Thailand City & Beach Trail: Bangkok, Khao Sok & Khanom - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Experience Khao San Road Nightlife

Welcome to Bangkok! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met at the air bridge and escorted to the immigration counter, after which your guide will assist with your luggage and take you to your local driver for transfer to your hotel. The rest of your day is free, where you'll have the opportunity to freshen up, relax at the hotel, and explore the surrounding neighborhoods.

 

In the evening, make your way to Khao San Road to explore its young and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy the international atmosphere with travelers from around the globe, and sample local dishes as you walk through a maze of street food stalls in the night market. 

Day 2: Symbolic Temple Tour & Khlong Tour

Rise and shine! After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and take you to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' early morning chanting ritual, which begins at 9 am. One of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho is home to a famous 150-foot (45 m) Reclining Buddha, as well as being the original school of traditional Thai massage. From here, continue to the Grand Palace, the most important and impressive royal palace in Thailand. Your guide will show you the palaces used for different occasions here. Afterward, stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon, discover the city's khlongs (canals) during a boat tour in Thonburi, the former national capital. Removed from the tall skyscrapers and congested traffic jams of the new part of the city, Thonburi reveals a more traditional side of Bangkok with its old wooden townhouses, floating kitchens, colorful temples, and simpler way of life. The long-tail boat tour will culminate with a visit to the remarkable Wat Arun temple on the Chao Phraya River.

Day 3: Bang Krachao Cycling Tour, Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk

A half-day bicycle trip to Bang Krachao is the best way to escape the chaotic streets of Bangkok. Just a few minutes across the Chao Phraya River, you'll find this green and peaceful paradise. Ride through the lush gardens of this charming district, making a stop on the way at the famous Bang Nampueng weekend market for local street food and souvenirs.

 

In the evening, enjoy a food tour by tuk-tuk. Meet your guide at the hotel and hop aboard this fun and commonly-used open-air vehicle, which easily accommodates two passengers. Your guide will provide an overview of Thailand's capital and insights into local life as you take in the beauty of Bangkok by night and explore its markets, temples, and food.

 

Along the way, you'll stop at Wat Pho to admire its golden pagodas lit up at night and walk through the famous 24-hour flower market, where vivid colors are in full bloom under the fluorescent lights. At nightfall, Bangkok comes alive with food vendors, and your driver will also stop in Chinatown, where you can sample some of the best food in the city before finishing with a delicious dessert at a mystery stop. 

Day 4: Fly to Surat Thani, Transfer to Khao Sok National Park

It's time to head to Southern Thailand! At the appointed time, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to the city of Surat Thani. Once you arrive, a private driver will pick you up and transfer you to Khao Sok National Park (a 1.5-hour drive). Once you enter the park, take a boat transfer to 500 Rai Floating Resort for check-in and dinner. This beautiful resort features overwater bungalows surrounded by nature and is a great place to relax and enjoy a serene boat ride.  

Day 5: Relax & Explore Khao Sok National Park

Spend the next two days exploring this stunning national park at your leisure, or join one of the activities arranged by the resort. Some of these include trekking to Tarzan Viewpoint, surrounded by stunning flora and fauna, or visiting Pad Zian Waterfall, which can be reached via a 15-minute boat ride on Chiew Larn Lake. You can reach the top of this waterfall via a hike through a lush green forest. Another excursion involves trekking to Nam Ta Lu Cave, where you can discover stalactites, stalagmites, and several fantastic rock formations.

 

Another option is a one-mile (1.5 km) trekking excursion through dense jungle will take you to Pa Ka Rang Cave, a limestone cave that was formed under the ocean almost 250 million years ago. Explore the cave via bamboo raft, keeping an eye out for stalactites and stalagmites as you enjoy stunning views. You could also join a wildlife safari by long-tail boat. A short 30-minute boat ride will take you to Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, where gaurs can be spotted during the summer season. You may also catch a glimpse of wild elephants, boars, and hornbills. 

Day 7: Transfer to Khanom, Free Day

Enjoy a free morning today at your resort before you are picked up for the transfer to Khanom (a 2.5-hour drive) for a beach break. Check into your hotel from 2 pm, then use the rest of the day to relax and explore the area on your own. Khanom is one of Thailand's last pristine tourist destinations. Here, you'll find swaying coconut palms, lush green landscapes, limestone mountains, and virtually-untouched beaches still retaining their natural beauty.

Day 8: Snorkeling Tour of Ko Madsum & Ko Tan Islands

The islands of Ko Tan, Ko Madsum, and Ko Rab and their vast coral reefs offer ideal areas for snorkeling. You'll see the whole spectrum of colors as coral sways slowly in the mild sea currents and fish of different sizes swim below you.

 

Begin that adventure by heading to Bang Nod Harbor, then continue by boat to Ko Tan. Once you arrive, enjoy some snorkeling before relaxing at Ko Madsum, also known as "Pig Island," due to the community of pigs living there. Lunch will be served on the boat. Afterward, move on to another spot on Ko Tan or Ko Rab for snorkeling or swimming. The tour will end at a resort and spa in the area where you can enjoy a tropical drink and relax.

Day 9: Free Day in Khanom

Enjoy another free day in the Khanom region today. The best-known attraction here is the colony of pink dolphins that patrol the coast every day. You'll find one national park northeast of the village of Khanom and another to the west. There are also two waterfalls and a cave within a short drive of the village.

If you venture 12.5 miles (20 km) to the north or south, you'll discover many other small and lovely beaches. The mountains which guard the coast at both ends are covered in a pristine jungle full of colorful birds. There are also a number of other natural and manmade wonders in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani provinces, all within a one to two-hour drive.

Day 10: Pink Dolphin Excursion & Khanom Sightseeing

This morning, you'll set off on a local long-tail fishing boat to seek out pink dolphins. Then, travel to the island of Ko Nui Nork, where you'll learn about the legendary Buddhist monk Luang Por Tuad. After having lunch on the beach, enjoy a natural spa treatment in the mountain river. Fish will nibble gently at your feet to clean and soften them. Afterward, spend the afternoon relaxing at your leisure.

Day 11: Depart Thailand

It's time to say goodbye to Thailand today! Enjoy any extra hours this morning to relax and go for one more swim, then take a private transfer to the airport in Surat Thani. From there, fly to Bangkok to catch your onward flight. Safe travels! 

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