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18 to 35s Essential Southern Thailand

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18 to 35s Essential Southern Thailand

Was From $ 1,115 AUD
Now From $ 1,004 AUD
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Description

Love beaches? Islands? Meeting like-minded people? 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 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 your journey in vibrant Phuket.

Trip Name
18 to 35s Essential Southern Thailand
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Spend quality time with nature in Khao Sok National Park. 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 and street snacks, tuck into home-cooked dinners at your raft house stay, then try your hand at making some delicious local eats at a Thai cooking class.
  • Slow down the pace 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 leatherback 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.

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 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. Ask your leader for the best spots to soak in some local nightlife – cocktail, anyone?
Day 2 - Bangkok
Today, you’ll explore some of Bangkok's most famous sites. Head to the temple complex of Wat Pho, which houses the famous 46-m-long gilded statue of the Reclining Buddha. Then soak in the gorgeous scenery at a nearby flower market. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover more of the city – maybe head to the Grand Palace or check out the art collection at the Jim Thompson House. Tonight, you’ll head south on an overnight train to Surat Thani.
Day 3 - Ko Samui
Arrive in southern Surat Thani this morning and then board a bus and ferry to Ko Samui. For the next three days, it's waterfalls, swimming and snorkelling all day, every day. When you arrive, you have free time to explore Ko Samui, known for its palm-fringed beaches and coconut groves. Maybe beach hop your way around the island or spend the afternoon relaxing. This evening, why not get a group of your new friends together and find a place for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations for where to eat.
Day 4 - Ko Samui
Venture out on a half-day guided tour of the island with your group and local leader, stopping to see the iconic 12-m-tall Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai along the way. Sun-bathed coastal scenery and natural wonders like marine-life-rich reefs have made the island of Ko Samui a beloved island getaway for decades. This afternoon, maybe use your free time to visit the waterfalls at Na Muang. Tonight, feast on a curry and then join in the party atmosphere that Ko Samui's nightlife is famous for.
Day 5 - Ko Samui
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 trip to get out and explore Ang Thong Marine National Park by either slow boat or speedboat. The park is an archipelago of more than 40 islands (including Ko Samui) in the Gulf of Thailand, featuring photo-worthy 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 where you can observe these gentle giants. Watch them bathe, roam the fields and socialise with other elephants, knowing they are in a caring and peaceful environment.
Day 6 - Khao Sok National Park
This morning, head from Ko Samui to Khao Sok National Park (don’t forget your camera today!). Transfer to an early ferry from Samui Pier to Donsak Pier. Then, board a private vehicle to Cheow Lan Lake, where you’ll hop in a traditional longtail boat for a calm sail to your raft house. Keep an eye 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 limestone karsts and, if you're lucky, monkeys playing here and there. Later, go on an evening safari with your group, where you’ll head deep into the jungle on a longtail boat, looking (and listening) out for more animals. After, head to your raft house accommodation. Enjoy a home-cooked 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.
Day 7 - Khao Sok National Park to Phuket
Wake up in one of the oldest evergreen rainforests 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. Depending on the season, you might see waterfalls or head up high to a panoramic viewpoint. If you're lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of elephants, hornbills and langur monkeys. After, make your way to Phuket. Along the way, visit the Khao Lak Tsunami Memorial to learn about the area’s sobering history. 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 how they work with local communities, schools, universities, government organisations and other NGOs to ensure the conservation of turtles and preserve the environment. Tonight is a free evening in Phuket to watch the sunset and maybe grab a couple of drinks and toast to a trip well-travelled.
