Thailand Tours - Small Group and Adventure Tours

With our English speaking local guide we start our Bangkok tour by Tuk Tuk, the main form of transport for our half day adventure through the streets of Bangkok. The fortress was built during the reign of Rama I and is the last of two remaining from the 14 originally built. Climbing aboard our transport we travel past Thammasart University into Phra Chan (meaning 'moon') Road to the Amulet Market, where various religious amulets, charms and traditional medicines are available.

Our guide will explain the significance that these items play in the Thai culture. Amulets in all forms are available to bring good luck or to ward off evil. Something you don't get on other Bangkok sightseeing tours. Our next stop is Wat Po which derives its name from the original Wat Potaram, in 1801 the temple was renamed Wat Phra Chetuphon. The temple is the centre of the Buddhist religion in Thailand, the countries first university and is still a centre of learning for traditional Thai massage and medicines. Founded in the 17th century, Wat Po is the oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Our guide will take us on a tour through the temple complex.

From here we continue our Bangkok Tuk Tuk tour by heading to Phahurat Market, in the heart of Bangkok's little India where all kinds of fabrics, cloths, ornaments and accessories are sold along with stalls selling delicious Indian snacks. We continue our Bangkok tour to Woeng Nakorn Kasem in the Khlong Thom quarter, also known as the 'thieves market'. It is a second hand market for Thai and Chinese antiques where we will find an array of goods for sale from porcelain to furniture. The market derives its nickname from the past, this was where stolen goods would often turn up for sale, this in no longer the case today.

Our next stop on our day tour in Bangkok is Wat Saket, location of the Golden Mount. Wat Saket sits at the bottom of an artificial hill (refer to as the Golden Mount) and dates back to the Ayutthaya era, prior to Bangkok becoming the capital of the Siamese kingdom. The temple was used for cremation ceremonies. During the reign of King Rama III, the artificial hill or Golden Mount was constructed; a chedi was added to the top which caused the hill to collapse. Under King Rama IV a more permanent hill of clay and bricks was constructed followed by the chedi which still exists today.

Our guide will take us through the complex and up the 318 steps to the top of the Golden Mount where we have a 360 degree view of the surrounding old Rattankosin Island. This is the last stop of the trip and we are free to return to our hotels, continue personal sightseeing or alternatively go to a local market with our guide for an optional lunch. At the end of our Bangkok sightseeing tour you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel. read more

Beginning our Bangkok tour at Ratchawong Pier on the Chao Praya River we step back in time to the old markets in Yaowarat, located in the heart of the vibrant Chinatown district. The original Chinese citizens were traders living in the village of Bangkok before it became the capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

The land that now occupies the Grand Palace belonged to the traders. When King Rama I moved the capital from Ayuthaya to Bangkok over 200 years ago the community was asked to move to its current location. From the pier our walking tour continues along Song Wat Road, which is bordered by old business buildings and warehouses - most of which are still operating today. We emerge in the plastic and leather product quarter on Yaowa Phanit Road.

The next stop on your Bangkok sightseeing tour is a 100 year old coffee shop on Pha Sai Road, a coffee and snack is included in our trip, an opportunity to relax and take in the atmosphere.

Rejuvenated we continue to Issarnuparb Road and a market specialising in Chinese religious products, fresh food including seafood. In the evening Yaowaraj Road becomes a sea of street stalls, collectively becoming one large food bazaar. The food options range from street stalls to the finest Chinese restaurants. Part of our experience will be taking a seat with our guide are try some charcoal grilled seafood on the street.

Following dinner we continue on foot to the Saphan Put Night Market, where we find a vast array of clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, second hand collections and antiques on sale.

If you prefer to have a painting of yourself, you can sit down with artists on the street. In no time you will have a portrait of yourself to take home as a souvenir. The final stop of the night is at Talat Pak Khlong ('talad' meaning market), the largest wholesale flower and vegetable market of Bangkok. Night-time is a great time to see Pakklong Talad as the street is covered with a colourful flower display. At the end of the day tour in Bangkok you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel. read more

We begin our Bangkok tour with a walk down to the Chao Praya River (meaning River of Kings) where we board a long tail boat for a journey along the river and into the khlongs (canals) of Bangkok. In centuries gone by Bangkok was often referred to as the 'Venice of the East' with a vast network of khlongs through the city which were utilised as a transport network.

With the passage of time many of these khlongs have been filled in and converted to roads for more modern forms of transport. In the Thonburi area of Bangkok many of the khlongs survive, the boat trip will provide you with an insight into the lives of people who live along the khlongs which seems a world away from the chaotic streets of Bangkok. Our next stop on our day tour in Bangkok is Wat Po which derives its name from the original Wat Potaram, in 1801 the temple was renamed Wat Phra Chetuphon.

The temple is the centre of the Buddhist religion in Thailand, the countries first university and is still a centre of learning for traditional Thai massage and medicines. Founded in the 17th century, Wat Po is the oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Our guide will take us on a tour through the temple complex.

