Thailand

Hidden Thailand 11-Day EcoTour

Tour:
11 Days
Price From:
$4,598*-$4,998**
Pricing Details
Singles:
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SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Single travelers staying in a room by themselves will be charged this additional single supplement fee, as all of our regular prices are otherwise based on double occupancy.

SINGLE SHARE OPTIONS (if available)
If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender, in which case you will not have to pay the single supplement fee. The single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded. In the event that we cannot find a share for you, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee.

New: Click the Singles Find a Share' icon below or check our "Community" page to connect with other single travelers looking to share.

Rating:
Easy to Moderate

Thailand

Hidden Thailand 11-Day EcoTour

Destinations

  • Bangkok
  • Chiang Mai
  • Klong Seang
  • Hat Yai
  • Pak Bara
  • Ko Lipe Island (Ko Tarutao Archipelago)
  • Koh Samui Island (Upgrade)

Highlights

  • View wildlife and birds in over 3 National Parks and Wildlife Preserves.
  • Boat Safaris from a Floating Raft-house Aqua Lodge.
  • Snorkel remote islands near the Malaysian border.
  • Play with Elephants at an Elephant Camp.
  • Chiang Mai Old City, choice of Cooking School, Buddhist Temple visit.
  • Expert naturalist guides and trackers
  • Mid-to-upper range hotels and safari lodges, option for 2 night deep jungle camping.

Itinerary at a Glance

  • DAY 1 Bangkok
  • DAY 2 Chiang Mai Cooking School, Doi Suthep Buddhist Temple, Khantok Dinner, Doi Inthanon Cloudforest Option
  • DAY 3 Chiang Mai Elephant Camp, Night Bazaar
  • DAY 4-6 Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary Safari by Long-Tail Boat & Kayak
  • DAY 7 Klong Seang / Pak Bara
  • DAY 8-10 Ko Lipe Island, Ko Tarutao Archipelago Snorkel, Beaches, Relaxing Island Life
  • DAY 11 Bangkok

Hidden Thailand 11-Day EcoTour

This is Thailand the way you always imagined: truly hidden remote corners of the country that offer a special opportunity to witness unparalleled wildlife. Our newest itinerary explores a stunning lakeside wildlife sanctuary with limestone karst higher even than Phang Nga Bay, plus the largest and least visited national park in the country, and remote southern islands far, far away from the over-crowded tourist spots of Krabi or Phuket, where you can still snorkel amongst rare soft corals and enjoy brilliant white sand beaches as fine as cornmeal!

Before venturing off the beaten path, your adventure starts with a taste of Thailand's exotic culture in Chiang Mai with a visit to a unique elephant camp, a choice of Thai cooking school or a visit to a cloudforest birdwatcher's paradise and a Buddhist temple, plus Thailand's famous night bazaars and much more! Our Hidden Thailand itinerary includes many of Wild Planet's special touches, including:

 

  • More value than any other professional wildlife tour, including bird & wildlife viewing in over 3 National Parks and Wildlife Preserves, and an exclusive excursion to Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary featuring a floating raft-house aqua lodge. Day and night safaris by foot, kayak, and long tail boat highlight the unprecedented wildlife which includes clouded leopards, elephants, tigers, 4 species of primates including gibbons, langurs, macaques, slow loris and much more! If you're the type of traveler that appreciates finding hidden gems, you''ll love this rare experience of a country known for its sensual food, joyful people, south-sea islands and exotic wildlife.
  • Expert Local Naturalist Guides Even biologists sometimes
  • Authentic Thai Boutique Hotels, Floating Raft-house Aqua Lodge, Park Houses, Beach Bungalows - as well as a special choice in Kaeng Krachan of 2 nights deep-jungle camping, or an all lodge-based option!
  • Specifically designed to optimize the chances of seeing more wildlife by visiting a variety of different eco-systems, including some of Thailand's most remote and least visited national parks.

 

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 Bangkok
Arrive Bangkok airport, meet our staff and transfer straight to your hotel. Evening free at your leisure. Dinner on your own.
Overnight: Amaranth Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel or similar.

