Thaigger Travel · 15 day 18 to 35s adventure

18 to 35s Real Thailand

Take on an epic journey through Thailand and make loads of new friends along the way – the islands are calling! On this 15-day adventure, you’ll check out the night markets and bars in Bangkok, trek the hillside outside of Chiang Mai, chase waterfalls and maybe go searching for elephants. Go kayaking and soak in some gorgeous natural scenery that you’d only see from local hilltribe villages, plus enjoy loads of free time to go snorkelling, swimming or ziplining. With a local leader who has all the insider knowledge, you’ll hike, learn about turtles, bliss out on the beach and get your safari fix in the jungle of Khao Sok National Park. Eat your weight in noodles, find your new fave nightlife spots and end it all in bustling Phuket with a banger sunset.

The highlights

Why you'll love this trip

01

Khao Sok National Park — Step into another world and go wildlife spotting and waterfall hiking through some of the oldest jungles in the world.

02

Thailand's incredible landscapes — Discover cascading waterfalls, stunning beaches, mountainside views and enjoy kayaking on the Mae Taeng River.

03

Hilltribe trekking — Trek deep into the northern Thai hinterland for two days and stay two nights in traditional hilltribe villages.

04

Thai food and nightlife — Get your street food fix in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, enjoy traditional home-cooked dinners and discover local nightlife.

05

Sea Turtle Conservation — Visit the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center and learn how local turtle species are protected.

This trip is designed for travellers aged 18 to 35, combining adventure, nightlife, culture, beaches and unforgettable group experiences.

Day by day

Itinerary

DAY 01 Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, explore Chinatown, visit the Grand Palace or discover the vibrant streets of Bangkok. Tonight, dig into traditional Thai tastes, check out roadside street food around Sukhumvit and maybe explore the city's famous nightlife with your new travel mates.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals
  • There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
  • Bangkok - Orientation Walk
Optional activities
  • Bangkok - Thai Massage · THB 300
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace · THB 500
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure · THB 2,500
Special information It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as insurance details and next of kin information will be collected at this time.
DAY 02 Bangkok - Overnight Train

Enjoy a free day in Bangkok before boarding your overnight train to Chiang Mai. Take a relaxing Thai massage, explore Talad Noi by bike or discover Bangkok's famous temples. After exploring the city, board an overnight train north.

Overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai · Approx. 13 hours
Accommodation
  • Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals
  • There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure · THB 2,500
  • Bangkok - Thai Massage · THB 300
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace · THB 500
Special information Your travel time tonight will be approximately 13 hours. Soft sleeper class trains have air-conditioning, multi-share compartments and bunk beds.
DAY 03 Chiang Mai

Arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to your guesthouse. Explore the city on an orientation walk and discover the Thai highlands, colourful villages and misty mountains. Enjoy free time for ziplining, cycling, cooking classes, temple visits or exploring the night markets.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals
  • There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
  • Chiang Mai - Night Bazaar & Anusarn Market
  • Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk
Optional activities
  • Chiang Mai - Thai Massage · THB 300
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex · THB 50
  • Chiang Mai - Bicycle Tour · THB 1,100
  • Chiang Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School · THB 1,400
  • Chiang Mai - Zipline · THB 1,900
DAY 04 Chiang Mai - Hilltribe Trek

Leave Chiang Mai and head to Mae Malai Market before visiting Mok Fah Waterfall. Continue to the starting point of your hike and trek towards Mae Ma Nai Hilltribe Village. Enjoy a local home-cooked dinner by the campfire and spend time chatting with the locals.

Trekking time approx. 4 hours · 8 km
Accommodation
  • Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (1 night)
Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Included activities
  • Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
  • Hilltribe Trek - Mae Malai Market Visit
  • Hilltribe Village - Home-cooked Dinner
  • Hilltribe Trek – Mok Fah Waterfall
Special information Accommodation is multi-share with roll mats on wooden hut floors. Shared squat toilets and basic washing facilities are available.
DAY 05 Hilltribe Trek

Wake up surrounded by natural sounds and begin another day of trekking through farmland and jungle. Visit other hilltribe villages, learn about local lifestyles and enjoy lunch along the way before reaching Pong Ngan Lahu Village. Relax after the hike and enjoy another home-cooked dinner.

Trekking time approx. 5 hours · 10 km
Accommodation
  • Hilltribe Village House (multi-share) (1 night)
Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Included activities
  • Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
DAY 06 Chiang Mai

Head to the Mae Taeng River for a kayaking adventure towards Sop Kai Village. Paddle downstream for two to three hours through lush scenery. You can then return to Chiang Mai or take on optional whitewater rafting before spending the evening exploring the city.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Included activities
  • Sop Kai Village - River Kayaking
Optional activities
  • Chiang Mai - Thai Massage · THB 300
  • Mae Taeng - Whitewater Rafting · THB 1,800
DAY 07 Chiang Mai - Overnight Sleeper Train

Enjoy a free day in Chiang Mai. Try Muay Thai, visit ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary, explore temples, take a cooking class or discover local markets. Later, board an overnight train for Bangkok.

