Listing ID: 48970
10 Day Taste Of Thailand
This adventure stays true to its name offering up 3 classic Thai destinations, each with totally different vibe from the next. Taste the amazing variety this country has to offer in this 10 day adventure through some of our favorite backpacking destinations in Thailand. Duration: 10 Days (approx.)Easy Cancellation - Cancel 3 days before for a full refund
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This adventure stays true to its name offering up 3 classic Thai destinations, each very different from the next. This journey begins under the bright lights of Thailand’s current capital city Bangkok, then takes us through the lush tropical jungles and incredible waterfalls of Kanchanaburi, culminating in one of Thailand’s most famous backpacking destinations, Koh Phangan. Take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of one of the most lively and fun capital cities in Asia. Spend your day hiking through stunning mountain rainforests from one waterfall to next, stopping along the way to cool off in crystal clear mountain pools. Laze the day away on stunning white sand beaches that at night transform into some of the wildest party scenes you’ve ever seen. Loaded with adventure, the 10 Day Taste Of Thailand is your perfect introduction to some of Thailand’s classic backpacking destinations.
- What Will You Do
You arrive in Bangkok late the first evening. The group meets for welcome drinks and a short information session at our guesthouse. Day 2 is when the action starts as we embark on our first included activity, a day trip to former capital of Ayutthaya where you’ll see some of the most impressive Buddhist temples in all of Thailand.Day 3 we hit the road for the short journey to Kanchanaburi, in our private mini bus. Spend the next couple days soaking up the sights and sounds of the jungle, and enjoying Kanchanaburi’s incredibly laid-back vibe. Our group activity here is always a guest favorite, as we trek the jungle trails of Erawan National Park, home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the world. Mid afternoon on day 6 we hop in a private mini bus to the train station in Nakhon Pathom where we board our overnight train to Surat Thani, our kick off point to Koh Phangan.
Our train arrives early in the morning on Day 7 in Surat Thani, Southern Thailand. From the train station we board a shuttle to the pier, then board the ferry for the ride over to Koh Phangan. Our driver will meet us at the pier and take us to our awesome beachfront accommodations! Spend the next few days exploring the island’s forest, waterfalls, beaches and viewpoints or take it easy and kick back in the sun and sand and prepare yourself for the madness that awaits you on day 9, the legendary Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach. You have a day and night post-party to recover from the last night’s madness, say goodbye to your awesome new group of friends and prepare for your onward journey. At this point though, like many, you may just be having so much fun you want to stay and hang us for another 10 days on our Beaches, Boats & Jungles tour.
- What To Expect
Bangkok: Known for it’s ancient temples, vibrant street life, fantastic food and abundance of shopping opportunities, Bangkok is a big city with a lot to offer the adventurous type. The sky train, subway and river ferries connect you to all areas of the city making navigation around town a breeze. We begin or end (sometimes both) all of our Thailand trips in Bangkok, giving all of our Thailand travelers the opportunity to soak up the sights and sounds of this truly Far Out city.Tour the ancient shrines and temples, shop the floating markets, street stalls and world class malls, cruise the river on a long boat hopping on and off at the various sites of Bangkok, or spend the night cutting loose in the backpacker’s party mecca of Khao San Rd. Bangkok is a big time city full of big time fun.
Kanchanaburi: Most famous for being the home to the Bridge Over the River Kwai, the starting point of the Burmese Death Railway built during WWII, Kanchanaburi is not only loaded with history both recent and ancient, it also happens to be a stunningly beautiful place that a lot of travelers leave off their Thailand itinerary.
The famous river Kwai flows through the town of Kanchanaburi and mountains covered in lush green rain forest, passing along it’s course the Erawan National Park, home to some of the most jaw dropping layered waterfalls in the world. Not only is the mountainous and forested terrain perfect for waterfall hunters, it also provides ample opportunity for world class trekking and wildlife spotting.
Kanchanaburi is also one of the few places in Thailand where you have the opportunity to interact with Asian elephants in an ethical setting. Take a hike through the jungle, cool off under a waterfall or in a simmering turquoise pool, take a float or a splash in the river Kwai, make friends with a friendly pachyderm, or learn a little bit about the local history. A beautiful place rich in history, nature and adventure, our groups always love Kanchanaburi.
Koh Phangan: If you’ve heard of Koh Phangan, it’s likely you’ve heard of it’s status as SE Asia’s premier beach party destination. Koh Phangan is the original home of the often imitated but never duplicated Full Moon Party. What started as a small gathering of friends on Haad Rin beach in the mid ‘80’s has grown into a roughly monthly all-night gong show that can attract anywhere from 5,000-30,000 people depending on the season.