DAY 2 Bangkok / Chiang Mai - Choice of Cooking School or Cloudforest & Buddhist Temple
Morning flight to Chiang Mai - the most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand, once part of the ancient Silk Road. Enjoy a phenomenal cooking class led by a world-renowned professional Thai chef who will teach you to prepare tasty Thai dishes. Or, for an additional $100 per person, choose early morning wildlife viewing and birdwatching at Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the largest number of bird species in Thailand, including the endemic Green-tailed Sunbird. Beautiful Asian orchids adorn its cloudforest where Gibbons, deer and Siamese Hares are sometimes seen. Then visit Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple that is a landmark of Chiang Mai and nearby waterfalls. This evening enjoy a Khantok Dinner, Northern style, with a fantastic Thai dance show.
Overnight: Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa or similar.

DAY 3 Chiang Mai - Chaing Thai Heritage
Highlights: Visit an Elephant Camp and play with elephants in a river.

Wildlife: Elephants! Sunbirds.

Spend an amazing day feeding, bathing and learning about elephants at an eco-responsible elephant camp. You will not believe how much fun this experience is, and how much it will open your heart to learn about these incredibly social animals! This evening explore Chiang Mai night bazaar, famous for hand made items and Thai silks.

Overnight: Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa or similar.

DAY 4 Chiang Mai / Bangkok / Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary
Morning flight back to Bangkok, then transfer to Chiew Lan Dam where we'll take a long-tail boat to our exciting floating raft-house aqua lodge.
Overnight: The Greenery Panvaree floating Aqua lodge.

DAY 5-6 Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive

The Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary has been nearly inaccessible until recently. Previously, the only way to see the wildlife required hours of travel by long-tail boat, which can scare away some of the more shy and rare animals. Special arrangements exclusive to Wild Planet Adventures now allow you to explore this rich wildlife sanctuary silently, by kayak, in addition to long-tail boat. The result is yet another reason why travelers with Wild Planet Adventures see more wildlife than anyone else, including recent sightings here of the elusive clouded leopard!

Enjoy boat safaris to see the wildlife in the early morning. Have breakfast at the Klong Seang sanctuary, then enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking in the rainforest, kayaking or swimming. Before dark enjoy another boat safari to spotlight nocturnal animals.
Overnight: The Greenery Panvaree floating Aqua lodge.

DAY 7 Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary / Hat Yai - Pak Bara
After breakfast leave Keereewarin aqua-lodge and return to Chiew Lan Dam pier. En-route visit a spectacular grotto that showcases some of the lake's most beautiful limestone karst (Thai Kuilin) and enjoy time to kayak amongst the spectacular limestone formations. After lunch transfer to Pak Bara pier, Satul province.
Overnight: Royal Hill Satun or similar.

DAY 8-10 Ko Lipe Island, Ko Tarutao Archipelago
Enjoy 3 full days on this remote south sea archipelago of islands, featuring the best snorkeling available in all of Thailand. Visit the inner islands one day and the outer islands the next day, including Ko Dong, Hin Sone, Hin Ngam Island (which means "beautiful rock") Iabang, Pung Yai, Pung Noi, and the Adung Islands. Colorful tropical fish abound! These remote islands are one of the only places left in Thailand where you can still snorkel amongst soft and hard corals. Late afternoon return to your lodge on Ko Lipe Island.
Overnight: Pattaya Beach Mali Resort or similar.

DAY 11 Ko Lipe / Bangkok
Return to the mainland in time to transfer to the airport for your flight back to Bangkok, arriving back in Bangkok at approximately 5:00pm.

*Island Upgrade Option

Upgrade from Ko Lipe Tarutao to Nora Beach Resort on Ko Samui for $400-$500 per person (includes 1 more night on Ko Samui as you arrive there on DAY 7.

 

Thailand Lodging

Our Hidden Thailand itinerary specializes in small, one-of-a-kind boutique hotels, spas, and nature lodges, particularly those which offer a very authentic Thai atmosphere, decor, style and service. Great care has gone into our selection of lodging partners, with particular emphasis on lodges that offer outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. These breathtaking lodges offer all the comforts of home, including hot & cold water, flush toilets, tastefully decorated beds, and delicious Thai cooked meals which are sometimes extravagant, always healthy, and catering to special dietary needs.

