Budget Thailand holiday, a taste of Thailand
| country: | Thailand |
| location: | Central Thailand |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | Weekly Monday departures available throughout the year |
| price: | From £270 (8 days) excluding flights. Local payment Baht 4250 (approx £61). We can arrange flights from the UK. All departure dates are guaranteed |
read 1 travellers review
the amazing things you'll be doing
Village Life, elephant riding, Three Pagoda Pass, River Kwai, Thai homestay
Imagine a one week trip travelling to remote rural and mountain regions, learning about life in a Thai village and staying with a Thai family in their beautiful teak house. And there's more! The River Kwai region, elephant riding and market shopping. What a week!! Read on...
Imagine a one week trip travelling to remote rural and mountain regions, learning about life in a Thai village and staying with a Thai family in their beautiful teak house. And there's more! The River Kwai region, elephant riding and market shopping. What a week!! Read on...
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Bangkok. You can arrive at any time today. Immerse yourself in the sights, smells and sounds of this heaving metropolis. |
| Day 2-3: | Sangkhlaburi. Wake to misty views of dramatic mountain tops and the voices of the local Thai, Karen and Mon people. Take an elephant ride and visit the historic Three Pagoda Pass. |
| Day 4: | Thong Pha Phum. In this small village, spend a day with the tribal Karen people, gaining an insight into their lifestyle and culture. |
| Day 5: | Kanchanaburi. A moving visit to the Hellfire Pass Museum is followed by a journey on the infamous Thai-Burma railway. |
| Day 6: | Thai House. Cool off under the spectacular Erawan waterfalls and maybe try your hand at Thai cooking, or jump in a kayak for a paddle down the River Kwai. Spend the night with a local family in a magnificent traditional teak house. |
| Day 7-8: | Bangkok. Returning to Bangkok there's time to brave the weekend markets or visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. |
travellers' tales
I enjoyed so many things about my holiday, I had a truly fantastic time but if I had to choose I would say the hill-tribe trek, that was a great experience for many reasons, I especially loved seeing the tribes & the breath-taking landscape it was unbelievable I thought, a special experience. (more)
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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Our group leaders work as partners with an exceptional team of local guides to give travellers an insight into stunning Western Thailand - a unique crossroads of culture and custom, jungle and mountains.
Travelling from the border region of Sangklaburi, back towards Bangkok, we use an amazing variety of different local transport and we meet many locals along the way. You will be introduced to a fascinating diversity of Thai, Mon, Karen and Burmese peoples and take part in activities that are of direct benefit to the community: * In Sangklaburi you will meet the magical Didi and the family of 'Baan Unrak' - home for abandoned mothers and children. They will present their masterful display of Yoga and meditation and also offer you the chance to purchase handicrafts made by elder residents of their home. * In the Karen village of 'Tiphuyea' you can help teach the local children English, share a fruit feast and stop for a snack at the village community shop. Here the profits are shared amongst the villagers and pay for school lunch for all the students. You will also be introduced to the nimble fingered finery of the Royal silk weaving project, which teaches local ladies new ways to employ ancient skills. * In Kanchanaburi you'll meet 'Uncle Prawet' and 'Uncle Kiow' the kings of the samlor, 3 wheeled bicycle taxi. Peddlars of peddle power - these local friends enjoy regular work with Intrepid, and will spin you a yarn or two about local life. At the end of our journey travellers may donate any unwanted clothing, medicines and bandages, which are distributed to appropriate local charities. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |