Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling 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 places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. On this trip between Bangkok and Singapore your Group Leader will usually be a Thai national who is experienced in travelling in Malaysia and Singapore.

Meals

13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

Others

Included activities Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour Lampang - Friends of the Asian Elephant Chiang Mai - Thai Cooking Class OR Cycling Tour (half day) Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour Bangkok - Wat Pho Khao Sok - Cheow Lan Lake tour Homestay - Village walk Homestay - Thai cooking demonstration Ao Nang - Sea kayaking Penang - Georgetown walking tour Penang - Hawker food experience Penang - Fort Cornwallis, Clan Jetty & Kek Lok Si Temple Kuala Lumpur - KL Food Experience Tour Melaka - Guided Orientation Walk Melaka - Trishaw sightseeing tour

Transport

Overnight sleeper train,Private minibus,Public bus,Songthaew,Taxi,Bicycle,Plane OVERNIGHT TRAINS: Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/ LONG TRAVEL DAYS: There are some long travel days and some of the transport can be quite cramped and without air-conditioning.

Accommodation

Resort (4 nights),Hotel (15 nights),Multi-share Homestay (1 night),overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Optional

Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500 Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250 Bangkok - Bangkok Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB1790 Bangkok - Bangkok by Bike Urban Adventure - THB1904 Chiang Mai - Urban Adventures - Mae Ping River Experience - THB2534 Chiang Mai - Urban Adventures - Mind & Soul - THB2317 Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple - THB50 Bangkok - Bangkok Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB1790 Bangkok - Bangkok by Bike Urban Adventure - THB1913 Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250 Bangkok - Bangkok Chinatown Food Discovery Urban Adventure - THB2149 Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500 Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB150 Ao Nang - Rock Climbing - THB1800 Ao Nang - Scuba Diving (3 dives) - THB4000 Ao Nang - Phi Phi Island Day Tour - THB1600 Ao Nang - Thai Cooking Class - THB1300 Penang - Tastes & Traditions of Penang Urban Adventure - USD52 Penang - Khoo Kongsi - MYR10 Penang - Funicular Railway - MYR55 Penang - Teluk Bahang National Park - MYR9 Penang - Trishaw Ride - MYR50 Penang - Chong Fat Tze Museum - MYR17 Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower - MYR52 Kuala Lumpur - Petronas Towers Skybridge & Observation Deck - MYR86 Kuala Lumpur - Planetarium - MYR12 Kuala Lumpur - Islamic Arts Museum - MYR12 Melaka - Stadhuys - MYR10 Melaka - Taming Sari Tower - MYR22 Melaka - Cheng Ho Museum - MYR20 Melaka - Eco Bike Tour - MYR100 Melaka - Museum Of Enduring Beauty - MYR1 Melaka - River Tour - MYR17 Melaka - Half day cycling tour - MYR200

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. With no planned activities until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm, why not head out and explore. You could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some into world famous street food.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 Day 2: Sukhothai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Sukhothai

This morning, leave the current capital of Thailand and head north by train (approx 6 hours) and private mini van (approx 1 hour) to one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, Sukhothai. Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century, and the name means the 'Dawn of Happiness'. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed historic park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Tonight, be sure to head to the fascinating local night market and try the local dishes, like Sukhothai noodles.Accommodation: Resort
Day 3 Day 3: Sukhothai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Sukhothai

Head out to the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai, set amid beautiful lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, and the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of 21 historic sites, with awe-inspiring Buddha images and four large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Upon arrival at the park, hire bicycles and enjoy a few leisurely hours feeling the breeze in your hair and learning about the history of this fascinating place. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch somewhere along the way, and if you have enough free time, visit a local ceramics factory.Accommodation: Resort
Day 4 Day 4: Village Homestay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Village Homestay

Travel by private minivan from Sukothai (approx 4 hours) to the warm and welcoming home of Intrepid's long-time friends in a small Thai village where you’ll spend the night. Accommodation at the homestay is multishare and basic (there will be fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms), but there is no better way to better understand a country and its people. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional northern Thai khantok dinner, accompanied by live music and dancing.Accommodation: Homestay (Multishare)
Day 5 Day 5: Village Homestay - Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Village Homestay - Chiang Mai

