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The
thailand
trip
For the love of
GOLDEN TEMPLES​
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BANGKOK MADNESS​
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LOCAL MARKETS​
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ELEPHANT ENCOUNTERS​
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TUK-TUK ADVENTURES​
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SIZZLING STREET FOOD
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EMERALD BUDDHA​
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BEACHSIDE COCKTAILS​
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TOWERING ROCKS​
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THAILAND
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Thailand is designed for travelers in their 20s and 30s looking for megacity excitement in Bangkok, wildlife thrills in Chiang Mai, and paradise island fun in Koh Lanta.
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Kick things off with your new travel crew as you set off to explore Bangkok, the gateway to Southeast Asia, in all its glory. Crisscross between colorful market food stalls buzzing with local life, Buddhist temples nestled into the urban chaos, and serene canals cutting through the excitement. From there, we'll head north to the mountain-backed, elephant stomping grounds of Chiang Mai. Finally, we'll turn south for the beachy bliss of less-visited Koh Lanta and the tropical vibes of the Andaman Sea.
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If you're up for connecting with new friends, some of the friendliest locals anywhere, and lush, tropical beauty that can't be beat, the Land of 1000 Smiles is the adventure you've been waiting for.
Included
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2 nights in Bangkok, 2 nights in Chiang Mai, and 3 nights in Koh Lanta
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5 dinners, 3 lunches, and 7 breakfasts
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All internal transfers (flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi, transfer from Krabi to Koh Lanta)
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Historical walking tour of Bangkok’s temples, palaces
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Local Thai cuisine cooking class
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Ethical elephant camp workshop
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Walking tour of Koh Lanta
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Optional mangrove kayak experience along the coastal forests of Koh Lanta
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Private full-day boat charter in the Andaman Sea
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FTLO Trip Leader
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*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights to & from Thailand
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $200)
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Incidental expenses
day by day
*Itinerary is subject to change
Day 1 - Bangkok
bangkok bustle
Welcome to Bangkok, the beating heart of Thailand, where futuristic skyscrapers rub shoulders with ancient temples. After dropping your bags and giving your first sawasdee ka a go (no one said Thai was easy), meet up with your crew and get ready to explore one of the most fun cities on Earth.
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We’ll head toward the capital’s tuk-tuk mad streets and grab a three-wheeled ride to a sky-high revolving rooftop bar for welcome drinks with a view from the Tetris tower to the gold-roofed Grand Palace. Then, after getting a lay of the land from the clouds, it's time for our first taste of spicy Thai cuisine.
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We’ll dine in style along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, which snakes its way through the urban chaos, before rounding out our Bangkok welcome with a nightcap at one of the trendiest cocktail bars in town. Congrats, you made it to Thailand!
discover
Day 2 - Bangkok
urban tales
Bangkok's famous for blending different elements together, and today, we'll see a bit of it all so that by the evening, you'll understand how this 15th-century trading post became the most visited city on Earth.
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We'll start with a walking tour of the town and a deep dive into the importance of Buddhism in Thai culture and daily life. With a local guide leading the way, we'll roam through Banglamphu, checking out the dazzling spires of Wat Ratchanadda and the Golden Mount as we discover legends and folklore that influenced modern-day Bangkok.
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From there, we're heading to a cooking class to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine from an expert chef. Your evening's free, so head out for dinner and drinks with the crew, then check out Khao San Road's chaos and give that world-famous nightlife a go!
taste
Day 3 - Bangkok, Chiang Mai
North
Country
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we're heading to the airport and swapping the capital city for lowkey Chiang Mai in the mountains of northern Thailand.
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Set between dense jungle and rice-paddy countryside, this city of just over 100,000 people is a mix of ancient ruins, historic sites, and natural wonders. After dropping your bags at the hotel and freshening up, kick back and relax, or head out and explore on your own.
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That evening, we're off to dinner and drinks in town. If you're beat from traveling, head for the hotel afterward; otherwise, for some more fun, check out a local cabaret with the rest of the crew.
explore
Day 4 - Chiang Mai
Friendly Giants
Thailand may be known for its crazy capital, golden beaches, limestone mountains, and spicy cuisine, but in the north, it’s the wildlife that’s impossible to miss. Elephants have played an important role in the region for centuries, and today, we're heading to a certified humane sanctuary for an experience you'll be bragging about for years.
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Our local third-party partner has a 22-point ethical vetting process, so when you meet our mahout and learn all about the importance of elephants in Thai culture, tradition, and history, you’ll be doing it the right way. We’ll hand over some snacks and watch these smiling creatures eat up before we sit down for a picnic lunch ourselves.
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After a day with Chiang Mai’s friendliest locals, head to the famous night market for some Pad Thai or mango sticky rice with friends, and then grab drinks at the bars nearby.
