Active Thailand: beyond the beaches

Try not to go overboard on breakfast! This morning, you will take a private walking tour of lesser-known parts of the city, which hides a fascinating history despite being largely forgotten now in the shadows of modern skyscrapers. The focus is firmly on food, providing a great introduction to Thailand. Uncover local markets and try a range of different delicacies, from traditional herbal medicine to the classic kaffee boran to tasty coconut ice cream.

After breakfast, you have a private airport transfer for your flight to Chiang Rai. On arrival, you will be met for a private transfer to your city accommodation to relax for the remainder of the day.

Today, venture out into the wild scenery around Chiang Rai in a 4x4. Your guide will teach you about how the Royal Projects have developed the area from opium farming to modern and sustainable options, in this case, delicious coffee. Learn the process, taste the produce, and wander the local tribal villages.

Hit the quiet roads to explore local villages on two wheels today. Your cycling tour will include one of Thailand's most visually impressive and unique temples — The White Temple — and explore further afield into Chiang Rai's lesser-seen countryside.

The journey to Chiang Mai could be done quicker, but that would just be an uninspiring road journey. We suggest doing part of it by boat for spectacular scenery and the chance to visit remote villages. Reach Chiang Mai for dinner, and you may like to try the local delicacy of Khao Soi.

Spend your morning orientating around this charming city. The afternoons tend to be best for exploring Chiang Mai without the crowds, so your guide will meet you after lunch to visit some of the area's most interesting and beautiful temples. You may like to explore by bicycle if you are feeling energetic, but can equally cover more ground by car. Later in the afternoon, you will travel up to the mountain-top temple of Doi Suthep for a private blessing and experience the monks chanting their evening prayers. Watch the sun go down over Chiang Mai and the lights illuminate the countryside, before returning to your hotel in time for dinner.

The pedal and paddle adventure in the Sri Lanna National Park is an active and fun day trip from Chiang Mai; over the morning you will cycle through paddy fields and fruit orchards with striking mountain views and waterfalls (a relatively easy 20 km). At the lake’s edge, you will then transfer to your kayak and paddle along the jungle banks, spotting monkeys and kingfishers along the way. After lunch in a floating restaurant, you can explore the local area and then paddle back to your vehicle to return to Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, you will start your journey into the relatively unknown northwest of Thailand. Over the next few days, the roads wind through incredible scenery, so be sure to have your camera ready. Stops along the way today include Doi Inthanon National Park. The journey to Mae Hong Son takes three to five hours.

Enjoy one of the most scenic drives in Thailand with some fascinating stops en route. Perhaps the most interesting is a vast, remote and picturesque cave system where you can discover coffins and learn about the local beliefs. Arrive in Pai in the late afternoon with time to explore the local area.

Today, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Pai including a short hike with a scenic sunset picnic.

Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for the flight to Bangkok. On arrival, your guide and driver will transfer you approximately three hours to Khao Yai National Park. Begin exploring this ancient forest with a sundowner at the bat cave and watch the spectacle of bats emerging into the night sky.

Explore the park today with your guide, looking out for wildlife, including gibbons, hornbills and wild elephants. In the evening a night safari is included as you explore the park by night.

Transfer to Bangkok for your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.