Thailand: Night Markets & Blue Waters

5.0Based on
15 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
18 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Experience the bustling streets of Bangkok.

explore colourful Chiang Mai.

trek to remote hilltribe villages.

float down a river on a bamboo raft.

enjoy the island beaches of Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao.

take a longtail boat tour of Cheow Lan Lake.

check out the marine life with a snorkelling trip

Itinerary

Ever dreamed of exploring Thailand’s night markets, lush hills, and sparkling southern beaches in one epic trip? Thailand: Night Markets & Blue Waters is a 15-day guided adventure crafted for young adults who crave flexibility, affordability, and fun. Trek to hilltribe villages for an authentic slice of local life, then unwind on the sand in southern gems like Koh Pha Ngan and Ko Tao—swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun. Experience the electrifying rhythm of cities like Bangkok, where every street hums with color and flavor. This tour’s unique selling point is its perfect blend of culture, adventure, and free time, making it a dynamic group journey for those eager to experience Thailand on their own terms.

day 1 - Bangkok

Arrive at any time and welcome to Bangkok - Thailand's bustling capital!

This evening, the famous Khao San Road is on the itinerary for your first night out. Explore this buzzing traveller hub with your CEO and check out the lively bars and dance parties that line the street. Grab a Thai beer or tea and connect with your fellow travellers. Don't forget to sample local delicacies, and try a deep fried scorpion if you dare!

Accomodation:New Siam 2 (or similar)
Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Connect With New Friends

day 2 - Bangkok/Chiang Mai

This tour is off to a colourful start with a Day to freely explore Bangkok. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Tonight, you'll take the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Basic Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 12.0 hr
Optional Activities:Klong Riverboat Tour 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., Wat Po Visit 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. , Grand Palace Visit , Entrance - Royal Barge Museum Located along the Chao Phraya River, the museum is home to many ceremonial barges. The barges are only used for special occasions so this is a chance to catch a rare glimpse of their ornate decorations and symbolic features., Thai Massage

day 3 - Chiang Mai

Make sure you've got room for more than three meals today, because you're heading to the best street food spots in Chiang Mai. Besides eating, there's lots to do here — like a visit to Doi Suthep temple or taking it easy with a soak in the Sankampang Hot Springs.

Accomodation:Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)
Included Activity:Chiang Mai Street Food Crawl
Optional Activities:Northern Thai Cooking Class Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice., Doi Suthep Temple Visit , Khantoke Dinner and Show Enjoy dinner northern Khantok style, with local entertainment. The main dishes on the Khantok usually include sticky rice, Hang-le curry (Burmese-styled curry), and some chilli pasted with crispy pork., Chiang Mai Cycling Tour Age range: 14 to 60, Yoga Class Stretch and hold poses in this gentle but effective form of exercise., Massage Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out.

day 4 - Chiang Mai/Ban Mae Jok

It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transport:Pickup Truck Duration : 1.0 hr
Included Activity:Hilltribe Trek Day 1 Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr

day 5 - Ban Mae Jok/Pa Khao Lam

Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night.

Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Included Activity:Hilltribe Trek Day 2 Duration : 4.5 hr - 6.0 hr

day 6 - Pa Khao Lam/Chiang Mai

After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage) and get ready for your big night out. Venture to the best bar in town to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures!

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Accomodation:Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Pickup Truck Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr
Included Activities:Bamboo Rafting to Lahu Village Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr, Lahu Village Visit, Bamboo Rafting to Shan Village Duration : 2.0 hr, Chiang Mai Celebration

day 7 - Chiang Mai/Bangkok

Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Basic Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 12.0 hr - 13.0 hr
Optional Activities:Doi Suthep Temple Visit , Cooking Class , Chiang Mai City Tour Enjoy a tour of spectacular Chiang Mai, a delightful city surrounded by rolling hills and filled with impressive architecture. Explore the great cafes, shops and accommodations of the old city; an important Buddhist centre since the 14th century, it is home to more than 300 temples. Many visitors come here to attend meditation retreats, massage classes or yoga lessons. , Chiang Mai Cycling Tour Age range: 14 to 60, Massage Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out.

day 8 - Bangkok

Get out and explore this fantastic city where there is endless sightseeing to be done.

Accomodation:New Siam 2 (or similar)
Optional Activities:Jim Thompson's House Visit Tour the Jim Thompson House, a Bangkok museum that was once the home of American businessman Jim Thompson, the “Legendary American of Thailand.” See his collection of Buddhist and secular art, amassed while building his silk company. , Wat Po Guided Tour Immerse yourself in Thai Buddhist culture and visit the famous giant 46m (151ft) reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf. Relax with a traditional Thai massage at the country’s leading school of massage at Wat Po., Klong Riverboat Tour 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., Grand Palace Visit , National Museum Visit , Massage Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out.

day 9 - Bangkok/Surat Thani

Get on first-name basis with Thailand's capital city. Start off the Day with a street food crawl, then opt to check out Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, relax with a Thai massage, or explore the klongs (canals) by boat. Later, hop on board the overnight train.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Basic Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 12.0 hr - 13.0 hr
Included Activity:Street Food Crawl
Optional Activities:Wat Po Visit 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. , Klong Riverboat Tour 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., Grand Palace Visit , Thai Massage , Entrance - Royal Barge Museum Located along the Chao Phraya River, the museum is home to many ceremonial barges. The barges are only used for special occasions so this is a chance to catch a rare glimpse of their ornate decorations and symbolic features.

day 10 - Surat Thani/Khao Sok

See southern Thai hospitality in action with breakfast at G Adventures-supported Khao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Restaurant, where you can also meet other international visitors. Later on, go to Lake Cheow Lan where you can take in the views while hiking or swimming in the national park. Spend tonight falling asleep to the sweet sounds of the jungle.

This area is known for its natural beauty. You know what that means: lots of chances for photos.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Accomodation:Khaosok Rainforest Resort (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr
Included Activities:Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal, Lake Cheow Lan Excursion Duration : 6.0 hr - 8.25 hr
Optional Activities:Hiking Discover one of the oldest rainforests in the world on foot. Join a tour or hire a private guide and choose from a variety of treks throughout the national park. Keep an eye out for the area's diverse flora and fauna. , Swimming Take a dip in Cheow Larn Lake and the Kao Sok River., Khao Sok National Park Visit Explore the valleys, lakes, caves, and mountains of this national park, all nestled within the lush rainforest. Spot wildlife like monkeys, elephants and hornbills on a jungle trek or paddle through Lake Cheow Larn to marvel at limestone cliffs and see the floating bungalows., Tubing

day 11 - Khao Sok/Koh Pha Ngan

Head across southern Thailand to find yourself in Koh Pha Ngan. Take the free afternoon to relax on the beach or by the pool — which will be easy since tonight, you'll be staying beachside or poolside in cozy bungalows.

This area is known for its epic nightlife, whether or not there's a Full Moon Party. Make sure you don't miss the sunset. It'll be unforgettable.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Delight Resort (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr, Ferry Duration : 2.5 hr, Songthaew Duration : 0.25 hr
Optional Activities:Swimming

day 12 - Koh Pha Ngan

There's no rush to leave Koh Pha Ngan. Use your second Day here to catch up on anything you missed yesterday, like exploring the island's waterfalls, swimming in lagoons, going for a hike, or, hey, taking another Day to relax beachside.

Accomodation:Delight Resort (or similar)
Optional Activities:Koh Pha-Ngan Waterfalls Exploration Hike to some local waterfalls and marvel at their beauty., Yoga and Meditation Courses Get your inner Om on and take part in some of the more relaxing activities offered on the island. , Hiking Head out on some trails to explore the island at your own pace., Swimming Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.

day 13 - Koh Pha Ngan/Koh Tao

Take the ferry to Koh Tao, a laid-back island known for snorkelling. This afternoon, put on your flippers to see a whole other world underwater. Going beneath the surface not your thing? Go the other way and climb up to the scenic view at Koh Nang Yuan View Point.

Meal:Lunch
Accomodation:Seashell Resort Koh Tao (or similar)
Transport:Ferry Duration : 1.5 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr
Included Activity:Koh Tao Snorkelling

day 14 - Koh Tao

Make the most of your last full Day in Koh Tao paradise. Spend the Day soaking up the sun beachside and be sure to get your fresh seafood fix. For your big night out, venture into the bustling nightlife and cheers to life-changing adventures with newfound friends. If you want to keep the party going, participate in the massive Koh Tao Pub Crawl.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Seashell Resort Koh Tao (or similar)
Included Activity:Beach Bar

day 15 - Koh Tao

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends as the tour ends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and cheers before you head on your way. If booking a flight out of Koh Samui airport, make sure not to book one earlier than 11:00am.
Want to take the hassle out of getting back to Bangkok? Book the Bangkok Express, a two-day post-tour Extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.

Meal:Breakfast
Included Activity:Departure Day
Optional Activities:Bangkok Express: Koh Tao to Bangkok
Thailand: Night Markets & Blue Waters

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What's Included

Accommodation
Simple hotels (twin-share) (6 nts), basic hilltribe huts (2 nts, multi-share), sleeper trains (3 nts), triple-share accommodations with same sex (3 nts).
Meals
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
Note: Allow USD135-175 for meals not included.
Transport
Local bus, train, walking, boat.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, trekking staff.
Included activities
Your G for Good Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal, Ban Ta KhunYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Discover Moment: BangkokYour Discover Moment: Chiang MaiYour Big Night Out Moment: Chiang Mai Celebration, Chiang MaiYour Big Night Out Moment: Beach Bar, Koh TaoVisit to Chiang Mai night marketHilltribe trekBamboo raftingStreet food crawlSnorkelling trip (Ko Tao)

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Thailand: Night Markets & Blue Waters

5.0

based on 7 reviews
7
0
0
0
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O
Olimpiu SVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

Delicious food and positive vibes! Don’t miss it!

A
Alexandru-Daniel VVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

From exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok and its ornate temples to relaxing on the pristine beaches of Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan, every moment was filled with wonder and excitement.

T
Tiara WVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

I enjoyed learning, seeing, tasting, and getting involved in the local culture. An unforgettable experience I would not be able to replicate on my own.

S
Sarah CVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

Nui made the trip to Thailand memorable and unforgettable. I would highly encourage this tour, it’s been my favourite overseas experience. The food, the fun & the laughs were amazing

G
GavinVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

Had such a good time on the trip. Met loads of great people. Tour guide Sek was excellent. Would definitely recommend to others

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Emmanuel

Smooth, Scenic, and Superbly Organized I joined a 6-Day Marangu Route hike with Kilisa Tours, and the whole experience was seamless. The accommodations in the mountain huts were cozy, and the support staff made sure we were always comfortable. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the mountain s history and wildlife. Everything ran perfectly on schedule, and the company s attention to detail was impressive. I ve done many treks before, but Kilisa Tours stands out for their genuine care and world-class service. Couldn t have asked for more!
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