Thailand off the beaten track 12 days

Arrive in Kanchanaburi and spend the day discovering the region’s fascinating yet troubling histo-ry. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, the Allied War Cemetery and the Hellfire Pass Memo-rial Museum, exploring the history and paying respect to the railway workers and allied POWs who died building the railway and during the Second World War. Travel to the world-famous Bridge over the River Kwai, a part of the Death Railway constructed by Allied POWs. Ride a mountain bike or trek along the Hellfire Pass trails and in the nearby farming regions to gain a deeper un-derstanding of the area’s rich past. In the afternoon, check into your lodging at Hintok River Camp and relax in the natural pools.

Awake in the beautiful setting along the riverbanks at the Hintok River Camp. Travel via a tradi-tional Thai long-tailed boat upstream to Saiyoke Yai Waterfall & National Park, and encounter se-rene turquoise waters and lush natural scenery. Indulge in a delicious lunch at Hintok River Camp before travelling to Lawa Cave in the afternoon. Spend the next few hours exploring the cave’s fascinating stalactite and elaborate rock formations. In the evening, partake in a fun Thai cooking class and enjoy the fruits of your labour over a relaxing and scrumptious dinner.

Get off to an early and enlightening start with a morning bicycling adventure and a visit with monks at a nearby temple. After a tasty breakfast, board unique eco-floating River Kwai Jungle Rafts to float along the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi. Embrace the tranquillity of your surroundings as you ride through the tropical village and around Mon Tribal Village. Take a historic ride on the Death Railway Train, including passing over the wooden viaduct built by POWs during the Second World War. In the afternoon, journey back to Bangkok before heading onto the next destination, Chiang Mai (by overnight train or flight).

Arrive to Chiang Mai in the morning and relax at your leisure. Embark on a 25km bicycle tour of the city, traversing quiet roads and small lanes past beautiful temples and colourful markets. Visit a traditional silversmith and the adjacent Silver Temple, and explore some of Chiang Mai’s most beautiful and iconic Buddhist landmarks, including Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and the Phra Buddha Sihing. The adventure continues through beautiful local markets, to see beautiful flowers, drink refreshments and sample exotic local snacks.

Drive from Chiang Mai to Ban Chang in an open-air local trucks, taking in the vibrant surroundings along the way. In Ban Chang, gear up and head into the rural terrain for a gentle hike in the beauti-ful nature. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the tribal village of Huay Pong, and depending on the season, spend the afternoon in either a white water raft or aboard a leisurely bamboo float. Spend the evening at Lisu Lodge, your base camp for a blend of adventure, relaxation and insight. Explore the Lisu customs and culture, sip tea with the villagers and enjoy a delicious meal and a colourful folk dance performance.

Spend the morning at Lisu Lodge as you please, whether with a guided cycling tour around the village, an oxcart ride through farmland and orchard, a steam bath or a traditional massage. After a Thai lunch, transfer to Mae Kampong for an afternoon of nature trekking and your home stay. The trek through Mae Kampong takes you through the village and past a tea and coffee planta-tion and a picturesque waterfall. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful evening at your Mae Kampong home stay, learning firsthand about life in this extraordinary Thai village.

Enjoy breakfast at your home stay before heading off on one of the most adventurous days of the trip. Experience the beauty of Thailand’s rainforest on an entirely new level with a zip-line ad-venture above the trees. High in the treetops, glide through the jungle canopy along thrilling wire zip-lines, scenic sky bridges and adrenaline-inducing abseils. Learn about wildlife and vegetation along the course, and if you’re lucky, spot the real gibbons in the wild. Trek up the seven won-drous tiers of Mae Kampong Falls and savour a filling Thai lunch. Spend the night in Chiang Mai after the wild and exciting day.

Return to beautiful Thai nature with a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park and the highest moun-tain peak in Thailand. The summit of Doi Inthanon reaches 2565 meters, and in any season offers a nice reprieve from the hot temperatures in the lowlands. Explore the picturesque park, including treks along nature trails and past waterfalls, visits to a hill tribe and countless photo opportuni-ties. Enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant and return to Chiang May City for the evening.

Fly from Chiang Mai to Trat, on Thailand’s south-eastern coast. After lunch, board a ferry to the island of Koh Chang, a tropical marine national park. Koh Chang is Thailand’s second-largest beach island, after Phuket, and contains stunning white sandy coves and beaches, untouched rainforests, scenic waterfalls and more. Beyond that, Koh Chang boasts an abundance of wildlife and marine life, occupying the vibrant coral reefs and the high mountain peaks. Enjoy free time at your leisure while taking in the breathtaking sights, flavourful cuisine and great nightlife that this island has to offer.

Spend a leisurely day soaking in Koh Chang’s abundant natural beauty. You may choose to travel via taxi to Kai Bae Hut for a speedboat adventure to the beautiful islands of Ko Wai, Ko Yak Lek, Ko Yak Yai, Ko Rung and Ko Thonglang. Encounter the magnificent coral reefs and breathtaking underwater scenes, filled with a variety of colourful fish that swim through the turquoise waters. Enjoy fun activities such as snorkelling and sunbathing on the beach, and kick back and relax with fresh fruits, a tasty lunch and refreshing Thai beverages.

Transfer from Koh Chang to Trat Airport for the return flight to Bangkok, thus concluding the re-markable journey. For a few more days in the sun, you have the option of extending your trip with Buffalo Tours’ extension package at Koh Kood.