Koh Phangan has a lot more to offer however than just raucous beach, jungle and pool parties however. Visit stunning deserted beaches, enjoy excellent snorkeling and diving, trek through lush forested mountains to waterfalls, see a Muay Thai fight, or enjoy a world class sunset at one of the many amazing viewpoints. Koh Phangan is an easy place to get swept away with and many travelers do, deciding to extend a short stay for weeks, months, or even permanently.
- What Is Included
Welcome DinnerFar Out Welcome Package: There’s a trip information guide, a welcome dinner, and a few welcome gifts to keep you comfortable on your Far Out Adventure.
Not one, but TWO knowledgeable and fun leaders who know the lay of the land and will help make sure you’re having the time of your life, every day of your trip.
All accommodations during your trip. We’ve scoured our destinations for the best group accommodations available. We always look for the perfect combination of environment, comfort, fun, friendly service and safety.
All transportation between trip destinations and to included activities.
At least one Far Out activity in each destination we visit, normally the top “must do” activities. The 20 Day Thailand Adventure includes the following activities.
- Ayutthaya Temple Tour
- Kanchanaburi Day Adventure: Erawan Falls, Krasae Cave, Death Railway Train, Bridge Over the River Kwai w/lunch incl.
- Full Moon Party
- Koh Phangan Pool Party
- What Is Not Included
Spending Money: For budgeting tips, click here.Additional/optional activities
Travel Visas (30 visa on arrival available for most nationalities arriving by air. Please contact your local Thai consulate or embassy for more information.)
Food and beverages (except those mentioned in What’s Included)
Transportation for personal/optional activities not included in the tour.
- FAQ
What should I bring for luggage?
Whatever works best for you will be fine, but we are big believers in the efficacy of the backpack. There are times on certain trips when we may have to walk a little to get to our accommodations, sometimes over sand, or up stairs, so our trip leaders personally prefer backpacks because we find it easier than dragging a suitcase. That being said you can bring whatever kind of luggage you are comfortable with. We do suggest bringing at least a small backpack or “day bag”.
How much spending money should I bring?
Ultimately the amount of spending money you will need will depend on the country you are traveling to and your own spending preferences. In general, a minimum of $35-40 CAD a day is recommended for food, drink and basic necessities. It is POSSIBLE to eat for less than that, but you don’t always want to be eating street food or burning time hunting down the cheapest menu in town. If you want to partake in a few additional activities, do some shopping, and indulge in a few drinks in the evenings, then we would recommend increasing your budget accordingly.
What should I pack?
After you register and pay your deposit, we will send you a welcome email detailing your booking information and offering tips on how to prepare and pack for your trip. We go by the old adage “less is more”. You don’t want to lug around a heavy bag full of clothes, only half of which you’ll end up wearing. We recommend packing a few changes of clothes and leaving space in your bag so you have room to bring things back home. Laundry services are available everywhere we go.
Will I need to get travel insurance?
Everyone who travels with Far Out Adventures must provide proof of emergency medical travel insurance before departing for their trip. Please contact us if you have any questions about insurance.
What will the weather be like?
ou have probably heard of terms like “wet season” or “dry season” used to describe the weather in warm places. While there are certainly seasonal weather patterns, we would be hesitant to say it never rains during dry season, or it always rains during wet season. While you are certainly likely to see more cloudless days during dry season, the downside is the terrain can often be dry and the vegetation brown. On the flip side during wet season, it may shower often, but it’s usually only for a few minutes and the sun is out often. The other bonus to wet season is the vegetation is lush and beautiful, and things like rivers and waterfalls are flowing at their full potential (perfect for tubing).
Weather doesn’t always stick to a schedule, but the following can generally be said about Thailand. It is usually said that there are 3 main seasons in Thailand; hot, monsoon (wet) and cool.
The hot season runs from March through June, with April and May being the hottest months of the year.
The monsoon season can bring heavy rains and rough seas. This season can vary from year to year, and also varies from the west side of Thailand (Andaman side) and the east side (Gulf side). On the Andaman side Monsoon season can start as early as April or May, although the “official” beginning is considered to be June, and can last all the way until October sometimes, when the temperatures generally cool. In the far south the rains often don’t stop till November. On the Gulf side monsoon season is totally different. It can start as early as October, but officially begins in November, and lasts as late as May.
Rain isn’t constant in the monsoon season, and in the early months it can actually be quite sporadic, raining for 1 or 2 hours in the afternoon or morning, then drying out. However, when it does rain it rains pretty hard. Late in the season is when it rains heaviest and most consistently. Flooding sometimes occurs at this time of year.
The cool season normally lasts from November to February. For visitors it will still feel quite hot during cool season. The North and Northeast of the country can get a bit chilly in December.
Can I share a room with my friend or partner?
