Country Living (UK)

Take a two-week THAI ODYSSEY across CITY, JUNGLE & BEACH

Compare the energy of Bangkok with the serenity of a tented camp before a week on the coast as you meet the elephants at Elephant Hills

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Beautiful and intriguing Thailand is a land of diversity, from the manmade modernity of Bangkok that sweeps you up in sensory squalls to a rural heartland where the rainforest­s remain the domain of gibbons and macaques, and where elephants can be spied in the morning mist. Then there are the glorious beaches, famed for their pristine beauty and tropical ambience.

You’ll see all sides of Thailand on this two-week adventure with all travel arrangemen­ts taken care of. It begins in Bangkok, staying in a smart five-star hotel in a prime spot perfectly positioned for three days exploring this noisy and joyous metropolis. A calmer atmosphere awaits when you fly south to Elephant Hills to stay in a luxury tented camp – similar to the ones you find on safari in Africa – for three nights in Thailand’s jungle interior. You’ll meet the elephants, explore the rivers, hike through the rainforest and learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes. Nights are spent under canvas – but perfectly comfortabl­y, thanks to proper beds, wooden floors and bathrooms.

After camping, you’ll swap the jungle for the beach, spending a week in a gorgeous resort with all modern convenienc­es to help you feel utterly pampered. With views over the Andaman Sea, the Apsara Beachfront Resort & Villa is in the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying Thailand’s coastal bliss. When you’re ready to explore a little further, there are national parks and exotic islands within easy reach for a tropical day trip to see just why Thailand’s west coast is held in such high esteem.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

GET TO KNOW BANGKOK

Spend three days in this dazzling metropolis seeing its skyscraper­s sitting alongside the wats, Thailand’s ornate temples. Taste the street food and delve deep into markets selling everything from the curious to the curiouser.

MEET THAI ELEPHANTS

See some of the nation’s most captivatin­g wildlife in the jungle. You’ll meet the elephants and feed them, but there’s no riding of the animals at Elephant Hills. Here, these magnificen­t creatures are treated with respect and their welfare is a top priority.

LEARN TO COOK THAI FOOD

The spicy, sour, sweet and salty food keeps people returning to these shores – there’s nothing quite like Thai food prepared properly. Elephant Hills has cooking demos so you can see exactly how authentic dishes are made.

STAY IN A WONDERFUL TENTED CAMP

Sleep under canvas with every amenity, meaning you’ll have the best of both worlds – an adventure in the rainforest without sacrificin­g creature comforts.

RELAX ON THE BEACH

After a whirlwind time in Bangkok and an adventure through the jungle, a week on a Thai beach will be just what’s needed to wind down and where you can enjoy the tropical scenery and weather.

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 ?? ?? Taste and learn to cook delicious Thai street food
Experience vibrant, colourful and often peaceful Bangkok
Taste and learn to cook delicious Thai street food Experience vibrant, colourful and often peaceful Bangkok
 ?? ?? Wind down on Khao Lak’s pristine beaches
Wind down on Khao Lak’s pristine beaches
 ?? ?? Explore the rivers and hike through the rainforest in Khao Sok National Park
Explore the rivers and hike through the rainforest in Khao Sok National Park
 ?? ?? Meet the locals at award-winning Elephant Hills
Meet the locals at award-winning Elephant Hills
 ?? ?? Stay in a luxury tented jungle camp
Stay in a luxury tented jungle camp

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