Insights of the South

 Bangkok - Khao Sok - Ko Samui - Ko Tao - Chumporn - Bangkok

Departure: - Every Saturday, year round

Southern Thailand is not famous only for its crystal-clear sea and white powdery-sand beaches, but also for its beautiful forests. Think of jungles and these are the real thing; tropical rain forests full of trees, plants and animal species different from anywhere else in Thailand. Visiting Khao Sok National Park and island hopping from Ko Samui to Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao will give you a taste of the very best that Southern Thailand has to offer.

Day 1, Bangkok - A group meeting (-/-/-)

Welcome to Bangkok! Today is free as group members will arrive individually. We will though provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area until it is time for the group meeting in the evening where we would like you to give your local leader an idea of some of the things you would like to see and do on your tour. Tonight you are in a simple, small hotel; basic but clean and in a good location.

Day 2, A walking tour to explore Bangkok - Train to Surat Thani (B/-/-)

Today is a tour on foot! The aim is to ensure that you see as much as possible of the everyday life of Bangkok and its people, by various means; and what better way to do that than to combine your walk with as many different modes of public transport as possible. Stops on the tour will normally include some interesting temples, a flower market, Chinatown and Little India, and as it is you who will choose where to go no entrance fees are included in the program. Your journey tonight is by second-class train to Surat Thani with air-conditioned sleeping berths. It will be quite comfortable enough and with all basic amenities, so nothing to worry about.

Day 3, Surat Thani - Local bus to Khao Sok National Park (-/-/-)

You will arrive in Surat Thani in the morning. After some time to get yourself breakfast at a local coffee shop near the station, take a public bus to Khao Sok National Park. You will be there at around noon and it is then for you to choose what you would like to explore. The park is 656 sq. km. of dense rainforest with waterfalls, limestone cliffs, numerous streams, an island-studded lake and many riverside walking trails. Don't forget that the park entrance fee is not included in the tour price as your accommodation is just outside the park perimeter.

Day 4, Khao Sok National Park (B/-/-)

Free to explore the park. Your options today include lazing around your simple forest huts near the bank of the Sok River or choosing one of various trails and going in search of signs of wildlife, including elephants, serow, banteng, gaur or dusky langur as well as a multitude of bird species. Talk to your local guide and see which option best suits your fitness and budget.

Day 5, Khao Sok National Park – Local bus to Surat Thani – Boat to Ko Samui (B/-/-)

After an early breakfast take a public bus to Surat Thani to connect with the ferry to Ko Samui. You will have a good afternoon just to relax on the beach after a long journey.

Day 6, Ko Samui – Free day on the beach. (B/-/-)

Many optional activities and great restaurants await you this day.

Day 7, Ko Samui – Boat to Ko Tao (B/-/-)

You will need to leave after breakfast and continue your island hopping to Ko Tao, or Turtle Island, so named for its shape. An island north of Ko Samui with some of the Gulf of Siam's best scuba-diving waters and for those who are keen to learn to dive where better place to start than Ko Tao.

Days 8-9, Ko Tao– At leisure (B/-/-)

You will have lots of free time for relaxation: swimming, sunbathing and exploring the island. Those who are keen to take a diving course will need to extend their stay. Please let your leader know if you would like to do this.

Day 10, Ko Tao – Boat to Chumphon – Train to Bangkok (B/-/-)

Leave to catch the public ferry to Chumphon. You will have a few hours free to look around, find things to eat and be ready for the night train to Bangkok.

Days 11, Bangkok (-/-/-)

Your trip finishes on arrival at Bangkok train station at about 07.00. Please check with your local leader for onward travel arrangements. Please check with our other Thailand or Indochina programs for your options. Additional accommodation in Bangkok is available on request.

We reserve the right to adjust the program without prior notice according to local conditions. However the essential concept of the tour be well maintained.

Services included in the price:

• Travel by public transport.

• Hotel accommodation throughout the tour is on B&B basis in budget/tourist-class hotels based on 2, 3 or multi-share occupancy.

• 2nd class air-conditioned train with sleeping berth Bangkok / Surat Thani and Chumphon / Bangkok.

• Ferries Surat Thani / Ko Samui / Ko Tao / Chumphon.

• The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Services not included in the price:

• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the above itinerary.

• Costs of optional excursions.

• Park fees and entrance fees.

• Tips for guides and drivers.

• Personal expenses.

List of preferred accommodation:

• Bangkok - Royal Hotel

• Khao Sok - Khao Sok Riverside Cottages)

• Ko Samui - Samui Park Resort (superior)

• Ko Tao - Ko Tao Resort (standard air-con room)

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.