Generally speaking we stay in rooms with two single beds and a private bathroom. We can make sure you and your partner are always in the same room together, but on certain trips we stay with hostels or guesthouses in dormitory style rooms. Dorm rooms are always private to the group and will only be occupied by Far Out Adventures trip participants. If you are not keen about sharing rooms with others, please contact us and we will do whatever we can to try and put you in private accommodations.
Will I need a passport?
Yes, you will need a passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of your return, to travel internationally with Far Out Adventures. Application times for passports vary so it is best to apply for one asap if you do not have one yet.
Will I need any travel visas?
Visa requirements are different for every country we go to, and are usually specific to the nationality of the traveler. Most nationalities do not need a visa for visiting Thailand for up to 30 days (check with your local consulate or embassy to be certain), as long as their passport has at least 6 months validity and they have a confirmed flight out of Thailand. 30 days will be sufficient for any of our Thailand adventures. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a 60 day tourism visa with your local embassy or consulate.
Will I need vaccinations and/or malaria pills?
As far as the countries we visit are concerned, none of them require any shots or vaccinations to enter. That doesn’t necessarily mean though that your doctor won’t recommend any. We have generally found in our experience that most travel health professionals will at least recommend having your shots for hepatitis, tetanus and typhoid.
The decision to take malaria pills is entirely up to you. Some travelers choose to take them and others don’t. None of the locations we visit are a high risk of malaria, and some travelers do report varied negative side effects from antimalarials including increased susceptibility to sun burns, dizziness and insomnia.
This being said, we are not health professionals and we won’t pretend to be. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the necessity of vaccinations and/or antimalarials, you should make sure to speak with your doctor before departure.
Will my allergies or other health problems prevent me from participating?
We know first hand the difficulties that traveling with allergies presents, but it has never stopped us from getting out and seeing the world. We have personally found google translate to be our biggest ally in the battle against allergies. If you inform us of your allergies, we will make sure to have a print out stating your allergies in the local language so that we can inform the person taking your food or beverage order can communicate your needs to the kitchen.
Following are couple of basic tips for those traveling with allergies.
If you have an epi-pen, bring it with you and carry it at all times. Be sure to inform your group leader of its existence and provide them any necessary instructions in the event it is needed. There will be a place to keep it cold in all of our accommodations.
Make sure you inform your fellow group members about your allergy and where to find your medication in the event of an emergency. This is important in the event you go on day trips without your guides.
We ask that you let us know about any health concerns you have that may potentially affect your enjoyment of your trip, so that we can properly assist you and help you avoid encountering any health problems in paradise.
Are your tours accessible?
Accessibility in South East Asia is unfortunately very far behind what we are used to at home. The availability of accessible shops, restaurants, accommodations, transportation and other services is virtually non-existent in most places other than the big cities. Traveling this part of the world with a disability can be very challenging at times, but it is certainly not impossible. If you have questions about traveling with a disability, please contact us and we will do whatever we can to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime.
How do I meet up with group?
Whether you are flying on your own or we are arranging your flight for you, we will send you an email after you book, detailing the process for meeting with your group leader. In general, it is a very simple process. We will have a Facebook event page set up for each and all of our tours detailing the itinerary and including instructions for meeting at the arrival destination.
Airport pick up is generally free. All customers on flights booked by Far Out will be picked up at the airport with their fellow group members and transported to their accommodation free of charge. For customers booking their own flights we will make every effort to have a guide meet you and pick you up for free. If not possible due to schedule, we will give you all the necessary information and assistance to make your transportation from the airport to our accommodation simple and worry free.
Am I able to travel solo?
Many of our guests are solo travelers. Our groups are a great environment to meet people and make new friends, and if you travel solo we will always place you will someone of your own gender. If sharing a room doesn’t sound appealing we are usually able to arrange for private accommodations. Private accommodations come with an additional fee depending on the trip, so if you are interested in your own room please contact us to confirm the additional cost.
How many people are normally in a group?
Groups sizes can vary quite a bit depending on the tour and the time of year, but are typically between 8-18 guests plus 2 guides.
What’s included in the price?
The following is included in the price of your Far Out Adventure:
All accommodations.
All land, air and sea travel between destinations included in the itinerary (not including transcontinental flights).
All the activities listed on the tour information page, including at least one can’t miss activity in each destination.
A welcome package including information about your trip destinations, tips for preparing for your trip and a few cool gifts when we finally meet you at your arrival destination.
What’s not included in the price?
The following items are not included in the price of your Far Out Adventure:
Food outside that mentioned in the itinerary and beverages, including alcohol
Personal activities not listed in the itinerary
Transportation not included in the itinerary
Travel Visas
Travel Insurance
What’s the average age of trip participant? Is there a maximum age?