In the morning, jump on some bikes and cruise around the homestay village. This is a great opportunity to see how the locals live, and you’ll make a few stops along the way to see small country industries in the area. Cycling past the rice fields and breathing in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance, makes this morning a picture-postcard experience. Say goodbye to your new friends and travel on to Chiang Mai (approximately 45 minutes). The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings and enjoy a free evening tonight.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6 Day 6: Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Chiang Mai

Today is free for you to explore Chiang Mai. During your free time, perhaps explore the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approximately 45 mins). The rewards justify the climb with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention fantastic panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to listen to hypnotic evening chanting by resident Buddhist monks. Or maybe wander markets, meet monks, cruise the river, and slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River Experience. At noon, don't miss out on having a lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training center where you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. In the evening, a Thai cooking class awaits! If you're a foodie, then you’ll discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine, learn the key ingredients, how to use them, and what to use in their place if you can’t get them at home. As well as taking your own comprehensive recipe book with you after the class, you'll feast on the fruits of your labour for dinner.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7 Day 7: Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Today, you’ll have a pretty special time visiting the ChangChill elephant experience. Take a 1.5-hour drive out of Chiang Mai to ChangChill, where you’ll begin to learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will be able to give you a ‘live lecture’ on the elephants themselves, its sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit but be careful not to get a spray! Be treated to some lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai where the rest of the time is at leisure.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 Day 8: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Bangkok

Today you will fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and then transfer to your hotel. Please note you will be unaccompanied on this flight. You will have the afternoon free to check out the fast-paced and fascinating Thai capital. Once checked in, why not take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. Keep in mind that there will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary, usually around 6 pm. After your briefing, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some of the world-famous street food.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 Day 9: Bangkok - Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Bangkok - Overnight Train

Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’ (canals) (approximately 1 hour). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Pay a visit to Wat Pho, one of the Bangkok temples, with a 46-metre-long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, three metres long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are equally fascinating, filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls, and shrines. No trip to Thailand is complete without an overnight train journey and this evening you’ll head south to Surat Thani, accommodated in air-conditioned sleeping berths (approximately 12 hours). Multi share compartments have bunk beds, with sheets and pillow provided, your baggage travels in the carriage with you and there is a food and drink service available on board.Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Day 10 Day 10: Khao Sok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Khao Sok

Arrive into Surat Thani in the morning and then travel by minivan to Khao Sok (approximately 2.5 hours). Set amid hectares of thick jungle, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and topped off with an island-studded lake, the national park of Khao Sok is a nature lover's paradise. Here you’ll have free time to explore one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Walk along the dirt trails that snake through the quiet park, looking out for wildlife as you head for rivers and waterfalls. The flora is also top-notch, with the rare Rafflesia Kerri, one of the world’s largest flowers, only found in Thailand here. Spend a night in a rustic hut amid ancient gnarled rainforest trees.Accommodation: Resort
Day 11 Day 11: Khao Sok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Khao Sok

Travel through pristine jungle, rubber and oil plantations before boarding a long tail boat for a ride across stunning Cheow Lan Lake, with one of its islands as your destination. With limestone karst hills rising almost 1000 metres into the air and surrounded by beautiful green waters, the area is incredibly picturesque. Trek to an island cave and discover its eerie stalactites and bats hanging from the ceiling, with subterranean streams at your feet. You’ll enjoy lunch in a local raft-house before having free time to relax, swim or kayak around the lake to search for wildlife – the water is clear and teems with aquatic life, and you might spot hornbills, langurs, macaques or gibbons above water. Return to your accommodation for the night.Accommodation: Resort
Day 12 Day 12: Ao Nang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Ao Nang

Head to Ao Nang in a private minivan (approximately 3 hours). After leaving your luggage at your hotel, continue to Sit to a small village called Baan Na Teen. On arrival, enjoy a walk around the village, visit a rubber tree plantation and enjoy the great food and hospitality of the region. Get your hands dirty at Batik handkerchief Dyeing and learn a few tricks from the local craftsman of this traditional art. And for tonight’s dinner, don’t miss out on assisting with the preparation of tonight's meal – learn some of the delicious secrets of southern Thai cooking and enjoy a dinner that tastes all the better thanks to your handiwork! This is a wonderful opportunity to absorb some of the daily rituals of Thai culture. After dinner, make your way back to Ao Nang for the night.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13 Day 13: Ao Nang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Ao Nang

