Smiling Albino

Intro

Total Trip - 13 days

Our dream to combine unique hidden corners with must-see sites, and fuse insider's knowledge with cool activities delivers an unparalleled experience. Inspired by a pursuit of authenticity and fun, the Thailand Grand Slam goes beyond the scope of any city map or guidebook. It answers the question: how do you achieve the best Thai travel experience possible without feeling like a tourist?

Beginning with the grand sites and local hangouts in Bangkok through the magnificent ruins of ancient Ayutthaya, we move north for a wide range of activities in Thailand's spectacular northern province, Chiang Rai. Designed to challenge or pamper you as you wish, we'll hike and paddle, ride bicycles, elephants and motorscooters exploring the Thai, Myanmar and Lao borders of the infamous Golden Triangle.

From hip restaurants and boutique accommodations, to unique activities and colourful local characters, this adventure captures the charm and spontaneity that is the very essence of Thailand. This 13-day journey was designed with an eye to value and authenticity, creating a total quality adventure experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Thailand

We'll be waiting when your plane touches down, to brush off the pretzel crumbs and welcome you to The Land of Smiles. You'll be whisked to your home away from home and introduced to your surroundings. Upon check-in you'll receive your personalized Adventure Kit, lots of neat tidbits and your complimentary mobile phone. The phone is yours for your entire journey. Sit back, relax, enjoy a swim and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. You'll enjoy great accommodations at the comfy and perfectly-located Majestic Grande, in the heart of the city.

Day 2 - Bangkok Multi Transport Adventure

Today you'll experience five must-see sites, while using all forms of urban transport (tuk-tuk, motorcycle, rapid train, boats and taxi) in a citywide blitz of temples, alleyways, rivers, canals and fine eats to give you a true appreciation of the City of Angels. Not only can you tick Bangkok off your list, but you'll do it in swinging style!

Meals: B,L

Day 3 - Headlights (18:00)

Enjoy the day relaxing by the pool, exploring on your own and get ready for tonight's main event - Headlights. This is your chance to experience One Night in Bangkok. It's out for an outstanding Thai meal, then your customized night on the town. Depending on group interest we'll explore lots of interesting nooks and crannies, market hotspots, Bangkok's highest rooftop bar and perhaps even snack on a well-seasoned local delicacy - fried grasshoppers! Finally, we'll wind things up at legendary Patpong, where night markets collide with colorful characters.

Meals: B,D

Day 4 - Ancient Ayutthaya

Prior to its sacking by the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was the crowning jewel of Siam. We'll board a private shuttle for our short journey 90km north from Bangkok then use Mary-Poppins-style bicycles to explore the ancient ruins and stone palaces that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our day exploring, we'll shuttle back to Bangkok and catch an early evening flight to the country's northernmost province, Chiang Rai. Arriving at Chiang Rai just after sunset sets the ideal tone for the next five days. We'll spend the next two nights of our odyssey at The Legend Chiang Rai, a stunning boutique riverside resort.

Biking: 10km (paved roads)
Meals: B,L

Day 5 - Bikes, Boats & Elephants

Hang on for a day you'll never forget. Using bicycles we'll ride through beautiful valleys, past mountain temples and visit a monk's cave en-route to a Karen hilltribe elephant camp. Mount your very own pachyderm, ride through the hills then enjoy a light lunch along the river. We'll journey back to Chiang Rai in a longtail boat, as postcard-like visuals fill the backdrop. Tonight celebrate with a dinner of champions at a traditional outdoor restaurant and top it all off with a visit to the Night Bazaar.

Biking: 20-40km (paved/dirt roads)
Meals: B,L,D

Day 6 - Hilltribe Hiatus

For those who wish to summon their sense of adventure, strap on a helmet and learn how to ride a Thai motorscooter for the journey ahead. With our comfy van and scooters we'll embark on a picturesque drive through rolling valleys, passing hilltribe villages and water buffalo en-route to the tiny riverside town of Mae Salak. Here we're treated to the Huai Khum Resort, superb bamboo and brick chalets with panoramic views over the Mae Kok River. After a tasty lunch you can either chill-out at the riverside pool or embark on a river kayaking expedition and jungle hike, passing quaint villages and lush forest along the way. A signature northern Thai experience.

Motorcycling: 85 km, paved road
Hiking: 2 hours
Paddling: 1-2 hours
Meals: B,L,D

Day 7 - To Chinatown

Today we'll ride up to one of the kingdom's most stunning destinations - Doi Mae Salong. Originally settled by indigenous hilltribe groups and more recently by Yunnanese settlers who fled China's Communist Revolution, this outpost was once opium country but is now home to Thailand's premier Oolong tea production. After sampling some tea and a local Thai-Chinese lunch, head into the hills for a great hike through terraced tea and rice plantations, coffee fields and several small hilltribe villages. We round out the day with a twisty drive over the hills to a renowned mountain resort, the Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort and Spa . Today's journey will impart lasting visuals of the spectacular landscape and endearing faces of Chiang Rai's highlands.

Motorcycling: 75 km, paved road
Hiking: 1-3 hours
Meals: B,L,D

Day 8 - Mountains to the Mekong

Mount your scooter or hop in the van and drive up to Doi Tung Royal Gardens, a renowned development center for hilltribe groups and a stop for a robust local coffee. From here a gorgeous ascending ridge brings you to one of the province's highest mountains, Doi Chaang Mub, then down one of the most spectacular roads on earth along the Thai-Myanmar border. With spaghetti-like turns and gorgeous backdrops these quiet mountain roads bring us out to Thailand's furthest frontiers. After lunch we'll pass the Golden Triangle's lush farmland towards a small resort on the banks of the Mekong River. After an awe-inspiring day, we're rewarded with deluxe cottages at the Rai Saeng Arun, commanding grand views over the river with Laos facing us on the other side. Enjoy a beverage on your balcony and soak it all in.

