Thailand Encounters tour

Thailand Encounters tour

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12 Days From

$3135

Thailand Encounters tour

12 Days Starting and ending in Bangkok, Thailand

Visiting: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Baan Pa Khao Lam

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

22

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 20

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3135

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Thailand has so much to offer the active, adventure-seeking traveller. Suited to the budget travellers’ pocket with plenty of free time and guided tours as optional extras, this tour offers fantastic value for money and the peace of mind of a well organised tour.

We start in the vibrant, colourful capital of Bangkok, with its majestic monuments where we take a walking tour of the important temples and markets before heading to Kanchanaburi, home of the 'Bridge on the River Kwai', where we spend the night in a traditional rafthouse. After time to visit the local sites we head to Ayutthaya and explore the historic temples at this World Heritage Site before hopping aboard the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai.

Once in Chiang Mai we take you can enjoy an optional walking tour of this charming and bustling city before making our way out to the Huay Nam Dang National Park to begin your jungle adventure. En-route we will visit a local village market to pick up supplies, and have a refreshing stop at a local waterfall. After an easy first afternoon's walk through the forest, we visit a Karen village to sample their simple way of life and to learn a bit more about the local customs – including a basic dinner and overnight in a bamboo hut.

The next day features a couple of longer walks in the morning and afternoon (around 2-3 hours each) through the forest and jungle.
After spending the night in another hill-tribe village, we spend the next day enjoying a bamboo rafting trip back (approx. 3-4 hours) before returning to Chiang Mai. In Chiang Mai there is time for more sightseeing after which we catch the overnight sleeper train back to Bangkok

The tour ends with some free time in Bangkok before we transfer you back to the airport for your flight home.

This is a sample private tour itinerary and we can customise the daily itinerary, duration and accommodation levels and styles as much or as little as you wish.

Highlights

  • Bangkok city tour including the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

  • Visit the historic town of Kanchanaburi and the Bridge Over the River Kwai.

  • Explore the beautiful Erawan Falls National Park.

  • Discover the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Experience a jungle adventure in Chiang Mai, including trekking and bamboo rafting.

  • Visit the traditional Karen village of Baan Mae Jok.

  • Enjoy bamboo rafting along the Mae Tang river.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Day 1: Arrive Into Bangkok: Transfer To Hotel

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Bangkok hotel


Upon arrival at Bangkok airport we meet & greet and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. The rest of the day is free for you to settle into your hotel and relax, or start exploring the local area.

Single room supplement (THSGTE), Extra day in Bangkok - pre-tour

Day 2 : Day 2: Bangkok: City Tour

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Bangkok hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast


Our tour begins with a a fun way to discover Bangkok's unmistakable 'Kwam-Pen-Thai' (Thai-ness) as we take to tuk tuks and long-tailed boats for tours of the Grand Palace, Buddhist temples including Wat Po, the old canals of Thonburi and the iconic temple of dawn, Wat Arun. Local legend has it that the shards of pottery decorating its 79m tall spire came from a nearby shipwreck 100 years ago. Overall we aim to make sure the true Bangkok is uncovered.

Day 3 : Day 3: Bangkok To Kanchanaburi

Location: Kanchanaburi

Accommodation Name: Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Leaving Bangkok this morning we travel to the historic town of Kanchanaburi. Originally founded to protect Thailand from the Burmese the area is known today for being the site of the famous Bridge Over the River Kwai. Occupied by Japanese troops during WWII the bridge and subsequent railway line was built by allied prisoners of war. Travelling by train along the bridge we will also visit the Allied War Cemetery and the local museum. Then we take to the river to our overnight floating raft-house accommodation.

Day 4 : Day 4: Kanchanaburi: Visit To Erawan Falls National Park

Location: Kanchanaburi

Accommodation Name: Kanchanaburi hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast


After breakfast we head for the beautiful Erawan Falls National Park. This huge park is home to ancient caves and the spectacular waterfalls named after the 3-headed white elephant found in Hindu mythology.

