As a country that starts with T listed on Countryaah.com, with an area of around 513,000 km 2, the Southeast Asian Kingdom of Thailand is slightly larger than Spain and has almost 70 million residents; Over eight million people live in the capital, Bangkok.
- Day 1: Off to Thailand
- Day 2: Bangkok
- Day 3: Bangkok
- Day 4: Bangkok
- Day 5: Ancient Thailand and farm life
- Day 6: Wildlife in the Huay Khalaeng Sanctuary
- Day 7: Bird paradise & cooking class
- Day 8: Ayutthaya and Bangsaen Beach
- Day 9: Khao Chamao National Park – Koh Chang Island
- Day 10: Koh Chang – island hopping
- Day 11: Hike to Salak Phet Hill
- Day 12: Koh Chang – beach day
- Day 13: Like Robinson Crusoe
- Day 14: On the island of Koh Mak
- Day 15: Farewell to Thailand
- 16th day: back home
We spend the night in the organic farm of WWW partner Viwat; we cook with him and hike through primeval forests, to waterfalls and caves. We explore the archipelago of the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Mak and Koh Kradat on foot, by boat and by snorkel.
We are very small under the gigantic, prehistoric-looking palms and margosa trees that cover the Hub Patad Valley. The high humidity makes them grow, the limestone cliffs prevent the sun’s rays from reaching the ground, except at noon. Many stalactites line our way to the cave. At the entrance we first grope in the dark, but after a short time light comes in and we can see down to the valley floor.
In the evening we return to our Nature Lodge with an attached organic farm run by our partner Viwat. The experienced biologist reveals many of the secrets of organic farming to us. His knowledge of his favorite subject is also enormous: insects.
Bangkok at sunset and China Town at night are right at the beginning of our program. We visit the giant golden Buddha in Wat Po temple and the traditional Chinese samchuk market with its wooden houses. We rattle around the ruins and temples of historical Ayuthaya by bike.
Later we explore the island world in the Gulf of Thailand. On Koh Chang we climb the Salak Phet, at 744 meters the highest point on the island: From above we enjoy an all-round panorama over the jungle-covered island and all neighboring islands. By speedboat we whiz to five other small islands that seem to float like white-green pearls in the turquoise-blue sea. And in case we get stranded on a lonely island, our guide will teach us how to harvest coconuts, make a fire and cook sticky rice in bamboo tubes.
Meals: B = breakfast / L = lunch / packed lunch / D = dinner
1st day:
Off to Thailand
Today we fly to Bangkok, the “City of Angels”.
2nd day:
Bangkok
We will be picked up from the airport and taken to our hotel. After a break for relaxation, we experience the sunset from the “Golden Mount”. The “Golden Mountain”, which is actually called Wat Saket, is a hill topped by a shining golden chedi. The Buddha relic in the temple attracts crowds of believers. After dinner, we plunge into the nightlife of Chinatown – don’t worry – it is more cozy with a drink to jazzy sounds in the Rose Bar.
Overnight at Rawee Kanlaya Hotel in Bangkok
(- / – / A)
3rd day:
Bangkok
Today we explore the city on foot, by skytrain and subway. We visit Wat Arun, the “Temple of Dawn”, which also impresses with its beautiful location on the water. At Wat Kalayanamitr, Thais like to pray for a safe journey and good relationships. We experience a touch of old Bangkok around the clong “Bang Luang”. The district of Thoburi is criss-crossed by old waterways and canals (= Klongs), on which daily life took place. The modern city is now close to Thonburi, but the Klongs still seem to be islands of calm and serenity in hectic Bangkok. Bangkok’s largest flower market is filled with fragrant exotic flowers, vegetables and fruits. We stroll between stalls and – depending on our mood – we taste sticky rice with mango, a popular dessert or something savory from Bangkok’s street food kitchens. Then we pay our respects to the huge reclining Buddha at Wat Po. All in gold, 46 meters long and 15 meters high! The whole of Buddhist cosmology has room on the soles of his huge feet.
