Elephants and Beaches

Explore some of the capital city’s most impressive sights this morning. See the reclining Buddha at Wat Po and learn about the history of traditional Thai medicine and massage. Visit Wat Trimitr with its pure gold Buddha with an interesting story, and be dazzled by the glittering mosaics of the Grand Palace, the most sacred temple in the country. Later this afternoon, admire the panoramic view from Bangkok’s only hill – Wat Sraked, and travel by tuk tuk to Baan Baat and then on to Wat Suthat, renowned for its giant swing! Join the locals and beat the traffic as you ride the sky train to Siam Ocean World, a world-class aquarium that houses many different species of sharks, fish and corals.

Getting to know the food is also the great way of learning about a country. Roll up your sleeves, pop on your apron and get ready to slice and dice in a half-day cooking class. You’ll learn the secrets to preparing authentic Thai food and by the end of it you’ll be whipping up papaya salad and spring rolls like a professional!

This morning fly to Phuket where you will transfer from the airport to the province of Phang Nga. Along the way you will get glimpses of rural life as you pass by small villages and plantations of rubber and palm oil. Then hop aboard a speed-cat boat to explore the waterways of the mangroves, or take a kayak and paddle your way around the smaller creeks for a spot of bird watching. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch on board a classical Burmese junk as you cruise to a deserted beach to swim, relax or paddle a canoe. In the late afternoon drive to Khao Sok and Elephant Hills and stay in an amazing luxury, tented, safari camp.

Today is an experience like no other, where you will learn about the conservation projects to protect the Thai elephants. Meet the mahouts and learn the secrets to caring for the elephants. Get hands-on and roll up your sleeves and help plant the crops that feed the elephants, then prepare and feed the elephants one of their daily meals and dietary supplements. You’ll even get to help out at bath time, scrubbing the elephants and watching them bathe. Make sure you have your camera handy, as this is a once in a lifetime experience. In the afternoon go by canoe down the jungle-clad Sok River paddling past limestone mountains and cliffs. Keep a lookout for hornbills flying overhead, or lazy lizards basking in the sun on the riverbanks.

Today explore the many islands on Cheow-Lan-Lake by a long tail boat. This little visited lake spans 60km from north to south and is filled with spectacular scenery. In the 1970’s the region was a popular hideout for communists and students opposing the Thai military dictatorship, but today it’s home to wildlife and hundreds of limestone karsts jutting out of the water. Enjoy a boxed lunch and an afternoon of swimming in the cool waters. Return to camp for an evening of activities with traditional dance performances, cooking classes and more!

Wake up to the sounds of nature as birds tweet from the trees and gibbons hoot their territorial calls that echo down the valley. This morning you have the opportunity to explore the ecology of the rainforest with a jungle trek. You’ll see a large variety of exotic plants such as jungle orchids, ferns, bamboo groves and tropical hardwood trees with huge roots. High in the canopy monkeys and gibbons swing through the trees and birds like the hornbill can be seen flying around or perched on a branch. Every day is different but it is truly wonderful to discover the great variety of life forms that co-exists together. Weather permitting lunch will be served in the rainforest cooked in bamboo, a tradition of jungle explorers for centuries past! Return back to camp and continue your onward travel to Krabi.

After breakfast, you are free to enjoy the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. A variety of sea and land based activities are available for those who wish to explore more than the beach.

After breakfast, you are free to enjoy the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. A variety of sea and land based activities are available for those who wish to explore more than the beach.

After breakfast, you are free to enjoy the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. A variety of sea and land based activities are available for those who wish to explore more than the beach.

In the afternoon fly from Krabi to Bangkok for an overnight stay, where you may have the chance to do some last minute shopping.

You will be transferred to Bangkok airport for your onward journey.