Thailand: Bangkok, Elephants, Jungles & Beaches

Arrive at Bangkok airport. Meet your English-speaking guide who will take you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Bangkok is both a vibrant capital and a city steeped in tradition. Known as the ‘City of Angels’, it has beautiful temples standing side-by-side with skyscrapers. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho, home to the giant reclining Buddha, reflect the city’s rich spiritual heritage. You cannot miss the Wat Arun on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Beyond its historic landmarks, Bangkok buzzes with life from the maze-like Chatuchak Market to the street food haven of Yaowarat. With malls, rooftop bars, award-winning restaurants, shopping streets and more– this is truly a city on the move.

Explore Bangkok’s Temples & Cultural Landmarks on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. Begin at Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located within the grounds of the Grand Palace. This 18th-century temple houses a Buddha in a meditative seated posture, and is considered the most sacred in Thailand.

Just a short walk away is Wat Pho, where you can see an enormous reclining Buddha. It also has a renowned traditional Thai massage school on the premises. Next, take a ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, known for its striking porcelain-encrusted spires that shimmer in the sunlight.

Finally, visit the Jim Thompson House, a beautifully preserved example of traditional Thai architecture. You can explore the impressive collection of Southeast Asian art showcased here before wrapping up.

From your Bangkok hotel you will be transferred to the airport by private vehicle. Board your 90-minute flight to Krabi. At Krabi airport you will be met and driven to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Krabi is both a tropical paradise and a gateway to some of Thailand’s most dramatic natural wonders. Set against a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs and lush jungle, this coastal province is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Railay Beach, only accessible by boat, feels like a secluded island. Ao Nang, the main beach town, offers a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, with longtail boats waiting to whisk you away to nearby islands such as the pristine Phi Phi islands.

Inland, you can explore emerald pools and jungles. There is also the Tiger Cave Temple, which offers unparalleled views. The region is also known for its nightlife and offers a range of restaurants, from beachside stalls serving grilled seafood to stylish spots with sunset views. In Krabi, you can find the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Private Exclusive Four Island Tour

Go island-hopping in an exclusive long-tail boat during this tour. You will be picked up from your hotel in Krabi. Drive to the pier where you will board your boat. Set off across the coral-rich waters of the Andaman Sea.

Your first stop is Ko Kai, or Chicken Island, named for its distinctive rock formation. Here, you can snorkel, before relaxing on the island’s white sand beach. Continue on to Railay Beach and walk to its southern tip, where you’ll find Phra Nang Cave Beach, home to a shrine dedicated to a mythical sea princess.

Next, head to the picture-perfect Poda Island with its dramatic backdrop of limestone cliffs. It is the ideal spot for a meal by the sea. Your final stop is Thale Waek, which means ‘Separated Sea’, a hidden gem near Ko Dam Khwan. Here, a sandbar emerges at low tide, connecting two islands by creating a natural walkway across the water.

Explore Krabi on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend exploring these attractions in Krabi.  Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai, located in the Andaman Sea, are home to coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Go snorkeling here or relax on the stunning beaches.

Koh Talabeng is an ancient island and a popular kayaking destination. Discover its caves, which feature freshwater pools, stalactites, and stalagmites. You can also visit the caves at Koh Phee, also known as Ghost Island.

Take a longtail boat ride to Koh Kai, or Chicken Island, named for its unusual rock formation. Stroll along the beach, make your way to the lookout point, and enjoy a swim. You could also simply relax on the sand before returning to the mainland.

For a more peaceful experience, take a speedboat or ferry to the tiny island of Koh Jum. It has nine beaches ideal for swimming and sunbathing. There is also the charming Koh Jum Village, where you’ll find shops, cafés and restaurants.

You will be transferred from your hotel in Krabi to the airport in a shared vehicle organised by your hotel. From there fly to Khao Sok. This is a 3-hour journey.

Khao Sok is ideally located on the mainland between Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui and Khao Lak, in the southern province of Surat Thani. The Khao Sok National Park is the highlight of the region. The lowland jungle, Thailand’s wettest spot, is believed to date over 160 million years, making it one of the oldest rainforests on the earth. Find limestone formations shooting straight up and out into the air, deep valleys, waterfalls rippling through dense thickets, scenic lakes and awe-inspiring caves. This is also a great spot to see wild animals, so keep an eye out for them.

Elephant Hills Jungle Lake Safari (Three Days/Two Nights)

Encounter elephants in a magical setting and explore the jungle while staying at the Elephant Camp and the floating Rainforest Camp.

Day 1:

Arrive at Elephant Hills Camp in time for a delicious Thai buffet lunch. After, take a scenic canoe trip along the Sok River. Glide past tropical forests and keep an eye out for hornbills perched in the treetops and reptiles lounging on the riverbanks. Reach the elephant park, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to get up close with Asia’s largest land mammal. Your naturalist guide will tell you about the majestic Asian elephant, the traditional training methods followed by the mahouts and conservation initiatives. You’ll even get the chance to help feed the elephants.

Then, return to your luxury tented accommodation at Elephant Hills Camp. Unwind with pre-dinner cocktails, and enjoy a cultural evening featuring a traditional Thai dance performance and an interactive cooking class. The day ends with a sumptuous Thai dinner, set against the forest’s nocturnal symphony.

Day 2:

After a hearty breakfast, check out and travel by traditional longtail boat across the stunning Cheow Larn Lake. En route, take in the ancient rainforest home to wild elephants, the elusive gaur (Asian ox), monkeys and tropical birds.

Arrive at the floating Rainforest Camp, and enjoy a freshly prepared Thai buffet lunch before setting out on a guided jungle trek. Your expert guide will lead you down trails that weave through dense rainforest passing rare orchids, towering hardwood trees, and lush ferns. You may spot gibbons, macaques, and hornbills moving through the canopy above.

Post your trek, return to the Rainforest Camp where you can take a refreshing dip in the lake or explore the tranquil waters by canoe before sitting down to dinner.

Day 3:

Start your day with breakfast and then go on a guided canoe safari through the serene channels off Cheow Larn Lake. This excursion offers a final chance to marvel at untouched primary rainforest and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

Your adventure concludes with one last Thai lunch back at Rainforest Camp after which you will depart for the next leg of your journey.

You will be transferred from Elephant Hills to your your hotel in Khao Lak in a shared vehicle organised by your hotel. This is a 2.5-hour journey.

Khao Lak is a peaceful seaside destination, known for its array of beach resorts. Situated approximately an hour from the country’s most famous island, Phuket, it offers a serene atmosphere and uncrowded, yet family-friendly, beaches that stretch along the turquoise sea.
Just inland lies Khao Sok National Park, a lush, evergreen nature reserve offering elephant encounters, jungle trekking, and canoeing. The park is also located near some of the world’s top scuba diving sites. With its unspoilt coral reefs, the waters here are considered one of the best places for snorkelling in Thailand.