Backpacking Thailand: Expedition

Get ready for the ultimate 18-day Thailand adventure! From temple hopping in Bangkok and floating bungalows in the jungle, to island parties, cooking classes, and elephant encounters—this trip covers it all. With a group leader and awesome crew by your side, you’ll explore the best of Thailand, from south to north.

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  • All Trips and Excursions
  • Airport Pick Up
  • All In-country Transfers
  • 24/7 Licensed Tour Guide
  • Flight to Chiang Mai
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance

Would really recommend the 18 day trip, everything about it was amazing. It’s not easy to manage a group of 23 people, but she managed it with ease while making sure everyone had a great time.

Allie Byrne, Apr 17, 2025

Backpacking Thailand: Expedition

£1639 from
Pay £250 deposit
  • Length18 Days
  • Avg. Age20-45
  • No. Of Activities16+
  • No. Of Meals19
  • Avg. Group Size6-20
  • OperatorTrusted Partner
  • Starting PointBangkok
  • Ending PointChiang Mai

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Tour Dates

Tour Itinerary

Backpacking tour group arriving in Bangkok, seeing temple skyline at sunset
Bangkok hotel room for backpacking tour arrival day
DAY 1

Arrive in Bangkok

Touch down in buzzing Bangkok! We’ll be waiting at the airport to meet you and take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After settling in, relax and recharge before meeting your new travel fam over a welcome dinner and drinks.

  • Room TypeHotel
Backpacking group visiting Wat Pho temple in Bangkok on tuk tuk tour
Colorful tuk tuk ride through Bangkok with backpacking tour group exploring temples
Visiting ancient temples in Bangkok during tuk tuk tour
Learning Thai culture and traditional greetings with local hosts in Bangkok
Spacious Bangkok villa accommodation with pool for backpacking tour group
DAY 2

Temples, Tuk Tuks & Party Time

Kick off your trip with a chilled boat cruise through Bangkok’s canals followed by a tuk tuk tour to explore the city’s ancient temples and landmarks. Experience the local culture and chaos. By night, we’ll dive into Bangkok’s legendary nightlife with rooftop bars, street food, and neon-lit adventures.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedBangkok River Cruise, Visit Ancient Temples, Tuk Tuk
Group learning Thai cooking class with backpacking tour friends
Overnight train through Thailand provides unique accommodation on backpacking tour
DAY 3

Thai Cooking & Overnight Train

Today we head to a local kitchen to learn the secrets of Thai cooking with a hands-on class. After tasting your creations, it’s time to board the overnight sleeper train heading south—an experience in itself as we roll through rural Thailand under the stars.

  • Meals IncludedLunch
  • Room TypeOvernight Train
  • Activities IncludedCooking Class
Kayaking across hidden lake to floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park
Longtail boat crossing the lake to floating bungalows at Khao Sok with backpacking group
Relaxing in floating bungalow surrounded by rainforest at Khao Sok lake
Backpacking tour group relaxing in floating bungalows with swimming pool at Khao SokX
DAY 4

Floating Bungalows in Khao Sok

We arrive in stunning Khao Sok National Park and cruise across a hidden lake to reach our floating bungalows. This is true rainforest bliss. Spend the afternoon kayaking, tubing, or just soaking in the views. At night, sleep under the stars surrounded by jungle sounds.

  • Meals IncludedLunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeFloating Bangalow
  • Activities IncludedKhao Sok National Park, Floating Bungalows, Kayaking & Tubing
Drone shot of backpacking tour group arriving at Koh Phangan tropical beach on a boat
Backpacking tour friends relaxing on Koh Phangan beach with longtail boats anchored nearby
Beachfront resort accommodation on Koh Phangan for backpacking tour group to relax
Backpacking tour group relaxing on hammock at beach resort in Koh Phangan
DAY 5

Tropical Paradise

We head to Koh Phangan, one of Thailand’s most famous islands. Check into our beachfront resort and spend the day soaking up the sun, sipping coconuts, and snapping your first island sunset before joining a beach party to kick things off.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
Backpacker relaxing on Koh Phangan beach watching sunset with a drink
Backpacking tour friends jumping into pool at Koh Phangan beach resort during beach dayBackpacking tour friends playing beach volleyball at Koh Phangan during beach day
Backpacking tour friends playing beach volleyball at Koh Phangan during beach dayBackpacking tour friends swimming and snorkelling in the clear waters around Koh Phangan during island tour
DAY 6

Beach Day & Thai Massage

Today is all about relaxation. Chill on the sand, float in the sea, or grab a fresh fruit shake. Then enjoy a traditional Thai massage to stretch out and unwind. Optional yoga or beach games in the afternoon.

  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedThai Massage
Backpacking tour friends swimming and snorkeling in clear waters around Koh Phangan during island tourAerial view of hidden beach and turquoise waters on Koh Phangan during island tour for backpacking groupAerial view of hidden beach and turquoise waters on Koh Phangan during island tour for backpacking group
Aerial view of hidden beach and turquoise waters on Koh Phangan during island tour for backpacking groupBackpacking tour friends lying in a circle with outstretched arms on the sandy beach during island tour
Backpacking tour friends lying in a circle with outstretched arms on the sandy beach during island tour
DAY 7

Island Tour & Beach BBQ

Explore the hidden gems of Koh Phangan with an island tour to lesser-known beaches and coves. Swim, snorkel, and enjoy picture-perfect views. Tonight, it’s BBQ time with grilled favourites served right on the beach.

  • Meals IncludedLunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedIsland Trip, Beach BBQ
Backpacking group enjoying the beach view from Koh Phangan accommodation balcony
Backpacking tour participant practicing Muay Thai training with instructor in Koh Phangan
Backpacking tour participant walking along palm-lined road in Koh Phangan during yoga morning
Backpacking tour participant paddleboarding at sunset on calm sea in Koh Phangan
DAY 8

Muay Thai or Yoga

Choose your own adventure—test your skills with a Muay Thai class or find your flow with a peaceful yoga session. Either way, you’ll feel energized. Tonight is our final night in Koh Phangan, so let’s go out with a bang!

  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedMuay Thai or Yoga Experience
Backpacking group having fun at a lively beach party on Phi Phi Islands during the backpacking tour
Tall palm trees lining a tranquil beach on Phi Phi Island during the backpacking tour travel day
Aerial view of Andaman resort accommodation on Phi Phi Island for the backpacking group
DAY 9

Travel to Phi Phi

It’s a travel day as we hop ferries and cross the sea to reach the world-famous Phi Phi Islands. After checking in, we’ll head out for dinner and drinks before a beach party under the stars.

  • Room TypeHotel
Drone view of boat touring Phi Phi Leh with turquoise water and lush cliffs
Longtail boat tour at Maya Bay on Phi Phi Island for the backpacking group
Resort accommodation with pool on Phi Phi Island for the backpacking group
DAY 10

Phi Phi Islands Experience

One of the trip highlights! We’ll sail around Phi Phi Leh with stops for kayaking, snorkelling, and swimming in turquoise bays. Enjoy dinner onboard and a magical night swim with glowing plankton (seasonal).

  • Meals IncludedDinner
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedIslands Boat Trip, Snorkelling, Phi Phi Islands Experience
Sunrise view of the Phi Phi viewpoint overlooking lush islands and turquoise bay during the backpacking tour
Lush resort accommodation with pool for the backpacking group on Phi Phi Islands
DAY 11

Viewpoints & Paradise Islands

Start the day with a sunrise hike to Phi Phi’s famous viewpoint, then set off for more island hopping and snorkelling on a private boat tour. Relax on white sand beaches before a final Phi Phi dinner and party.

  • Meals IncludedLunch
  • Activities IncludedPhi Phi Viewpoint, Islands Boat Trip, Snorkelling
Scenic view of Phuket coast and turquoise sea at sunset during the backpacking tour
Colorful streets of Phuket Old Town with colonial architecture explored during the backpacking tour
Hotel accommodation with pool in Phuket for the backpacking group
DAY 12

Head to Phuket

Say goodbye to island life as we travel to Phuket. After checking in, explore the town or relax on the beach. Sunset drinks optional (but encouraged!).

  • Room TypeHotel
Wat Phra Singh temple in Chiang Mai old city visited by the backpacking tour group
Chiang Mai hotel room accommodation for the backpacking group
DAY 13

Fly to Chiang Mai

Today we fly north to the cultural heart of Thailand—Chiang Mai. Once we arrive, get settled and explore the old city or hit up the bustling night markets for food and souvenirs.

  • Room TypeHotel
Backpacking tour group climbing Sticky Waterfalls in Chiang Mai rainforest
Backpacking tour exploring ornate serpent staircase at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai
Traditional bamboo hut accommodation for overnight hill tribe trek on the backpacking tour
DAY 14

Temples, Waterfalls & Local Farm Visit

Discover Chiang Mai’s rich heritage with a visit to the iconic Doi Suthep Temple. Then cool off at the ‘sticky’ waterfalls before heading to a local farm to learn about traditional Thai agriculture. A full, fun day packed with culture and nature.

  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedSticky Waterfalls
Hill tribe woman in traditional dress smiling during backpacking jungle trek
Smiling hill tribe child meeting backpacking group during overnight jungle trek
Traditional bamboo hut accommodation for overnight stay during hill tribe jungle trek
DAY 15

Hill Tribe Jungle Trek

Lace up your boots for an overnight jungle trek. Walk through rice paddies, forests, and mountain trails before reaching a hill tribe village. Spend the evening enjoying local food and sharing stories by the fire.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeHut
  • Activities IncludedOvernight Hill Tribe Trek
Backpacking tour participants bamboo rafting down a peaceful river in Chiang Mai
Modern hotel accommodation in Chiang Mai for the backpacking group
DAY 16

Bamboo Rafting Adventure

Wake up to mountain air, then finish the trek with a bamboo rafting trip down a peaceful river. Return to Chiang Mai and enjoy your final free evening in the city with your group.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedBamboo Rafting
Observing elephants roaming at an ethical sanctuary on the backpacking tour
Modern Chiang Mai hotel accommodation for the backpacking group
DAY 17

Elephant Sanctuary

A heartwarming day at an ethical elephant sanctuary. Learn about elephant conservation and see these gentle giants roam free. You’ll have time to interact, observe, and understand their important role in Thai culture.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedElephant Sanctuary
Monks in orange robes walking outside Chiang Mai temple during the backpacking tour
Day 18

Onward Travel

Your Thailand adventure wraps up today. Whether you’re heading home or travelling onward, your group leader will help with all your next steps. Time to say goodbye (for now) to your new friends and the adventure of a lifetime!

    Map

    Optional Extras

    £35
    £450

    All This Included & More!

    • Bangkok River Cruise
    • Visit Ancient Temples
    • Thai Cooking Class
    • Khao Sok National Park
    • Floating Bungalows
    • Kayaking & Tubing
    • Island Trip
    • Beach BBQ
    • Muay Thai or Yoga Experience
    • Thai Massage
    • Paradise Islands Boat Trip & Snorkelling
    • Phi Phi Islands Experience
    • Phi Phi Viewpoint
    • Sticky Waterfalls
    • Overnight Hill Tribe Trek
    • Bamboo River Rafting
    • Elephant Sanctuary