Iconic Thailand 15 Day G-Adventures Tour: Honest Review

The Iconic Thailand G adventures tour is the perfect small group tour for active solo travelers, couples or friends looking for a great experience.

As I prepared for the one year anniversary of my husband’s death, I felt the need to get away. A friend had recently shared photos of a tour she took to Thailand. The country’s beautiful exotic landscape, monk filled temples and an opportunity to interact with elephants intrigued me. The friend had traveled solo to several countries and I wasn’t feeling that independent. I needed a guide who took care of transportation within the country, arranged hotels and provided interesting sites to see while maybe meeting some local people.

G adventures was the best tour company for me.

G Adventures has been a leader in small group adventure travel for nearly 30 years. The tour company specializes in flexible itineraries, freedom to explore, smaller groups, safety and peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Single adventurers are welcome on all the tours! They will pair you up with a roommate of the same sex to ensure you get the same price. You also have the option of “My Own Room” — a single room all to yourself at a great price. Plus, traveling with a small group gets you insider access, safety and support, and camaraderie with an instant squad of travelling companions!

G Adventures has on call agents available to assist with arranging flights and extending your stay in the same hotel as the tour if you are interested.

I started my trip leaving from JFK airport in New York. I was a little nervous to be flying by myself all the way across the world, but that was a part of this soul searching and healing adventure. I was ready!

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DAY 1 BANGKOK

After a layover in Qatar, I arrived at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. I was immediately overwhelmed with the lack of English language writing in the airport. The signs in Thai looked so foreign to me. Relief swept over me as I saw a gentleman standing by baggage claim with my name on a sign. G Adventure’s customer service had assured me I would be met at the airport. Such a benefit that the arrival transfer is included in the tour package no matter when you arrive.

To be sure I did not miss anything, I arrived a day before the tour started and was able to book my room in the same hotel. After unpacking, I had the option to eat in the hotel or take a walk and find food elsewhere. I found a lovely outdoor restaurant around the block and the menu was written in Thai and English with pictures.

It was easy to order my Pad Thai and glass of white wine and the waiter was friendly although he may not have understood much English. This was one of the first times I had eaten out in a restaurant by myself since becoming a widow, and it felt so empowering.

During breakfast, with a whole day to myself, I studied my guide books and maps. I took the train and to the express boat to Tha Tien along the Chao Phraya river to the Grand Palace. The palace complex is comprised of many amazingly beautiful historical buildings and structures.  You can read more about my solo day in Bangkok here: Solo Day in Bangkok.

After a busy solo adventure day, I returned to the hotel in time to meet the group. After introductions, our CEO (Chief Experience Officer) named Beam, a native from Thailand, reviewed the details of our tour. She suggested we all go out to eat dinner together. All the breakfasts are included on the tour, but some of the dinners are on our own. We agreed to all go out and eat together.

DAY 2 BANGKOK/KANCHANABURI

After breakfast, we took a private van to the city of Kanchanaburi, situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers. After walking around a bit, we boarded a train for a winding journey into World War ii history by crossing the bridge made famous in the 1957 film “The Bridge on the River Kwai“.

At the Thailand-Burma Railway Center, we learned about the Burma Railway, constructed by imperial Japanese forces to connect Bangkok and Burma. Then we visited the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to see where more than 6,000 prisoners of war who worked on the railway were buried.

We ended our day of history in a beautiful, tropical hotel with a restaurant along the river. Our G Adventures CEO guide arranged our day flawlessly and dinner was delicious.

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DAY 3 KANCHANABURI/PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA

After breakfast, we packed and piled into the van for a day filled with scenic sightseeing and hiking.

Our first stop included a hike into the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park, located high in the mist-shrouded Tenasserim Hills. We wore our swimsuits for a dip in the turquoise pools of the Erawan Falls—so called because its top tier of cascades resemble the three-headed, mythological elephant known as Erawan. This was fun as our group really got brave and swam in the water with little fish who nibbled on our legs.

