Pala-U Waterfall from Hua Hin

Thailand’s temples and trunks tour with Kui Buri elephant safari

Thailand's ‘wild west' beckons on this tour. You'll venture to a traditional fishing village, the Nine-Headed Dragon Temple, visit Prachuap Khiri Khan city and head deep into Kui Buri National Park in search of wild elephants on a 4x4 safari. Somchai, a local guide, explains “you'll cover a lot of ground on this tour, taking in the ornate temples along the east coast, but it's the elephants that have my heart. It's always a thrill as we head west into the national park to look for them.” Our first port of call will be Wat An Noi, a temple guarded by two nine headed dragons, sculpted to wrap around the entire temple. After this, you'll stop at a small village that makes its living from sea fishing and oyster farming. Then, you'll head to the coast and the provincial capital of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Here, you can climb the 369 steps (worth it, we promise) to the hilltop Buddhist temple of Khao Chong Krachok. It's known locally as ‘Monkey Mountain' because a large troop of macaques have made it their home. But, if you give them space, they're willing to share the impressive views of the city with you.After a typical Thai lunch at Ao Manao beach, you'll hop onto a 4x4 and head into Kui Buri National Park. There are around 300 wild Asian elephants roaming the forests here and your guide knows all their favourite hangouts. Somchai adds “the Elephants at Kui Buri National Park are wild and free, and while they don't always follow our schedule, this is one of the best places in Thailand to spot them – they may even come over for a close-up.”

Thailand’s temples and trunks tour with Kui Buri elephant safari

Thailand's ‘wild west' beckons on this tour. You'll venture to a traditional fishing village, the Nine-Headed Dragon Temple, visit Prachuap Khiri Khan city and head deep into Kui Buri National Park in search of wild elephants on a 4x4 safari. Somchai, a local guide, explains “you'll cover a lot of ground on this tour, taking in the ornate temples along the east coast, but it's the elephants that have my heart. It's always a thrill as we head west into the national park to look for them.” Our first port of call will be Wat An Noi, a temple guarded by two nine headed dragons, sculpted to wrap around the entire temple. After this, you'll stop at a small village that makes its living from sea fishing and oyster farming. Then, you'll head to the coast and the provincial capital of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Here, you can climb the 369 steps (worth it, we promise) to the hilltop Buddhist temple of Khao Chong Krachok. It's known locally as ‘Monkey Mountain' because a large troop of macaques have made it their home. But, if you give them space, they're willing to share the impressive views of the city with you.After a typical Thai lunch at Ao Manao beach, you'll hop onto a 4x4 and head into Kui Buri National Park. There are around 300 wild Asian elephants roaming the forests here and your guide knows all their favourite hangouts. Somchai adds “the Elephants at Kui Buri National Park are wild and free, and while they don't always follow our schedule, this is one of the best places in Thailand to spot them – they may even come over for a close-up.”

Amphawa Floating Market from Hua Hin

Pop-up and floating markets, fresh Thai food and firefly watching – this full day tour is Thailand to a tee. You'll visit the famed Maeklong Railway Market, browse the stalls and wooden houses at Amphawa Floating Market and observe fireflies on a cruise.

Bangkok City Tour with Shopping Time from Hua Hin

This daytrip from Hua Hin takes you to all the best bits of Bangkok. You'll visit the Royal Grand Palace, glide down Chao Phraya River and explore the Thonburi canals in a longtail boat – and also shop ‘til you drop in the famous MBK shopping centre.

Floating Market & River Kwai Tour from Hua Hin

On this day trip, you'll immerse yourself in Thai culture and delve through its WWII history. Take in the colourful spectacle that is Damnoen Saduak floating market, then it's over to Kanchanaburi to visit the JEATH Museum and take a longtail boat ride to the notorious bridge over the River Kwai.

Hua Hin Discovery Tour from Hua Hin

Scratch beneath the surface of Hua Hin and you'll find culture on every turn. Join us for a tour that delves deep into the area's history with visits to Khao Takiab, the Hua Hin railway station and Wat Tham Chaeng.Your cultural journey starts off in the fishing village of Khao Takiab. We'll have a look round, seeing locals selling seafood along the road and admiring the Golden Buddha and colourful stilt houses on the shoreline. Then you'll head up to ‘Monkey Mountain' for a visit to Wat Khao Takiab, the local temple. You'll also get to see the troop of monkeys that gave the hill its nickname.Afterwards, you'll head to Hua Hin to visit the temple-like train station, which boasts a royal waiting room, before stopping by Wat Tham Chaeng. Here, you can stroll around a collection of Buddhist statues and monuments, as well as admire the largest Naga statue in Thailand.

Ko Thalu Snorkelling Tour from Hua Hin

South of Hua Hin lies Ko Thalu, a tiny island that's home to palm-fringed beaches, powdery white sand and cool, turquoise water – this is Thailand at its best. Add to that its shallow waters teeming with fish and marine life and it becomes perfect for a spot of snorkelling. Rounding off the day is a lunch on the beach.

Phetchaburi Summer Palace from Hua Hin

Historic monuments blend effortlessly with modern life in Phetchaburi. You'll step back in time in this surprisingly untouristy town. It has temples, palaces, cave shrines and a riverside market – and a funicular railway. Visit Wat Mahathat, Phra Nakhon Khiri and Khao Luang Cave in this activity-packed excursion.Wat Mahathat is first up on the agenda. This Buddhist temple's prangs tower over the town centre. Next, you'll hop into a funicular for a ride to the hilltop Phra Nakhon Khiri, the beautiful summer palace of King Rama IV. Admire the fine architecture, explore the museum and take in the great views over the town and countryside from the observatory.After lunch in a typical restaurant, you'll visit Khao Luang Cave. Housing more than 170 Buddha images, including a huge reclining Buddha, it's a serene and spiritual experience. Finish up with a traditional sweet treat of khanom mo gaeng – custard made with coconut milk and eggs – and you have yourself a showstopper of a tour.

Pala-U Waterfall from Hua Hin

Deep in Kaeng Krachan National Park and shrouded in thousand-year-old forest, you'll find Pala-U waterfall – a place of great serenity. You'll journey through splendid countryside from Hua Hin to trek to the falls and reward yourself with a swim in fish-filled pools. On our way back, we'll stop at Wat Huay Mongkol temple.

Bridge on the River Kwai Tour from Hua Hin

If you're a history or movie buff, you've probably heard of The Bridge on the River Kwai. This classic war movie depicts the construction of the ‘Death Railway', one of the most notorious episodes of the Pacific War during WWII. This day trip takes you to the JEATH War Museum, the railway bridge and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.On arrival, you'll delve straight into history at the JEATH War Museum. This museum explains the horrors of the Death Railway. From here, you'll walk over the bridge and take a train to Tham Krasae station. Here, you'll make your way down to the River Kwai for lunch at a restaurant at Thakrasae Bridge.In the afternoon, we'll go into Kanchanaburi city and visit its poignant War Cemetery. Stroll its immaculate lawns and pay respects to the almost 7,000 Allied soldiers – including many British – who lie here.