BANGKOK

AriyasomVilla (Upgrade)

Step back in time to a more leisurely lifestyle. The Villa was built in 1942 and is still in the hands of the original family who built it. With 25 beautifully appointed Rooms and Suites, "Na Aroon" Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool, Spa, Meeting Room, Library, Meditation Hall and underground Car Parking we are well equipped to really look after you during your stay in the "City of Angels". Conveniently located in the heart of Central Bangkok.

Arun Residence (Alternate Lodge)

Arun Residence is a recently renovated historic Sino-Portuguese river house nestled alongside the vibrant life of the Chao Phraya River, and set against an exotic vista of seventeenth century classic Thai architecture. Arun Residence has six air-conditioned bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, all tastefully decorated in the "Bangkok Period" style.

From the bed of every room, our guests see the majestic silhouette of Wat Arun across the water and all present an unfolding panorama of one of Asia's finest views, the Rattanakosin skyline. Rooms are also decorated to provide a traditional Thai living atmosphere.

Best Western Premier Amaranth Suvarnbhumi Airport

A quick drive from the airport, the upscale Best Western Premier hotel offers a refined atmosphere and style, deluxe features, amenities, and superior service – allowing your stay to be truly relaxing after a long day of travel. The hotle offers spacious and comfortable rooms decorated in Thai contemporary style and include a choice of either King or twin beds. All rooms are centrally air conditioned, provide an IDD telephone, complementary WIFI internet access, separate Bathroom with bath or shower, LCD TV, in-room safe, in-room tea/coffee making facility, hair dryer, and minibar with complimentary bottled drinking water (2 bottles/day).

Praya Palazzo (Upgrade)

Praya Palazzo is a stylish 17-room mansion recently renovated into a luxury Bangkok boutique hotel. Praya Palazzo has a rich historical background that offers a unique experience for the discerning travelers. Dating back to the ancient kingdom of Siam, the mansion is situated in the heart of Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, one of the most significant rivers in Thailand.

Ideal for travelers who want to relax while enjoying city life in the oldest part of Bangkok and staying in a unique boutique hotel, Praya Palazzo is in walking distance to many historical sites and attractions such as The Grand Palace, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Chinatown, The National Museum, and Kao San Road just to name a few. Praya Palazzo brings back the sense and lifestyle of the King Rama V period, conveying authentic Thai culture through vision, taste, scent, rhyme and touch.

Raweekanlaya Wellness and Cuisine Resort (Alternate)

The Raweekanlaya Bangkok was originally built in the late 1800’s as the residence of the royal governess of His Majesty King Vajiravudh or Rama VI, the sixth monarch of Siam under the house of Chakri, considered the father of Thai nationalism. The residence is also remnant of Thewet Palace, which used to be located in the area.

Featuring 38 guest rooms carefully designed to reflect the heritage of Old-Siam with contemporary touches. It is a true urban resort with over 900 square meters of lush greenery, ​​​highlighted by a 120 years old Banyan tree.​ Located next to the swimming pool is the pool bar, where fruit juices and cold fare can be enjoyed during the day, which turn into artisan cocktails with the fall.

All this, while relaxing on our chaise lounge sofas, amidst calming sights of foliage and chirping of birds.

Listen to the sound of nature, bask under the rays of sunshine or relax beneath the canopy of trees, all in middle of Bangkok city.

Sala Arun (Alternate Lodge)

SalaArun is at Rattanakosin Island, the cultural center of Bangkok, close to Thailand's most important historic sites, including: SalaArun Viewpoint; The Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha; The Temple of Dawn; The Temple of Reclining Bhudda (Wat Po); The Chaophraya River; Rattanakosin Island; Sanam Luang kite festival; The Bhudda Lane at Wat Mahathat; The Flower Market, Pak Klong Talad; Making iron rice bowl at Ban Baat; The iron-roofed temple, Wat Ratchanadda<; Kao San Road; Watering Lady statue; Pom Pra Kan; San Lak Muang; Bangkok Noi Floating Market; Museum Siam; the orchards along the small canals of Bangkok.

 

CHIANG MAI

Yaang Come Village (Alternate Lodge)

Boutique hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai. A cultural oasis in the middle of a bustling city.

Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa

Featuring spacious rooms set within serene, landscaped grounds, Siripanna Resort offers beautiful Thai-style interiors and attentive service. The resort features an outdoor pool, fitness facilities, spa, open-aired lobby, library, and three dining options. Each room opens up to different vistas such as a rice field, an old rice barn, the Thai house, a terrace under an old longan tree, or the mountain range in the distance.
Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa is a frequent winner of TripAdvisor’s “Travelers Choice” award for consistently earning great reviews from its guests and for ranking within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Tamarind Village (Upgrade)

Tamarind Village is a unique and charming boutique property that nestles in the heart of historic Chiang Mai. Surrounded by ancient temples and quaint shopping streets, it takes its name from magnificent 200 years old tamarind tree that shelters the hotel in a shady embrace. Set around a series of garden courtyards, the 42 guest rooms and 3 suites reflect the rich ethnic diversity of northern Thailand by using fabrics and patterns drawn from various tribes of the region. Intimate, serene and relaxing, Tamarind Village is an oasis of calm and tranquility, the perfect base for exploring Chiang Mai and beyond.

Khum Praya Resort and Spa (Upgrade)

The design of this atmospheric and tranquil resort reflects the kingdom’s heritage. Khum Phaya Resort & Spa has 85 spacious rooms and villas, with the option of direct pool access or your own plunge pool, and each with a Jacuzzi thus adding a holistic touch to your Chiang Mai holiday.

Outside of your private world, you’ll also find wellbeing facilities including a Spa Cenvaree and fitness centre, superb grounds and a lagoon-shaped swimming pool surrounded by century-old trees and meandering canals.

KLONG SEANG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

500Rai Floating Aqua Lodge (Upgrade)

500Rai Resort is located on Chiew-Larn Lake, the largest reservoir in Southern Thailand. Surrounded by the jungles and mountains of Khao Sok National Park and the Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary, the resort offers the perfect combination of Thai hospitality and international luxury, combining the best in comfort and elegant design within the heart of nature. No need to “rough it” while enjoying remote wilderness. All rooms are equipped with the highest standard of comfort available, with en suite bathrooms, boutique furniture, and air conditioning in family rooms and villas.

Keereewarin Floating Aqua Lodge (Alternate)

Until this brand-new floating raft-house aqua lodge was built in early 2011, the only way to access the remote Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary required either a 2-3 hour boat ride or shack-style accommodations set up by the park. Now you can explore the sanctuary's exceptional wildlife, kayak the lake's most remote fingers, and breathe in its majestic views of 3,000 foot tall limestone karst and colorful turquoise waters - and return each night to relax in beautiful accommodations and enjoy extraordinary Thai cuisine at the end of your day. 10 elegant cabins allow you to wake up each morning to gorgeous views and a refreshing swim in the lake's warm waters if you choose.

The Greenery Panvaree Aqua Lodge (Primary Lodge)

As the first resort with air-condition in every floating bungalow, and the recipient of the High-Standard Award from the The Ministry of Tourism and Sports; The Greenery Panvaree offers intimate privacy and peace while upholding the highest standards of Eco-Friendly practices.

Situated amidst the majestic views of Cheow Lan Lake, the resort is just 10 minute away from the renowned ’Thai Guilin’ and 15 minutes from a beautiful coral cave. The perfect place to relax and surround yourself in the beauty of Thailand hospitality and nature.

Phuphawaree Floating Aqua Lodge (Alternate)

In the past, the only way to access the remote Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary required either a 2-3 hour boat ride or shack-style accommodations set up by the park. Now you can explore the sanctuary's exceptional wildlife, kayak the lake's most remote fingers, and breathe in its majestic views of 3,000 foot tall limestone karst and colorful turquoise waters - and return each night to relax in beautiful accommodations and enjoy extraordinary Thai cuisine at the end of your day. Elegant cabins in this modern floating raft-house allow you to wake up each morning to gorgeous views and a refreshing swim in the lake's warm waters if you choose.

PAK BARA

Lake Terrace Resort

Located close to Pakbara Pier, this cosy resort is a peaceful haven. Lake Terrace Resort offers 29 modern bungalows arranged around their private lake. The resort is set in an area perfect for peaceful holidays or for a relaxing stopover on your way to Koh Lipe, Koh Bulone or Koh Tarutao.