Overnight train · Approx. 13 hours
Accommodation
  • Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals
  • Breakfast
Optional activities
  • Chiang Mai - Muay Thai Class · THB 460
  • Cooking at Home Cookery School · THB 1,400
  • ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary · THB 1,900
  • Whitewater Rafting · THB 1,800
  • Doi Inthanon Entrance · THB 300
  • Wat Prasingh Temple · THB 40
  • Doi Suthep Temple Complex · THB 50
Special information This is a combo trip, meaning some group members may finish their trip in Chiang Mai today.
DAY 08 Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok early this morning and head to your accommodation. Enjoy a free day exploring markets, street food and local neighbourhoods before a second group meeting at 6 pm. Get together with the new group and discover Bangkok nightlife.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals
  • There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure · THB 2,500
Special information This is a combo trip, meaning your group leader and group members will likely change today.
DAY 09 Bangkok - Overnight Train

Visit Wat Pho and its famous Reclining Buddha before exploring a nearby flower market. Spend the afternoon discovering more of Bangkok before boarding an overnight train south to Surat Thani.

Overnight sleeper train · Approx. 13 hours
Accommodation
  • Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals
  • There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho
Optional activities
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace · THB 500
  • Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House · THB 250
  • Bangkok - Wat Arun · THB 200
  • Bangkok - Thai Massage · THB 300
DAY 10 Ko Samui

Arrive in Surat Thani and board a bus and ferry to Ko Samui. Enjoy free time to explore palm-fringed beaches and coconut groves. Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming or beach hopping before heading out for dinner with your group.

Travel time approx. 4 hours
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Meals
  • There are no meals included on this day.
DAY 11 Ko Samui

Explore Ko Samui on a half-day guided tour with your group and local leader. See the iconic Big Buddha, relax at Na Muang waterfalls and enjoy the island's famous food and nightlife.

Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Meals
  • There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
  • Ko Samui - Half Day Guided Tour
Optional activities
  • Ko Samui - Thai Massage · THB 300
  • Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class · THB 2,300
  • Ko Samui - Day Trip to Koh Tao · THB 2,400
  • Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park Tour · THB 2,500
  • Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary · THB 3,500
DAY 12 Ko Samui

Spend a free day swimming, relaxing on the beach or exploring. Take an optional trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park, explore Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan, or visit an elephant sanctuary to see elephants roam, bathe and socialise.

Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Meals
  • There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
  • Ang Thong Marine Park Tour · THB 2,500
  • Samui Elephant Sanctuary · THB 3,500
  • Thai Massage · THB 300
  • Thai Cooking Class · THB 2,300
  • Day Trip to Koh Tao · THB 2,400
DAY 13 Khao Sok National Park

Travel from Ko Samui to Khao Sok National Park via ferry and private vehicle. Take a traditional longtail boat to your raft house on Chiew Larn Lake and keep an eye out for wild elephants, gibbons and langur monkeys. Later, head into the jungle on an evening safari and enjoy a traditional southern Thai meal before sleeping surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Travel time approx. 4.5 hours
Accommodation
  • Rafthouse (1 night)
Meals
  • Dinner
Included activities
  • Khao Sok National Park - Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
  • Khao Sok National Park - Rafthouse Stay
Special information The raft house is basic and situated above the water, with simple shared bathroom facilities on land.
DAY 14 Khao Sok National Park - Phuket

Wake up in the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. Enjoy a morning longtail boat safari followed by a jungle hike. Depending on the season, you may see waterfalls, elephants, hornbills and langur monkeys. Continue to Phuket, stopping at the Khao Lak Tsunami Memorial and Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center before enjoying a free evening in Phuket.

Travel time approx. 3.5 hours
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Included activities
  • Khao Sok National Park - Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
  • Khao Lak - Tsunami Memorial
  • Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
  • Khao Sok National Park - Waterfall Hike
DAY 15 Phuket

Your Thailand adventure comes to an end this morning. With no activities planned, you're free to leave your accommodation at any time. If you want to stay longer, speak to your booking agent about extending your trip.

Meals
  • Breakfast
Optional activities
  • Phuket - Similan Day Trip · THB 3,500
  • Phuket - Surin National Marine Park Day Trip · THB 3,500
  • Phuket - Elephant Sanctuary · THB 3,500
  • Phuket - Phi Phi & Koh Khai Island Day Trip · THB 3,500
  • Phuket - Banana Beach & Koh Mai Ton Day Trip · THB 2,500
The route
Bangkok Chiang Mai Ko Samui Khao Sok Phuket
BangkokChiang MaiKo SamuiKhao SokPhuket
This trip generates roughly 51 kg CO₂-e per person, per day.
What's covered

Inclusions and activities

Destinations

Bangkok · Chiang Mai

Ko Samui · Khao Sok · Phuket

Meals

6 breakfasts

4 lunches · 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle · Sleeper train

Songthaew · Tuk-tuk · Shared boat · Public bus

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights) · Resort (3 nights)

Sleeper train (3 nights) · Hilltribe house (2 nights)

Rafthouse (1 night)