Famous for the incredible limestone karst scenery of the headland, sun-seekers will fall in love with Krabi's unspoilt beaches, the spectacular cliffs will tempt avid rock climbers, while scuba fans can embark on a Krabi diving adventure. If you love getting out on the water and exploring islands, then consider taking a trip by boat to explore Phi Phi and Khai Nok, islands surrounded by white sandy beach perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The area around Krabi is also home to some of the most spectacular climbing routes around. Whether you're a novice or a pro, being securely tied high up a limestone cliff-face looking down on jungle and crystalline seas is unforgettable. In the evening, look out for a beautiful sunset and consider dining on seafood in a beachside restaurant, followed by a drink in one of the many clubs and bars along on the beach.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 14 Day 14: Ao Nang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Ao Nang

This morning you’ll enjoy an included half-day sea kayaking trip to the mangrove forest of Ao Thalane. About halfway along the coast between Than Bok Khoranee and Krabi town is a bay of mangroves that might just be the most beautiful bay in Thailand. Surrounded by towering karst formations and many small offshore islands, let the waterways become your pathway as you move slowly through the bays and canyons, discover inlets, caves and hidden lagoons, and check out the local wildlife up-close – the birds overhead and monkeys in the trees. If you do see a monkey, make sure you secure your belongings and any food! If you have time today in the afternoon, you could explore the beautiful underwater world around Ao Nang with some scuba diving, which includes three dives, or maybe absorb Thai culture through the tastes of a Thai cooking class. In the evenings, you can stroll the beaches, sample local fare at a seafood restaurant, enjoy a relaxing massage on the beach, or simply sit back with a good book and a cool cocktail to watch the sun slip beneath the waves.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 15 Day 15: Penang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Penang

Get out your best book or find your entertainment at the scenery out the window, as today’s a long day of travel (approximately 9 hours). The journey by private minibus sees you say goodbye to Thailand and wave hello to the cultural melting pot of Malaysia. The fascinating island of Penang was the first destination of the colonial British in 1786. They invited the Chinese, as well as others from all over Asia, to live on this island in the tropics. Today, this exotic fusion of cultures still exists and the World Heritage site of Georgetown contains a fascinating mix of religious places of worship. When you arrive, you’ll take an orientation walk around the blend of colonial buildings, tumble-down shops and hawker-filled alleyways to get your bearings. The food here might just be the best in Malaysia, so seek out some food stalls with your leader, and get a taste of this food paradise on an included Hawker food tour. Sample some local specialties such as Nasi Kandar, Penang Laksa, and Char Kway Teow.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 16 Day 16: Penang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Penang

This morning you’ll take a half-day sightseeing walking tour around Penang and Georgetown, soaking up the relaxed pace of life and the mix of cultures on show in this heritage area. See the original 19th century shophouses, the street markets, and the strong cultural and religious identity still on display in each neighbourhood – Little India, Chinatown or the Muslim Quarter. Check out the street art that adorns the walls and stop by a clan jetty. Clans were formed by 19th century immigrants, banding together based on the area of China that they came from, and they built rival waterfront societies on wooden jetties. You’ll also pay a visit to Thai and Burmese temples, and see Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia. You’ll have this afternoon free and, aside from sauntering along the interesting streets (or hoping in a trishaw for a ride that will take you back in time), you might want to see the clan house of Khoo Kongsi. Check out the ornate carvings on the walls, roof and pillars, and maybe see more Chinese architecture in the memorably blue Courtyard House of Cheong Fatt Tze, a fabulously wealthy merchant. Don’t forget to feast on the island’s culinary delights tonight.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 17 Day 17: Kuala Lumpur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Kuala Lumpur

Continue south on a local bus to Kuala Lumpur (approximately 5 hours). This is a great opportunity to try and chat with the locals and maybe get some tips out of them for your next destination. Kuala Lumpur, the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia, is affectionately known as KL and you'll almost always hear locals refer to it by its acronym. Communities of Indian, Chinese and ethnic Malay people mingle peacefully, allowing travellers to get the best of all three worlds. KL has grown from a sleepy little village to a skyscraper-lined multi-million-peopled metropolis. The city can seem vast, but the main focus is the traditional core of the old town (the former colonial centre), the luxury hotel and shopping mall district of the Golden Triangle, and bustling Chinatown and Little India. Follow your leader on an orientation walk near the hotel and in the evening follow the Bukit Bintang Walkway and see the Petronas Twin Towers lit at night. You’ll be incredibly spoilt with the breadth and quality of dining options on offer. From simple-street side fare that attracts queues of customers eager to try the latest dish said to be the best around, to seriously high-calibre, world-class cuisine.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 18 Day 18: Kuala Lumpur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Kuala Lumpur

