Alternative Thailand

Your Thailand vacation has officially begun. Well known for its outlandishness, Bangkok is a city where towering skyscrapers cast shadows over ancient temples. Where ultra-modern shopping malls abut centuries-old markets. The contrast between old and new is obvious here, which is, perhaps, its charm – Bangkok is undeniably, unashamedly, Bangkok. Having been picked up at the airport by your private driver; you’ll have had a sneak peek of this wondrous mayhem en route to your boutique hotel, where you can refresh with your arriving group, safely tucked away from the madness beyond. After a late-afternoon welcome meeting, you’ll board your waiting river taxi outside the hotel and make your way to your first traditional Thai dining experience. The best bit? The restaurant is directly opposite the Wat Arun Temple, which will become illuminated gold by the sunset as you sit down to feast. You’ll finish the night with drinks at one of Bangkok’s best sky bars.

This morning you’ll board your private long-tail boat from outside the hotel and head to the canals of Old Bangkok. Here you’ll sail past a riverside community that still buzzes on, as it has done for hundreds of years, with modest wooden shacks rising up alongside the water. The most special moment comes next, however, when you’re taken to a small local temple that lies off the tourist trail. Here you’ll be able to make a traditional Buddhist offering amongst the quietly worshipping locals. Afterwards you’ll enjoy a lunch of street food from local stalls and visit some architectural marvels, including Wat Pho and the reclining golden Buddha. Tonight, you’re off on a different adventure: an overnight sleeper train to Surat Thani. This is a local (rather than luxury) experience and you’ll get a real insight into authentic Thai life, as you pass through rural villages, rice paddies and verdant countryside.

Pure magic will be the order of the day today as you kayak through a flooded forest to Nong Thale Crystal lake. Your guide will take you to a secret spot, paddling through narrow gorges between huge limestone cliffs. Hidden away with this gnarled otherworldly waterscape, the lagoon’s cool, clear water is a perfect spot for swimming. Back at your hotel, you’ll have the option to visit Railay Beach and go rock climbing on the limestone cliffs. Looking forward to dinner, you’ll be treated to an incredible cooking class where you’ll learn all about Thailand’s fragrant ingredients at a small, family-run restaurant. Led by a lovely couple (whose children will be on hand to help and hand out refreshments), this is sure to be a veritable feast.

Today you’ll be taken by private long-tail boat to Khao Sok National Park. With its rainforests, caves and limestone islands, this vast national park is yet more proof that so much of Thailand’s beauty remains untouched. Upon arrival on Khao Sok Lake, you’ll pull up to your unique floating raft house. The accommodation may be basic but the location is simply stunning: on a mirror-still lake backed by limestone mountains. Once settled, you’ll be welcomed with a delicious Thai lunch, followed by time to swim in the perfect water and make use of the free kayaks. You’ll then set off on a private boat excursion to hike to a roaring waterfall and explore the surrounding landscape. As the sun starts to set, you’ll cruise back to your abode ready to enjoy dinner washed down with an ice-cold beer.

If you’ve never experienced the stillness of a picturesque lake at dawn, this is the time to do it. Wake early and embark on a private wildlife safari as the mist slowly evaporates and the sounds of gibbons calling echoes across the water. Back at the raft house with the sun firmly risen, you’ll enjoy breakfast and some more time to make the most of the kayaks and swim, before you’re taken by long-tail boat back to the pier for the next part of your adventure. Your Pack Leader will help you choose a good spot for a local lunch before your transfer on to sparkling Phuket Island. Upon arrival at your beachfront hotel, you’ll look forward to three glorious nights sleeping in the same spot.

This might just be your most exciting day yet. After a slow morning spent enjoying breakfast, the beach or your hotel’s beautiful Thai spa, it’ll be time for your jet ski safari. Riding in pairs and taking turns to drive, you’ll explore pristine isles you’ve likely not heard of before. Like Yao Yai, Naka Island and Koh Li Pe, where you’ll get a chance to experience real desert island perfection. With water so crystalline, here you only need to look down from your jet ski to spot fish and coral beneath you. You’ll experience true freedom today as you zip amongst limestone cliffs, pull into secret bays and keep away from everyone but your own group of newfound friends. Only the setting sun will be your cue to turn back towards Phuket. And what a journey back that will be, racing across the ocean, your silhouettes contrasting against the reddening horizon.

From the adrenaline of jet skis to the luxe serenity of a private beach club; today the pace slows and the high life ensues. Spend a much-needed morning enjoying the hotel facilities (it never gets boring, trust us) or exploring the local area. Late afternoon, you’ll be heading to Phuket’s most inventive trend-setting venue to finish your trip off in style. Here, on the pristine sands of Bangtao Beach to a backdrop of funky tunes, you can treat yourself to your favourite cocktail or a traditional Thai massage in between cooling dips in the turquoise sea or gorgeous pool. Facing west, it’s the perfect spot to watch the land and waterscapes transform with the changing colors of the sky. Dancing the night away with a group of new friends as the sun sinks into a Thai horizon? We’ll take that.

One final breakfast at your hotel and it’ll be time to say goodbye. New experiences, new friendships, and a newfound love for a destination that, despite its popularity, keeps on giving. Be sure to spread the word: Thailand most certainly isn’t ‘done’ yet.