Lunch was a quick treat from a nearby food truck, then we were off again. We napped in the comfort of our private van to Ayutthaya. The historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a former capital of the medieval kingdom of Ayutthaya, is also known as Siam.

After checking into the hotel, we boarded a converted 1930’s rice barge. We enjoyed a beautiful cruise down the river past the 700 year old ruins and incredible views of the city while sampling some flavors of authentic Thai cuisine.

DAY 4 PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA/CHIANG MAI

The next morning we set out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Ayutthaya Historical Park. The ruins are located in the old city which served as the Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan regions in the world.

Ayutthaya served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Late in the 17th century its population reached one million, and foreign visitors wrote awestruck accounts of its size and splendor.

We strolled down planned city streets to view magnificent palaces and Buddhist monasteries that set the standard for Thai architecture. One of the biggest thrills was climbing through the ruins with sleeping bats – we didn’t bother them and they didn’t bother us.

From the visit to Ayutthya, we returned to our private van and headed to the Bangkok airport for a short flight to Chiang Mai.  

One of my favorite experiences, and recognized as the Iconic Thailand’s Highlight Moment, was a visit to a village outside Chiang Mai and to a sit down to an authentic Khantoke dinner in the home of a local family.

We met the patriarch in the driveway and he invited us to each place a flower in the spirit house outside the home. Many homes place spirit houses outside to keep bad spirits away. People must offer the spirit house food, drink, flowers and other gifts to bring good luck.

Our host invited us to explore his organic garden pointing out some of the native crops. We learned about life in rural Thailand and were educated about the herbs and spices popular in local Thai cooking.

Dinner was served as we sat cross-legged on the floor in the courtyard. Culinary delights included sticky rice, hang-le curry, and crispy pork with chili paste. Khantoke in the Northern dialect means wooden tray, used for carrying dishes, round in shape and made of teak wood. After dinner, we enjoyed tea time and an opportunity to talk with the local people to learn about their way of living.

DAY 5 CHIANG MAI

Our centrally located hotel put us in walking distance of Chiang Mai’s morning markets. We met with a local chef, and learned about colorful fruits and fragrant herbs as we selected ingredients for a Thai cooking class. Our chef introduced us to the best ingredients to make our Thai dishes.

After enjoying our authentic creations for lunch, we set out to visit a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai’s Suthep district. G Adventures arranged an opportunity for us to meet and speak with young monks which helps with their English learning and helps us understand their daily life and Buddhism.

We took the private van up a winding hill to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on top of Doi Suthep mountain. I was surprised to see so many stray dogs along the road and temple. Apparently the monks feed and care for all these unwanted dogs.

We climbed the 300 steps to reach the temple and and were rewarded with an unforgettable view. We admired the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visited the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot.

Since we arrived late afternoon, we did witness the extraordinary chanting of the monks.

DAY 6 CHIANG MAI

After a busy planned day, our CEO guide gave us some options for our free time on day 6. We could spend a full day exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and forested hills on our own, or choose between a variety of optional activities.

G Adventures did not endorse any of the elephant riding tourism places, but several of us researched on our own and arranged for a half day trip to the Ran-Tong Elephant Save and Rescue Elephant Center. Only 45 minutes from Chiang Mai, we arrived in the van they provided and met our knowledgeable guide who gave us clothes to wear over our bathing suits for our adventure with the elephants.

We visited the elephants, chopped up some sugar cane to entice our new friends to walk with us to the water hole, and then had fun playing in the mud and washing the elephants. Definitely the highlight of my trip that coincided with my first wedding anniversary after the passing of my husband.

You can read more about this wonderful experience in my blog post here: Celebrating my wedding anniversary with the elephants.

For the free day in the afternoon, a few of our group discovered the 3D museum which looked like a lot of fun. I discovered a $9 Thai massage studio and treated myself to some quiet time. In a traditional Thai massage, a practitioner uses stretching, pulling and rocking techniques to relieve stress, promote circulation and increase flexibility, all while you’re lying fully clothed on a mat on the ground. The masseuse may even walk on your back. It was an amazing experience!

