18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Later, return to Bangkok and catch a flight to Chiang Mai. Travel to the nearby countryside and enjoy a khantok-style dinner. Khantok in the Northern dialect means wooden tray, used for carrying dishes, round in shape and made of teak wood. The host will invite guests to sit on the floor around the khantok. After dinner, enjoy tea time with the opportunity to talk with local people to learn their way of living. DAY 5 - CHIANG MAI Visit the local markets with a chef to collect ingredients to use in our Thai cooking class at a private culinary school, the results of which we'll enjoy for lunch. Later, we'll visit an historic temple and sit down with one of the young monks to discuss daily life and Buddhism. Listen to monks chanting at Doi Suthep Temple, one of the most stunning golden Temples in Thailand. Monk Chats are a great cultural exchange, but is also important in helping the young Monks improve their English. DAY 6 - CHIANG MAI Enjoy the day to explore or participate in some optional activities. Traverse the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure. DAY 7 - CHIANG MAI / BANGKOK Fly back to Bangkok to travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River. Go through the smaller klongs (canals) to see skyscrapers, temples, and shops in the distance, and the densely populat- ed waterfront settlements up close. Visit Wat Po, which is a temple known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. DAY 8 - BANGKOK Enjoy the day in bustling Bangkok. Option to visit temples, museums, a spa, or go shopping. DAY 9 - BANGKOK / KO SAMUI Catch a flight to the tropical island of Ko Samui. Settle in at the resort hotel and relax at the pool bar or opt to visit the beach or town. Lying off of Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui offers everything you could possibly want in a seaside retreat: white sandy beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood, and warm, clear waters. The hotel is located at the vibrant and exciting "Chaweng" district, walking distance to restaurants, entertainment spots and shopping. DAY 10 - KO SAMUI Embark on a private traditional longtail boat and travel off the tourist trail to the pristine islands of Ko Mat Sum and Ko Tan. Savour a local lunch on the beach and opt for included kayaking and snorkelling experiences. Afterwards, stretch out on a deck chair or, for the more active, head out on a sea kayak, go snorkelling, or explore this magnificent island. Later, continue to Ko Tan for more island activities. DAY 11 - KO SAMUI / KHAO SOK Catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Kao Thep Pitak, a commu- nity owned farm and restaurant. Enjoy lunch at this G Adventures-supported project and tour the local fruit orchards. Continue to Anurak Commu- nity Lodge, located just outside Khao Sok National Park. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the lodge focuses on environmental sustainability and work- ing with the local community. In the evening take a rainforest walk with a community guide and enjoy a campfire dinner under the canopy. DAY 12 - KHAO SOK Today is free to relax at the lodge or enjoy a walk along the trails. Opt to partake in various jungle activities. DAY 13 - KHAO SOK / KRABI In the morning, drive to Krabi. On arrival, cross the river by private longtail boat past mangrove forests, visiting the Khao Khanab Nam caves to view prehistoric paintings and limestone formations. Later, on Ko Klang, jump in tricycle tuk-tuks to explore local communities and rural IS THIS TOUR FOR ME? TRAVEL STYLE: National Geographic Journeys Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort. SERVICE LEVEL: Upgraded Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adven- tures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities. PHYSICAL RATING: 2 - Light Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging. TRIP TYPE: Small Group Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12 AGE REQUIREMENT: 12+ All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. VISA REQUIREMENTS Countries visited during this trip may have special visa requirements applicable to many nationalities. K A N C H A N A B U R I K H A O S O K K R A B I K O S A M U I B A N G K O K C H A N G M A I A Y U T T H AYA ICONIC THAILAND 46