Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
8 Days
From AUD $2365
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(18 reviews)

Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui

Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Clear blue waters, swaying palm trees and a bungalow on the beach – Thailand has all the ingredients for a holiday in paradise!.

Highlights

  • Discover the best beaches and islands of Thailand’s east coast, including the popular Ko Samui and laid-back Ko Tao, for a true slice of paradise.
  • Stay in the traditional raft house on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park, surrounded by turquoise waters and one of the world’s oldest jungles.
  • Learn about the community project at Khum Sa-ke. Walk along their birdwatching route and rice paddies and learn about their waste management and organic gardens.
  • Explore the underwater world of Ko Tao on a snorkelling trip, brimming with vibrant coral and colourful tropical fish.
  • Enjoy plenty of free time to take an optional daytrip to Ang Thong Marine National Park, search for the best panoramic views or simply chill out beachside with a cocktail.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Ferry, Overnight sleeper train, Private mini bus, Songtheaw, Longtail boat, Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok, Thailand

Finishes

Ko Samui, Thailand

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
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 in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, maybe gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some world-famous street food.

Optional Activities:

  • Bangkok - Bangkok by Bike Urban Adventure (1980 THB)
  • Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure (1960 THB)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Bangkok
Start today with a visit to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn. Named after the Indian God of Dawn, Aruna, this impressive landmark sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Wat Pho, home to the country's largest reclining Buddha, take a riverboat to Chinatown and wander its crowded streets or travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore Bangkok's famous 'khlongs' (canals). Tonight, you’ll board an overnight train southbound for Surat Thani.

Included Activities:

  • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Optional Activities:

  • Bangkok - Thai Massage (300 THB)
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
  • Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House (200 THB)
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho (300 THB)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Khao Sok National Park
Arrive at Surat Thani in the morning, then travel by minivan to Khao Sok. Set amid hectares of thick jungle, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and an island-studded lake, the Khao Sok National Park is a nature lover's paradise. Here, you’ll hop in a traditional longtail boat for a calm sail to your accommodation on the water. 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. Your accommodation tonight will be in a traditional raft house, surrounded by turquoise waters of the lake in the front and one of the oldest jungles at the back.

Included Activities:

  • Khao Sok National Park - Rafthouse Stay

Accommodation:

  • Raft House (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Ko Tao
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, you might catch a glimpse of an elephant, hornbill or langur monkey. After, make your way to Koh Tao. Best known for its vibrant coral reefs, tis little island is popular with divers and those just looking for beautiful, palm-fringed beaches like Sairee. Soak up some free time to relax or maybe join a cooking class, visit a local spa or go swimming. Koh Tao also has a small but lively nightlife for those looking for a dance on the beach.

Included Activities:

  • Khao Sok - Cheow Lan Lake tour
  • Khao Sok National Park – Waterfall Hike

Optional Activities:

  • Ko Tao - Thai Massage (300 THB)
  • Ko Tao - Scuba diving (2000 THB)
  • Ko Tao - Aromatherapy Care by Jamahkiri Spa (950 THB)
  • Ko Tao - Thai cooking class (1900 THB)

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Ko Tao
Today, you’ll discover the underwater world that surrounds Koh Tao with an exploratory snorkelling trip. With abundant coral and tropical fish, this is undeniably one of the jewels in southern Thailand – and you might even see a timid reef shark among the corals!. Sail south from Mae Haad Pier, navigating around the southern tip of the island until you reach Shark Island. Look out for the occasional leopard shark! Drop by Luek Bay for one of the best swimming beaches on the island, with fish-filled reefs on either side, then stop at Hin Wong Bay for lunch aboard the boat. Then, head to the privately-owned Nang Yuan Island and take a short hike up to a viewpoint, relax on the beach, snorkel through schools of parrotfish or chill out on the boat.

Included Activities:

  • Ko Tao - Day tour & snorkelling

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Ko Samui
After breakfast, jump on another boat and cruise over to Koh Samui. Known simply as Samui by locals, this spot has beautiful white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees. In the 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 home-cooked dinner full of southern Thailand flavours and see how important coconuts are to this delicious cuisine.

Included Activities:

  • Koh Samui - Community project visit & home-cooked dinner

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
7
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park tour (2500 THB)
  • Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary (3500 THB)
  • Ko Samui - Island sightseeing tour (1800 THB)
  • Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class (2300 THB)

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Ko Samui
As there are no further activities, your Thailand adventure comes to an end this morning. This doesn’t mean you have to go home! If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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 will do 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.

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 $2,365
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Clear blue waters, swaying palm trees and a bungalow on the beach – Thailand has all the ingredients for a holiday in paradise!.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 17 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
Andrew (Henry)
Traveled, August 2023

09/06/2023

A fantastic way to see a few different parts of Thailand that you wouldn't usually see. The trip was really well designed with opportunities do our own thing as well as the group activities. Tony the tour guide was awesome!

5.0
Roxanne
Traveled, August 2023

08/25/2023

Thank Anjan for an incredible trip, best birthday ever.

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