Laguna Resort (Alternate)

Laguna Resort is located in Satun, just 30 miles from Air Hangat. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, Free WiFi, TV, and free private parking available on site. Some rooms feature a sitting area for your convenience and a balcony or patio are in certain rooms.

There is a 24-hour front desk available care to your needs.

The nearest airport is Hat Yai Airport, 45 miles from the property.

Royal Hill Satun

Located in La-ngu, Royal Hill Satun Hotel is a 1-minute drive from Mu Ko Phetra National Park and 6 minutes from Pak Bara Pier. This beach hotel is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Pak Bara Beach and 23.5 mi (37.8 km) from Rawai Beach.

KOH LIPE ISLAND

Anda Resort (Alternate Lodge)

Anda Resort is located on sunrise beach on Koh Lipe Island. Its upscale Bali-style accommodations feature full facilities in each room including A/C, satellite TV, private balconies and more.

Mali Resort Pattaya Beach (Primary)

Situated at the quiet end of Pattaya beach, away from any crowds, yet still just a short stroll from the islands' "Walking Street", Mali Pattaya Resort encompasses a range of room styles and facilities to suit individual tastes from traditional to modern, making this resort the ideal spot to rejuvenate the spirit, quiet the mind, and pamper the body.

Comprised of 26 elegantly crafted Balinese villas and 25 modern cottage style bungalows, both allowing direct beach access under the shade of coconut palms, all can enjoy the beauty of Koh Lipe in the comforts of Mali Pattaya Resort.

Mali Resort Sunrise Beach (Upgrade)

Situated upon a prime stretch at the southern end of Lipe’s sunrise beach, Mali Sunrise Resort draws inspiration and character from Island’s cultural influences and indigenous materials. The natural landscape allows for stunning sunrises to be enjoyed daily.

Each Balinese influenced bungalow includes a king sized bed and modern enclosed bathrooms. Designed with your utmost comfort in mind, these beautifully built Balinese bungalows have vaulted ceilings with built in closets, extended balcony decks & superb sliding glass doors to lead you from your rooms to the resort’s tropical gardens.

KOH SAMUI ISLAND (ALTERNATE TO PAK BARA/KOH LIPE)

Nora Beach Resort (Upgrade)

Koh Samui is an island of luscious tropical land where the Southern Thailand rainforest turns into white powder sands. Here, transport back to the Siam of the past at the Nora Beach Resort & Spa, named after southern Thailand’s traditional mystical dance. A peaceful oasis on a spectacular hillside setting overlooking a secluded bay, the resort’s architecture superbly combines Thai style and modern luxuries. The resort is strategically located in one of the best areas of Koh Samui – the curving north end of Chaweng beach, offering privacy and tranquility on the private beach surrounded by verdant tropical trees on the hillside.

Guests of Nora Beach Koh Samui can indulge in a range of relaxation facilities at Anodas Spa, which features a swimming pool and a sauna. Air conditioned guest rooms open to balconies and feature thoughtful touches like bathrobes, slippers, hair dryers, minibars, safes, cable television, and free WiFi.

 

Thailand Activities

At a Glance

We know you've chosen to travel with us for our wildlife emphasis, so we've included a wide variety of adventure activities designed to educate, inspire, and bring out the wonder in you. All of our activities are flexibly designed to accommodate different skill levels and interests, while exposing you to a variety of unique eco-systems in order to see the most amount of wildlife. And did we mention fun?

Adventure Activities in 3 distinct regions of Thailand expose you to more natural wonder, more ecosystems - and more wildlife - than any other conventional tour.

  • Deep jungle camping in Kaeng Krachan National Park.
  • Ride on the back of an elephant, and bathe it bareback in a river.
  • Hiking, birdwatching and wildlife viewing in 4 national parks.
  • Island snorkeling in crystal-clear azure blue water.
  • Option of Chiang Mai cooking school or cloudforest & Buddhist temple.