Being that we operate a more physically demanding, backpacking style tour with a lot of walking, climbing, hiking, etc. in some very hot climates, we do generally limit participation in our tours to travelers in 18-“30 something” range, with the majority of those falling between 23-30 years. The nature of our tours is admittedly a little more physically demanding than your average group tour.
That being said, we believe that anyone who is up to the task should have the opportunity to participate, so we do occasionally accept travelers outside that age, as long as they are comfortable undertaking the inherently active nature of our trips.
What kind of overall experience will I have on my Far Out Adventure?
We don’t like to blow our own horn too often, but it is not unreasonable when you travel with Far Out Adventures to expect to have an amazing journey full of life changing experiences, with amazing people, in some of the most beautiful places on earth!! Each and every one of our adventures is designed to immerse you in the beauty, culture and history of our locations while providing you access to all the best activities and amenities, along with the freedom to choose what you want to do. This way you get the most out of your trip and you get to spend your time doing the things that interest you most.
Our travel concept is not to sell you a package where we have decided how you will spend your time, but to help you design the best experience for you. At Far Out Adventures we feel like this is YOUR adventure. Our trips are light on itinerary and heavy on choice. Our trip leaders are very knowledgeable and experienced in the destinations we travel to, so no matter what you have on your bucket list, we are able to help you do and see anything you have your mind set on. Even if there is a location somewhere not included on our itinerary that you want to take a couple days to explore on your own, our Group Leaders will be able to help you plan any such side getaways, and get you back to the group safely and easily to enjoy the rest of your journey.
As for the people you will be traveling with, your group will be mostly made up of like-minded folks who are all out here for the same reason; to experience something beautiful, new and exciting and to expand and broaden our world perspectives. One of the best things about traveling with a group of fun loving, like minded people is that in a matter of days you will find yourself making a number of new friendships that will last a lifetime.
In short, traveling with Far Out Adventures is an amazingly exciting, dynamic, and worry-free travel experience that is every bit a personal journey custom tailored to your individual needs as it is a group experience. We take you to some of the best places on earth, with some of the most amazing people you’ll ever meet, and give you the freedom to enjoy your trip doing the things you enjoy doing.
Will I get to experience other cultures?
In our opinion, and in our own experience, immersing yourself in new cultures is one of the most rewarding parts of traveling, so on our trips we give you plenty of opportunity to do just that. Whether you’re learning about a country’s history as we explore ancient temples, eating authentic local food, hanging with the locals in some of their favorite spots, or learning some of the local language, the opportunities to have authentic and meaningful interactions with local people and cultures is plentiful on our adventures.
Is this going to be a party trip?
Our trips are not designed to be party trips per se. Our focus is and always has been sharing our favorite travel destinations with others and helping you have the trip of a lifetime, whatever that entails for you. That being said, when people get together in sunny destinations with a shared interest in beautiful places and awesome times, it’s inevitable that some partying is going to happen.
That being said, our destinations have a lot to offer for the night owl AND the day adventurer alike. If partying isn’t your thing, there is absolutely no need to worry. We have 2 guides to compensate for the varied interests of the group, and you will never be at a loss for ways to have an amazing time. One of the great things about traveling in a group is that there are always people doing different things, so however you prefer to spend your time and socialize there will be plenty of opportunities to do so with like minded people.
We do occasionally plan parties for the group in certain destinations, but needless to say the revelry is always optional and not at all necessary to have a great time at our destinations. If partying is a concern of yours, we assure you there is no reason to worry. There will be lots of ways to fill your days with fun, and our trip leaders always put just as much emphasis on enjoying the surrounding environment and taking in the local history and culture, as they do on anything else.
Will there be Wi-Fi access?
Wi-Fi access is largely available everywhere you go nowadays, and our trip destinations are no exception. Wi-Fi is available at all our accommodations, as well as most bars and restaurants, so no worries, you will be able to post all those awesome jealousy-inducing pics to your social media, and your family won’t have to worry about being able to contact you.
What happens if I get sick or hurt?
While luckily it is not very common, one of the unfortunately realities of traveling is that sometimes people do get or hurt or sick. Our Trip Leaders always carry a list of all medical centers and hospitals located in or near the destinations we travel to. They are also trained in first aid, and carry a first aid kit with them.
In the rare event that a traveler requires medical attention, we will immediately have one of the two trip leaders escort them to the hospital or medical center to assist them with the insurance process and whatever else is required, such as helping the traveler get in contact with anyone they may need to inform of the situation back home.
Minor illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea are more common and generally caused by eating something your stomach isn’t used to like spicy food, or food that has been prepared differently, or something weird and exotic that caught your eye, like fried crickets or insect larvae. While it can be a pain in the butt (pun intended), you will always have access to bathrooms and if we have to make a pit stop along the way, it’s no problem at all. Sh*t happens (pun intended) and it happens to even the most seasoned travelers.
