Best of Thailand & Malaysia Tour by Intrepid Travel

22 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Bangkok, Thailand

Ends

Singapore, Singapore

Highlights

Visit the Intrepid Foundation Partner project - Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary, dedicated to rescue and revitalize habitat for wild elephants. Get your hands on making food for elephants and walk with them on the camp while learning about the great work that they do

Learn about the dark history of 'Bridge over River Kwai' and explore Siam temple ruins at the UNESCO listed Sukhothai Historical Park

Experience the unbeatable hospitality of the locals - learn about the community projects, enjoy the idyllic countryside, and feast on home-cooked meals, accompanied by traditional dancing.

Dive into a nature lover’s paradise at Khao Sok National Park, exploring, hiking, relaxing, and cruising by longtail boat on a limestone cliff-circled lake.

Encounter the fusion of cultures that gives Penang a unique atmosphere; walk down the backstreets where historic buildings, tumble-down shops and hawker-filled alleyways meld with cool street art.

Itinerary

If you want to see the true heart of Southeast Asia, the 'Best of Thailand & Malaysia' tour is a 22-day easy activity journey from Bangkok to Singapore. This countryside and village visits trip leads you through Thailand’s buzzing cities, tranquil islands, and rural communities—complete with homestays and animal welfare visits—before delving into Malaysia’s dynamic mix of old and new. Explore glittering temples in Chiang Mai, unwind in Ao Nang, savor Penang’s food scene, and sample the modern vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. With all essentials included, this small group tour is perfect for those seeking authentic cultural insights alongside classic sights. The unique draw? Deep local interaction and a commitment to responsible travel, offering a richer sense of what makes this region so special.

day 1 - Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Thailan’s bustling capital, Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors who serve delicious Thai food. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road or relax with in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, maybe gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some world-famous street food.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Kanchanaburi

Travel northwest to Kanchanaburi. Located where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge, Kanchanaburi is home to the well-known Bridge on the River Kwai. When you arrive, visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetary (POW Cemetary). This was one of the first museums opened with the aim to educate people and keep the memory alive of the prisoners of war (POWs) workers who died constructing the Death Railway.

included:Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

accommodation:Guest house

day 3 - Kanchanaburi

This morning, continue your journey through history with a visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, built to honour the POWs and conscripts who passed away while constructing some of the most challenging stretches of the Thai-Burma Death railway. Board the train at Nam Tok station, the main terminal of the Death Railway and ride the historic tracks along the Kwai Noi River to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Pass through beautiful scenery and take a moment to reflect on those who lost their lives in the process of bending this rugged environment to man’s will. This afternoon, make your way to the Erawan Falls. These terraced waterfalls, named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, tumble into a series of emerald-green pools – the perfect spot to go for a swim, take short walk around the area or simply sit back and relax.

included:Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & Falls, Kanchanaburi - Historical train ride, Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

accommodation:Guest house

day 4 - Phitsnulok

After breakfast, you’ll continue to travel north. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. Along the way, visit Wat Tha Sung Temple – a magnificent ancient site dating back to the Ayutthaya period. After, continue to your final destination for the day, Phitsanulok. Originally established in the 11th century, this busy provincial capital sits on the banks of the Nan River. When you arrive this afternoon, join your local leader for a relaxed stroll through town before settling in for a free evening.

included:Uthai Thani - Wat Tha Sung

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 5 - Sukhothai

This morning, visit the Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary – an Intrepid Foundation partner dedicated to rescuing wild elephants and restoring their natural habitat. Roll up your sleeves to help prepare food for these gentle giants, then walk alongside them as you learn about their habits and the important work the sanctuary is doing to ensure their future. After, continue your journey to Sukhothai. When you arrive, explore the ancient ruins of Old Sukhothai, beautifully set amid serene lakes and manicured gardens. The religious art and architecture of this era are regarded as the most classic expressions of Thai style, and the park is home to the remains of 21 historic sites, featuring impressive Buddha images and four large ponds often dotted with blooming lotus flowers. This afternoon, hire a bike and spend a leisurely afternoon pedalling through the ruins. Finish today with a home-cooked dinner before settling into your hotel for the night.

included:Sukhothai - Historical Park bike tour, Phitsanulok - Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary

accommodation:Resort

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Chiang Mai

After breakfast, travel to Chiang Mai. Along the way, visit the Lanna village Pong Huai Lan, nested in the hills and surrounded by rice fields. While you’re here, learn about their community project, which is recognised by Thailand’s Transition toward Net Zero Tourism, then hop on a bike and cycle around the village. As you cycle, stop in at a local masters Rattan weaving workshop (part of Thailand's Royal Project Initiative) and discover the community heritage in their community museum. Later today, you’ll be invited into the home of a local family for a home-cooked farm to table dinner. Then, continue to Chiang Mai where you’ll stay tonight.

