Thailand Group Tour for Solos 30s & 40s

Welcome to Bangkok, the turbo-charged capital and epicenter of modern Thailand. From the moment you arrive, the energy of the city, its sights, sounds, and flavors sets the tone for your trip. Arrive anytime (we can help recommend flights), and we'll be at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport ready to pick you up. Consider a quick visit at one of Bangkok's local sights, or a snack in the neon-drenched Chinatown neighborhood before meeting the rest of the group for dinner and a breakdown of what's to come.

Today, we dive into Bangkok's cultural heart, starting at Lak Mueang City Pillar before exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. We'll then tuk-tuk to Wat Pho, where Thailand's largest reclining Buddha stretches 45 metres, before continuing to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. After lunch, cruise Bangkok's ancient canals by longtail boat, passing wooden homes and riverside temples before stopping at the centuries-old Artist's House. Then, as night falls, it's time for a tuk-tuk food tour packed with Bangkok favorites.

We fly north to Chiang Mai, nestled in the cool Northern mountains. First stop: lunch, followed by the iconic Doi Suthep Temple. Climb the Naga serpent staircase (time permitting) for panoramic views, admire gleaming golden pagodas, and soak up the chants of monks and pilgrims. In the afternoon, we head to the village of Bandoo in Hangdong to visit the Raunkaew-Yanon family home, a 150-year-old Lanna house. Handpick fresh ingredients from their orchard, cook up Northern Thai dishes, and swap stories with the family. By the end, you'll feel less like a guest and more like part of the clan, maybe even claiming bragging rights for the best local dish in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, we leave Chiang Mai behind and head east into the lush mountains around Chiang Dao, home to Alta, Lisu, Lahu, Palong, and Karen hill tribes. Expect valleys burst with corn, cassava, and tropical fruits like papaya and longan. After a calm bamboo raft ride down a gentle stream, we step ashore in Dara-ang village, Mae Chon, where we'll enjoy a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, we hike 5km / 3.1 miles through a protected community forest to the next Dara-ang village, Pang Daeng Nai. Along the trail, discover native flora, spot forest wildlife, and gain an authentic insight into rural Northern Thailand.

This day is yours to shape: Chiang Mai has plenty to keep you busy. Hike to Wat Pha Lat for city views, explore the markets, or simply wander the streets snacking on spicy lemongrass sausages. For something more active, head into the countryside to climb the famous "sticky" Bua Tong Waterfall, cycle through orchards and rice fields, and take a scenic longtail boat ride before kayaking on Mae Ngat Dam. Or, dive into Chiang Mai's legendary street food scene with a local guide, sampling Northern Thai favorites at lively neighborhood markets.

We leave Chiang Mai behind and fly south towards the wild beauty of Khao Sok National Park. It's a 2-hour flight followed by a 2-hour drive, but the journey is worth it as we arrive among towering limestone cliffs and thick jungle. This afternoon, meet local mahouts and spend time with Thailand's most iconic residents, the elephants. Learn about their intelligence, diet, and daily rhythms before helping to feed them and watching them splash in the river. Then settle into our jungle surroundings and enjoy a relaxed evening in the heart of Khao Sok.

This morning we head deeper into Khao Sok National Park, boarding a longtail boat across Cheow Lan Lake. Limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and secret inlets set the stage as we arrive at our private raft house. Your home tonight? A floating Thai-style bungalow. Swim straight off the deck, kayak through hidden corners, or just take in the calm. After a southern-style Thai lunch, we set off on a jungle trek, learning the forest's secrets: edible plants, bamboo water, and spotting wildlife overhead. Then, as the sun sets, cruise the lake by boat, when the jungle comes alive and animals emerge, before dinner and a night on the water.

Rise before dawn with a warm coffee (or tea) in hand, then glide across the misty waters of Khao Sok National Park on a sunrise boat safari. Keep your eyes peeled for macaques, gibbons, hornbills, and, if luck's on your side, even a wild elephant along the shore. Back at the raft house, a hearty Thai breakfast awaits before time for a last swim or kayak. Mid-morning, we embark on a 2.5-hour boat journey back across the lake pausing at the striking "Guilin of Thailand" for photos followed by a 3-hour bus ride to Koh Lanta. Enjoy a packed lunch on the bus during the drive, arriving at our beachfront hotel for downtime and a relaxed local dinner.

Time to swap jungle trails for turquoise seas as we explore Thailand's Trang Islands by private long-tail boat. First up is Koh Mook, where we swim through the Emerald Cave and pop out onto a secret beach that feels straight out of a movie. Then it's on to Koh Kradan, all white sand and crystal water: basically, paradise with extra sunshine. Lunch is served on Koh Ngai, with a meal that's as relaxed as the scenery. We finish at Koh Cheuak, where schools of fish dart around the reefs like rush-hour traffic (but prettier). By day's end, we're salty, happy, and back on Koh Lanta.

Idle or active, the day is yours. Lounge on the sand at our hotel, wander the winding streets of the Historic Old Town, or hop over to Koh Phi Phi to see the famous Maya Bay. Nature calling? Head into Koh Lanta National Park for jungle hikes and cheeky monkey spotting. Or keep it local and get your heart racing with a Muay Thai class led by pro fighters: learn techniques, hit the pads, spar, and sweat it out while soaking up the culture of this legendary martial art. Your day, your rules, rounded up with a tasty farewell dinner.

It's time to wrap up the trip and say goodbye to Thailand and your new travel friends. Over the past 11 days, you've experienced the country from top to bottom, exploring the dynamic streets of Bangkok, the forests and temples of Chiang Mai, the jungles and wildlife of Khao Sok National Park, and the easy-going island life of Koh Lanta. It's been a well-rounded journey that shows the best of Thai culture and landscapes, whether it's your first time here or not. With plenty of memories (and photos!) to take home, we'll transfer you to Krabi International Airport for your onward flight.