Essential Southern Thailand
Experience Overview
Love beaches? Islands? Cocktails? Well, you’ll love this trip! Head from buzzing Bangkok to blissful Ko Samui and Phuket on this eight-day southern Thailand adventure. With loads of free time to go snorkelling, swimming and waterfall-chasing, you’ll also enjoy awesome included activities, like hiking, learning about turtles, blissing out on the beach and getting your safari fix in the jungle of Khao Sok National Park. Stay in a traditional raft house and be treated to some classic Thai hospitality, then end it all in vibrant Phuket.
Highlights
- Step into another world in Khao Sok National Park and go wildlife spotting and waterfall hiking through some of the oldest jungles in the world.
- Eat your weight in pad Thai, mango sticky rice, roti bread, street snacks and home-cooked dinners (at your raft house stay), then try your hand at making some delicious local eats at a Thai cooking class.
- Discover a real slice of paradise in Ko Samui. Cruise the island, chase waterfalls and use your free time to get a Thai massage or meet the elephants at Samui Elephant Sanctuary.
- Visit the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center and learn how they rescue leatherneck turtle eggs (and other local turtle species) while providing environmental training to the community.
- Explore vibrant nightlife, beach bars and beach clubs in Bangkok, Ko Samui and Phuket with new like-minded friends and a local leader who knows all the best spots.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2805
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Boat,Ferry,Public bus,Private vehicle,Overnight sleeper train,Songthaew
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TTYC
Starts: Bangkok, Thailand
Finishes: Phuket, Thailand
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (3), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights),Overnight sleeper train (1 night),Resort (2 nights) Rafthouse (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $782 ($98 /day)
Itinerary
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Bangkok – a huge, buzzing metropolis and the capital of Thailand. If you arrive early, make the most of the city's bustling markets, grab some spicy noodles from a street cart or relax with a Thai massage. After your meeting, get the gang together and head out for dinner with the group to get to know each other a little better or ask your leader for the best spots to soak in some local nightlife – cocktail, anyone?
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)
- Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure (2900 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll explore some of Bangkok's most famous sites. Take the skytrain to Taksin station, then hop on a public boat on the Chao Phraya River to see the temple complex of Wat Pho, which houses the famous 46-m-long statue of the Reclining Buddha. Soak in the gorgeous scenery and then head back to Tha Tien Pier. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover more of the city, like the Grand Palace or Jim Thompson House. Tonight, you’ll head south on an overnight train to Surat Thani.
Included Activities:
- Bangkok - Wat Pho
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
- Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House (200 THB)
- Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) (200 THB)
- Bangkok - Thai Massage (250 THB)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in southern Surat Thani this morning and then board a bus and ferry to Ko Samui. From here, it's waterfalls, swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling all day, every day (for the next two days). When you arrive, you’ll go on a half-day guided tour of the island on a songthaew (traditional Thai bus) with your group and local leader and see the iconic 15-m Big Buddha along the way (Wat Phra Yai). Due to the scenery and natural wonders, the island of Ko Samui has been a tourist hotspot for decades. This afternoon, maybe relax in the waterfalls at Na Muang. Tonight, feast on a curry and then join in the party atmosphere in Ko Samui's famous nightlife.
Included Activities:
- Ko Samui - half day guided tour
Accommodation:
- Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend a free day today however you’d like – swimming, lazing in the sun or actively exploring. You might like to take an optional day tour to Ang Thong Marine National Park by either slow boat or speedboat. The park is an archipelago of over 40 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, featuring pristine beaches, jungle, mangroves and limestone mountains rising out of the sea. Swim at popular Ko Mae Island and check out the saltwater lagoon of Thale Nai (Emerald Lake). For a quieter experience and some great snorkelling opportunities, head to the nearby islands of Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan. Ko Samui is also home to an elephant sanctuary, and you can come close to these gentle giants if you please. Watch them bathe, roam the fields and socialise with other elephants, knowing they are in a caring and peaceful environment.