Overnight at the Rawee Kanlaya Hotel in Bangkok
(B / L / -)
4th day:
Bangkok
A visit to Bangkok should not miss the magnificent Grand Palace, the former residence of the kings, as well as the Emerald Buddha, the national shrine of Thailand. We take enough time for it. For lunch we walk through Phraeng, an old part of the city, and try the variety of Thai cuisine in one of the small restaurants. In the afternoon we have time for our own activities.
Overnight at the Rawee Kanlaya Hotel in Bangkok
(B / L / -)
5th day:
Ancient Thailand and farm life
Today drive north to Suphanburi, one of the oldest cities in Thailand, where hardly any foreigners get lost. We stroll through the streets of the Samchek market, which are lined with old wooden houses, take a look into a herb shop and are amazed at the photographer who still works with an antique-looking camera. Let’s try the typical sweets and treat ourselves to a coffee or a fresh juice. In Wat Phranon Chaksi, which – so it is said – dates from the Ayutthaya period, there is an impressive 50 meter long Buddha. It gets really cozy on our trip with a former rice barge on the Sakaekrang river. Today we stay in the Country Lake Nature Lodge with an attached organic farm. The lodge is managed by our partner Viwat, an experienced biologist, who will reveal many secrets of organic farming to us. His knowledge of his favorite subject is also enormous: insects. This rustic but very cozy lodge is nestled between flowering trees, bamboo, papaya and mango trees swaying in the wind. The chirping of birds accompanies us at dinner.
Overnight at Country Lake Nature Lodge near Uthai Thani
(B / L / D)
6th day:
Wildlife in the Huay Khalaeng Sanctuary
Today we hike through the densely forested Huay Khalaeng Sanctuary. We will discover a variety of colorful birds that our guide will introduce to us. Maybe we will spot a banteng (a kind of wild cattle), peacocks, red deer – and – with a lot of luck – the tracks of a tiger. After lunch in the park, we head to the Hub Patad Cave, which is at the end of a long valley. When we enter the mouth of the cave, it is initially very dark, but after 100 meters the view of the valley opens up. The valley is surrounded by high limestone cliffs, so daylight only comes into the valley at noon. The moisture here has created a species-rich, prehistoric-looking abundance of flora.
Hike: approx. 3-4 hours (7 km)
Overnight in the Country Lake Nature Lodge near Uthai Thani
(B / L / D)
7th day:
Bird paradise & cooking class
Today the hearts of nature lovers beat faster – we explore the Bueng Boraphet, the largest freshwater lake in Thailand. Originally the area was covered by a single swamp, but it was flooded in 1930 to improve fishing conditions. Part of the area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1975 and is characterized by a great diversity of species. During a boat trip we glide between lotus blossoms and pink water lilies over the calm water and study the bird life. Back at our lodge, our host Viwat leads us through his organic farm, where papayas, mangoes, limes, lemongrass, kaffir leaves and many herbs grow. We are allowed to expand the garden by planting a small tree. With the fresh ingredients from the garden, we cook our lunch under the guidance of Viwat. There is green papaya salad, spring rolls, tom kha soup or phanaeng curry. As a sweet finish, we prepare fried bananas or sticky rice with mango. In the evening we stroll through the center of Uthai Thani and try one or the other delicacy in the cookshops.
Overnight at Country Lake Nature Lodge near Uthai Thani
(B / L / D)
8th day:
Ayutthaya and Bangsaen Beach
After breakfast we drive to Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The city, which is almost completely surrounded by water, was one of the most important metropolises in Southeast Asia. Imposing buildings and cultural treasures still bear witness to its eventful history. Numerous magnificent palaces, temples, impressive ruins and fortresses are waiting to be discovered. There we make our way to the historical park of Ayutthaya, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once the most important and beautiful temple complex in the city. Not much is left of its former glory, but the ruins, some of which are overgrown with plants, have their own charm. After lunch, we will board a longtail boat and go down the Pasak River. Then we continue to Chonburi by car. Our hotel is located on Bangsaen Beach, which is very popular with Thais. Many families spend their weekends here, and numerous restaurants tempt you with fresh seafood. We walk through the market, where you can buy many local products such as dried seafood, sticky rice in bamboo tubes, fruits and sweets.