Day 5 : Day 5: Kanchanaburi: Ayutthaya Tour: Train To Chiang Mai

Location: Ayutthaya

Accommodation Name: On board sleeper train

Meals Included: Breakfast


We depart Kanchanaburi this morning for the short trip to the former Siam capital of Ayutthaya. Now a UNESCO world heritage site the city flourished between the 14th and 18th centuries and is home to many ancient temples and Palaces. This evening we board the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Day 6 : Day 6: Arrive In Chiang Mai: Free Day

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Chiang Mai hotel


We arrive into Chiang Mai this morning where the rest of the day is free to explore the city. Nestled amongst some of the highest mountains in Thailand, Chiang Mai retains a relaxed feel to it. Head to the impressive local zoo or visit one of the nearby Buddhist temples before dining out in one of the city's many restaurants.

Day 7 : Day 7: Chiang Mai: Begin Trekking

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Village huts

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Leaving Chiang Mai this morning we travel to the colourful market at Mae Malai before carrying on to the lush Pang Lan Waterfalls. After lunch we begin our trek into the Huay Nam Dang National Park and walk on to the traditional Karen village of Baan Mae Jok where we stop for the night in order to learn more about the culture of the local hill-tribes.

Day 8 : Day 8: Forest Trekking

Location: Baan Pa Khao Lam

Accommodation Name: Village huts

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Awakening to cool mountain breezes we enjoy breakfast this morning before we trek on through the tropical jungle to the village of Baan Pa Khao Lam. We'll continue our trek through the forest before arriving later today at the rafting camp.

Day 9 : Day 9: Trekking And Bamboo Rafting

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Chiang Mai hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


On our final day in the jungle we experience bamboo rafting along the Mae Tang river. Cruising along the tropical riverbanks in our bamboo rafts we make stops at small tribal settlements before finally arriving into Shan village where we transfer back to Chiang Mai.

Day 10 : Day 10: Chiang Mai: Free Day: Overnight Train To Bangkok

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: On board sleeper train

Meals Included: Breakfast


Today is kept free to relax after the trek. You could take in a local Thai cooking course, explore the markets and alleyways of Chiang Mai on foot or relieve any tired muscles with a relaxing local massage. Transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Bangkok.

Day 11 : Day 11: Arrive In Bangkok: Free Day

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Bangkok hotel


We arrive back into the Thai capital this morning and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Bangkok at your leisure. Visit the lively area around Patpong, drop in on a snake farm or browse round Bangkok's many modern shopping centres.

Day 12 : Day 12: Bangkok: Departure Transfer To The Airport

Location: Bangkok

Meals Included: Breakfast


Free day, transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Extra day in Bangkok - post-tour

What's Included

What's Not Included

    • International Flights
    • Visa fees
    • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
    • Single room supplements (chargeable if a same-sex room share is not available)
    • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
    • Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
    • Tips for tour leader, rafting guide and park guide
    • Any other items not mentioned above

Mode of Transport

Travel through Thailand with a mix of tuk tuks, long-tailed boats, trains, and bamboo rafts, ensuring a diverse and adventurous journey. Enjoy 24-hour airport transfers and all necessary transport and transfers during the tour.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including Bangkok hotels, a homestay in Kanchanaburi, village huts during the trek, and sleeper trains for overnight journeys, providing a blend of comfort and cultural immersion throughout the tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What types of transportation are used during the Thailand Encounters tour?

    The tour includes a mix of tuk tuks, long-tailed boats, trains, and bamboo rafts, providing a diverse and adventurous journey through Thailand.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?

    You will experience a variety of accommodations including hotels in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, a homestay in Kanchanaburi, village huts during the trek, and sleeper trains for overnight journeys.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer services are included in the tour package.

  • Is a local tour guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the services of a local tour guide are included during sightseeing and activities.

  • What trekking supplies are provided during the tour?

    Admission fees, a rucksack, water canteen, and lifejacket are supplied for trekking activities.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    No, international flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    Travel insurance is compulsory but not included in the tour package.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    Meals as indicated in the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews of this operator

Jasmine Montaque (Google Reviewer)  

We had a Great 9...

30-Aug-2023

We had a Great 9 day trip to Egypt ! Everyone we “encountered” were excellent! We absolutely loved our guide. We are Looking 👀 to book another trip with Encounters Travel!

sandra mooney (Google Reviewer)  

From the time we landed...

24-Aug-2024

From the time we landed in Cairo we were treated as VIP’s. Nadine our Tour leader kept on checking on us throughout the journey. We were fortunate to have Fayed and Hossam as the tour guides, they took their time to explain the sites throughout each excursion. Everyone made us feel safe and well looked after.

Miriam Huguet (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Discover Egypt...

