Up to 41% off!

Up to 41% off!

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.

/storage/uploads/tours/thailand/intro-18-days/main/DAY8-9KohPhangan_cbtnb.jpg
  • All Trips and Excursions
  • Airport Pick Up
  • All In-country Transfers
  • Flight to Chiang Mai
  • No Hidden Charges
  • 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

£1585 from
Pay £250 deposit
  • Length18 Days
  • Avg. Age20-45
  • No. Of Activities16+
  • No. Of Meals19
  • Avg. Group Size6-20
  • Starting PointBangkok
  • Ending PointChiang Mai

Join Your Backpacking Community

Keep up to date with us on social media.

Map

Tour Itinerary

A traveler with blonde braids admires the intricate architecture of Wat Arun temple in Bangkok.
A welcoming hotel room in Bangkok featuring three single beds with white linens and swan towel art.
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
Three people walk among ornate golden stupas at a beautiful temple in Bangkok.
Happy tourists enjoy a lively tuk-tuk ride through the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand.
A woman with a fan admires the ornate golden temples and white stupas under a sunny Bangkok sky.
Five people in vibrant traditional Thai clothing performing the respectful wai gesture in Bangkok.
A welcoming hotel room in Bangkok featuring three single beds with white linens and swan towel art.
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
Smiling women in green aprons laugh together during a hands-on cooking class in Bangkok.
A yellow train waits at the ornate Hua Hin railway station under a cloudy sky.
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
Floating bungalows on a vibrant turquoise lake surrounded by lush jungle islands in Khao Sok National Park.
Two women cruise on a longtail boat across a stunning turquoise lake in Khao Sok National Park.
A woman in a bikini floats peacefully on a log in the clear turquoise waters of Khao Sok.
Smiling friends enjoy swimming and tubing in a clear lake with floating bungalows in Khao Sok.
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
Smiling friends pose on a beautiful sandy beach in Koh Phangan with traditional longtail boats.
Two people sit on a sandy beach, watching longtail boats in clear turquoise water at Koh Phangan.
A woman unwinds in a hammock on a sun-drenched beach in Koh Phangan, Thailand.
Friends enjoy a beautiful sunset from a beachfront resort porch on Koh Phangan, Thailand.
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
Woman in a pool with a beer, watching the sunset over the sea at Koh Phangan.
Seven happy backpackers jump high above an infinity pool overlooking the beautiful ocean in Koh Phangan.
People playing beach volleyball on a sandy beach at sunset in Koh Phangan, Thailand.
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
Four happy people swim in clear water with many striped fish at Koh Phangan.
Stunning aerial view of Koh Phangan's white sand beach, clear turquoise water, and beachfront bungalows.
Eleven friends lie on a sandy beach in Koh Phangan, forming a star shape, enjoying the sun.
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
Two women enjoy a peaceful afternoon relaxing on a porch overlooking a beautiful Koh Phangan beach.
A student practices a high kick with an instructor during a Muay Thai class in Koh Phangan, Thailand.
A person walks down a sunny road lined with towering palm trees on Koh Phangan.
Adventurers paddleboarding on the serene, golden waters of Koh Phangan during a stunning sunset.
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
Smiling backpackers with glow paint on their faces enjoying a lively beach party on Koh Phi Phi.
Three people walk a dirt path lined with tall palm trees towards the ocean on Koh Phi Phi.
Aerial view of a vibrant resort with swimming pools, bungalows, and turquoise sea in Koh Phi Phi.
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
Tropical paradise of Koh Phi Phi with boats in turquoise water near a sandy beach and green cliffs.
Three friends sit on a longtail boat in the turquoise waters of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand.
Aerial view of a vibrant resort with swimming pools, bungalows, and turquoise sea in Koh Phi Phi.
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
A woman enjoys the beautiful sunrise view over Koh Phi Phi's tropical bay from a viewpoint.
Aerial view of a vibrant resort with swimming pools, bungalows, and turquoise sea in Koh Phi Phi.
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
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedPhi Phi Viewpoint, Islands Boat Trip, Snorkelling
Overhead view of a beautiful Phuket beach with clear turquoise water and dense green jungle.
Colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings line a bustling street in Phuket Old Town, lit by festive string lights.
A large, inviting resort swimming pool with starfish patterns, sun loungers, and white buildings in Phuket.
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
Ornate golden temples with multi-tiered roofs and spires stand majestically in a beautiful Thai garden.
Modern hotel room in Chiang Mai featuring a comfortable bed, blue walls, and light floor.
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
Four happy travelers cool off in a natural pool at the base of a waterfall in Chiang Mai.
Two women ascend a grand stone staircase flanked by ornate white naga sculptures at a temple in Chiang Mai.
Modern hotel room in Chiang Mai featuring a comfortable bed, blue walls, and light floor.
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
Elderly hill tribe woman smiling in traditional costume with coin headdress in Chiang Mai.
A young boy from a hill tribe village in Chiang Mai grins widely with joy.
Two rustic bamboo huts with elevated floors and thatched roofs in a hill tribe village in Chiang Mai.
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
Two people enjoy a peaceful bamboo rafting adventure down a river in Chiang Mai.
Modern hotel room in Chiang Mai featuring a comfortable bed, blue walls, and light floor.
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
An elephant walks on a muddy trail surrounded by lush green trees at a sanctuary in Chiang Mai.
Modern hotel room in Chiang Mai featuring a comfortable bed, blue walls, and light floor.
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 walk towards a beautiful golden temple surrounded by lush greenery in Chiang Mai.
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!

    Tour Dates

    Optional Extras

    £35
    £400

    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