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Southeast Asia: Hilltribes & Street Food

Name: Southeast Asia: Hilltribes & Street Food
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 1719.2 USD
Availability: InStock

-20%

Country:

Thailand

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

5561

Operator:

G Adventures
Length:

21 days
Group size:

18 pax
Age:

18 to 39
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

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Itinerary

Now's the time to explore Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Feast on mouth-watering laksa at the night market in Kuala Lumpur, explore the hilltribes of northern Thailand by foot, and mellow out on the white-sand beaches of the sunny south. Get the freedom of roaming where you want, between highlights and must-sees, and experience this side of Southeast Asia like never before.

Tour program

Day 1

Bangkok

Arrive at any time and welcome to Bangkok - Thailand's bustling capital!

This evening, the famous Khao San Road is on the itinerary for your first night out. Explore this buzzing traveller hub with your CEO and check out the lively bars and dance parties that line the street. Grab a Thai beer or tea and connect with your fellow travellers. Don't forget to sample local delicacies, and try a deep fried scorpion if you dare!

Included Activities:
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Connect With New Friends

Day 2

Bangkok/Chiang Mai (1B)

This tour is off to a colourful start with a day to freely explore Bangkok. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Tonight, you'll take the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Basic Overnight Train (beds) 12:00 Hr(s)

Additional Notes: Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport.

Day 3

Chiang Mai

Make sure you've got room for more than three meals today, because you're heading to the best street food spots in Chiang Mai. Besides eating, there's lots to do here — like a visit to Doi Suthep temple or taking it easy with a soak in the Sankampang Hot Springs.

Included Activities:
- Chiang Mai Street Food Crawl

Additional Notes: Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.

Day 4

Chiang Mai/Ban Mae Jok (1B, 1L, 1D)

It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Pickup Truck 01:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Hilltribe Trek Day 1

Additional Notes: The exact itinerary of the walking on this trip may change from time to time, taking into account the weather and local conditions. Also, please note there may be times when the use of video and/or still cameras may be inappropriate -- your CEO and guides will be able to advise you. Be prepared for the accommodation to be basic; remember, it's all about an authentic and unique experience!

Day 5

Ban Mae Jok/Pa Khao Lam (1B, 1L, 1D)

Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night.

Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Hilltribe Trek Day 2

Day 6

Pa Khao Lam/Chiang Mai (1B, 1L)

After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage) and get ready for your big night out. Venture to the best bar in town to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures!

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Pickup Truck 01:30 - 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Bamboo Rafting to Lahu Village
- Lahu Village Visit
- Bamboo Rafting to Shan Village
- Chiang Mai Celebration

Day 7

Chiang Mai/Bangkok (1B)

Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Basic Overnight Train (beds) 12:00 - 13:00 Hr(s)

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Northern Thai Cooking Class

Additional Notes: Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport.

Day 8

Bangkok

Get out and explore this fantastic city where there is endless sightseeing to be done.

Additional Notes: As this longer tour is comprised of two shorter tours, there is the possibility that you will need to change hotels on this day. Check in with your CEO about this while on tour. The two hotels we generally use are within walking distance.

Day 9

Bangkok/Surat Thani (1B)

Get on first-name basis with Thailand's capital city by bike with an optional bike tour. Today, you can check out Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, go for a street food crawl, relax with a Thai massage, or explore the klongs (canals) by boat before boarding the overnight train.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Basic Overnight Train (beds) 12:00 - 13:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Chiang Mai Street Food Crawl

Day 10

Surat Thani/Khao Sok (1B)

See southern Thai hospitality in action with breakfast at G Adventures-supported Khao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Restaurant, where you can also meet other international visitors. Later on, enjoy free time. Opt to go to Lake Cheow Lan where you can take in the views while hiking or swimming in the national park. Spend tonight falling asleep to the sweet sounds of the jungle.