Optional Activities:
- Ko Samui - Thai Massage (300 THB)
- Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class (2300 THB)
- Ko Samui - Day trip to Koh Tao (2400 THB)
- Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park tour (2500 THB)
- Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary (3500 THB)
Accommodation:
- Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head from Ko Samui to Khao Sok National Park (don’t forget your camera today!). Take a songthaew and an early ferry from Samui Pier to Don Sak Pier. Then, jump in a private vehicle to Chiew Larn Lake, where you’ll hop in a traditional longtail boat for a calm sail to your raft house. Keep your eyes out for wild bull elephants, gibbons and spectacled langur (dusky leaf monkeys). Khao Sok National Park is the wettest spot in Thailand with some of the oldest jungles in the world. See loads of amazing limestone rock faces and, if you're lucky, monkeys playing here and there. Later, take an evening safari with your group, where you’ll head by longtail boat deep into the jungle, looking (and listening) out for more animals. After, you’ll head to your raft house accommodation. Enjoy a homecooked traditional southern Thai meal with the locals and take the opportunity to get to know their lifestyles and stories before falling asleep to the relaxing sound of the jungle.
Included Activities:
- Khao Sok National Park – Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
- Khao Sok National Park - Rafthouse Stay
Accommodation:
- Rafthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll wake up in the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. Your raft house sits right inside the park, so you’ll have time this morning to catch the mist drifting along the lake as you search for wildlife in the jungle on a longtail boat. Before lunch, take a jungle hike around the park, and depending on the season, maybe see waterfalls or head up high to a panoramic viewpoint. If you're lucky there might be a glimpse of elephants, hornbills and langur monkeys. After, make your way to Phuket. Along the way, visit the Khao Lak Tsunami Memorial for some sobering history of the area’s past tsunamis and their victims. Then head to the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Phang Nga. Learn about how the Navy rescues eggs from surrounding beaches and their environmental efforts to ensure the conservation of turtles and to preserve the environment with local communities, schools, universities, government organisations and other NGOs. Tonight is a free evening in Phuket to grab a couple of drinks, watch the sunset and hit the beach.
Included Activities:
- Khao Sok National Park – Waterfall Hike
- Khao Sok National Park – Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
- Khao Lak - Tsunami Memorial
- Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day in Phuket, giving you a full 24 hours to beach hop and immerse yourself in all the sun-soaked coastal views around you. Maybe take a day trip to Phi Phi and Koh Khai or head to the white sands of Banana Beach on Coral Island to bliss out somewhere new. Speaking of day trips, why not set off for Similan for some bright azure waters and snorkelling options. Tonight, maybe hit the beach bars and have a few cocktails with your travel buddies to toast to a trip well-travelled.
Optional Activities:
- Phuket - Phi Phi & Koh Khai Island Day Trip (3500 THB)
- Phuket - Banana Beach & Koh Mai Ton Day Trip (2500 THB)
- Phuket - Similan Day Trip (3500 THB)
- Phuket - Surin National Marine Park Day Trip (3500 THB)
- Phuket - Elephant Sanctuary (3500 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end this morning, and with no activities planned, you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer (we wouldn’t blame you), just speak to your booking agent. Pull up a towel, catch some rays and relax into the day. You deserve it!
