Total Thailand

Bangkok, baby. Your 27-day adventure starts here. Take the day to settle in, wash off the travel and explore the streets around the hotel. This evening you'll meet your group and your Local Legend for our welcome dinner at one of our favourite restaurants on the one and only Khao San Road. Strangers tonight, crew by the weekend.

After breakfast, we shop Bangkok-style, by long-tail boat through a floating market piled with food, clothes and souvenirs. Then we head to Kanchanaburi and board another boat for a cruise down the River Kwai, past jungle and raft houses. We finish at sunset on the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, learning about its powerful history.

Pack your swimmers. Erawan Falls is an hour from Kanchanaburi and it's seven tiers of turquoise pools, each one begging for a dip. The walk to the top takes some effort, but it's completely worth it. We have lunch at the falls, then head back for an afternoon by the pool or in town before dinner and drinks.

Today we jump on bikes and pedal round Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam and a World Heritage Site, learning its history as we roll between temple ruins. After a bite to eat, it's all aboard the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai. You get your own bed, pillow and covers, so expect a decent night's sleep.

We check in to our guesthouse between Chiang Mai's old and new towns, with the city's oldest temple right across the road. Then we climb roughly 300 steps to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous temple in Chiang Mai, for panoramic views over the city. The afternoon is free for the pool, a nap or more exploring before dinner.

After breakfast we trek through the northern jungle to Javis house, keeping an eye out for wildlife and maybe a waterfall. It's a challenge, not a marathon, and those beers will be earned. We spend the night with a farming family in their village, learn to make a Ta Laew, then share a traditional dinner and stories round the bonfire.

Enjoy a slow jungle morning and breakfast, then we head back towards Chiang Mai the fun way, on bamboo rafts down the river. Keep watch for wildlife. After lunch we visit an ethical elephant rehabilitation sanctuary where the elephants roam free and our visit helps fund programmes that do good. Then it's back to Chiang Mai to rest up.

Today you fly. After breakfast we zipline through the jungle canopy, with rope bridges and abseils thrown in for good measure. Heart racing, legs dangling, inner child fully unleashed. Lunch is included, then the evening is free. We'd suggest the night markets for street food and souvenirs for your friends, your family or, let's be honest, yourself.

After breakfast the morning is yours to slow down: read, sip a cocktail, do whatever floats your boat. This afternoon we grab our bags and hop on a bus to Pai, three hours from Chiang Mai. It's a hippie backpacker town full of retro bars, market stalls, excellent food and people from all walks of life.

A big day of Pai's highlights. We start at Lod Cave, Thailand's biggest, hiking its chambers and rafting the river inside, depending on season. After lunch we soak in jungle hot springs heated by geothermal activity, clay masks optional. We finish on Pai Canyon's narrow ridges just in time for sunset over the mountains and jungle.

Chill day, let's go. Have a lie-in, then spend the day lounging, swimming, playing games, reading or snoozing in the sun. Pai is made for slowing down, so do exactly that, and don't forget the sun cream. Once you're fully recharged, we'll meet for dinner and drinks and see where the night takes us.

This morning we head back to Chiang Mai, then it's time to cook up a storm. Our teachers take us round the market to choose the freshest ingredients, then guide us step by step through classic Thai dishes. Dinner is whatever we've made, so no pressure. You'll leave with new recipes, new skills and a very full belly.

After breakfast we head to a huge man-made lagoon that's been turned into a grown-ups' playground. Think slides, floating chairs, tubes and, for the brave, cliff jumping. It's honestly one of the most fun places in Thailand. This evening we head out into Chiang Mai for our final dinner and drinks in the north.

After breakfast and checkout, you've got free time to soak up Chiang Mai once more: the markets, the temples or the pool. Then we board the overnight train south. Kick back in your bunk, recharge and get ready, because tomorrow it's the hustle and bustle of Bangkok all over again.

Back in Bangkok and straight into a tuk-tuk. We zip through the streets to Wat Arun and Wat Pho, home of the famous golden Reclining Buddha. Then we swap wheels for long-tail boats and see the city from the Chao Phraya River. The afternoon is yours for street food, market shopping and your best bartering.

After breakfast there's time for a traditional Thai massage and one last look around Bangkok. This evening we board the overnight train to Surat Thani, gateway to Khao Sok National Park. Sleeping masks on, it's time to catch some Zzzs.

Picture low clouds drifting over limestone mountains and an emerald lake. Khao Sok is one of our favourite places in the world, and tonight we sleep right on it in floating bungalows. After lunch, kayak, swim or relax with a beer. We'll also join the Baang Lam Phu eco-workshop. Then it's a Thai buffet dinner in the floating restaurant.

After breakfast we leave Khao Sok for Bottle Beach on Koh Phangan, one of our favourite beaches anywhere. It's only reachable by boat, so we basically have it to ourselves. Dinner is on the sand, followed by cocktails round a beach campfire and our own private fire show. The bar stays open as long as we do.

Wake to the sound of the waves. The morning is lazy by design: sleep in, swim, or hike through the jungle to the Bottle Beach viewpoint over the Gulf of Thailand. This afternoon we head to a local gym for an intro lesson in Muay Thai, Thailand's national sport. Gloves on, and see what you're made of.

Today we sail around Koh Phangan's coast, stopping at the island's best snorkelling spots to meet the sea life and cool off. Lunch is on board, there's plenty of deck space to soak up the sun and the tunes play all day. We're back on land around sunset for dinner and drinks on our last Koh Phangan night.

Goodbye Koh Phangan, hello Koh Tao, its laid-back little neighbour famous for diving and beaches. We check in near Sairee Beach, lined with restaurants, beach bars and dive schools. Spend the afternoon by the pool, wandering town or on the sand, then tonight we hit the beach bars and see where things go.

Time to see what the fuss is about. We head out by boat to snorkel Koh Tao's clear water and visit Koh Nang Yuan, with its famous three-way sandbar. Snorkel gear, lunch and drinks are on us, or just top up your tan on deck. Tonight it's dinner and drinks at the little bars along Sairee Beach.

Your day, your call. Join us at Tanote Bay, a gorgeous little beach for swimming and lazing. Want more adrenaline? We can help arrange one of Koh Tao's extreme activities, from rock climbing to scuba diving and water sports. Or simply stay in bed until checkout. Nobody's judging.

Soak up one last chilled Koh Tao morning, then we travel to the Phi Phi islands, arriving by speedboat in the afternoon. After checking in you've got free time before our group dinner. Phi Phi mixes laid-back island energy with a lively backpacker crowd and beach parties, so tonight can be as wild or mellow as you like.

After a slow morning we're back on the water, bound for Maya Bay, the beach made famous by Leo in The Beach. We snorkel again, visit Viking Cave and Monkey Beach with its cheeky locals, and eat lunch on board. Then we stay out to watch the sunset from the boat. Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday.

Start with an optional morning hike to the Phi Phi viewpoint, the ultimate Thailand photo. Then we head to Phuket, staying near lively Patong Beach. It's easy for onward travel, and you have to experience it once. The afternoon is free to chill and explore before our last night out together on Bangla Road.

After breakfast it's our last day and, yes, there may be tears. Your Local Legend can help with onward travel if you're carrying on. 27 days of temples, jungle, islands and late nights, and a group of friends who'll be in your life long after the tan fades. Total Thailand, completed it, mate. Until next time, crew.