Trip

ULTIMATE THAILAND JOURNEY

Tempel in Chiang Mai
Intro

1-Month of backpacking through Thailand, full of adventures, islands & diving

This itinerary is the perfect option if you want to experience everything Thailand has to offer in around 1 month, and together with likeminded backpackers. We have included several group adventures to ensure you get to see Thailand's highlights while making new friends en route!

You start your journey in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Here you'll meet your new travel buddies before heading northwards to Chiang Mai. It's a 7 day group adventure and takes you through Kanchanaburi & Srinakarin Dam National Park.

Stay for a few days in Chiang Mai on your own, and get ready to an extraordinary trip through the picturesque Umphang district between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. 

From Bangkok you find your own way to Surat Thani (we recommend the train) before it's time for you to explore some of the islands of the East coast of Thailand, Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan are solid suggestions. When you're reaching Koh Pha Ngan we have included a fun 5 day stay in a hostel with other backpackers that includes an eventful Full Moon party!

When you're arriving in Koh Tao we have included a 5 day learn to dive course including accommodation, so no need to worry about that - just get ready to explore life under the surface of one the most famous diving islands in the world. 

The rest of the itinerary is up to you, and when you're ready you just find your way to Bangkok and board the plane home.

Highlights of the trip

Tailor-your-trip

Start with a suggested route & adjust to match your wishes with our travel experts

33 days

from

ÂŁ2,799

/person

for 2 people including flights

Included

Flight

Accommodation

Transfers

Activities

Tasting some local delicacies
Chiang Mai

Quick and easy booking process with KILROY

Get in touch

Tell us about your travel plans, ideas, and goals.

Share your plans

We'll get to know you and what you're looking for.

Fine-tune the details

We'll shape the perfect trip together.

Book with confidence

We'll secure everything and take care of the details.

Get ready

Pack your bags and start the countdown.

Day program

Suggested itinerary

This suggested journey is just the beginning. Fine-tune the route, experiences, and details with our experts to make it your own.

Day 1-7 / 33
River cruise in Bangkok
Wat Rong Khun
Umphang Wildlife Explorer
A beach on Koh Samui
The day after a full moon party in Koh Pha Ngan
Learn to dive in Koh Tao.
Take in city before heading home

River cruise in Bangkok

Wat Rong Khun

Umphang Wildlife Explorer

A beach on Koh Samui

The day after a full moon party in Koh Pha Ngan

Learn to dive in Koh Tao.

Take in city before heading home

Day 1-7: From Bangkok to Chiang Mai

After arrival in Bangkok you start your Thailand journey together with likeminded backpackers. Meet the crew in Thailand's capital and enjoy the next week together when you travel from Bangkok up to Chiang Mai. You'll make stops in Kanchanaburi, famous for its nearby waterfalls and the iconic Railway of Death amongst other things, Ayutthaya where a majestic Buddha statue is found and Srinakarin Dam National Park where you'll be sleeping on a floating-raft. Touch down in Chiang Mai where you'll have a few days together with your new friends before exploring the surrounding area on your own - we can help with accommodation if you need it.

Prices & Inclusions

Price overview

From price per person, including return flights, based on two travellers sharing

What's included with this trip?

  • Flights to Bangkok

  • 7 day group trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

  • Umphang trek from Chiang Mai to Bangkok

  • 5 days in Koh Pha Ngan incl. Full Moon Party

  • 5 day Learn to Dive in Koh Tao

  • Booking fees

  • Your own travel specialist

  • Travel insurance (but we can help you with that!)

  • Vaccinations

  • Meals (other than those included in the adventure tours)

  • Optional activities / add ons

Need help planning your trip?

Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The itinerary balances organized group adventures with self-guided time. You will travel with a group for key highlights (like the trip north to Chiang Mai, the Umphang excursion, and the Koh Pha Ngan stay), but you will also have several days to explore independently—such as spending free time in Chiang Mai, arranging your own transit from Bangkok down to Surat Thani, and deciding how to spend your remaining days before returning to Bangkok for your flight home.

Yes, the Umphang Wildlife Explorer trip is ethical and responsible, prioritizing sustainability, native wildlife, and local communities. In partnership with the Mahout Elephant Foundation, elephant encounters focus on respectful, hands-off observation in their natural habitat, strictly prohibiting riding, bathing, or shows. Additionally, the trip supports community-based tourism through an authentic homestay with the Karen community in Palatha Village, ensuring tourism revenue directly benefits local families while funding conservation efforts within the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary.

While group activities cover guided travel for specific segments, you are responsible for independent transfers like traveling from Bangkok to Surat Thani to reach the islands. Taking the overnight or day train is highly recommended for this leg of the journey.

Yes you can. If you already have your certification you can opt in for fun dives instead. Remember this is only a suggested itinerary - you can customize it as much as you want!

Get travel inspiration and exclusive offers directly in your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on new trips, travel inspiration and special deals twice a month.

Experts in Adventure Travel since 1991

For more than 30 years, KILROY has helped curious travellers explore the world through unforgettable adventures. From backpacking trips and round-the-world journeys to working holidays and unique travel experiences, our travel experts are here to help you turn your travel dreams into reality. Travel different. Travel further. Travel with KILROY.

KILROY International

Nytorv 5

1450 Copenhagen

Denmark

 

© 2026 Copyright KILROY International A/S