We found a yummy place to eat dinner and then walked through the busy market, let our feet be nibbled on by fish and had front row seats to a Thai boxing match. Making the most of my time in this country with interesting experiences was a goal I seemed to be meeting.

Thai boxing

DAY 7 CHIANG MAI/BANGKOK

This morning, we flew back to Bangkok and boarded a traditional klong boat for a ride along the winding canals that have earned the city the nickname, the “Venice of the East.” Our narrow boat sped us down the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok’s Thonburi district. The interesting diversity of colorful temples, modern skyscrapers, and houses perched above the water kept us turning our heads and pointing out sites.

Next we walked to Wat Pho, Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple complex, and often considered Thailand’s first public university as its many inscriptions on the walls were intended to instruct visitors. With much to admire, the magnificent statue of the Reclining Buddha, glittering with gold leaf was the highlight. This temple is known for its large reclining Buddha, whose feet are covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols.

We explored the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. The rich cultural heritage is abundant in Wat Pho which is located near the Grand Palace that I visited on my first day in Thailand on my own.

Wat Pho Visit

DAY 8 BANGKOK

Some choices for the free day in Bangkok included a visit to the dazzling Grand Palace, formerly the official residence of the Thai royal family, and see the sacred statue of the Emerald Buddha. Definitely a must see in Bangkok.

Another choice was offered to browse the stunning collections of Thai art and artifacts at the Bangkok National Museum, including weaponry, ceramics, textiles, and musical instruments.

Our CEO tour guide suggested renting a bike to explore the quieter side of the city, pedaling past hidden temples and lush parks. Frankly Bangkok just seemed to busy for a bike ride.

My roommate and I chose to visit the Jim Thompson house and museum. An American who spent time during World War ii in Thailand, he returned after the war and helped revitalize the Thai silk trade.

“Thompson dedicated nearly a year to the meticulous creation of his opulent mansion. Renowned for its architectural splendor and historical significance, the site has garnered widespread acclaim among tourists, earning a coveted spot in the top 5 must-visit places in Bangkok according to TripAdvisor’s 2022 rankings.” Wikipedia.

DAY 9 BANGKOK/KO SAMUI

This morning, we left Bangkok and caught a flight to the tropical island of Ko Samui, bordered by the sapphire waters off Thailand’s southeast coast. After settling into the hotel, we enjoyed a free afternoon swim and stroll along the white-sand beach then walked to a restaurant with fresh seafood in the local village.

Off of Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui offers everything you could possibly want in a seaside retreat: white sandy beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood, and warm, clear waters. 

Our resort was nestled in tropical gardens with a private beach leading into crystal clear waters. The property also has three freshwater swimming pools and the resort is just 15 minutes by road to Lamai Beach’s bustling nightlife district, but I was happy just to be in a peaceful setting after a week of touring and visiting cities.

DAY 10 KOH SAMUI

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands. All of the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except for one. This full-day leisure excursion through the astonishing archipelago offers many different experiences including hiking, snorkeling, sightseeing (and kayaking at an extra cost).

I enjoyed kayaking near the island and through the caves and taking a swim in the the clear turquoise water. Climbing to the top of the island’s scenic overlook was well worth the effort for the awe of such beautiful scenery.

DAY 11 KO SAMUI/KHAO SOK

From Ko Samui (an island) we caught the ferry back to the mainland and drove to Kao Thep Pitak, a community-owned farm supported by G Adventures. We had a lunch of local specialties and took a stroll through the surrounding fruit orchards.

Arriving in Khao Sok National Park we settled into a lovely resort overlooking the riverside and tucked beneath the rising cliffs in the distance. The rainforest indeed held the timeless grandeur of Thailand. Green forests clinging to jagged cliffs peaking above a ghostly cloud cover reminded me of a Jurassic Park movie.