The Grand Palace completes our Bangkok day tour. Built in 1782 in time for the coronation of King Rama I, the Grand Palace served as the official residence of the King of Siam, the Royal Court and administrative seat of government until the early 1900's. Despite no longer being the official residence of the king the Grand Palace is still very much the spiritual centre of the nation and used for various ceremonies during the year.

  Included in the trip will be a visit to Wat Phra Kaew which houses the revered Emerald Buddha. Our local guide will take us through the grounds of the palace providing a fascinating insight into this majestic place. At the end of our walking tour in Bangkok you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel. read more

Cruise by motorboat on the Andaman Sea to Phi Phi Island, a part of Krabi Province. It is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets: Phi Phi Don with long powdery beaches, and the high, rocky Phi Phi Le where thousands of swallows nest inside the Viking Cave. read more

Visit the bustling floating market at Damnernsaduak with a stop at Nakhon Pathom where the largest Buddhist pagoda in Thailand is located. Proceed to lunch at the picturesque Rose Garden. Afterwards enjoy the colourful Thai Village Show- Buddhist ordination procession, sword-fighting, elephants at work, folk dances and a traditional wedding ceremony. read more

Jump on for a morning drive to Kanchanaburi to visit the war museum and the infamous bridge over the Kwai and Death Railway. Lunch is included at a local restaurant before continuing to the remote forest temple of Wat Pha Luangtabua. Here, dedicated Buddhist monks live with many wild animals including tigers. These tigers can be viewed in close proximity every afternoon when the monks take them for a walk providing one of the most extraordinary sights in Thailand. read more

Visit includes the bustling floating market at Damnernsaduak with a stop at Nakhon Pathom where the largest Buddhist pagoda in Thailand is located. Proceed to lunch at the picturesque Rose Garden and afterwards enjoy the colourful Thai Village Show- Buddhist ordination procession, sword-fighting, elephants at work, folk dances and a traditional wedding ceremony.

Bangkok provides plenty to do for weeks but the must do's are within easy reach of most of the city hotels: the Grand Palace, the huge reclining Buddha, the floating markets along the canals and stunning ancient temples. Add to this some of the best shopping opportunities anywhere in Asia, at huge air-conditioned shopping centres and local markets, and restaurants to suit every taste and budget. read more

Get picked up from your hotel in Phuket by air con vehicle and drive through Phang Nga province passing rubber plantations and small villages en route to Khao Sok. Nearing our destination the scenery changes, beside the road views of mountains covered in rainforest can be seen. Khao Sok is part of the largest area of rainforest in Southern Thailand. The Sok river valley cuts through the jungle and spectacular views of Limestone Mountain and cliffs can be seen. This was once part of an ancient trade route linking China and India.

One of the best ways to experience the jungle is to canoe down the Sok river in inflatable canoes. A local guide paddles the canoe and is expert at spotting any animals along the way. The exotic tropical vegetation clinging to the river banks with Limestone cliffs and mountains rising up on both sides creates a secret primeval world that very few people ever see. Birds such as hornbill, kingfisher, heron, egret, various reptiles and even wild monkeys live in this area. A buffet lunch of Thai dishes cooked not too spicy will be served.

After lunch, you will spend time at the Siam Safari elephant camp where information on elephants and their conservation will be given on elephants and their conversation and you can find out about our elephant memorable experience. You get a birds eye view of nature as the elephant silently moves along the jungle trail. The valley you trek in is surrounded by mountains of the national park and the scenery is truly spectacular. Sadly it is time to return to your hotel but experiencing the rainforest by canoe and elephant is something you will never forget. read more

Visit the War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi, 130 kilometres west of Bangkok. Then take a scenic train ride along the 'Death Railway' crossing the 'Bridge on the River Kwai'. After lunch at a local restaurant return by coach to Kanchanaburi. Visit the War Museum, then return to Bangkok. read more

The subtle mixing of herbs and spices and market-fresh ingredients makes dining a special culinary experience. With Thai cuisine enjoying an outstanding worldwide reputation for its unique flavours and tastes, there's no better way to learn about this cooking style than in Thailand itself.

So why not learn the techniques that create one of the world's most interesting cuisine's from local Thai chefs and culinary experts on our Thai Cooking School program. read more

The city is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand. The streets are alive morning and night with tuk tuks and street vendors, and the city is overloaded with amazing sights. We take you to the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha Temple and Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and include a long tail boat ride along the river.

But there is so much more to explore - floating markets, classical shows, Thai Boxing shows, and of course shopping galore. So why not stopover in the exciting city of Bangkok. read more

Jump on for a morning drive to Kanchanaburi to visit the war museum and the infamous bridge over the Kwai and Death Railway. Lunch is included at a local restaurant before continuing to the remote forest temple of Wat Pha Luangtabua. Here, dedicated Buddhist monks live with many wild animals including tigers. These tigers can be viewed in close proximity every afternoon when the monks take them for a walk providing one of the most extraordinary sights in Thailand. read more