included:Huai Lan - Village cycling, Huai Lan - Local crafts master and community project visit, Huai Lan - home-cooked dinner and traditional dancing

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 7 - Chiang Mai

This morning, follow your leader through the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai. As you wander through the bustling markets, learn about the fresh produce and distinct Thai flavours. Then the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River cruise, join a Thai cooking class or have lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training centre, where you’ll hear about the work that the centre does to prepare women from the correctional institution with skills to return to society. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast to a trip well-travelled.

included:Chiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market Visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Bangkok

Today, you’ll take an unaccompanied flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, you’ll have a free afternoon to experience the fast-paced and fascinating Thai capital. This is a great opportunity to explore anything you missed in the beginning of the trip. 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 at 6 pm. After your briefing, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some of the world-famous street food.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 9 - Bangkok - Overnight train

Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the khlongs (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Visit Wat Pho – one of the Bangkok temples with a 46-m-long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, at 3 m long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls and shrines. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train journey to Surat Thani.

included:Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour, Bangkok - Wat Pho

accommodation:Overnight sleeper train

day 10 - Khao Sok

Arrive at Surat Thani in the morning, then travel by minivan to Khao Sok. Set amid hectares of thick jungle, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and 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. Look out for the rare Rafflesia Kerri – one of the world’s largest flowers, only found in Thailand. Spend the night in a rustic hut within the ancient trees of the rainforest.

accommodation:Resort

day 11 - Khao Sok

Travel through jungle, rubber and oil plantations before boarding a long tail boat for a ride across Cheow Lan Lake. With limestone karsts rising almost 1000 m out of the green waters, this area is incredibly picturesque. You’ll trek to an island cave to see the eerie stalactites and bats hanging from the ceiling, with subterranean streams at your feet. Have lunch in a local raft-house before soaking up some 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 can also look out for hornbills, langurs, macaques and gibbons.

included:Khao Sok - Cheow Lan Lake tour, Khao Sok - Rafthouse lunch

accommodation:Resort

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 12 - Ao Nang

Head to Ao Nang in a private minivan, stopping at Baan Bor Tor along the way. When you arrive, embark on a sea kayaking journey. 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, these waterways will be your pathway as you move slowly through the bays and canyons, through the inlets, caves and hidden lagoons. Look out for the birds overhead and the monkeys in the trees – if you do see a monkey, make sure you secure your belongings and any food! Arrive at Ao Nang late in the afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.

included:Ao Nang - Baan Bor Tor sea kayaking, Ao Nang - sea kayaking lunch

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Enjoy a free day today for your own exploration! 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 get another view of the city. Lake Gardens is home to a number of sights, including the National Planetarium and the Islamic Arts Museum. Or if you’re seeking something active, you might like to join a bike tour.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 19 - Melaka

Transfer by local bus to the old port town of Melaka – once 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, and like its Penang sibling, the city is a harmonic mix of cultures. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening to explore.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 20 - Melaka

Today, you’ll get to know this port city better with a 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 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 sites and museums to check out. Maybe 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.

included:Melaka - Trishaw sightseeing tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 21 - Singapore

Travel by local bus to the last stop of the journey – Singapore. Singapore has few areas untouched by modernisation, but 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 (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 22 - Singapore

There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Singapore and explore the sites, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

meals:1 Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Resort (4 nights), Hotel (14 nights), Guest House (2 nights), overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Meals

16 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Transport

Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Public bus, Songthaew, Taxi, Bicycle, Plane, Rafthouse

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War CemeteryKanchanaburi - Erawan National Park & FallsKanchanaburi - Historical train rideKanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial MuseumUthai Thani - Wat Tha SungSukhothai - Historical Park bike tourPhitsanulok - Sappraiwan Elephant SanctuaryHuai Lan - Village cyclingHuai Lan - Local crafts master and community project visitHuai Lan - home-cooked dinner and traditional dancingChiang Mai - Fresh Produce Market VisitBangkok - Khlong boat canal tourBangkok - Wat PhoKhao Sok - Cheow Lan Lake tourKhao Sok - Rafthouse lunchAo Nang - Baan Bor Tor sea kayakingAo Nang - sea kayaking lunchTrang - Mod Tanoy village walking tourTrang - Mod Tanoy village community activitiesTrang - Mod Tanoy village community lunchPenang - Hawker food experiencePenang - Walking tour, including Clan Jetty & Kek Lok Si TempleKuala Lumpur - Orientation Walk - leader ledMelaka - Trishaw sightseeing tour

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.6 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 161 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 161+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 808 customer reviews from

Anonymous

Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

5 days ago

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights