Classic Thailand & Island Hopping - East Coast
Classic Thailand & Island Hopping - East Coast
Classic Thailand & Island Hopping - East Coast
14 Days Starting and ending in Bangkok, Thailand
Visiting: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25991
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Classic Thailand & Island Hopping - East Coast" tour. This small group journey takes you through the heart of Thailand, starting in bustling Bangkok with visits to Wat Pho and a klong riverboat tour. Experience the historical wonders of Ayutthaya and the serene beauty of Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep temple. Stay overnight on a traditional floating raft house in Kanchanaburi and explore the stunning Erawan Falls. Island hop to Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Samui, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, relax on idyllic beaches, and enjoy vibrant nightlife. With a mix of cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and leisure time, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown
Accommodation Name: Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown
Arrive at any time.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Pung-Waan Resort
Accommodation Name: Pung-Waan Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a klong boat tour of Bangkok including a visit to Wat Pho. Travel to Kanchanaburi and head to your floating rafthouse accommodation.
ACTIVITY: Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.
ACTIVITY: This temple is 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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a unique experience aboard a floating rafthouse on the famous River Kwai.
Day 3: Kanchanaburi
Location: Kanchanaburi
Accommodation: Good Times Resort
Accommodation Name: Good Times Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a day of sightseeing at Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai.
TRANSPORT: Enjoy a short drive to view the beautiful Erawan Waterfalls. (1-2 hours per direction)
ACTIVITY: Visit one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its seven tiers offer a unique experience at every climb, reaching up to 1,500m (4921 ft). Swim in the turquoise pools, snap photos from the top tier, and opt to hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.
ACTIVITY: Take in a piece of World War II history on this visit. We're sure you've seen or at least heard of the famous movie "Bridge on the River Kwai." Well, now you can tour the real thing. It's massive, majestic, and imposing, offering fabulous views of the river below.
Day 4: Kanchanaburi To Ayutthaya To Chiang Mai
Location: Ayutthaya
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the Allied War Cemetery and the Thai-Burmese Railway Centre to learn more about the area's history. Travel to Ayutthaya and visit the historical sites of the old capital city. In the evening board an overnight train to Chiang Mai.
ACTIVITY: Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about the Death Railway's dark history, and the Allied War Cemetery where more than 6,000 prisoners are buried.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit the ruins of Ayutthaya, which served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Located 86km (53 mi) north of Bangkok, the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site include stunning pagodas and Buddha images.
TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Arrive in Chiang Mai and explore the city. Visit Doi Suthep in the afternoon.
Chiang Mai is a vibrant city with heaps to see and do. Famous for its night market and cooking classes, it's a feat to fit it all in. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
ACTIVITY: Walk the inner Old Town of Chiang Mai with your CEO who will point out the basic landmarks and points of interest.
ACTIVITY: After the orientation walk enjoy a street food crawl of local vendors in Chiang Mai. Sample different cuisines from food stalls and open yourself up to new flavours.
FREE TIME: Use free time here to make the most of your time in Chiang Mai.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Day 6: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a full free day to relax or explore the countryside of northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai is a vibrant city with heaps to see and do. Famous for its night market, it's a feat to fit it all in. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
FREE TIME: MORNING Use free time here to make the most of your time in Chiang Mai.
Day 7: Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown
Accommodation Name: Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free morning in Chiang Mai, then fly to Bangkok to enjoy a night out in the city.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Day 8: Bangkok/Koh Tao
Location: Koh Tao
Accommodation: Seashell Koh Tao Resort
Accommodation Name: Seashell Koh Tao Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Catch a morning flight to Chumphon, then transfer by minivan to Chumphon Pier. Spend leisure time at the beach there and opt to have lunch on your own at a restaurant near the port. Then, board a ferry to the tropical island of Koh Tao. Upon arrival enjoy free time to relax on the beach or become acquainted with the bustling little town.
TRANSPORT: Catch a short morning flight from DMK Airport in Bangkok to Chumphon Airport.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
FREE TIME: Get to know the island with some free time and opt to eat dinner at one of the restaurants on your own.
Day 9: Koh Tao
Location: Koh Tao
Accommodation: Seashell Koh Tao Resort
Accommodation Name: Seashell Koh Tao Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a full-day snorkelling excursion from Koh Tao with stops at Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Ao Leuk, and Shark Bay. Have an included lunch on board and use free time to explore the island beaches. Return to the hotel in the evening to spend a free night in Koh Tao. Known as ‘turtle island’ in English, Koh Tao's beach bars and hotels come alive at night with many chances awaiting for you to share your tales of the days activities over a cold beer or two.
ACTIVITY: Spend a full-day out on the water. The group will be picked up from the hotel in the morning after breakfast and transferred to Mae Haad Pier where everyone will board the boat. The first stop will be Koh Nang Yuan. Here, you will have time to relax on the beach, climb up the mountain to savour the view, or swim a short distance to snorkel the Japanese Garden. Second stop is to Mango Bay where a buffet-style lunch will be served on board. Afterwards, snorkel in Hin Wong Bay, Ao Leuk, and Shark Bay before returning to Mae Head Pier.