Today enjoy some free time during the day, perhaps visit the National Monument (commemorating those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom and based on the Iwo Jima Memorial in the USA), the vast National Mosque, featuring a bold and modern design, or the Istana Negara (National Palace). You might like stroll Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), or shop in Suria KLCC (one of Malaysia’s premier shopping destinations) and then head up to the Skybridge & Observation Deck of the iconic Petronas Towers to gain another view on this cosmopolitan city. Lake Gardens is home to a number of sights, including the National Planetarium and the superb Islamic Arts Museum. Or if you are more active, you may like to join a bike tour and cycle through the history and modern life of KL. In the evening, jump on the local metro (MRT) and take a guided food tour that will let you absorb the fascinating multicultural mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures through sampling some of its best food. Walk around local neighbourhoods and visit local grocers and street vendors, and finish up in the Chinese influenced Petaling Street. Eat your way around through Kuala Lumpur and learn about the history of the city through its dishes.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 19 Day 19: Melaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Melaka

Transfer by local bus to the old port town of Melaka (approximately 3 hours). Back when Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore left little impression on a map, the historic city of Melaka was the most important trading port in Malaysia, attracting Chinese, Indian, Dutch, Portuguese and British traders. These visitors sought wealth or an opportunity to control the Straits of Malacca, a vital trading route between the Indian and Pacific oceans, which lead to 400 years of colonial rule. Today, Melaka's wealth of historical sites reminds visitors of times gone by, and its multicultural past is revealed in its distinctive cuisine. Like Georgetown, the Melaka was declared a World Heritage Site in 2008, and like its Penang sibling, the city is a harmonic mix of cultures, a place where colonial buildings sit next to Chinese shophouses and temples.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 20 Day 20: Melaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Melaka

Today you’ll get to know this port city better with a quaint trishaw tour along the narrow winding streets. You’ll admire Chinatown's unique Peranakan architecture, get a taste of old Melaka, and learn about the ancient spice trade. Take in sites such as Harmony Street (so called because it contains the prayer houses of Malaysia's three main faiths), and stop by a mosque, Chinese Buddhist Temples, and a traditional Muslim house-museum. In your free time this afternoon there are plenty of historic sights and museums to check out. From 17th century Dutch buildings and ships, to museums that showcase the local history of ethnic Chinese-Malays, the travels of diplomat and explorer Zheng He, and even a museum that focuses on concepts of beauty in different cultures. If you’re looking to get more active, then you could perhaps jump on two wheels for an Eco Bike tour around the city or see Melaka from a different perspective with a boat tour along the river.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 21 Day 21: Singapore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Singapore

Travel by local bus to the last stop on this incredible journey – Singapore (approximately 5 hours). Singapore has few areas untouched by modernisation, however wandering the streets of Little India and Chinatown is a great way to see the old parts of the city. To explore further, check out the renowned shopping precinct of Orchard Road, or stop by Raffles to experience the old world charm of a Singapore Sling. An evening in Singapore is not complete without a stroll along Clarke Quay, or even a river cruise to learn more about the fascinating history of this city. Your accommodation tonight is a centrally located hotel, perfect for easy exploring. Whatever you choose today, maybe gather together your fellow travellers for a celebratory drink or meal as your Bangkok to Singapore adventure comes to an end.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 22 Day 22: Singapore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Singapore

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

+19

22 days tour

Best Of Thailand & Malaysia

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Best Of Thailand & Malaysia

Day 1: Bangkok

Day 2: Sukhothai

Day 3: Sukhothai

Day 4: Village Homestay

Day 5: Village Homestay - Chiang Mai

Day 6: Chiang Mai

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Day 8: Bangkok

Day 9: Bangkok - Overnight Train

Day 10: Khao Sok

Day 11: Khao Sok

Day 12: Ao Nang

Day 13: Ao Nang

Day 14: Ao Nang

Day 15: Penang

Day 16: Penang

Day 17: Kuala Lumpur

Day 18: Kuala Lumpur

Day 19: Melaka

Day 20: Melaka

Day 21: Singapore

Day 22: Singapore

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