Motorcycling: 125 km, paved road
Meals: B,L,D

Day 9 - The Golden Triangle

Your final day in the north is a wild one! Board a rocket-boat for a thrilling, 60km/hr ride, up the Mekong River to the Golden Triangle. En-route you'll visit a Laotian trading port then experience the impressive Hall of Opium, which chronicles the fascinating history of one of the world's most notorious crops and its role in the region. Enjoy lunch along the Mekong before shuttling back to Chiang Rai for your late afternoon flight to Bangkok. You'll land about 17:00, perfect for connecting to your beach destination!

Meals: B,L

Days 10-13 - Bring on the Beach

This is where you get to really unwind and do your own thing. Depending on your preference, we'll send you to one of two beach destinations, unescorted, with all the details taken care of. Chose from:

Ko Samet: After your arrival in Bangkok, a private minivan and speedboat shuttles you three hours southeast to the island paradise of Ko Samet. You'll spend the next four-days and four-nights in a charming beach bungalow, but a stone's throw from silky-soft sand. Quiet bliss is the order of the day here but there're lots of nice walks, paddling and snorkeling at nearby islands to be done for those who like to keep busy. On the afternoon of Day 13 a speedboat will shuttle you to the mainland where you'll board your private minivan back to Bangkok.

Ao Nang, Krabi: Upon your arrival in Bangkok you'll board a connecting flight to experience true tropical paradise - Ao Nang, Krabi. Located 850km south of Bangkok, this incredible area is quickly becoming the sun and fun destination in Thailand. You'll spend the next four days and four nights at one of our favorite properties. Nearby Railay Bay, where climbers dangle from limestone cliffs that rise hundreds of feet straight from the ocean is just a short longtail boat ride away and a perfect place to waste your days away on one of the many beaches. An early afternoon flight on Day 13 takes you back to Bangkok.

Meals: B

 

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FAQs

What is the hiking like?

During our optional hike, we'll walk for 2-4 hours, covering about 5km. Paths are dirt and steep in some sections, but rambling and gentle for the most part. A general level of fitness and appreciation of hiking will prepare you for these outings. Ample water and snacks will always be on hand.

What if I don't ride a bike?

No problem. Our trips are designed to be flexible. When others in your group are biking we can take you to see some other sites and activities. It's that simple!

What if I don't ride a motorscooter?

No problem. Roughly half our guests ride motorscooters on our adventures. Motorcycling or motorscootering is best-suited to those with some prior experience. If you have no experience but are very keen, we run a comprehensive training course prior to riding that you can try. If motorcycles aren't for you, enjoy the trip from the comfort of our van, with relaxing music, big windows and chilled beverages. You're also welcome to ride on the back of your guide's motorscooter to experience the wind in your face.

*Safety note*: while our Team is willing to train you on the motorscootering portion, it must be understood that in the interests of overall safety we can not guarantee that everyone interested will ride. The final decision must ultimately rest with your ground team. A safe, injury free vacation is a fun vacation!

What if it rains?

Our adventures run year-round, rain or shine. During the rainy season (July-Oct) it's a good idea to bring an umbrella and be prepared to get a bit wet. When it really pours we take shelter, enjoy a beverage and let it pass, which is usually quickly - then we'll continue exploring. It's a great experience to see a SE Asian rain shower up close!

Our group includes a variety of ages, interests and abilities - will we enjoy the same trip?

Yes, our adventures are flexible. If one member of your group doesn't want to ride a bike, we'll have a van waiting while you enjoy a good pedal. You may not want to ride a motorscooter, so you can enjoy the comfort of our van or even try riding on the back of your guide's bike for a while. We are experienced in ensuring everyone has their own perfect holiday while traveling together.

Read our Testimonials to learn more about how flexible our trips are.

Will I be sardined in a bus with a bunch of tourists?

Not a chance. There is no coach class on a Smiling Albino adventure. For more on our travel philosophies see Our Promises.

Have more questions?

We have lots more information in our Travel Tips section that will give you an idea of what it's like to travel with Smiling Albino. You can read more on food, weather, language, history and culture, see where you'll be travelling, and maybe find a book or two that you can read before your adventure.

Visit the Travel Tips area.

 

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Trip Gallery

Upgrade Options

Want a Five star stay in Bangkok?

During your three nights in Bangkok, enjoy a Deluxe Room at the Four Seasons, one of the world's great hotels: $300US/room/night.

Want to do Chiang Rai in a Five star?

Virtually all of our trips are modifiable, and there's no reason you can't enjoy the same activities with 5-star accommodations along the way.

Treat yourself to Pool Villa for two nights at The Legend Chiang Rai. Additional trip cost: $165US/pp (double) or $330US/pp (single).

Also you can enjoy a Pool Villa for one night at The Phu Chaisai. Additional trip cost: $75US/pp (double) or $145US/pp (single).

Need time on the beach when you're done? Our Thailand beach escapes are second to none.

Smiling Albino has an extensive selection of amazing beach resorts and destinations. Check out our options and let us know if we can add a beach escape to your trip.

Flights to & from Bangkok can be arranged.

Need a hotel in Bangkok before or after the trip?

Either downtown or at the airport we can accomodate you.

Downtown: Majestic Grande $105US/night or the Four Seasons $300US/pp/night (double) or $600US/pp/night (single).
Airport: Rama Gardens airport hotel $100US/night or the Novotel Suvarnabhumi $225US/night.

Like to customize this adventure as a private trip?

Any of our trips can be changed up and moved around to give you the perfect experience. Take a look at one of our custom trip examples and let us know what we can do for you.

 

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