Exclusive Wildlife Activities

Deep Jungle Camping in Kaeng Krachan

Our base camp is the ideal spot to see langurs, serows and other wildlife. Each day we'll choose from a variety of hikes, including the road to Mt. Pakarang, a trail to the beautiful Hanuman cave, a spectacular waterfall, and a salt lick basin, a hot spot for wild elephants. Animal tracks are everywhere! We've even spotted wild tiger tracks and "sandboxes"! We'll also hike to a calm, secluded stream, where wild animals come to drink.

Other Activities

Play with Friendly Elephants & Bathe Them in a River

Spend an amazing day feeding, bathing and learning about elephants at an eco-responsible elephant camp. Play with them in the river and then float downstream on a bamboo raft. You will not believe how much fun this experience is, and how much it will open your heart to learn about these incredibly social animals!

Hiking, Birdwatching & Wildlife Viewing in 4 National Parks

Our hiking philosophy is simple: "The slower you go, the more wildlife you see." Most of our hikes last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and the pace is a relaxed meander with frequent stops to observe nature and wildlife. We may even spend intimate time with a troop of wild monkeys, especially if we observe exciting behaviors such as teaching a newborn to walk, a conflict involving an alpha male, or anything else that has what we call a high "wow" factor.

Island Snorkeling in Crystal-Clear Azure Blue Water

Boat to beautiful Ko Lipe Island or Ko Phi Phi Island for snorkeling, kayaking and relaxing on the beach. Thailand's famous shallow turquoise waters are perfect to explore the kaleidoscope of colorful coral reefs.

Cooking School

Enjoy a phenomenal cooking class, led by a world-renowned professional Thai chef who will teach you to prepare tasty Thai dishes.

Chiang Mai Cloudforest, Buddhist Temple & Waterfalls (Alternative)

Early morning wildlife viewing and birdwatching at Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the largest number of bird species in Thailand, including the endemic Green-tailed Sunbird. Beautiful Asian orchids adorn its cloudforest ad Gibbons, deer and Siamese Hares are sometimes seen. Then visit Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple that is a landmark of Chiang Mai and nearby waterfalls.

 

Thailand Wildlife

Likely Sightings

Wild Planet's wildlife eco-tours are designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. All our eco-adventures are specially designed for maximum wildlife viewing. We take care to seek out wildlife that is rare, off the beaten path, and in greater numbers than you will see on conventional tours.

Our expert naturalist guides will educate you in the field so your experience is intimate and unparalleled. Still, wildlife viewing can unpredictable and requires patience and sensory awareness. A partial list of some of the animals you are likely to see is below:

Primates: Up to 13 species of primates including: Gibbons (3 species), Langurs (2 species), Macaques (5 species), Leaf Monkeys (4 species)
Other Mammals: Elephants, Civets, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer
Reptiles: Monitor Lizards
Birds: Hornbills, Crested Serpent Eagles, Indian Rollers, Minivets, Kingfishers

Rare or Endangered Possible Sightings

Cats: Tiger, Clouded Leopard
Other Mammals: Gaur, Serow, Malaysian Sun Bear, Asiatic Bear, Flying Fox, Giant Porcupine
Weird & Wonderful: Slow Loris, Draco Lizard (Flying)

 

Thailand Guides

Thailand Guides

Your guide is your gateway to the world of the tropics; you'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll learn things. Wild Planet Adventures' guides are naturalists, biologists or leaders in their field. As wildlife specialists, we know that your guide is the difference between a good trip and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our guides have been specially chosen both for their personality and interpersonal skills as well as their extensive naturalist knowledge and exceptional abilities to spot wildlife.

 

Thailand FAQ

Thailand Facts for Visitors

Government

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the longest reigning monarch in the world, having celebrated his 67th year of reign in 2013. He and the rest of the Royal Family are greatly revered by the Thai people.

Religion

Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world with more than 90% of Thais practicing Theravada Buddhism. There are many other faiths in Thailand, all of which are allowed full freedom of expression. The temple (wat) is very important in Thai society and is the heart of social and religious life. Monks are highly revered.

Population

Thailand has a growing population of about 55 million and 10% is flooded in the capital of Bangkok. It is basically an agricultural country and about 75% of the people work in the fields. Those living near the coastal zones are engaged in commercial fishing and marine farming from fish and prawns to oysters. The other 25% work in the cities. Assimilation of other races from Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in the early past was inevitable, being sandwiched in the middle of these countries. It is the tolerant nature of the Thais, which largely account for the large groups from neighboring countries who have now become Thai citizens. Besides its neighbors early immigrants come from as far as India, China, Malaysia and even European countries. These groups thus account for 20% of the population amongst 80% of ethnic Thais. The ethnic composition is as diverse as Thailand's attractions, especially so among tourist belts and coastal regions. The hill-tribes form a very interesting group in the northern highlands. History links them as far as China and Mongolia and some of them have fair skin and slanted light brown eyes. There are about 400,000 hill tribes living in the north, with their own language and culture - truly an enriching experience when visiting their homesteads. They are the Karen, Lahus, Yao, Akha, Lisu and Meo. The last hill tribes are more exposed to the commercial world and could be seen even in Bangkok and other provinces selling their handicraft. (Handicrafts purchased at their villages have a better chance to be authentic, as duplicates have been manufactured.)

Language

Thai is the official and national language in Thailand used at all levels of administration in government and other commercial offices. However, English is the second language and is widely used in the cities and tourist related industry. Other European languages are used in hotels or restaurants where a particular group is predominant.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Thai baht. 1 baht is divided into 100 satang. At the time of writing, in the previous three years there were approximately 30-34 baht to the dollar. Please check the current exchange rate. Notes are in denominations of 1000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 20 (green) and 10 (brown) baht. Coins come as 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht. Major currency bills and travelers checks can be cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, banks and money-changers.

Voltage & Outlets

Electricity can vary by location in Thailand but is usually 220 volts, 50 cycles/sec, with Type A or Type C outlets. You will need to bring a converter for any appliances you plan to use that can't handle the higher voltage. Additionally, you will need a plug adapter that fit the specific plug types mentioned above. Please note that power points installed in bathrooms are meant for shavers only.

Climate

Most places in Thailand are humid and warm as it is in the tropics, except for the highlands in northern regions. As a general guideline, the hot season is from late March to June, rainy months being July to October and February. For Chiang Mai and further north, bring along windbreakers and pullovers as the evening temperatures drop quite a bit.

This Trip's Exclusive Wildlife Features:

Choose Your Thailand Travel Style! Any of our wildlife adventures are also available as fully customizable private trips, honeymoons or family wildlife adventures.
CONTACT US | EMAIL US | CHAT NOW | RESERVE A TRIP | 1-800-990-4376
We're Wild for Wildlife...
  • Remote & Non-Commercial Destinations - Authentic wildlife excursion deep into Kaeng Krachan & Klong Seang - a nearly inaccessible wildlife sanctuary.
  • Wildlife Activities - The use of kayaks at Klong Seang - a Wild Planet Exclusive - allows us to approach wildlife silently for up-close wildlife sightings - including rare clouded leopards!
  • Specialized Wildlife Knowledge - Hike deep in the forest to salt licks, secret watering holes, and little-known wildlife hot-spots.
  • Authentic Tracking, Expert Wildlife Guides - Our expert guides rely on advanced tracking skills, not radios, to track wildlife. Listen for warning cries, identify paw prints, look for residue of feeding, and experience the excitement of real wildlife tracking.
  • Night Safaris for Nocturnal Animals - Safaris by jeep and long-tail boat at night in the parks.
We're Wild for Wildlife...
  • Remote & Non-Commercial Destinations - Authentic wildlife excursion deep into Kaeng Krachan & Klong Seang - a nearly inaccessible wildlife sanctuary.
  • Wildlife Activities - The use of kayaks at Klong Seang - a Wild Planet Exclusive - allows us to approach wildlife silently for up-close wildlife sightings - including rare clouded leopards!
  • Specialized Wildlife Knowledge - Hike deep in the forest to salt licks, secret watering holes, and little-known wildlife hot-spots.
  • Authentic Tracking, Expert Wildlife Guides - Our expert guides rely on advanced tracking skills, not radios, to track wildlife. Listen for warning cries, identify paw prints, look for residue of feeding, and experience the excitement of real wildlife tracking.
  • Night Safaris for Nocturnal Animals - Safaris by jeep and long-tail boat at night in the parks.
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