Simply Thailand - Absolute Asia Tours

On arrival in Thailand, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel.

Set off at first light, arriving in time to witness the saffron-robed monks emerge from their monasteries at Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep, the most important temple in Northern Thailand. They walk silently down the streets, collecting alms from local Buddhist residents - a serene ceremony which is the perfect introduction to Chiang Mai’s spiritual side. Climb past the Golden Nagas lining the staircase to the temple cloister, where you can view one of Thailand's most sacred stupas, and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city below. Continue your spiritual journey at unique Wat Umong, also known as the ‘Tunnel Temple’. Hidden amongst the trees at the foot of Doi Suthep, its network of underground tunnels and caves dates back to the 14th century. In one of these quiet corners, you can receive a special blessing from a local monk. Feeling sufficiently soulful, head to a popular local restaurant for a hearty bowl of khao soi, Chiang Mai’s most famous dish. The rest of your day will be at leisure.

Take a cookery class in a Thai family home, where you'll gain a better understanding of everyday life in Northern Thailand, and enjoy an opportunity that few visitors are lucky enough to experience. Having met the family, you’ll learn about traditional basket-weaving and the architecture of traditional Thai homes, before strolling around the local market to gather fresh ingredients for your cooking extravaganza. Guided by Mr Prapat (the head of the family), you'll learn to cook traditional Northern Thai recipes before sitting down with the family to enjoy the fruits of your labour and chat with Mr Prapat to learn more about family life in Thailand. After lunch, stroll around the neighbourhood to see local cottage industries before returning to Chiang Mai in time to board your overnight train to Bangkok.

Once your train reaches Bangkok, you'll be given a hotel room to freshen up in before breakfast. Then it's time to plunge into Bangkok's bustle - the city is kept in perpetual motion by a buzzing public network whose modes of transport span from ancient to ultramodern. You'll step straight into the flow today on a tour of highlights, some well known, others further off the track. Begin your journey in one of the city's famous tuk-tuks, before switching to a public ‘bus boat’ through the city’s canals. Disembark to explore the historic house of Jim Thompson, a mysterious American silk merchant, before catching the ‘sky train’ (or jumping in a taxi) to your hotel, where the rest of your day will be at leisure.

our day will be at leisure until late afternoon, when your guide will meet you with a tuk-tuk for a tour of the city’s finest streetfood. Zigzag through the city, stopping off to savour local dishes from different parts of Thailand, fresh from Bangkok’s street stalls. Sput-sput past the Grand Palace Temples and stop to admire Wat Pho, all beautifully lit up at night, while your snacks go down before a drink at one of our favourite hidden bars, before more food, finishing by gorging on one of the best Pad Thais you’ll ever eat! With your appetite fully satisfied (and waistbands at bursting point!), you’ll be returned to your hotel.

Take a morning flight to Phuket where you will be met by the Elephant Hills team, and transferred to their jungle camp in Khao Sok National Park. During your stay you will spend time with the camp's resident Asian elephants, learning about their welfare and upkeep via the expert tutelage of the Elephant Hills guides and resident mahouts. It’s a very hands-on experience, and you will have the opportunity to get up close to these incredible animals, but riding them is not allowed. In the evening, the camp hosts cooking demonstrations, along with dance performances by a local school which the camp and its clients help to support. Tonight your accommodation will be a luxurious safari tent, complete with comfortable beds, en suite hot water shower, and a western style loo. Doors and windows are covered with mosquito netting as well as canvas flaps, keeping insects and reptiles at bay. The tents are well ventilated and, when the temperatures drop at night, blankets are on hand to ensure you stay snug.

Head to Cheow Larn Lake, deep in the National Park, where you’ll board a traditional longtail boat to cruise across the lake. Your destination is the Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp, where safari tents are pitched upon floating platforms, moored to the lake’s shore. During your time here, you can hop in a kayak to spot wildlife close to the water, and look for primates high in the canopy. Other activities include treks to see an incredible variety of exotic plants, and learn about the ecology of the rainforest, and visiting caves deep in the jungle. The lake is also excellent for swimming!

A final morning of exploring Khao Sok National Park by kayak and on foot. After lunch join the shared transfer to Surat Thani, arriving in time to board the 5pm ferry to Koh Samui. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy several days of R&R; on the beach.

The small island of Koh Tao is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, offering some of the best snorkelling and diving opportunities in the country. Your day will be spent exploring the underwater world.

Includes:Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.