Day 10: Koh Tao/Koh Pha Ngan
Location: Koh Pha Ngan
Accommodation: Salad Beach Resort
Accommodation Name: Salad Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast take a ferry to nearby Koh PhaNgan and spend a free afternoon on the island. Opt to explore the nearby waterfalls, swim in lagoons, take a short hike, or relax by the water. Dinner this evening is included at a local restaurant.
TRANSPORT: Enjoy a ferry ride from Mae Head Pier to Koh PhaNgan. Then transfer to the hotel which is about 20-30 minutes from the pier.
FREE TIME: Don't waste a minute— start exploring on arrival.
Day 11: Koh Pha Ngan
Location: Koh Pha Ngan
Accommodation: Salad Beach Resort
Accommodation Name: Salad Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day to make the most of your remaining time on Ko Pha-Ngan.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore— the whole day is yours.
Day 12: Koh Pha Ngan/Koh Samui
Location: Koh Samui
Accommodation: The Sarann
Accommodation Name: The Sarann
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast before departing Koh Pha Ngan. Board a ferry and transfer to Koh Samui and spend the remainder of the day on your own exploring this tropical paradise.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Kick back and relax on the biggest of the eastern islands.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Day 13: Koh Samui
Location: Koh Samui
Accommodation: The Sarann
Accommodation Name: The Sarann
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you will be exploring Ang Thong National Park on a full-day boating excursion with lunch and snorkelling by the beach included. Swim in the park's clear waters, photograph the lush island's rising out of the sea, and learn about the area's biodiversity. Afterwards, transfer back to the hotel and spend an evening at leisure.
ACTIVITY: Ang Thong National Marine Park is a protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands. All of the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except for one. This full-day leisure excursion through the astonishing archipelago offers plenty of time to immerse yourself in the landscape.
FREE TIME: EVENING Spend the evening on your own, opt to grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant.
Day 14: Koh Samui/Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel the group will transfer to the Koh Samui Airport and board a flight to Bangkok. The tour ends upon arrival to the Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Additional Information: Please book any onward international travel no earlier than 15:00.
TRANSPORT: Board a flight back to Bangkok from Koh Samui.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), rafthouse (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt). -
Meals
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners -
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
-
Wat Pho visit
-
Klong riverboat tour
-
Erawan Falls and Bridge on the River Kwai visit (Kanchanaburi)
-
Thai-Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery visit
-
Temple ruins tour (Ayutthaya)
-
Doi Suthep temple visit (Chiang Mai)
-
Internal Flights
-
Snorkelling excursion (Koh Tao)
-
Ang Thong Marine Park Island Hopping Tour
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), rafthouse (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt).
Transport
Train, local bus, private vehicle, walking, plane, ferry.
Meals Included
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Group Size
Max 16.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. This will typically include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Train, local bus, private vehicle, walking, plane, ferry.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank-tops when visiting villages, temples or mosques or other holy sites. In Pakistan we recommend a head scarf for women while walking around.
Important Notes
COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
About Accommodation
A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in simple local guest houses in stunning locations - rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays in hotels/guesthouses for 11 nights, a traditional floating raft house for 1 night, and a sleeper train for 1 night.
-
What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a visit to Wat Pho, a klong riverboat tour, a visit to Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai, a visit to the Thai-Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery, a tour of temple ruins in Ayutthaya, a visit to Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai, a snorkelling excursion in Koh Tao, and an Ang Thong Marine Park Island Hopping Tour.
-
Are internal flights included in the tour?
Yes, internal flights are included in the tour.
-
What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour uses a variety of transport methods including train, local bus, private vehicle, walking, plane, and ferry.
-
Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour, including free afternoons and evenings in Chiang Mai, Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Samui.
-
What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.
-
What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 16 people.
-
How are solo travellers accommodated on this tour?
Solo travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. There is no single supplement for solo travellers.
-
What should I expect for breakfast during the tour?
Breakfast typically includes toast, coffee, and tea, although this may vary depending on the city. If breakfast is not included, the CEO can suggest local options.
-
What is the policy on meals that are not included in the tour price?
Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options to give you maximum flexibility. The CEO will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during the trip.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Friday
May 17, 2025 - May 30, 2025Saturday - Friday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jul 19, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Saturday - Friday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Saturday - Friday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Saturday - Friday
May 09, 2026 - May 22, 2026Saturday - Friday
May 16, 2026 - May 29, 2026Saturday - Friday
May 23, 2026 - Jun 05, 2026Saturday - Friday
May 30, 2026 - Jun 12, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 19, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 26, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jul 03, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 10, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 17, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 24, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 07, 2026Saturday - Friday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 14, 2026Saturday - Friday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 21, 2026Saturday - Friday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026Saturday - Friday
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026Saturday - Friday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 18, 2026Saturday - Friday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026Saturday - Friday
Sep 19, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026Saturday - Friday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026Saturday - Friday
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026Saturday - Friday
Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026Saturday - Friday
Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions