12 Days of Thailand: Chiang Mai to Bangkok Jungle Adventure
Your TourHero
This is the spot for your picture and bio. Tell your travel story and get your group excited for this trip!
Duration
12 days · 11 nights
Travel Date
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6+
Transportation
Van, plane, ferry
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 40
Travel interest
Sightseeing, culture, nature, wildlife
Your Local Guide
Leading adventurers across Southeast Asia for over 15 years, Trunk Travel specializes in curating ethical trips designed by an award-winning team with a passion for showcasing the unforgettable side of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and beyond. Understanding that travelers are increasingly looking for customized, off-the-beaten-path trips, Trunk Travel has crafted journeys for intrepid guests seeking impactful, once-in-a-lifetime experiences including ethical elephant tours in Thailand that offer incredible value, life-changing adventures, and support for local communities. This is coupled with unbeatable professional care and service. The team is ever-ready to provide exceptional on-the-ground assistance to ensure your trip runs smoothly and safely.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Thailand — the “Land of Smiles”. It is our pleasure to take you on a journey to explore the unforgettable treasures of this country on a one-of-a-kind jungle adventure! This experience will whisk you across Thailand over the course of 11 nights, with plenty of wonderful moments filled with breathtaking nature, incredible culture, adorable elephants, delicious Thai food, and the best beaches the kingdom has to offer! Highlights on this tour include a night spent at a top-rated ethical elephant camp (live as a mahout!), a guided city walking tour of charming Chiang Mai, 2 nights in the magnificent Khao Sok National Park in a boutique treehouse, a jungle trek, a traditional Thai cooking class with a local chef, an island tour of paradisiacal Phuket, and much more! Once you discover the best of Thailand, you'll never want to leave!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
Your TourHero
This is the spot for your picture and bio. Tell your travel story and get your group excited for this trip!
Duration
12 days · 11 nights
Travel Date
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6+
Transportation
Van, plane, ferry
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Thailand — the “Land of Smiles”. It is our pleasure to take you on a journey to explore the unforgettable treasures of this country on a one-of-a-kind jungle adventure! This experience will whisk you across Thailand over the course of 11 nights, with plenty of wonderful moments filled with breathtaking nature, incredible culture, adorable elephants, delicious Thai food, and the best beaches the kingdom has to offer! Highlights on this tour include a night spent at a top-rated ethical elephant camp (live as a mahout!), a guided city walking tour of charming Chiang Mai, 2 nights in the magnificent Khao Sok National Park in a boutique treehouse, a jungle trek, a traditional Thai cooking class with a local chef, an island tour of paradisiacal Phuket, and much more! Once you discover the best of Thailand, you'll never want to leave!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Chiang Mai
- Arrive in Chiang Mai
- Transfer to accommodation
- Check-in at Eco Resort Chiang Mai (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (TBD)
- Day 2 · Chiang Mai
- Breakfast
- Guided city walking tour of Chiang Mai Old Town
- Lunch (TBD)
- Dinner at Night Bazaar
- Day 3 · Location
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Journey to Mae Wang
- Check-in at Mae Wang Elephant Home (or similar according to availability)
- Elephant camp activities
- Lunch and dinner (TBD)
- Day 4 · Mae Wang and Khao Sok National Park
- Breakfast and check out of camp
- Transfer to airport
- Flight to Khao Sok National Park
- Transfer to accommodation
- Check-in at Our Jungle House Resort (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch (TBD)
- Free time – explore the surrounding jungle area
- Dinner
- Day 5 · Khao Sok National Park
- Breakfast
- Khao Sok National Park jungle trek
- Lunch and dinner (TBD)
- Day 6 · Khao Sok National Park and Koh Mook
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Journey to Koh Mook (includes ferry)
- Check-in at Nature Hill Resort (or similar according to availability)
- Koh Mook activities
- Lunch and dinner (TBD)
- Day 7 · Koh Mook
- Breakfast
- Koh Mook activities
- Lunch and dinner (TBD)
- Day 8 · Koh Mook
- Breakfast
- Koh Mook activities
- Lunch and dinner (TBD)
- Day 9 · Koh Mook and Phuket
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Journey to Phuket (includes ferry)
- Check-in at Burasari Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Informal walking tour of the local area
- Free time
- Lunch and dinner (TBD)
- Day 10 · Phuket
- Breakfast
- Guided tour – Big Buddha, Old Phuket Town, etc
- Free time
- Lunch and dinner (TBD)
- Day 11 · Phuket and Bangkok
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to airport
- Flight to Bangkok
- Check-in at W22 by Burasari (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Day 12 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Bid farewell to Thailand — it’s time to head home
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Chiang Mai, the largest city in Thailand’s mountainous north
Chiang Mai welcomes you with open arms! A land of misty mountains, Chiang Mai is a genuine highlight of Thailand that will delight you with its cultural treasures, historic Old Town, and tranquil atmosphere. The city’s serene temples, quaint coffee shop culture, tree-lined avenues, and laid-back lifestyle draws millions of visitors each year. Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. Check into your room, drop your bags, and get exploring! There’s much to see in the city, so get your bearings! You’ll be spending two nights here, so you’ll have plenty of time to get to know the city and discover exactly why this is such a popular destination for locals and tourists alike! Enjoy!
Day 2
Discover the gems of Chiang Mai’s Old Town on a walking tour, then try authentic street food at the Night Bazaar
Today, after a hearty breakfast, we’ll show you around the walled Old Town, seek out the hidden gems of the city, and introduce you to elements of the unique mix of Thai, Laotian, and Burmese culture to be found here. Once evening rolls around, we’ll head to the awe-inspiring Night Bazaar, where the local artisans proudly display their unique handmade crafts for sale. Pick up a souvenir or two! We’ll also enjoy a traditional Thai feast for dinner while we’re at the market — your guide will explain the various dishes, tell you about the melting pot of cultures that make northern Thai food so delectable, and also share a bit of the history of the city. Soak in the street sounds and delicious aromas, slurp on some khao soi noodles (a coconut milk-based curry soup that will leave you hankering for a second helping), and congratulate yourself on trying something new!
Day 3
Leave the city behind and journey to an ethical elephant sanctuary in Mae Wang
Today, after breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you’ll venture away from the city to meet the real stars of Thailand: the rescued and rehabilitating elephants of Mae Wang! Here, you will join several of the daily on-site activities at an ethical elephant camp and learn to truly understand the plight of these incredible animals. Rest assured that this is all done safely in the knowledge that our interactions are ethical, humane, and sustainable. We do not, in any way, support the practice of elephant riding, or force the elephants to “put on a show” for visitors. Instead, you will have the opportunity to get up very close to these animals in a safe and responsible way — for both you and the elephants. Activities at the camp will begin with an introduction, including the camp’s history, safety protocols, and the story of how the elephants came to live at the sanctuary. Then, the fun begins! You’ll lend a helping hand to prepare some food for the happy herd, walk alongside them on a jungle trek, and help bathe them. This is a truly unique experience that will remain with you for a lifetime.
Day 4
Catch your flight south and immerse yourself in the raw, untouched nature of Khao Sok National Park
Today, we bid our elephant friends goodbye and catch our flight to the south of Thailand. Once we land, we’ll be privately transferred to the exceptionally unique Our Jungle House Resort, located in lush Khao Sok National Park. After checking in, the afternoon is free for you to spend as you please. Use this time to explore the surrounding jungle area — including a nearby river for a quick dip! Khao Sok National Park is a magical nature reserve made up of dense virgin jungle, towering limestone karst formations, and the glistening Cheow Lan Lake. On your first evening here, we’ll sit down to enjoy a full course dinner together, surrounded by the wild sounds of the jungle. Tomorrow, you’ll get to explore the reserve on a guided trek.
Day 5
Hike through the incredible Khao Sok National Park, home of rare species like the rafflesia
Rise and shine! Today, we embark on a hike through the pristine forest of Khao Sok National Park. The depths of the jungle is home to rare species such as the giant rafflesia, hornbill birds, gibbons, and even tigers! Not to worry — these elusive big cats stay hidden deep in the reserve to ensure they rarely cross paths with humans. As we explore the park along the winding hiking trails, an expert guide will lead us and explain the history of the park, pointing out unique wildlife along the way.
Day 6
Continue onwards to Koh Mook, a warm and welcoming island with many treasures to uncover
From the lush jungles of Khao Sok National Park, we journey further south to the quiet and largely undeveloped island of Koh Mook. Here, fishing and farming play the biggest industrial roles and these are the two main sources of income for the local community. Tourism has yet to make a big impact here — as such, you’ll find the way of life here to be very relaxed and the locals are genuinely inquisitive of visitors, who are warmly welcomed. The only way on and off the island is by ferry, adding to the mystique of the destination. There are no cars here, only bicycles and motorcycles with sidecars. Check into your eco-friendly accommodation and get set to explore this wonderful island through some great activities over the next couple of days!
Day 7
Discover Koh Mook through various activities (first full day)
Today is your first full day on Koh Mook. Many liken this island to places such as Koh Samui and even some parts of Phuket around 30 years back, before they became mega tourism hotspots. You’ll come to appreciate the slow pace of life and tranquility. During our time here, learn about the lives of the locals, which encompasses an amiable and fascinating mixture of Buddhist and Muslim cultures. You’ll join a cooking lesson on how to whip up some local delicacies, visit a mangrove regeneration project, and (for the bravest) visit the magical Emerald Cave.
Day 8
Discover Koh Mook through various activities (second full day)
After a filling breakfast this morning, you will continue with Koh Mook activities today (see above). Tomorrow, we leave for Phuket.
Day 9
Time for more island magic as we journey to iconic Phuket
It’s time to bid Koh Mook goodbye and catch our short transfer (by van) to Phuket. Once we arrive, check into your hotel located in the famous Patong Beach area of the island, and we’ll start our exploration! First, we’ll head out on an informal walking tour of the local area — your guide will point out places of interest and importance. Once you’ve had an introduction to Phuket, you’ll be able to spend the rest of your day at leisure. Chill by the pool, or discover the area on your own. As with most areas of Thailand, you’ll find Phuket full of stunning vistas, a variety of cultures, and genuinely welcoming people. There’s plenty to do — watersports, cultural excursions, beach exploration, island hopping, market visits, delectable foodie hotspots, you name it! Your guide will be more than happy to help you organize an unforgettable experience.
Day 10
Enjoy a guided tour of Phuket — see the Big Buddha, Old Phuket Town, and more
It's day two in Phuket — make the most if it! While you’re here, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a guided tour to see places of interest like the Big Buddha, Old Phuket Town, and various viewpoints that will leave you breathless.
Day 11
Head to Bangkok — Thailand’s bustling capital city — for your final night
From Phuket, you’ll head north to high-energy Bangkok. The flight into the city will take around two hours, followed by a quick transfer to your accommodation in Chinatown. Once you’ve checked into the hotel, freshen up before heading out for a feast at a popular local restaurant. Enjoy your last dinner in Thailand as you reminisce on this wonderful adventure you’ve just had, swap stories and photos with your travel companions, and celebrate your final night!
Day 12
Transfer to airport
It’s your last day in Thailand — we hope you have had a fantastic journey visiting some of the most magical places in the country. After one last breakfast, it’s time to leave Bangkok behind and depart for the airport. We hope to see you again — travel safe!
Accommodation
Eco Resort Chiang Mai
The hip and trendy Eco Resort Chiang Mai blends simplicity and nature with style. It is set in a large tropical garden and boasts 67 fully air-conditioned rooms. Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises. The resort features amenities including a 50-meter outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant. Twin bedrooms are decked out in modern comforts including a desk, mirror, mosquito net, locker, shared bathroom, and a hot/cold shower.
Mae Wang Elephant Camp
Mae Wang Elephant Home offers comfortable, clean, and eco-friendly accommodation on-site at the camp. Wake to the sound of elephants playing, birds singing, and the jungle humming in tune. This is a remarkable place to call home for a night.
Our Jungle House Resort
In Khao Sok National Park, you will be staying at the luxurious yet eco-friendly Our Jungle House Resort. This treehouse getaway is nestled in the jungle with bungalows stilted up in the trees. One of the most unique accommodations you’ll find on this trip, this will be a memorable place to wake up for two adventurous days in the Thai jungle!
Nature Hill Resort
Nature Hill Resort is one of the finest eco-friendly accommodations you’ll find on Koh Mook. This laid-back jungle resort offers phenomenal bungalows that are just a short walk from the beach! Here, you’ll be treated to an excellent nights’ sleep whilst doing little to no harm to the planet. A win-win all around!
Burasari Hotel
In Phuket, you’ll stay at the Burasari Hotel, located across the road from the famous Patong Beach. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, with all the amenities you can expect from one of the leading resorts in Thailand. Spend time around one of the pools or recover from a fun day in the excellent spa.
W22 by Burasari
Chic, comfortable and well-appointed, with a location just minutes from Chinatown, W22 by Burasari is the perfect place to rest, relax, and recharge from your journey across Thailand. Revel in one final evening spent in Bangkok!
Included
2 nights in Eco Resort Chiang Mai (or similar)
1 night in Mae Wang Elephant Camp (or similar)
2 nights in Our Jungle House Resort (or similar)
3 nights in Nature Hill Resort (or similar)
2 nights in Burasari Hotel (or similar)
1 night in W22 by Burasari (or similar)
Shared occupancy in accommodation
All domestic transportation including 2 internal flights
All activities described in the itinerary
All breakfasts
5 lunches and 6 dinners (TBD)
All entrance fees and associated taxes
Not included
International flights
All food not mentioned in inclusions
Optional add-ons
Travel insurance
Gratuities
FAQ
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
- The depths of the jungle is home to rare species such as the giant rafflesia, hornbill birds, gibbons, and even tigers! - Colin + Meg
- Continue onwards to Koh Mook, a warm and welcoming island with many treasures to uncover. - Bence Biczó
- Discover Koh Mook through various activities, including a Thai cooking lesson. - Webvilla
- Visit the Emerald Cave — if you're brave enough! - Wikimedia Commons
- You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a guided tour to see places of interest like the Big Buddha, Old Phuket Town, and various viewpoints that will leave you breathless. - Wikimedia Commons
- Our Jungle House Resort - Our Jungle House Resort
- Burasari Hotel - Burasari Hotel
- W22 by Burasari - W22
- Chiang Mai welcomes you with open arms. A genuine highlight of Thailand, this is a city that will delight you with its cultural treasures, historic Old Town, and tranquil atmosphere. - Tim Durgan
- You’ll be spending two nights in Chiang Mai, so you’ll have plenty of time to get to know the city and discover exactly why this is such a popular destination for locals and tourists alike! - Reiseuhu
- At the Night Bazaar, we'll browse the stalls of local artisans and also enjoy delicious street food! - Zach Inglis
- Khao soi noodles - Duck Man
- Here, fishing and farming play the biggest industrial roles and these are the two main sources of income for the local community. Tourism has yet to make a big impact here. - Kevin Bosc
- Visit a mangrove regeneration project. - Maxwell Ridgeway
- The city’s serene temples, quaint coffee shop culture, tree-lined avenues, and laid-back lifestyle draws millions of visitors each year. - Yuya Uzu
- Discover the hidden gems of Chiang Mai’s Old Town on a guided walking tour. - Marc Mintel
- Soak in the street sounds and delicious aromas, slurp on some khao soi noodles (a coconut milk-based curry soup that will leave you hankering for a second helping), and congratulate yourself on trying new things! - Markus Winkler
- Here, you will join several of the daily on-site activities at an ethical elephant camp. - Gillian Rogers
- Immerse yourself in the raw, untouched nature of Khao Sok National Park. - Polina Kocheva
- Time for more island magic. Next, we visit amazing Phuket! - Bradley Prentice
- You'll have free time to discover Phuket and its magical surroundings. Partake in watersports, cultural excursions, beach exploration, island hopping, market visits... you name it! - shawnanggg
- Head to Bangkok — Thailand’s bustling capital city — for your final night. - Waranont (Joe)
- Head out for a feast at a popular local restaurant and celebrate the wonderful adventure you've had in Thailand! - Jerome Jome
- Eco Resort Chiang Mai - Eco Resort Chiang Mai
- Nature Hill Resort - Nature Hill Resort
- You'll be surrounded by incredible creatures. - Unsplash: Teodor Kuduschiev
- Leave the city behind and journey to an ethical elephant sanctuary in Mae Wang. - Deanna DeShea
- Activities at the camp will begin with an introduction, including the camp’s history, safety protocols, and the story of how the elephants came to live at the sanctuary. - Craig McKay
- Then, the fun begins! You’ll lend a helping hand to prepare some food for the happy herd, walk alongside them on a jungle trek, and help bathe them! - Robin Canfield
- Khao Sok National Park is a lush nature reserve made up of dense virgin jungle, towering limestone karst formations, and the glistening Cheow Lan Lake. - Polina Kocheva
- Khao Sok National Park - xandro Vandewalle
- Embark on a hike through the pristine forest of Khao Sok National Park. - Vitalijs Barilo
- Not to worry — these elusive big cats stay hidden deep in the reserve to ensure they rarely cross paths with humans. - Ralph Mayhew
- Embrace beautiful Phuket, an island that boasts truly stunning vistas and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. - Akash Rai