Day 8 - Phuket
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer (we wouldn’t blame you), just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 1,275-
22-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 1,195-
26-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 1,004-
06-12-202613-12-2026AUD $ 1,102-
13-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 1,115-
20-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 1,004-
27-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 1,420-
31-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 1,145-
03-01-202710-01-2027AUD $ 1,280-
10-01-202717-01-2027AUD $ 1,195-
14-01-202721-01-2027AUD $ 1,165-
17-01-202724-01-2027AUD $ 1,320-
21-01-202728-01-2027AUD $ 1,165-
24-01-202731-01-2027AUD $ 1,235-
31-01-202707-02-2027AUD $ 1,165-
07-02-202714-02-2027AUD $ 1,165-
14-02-202721-02-2027AUD $ 1,155-
18-02-202725-02-2027AUD $ 1,155-
21-02-202728-02-2027AUD $ 1,155-
28-02-202707-03-2027AUD $ 1,155-
07-03-202714-03-2027AUD $ 1,095-
14-03-202721-03-2027AUD $ 1,095-
21-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 1,095-
28-03-202704-04-2027AUD $ 1,095-
04-04-202711-04-2027AUD $ 1,060-
11-04-202718-04-2027AUD $ 1,060-
18-04-202725-04-2027AUD $ 1,060-
25-04-202702-05-2027AUD $ 1,060-
02-05-202709-05-2027AUD $ 1,020-
16-05-202723-05-2027AUD $ 1,020-
06-06-202713-06-2027AUD $ 1,020-
13-06-202720-06-2027AUD $ 1,020-
20-06-202727-06-2027AUD $ 1,020-
27-06-202704-07-2027AUD $ 1,020-
11-07-202718-07-2027AUD $ 1,085-
18-07-202725-07-2027AUD $ 1,085-
25-07-202701-08-2027AUD $ 1,085-
01-08-202708-08-2027AUD $ 1,020-
15-08-202722-08-2027AUD $ 1,020-
29-08-202705-09-2027AUD $ 1,020-
12-09-202719-09-2027AUD $ 1,020-
26-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 1,020-
03-10-202710-10-2027AUD $ 1,020-
17-10-202724-10-2027AUD $ 1,020-
31-10-202707-11-2027AUD $ 1,120-
04-11-202711-11-2027AUD $ 1,120-
07-11-202714-11-2027AUD $ 1,120-
11-11-202718-11-2027AUD $ 1,120-
14-11-202721-11-2027AUD $ 1,120-
18-11-202725-11-2027AUD $ 1,120-
21-11-202728-11-2027AUD $ 1,120-
25-11-202702-12-2027AUD $ 1,120-
28-11-202705-12-2027AUD $ 1,120-
05-12-202712-12-2027AUD $ 1,100-
12-12-202719-12-2027AUD $ 1,100-
19-12-202726-12-2027AUD $ 1,100-
26-12-202702-01-2028AUD $ 1,265-
30-12-202706-01-2028AUD $ 1,265-
02-01-202809-01-2028AUD $ 1,330-
02-01-202809-01-2028AUD $ 1,300-
06-01-202813-01-2028AUD $ 1,300-
09-01-202816-01-2028AUD $ 1,195-
16-01-202823-01-2028AUD $ 1,195-
20-01-202827-01-2028AUD $ 1,195-
23-01-202830-01-2028AUD $ 1,195-
30-01-202806-02-2028AUD $ 1,195-
06-02-202813-02-2028AUD $ 1,195-
13-02-202820-02-2028AUD $ 1,195-
17-02-202824-02-2028AUD $ 1,195-
20-02-202827-02-2028AUD $ 1,195-
27-02-202805-03-2028AUD $ 1,195-
05-03-202812-03-2028AUD $ 1,195-
12-03-202819-03-2028AUD $ 1,195-
19-03-202826-03-2028AUD $ 1,150-
23-03-202830-03-2028AUD $ 1,150-
26-03-202802-04-2028AUD $ 1,150-
02-04-202809-04-2028AUD $ 1,115-
09-04-202816-04-2028AUD $ 1,115-
16-04-202823-04-2028AUD $ 1,115-
23-04-202830-04-2028AUD $ 1,115-
30-04-202807-05-2028AUD $ 1,115-
14-05-202821-05-2028AUD $ 1,070-
21-05-202828-05-2028AUD $ 1,070-
04-06-202811-06-2028AUD $ 1,070-
11-06-202818-06-2028AUD $ 1,070-
18-06-202825-06-2028AUD $ 1,070-
25-06-202802-07-2028AUD $ 1,070-
02-07-202809-07-2028AUD $ 1,115-
09-07-202816-07-2028AUD $ 1,115-
13-07-202820-07-2028AUD $ 1,115-
16-07-202823-07-2028AUD $ 1,115-
23-07-202830-07-2028AUD $ 1,115-
30-07-202806-08-2028AUD $ 1,115-
13-08-202820-08-2028AUD $ 1,070-
17-08-202824-08-2028AUD $ 1,070-
20-08-202827-08-2028AUD $ 1,070-
27-08-202803-09-2028AUD $ 1,070-
10-09-202817-09-2028AUD $ 1,070-
24-09-202801-10-2028AUD $ 1,070-
01-10-202808-10-2028AUD $ 1,070-
15-10-202822-10-2028AUD $ 1,070-
29-10-202805-11-2028AUD $ 1,070-
02-11-202809-11-2028AUD $ 1,175-
05-11-202812-11-2028AUD $ 1,175-
09-11-202816-11-2028AUD $ 1,175-
12-11-202819-11-2028AUD $ 1,175-
16-11-202823-11-2028AUD $ 1,175-
19-11-202826-11-2028AUD $ 1,175-
23-11-202830-11-2028AUD $ 1,175-
26-11-202803-12-2028AUD $ 1,175-
03-12-202810-12-2028AUD $ 1,175-
10-12-202817-12-2028AUD $ 1,175-
17-12-202824-12-2028AUD $ 1,175-
21-12-202828-12-2028AUD $ 1,330-
24-12-202831-12-2028AUD $ 1,330-
28-12-202804-01-2029AUD $ 1,330-

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Resort (3 nights) Rafthouse (1 night)

Transport

Boat, Ferry, Public bus, Private vehicle, Overnight sleeper train

Map