Only 450€ per week!
Road Trip Best of Thailand 3 Weeks
Around Thailand - Thailand
Many great things come in 3’s, like 3-day weekends and 3-point shots in basketball. This 3 week Road Trip in Thailand will prove yet again that 3’s are great!
This 21 day adventure will take you down to the south to enjoy some of the country’s most exotic beaches, up to the north to discover the wonders of Chiang Mai, and then trekking to meet an authentic Hill Tribe village. This is the chance to explore some of the best that the country of Thailand has to offer and enjoy every step of the way!
Program
Living
Thailand
Program Description
Trunk to the South
Come and explore the beautiful South of Thailand! Whilst travelling through the provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani by bus, you will witness and experience the thorough beauty of the Southern Thai culture, people and natural beauty. These locations include Angthong National Park and Thailand’s finest island: Koh Samui! While helping out at the beach and snorkeling in the clear blue sea, you will be warmly greeted by the very friendly and ever smiling people of the South.
Train Tracks Northern Thailand
This program is designed to give you a full insight into the culture and local customs of the northern Thai people. Through traveling and helping in local projects, you will get to fully experience this gorgeous part of Thailand. During the expedition, you will learn some things about Thai culture, visit the “big giants” at an Elephant Conservation Center, explore Chiang Mai, teach at a local school and much more!
Trekking to Hill Tribes
Go on a trekking expedition to the famous hill tribes of Northern Thailand. During this visit you will be warmly welcomed by various hill tribes into their villages and livelihoods. Experience and witness the authentic way of living that these hill tribes have practiced for hundreds of years. This unique cultural encounter together with the beautiful and lush green covered mountain areas of Northern Thailand will make this an unforgettable experience!
Mostly Thai style dishes will be served during the trip. This means that the meals will consist of mostly rice and noodles. There will usually be some vegetables and some meat in these dishes, but vegetarian options can be arranged as well. We do not offer Western style meals, but you can feel free to supplement the menu at your own cost to include any of your favorite dishes.
Aims & Objectives
- The aim of this program is to bring you closer to the authentic Thailand. Through different projects and activities, you will get to truly immerse yourself in the Thai culture, customs and lifestyle.
Schedule
Week 1: Trunk to the South
Sunday
- Brunch at Hua Hin center
- Free day (no lunch will be served)
- Dinner at Hua Hin center
Overnight stay in Hua Hin center (hot water, fan & Wi-Fi)
Monday
- Breakfast at the Hua Hin center
- Visit to a famous Bhuddist temple nearby
- Lunch
- Take a scenic train from Hua Hin to Bang Saphan Yai
- Dinner
Overnight stay at hotel in Bang Saphan Yai
Tuesday
- Breakfast
- Sightseeing and snorkeling on a three hour boat trip
- Lunch on the boat
- Back to the hotel
- Free time at the beach
- Dinner
- Free time
Overnight train journey to Surat Thani
Wednesday
- Breakfast in Surat Thani
- Minivan to pier
- Boat to Koh Samui (2 hours)
- Check in to hotel at Choeng Mon Beach
- Lunch at the hotel
- Explore the local area near the Hotel/Beach.
- Dinner at the guesthouse
- Night market
Overnight stay at the hotel/guesthouse (hot water, air-con & Wi-fi)
Thursday
- Travel to Angthong National Park by boat
- Breakfast on the boat
- Snorkeling and hiking, visiting the park and two islands
- Lunch on the boat
- Continue with the above program
- Boat transfer from Angthong National Park to Koh Samui (2 hours)
- Back to the hotel/guesthouse in Koh Samui
- Dinner at a local restaurant in Koh Samui.
