Classic Southern Thailand

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors who serve delicious Thai food. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road or relax with a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, maybe gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some authentic local eatery.

Depart Bangkok early this morning and head southwest to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Samut Songkhram. Explore this local market, known for its traditional wooden boats and authentic Thai snacks, and maybe sample some fresh coconut products, local desserts and seasonal fruits while observing life along the canals. You’ll also have the chance to learn how palm sugar is made using time-honoured techniques. After, continue to Phetchaburi – a city famous for its rich culinary heritage and recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. For lunch, maybe try Khao Chae (a seasonal royal Thai dish), Khanom Mor Gaeng (a traditional Thai custard) or Phetchaburi’s specialty dish, Kaeng Khua Hua Tan (sweet red curry with palm fruit). Drive south to Kui Buri National Park where you’ll join an afternoon wildlife safari in one of the best places in Thailand to spot wild elephants, gaurs and other native species in their natural habitat. After, head to Sam Roi Yot and check into your resort by the sea.

Depart early for Phraya Nakhon Cave – one of Thailand’s most iconic natural landmarks. Follow the short trekking route to the cave. Inside, admire the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion, dramatically illuminated by natural sunlight filtering through the cave. After lunch, head to the pier and take a boat across to the private Koh Talu Island. Once a safe harbor for boats seeking refuge from storms, Koh Talu now is a hidden gem for eco-tourism. While on Koh Talu today and tomorrow, you’ll enjoy an all-inclusive package of meals and activities – take advantage of stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, squid fishing, hiking and visiting the turtle conservation centre. Your leader will help you organise the activities you prefer to do – when in doubt, just kick back on the warm sands of the beach!

Another dreamy island day is in store today. Maybe set out on a snorkelling adventure aboard a sea raft to explore the vibrant coral reefs and spot marine life in the crystal-clear waters. If you like, sit down to a locally inspired lunch at the resort, then spend some more time enjoying water sports at the Ao Yai and Ao Nuk beach clubs.

Depart Koh Talu early this morning and begin the scenic overland journey to Khao Sok National Park. When you get there, continue to the pier and take a traditional long-tail boat across Cheow Lan Lake, renowned for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts. Arrive at your floating raft house, surrounded by rainforest. Settle in and soak up a free afternoon to relax. Maybe go swimming, kayak across the lake or unwind in your floating room. Later, take an evening safari with your group, where you’ll head by longtail boat deep into the jungle, looking out (and listening) for more animals. Return to the rafthouse for dinner and spend a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Wake up early this morning and embark on a peaceful safari by long-tail boat, gliding across the calm lake while admiring the fresh, misty atmosphere and lush rainforest coming to life in the early hours. After, explore Diamond Cave, famous for its glittering, crystal-like stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the rafthouse for your last breakfast here, then check out and take a long-tail boat back to Chiew Larn Dam Pier. Continue your journey south to your final destination – Koh Samui. Known simply as Samui by locals, this spot has beautiful white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees.

It’s up to you what you’d like to do today! If you feel like getting active, maybe set off on a daytrip to Ang Thong Marine National Park – an archipelago of around 40 islands (many uninhabited). If you choose this option, you’ll sail around the steep limestone cliffs to an inland saltwater lagoon called Emerald Lake (Talay Nai), which is fed by an underground cave. If you prefer to stay on land today, maybe check out the Samui Elephant Sanctuary and see the gentle giants as they roam, socialise and bathe. Or simply relax on the beach with a good book. In the late afternoon, visit Khum Sa-ke Village – an organisation working to improve the eco-environment of the village. Walk along their birdwatching route and rice paddies and learn about their waste management and organic gardens. Wrap it all up with a hearty homecooked dinner full of southern Thailand flavours and make a toast to the end of this wonderful island adventure.