The Best Trips and Tours in Thailand

If tropical islands and beach days are more your cup of tea, join us in the far south of Thailand for a coastal holiday you’ll never forget. After an intro day up in Bangkok, we’ll board the sleeper train to Surat Thani and dive headfirst into a series of amazing waterside experiences. You’ll discover the emerald green waters and dramatic limestone formations of Khao Sok Lake, where we’ll also spend the night on a floating raft house. We’ll spot gibbons and hornbills on a longtail boat wildlife safari, kayak through mangrove forests and explore the white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons of Hong Island with the help of snorkel equipment. Tuck into a Thai barbecue on a sunset cruise before moving on to the secluded island of Koh Yao Yai, where you’ll stay at a magical island resort, featuring infinity pool and spa. You’ll get to trek the island, learn about lobster farms and rice paddies, or simply spend hours chilling on the beach before returning to the mainland and enjoying a beachfront farewell dinner in Phuket.

The beauty of Thailand is that its neighbours are just as friendly, and just as beautiful. That’s why we felt the need to incorporate magical Laos into this behemoth two-week Rail Trip. In Thailand you’ll explore the ancient ruins of Sukhothai and dine on street food delights in Chiang Mai, where you’ll also learn to rustle up authentic Thai dishes on a cooking masterclass. Then it’s on to Lampang and an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you can feed beautiful Asian elephants and give them a playful mud bath. You’ll also bamboo raft down Wang River and barbecue under the stars in our jungle glamping site. The adventure continues in Laos, where we’ll swap trains for a river cruise down the Mekong. Meet rural whisky-making villagers, discover spiritual caves and feast on authentic local dishes. You’ll hike to the extraordinary Kuang Si Falls before taking a high-speed train to Vang Vieng, kayaking down the Nam Song River and jumping on the sleeper train back to Bangkok, for one last day of exploration in the Thai capital.