Thailand has always been one of my favorite countries in the world, and the years I spent living there are some of my most memorable. I long for Thailand on a constant basis, and I love showing people around a country I still call home and opening them up to the magic that is Thailand.
That’s why I was so excited in August to announce that one of the four tours I’ll be leading in 2014 will be in Thailand. The country has so much to offer: delicious food, outstanding beaches, lush jungles, and some of the happiest, friendliest people on earth.
And now it’s time to announce the full details and open sign-ups for the tour!
Nomadic Matt’s Thailand Adventure
While we are there, I’ll be planning many optional activities, food tours, and more. We’ll be visiting my favorite restaurants, bars, food stalls, and sights in the country!
When: Feb. 7–24, 2014 (18 days)
How many people? Maximum of 12
General Itinerary
Day 1 (Feb. 7, 2014): Bangkok
- Arrive in Bangkok
- Group introductions and dinner
Day 2 (Feb. 8, 2014): Bangkok
- Visit to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, the Jim Thompson House, and more
- Optional group dinner and night out
Day 3 (Feb. 9, 2014): Bangkok
- Visit to the weekend market
- Optional group dinner and night out
Day 4 (Feb. 10, 2014): Bangkok – Khao Yai
- Travel to Khao Yai National Park for hiking in a jungle
- Half-day jungle trek
Day 5 (Feb. 11, 2014): Khao Yai
- Full-day guided hiking trek to learn about the landscape and find some elephants. This is one of my favorite parks in all of Thailand.
Day 6 (Feb. 12, 2014): Khao Yai – Chiang Mai
- Travel day, with a slight stopover in Lopburi and then overnight on the train to Chiang Mai
Day 7 (Feb. 13, 2014): Chiang Mai
- Temple tour of Chiang Mai, including a visit to Wat Doi Suthep
- Included group dinner
Day 8 (Feb. 14, 2014): Chiang Mai
- Full day visit to an elephant sanctuary
- Visit to the city’s famous night market
- Optional group dinner
Day 9 (Feb. 15, 2014): Chiang Mai
- Full-day jungle trek
- Optional group dinner
Day 10 (Feb. 16, 2014): Chiang Mai
- Day on your own: relax, explore, and enjoy
- Optional group dinner
Day 11 (Feb. 17, 2014): Chaing Mai to Koh Lanta
- Fly to Krabi, transfer to Ko Lanta to enjoy some of Thailand’s famous beaches!
- Group seafood dinner (non-seafood options available)
Day 12 (Feb. 18, 2014): Koh Lanta
- Day snorkel trip
- Optional group dinner
Day 13 (Feb. 19, 2014): Koh Lanta
- Beach day!
- Optional group dinner
Day 14 (Feb. 20, 2014): Koh Lanta
- Beach day (or snorkel, dive, hike, whatever!)
- Optional group dinner
Day 15 (Feb. 21, 2014): Ko Lanta – Krabi
- Back to Krabi to relax before going back to Bangkok
- Optional group dinner
Day 16 (Feb. 22, 2014): Krabi – Bangkok
- Back to Bangkok
- Optional group dinner
Day 17 (Feb. 23, 2014): Bangkok
- Day trip to Ayutthaya, one of the old capitals of Thailand
- Good-bye dinner
Day 18 (Feb. 24, 2014): Bangkok
- Departure day.
What’s included?
- All accommodations
- Local tour guide
- Listed activities
- Intercity transportation
- Local city transportation when traveling as a group
- One group meal in each city
What’s not included?
- International airfare
- Applicable visa fees
- Food outside that listed above
- Alcohol
- Souvenirs
- Anything not listed
How much?
This 18 day tour is $2,500 USD.
The tour is full but if you want to get on the waitlist, please e-mail me at [email protected] .
F.A.Q.
What kind of rooms are we staying in?
We will be staying in guesthouses that will have air-conditioning and private bathrooms. If you are traveling alone, you will be paired with another traveler of the same gender.
Why does this tour cost so much?
Thailand is a very cheap country, but what makes this tour a bit more expensive than doing it on your own is that we are traveling above “backpacker style” so there are more comforts. This isn’t a “take the slowest, cheapest” way tour. We’re flying between a few destinations as well as doing some great activities. Additionally, in order to run a tour in Thailand, I have to have a Thai guide with us at all times. I’m working with a company to help set up the tour and, due to the adventure activities on the tour, have insurance for the trip in case something happens.
Is international airfare provided?
No, you’ll be responsible for your own airfare to and from the tour.
Will I need travel insurance?
Yes, all guests will be required to have travel insurance for the duration of the trip. I’ll be asking for proof before departure. If you don’t have it, you won’t be able to come.
Is there an age requirement?
You must be 18 years or older.
Will I need to fill out any release forms?
Yes, you’ll also be required to fill out and sign a liability waiver releasing me and Nomadic Matt Tours from any and all liability related to the tour.
What if I change my mind? What is your refund policy?
I’ll cry but understand. Plans change. The refund policy is as follows: if you cancel 90 days before departure, you’ll get 100% of your money back, minus $500 for a non-refundable flight. If you cancel 90-60 days before departure, a 50% refund. If you cancel 60-30 days of departure, a 25% refund. Cancelation within 30 days results in a 0% refund.
Will I have any time to myself?
Of course! I hate the tours that book every minute of your day. While we will be busy, there will also be plenty of time for you to explore on your own!
What about visas?
If you require a visa to enter Thailand, you’ll need to get that in advance at your own cost.
How many spots can I buy at once?
Reservations on the tour are limited to a maximum of two per person to ensure everyone gets a chance to go!