Overnight at The Tide Resort in Bangsaen
(B / – / D)
Day 9:
Khao Chamao National Park – Koh Chang Island
Today we drive via Rayong to the Khao Chamao National Park. The park is characterized by the many waterfalls, clearings in the jungle, the natural swimming pools and the impressive caves. The Khao Chamao waterfall rushes down 8 steps. You can already see its glitter in the middle of the jungle from afar. We take a leisurely hike along jungle paths lined with colorful, fragrant orchids. leads us to the waterfall. Continue to the Khao Wong Caves. You can hike from one limestone cave to the next via a path. The most majestic cave reaches a height of 35 meters. Stalagmites and stalactites that resemble waterfalls adorn the caves. When the sun’s rays penetrate through the cracks in the rock, a colorful play of colors is created. An exit overgrown by dense vegetation leads us back into the rainforest. After lunch we take the ferry to Koh Chang Island.
Hike: approx. 4 hours
overnight at Koh Chang Kacha Hotel
(B / L / -)
10th day:
Koh Chang – island hopping
Today it goes by boat through the island world of the Koh Chang archipelago. Today we visit 5 islands, one more beautiful than the other: Koh Rang, Koh Thang Lang, Koh Yak, Koh Nok and Koh Wai are the names of these pearls in the Gulf of Thailand. Again and again there is the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the turquoise-green water. A Thai lunch, fresh fruit and water are available on board.
Overnight at Koh Chang Kacha Hotel
(B / L / -)
11th day:
Hike up Salak Phet Hill
The Salak Phet Hill – yes, a hill, but from sea level it is 744 meters to climb. Soon we will reach the Monkey Table waterfall, where we can refresh ourselves in the cool water, then it will take about 4 hours up to the summit. Admittedly, it will take a lot of sweat, but the 360-degree panoramic view from the summit on Koh Chang and the surrounding islets in the glittering Gulf of Thailand make up for it. Downhill it goes much faster, because the beach and a refreshing swim in the sea are waiting.
Hike approx. 6 hours (+ 740m / -740m)
Overnight at Koh Chang Kacha Hotel
(B / L / -)
If you don’t want to hike today, just stay in the hotel and enjoy a day at the beach.
12th day:
Koh Chang – beach day
Today we take it easy and enjoy a day at the beach.
Overnight at Koh Chang Kacha Hotel
(B / – / -)
13th day:
Like Robinson Crusoe
A boat takes us to the lonely island of Kradat. So that we are better prepared for lonely island life than Robinson Crusoe, we are learning today how to harvest coconuts and how to remove the juice and pulp from the shell. Then we make a fire (without a lighter, of course) and cook sticky rice in bamboo tubes. In between we go swimming, play coconut bowling and enjoy fresh fruit on the beach. We then take the boat to our accommodation today on the island of Koh Mak, we live in a nice, small hotel that is run by a hospitable family.
Overnight at the Good Time Resort on Koh Mak
(B / – / -)
14th day:
On the island of Koh Mak
Another day to relax! With a cocktail in the Coco Cave Sunset Bar and a Thai dinner, we review the journey together with our fellow travelers, who may have already become friends.
Overnight at the Good Time Resort on Koh Mak.
(FA)
15th day:
Farewell to Thailand
We take the ship and minibus to Trat Airport, from where we fly home via Bangkok.
(F / – / -)
16th day:
Back home
In the morning we land back in Europe. We should give ourselves some time to arrive and process all the new impressions.
