Experience a sun-drenched slice of heaven on this trip through southern Thailand. Set sail across a mist-shrouded lake, enjoy a taste of rural life at a homestay, swim in pristine waters and laze on white sand beaches. All of the highlights of a tropical Thai adventure - exotic wildlife, remote hideaways, lush island landscapes and unbelievably warm clear waters - are here in the south, just waiting to be explored.

Days 1-2 Bangkok:
Ancient temples stand by towering skyscrapers in exciting Bangkok. Visit the ornate Grand Palace, home of the beautifully carved Emerald Buddha, and navigate the maze of khlongs in a longtail boat.

Days 3-6 Khao Sok National Park:
Explore Thailand's best rainforest where the ecosystem is said to be even richer than the Amazon. Sleep in bamboo rafthouses on Chiaw Lan Lake and wake to the sound of gibbons calling from the mountains. Walk through the jungle to a cave temple and learn its legends from the locals before setting off on an optional elephant ride.

For trips May-Oct (East Coast)... Days 7-10 Homestay/Ko Pha-Ngan:
Taste rural life at a homestay and help the locals plant mangroves or search for clams. Travel along the coast by longtail boat and explore the magnificent beaches and coral bays of the Ang Thong Marine National Park.

Days 11-13 Ko Samui:
Famous for its nightlife and beaches, Ko Samui is the ideal island getaway. In between swimming and relaxing, head out to see the Big Buddha and the mummified monk, then cool off at a waterfall.

For trips Nov-Apr (West Coast)... Days 7-10 Krabi/Ao Nang:
Try tapping rubber and enjoy the great food and warm hospitality of a homestay. Head out in a sea kayak or test those muscles rock climbing amid Ao Nang's limestone cliffs.

Days 11-13 Phang-Nga Bay/Sea Safari:
Discover this stretch of paradise, where the water is clear, the diving is legendary and the soda-white beaches beckon.

Both itineraries... Days 14-15 Bangkok:
Back in Bangkok, check out the dizzying array of shopping centres, catch a river ferry or relax with a Thai massage before a final farewell dinner.

Duration:
15 days

Tour Code:
TSS

Physical Rating:
2

Culture Shock Rating:
3

Accommodation:
East coast: Hotels/guesthouses (4 nts), forest hut (2 nts), bungalow (2 nts), bamboo rafthouse (2 nts), island camping (1 nt), homestay (1 nt), overnight trains (2 nts) West coast: Hotels/guesthouses (5 nts), bungalow (2 nts), bamboo rafthouse (2 nts), island camping (2 nts), homestay (1 nt), overnight trains (2 nts)

Transportation:
Overnight train, minivan, ferry, longtail boat, local bus, songthaew, walking

Trip Style:
Intrepid Original

Group Size:
Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Departure:
Departure is guaranteed

Budget:
Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

Trip Kitty:

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