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Classic Southern Thailand

Classic Southern Thailand

From $ 3,645 AUD

Description

Enjoy the laid-back island life from Bangkok to Koh Samui on a week-long adventure through Thailand. Try and spot wild elephants in Kuiburi National Park, rub shoulders with locals in Ratchaburi’s floating market, learn about turtle conservation and spot marine life on the private island of Koh Talu. Settle in the jungle in your lake rafthouse in Khao Sok and celebrate your journey with the warm hospitality of the Baan Khun Sake community in Koh Samui. Clear blue waters, swaying palm trees and a bungalow on the beach – Thailand has all the ingredients for a holiday in paradise!

Trip Name
Classic Southern Thailand
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Try local eats in Phetchaburi and at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – one of the largest floating markets in Thailand.
  • Spot wild elephants in Kuiburi National Park – this is known as the premier spot for elephant-watching in Thailand, with a 95 per cent chance of sighting!
  • Soak up island life on the private Koh Talu – your stay includes stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, squid fishing and visiting the turtle conservation centre and more!
  • Set sail on a wildlife safari on a traditional longtail boat, explore a ‘diamond’ cave and settle into a peaceful night in your rafthouse on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park – one of the oldest rainforests in the world.
  • Tap into a community project at Khum Sa-ke on Koh Samui. Walk along a birdwatching route and along rice paddies as you learn about their organic gardens and waste management efforts before celebrating your journey with a community dinner.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Bangkok
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.
Day 2 - Sam Roi Yot
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.
Day 3 - Koh Talu Island
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!
Day 4 - Koh Talu Island
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.
Day 5 - Khao Sok National Park
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.
Day 6 - Ko Samui
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.
Day 7 - Ko Samui
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.
Day 8 - Ko Samui
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, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-04-202711-04-2027AUD $ 3,645-
02-05-202709-05-2027AUD $ 3,645-
23-05-202730-05-2027AUD $ 3,645-
13-06-202720-06-2027AUD $ 3,645-
11-07-202718-07-2027AUD $ 3,790-
25-07-202701-08-2027AUD $ 3,790-
15-08-202722-08-2027AUD $ 3,645-
12-09-202719-09-2027AUD $ 3,645-
26-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 3,645-
24-10-202731-10-2027AUD $ 3,645-
07-11-202714-11-2027AUD $ 3,790-
26-12-202702-01-2028AUD $ 3,790-
09-01-202816-01-2028AUD $ 3,980-
02-04-202809-04-2028AUD $ 3,980-
30-04-202807-05-2028AUD $ 3,825-
21-05-202828-05-2028AUD $ 3,825-
11-06-202818-06-2028AUD $ 3,825-
09-07-202816-07-2028AUD $ 3,980-
23-07-202830-07-2028AUD $ 3,980-
13-08-202820-08-2028AUD $ 3,825-
10-09-202817-09-2028AUD $ 3,825-
24-09-202801-10-2028AUD $ 3,825-
22-10-202829-10-2028AUD $ 3,825-
05-11-202812-11-2028AUD $ 3,980-
24-12-202831-12-2028AUD $ 3,980-

Accommodation

Resort (5 nights), Hotel (1 nights), Raft House (1 night)

Transport

Ferry, Private minibus, Longtail boat

Map