. Bonfire dinner and a homestay night. The next day, more trekking, bamboo rafting on the river, lunch by the water and the return to Chiang Mai.

Day 8: Free day in Chiang Mai

Time to yourself, then an evening at the big night market to try khao soi, sai ua sausage and mango sticky rice.

Days 9 to 13: A week at school

Each morning, you head to a kindergarten: English lessons, games with the children and lunch together, then planning the next day’s lesson in the afternoon. On day 13, after saying goodbye to the children and staff, you fly to Phuket.

Day 14: Phuket

Phuket Old Town, with its Sino-Portuguese shophouses, temples and mosques, then the Big Buddha, a 45-metre white marble statue on Nakkerd Hill. Time on the beach at Patong, Karon or Kata, and an evening at a night market.

Day 15: Phi Phi Islands

A ferry to the Phi Phi archipelago in the Andaman Sea. Snorkelling or kayaking, then time on the beach.

Day 16: Railay

A longtail boat to the Railay peninsula in Krabi for a day of beach and snorkelling.

Day 17: Free day on Phi Phi

Beach, swimming, snorkelling or kayaking, an optional massage, and sunset on the sand.

Day 18: Maya Bay

A boat trip to Maya Bay to snorkel in its clear water, lunch on the beach and a quiet evening on the island.

Day 19: On to Khao Sok

A ferry to Surat Thani, then a minivan or taxi to Khao Sok National Park. Check in to a floating bungalow on the lake and head out by kayak.

Day 20: Khao Sok National Park

A visit to one of the park’s caves, then a swim in the lake or a lazy afternoon on the bungalow.

Day 21: End of the trip

Breakfast at the bungalow, then on to your next destination.

On site

Accommodation

Hostels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Phi Phi and Railay, one homestay night in a hill tribe village, and two nights in a floating bungalow on Khao Sok lake.

Meals

Three meals a day from day 2 to day 13, except day 8 (breakfast only). From Phuket to Phi Phi, breakfast only is included; at Khao Sok, all three meals are included again.

Arrival

Arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport (BKK) on day 1, with a transfer to the hostel. The tour ends in Khao Sok National Park; the return transfer is not included.

Thailand road trip tour