Thaigger Travel · 16 day small group adventure

Classic Thailand West Coast

Combining the best of the north and south, this is the definitive Thailand tour. Travel from the glamour of the capital to villages in the mountains and from atmospheric ruins to relaxed sun-drenched islands on this 16-day adventure. Tour temples in Bangkok, walk with elephants in Phitsanulok, dig into hearty home-cooked meals and then swim, snorkel or simply kick back on the divine beaches of the southern coast. This adventure is the perfect chance to visit the many attractions and treasures of Thailand.

The highlights

Why you'll love this trip

01

Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary — Visit the Intrepid Foundation Partner project dedicated to rescuing elephants and revitalising their habitat. Help make food for elephants and walk with them while learning about the sanctuary's work.

02

History and ancient ruins — Discover the turbulent past at the infamous bridge over the River Kwai and cycle through the ancient Buddhas and ruined temples of World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Park.

03

Local village experiences — Experience community projects, learn traditional crafts, pick fresh vegetables, enjoy hearty farm-to-table cooking and watch traditional dancing.

04

Southern Thailand adventures — Ease into the beach-loving lifestyle with snorkelling, kayaking and opportunities to explore limestone cliffs, caves, coral reefs and mangrove forests.

05

Free time in Phuket — Kick back and create your own adventures with ample free time to discover white sand beaches, wander busy streets and experience the buzzing nightlife.

Day by day

Itinerary

DAY 01 Bangkok
DAY 02 Kanchanaburi
DAY 03 Kanchanaburi
DAY 04 Phitsanulok
DAY 05 Sukhothai
DAY 06 Chiang Mai
DAY 07 Chiang Mai
DAY 08 Bangkok
DAY 09 Bangkok
DAY 10 Ao Nang/Krabi
DAY 11 Ao Nang/Krabi

This morning, head out to Ao Nang beach and board a private longtail boat to start today’s exploration. As you sail, take in the beauty of the coastline, stopping at Phra Nang Cave, Railey Beach, Koh Tup and Koh Gai along the way. See the coral and tropical fish in the crystal clear waters below on snorkelling excursions and enjoy a half day of swimming and sailing. Tonight, why not grab some of your fellow travellers and stroll down the main drag to find a seafood restaurant.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Included activities
  • Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling Tour
Optional activities
  • Ao Nang - Thai Cooking Class · THB 1,300
DAY 12 Khao Lak
DAY 13 Khao Lak
DAY 14 Phuket
DAY 15 Phuket
DAY 16 Phuket
The route
Map of Classic Thailand West Coast including Thailand
North Central South
This trip generates roughly 45 kg CO₂-e per person, per day.
What's covered

Inclusions and activities

Destinations

Thailand

Meals

10 breakfasts

2 lunches · 3 dinners

Transport

Overnight sleeper train · Private minivan · Taxi

Longtail boat · Songtheaw · Bicycle · Public Bus · Plane

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night) · Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Resort (6 nights) · Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
  • Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & Falls
  • Kanchanaburi - Historical train ride
  • Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
  • Uthai Thani - Wat Tha Sung
  • Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour
  • Phitsanulok - Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary
  • Huai Lan - Village cycling
  • Huai Lan - Local crafts master and community project visit
  • Huai Lan - home-cooked dinner and traditional dancing
  • Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit
  • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
  • Ao Nang – Baan Na Teen village community experience and home-cooked dinner
  • Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling Tour
  • Baan Nai Nang CBT village - village walk
  • Khao Ka Rot - sea kayaking
  • Ao Makham Beach - home cooked lunch & Mulberry leaf tea tasting
  • Khao Lak – Lampi Waterfalls
  • Khao Lak – Tsunami Memorial Park
  • Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center

