Highlights

Work up an appetite with a leisurely cycle through the ancient Buddhas and ruined temples of Heritage-listed Sukothai Park, then feast on a home-cooked picnic lunch

Experience daily rural life firsthand when staying with long-time Intrepid friends in a small Thai village

Support an important animal welfare initiative and get close to incredible creatures at the Hospital of the Friends of the Asian Elephant and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre

Pick up some impressive new culinary skills and taste delicious local dishes in a Thai cooking class

Travel like the locals do on an overnight sleeper train, the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at destinations

Discover a true slice of paradise on an included sea kayaking trip through the stunning inlets, caves and hidden lagoons of the Ao Thalane mangrove forests

Get into the indulgent beach-loving life on the still untouched, chilled out island of Ko Yao Noi and, armed with a snorkel, explore the surrounding islands and waters on an included boat trip

You will visit the following places:

Phuket

Phuket, pronounced (roughly) "pu-ged", is Thailand's largest island and one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoys a rich and colourful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign traders' ship's logs.  In recent times, Phuket's top earner has been tourism, which has transformed the island into Thailand's wealthiest province. It also enjoys great popularity as a travel destination. Most beaches are on the west coast, with Phuket Town to the southeast and the airport in the north.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located 435 miles north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. The city is on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river. In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city and attracts approximately 1 million foreign visitors each year. Chiang Mai gained prominence in the political sphere in May 2006, when the Chiang Mai Initiative was concluded here between the ASEAN nations and the "+3" countries (China, Japan, and South Korea). It has also recently positioned itself to become a Creative City and is considering to apply for Creative City Status with UNESCO.

Bangkok

Bangkok, also known as the ''City of Angels'' and ''Venice of the East'', will hit you like a ton of bricks. Its high-rise buildings, heavy traffic congestion, intense heat and naughty nightlife may not immediately give you the best impression — but don't let that mislead you. It is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities with breathtaking temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a vibrant nightlife that has something for everyone. When you do find a moment, pamper yourself with spa treatments, skyline-view bars, luxurious hotels, and excellent restaurants.