Thailand cultural discovery tour

Have a private guided tour of Bangkok today, and visit the capital's key attractions: the Grand Palace, Wat Po (home to the reclining Buddha), and Jim Thompson's house. Get used to Bangkok's different forms of public transport: the Skytrain, which winds its way through the skyscrapers and shopping malls; the public taxi boat; a long-tail boat and, of course, the ubiquitous Thai tuk-tuk. This fun excursion gives you a fantastic insight into the capital without contributing to Bangkok's already heavy traffic.

A trip along the Chao Phraya River is a must for any visitor to Bangkok. A great way to do it without adding to the noise pollution is by opting for a solar-powered long-tail boat along a quieter section of the channel. As well as reducing emissions, it has the added benefit of allowing you to see a different side of Bangkok as river life is key to those in the city. Later this afternoon, transfer to Bangkok's train station in time for your overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai in the north of the country.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, your private guide will meet you from the train and transfer you to your hotel, where you have a few hours to relax and freshen up. Later this afternoon, head out of the city and up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where you can experience a monk blessing and enjoy stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Explore the highlights of Chiang Mai today using a mixture of local public transport. Take a long-tail boat down the Ping River, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the city, and cycle around the old forgotten city of Wiang Kum Kam.

From Chiang Mai head to the delightful community-based initiative of Lisu Lodge to spend time with the local community, learning about their culture and traditions. With your private guide, explore the local village, with a chance to visit the house of a local shaman and enjoy the scenery around the lodge. This evening you will have dinner at the lodge. All your meals are included at the lodge.

The morning begins with a 13 km (8 mile) cycle journey to Muang Guert Village, with a stop at a local tea plantation to learn about the local produce. In the afternoon, take a white-water rafting trip toward another smaller village along the local river.

Your guide will meet you after breakfast, and you will drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. This takes four to five hours with stops along the way, including a chance to taste the delicious pineapple along the road. Arrive in Chiang Rai this afternoon, and relax at your hotel, perhaps heading into town for dinner.

Spend the day exploring the intricate temples and culture of Chiang Rai on two wheels as you peddle through the countryside and small villages surrounding Chiang Rai, enjoying sedate Thai life while enjoying a local lunch.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and transfer back to Chiang Rai in time for your flight to Phuket. Then, you will travel for around two hours along the coast to Khao Lak, where you will have the evening at leisure.

Enjoy another day free to relax at the Bangsak Village, a lovely boutique resort located on a beautiful beach. It has excellent facilities with a spa, swimming pool and a tour desk.

Transfer around an hour to the Khao Sok National Park today with your private guide, and head to the village of Khao Pang. Enjoy a tour around the village's organic farm and a delicious local lunch before moving on to the next village. Enjoy a fantastic canoeing trip through the mangroves before transferring to your hotel for the evening, where dinner is included.

After breakfast, head toward Ratchaprapha Dam on the edge of the Cheow Larn Lake. Enjoy a boat ride through the striking limestone karsts, before arriving at your floating camp — home for the night. All your meals are included here.

Have an early breakfast this morning at your accommodation to start your day’s activity before most other visitors arrive at the lake. Embark on a long-tail boat with your guide, spotting wildlife as you head toward the Coral Cave. Explore the cave, before returning to the mainland, where your transfer will be waiting for your onward journey.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.