Essential Southern Thailand

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
Essential Southern Thailand
8 Days
From AUD $1020
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Essential Southern Thailand

Essential Southern Thailand

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

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.

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

Duration

8 days

Transportation

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

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok, Thailand

Finishes

Phuket, Thailand

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
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 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)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Bangkok - Overnight Train
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 (300 THB)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Ko Samui
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 three days). When you arrive, you have free time to explore Ko Samui. Known for its palm-fringed beaches and coconut groves, maybe hire a scooter and beach hop your way around the island. This evening, maybe get a group of your new friends together and find a place for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations of where to eat.

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Ko Samui
Today you’ll go on a half-day guided tour of the island on a songthaew (a 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

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)
5
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 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. Watch them bathe, roam the fields and socialise with other elephants, knowing they are in a caring and peaceful environment.

Optional Activities:

  • Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park tour (2500 THB)
  • Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary (3500 THB)
  • Ko Samui - Thai Massage (300 THB)
  • Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class (2300 THB)
  • Ko Samui - Day trip to Koh Tao (2400 THB)

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Khao Sok National Park
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)
7
Day 7: Khao Sok National Park - Phuket
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 watch the sunset and maybe grab a couple of drinks and toast to a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

  • Khao Sok National Park – Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
  • Khao Lak - Tsunami Memorial
  • Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
  • Khao Sok National Park – Waterfall Hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Phuket
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 ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

  • Phuket - Similan Day Trip (3500 THB)
  • Phuket - Surin National Marine Park Day Trip (3500 THB)
  • Phuket - Elephant Sanctuary (3500 THB)
  • Phuket - Phi Phi & Koh Khai Island Day Trip (3500 THB)
  • Phuket - Banana Beach & Koh Mai Ton Day Trip (2500 THB)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $1,020
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 May 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Sophie
Traveled, March 2024

03/31/2024

Such an amazing trip. Damrong was such an amazing leader definitely recommend

4.5
Olivia
Traveled, February 2024

03/03/2024

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!

Tour Operator

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