Walk on the Wild Side This two-week itinerary has been designed for those who want to discover the real Thailand but love nature and wildlife. You will see animals in the wild during safaris, go birdwatching at dawn and have private nature walks. You will definitely see the bigger animals as you will also get the chance to interact with elephants and tigers in unique conservation centres. You will also visit historic sites, meet genuinely-friendly local people and fit in a spot of Thai cooking, though there is time to relax too! First stop on your private adventure is the urban jungle of Bangkok. You'll be picked up at the airport by one of our drivers in a private car and taken to your boutique hotel where will have a bit of time to settle in. Then you will have an evening around in the city lit up at night and dinner at a carefully-selected riverside restaurant. The next day, an expert guide will take you around the main sites of Bangkok as well as some of city's less-known attractions. The next day, you will head west. You will visit a unique sanctuary for tigers in the company of a tiger expert. You will be able to get up close to the tigers that live in harmony with Buddhist monks and get a unique behind-the-scenes look at developments on 'Tiger Island', a place where the tigers will be able to live freely. Your breakfast with the monks the next day as tiger cubs roam around your feet and helping with their morning exercise will be memories you will cherish forever. Then, you will head to eco-friendly North Eastern Thailand to the UNESCO heritage site of Khao Yai National Park, home to a plethora of wildlife including elephants, gibbons, monkeys and over a million bats. Finally, it's time to explore northern Thailand were will visit Thailand's third largest mountain in Chiang Dao, meet some locals who will give you the inside track to life in Thailand. Then you'll go off to nearby Chiang Mai where you will have a 'hands on' elephant-conservation experience, at a sanctuary where elephants roam free, a far cry from the elephant camps that the typical tourist visits. You will even scrub your elephant down in the river! Day 1: Depart UK (regional departures available) on a direct flight with Thai Airways or Eva Air. Day 2: Transfer from Bangkok airport by chauffeur-driven car to boutique hotel. Evening drive around and dinner at a riverside restaurant. Day 3: Private tour of the main sights with a private guide. Day 4: Transfer to Kanchanaburi, en route visit to 'Bridge over the River Kwae' and war cemeteries. Afternoon visit to unique tiger sanctuary, known as 'Tiger Temple' accompanied by a tiger expert for behind-the scenes tour. Day 5: Morning visit to Tiger Temple for breakfast with the monks and helping with the tigers' morning exercise. Afternoon at leisure. Evening dinner in Kanchanaburi. Day 6: Transfer to Khao Yai National Park, arrival at lodge, time to settle in. Dusk visit to the 'Bat Cave', to see over a million bats leave for the night. Day 7: Early start for a day in Khao Yai National Park, morning walking the nature trails and afternoon safari. Day 8: Leisurely start, enjoy the pool. Travel to the north of Thailand via car to Bangkok and short flight. Pick up at Chiang Mai airport and transfer to Chiang Dao, dinner at a local restaurant. Day 9: Visit Chiang Dao temple and limestone caves. Shop at the local food market for fresh ingredients before an informal Thai cookery lesson. Day 10: Dawn birdwatching and nature walk. Afternoon at leisure - go for a walk in the surrounding countryside or relax on your private verandah Day 11: Morning visit to hilltribe market, afternoon transfer to countryside outside Chiang Mai. Time to settle in and enjoy the pool. Evening visit into Chiang Mai town. Days 12 & 13: Two days at Elephant Nature Park where you will learn how to look after elephants and even scrub them down in the river. Day 14: Leisurely start and local area tour with a boat trip. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the gardens and pool. Day 15: Sightseeing around Chiang Mai, visit the old city, the temples and the handicraft villages, fantastic for buying gifts and souvenirs. Day 16: Transfer to Chiang Mai airport for a short flight to Bangkok where you will connect to the international flight. Arrival back in the UK at approximately 7pm UK time (same day) This private two-week tour costs from £1,975 per person, based on two people sharing. This includes direct flights from London Heathrow with Thai Airways or Eva Air, accommodation, activities/excursions, private transport and most meals. Regional departures are available. Flight updgrades and boutique beach extensions are available, subject to supplement. Download the full itinerary and call us for a chat on 0800 011 2571 
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