Included activities

  • Bangkok - Orientation Walk
  • Chiang Mai - Night Bazaar & Anusarn Market
  • Chiang Mai - Orientation Walk
  • Huey Nam Dang - Hilltribe Trek – 2 Days
  • Hilltribe Trek - Mae Malai Market Visit
  • Hilltribe Village - Home-cooked Dinner
  • Hilltribe Trek – Mok Fah Waterfall
  • Sop Kai Village - River Kayaking
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho
  • Ko Samui - Half Day Guided Tour
  • Khao Sok National Park - Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
  • Khao Sok National Park - Rafthouse Stay
  • Khao Lak - Tsunami Memorial
  • Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
  • Khao Sok National Park - Waterfall Hike

Optional activities

  • Bangkok - Thai Massage THB 300
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace THB 500
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure THB 2,500
  • Chiang Mai - Thai Massage THB 300
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex THB 50
  • Chiang Mai - Bicycle Tour THB 1,100
  • Chiang Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School THB 1,400
  • Chiang Mai - Zipline THB 1,900
  • Mae Taeng - Whitewater Rafting THB 1,800
  • Chiang Mai - Muay Thai Class THB 460
  • ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary THB 1,900
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon THB 300
  • Chiang Mai - Wat Prasingh Temple THB 40
  • Ko Samui - Thai Massage THB 300
  • Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class THB 2,300
  • Ko Samui - Day Trip to Koh Tao THB 2,400
  • Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park Tour THB 2,500
  • Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary THB 3,500
  • Phuket - Similan Day Trip THB 3,500
  • Phuket - Surin National Marine Park Day Trip THB 3,500
  • Phuket - Elephant Sanctuary THB 3,500
  • Phuket - Phi Phi & Koh Khai Island Day Trip THB 3,500
  • Phuket - Banana Beach & Koh Mai Ton Day Trip THB 2,500

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in the destinations you visit.

Good to know

Before you book

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip includes a challenging two-day hillside trek with lots of walking.
  • The wet season from May to October can result in muddy and slippery paths.
  • You will need sturdy walking shoes, comfortable clothes and an overnight pack.
  • When visiting temples, shoulders and knees must be covered.
  • Three overnight train journeys are included and can be tiring, although they are a great local experience.
  • The trip includes plenty of free time for independent exploration.
  • As there is limited time in Phuket, extending your stay is highly recommended.
Important notes
This trip is designed specifically for travellers aged 18 to 35. Some travel days are long and accommodation during hilltribe trekking and raft house stays is basic. Travellers should be prepared for an active adventure.
Visas
Visa and entry requirements depend on your nationality. Travellers should check the latest Thailand entry requirements before departure.
Accommodation notes
Accommodation includes hotels, resorts, overnight sleeper trains, hilltribe village houses and a basic raft house. Hilltribe village accommodation is multi-share and sleeping facilities are basic.
Joining point
Your exact joining point and meeting information will be provided in your Essential Trip Information and booking documentation.
Book your spot

Dates and prices

Lock in your trip with a flexible $99 deposit if it departs 56+ days from now.
Departs Returns Availability Price (USD)
Sun 20 Sep 2026 Sun 4 Oct 2026 Sale Last minute $1,340 $1,139
Sun 11 Oct 2026 Sun 25 Oct 2026 Sale Last minute $1,340 $1,139
Sun 1 Nov 2026 Sun 15 Nov 2026 Spots available $1,410
Sun 8 Nov 2026 Sun 22 Nov 2026 1 spot left $1,550
Sun 15 Nov 2026 Sun 29 Nov 2026 Spots available $1,410
Sun 29 Nov 2026 Sun 13 Dec 2026 Spots available $1,410
Sun 6 Dec 2026 Sun 20 Dec 2026 Price drop $1,330
Sun 13 Dec 2026 Sun 27 Dec 2026 Price drop $1,320
Sun 20 Dec 2026 Sun 3 Jan 2027 Spots available $1,410
Sun 3 Jan 2027 Sun 17 Jan 2027 Spots available $1,620
Traveller stories

Reviews

4.9
Based on 30 reviews
5 star
26
4 star
4
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0
M
Matt
Traveled April 2026

Fab trip, brilliant help from Melon in organising optional activities. Had a small group of 3 which is unique on my Intrepid travels but this didn’t hinder a great trip. Wildlife was lacking in the jungle compared to trips in Borneo, but the hilltribe experience was fantastic.

M
Matthew
Traveled April 2026

South Thailand is a brilliant holiday to conclude other trips. The travel days can be long, but extending your stay in Phuket is highly recommended.

S
Samuel
Traveled February 2026

This was an amazing experience that allowed me to be a part of many new things. Meeting new people and making memories with them was a highlight.

A
Aristeidis
Traveled February 2026

This was a great trip combining nature exploration, walking and relaxing beach time. A perfect choice if you want to explore more than the usual tourist hot spots.

K
Katy
Traveled February 2026

Bucket list trip! A fantastic introduction to Thailand and all it has to offer in two weeks. From hiking and hilltribe stays in the North to beaches in the South, the entire experience was unforgettable.