Thailand: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital. Famous for its tuk-tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food, the city will certainly set the tone at the start of your trip. With so much to offer those with time to explore, perhaps arrive a day or two early to experience all that Bangkok has to offer. You could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. After the meeting tonight perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some world-famous street food.

It’s an early start today, as you take the train to Ayutthaya. The former capital city dates back to the 1300s and is now home to Ayutthaya Historical Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of 425 temple ruins and historical sites. After the train journey, have lunch at a local restaurant that serves popular Thai comfort food, then take a tuk-tuk to the historical park for an afternoon cycle. On your bikes, you’ll tour around the important temples of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Lokayasutharam, Wat Na Phra Main and more, marvelling at their grandeur. After, check into a day room and take the rest of the afternoon to relax. This evening, take an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

After the journey on the overnight train, you’ll have free time to relax and enjoy the city. Options abound in Chiang Mai, from wandering the Old City to visiting some of the 300 temples which dot the local landscape – maybe take a scenic, winding drive up a mountain (around 45 minutes) to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes –Doi Suthep. A 300-step Naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a memorable experience. There are also many Thai cooking schools offering courses for budding chefs, sure to help you impress your friends when you return home. This evening, your leader will provide recommendations for street food dinner spots, giving a taste of local delicacies.

This morning, leave Chiang Mai and head to Mae Malai Market, stocking up on fresh snacks to fuel today’s trek. Your destination is a local hilltribe village, which provides a special opportunity to experience rural Thai life firsthand. Wander along the mountain ridge, taking in the views of the surrounding natural forests. Pause for a packed lunch in Huey Nam Dang National Park, then continue to meet your hosts in the village. Tonight, you’ll experience a local home-cooked dinner by the campfire, followed by a walk around the village to chat with the locals and learn more about their day-to-day life here. (L/D)

Get set for an action-packed day on the water. Make your way to the Mae Taeng River, where you’ll go for a glide on an inflatable kayak. Paddle through lush jungle, stopping to pick fruit and watching for local wildlife. Lunch will be at a special riverside campsite. You’ll then have the chance to test your kayaking skills with an optional whitewater rafting experience. Later, arrive at your accommodation – a boutique camp located in the heart of the Mae Tamaan Valley. Relax after a day of kayaking, and then enjoy a dinner at the campground. (B/L/D)

Saddle up this morning with a ride to the gigantic temple of Wat Ban Den, where you’ll discover the beautiful temple art and architecture of modern Lanna temple buildings. Each of the 12 chedis here are dedicated to one of the 12 animals of the Thai zodiac, and Buddhists from all over Thailand make the pilgrimage to this special temple, which gives you panoramic views of the valley. Take a lunch break and refresh, then continue cycling to the ‘sticky waterfall’, Nam Tok Buatong. Hidden in the lush green forest of Bua Tong Waterfall National Park, the waterfall gets its name from the porous limestone that’s surprisingly easy to climb on. Today, you’ll cycle though teakwood plantations, with teak being one of the most economic logging industries in Thailand. Spend some time relaxing at the waterfall before continuing to Pa Sak Ngam (translating to ‘beautiful teak forest’) on the local track. Stop at Mae Guang Tara Reservoir at the viewpoint for some more sweeping views, then head back to your accommodation for the night. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, cycle to Baan Luang Nue. This village is home to a Tai Lue community – an ethnic group from Xixuangbanna that has held onto its traditional customs and practices. Learn about the village’s culture as you’re shown around a Tai Lue house and a rice storage facility, which has been transformed into a museum. Try your hand at rice smashing or collect fresh duck eggs from the field (depending on availability), then enjoy a home-cooked meal for lunch. Cycle back to Chiang Mai in the afternoon, then spend the evening however you like. You might decide to relax after the day’s efforts, or toast to your final night in Thailand at a local bar – your leader always has the best recommendations. (B/L)

There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you are staying in Chiang Mai, why not join an Urban Adventure and allow yourself to be spirited away on an early morning tour that puts you at the epicentre of Buddhist rituals. Learn to meditate, offer alms to monks and make an offering at a temple. If you’re feeling active, you might want to saddle up for a half day cycling trip. Enjoy a pleasant ride along the green banks of the Ping River and stop at a former leper colony turned rehabilitation centre. Continue along various fruit orchards, cycling down small country roads and meandering around the villages on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here you’ll discover the real rural Thailand and encounter the Thai way of life. Explore the temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former capital of Lanna, before you cycle back to Chiang Mai. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.