Off the beaten path

Day 1 - Welcome to Bangkok

You will be met at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by your private chauffeur and be driven to your hotel, the stylish sala rattanakosin uniquely located along Chao Phraya River. We have left this afternoon and evening free for you to relax, unwind and become accustomed to your new surroundings. Your Fleewinter guide will offer lots of tips and suggestions if you would like to eat out tonight. (sala rattanakosin, Standard room)

Day 2 - One day in Bangkok

This morning you will be picked up by your private guide to go on a walking tour to explore the hidden side of Bangkok. From the Giant Swing via the prison park we wander through small alleys, encounter guardian spirit signs, fresh markets and more. After, we visit the famous Grand Palace Complex, which includes the Temple of The Emerald Buddha, as well as Wat Pho – a must-do for every visitor to Bangkok.

Day 3 - Going North: From Bangkok to Chiang Mai

This morning, meet your private guide and board a long tail boat to explore Bangkok’s maze of canals or Klongs. The trip takes us to Klong Bang Luang, a canal side artist’s community of preserved wooden homes, small art studios and vintage antique galleries. We continue by long tail boat to the magnificent Wat Arun. After this morning of exploration, meet your driver who will accompany you to Bangkok Hua Lumpong train station for your night train to Chiang Mai. Overnight at 2^nd Class A/C Sleeper Train Bangkok – Chiang Mai (No. 9: 18.10 – 07.15+)

Day 4 - Discover spiritual Chiang Mai

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai train station, your Fleewinter guide will be awaiting you. This afternoon, drive up to what is probably Chiang Mai’s most famous landmark—Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. The temple is located at the summit of 1,676 meter-high Doi Suthep Mountain. Climb the 300-step staircase, or take the cable car up. The spectacular sunset views make the trip worth the effort. (Tamarind village, Lanna room)

Day 5 - Elephant and Tribal Culture

Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel for your elephants and tribal culture tour. Our first stop will be at a local market where your guide will do his shopping for the coming days. After a short drive, we will start our hike to the Karen village Baan Huai Hoi. Along the way, we will stop at a waterfall for a swim. After lunch continue trekking for another two hours to another Karen village called Huai Kao Lip where we will spend the night. You can explore the surroundings while your guide starts to prepare dinner. Overnight in the Karen village Huai Khao Lip.

Departure day is only Monday and Thursday

Day 6 - The Royal Project and bamboo rafting in the jungle

Rise with the roosters today. After a hearty breakfast prepared by your guide, we will visit the Royal Project. Your guide explains about this agricultural project and we will work a couple of hours helping the villagers taking care of the vegetables that are grown here. After, we will walk to another Karen village called Ban Mae Sapok. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing and, at times, exciting bamboo raft trip for about 45 minutes on the Wang River. Overnight at Mae Win Guesthouse.

Day 7 - A day at the Tong Bai Elephant Foundation

This morning we will visit the Mae Sapok Waterfall where we will have a swim and a morning hike. Drive back to Mae Win where you will be welcomed by the elephant expert of the Tong Bai Elephant Foundation. He will introduce you to the elephants and provide you with specific information about the Asian elephant. Feed the gentle giants and meet them up-close. Finally, you and the elephants will walk to a river where you both take a bath! You get to join them, wash them and scrub them. (Tamarind village, Lanna room)

Day 8 - From Chiang Mai to Kuraburi

This morning, you will be transferred to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Surat Thani where you will be picked up and driven to Kuraburi. This afternoon, we will brief you about your upcoming exciting visit to the Moken village in the Andaman sea. Explore the evening market and enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant before an early night in Kuraburi. Overnight at a local resort in Kuraburi with a/c and hot water.

Day 9 - Meet the Moken

After breakfast at the local market, you will be transferred to Surin island by speedboat where you will check into your tent accommodation at the National Park Head Quarters. Meet your local guide and take a long tail boat to the Moken village. You will have a chance to learn about the intricate relationship between the Moken and their surrounding environment. Take a forest hike, before your guide will take you to a wonderland of colourful tropical fish that can be explored snorkeling. Overnight at Koh Surin National Park, tents on the beach with bedding provided; electricity generated from 18:00 – 22:00 pm.

Day 10 - A day in the life of the "sea gypsies"

Enjoy a day of snorkeling in clear waters and watch as your Moken guide spots sea turtles  swimming in the waters. Return to the park headquarters (you may even see some flying and macaque monkeys) and spend another night underneath the stars at Koh Surin National Park. Overnight at Koh Surin National Park, tents on the beach with bedding provided; electricity generated from 18:00 – 22:00 pm.

Day 11 - Mythology of the Moken

This morning you may choose to try your hand at rowing like a Moken and to learn about their method of spear fishing, or head out for more snorkeling fun.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to your boutique beach resort in Krabi. (Tubkaak Boutique resort, Superior room)

Day 12- Day 13 - Relaxing in Krabi

We haven’t planned anything for you today, so you can fully enjoy all the amenities of the wonderful Tubkaak Boutique Resort. As the hotel is nestled along the most beautiful of Krabi’s beaches, the Tubkaak beach, you will be able to witness the most beautiful sunsets against the famous limestone cliffs of this area.

Day 14 - Bon Voyage

Check out of the hotel at 12.00hrs. You will then be transferred to Krabi airport.

Safe travels.