Thailand in 12 Days: Adventure Route

Route overview

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Bangkok

   Airport rail link to the centre. Stay near the river in Thonburi or Old Town. Evening street food walk in Chinatown.

2. Day 2

   Canals by longtail and kayak

   Morning on the Thonburi klongs, ideally by kayak rather than by tour boat. Wat Arun and Wat Pho in the afternoon, shoulders and knees covered.

3. Day 3

   Bang Krachao by bicycle

   The green loop across the river, reached by a short ferry. Around 25 km of raised concrete paths through jungle and gardens. Start at 07:00.

4. Day 4

   Overnight train or flight to Chiang Mai

   The sleeper train is 12 to 13 hours and part of the trip. A flight is 70 minutes and costs about the same.

5. Day 5

   Doi Suthep and the monk's trail

   The forest path up to the temple takes around two hours and starts near the university. Afternoon in the old city, and a cooking class if you want it.

6. Day 6

   Two day hill trek, day one

   Trek from Mae Wang or Pai direction, five to six hours with a local guide, overnight in a village homestay. Simple, memorable and the best value part of the trip.

7. Day 7

   Trek day two and waterfalls

   Morning walk down with a swim at a waterfall, bamboo rafting where the water level allows, back in Chiang Mai by evening.

8. Day 8

   Fly south to Krabi

   Ninety minutes. Stay at Ao Nang or Railay, which is reachable only by boat and much the nicer base.

9. Day 9

   Rock climbing at Railay

   Half day beginner course on limestone with sea views, around 1,200 to 2,000 THB with equipment. Afternoon on Phra Nang beach.

10. Day 10

    Sea kayaking through the karsts

    Ao Thalane or Bor Thor by kayak, through mangrove channels and into hongs, the collapsed cave lagoons. Go with the tide, a guide will know.

11. Day 11

    Islands by longtail, early

    Four island tour but on the first boat out, before 08:00. Snorkelling, then back before the crowds and the midday sun.

12. Day 12

    Departure

    Boat and transfer to Krabi airport for a domestic connection to Bangkok or a direct international flight.

Accommodation approach

Guesthouses in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, one village homestay, then a bungalow or small resort at Railay. Air conditioning is worth paying for in Bangkok, less so in the northern hills.

Getting around

Sleeper train or domestic flight north, domestic flight south, then longtail boats and songthaews locally. A scooter is common in Chiang Mai but accident rates are high and insurance often will not cover you without a motorcycle licence.

What to eat

• Khao soi in Chiang Mai, the northern curry noodle dish
• Street grills and night markets, the safest bet is a busy stall
• Southern seafood with green mango salad
• Fresh fruit shakes, at least two a day in that heat

Planning tips

• Drink far more water than feels necessary, and add electrolytes on trekking days.
• Book the sleeper train weeks ahead in high season, lower berths sell out first.
• Railay is tide dependent for beach walking between sectors. Check the tide table at your guesthouse.
• Choose elephant experiences carefully, and only sanctuaries with no riding and no bathing shows.