This area is known for its natural beauty. You know what that means: lots of chances for photos.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Local Bus 03:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal

Day 11

Khao Sok/Koh Samui (1B)

Your next stop is just a ferry ride away. Today, explore Ko Samui Island's beauty by catching the sunset at Chaweng Beach before eating your weight in street food at the night market. For your big night out, head to a popular beach bar, celebrate life-changing adventures, and dance the night away.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:30 Hr(s)
- Ferry 01:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Koh Samui

Day 12

Koh Samui (1B, 1L)

Take a scenic day trip to pristine Ang Thong National Marine Park. As a protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands, the views here are unforgettable — perfect for making friends back home jealous. Try to spot all the different kinds of marine life and explore above the water by foot or below the water by snorkel. Be forewarned: it might take you all day to take in all this beauty.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Included Activities:
- Angthong National Marine Park Visit

Day 13

Koh Samui/George Town (1B)

Gear up for a long day of travel. Ferry back to the mainland and continue by private vehicle to cross the border into Malaysia and on to George Town, Penang.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Ferry 01:30 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 08:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Thailand - Malaysia)

Day 14

George Town

Get a full day in Penang. Explore the busy streets and check out the colourful famous street art. Trust us: they make for a great backdrop!

Day 15

George Town/Chenderoh Lake (1D)

Learn about local culture (especially how to properly tie a sarong!) at this island homestay, nestled in the middle of a beautiful lake. Tonight, relax as you take in the scenery and connect with the family that runs this homestay.

Meals Included:
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Chenderoh Lake Homestay

Day 16

Chenderoh Lake/Cameron Highlands (1B)

Enjoy slightly cooler temperatures in the Cameron Highlands. Here, explore the well-marked trails through the lush tropical forest, visit a tea plantation, or search for the rafflesia: the world's largest flower.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation With CEO

Day 17

Cameron Highlands/Kuala Lumpur

Today is yours to take on. Walk around and explore, but don't skip trying the national dish of Malaysia, nasi lemak — a traditional rice dish made with coconut milk and pandan leaf.

Once the sun sets, see another side to the city as you stop by the famous Petronas Towers (which light up at night) before checking out the local nightlife.

Transport:
- Local Bus 03:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)

Day 18

Kuala Lumpur (1B)

You've got the whole day for exploring. Head out of town to visit the famous Batu Caves or the Orang Alsi Museum. Later tonight, head to some rooftop bars for drinks and dancing, or stop by the night market and find some flavours you never knew existed.

Built in 1928 as a fresh market for locals, and revamped in the 1980s as an outlet for all Malaysian handicrafts, the night market is a local institution. Make sure you don't miss it.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Day 19

Kuala Lumpur/Melaka (1B)

Today is your day to take on the canals by boat, and see a different side of this old port town. Maybe stop for some famous chicken rice at Kedai Kopi Chung Wah in Chinatown. Locals love it here; they often line up for hours to get a taste.

The streets of Chinatown (also known as Jonker Walk) are also lined with Peranakan (Straits Chinese) shophouses offering their traditional cuisine, Nyonya. Explore the many temples, churches, mosques, museums, and forts.
Visit the old port town of Melaka, wander the narrow streets and absorb the atmosphere of this historically important town. The streets of Chinatown are lined with Peranakan (Straits Chinese) shophouses offering their traditional cuisine, Nyonya. There are temples, churches and mosques, museums and forts to explore.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Local Bus 03:00 Hr(s)

Day 20

Melaka/Singapore

Head to Singapore today, where you can use your free time to see that famous skyline by boat or eat so much street food, you can barely walk. For a peek into the city-state's past life, wander the old streets of Little India and Chinatown.

Transport:
- Local Bus 04:00 - 05:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Malaysia - Singapore)

Day 21

Singapore (1B)

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and cheers before you head on your way.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

Tour Details

accommodation

Simple hotels (twin-share) (11 nts), hostels (multi-share) (2 nts), basic lodge (1 nt), basic hilltribe huts (2 nts, multi-share), sleeper trains (3 nts), pod hotel (1 nt)

flights

International flights are not included

guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

meals

14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

optional

Bangkok

- Royal Barge Museum (3.50USD per person)

- Thai Massage (15-30USD per person)

- Wat Po Visit (3.50USD per person)

