Essential Southern Thailand













From AUD $1020
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)

Essential Southern Thailand
8 days
Small Group
Basic
Light
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.
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. With loads of free time to go snorkelling, swimming and waterfall-chasing, you’ll also enjoy awesome 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 it all in vibrant Phuket.
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
8 days
Boat,Ferry,Public bus,Private vehicle,Overnight sleeper train,Songthaew
Small Group
English
Bangkok, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand
Basic
18 - 39 Year Olds Only
Light
Itinerary
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
Accommodation:
- Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
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)
Included Activities:
- Khao Sok National Park – Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
- Khao Sok National Park - Rafthouse Stay
Accommodation:
- Rafthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
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)
- 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.
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.
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.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
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).
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.
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.
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
03/31/2024
Such an amazing trip. Damrong was such an amazing leader definitely recommend
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
03/31/2024
Such an amazing trip. Damrong was such an amazing leader definitely recommend
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!
12/08/2023
We saw some incredibly beautiful scenery and had once in a lifetime experiences, im so glad I went!
12/04/2023
Being with tour guide Ole made me feel much better and more relaxed about going to Thailand. He was so knowledgeable and so happy to be our tour guide it made me a happier traveler. Thank you Ole!
12/04/2023
This trip was an authentic experience of Thailand, we went to local restaurants and places I wouldn’t have known about if travelling alone. The Khao Sok national park was a highlight and must see if in the south of Thailand
12/08/2023
We saw some incredibly beautiful scenery and had once in a lifetime experiences, im so glad I went!
10/30/2023
The Essential Thailand trip was the perfect mixture of activities and I enjoyed it so much. Our tour guide Ole was so knowledgeable and friendly.
07/10/2023
I really enjoyed the trip and the adventure. I saw and experienced things that I would not have experienced otherwise. I had a wonderful group and never felt alone and always felt safe. I recommend to everyone who doesn't want to travel alone and wants to experience the trip with a lot of extra information.
07/22/2023
I had the time of my life! Thailand is so beautiful and the people so friendly. The group of fellow travellers on the tour could not have been more fun and the whole trip was such an amazing bonding experience. Sasha, the tour leader was the best. I'd say it was the trip of the lifetime, but I'm already planning my next one........Thank you, Intrepid!
07/19/2023
This trip was amazing, our tour guide was awesome and made me feel so safe, especially as this was the first time I travelled through Asia and was outside of my comfort zone. The group were all very like minded and there was plenty of flexibility to tailor the trip to you. The raft house was a highlight, such a beautiful experience.
07/19/2023
Such an incredible trip and definitely felt at ease when being with a group and tour leader. Everything was well organized and we were able to gain insights from our leader on local knowledge
06/19/2023
So many fun experiences in a compact 9 day trip. The range of accommodations and transport experiences made for such a fun, diverse and authentic experience. Would recommend!
06/21/2023
This trip was a truly excellent experience. It was a great itinerary that allowed me to explore so many beautiful places and make amazing new friends. Our guide, Sasha was amazing and really enhanced my experience. 10/10 would recommend this trip to anyone looking to go to Southern Thailand
03/29/2023
Southern Thailand is the perfect place to relax and explore the natural beauty of Thailand. Khao Sok National Park raft house was a highlight, and I highly recommend taking advantage of all the optional day trips. Sasha was an incredible guide, always made us feel organised, welcome and safe. She made this trip so memorable. I’ll forever treasure the memories and friendships from this trip and can’t wait to travel with Intrepid again in the future.
03/27/2023
This trip was absolutely brilliant. I met some wonderful people, saw beautiful scenery and got involved with lots of fun activities. Our guide, Sasha, was a huge asset to the trip too. I’ve made lots memories that will last a lifetime.
03/27/2023
I’ve had an amazing time. I would recommend Intrepid to everyone! We have seen so much and had a lot of fun. We have learned along the way and made great friends. Thank you!
03/27/2023
I cannot recommend intrepid enough! There are so many travel options and all of the staff from customer service to our group leader are extremely kind and helpful. We were able to do and see so many things on our trip.
03/01/2023
We had a blast on this tour, yes there is some long days travelling but you still see so much and it's really not that bad. The places we went were amazing. Pepae our tour guide was great :)
01/23/2023
Amazing, well organised trip. Doesnt feel rushed, activities are fun, the guides are absolutely top notch, accomodation is excellent, and the smaller group makes it easier to go our together and get to know everyone. Khoa Sok is a massive highlight and chilling in the raft house free from lots of tourists was a very special experience.
01/02/2023
This trip included a fantastic balance of culture, breathtaking natural scenery, and lively nightlife. Our guide was extremely fun and approachable which contributed to the incredible experience I had!

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