Thailand

Introduction to the Thailand expedition

 Thailand flag

Thailand forms the heart of South-East Asia, bordered by Malaysia to the south, Cambodia to the south-east and Myanmar (Burma) and Laos to the north. The topography varies from high mountains in the north, which are part of a series of ranges that extend across northern Myanmar to the south-eastern edges of the Tibet plateau, to tropical islands in the south that make up a portion of the Malay archipelago.

This is the destination for a team that are looking for a rich cultural experience combined with a wonderful jungle trekking experience which could include bamboo rafting and elephant riding.

 Thailand image gallery
Although Thailand has long been a popular destination for travellers, this expedition will spend only a fraction of the time visiting popular tourist sites, instead teams will head into areas that are rarely accessed and visit some remote hill-tribe villages. The benefit of going to a country with a tourism infrastructure is that the transport will be quick and efficient and at the end of the month away teams can relax on exotic beaches.
 
 Thailand map
Thailand expedition summary
  Location: Thailand, South East Asia
Duration: 14 to 28 days
Ideal for: A rich cultural experience with excellent jungle trekking.
Highlights: Jungle trekking, elephant riding and relaxing on perfect beaches.
 

Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Program Manager for Thailand will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.
Trekking in Thailand Thailand expedition Thailand expedition

Bangkok
The team will fly into this fascinating and diverse city. Thailand’s capital might well come as a shock to the senses, but there is plenty to see for anyone prepared to put up with the heat and the frantic pace of South-East Asia’s most cosmopolitan city. Several of the Thailand’s National Parks are in relatively close proximity to Bangkok, offering some spectacular jungle scenery, waterfalls and a huge variety of wildlife.

Acclimatisation
Erwan National Park 50km North of Kanchanaburi, set against a backdrop mountains and caves, the Erawan National Park is famous for its 7 tiered waterfall which teams can trek to in half a day. There is also the possibility of visiting a wild elephant. This option would also include a stopover in Kanchanaburi and the surrounding area to visit the area’s infamous WWII historic sites including the ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’.

Khao Yai National Park
Containing one of the largest intact monsoon forests in mainland Asia and also the Hew Suwat Waterfall as featured in the film "The Beach", Khao Yai is considered by experts to be amongst the world’s best National Parks. Khao Yai is also a possible location for a challenging main trekking phase.

Main Trekking Phase
The team will head for the lush jungle in the northern highlands for their main trekking phase. Possible trekking areas include the Um Phang region near Mae Sot, and the region north-west of Chiang Rai. Most of the trekking itineraries could include an elephant ride and spending nights in remote hill-tribe villages. In some itineraries it may be possible to do some white-water rafting, although such options would incur an additional cost.

Projects
There are many opportunities for different sorts of project work around Thailand, from living and working with remote hill-tribe villages around Chiang Rai in the far north, where previous teams have assisted with the construction of community buildings, to renovation work and English teaching at an orphanage.

Rest and Relaxation
Due to Thailand’s extensive coastline there is no lack of beautiful beaches and islands to relax on. Basic beach huts are available or the team may wish to simply sling their hammocks from the trees along the beach.


Find out more
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