06-Jan-2022

I did the Discover Egypt and I definetely recommend it. They take care of every detail (they manage to do our PCR with the stamp that we needed). They book quite comfortable hotels and the guide and the local guides are extremely good and passionate about their work. I would repeat it!! :)

Aries FFPro (Google Reviewer)  

Wish I could rate Encounters...

04-Dec-2021

Wish I could rate Encounters higher! From the onset, Anthony (Ant) was professional and extremely knowledgeable, and far more helpful than I had hoped. He always had time to respond to my inquiries and never showed any sign of frustration...no matter how many times I asked the same question. Meeting Saul at the Cairo airport shows just how valuable the RIGHT travel rep is: he had us go from the gate to getting our visas to picking up our luggage and out to the waiting van in 15 minutes! UNBELIEVABLE! Saul also checked in with us almost daily to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. Our guides Big Mu and Mahmoud were fantastic in their knowledge of the sites, the history of the area and where to get the best bargains. Encounters Travel made this trip of a lifetime 100x better than anything I had hoped for. I cannot recommend Encounters strongly enough...if you have Egypt on your bucket list, like we did, book safely and securely with Encounters!

Renee Hage (Google Reviewer)  

I so appreciated the care...

18-May-2024

I so appreciated the care taken by all the staff ensuring that we were well taken care of and had no problems. They were very responsive to all of our questions. The tour itself was incredible!

Erin Scott (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished a dreamy 9...

05-Dec-2019

Just finished a dreamy 9 day Discover Egypt Tour with our guide, Mohamed El-Maghrabi. I can’t say enough about this tour and Mohamed. Everything exceeded my expectations. Somehow each new day was better than the last. The tour was perfectly laid out and organized, and everything went super smoothly. Mohamed was attentive and thoughtful to each of our individual needs. From early check-ins, delicious pre-arranged restaurant excursions, and assisting with trip add-ons, Mohamed was a superstar. Not to mention his knowledge and passion for egyptology. The additional encounters support staff at each location was an added bonus that enhanced an already smooth operation. The trip went way too fast! I didn’t want it to end. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see as much of egypt as possible in a short amount of time! I’ll never forget this whirlwind adventure!

Claire Carter (Google Reviewer)  

I was unsure what to...

25-Oct-2023

I was unsure what to expect but it was far better than I thought. Collected from the airport and thoroughly looked after until I was returned to the airport 10 days later. The times, travelling and food was as advertised. The guide and sights were beyond my expectations. Fantastic tour.

Mary Radoccia (Google Reviewer)  

Northern India solo trip. ...

09-May-2024

Northern India solo trip. Some of the hotels were past their prime as 4 star establishments. Paid a substantial amount for side trip to varanasi which was supposed to be 3 days, 2 nights. It turned out to be really 1 day, 2 nights. Plane left after 8pm and we didn't arrive at hotel until after 11pm. Had to leave at 5.30am the following day and we didn't get back to hotel until after 10pm. The following day we had to leave hotel at 8am for flight back to dehli. We could have left for varanasi in the afternoon as originally implied and left on a later flight back to dehli. Everyone not staying extra days then had to spend 6 to 10 hours waiting for their flight home.The one day in varanasi was great but I wouldn't have gone if I knew the time frame. Not worth money either. Also bus used on trip was old, bad suspension and rattled Window style was old so not very good for taking photos. My view was shared by most of the other travellers. I think the standard of travel via Encounter has dropped over the past years based on comments from some of the others.

Melissa Goodwin (Google Reviewer)  

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything...

17-Jun-2024

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything with Encounters Travel, be SURE to read all of the fine print. This is especially important regarding their cancellation policy and the deposit you will forfeit. I didn't find that we'd completely lost our deposit until I contact the company to process a cancellation. I thought I could cancel for a full refund up until a certain point, but apparently I was mistaken. I booked a 3-night late-September boat trip at the end of May, and mid-June we realized we couldn't take it. It's been less than 3 weeks since I booked the trip and it's over 3 MONTHS until the trip will take place, so you know they will have no issue filling our two spots. Even so, we are out $250 each for our trip. They are within their rights to not refund the deposit - I should have waded through the fine print to find this buried detail. But they also have the choice to refund the deposit given the circumstances. Don't make the same mistake I did. READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU BOOK. Better yet, consider not booking with Encounters Travel.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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