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sophie - Traveled, March 2024
Such an amazing trip. Damrong was such an amazing leader definitely recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Olivia - Traveled, February 2024
This trip was my first trip with intrepid & my first solo trip & it was amazing! I’ve met so many friends on the trip and seen so much of Thailand it was incredible, defo booking another trip next year!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Shelby - Traveled, November 2023
We saw some incredibly beautiful scenery and had once in a lifetime experiences, im so glad I went!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2023
Adrien - Traveled, November 2023
Being with tour guide Ole made me feel much better and more relaxed about going to Thailand. He was so knowledgeable and so happy to be our tour guide it made me a happier traveler. Thank you Ole!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
Alyssa - Traveled, November 2023
This trip was an authentic experience of Thailand, we went to local restaurants and places I wouldn’t have known about if travelling alone. The Khao Sok national park was a highlight and must see if in the south of Thailand
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
Shelby - Traveled, November 2023
We saw some incredibly beautiful scenery and had once in a lifetime experiences, im so glad I went!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2023
Roshae - Traveled, October 2023
The Essential Thailand trip was the perfect mixture of activities and I enjoyed it so much. Our tour guide Ole was so knowledgeable and friendly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Anna - Traveled, July 2023
I really enjoyed the trip and the adventure. I saw and experienced things that I would not have experienced otherwise. I had a wonderful group and never felt alone and always felt safe. I recommend to everyone who doesn't want to travel alone and wants to experience the trip with a lot of extra information.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Estella - Traveled, July 2023
I had the time of my life! Thailand is so beautiful and the people so friendly. The group of fellow travellers on the tour could not have been more fun and the whole trip was such an amazing bonding experience. Sasha, the tour leader was the best. I'd say it was the trip of the lifetime, but I'm already planning my next one........Thank you, Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2023
Jazmine - Traveled, July 2023
This trip was amazing, our tour guide was awesome and made me feel so safe, especially as this was the first time I travelled through Asia and was outside of my comfort zone. The group were all very like minded and there was plenty of flexibility to tailor the trip to you. The raft house was a highlight, such a beautiful experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2023
Shanaye - Traveled, June 2023
Such an incredible trip and definitely felt at ease when being with a group and tour leader. Everything was well organized and we were able to gain insights from our leader on local knowledge
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2023
Sian - Traveled, June 2023
So many fun experiences in a compact 9 day trip. The range of accommodations and transport experiences made for such a fun, diverse and authentic experience. Would recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2023
Ellen - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was a truly excellent experience. It was a great itinerary that allowed me to explore so many beautiful places and make amazing new friends. Our guide, Sasha was amazing and really enhanced my experience. 10/10 would recommend this trip to anyone looking to go to Southern Thailand
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2023
Kate - Traveled, March 2023
Southern Thailand is the perfect place to relax and explore the natural beauty of Thailand. Khao Sok National Park raft house was a highlight, and I highly recommend taking advantage of all the optional day trips. Sasha was an incredible guide, always made us feel organised, welcome and safe. She made this trip so memorable. I’ll forever treasure the memories and friendships from this trip and can’t wait to travel with Intrepid again in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2023
Phoebe - Traveled, March 2023
This trip was absolutely brilliant. I met some wonderful people, saw beautiful scenery and got involved with lots of fun activities. Our guide, Sasha, was a huge asset to the trip too. I’ve made lots memories that will last a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2023
Kelly - Traveled, March 2023
I’ve had an amazing time. I would recommend Intrepid to everyone! We have seen so much and had a lot of fun. We have learned along the way and made great friends. Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2023
Anna - Traveled, March 2023
I cannot recommend intrepid enough! There are so many travel options and all of the staff from customer service to our group leader are extremely kind and helpful. We were able to do and see so many things on our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2023
Jarrad - Traveled, February 2023
We had a blast on this tour, yes there is some long days travelling but you still see so much and it's really not that bad. The places we went were amazing. Pepae our tour guide was great :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2023
Alexandre - Traveled, January 2023
Amazing, well organised trip. Doesnt feel rushed, activities are fun, the guides are absolutely top notch, accomodation is excellent, and the smaller group makes it easier to go our together and get to know everyone. Khoa Sok is a massive highlight and chilling in the raft house free from lots of tourists was a very special experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2023
Tom - Traveled, December 2022
This trip included a fantastic balance of culture, breathtaking natural scenery, and lively nightlife. Our guide was extremely fun and approachable which contributed to the incredible experience I had!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/02/2023
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