Thailand Adventure: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Street Food Crawls

Arrive at any time, and kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Hungry? Your CEO will lead you through the alleys and backstreets of Chinatown on a street food crawl, followed by a tuk-tuk ride. Savour your first taste of the best eats in Thailand–yum! There are no activities planned until tonight's welcome meeting and your street food crawl with the group. Get out and explore vibrant Bangkok.

Ready to explore the “Venice of the east?” Climb aboard a motorized long-tail boat and zoom along the canals–known as klongs, that snake through Bangkok. Catch a glimpse of local life by the river; wooden houses built on stilts and ferries taking people to work, temples and school. Is it lunchtime yet? Good, because the next stop is Yimsoo Cafe, a G Adventures–supported project where you’ll slurp up a filling boat noodle lunch. Then it’s bye-bye big city as you head out for an overnight stay like no other on a unique floating-raft accommodation at Srinakarin Dam NP. It’s playtime here–choose to chill out on the deck, dive in for a refreshing swim, explore in a kayak or go for a wet-raft ride. Tonight you can fill up with a delicious Thai barbecue. Having fun yet? Of course you are and it’s only day 2. Your accommodation tonight is truly unique on a floating-raft. The rafts have fully enclosed sleeping quarters (dorm-style with mattress and/or bunks and no gender separation) with shared-bath and a kitchenette where dinner and breakfast are prepared. Beverages are available for purchase or you can bring your own. There is a deck for lounging and swimming and kayaks or wet rafts are available for a small fee.

Ready to explore? Head out to the infamous Hellfire Pass and delve into some World War II sites, walk along the trail and visit Saiyok Noi Waterfall area for a tasty local lunch. All aboard as you jump on the local train, commonly known as the Death Railway and chug towards Kanchanaburi town. Visit the famed Bridge over the river Kwai, the Thailand-Burma Railway museum, and the war cemetery before heading to the hostel for some down time. Beer o’clock anyone? Tonight, stroll through Kanchanaburi's riverside and enjoy the local nightlife.

Ready for another epic day? Of course you are! Pass by a rice farm then fill up on pad thai from a local shop before jumping on a bike at the iconic Ayutthaya ruins. Snap that perfect picture at the Mahathat temple–famed for its Buddha head in the root of a banyan tree. Cycle around the massive reclining Buddha at Wat Logayasutharam in search of the perfect angle. After, hop on a boat for a ride around the city's island and stop at Wat Chai Wattanaram for more insta-worthy pics. Want more? Visit the food market and choose to share a plate of river prawns before hopping into a rocket-nosed tuk tuk to the train station. That was a busy day! Regain your strength in a sleeper car during the overnight train ride heading north.

Hit the ground running as you disembark the train and climb on one of the famous red Songthaews–a local open-air truck. Khao soi for breakfast?? Yes, please! Stop at a street-side shop for this traditional northern Thai noodle soup with coconut milk and sweet curry–yum! From here walk through the old town to your hostel, then the afternoon is yours. Sample delicious street food, visit temples or just kick back with your new friends with a Singha lager. Later, delve into the bustling Chiang Mai night bazaar. Shop-til-you drop, kick your feet up in a lounge chair for a foot massage or try the bizarre, yet satisfying fish pedicure. Living your best life? Yeah!.

Early riser? Come on, there must be some! Join in the age-old tradition of alms giving to local monks at the foot of the Suthep Hill. After, indulge in a blessing and do some chanting at Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. The rest of the day you are free to do as much or as little as you desire–your CEO has you covered. Feeling zen? There are hundreds of Buddhist temples to visit. Feeling active? Jump on a bicycle or tuk tuk to explore the countryside. Or, how about channeling your inner chef at a cooking class learning to make a perfect Pad Thai. Freedom can also be hanging back at the hostel, as always, you're the boss! Just be back in time, cause tonight you've got a date with your new besties.

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading to Hanoi, Vietnam on the next leg of this epic adventure.

Hostels (2 nts), floating raft (1 nt), Hotel (1nt), Guesthouse (1nt), overnight sleeper train (1 nt).

Private vehicle, tuk tuk, boat, bicycle, train, songthaew, walking.