- Klong Riverboat Tour (30USD per person)

- Grand Palace Visit (15USD per person)

- Jim Thompson's House Visit (4USD per person)

- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

- Wat Po Guided Tour

- National Museum Visit (2USD per person)

Doi Suthep

- Doi Suthep Temple Visit (2USD per person)

Chiang Mai

- Massage (Southeast Asia)

- Cooking Class

- Khantoke Dinner and Show (30USD per person)

- Chiang Mai Cycling Tour (30USD per person)

- Yoga Class

- Chiang Mai City Tour

Khao Sok

- Tubing (10USD per person)

Ko Samui

- Ko Samui Boat Tour (50USD per person)

- Cooking Class (70USD per person)

- Ko Samui Island Tour (15USD per person)

- Water Skiing (20USD per person)

- Kayaking (3USD per person)

- Scuba Diving (80USD per person)

George Town

- Indian Street Visit

- Penang Hill Visit

- Clan Jetties Excursion

- Penang Peranakan Museum Visit

- Kek Lok Si Temple Visit

- Khoo Kongsi Visit

Cameron Highlands

- Rainforest Expedition

Gombak

- Batu Caves Visit

Kuala Lumpur

- Islamic Arts Museum (15MYR per person)

- Petronas Towers Visit (85MYR per person)

- Orang Asli Museum Visit

- Menara KL Tower (12USD per person)

Melaka

- Melaka Boat Tour (12USD per person)

Singapore

- Boat Quay Harbour Tour

others

Your G for Good Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal, Ban Ta Khun
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Discover Moment: Bangkok
Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai
Your Big Night Out Moment: Chiang Mai Celebration, Chiang Mai
Your Big Night Out Moment: Koh Samui, Koh Samui
Your Local Living Moment: Chenderoh Lake Homestay, Chenderoh Lake. Hilltribe trek. Bamboo rafting. Ang Thong National Marine Park island hopping tour. Two street food crawls. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. 1. RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025, and Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour is a combination of other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may change on Day 8 or have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.Bangkok
- Klong Riverboat Tour (30USD per person)
- Wat Po Visit (300THB per person)
- Entrance - Royal Barge Museum (3.50USD per person)
- Thai Massage (15-30USD per person)
- Grand Palace Visit (15USD per person)
- Jim Thompson's House Visit (4USD per person)
- Wat Po Guided Tour
- National Museum Visit (2USD per person)

Chiang Mai
- Northern Thai Cooking Class
- Khantoke Dinner and Show (30USD per person)
- Chiang Mai Cycling Tour (1500THB per person)
- Yoga Class
- Massage
- Cooking Class
- Chiang Mai City Tour

Doi Suthep
- Doi Suthep Temple Visit (2USD per person)

Khao Sok
- Tubing (10USD per person)

Ko Samui
- Cooking Class (70USD per person)
- Ko Samui Boat Tour (50USD per person)
- Water Skiing (20USD per person)
- Stand Up Paddleboarding at Koh Samui (50USD per person)

Koh Samui
- Koh Samui Island Tour (15USD per person)

George Town
- Indian Street Visit
- Penang Hill Visit (60MYR per person)
- Clan Jetties Excursion
- Kek Lok Si Temple Visit
- Khoo Kongsi Visit
- Penang Peranakan Museum Visit (25MYR per person)

Cameron Highlands
- Rainforest Expedition (80MYR per person)

Kuala Lumpur
- Islamic Arts Museum (15MYR per person)
- Petronas Towers Visit (85MYR per person)
- Orang Asli Museum Visit (5MYR per person)
- Menara KL Tower (12USD per person)

Gombak
- Batu Caves Visit (80MYR per person)

Melaka
- Melaka Boat Tour (12USD per person)

Singapore
- Boat Quay Harbour Tour

transport

Local bus, minibus, train, walking, river raft, ferry.

Good to know

Currency

THB

Baht

Thailand

Customer reviews

Overall

4.7

Itinerary

Guide

Transport

4.4

Accommodation

4.2

Food

4.4

Operator

4.7

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.