7 Thailand trips for the adventure of a lifetime

Koh Kood, Thailand (Shutterstock)

If you want to escape Thailand’s hectic tourist hotspots and mix jungle and beach, then Wexas Travel’s Hidden Treasures of Thailand grants all your wishes.

After spending a night in Thailand’s buzzing capital of Bangkok, you’ll be swept away to the forests and waterfalls of Khao Yai National Park. This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site has leopards, bears, otters, gibbons and around 200 elephants and over 392 bird species.

The last week of your holiday will be spent on the tropical island of Koh Kood, one of the few unspoiled islands in Thailand, where you can kick back and relax on one of the islands beaches, kayak through the mangrove swamps, or snorkel and scuba dive among the pristine coral reefs.

Cycling at sunset, Thailand (Shutterstock)

KE Adventure Travel’s Bangkok to Phuket Road Cycling Tour takes you on an eight-day fully supported excursion through quiet backroads as you head south from Bangkok.

Cycling 100kms per day, covering a total of 850km, you’ll pedal past spectacular limestone pinnacles, and through remote villages, Buddhist temples and numerous national parks. Your nights will be spent in coastal resorts relaxing on peaceful beaches and gorging on delicious seafood.

You’ll finish on one of Phuket’s best beaches for some well-earned relaxation.

The bridge over the River Kwai, Thailand (Shutterstock)

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to live on a houseboat? Then Buffalo Tours’ Houseboat and Jungle Safari is your ideal trip.

Visit the infamous River Kwai Bridge, constructed by prisoners of war during World War Two, and providing inspiration for the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. Take a tour of Coconut Island ‘s 1,200 coconut trees, have the opportunity to kayak through caves that are home to hundreds of bats, and stroll through a Karen hilltribe village where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the locals.

Visit Mon Bridge, Thailand’s longest wooden bridge, and explore the diverse culture of Sangklaburi before returning to Bangkok.

Sukhothai historical park, Thailand (Shutterstock)

On Peregrine’s Thailand Unearthed you’ll explore every inch of Thai culture from the busy streets of Bangkok to a stay in the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, giving you a unique insight into the traditions of the tribe.

You’ll visit the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital, the world’s first hospital that cares for sick and abused elephants, where you’ll learn how their natural habitat and way of life is protected whilst getting to know some of the patients themselves.

Visit the ancient Siam capital of Sukhothai, which dates back to the 13th century. You’ll cycle through its World Heritage listed park, which captures the Golden Age of Thai civilisation; its name means ‘Dawn of Happiness’. You even get the opportunity to stay in a chalet next to the iconic Bridge on the River Kwai.

School children in Thailand (Shutterstock)

The whole family can experience authentic Thai culture on Explore’s action-packed Family River Kwai and Jungle Adventure.

Take a traditional tuk-tuk to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, learn some boxing skills at the Muay Thai training camp and take part in a drama class or football game with the Yaowawit School students. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea otters and monitor lizards on a visit to the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

You’ll also have the opportunity to zip down a zip wire, take a cookery course or explore Bangkok’s best museums. Families get all the fun!

Monks in Wat Pho Temple, Bangkok (Shutterstock)

Explore some of Thailand’s most treasured landmarks on Audley’s Heart of Thailand tour.

You’ll get a rare opportunity to witness the monks’ morning chanting ritual at Wat Pho and explore the temple in the peaceful early hours before the crowds arrive. Take a tour of the Amphawa floating market, see the iconic bridge over the River Kwai and visit old Siam’s ancient ruins, some of which can be traced back to the 14th Century.

The last few days of your trip will be spent relaxing on the tranquil island of Koh Samet where you’ll take a tour of the island onboard a fishing boat and enjoy the peace and quiet whilst stretched out on the beach.

Angthong national marine park, Koh Samui, Thailand (Shutterstock)

Can’t afford to spend too much on a trip? Don’t despair as G Adventures Thailand on a Shoestring is made for travellers who want to explore both North and South Thailand on a budget price.

Dedicated to people aged 18 to 39, you’ll start off your trip in Bangkok where you can visit the Buddhist temple complex, Wat Po and the Grand Palace. You can also explore Bangkok’s bustling streets or take a klong through the waters before boarding a night train to Chiang Mai.

Trek to hilltribe villages, experiencing the diverse cultures and learn about their beliefs and traditions. Then head to southern Thailand, and to the natural beauty of Khao Sok National Park, before chilling out on the islands of Ko Samui and Koh Tao, where snorkelling and other water activities are on offer.


Main Image: Traditional long tail boats in Thailand (Shutterstock)