LEARN
Day 5 - Chiang Mai, Koh Lanta
to the islands
Today, we're grabbing an early bite at the hotel and then catching a flight down south for a beach getaway. We’ll skip the more touristy areas like Krabi and Koh Samui in the Bay of Thailand and instead head to the beautiful Andaman Sea, where we’ll cruise past iconic Phang Nga Bay and wind up on the sandy shores of Koh Lanta.
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Check out the Old Town with the crew—with traditional wooden shophouses lining the streets to the bay and a super local vibe, it's like stepping back in time. After a bit of market fun and island history, grab a Singha at the relaxing beach bars that dot the coast.
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That evening, we'll all meet up for sunset drinks and a seaside dinner to welcome us to paradise in the Thai islands.
wander
Day 6 - Koh Lanta
Paradise boat club
Grab a hat and sunscreen; it's time for some island hopping. Today, we're cruising out on the blue-green Andaman Sea for a full day of swimming, laughing, and living the tropical good life.
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Expect lush islands and hidden lagoons hugging limestone cliffs. Dive in, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins jumping just off spectacular beaches. You'll have lunch on board as you chill out in total paradise and make memories to last a lifetime.
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After a day of bliss, we’ll turn back to Koh Lanta as the sun begins to set on Thailand. Head toward one of the island’s laid-back beach bars for spicy Tom Yum Goong with friends.
share
“In Bangkok, where one sees sky trains and people on high-speed Internet - and at the same time, you see people making offerings to spirit houses on their land. Or you walk the streets, and see saffron-robe monks waiting for alms-givers to give them food in the morning.”
- Pitchaya Sudbanthad
FAST FACTS
Day 7 - Koh Lanta
PAddle away
Unwind, sleep in, have a relaxing morning, and then, if you're feeling adventurous, get ready for some mangrove magic. Today, you've got the option to hop in kayaks for an excursion through Koh Lanta's maze of winding waterways and tangled roots.
These lush forests, which play a crucial role in the island’s ecosystem, are teeming with biodiversity, so keep your eyes peeled! After paddling through the glassy labyrinth, you’ll wind up back in the old town where you can grab lunch with friends.
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That afternoon, you can explore the trails of Mu Ko Lanta National Park (just watch your things; monkey theft is no joke), check out Long Beach, or head south for the sleepier scene at Kantiang Bay. Just make sure you're back in town at night; it's time for a farewell dinner as we celebrate a week of amazing scenery, chaotic cities, and brand-new best friends.
escape
Day 8 - Koh Lanta
Sawasdsee Ka
Now that's how you visit Thailand! After a week of Thai adventure, today, we’re cruising out of Koh Lanta and making our way back to Krabi and the real world.
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If you're heading home, safe travels! If you're one of the lucky ones, extending your stay in Thailand or adventuring further into the heart of Southeast Asia, we are fully on board. There's tons more to see out here. You've got everything from beachy island paradise to jungles, megacities, and ancient ruins at your fingertips!
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A rental car in Cambodia may be fun, a motorbike in Laos might be even more (just be safe). If you're up for another great FTLO adventure, check out nearby Bali or Vietnam!
Just for fun
Songkran, Thai New Year, is celebrated with a country-wide water fight.
Thailand is the world's largest exporter of the stinky yet delightful Durian fruit.
Muay Thai, or the Art of Eight Limbs, is Thailand’s national sport.
Trip notes
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
about Thailand
Thailand, affectionately known as the Land of Smiles, is conveniently located in the heart of Southeast Asia. This tropical haven is renowned for its culturally rich tapestry, steeped in history and tradition, its phenomenal cuisine, and its breathtaking natural landscapes, ranging from verdant mountains and dense forests around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to picturesque beaches and pristine islands in the Andaman and Gulf of Thailand. With so much to see, eat, and do, it's no surprise that tourism is hugely important to the economy. While some Thailand vacation packages focus on just one aspect of this amazing country, our Thailand tours are geared toward seeing it all.
Good to Know
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Thais speak, you guessed it, Thai! One of Asia's tonal languages, it's not exactly easy.
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The currency in Thailand is the Thai baht.
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Tipping is not expected in Thailand.
Flights
Fly into Suvarnabhumi
Airport (BKK)
You’ll need to arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) by 3pm on day 1 to reach your hotel by 4:30pm. The cab ride is around 30 minutes.
Fly out of Krabi International Airport (KBV)
If you are flying home, you should depart any time after 3pm from Krabi International Airport (VTSG) on your final day.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts so you can grab the best deal!
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*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
LEARN MORE
Interested in learning more about our Thailand trip?
We're here to answer any and all questions you might have! Leave us your information below and we'll be in touch with you as soon as possible.