Optional activities

  • Bangkok - Grand PalaceTHB 500
  • Bangkok - Thai MassageTHB 300
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban AdventureTHB 2,500
  • Sukhothai - Night MarketFree
  • Chiang Mai - Night MarketFree
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple ComplexTHB 50
  • Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban AdventureTHB 2,900
  • Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban AdventureTHB 1,960
  • Bangkok - National MuseumTHB 200
  • Bangkok - Wat PhoTHB 300
  • Bangkok - Jim Thompson's HouseTHB 250
  • Ao Nang - Longtail Boat Taxi to Railay BeachTHB 100
  • Ao Nang - Thai MassageTHB 300
  • Ao Nang - Thai Cooking ClassTHB 1,300
  • Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park & Ton Chong Fa WaterFallTHB 200
  • Khao Lak - Pa-Kin-Na-Ka Thai Cooking ClassTHB 2,000
  • Phuket - Phi Phi & Khai Nok Island Day TripTHB 3,500
  • Phuket - Elephant SanctuaryTHB 3,500

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

Good to know

Before you book

Is this trip right for you?
This trip includes a night on an overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. Accommodation is simple but comfortable – soft sleeper class multishare compartments with air-conditioning and bunk beds, with sheets and a pillow provided. Overnight trains are a real Intrepid experience and one of the best ways to come face-to-face with the country and its people.
Important notes
Please review the Essential Trip Information before booking this adventure.
Visas
Visa and entry requirements should be checked before travelling. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information for the latest requirements relevant to your nationality.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this trip includes homestay, overnight sleeper train, resort and hotel stays as outlined in the inclusions.
Joining point
Joining point details are provided in the Essential Trip Information for this trip.
Book your spot

Dates and prices

Lock in your trip with a $400 flexible deposit if it departs 56+ days from now.
Departs Returns Availability Price (USD)
Sun 27 Sep 2026 Mon 12 Oct 2026 Sale Last minute $3,220 $2,898
Sun 4 Oct 2026 Mon 19 Oct 2026 3 spots left $3,295
Sun 11 Oct 2026 Mon 26 Oct 2026 2 spots left $3,395
Sun 25 Oct 2026 Mon 9 Nov 2026 Fully booked
Sun 1 Nov 2026 Mon 16 Nov 2026 Fully booked
Sun 8 Nov 2026 Mon 23 Nov 2026 Fully booked
Sun 15 Nov 2026 Mon 30 Nov 2026 Fully booked
Fri 20 Nov 2026 Sat 5 Dec 2026 Spots available $3,525
Sun 22 Nov 2026 Mon 7 Dec 2026 4 spots left $3,770
Thu 26 Nov 2026 Fri 11 Dec 2026 Spots available $3,570
Traveller stories

Reviews

4.9
Based on 26 reviews
5 star
24
4 star
2
3 star
0
2 star
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1 star
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A
Andrew
Traveled March 2026 · Verified review

Awesome experience for couples and single traveler’s. Wide range of activities and great accommodation. Made new friends and had the best tour guide that was both knowledgeable, helpful and fun.

J
Jonathan
Traveled February 2026 · Verified review

Seeing Thailand through Intrepid was a fantastic choice. Our guide was fun, warm, and welcoming with a great sense of humor. We never felt unsafe or unwelcome by any of the people associated with the tour. If you're from a cold climate be prepared for Thailand's heat and humidity, it is punishing.

A
Annabelle
Traveled February 2026 · Verified review

Intrepid travel treat you as an individual catering to your needs and because the group is not too large, the leader gets to know your likes and dislikes. A very special holiday that I won't ever forget.

R
Robert
Traveled February 2026 · Verified review

Excellent trip hitting top locals in Thailand. Phenomenal guide.

G
Geraldine
Traveled January 2026 · Verified review

I’ve just finished the West Coast Thailand trip. What an amazing adventure! I loved all the culture in the north then a chance to relax more in the south. Thailand is amazing and beautiful with lovely, friendly people. I did this as a solo traveller and I’m so glad I did. We went to so many places I wouldn’t have missed on my own. Our leader was fabulous, she really made the trip special! Can’t wait to book my next trip!