Overnight stay at the hotel/guesthouse (hot water, air-con & Wi-fi)
Friday
- Breakfast at the guesthouse
- Visit Wat Phra Yai
- Visit Grandmother and Grandfather stones at Koh Samui
- A visit to a beautiful waterfall where swimming is possible
- Lunch back at the hotel
- Dinner at Thai restaurant
Overnight stay at the hotel/guesthouse (hot water, air-con & Wi-fi)
Saturday
- Breakfast at the hotel in Koh Samui
- Free time on the beach
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Check out from the hotel and head to the bus station
Week 2: Train Tracks Northern Thailand
Monday
- Breakfast at the Singburi center
- Transfer to Lopburi bus station
- Lunch in Chum Saeng
- Introduction at the homestay
- Dinner
- Small Thai welcome BBQ in the evening
Overnight stay at the homestay (fan, cold water & no Wi-Fi)
Tuesday
- Breakfast at the homestay
- Thai traditional farming/agriculture activity
- Lunch at the homestay
- Train from Chum Saeng to Uttaradit (4 hour ride, no air-con)
- Check in at the hotel in Uttaradit
- Visit to Hero Monument
- Dinner at a local Thai restaurant
Overnight stay at the hotel in Uttaradit (hot water, aircon & Wi-Fi)
Wednesday
- Breakfast at the school
- Teaching at Tungkalo school
- Lunch at a local Thai restaurant
- An educational visit to Tungyang Temple to learn about Buddhism by the Monks and assist the Monks with cleaning of the temple premises
- A visit to the local shopping center
- Dinner at the shopping center
Overnight stay at the hotel in Uttaradit (hot water, aircon & Wi-Fi)
Thursday
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Train from Uttaradit to Lampang, with very nice mountain landscapes en route (3 hours, no air-con).
- Check in at the hotel in Lampang
- Have lunch at local Thai restaurant
- A visit to an old Burmese Temple, where you will learn about Buddhism by the Monks and assist the Monks with cleaning of the temple premises
- A visit to the local market
- Dinner at the local market
Overnight stay at the hotel in Lampang (hot water, aircon & Wi-Fi)
Friday
- Breakfast across the hotel in a local Thai restaurant
- A visit to the Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang to about elephant care
- Lunch at a local market where you can buy souvenirs
- After lunch take the train to Chiang Mai
- Dinner at a local Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai
- Train from Lampang to Chiang Mai (2 hours and 15 minutes, with no air-con)
- Visit a famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Overnight stay at the hotel in Chiang Mai (hot water, air-con & Wi-Fi)
Saturday
- Breakfast at a local restaurant in Chiang Mai
- An educational and cultural excursion to Doi Pui villages, Hill tribe people
- A visit to Doi Suthep Mountain and Wat Phrathat temple
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Chiang Mai
- During the afternoon: free time in Chiang Mai
- Dinner in Chiang Mai
- Free time during the evening
Overnight stay at the same hotel in Chiang Mai (hot water, air-con & Wi-Fi)
Sunday
- Breakfast in the hotel
- After breakfast take bus to Chiang Rai
- Free day (no lunch will be served)
- Dinner at a local restaurant Chiang Rai
- Free time during the evening
Check-in hotel in Chiang Rai for overnight stay (hot water, air-con & Wi-Fi)
Week 3: Trekking to Hill Tribes
Monday
- Breakfast at a local restaurant in Chiang Rai
- Cycle to Boon Rowd farm
- Visit White Temple
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Visit a 70m tall beautiful waterfall and swim (depends on weather)
Overnight stay at a village nearby (no wifi at this village)
Tuesday
- Breakfast at the homestay
- Visit a Ban Mai Pattana Village
- Lunch at Akha Village
- Trekking to Doi Chaang , the coffee mountain and a chance to see the sunset.
- Dinner
Overnight stay at Doi Chaang hill tribe village (WiFi)
Wednesday
- Trek through the the coffee farm to visit the waterfall
- Lunch
- Learn how to cook some rice with bamboo shoots.
- Camping in the forest (depends on season, if it rains we will stay at Doi Chaang village)
Thursday
- Breakfast at the Akha hill tribe village
- Trekking through the hills trekking to visit viewpoint at Doi Chaang; coffee mountain 2 -3 hours
- Lunch
- Visit Bann San chaloen Akha homestay
- Dinner
Friday
- Breakfast
- Visit coffee house and learn how to make your own coffee, coffee roasted and grounded .
- Visit Mae Suay dam, you will be canoeing and will have the chance to swim
- Lunch
- Go to visit a local market for cooking and interact with the hill tribe people.
- Participate in a goodbye ceremony from the hill tribe.
- Dinner
- Engage in cultural exchange activities such as dancing and singing.
Overnight stay at the homestay in Sang Charung hill tribe village (cold water, fan & no Wi-fi)
Saturday
- Breakfast
- Trekking to hot springs, relax in a natural hot spa.
- Lunch
- Back to Chaing Rai City and visit a nearby mall for shopping and supplies
Take an Overnight bus back to Singburi
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: –
Maximum age: –
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: On Arrival
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
- Due to the length and active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.
Additional Equipment
- Shoes suitable for hiking
- Some warm clothes for when you are in the northern, cooler parts of Thailand
Location
A route that takes you to all the highlights of Thailand. Up to the hill tribes in the North and down South to Thailand’s probably most well-known island: Koh Samui. Passing beautiful landscapes, tourist hotspots and several national parks.
