40 Days In Thailand With Free And Easy

Thailand is a destination that has certainly been inundated with tourists over the last decade, but on board Free and Easy’s 40-day backpacker extravaganza, you are guaranteed the best of this fantastic country whilst experiencing the off-the-beaten track destinations that make Thailand a fascinating world of hidden gems.

Free and Easy has been running this particular trip since 2003 and overtime it has evolved into one of the best backpacking trips to Thailand – of which there are plenty on offer. The 40-day Thai odyssey has won a number of highly-esteemed awards, from The World’s Most Amazing Tour of 2012 to Asia’s Most Amazing Tour in 2013 by TourRadar.

The tour begins in Bangkok – the perfect starting point to get a taste of the city’s notorious nightlife and experience this hub of Thai culture. After exploring the city, including a tour of the Wat Pho Temple, you and your fellow travellers board the night train which ventures to Southern Thailand where you begin your adventure discovering the stunning Thai islands.

First thing’s first though, no trip to Thailand would be complete without experiencing the notorious Full Moon Party that year in year out packs in party-goers keen to sample the famous alcohol buckets in this spectacular beach setting for what’s guaranteed to be the night of their lives.

You will stay on Haad Yuan, a beach in Koh Phangan about a 5 minute boat ride from the main party beach, meaning that full rest and relaxation before and after the party are guaranteed. Its your own little slice of paradise. After the Full Moon party, the tour takes you back to Ko Samui, where you’ll enjoy respite after what’s sure to be some intense partying, and relax for a couple of days, taking in the stunning surrounds on the island.

After exploring this side of the coastline the tour takes you to the Phi Phi islands on the West coast, sitting idyllically between Phuket and the Strait of Malacca. The waters here are perfect for discovering the striking coral and colourful fish with some fantastic scuba diving opportunities.

The next couple of days involve plenty of opportunity for adventure activities, from rock-climbing to snorkelling and swimming. There is of course also ample time to relax and soak up the Thai sun. The tour then takes you to Railay beach – a location home to two of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The site is completely surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs, making the beach only accessible by boat. It is one of the most stunning stops on the trip for sure!

The tour then heads further South and involves visiting some more spectacular islands along the way, such as the deserted paradise of Lao Liang Island. Detach yourself from civilisation with some beach camping only a stone’s throw from the shoreline, where the warm waters of the Malacca Strait lap lazily on the sand.

One of the most incredible places you will ever get to visit is no doubt the floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park. Floating in the middle of this huge lake, surrounded by karst peaks and reminiscent of Jurrasic Park, you will spend three magical days kayaking, hammocking and lazing in the refreshing waters with no one but your group members around. After visiting a staggering nine destinations, it’s back to Bangkok where you depart for home with some great memories, new friends and, of course, a golden tan.

Free and Easy’s Thailand adventure doesn’t adhere to busy, rigid schedules. Each destination provides some amazing activities, but they are dedicated to making sure that free time is there so you can take part in all of them or none of them – it’s ultimately your trip so it’s up to you! For more information on Free and Easy’s 40 Days in Thailand Tour, visit www.fnez.com.

By Oonagh Turner 

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