Our CEO guide was excited to have two local tour guides join us for an evening adventure. The guides handed us each a walking stick, but I was surprised to see our lead guide had a machete. What type of walk was this going to be, I wondered?

We followed the guide into the rainforest on a nighttime walk. We climbed the side of a mountain filled with thick vegetation, so he was busy with that machete. We climbed through a cave, then gathered sticks to build a campfire surrounded by the music of the jungle.

Khao Sok is a stunning location with one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world, surrounded by limestone karst cliffs. As our guides began to make dinner, we spoke to him and discovered that this expert tracker is a conservationist and ecotourism guide. He is dedicating his life to the protection of the Thai rainforest. We discussed traditional jungle medicines and their role in the lives of the area’s people. Afterward, we sat down with our host at a campfire dinner of rainforest specialties.

Please read my popular blog post about this adventure entitled “Jungle trekking or my least favorite thing to do in the Thai Rain Forest”

DAY 12 KHAO SOK

G Adventure tours or sometimes referred to as National Geographic Journeys does build in some free time to a busy schedule. I like the comfort of knowing that all the accommodations and transportation is pre-arranged. Our local guide was great and the breakfast included was always tasty and filling.

After my evening exploring the rainforest in the dark with the bats and spiders, I was happy to rest and relax at the resort for the day and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Khao Sok National Park is southern Thailand’s largest area of virgin rainforest, encompassing a breathtaking wilderness of karst peaks, turquoise lakes, and tropical rainforest that stretch along the southwest coast.

Optional activities for day 12 included jungle hikes to search for monkeys and tropical birds in the dense canopy, canoeing down the Sok River or even biking on the winding trails of the park.

I enjoyed my lunch on the porch and some rest.

DAY 13 KHAO SOK/KRABI

Once again, our private driver picked us up and drove us south to Krabi, situated on Thailand’s tropical southwest coast. Our journey took us across the Krabi River by private longtail boat, gliding past mangrove forests where we saw our first wild monkeys.

We stopped in Ko Klang island and boarded motorized tricycle tuk-tuks to explore the local communities and traditional industries, including a rubber plantation, rice fields, and a batik workshop. Our CEO Beam engaged the locals in conversation as we all learned about timeless agricultural and artisanal techniques passed down over generations.

We even visited a traditional workshop of a local boat craftsman who makes beautiful model Thai long boats carved from wood.

The population on Ko Klang is mostly Muslim so it was interesting to learn of the different customs and beliefs. For example, there are no cars, dogs or alcohol on this island.

DAY 14 KRABI

The last hotel on our G Adventures Iconic 15 day Thailand tour was a beautiful resort with pools, restaurants and nearby beaches. While relaxing at the pool, our CEO filled us in on all the interesting options that are available in the area for our final day.

Our resort is located at scenic Aonang Beach and only a short distance by Tuk -Tuk to Noppharat Thara Beach or we could take a traditional longtail boat to visit islands and white-sand beaches of the Hong Islands in the Andaman Sea.

We split up in our group for our last day. Time for one more solo adventure!

I got myself a ticket-for-one from a booth down the street from our hotel, hopped in the back of a white pick up truck and boarded a longtail boat to the famous Railay beach. Railay is an outstanding beach with beautiful features including limestone cliffs which the rock climbers were enjoying.

I found the shrine of Phra Nang that sailors in this area respect and worship in the Phra Nang caves and I ended my day, after a swim, with my final Thai massage right there by the beach.

My tour group met up for a final farewell dinner which gave us an opportunity to thank our CEO tour guide with a well-deserve gratuity.

DAY 15 KRABI/BANGKOK

This morning, we returned to Bangkok, where the G Adventure tour ended.

My honest evaluation of this tour was that it was an amazing adventure. The guided tours, the small group travel experience, meeting local people and the built in free time all provided a perfect balance to explore Thailand in two weeks.

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