About the Accommodation
Along the route you will have overnight stays in hotels/guest houses, tents, busses and even a boat. More information can be found inside the schedule.
Food Arrangements
Mostly Thai style dishes will be served during the trip. This means that the meals will consist of mostly rice and noodles. There will usually be some vegetables and some meat in these dishes, but vegetarian options can be arranged as well. We do not offer Western style meals, but you can feel free to supplement the menu at your own cost to include any of your favorite dishes.
Facilities
Along the route – but not at all times – there are ATMs and small local stores. Please make sure you have enough money with you before starting the trip.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
You’ll be on a busy schedule.
Transportation
From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):
- Akha Village Chiang Rai
- All around Thailand
- Hua Hin
- Kaeng Krachan
- Kanchanaburi
- Mae Sot
- Singburi
- Suphan Buri
- Trunk to the South
- Udon Thani
- Umphang
- Wang Nam Khiao
Quick Facts
Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Population: 67 million
Capital: Bangkok
Language: Thai
Currency: Baht (THB)
Time zone: ICT (UTC +7)
Country Information
From trekking in the beautiful mountains of the north to enjoying the glorious beaches in the south and experiencing the hustle and bustle of the metropolis that is Bangkok, Thailand is certainly not a country that lacks variety.
Whilst it really is at the heart of Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, its cultural identity remains very unique. As the only country in Southeast Asia to avoid European powers, the Thai are proud to refer to themselves as ‘The Land of the Free’ and many tourists might also know it as ‘The Land of Smiles’ due to its friendly people.
Climate
The majority of the country is home to a tropical savanna climate which consists of wet and dry seasons of a roughly equal length. The climate can be divided into three distinct seasons:
- Dry season: November – end of February. During this period, precipitation is at its lowest but so are the temperatures. This said, ‘low temperatures’ are of course relative and the difference is not in fact very different at all in the South. It is only if you will be visiting the northern mountains that you might need to bring some warmer clothes as temperatures can fall as low as 5°C. This period is, not surprisingly, the most popular time to visit Thailand and tourism peaks around Christmas and New Year as well as Chinese New year. Flights and accommodation at this time can be more expensive.
- Hot: March to June. During this time Thailand reaches its hottest temperatures (as high as 50°C).
- Rainy: July – October. This is when the tropical monsoons begin to arrive, peaking in September. Although this is indeed rainy season, it doesn’t mean that it rains non-stop. Storms can clear up very quickly, but when it does rain, heavy flooding is not rare.
Culture
A significant feature of Thai culture is its primary religion: Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is supported by the government and practiced by an estimated 95% of its population. Thailand not only boasts tens of thousands of beautiful temples, but you will notice that a lot of Thai people have miniature Spirit Houses on their front yards because they believe that the household spirits live in them and they make offerings to them to keep the spirits happy.
Another feature of Thai culture is the wai greeting, which is essentially a slight bow with palms pressed together in a prayer-like manner to show respect. This can be compared to the Indian namasté. Things to know about this:
- The higher the hands in relation to the face and the deeper the bow, the more respect is shown.
- It is made before formally entering/leaving a house
- It can also be made as a sign of gratitude or apology
- You do not make the greeting to those who are younger than you unless you are returning the wai.
- The gesture is normally accompanied with the phrase “sawadee (krap/ka)” (“krap” if you are male and “ka” if you are female)
- A corporate wai (made by cashiers etc) can be returned with a smile or a nod
The major festival in Thailand is Thai New Year, known as Songkran. It is celebrated on the 13th-14th April of every year. It is a festival that concludes the dry season and involves a lot of water throwing!
Gastronomy
Thai cuisine is very nutritious and alongside its plentiful use of rice, it generally contains fresh vegetables and white meats like chicken and fish. Thai people love spicy food but do not fear if you do not, just say ‘mai pet’ when you order. However, the flavors are not only about the spice, as many people believe. Thai food can be slightly salty, sour and/or sweet, so there really is something to suit everyone’s palate.
Transportation
Transport in Thailand is very varied and there isn’t one ‘main way’ to travel. Buses dominate long distance journeys. Travel in thailand is cheap and even domestic flights are a worthwhile consideration for long distance journeys, especially with the expansion of low-cost airlines.
Taxis, tuk-tuks and vans are also common modes of transport, but tourists must be wary about being overcharged. If in doubt, always ask that the taximeter be switched on to avoid overcharging.
