South Thailand Tour | Mountains and Rainforests

Day 1 - Bangkok - arrival and time to explore the area

Check in to our heritage-style downtown hotel in Bangkok’s lively Banglamphu district with some time to relax, explore the area or perhaps check out some of the lively local markets before a local-style welcome dinner.

Overnight: Bangkok Transport: Walk,  Meals: D, 

Day 2 - Bangkok - city tour with a difference

Tour of some of the sights of Thailand’s vast and bustling capital, including famous Wat Po, the Royal Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Chinatown. We also include behind-the-scenes views, street life and local markets as we travel around Bangkok uniquely by public transport; Skytrain, Chao Phraya River Express, canal boats and of course tuk-tuks. An evening street food tour completes the day.

Overnight: Bangkok Transport: Train, Boat, Tuk Tuk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 3 - Amphawa - explore the canals

After a visit to the famous Mae Klong ‘Railway Market,’ we’ll head to Amphawa to explore the old-style stilt houses, canals and markets of this picturesque district as well as discovering some of the residents’ traditional livelihoods such as parasol-making or sea salt fabrication. A sunset boat trip to see the canal-side fireflies rounds off our day.

Overnight: Amphawa Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, 

Day 4 - Bangkok to Kanchanaburi - on the 'Death Railway'

Up early perhaps for the monks’ alms ritual before a departure for Kanchanaburi Province where we’ll take the local train over the Bridge on the River Kwai and along the infamous, but scenic, ‘Death Railway’. Afternoon visit to Sai Yok Noi Waterfall and short nature hike through the lush surrounding jungle before checking into our floating raft accommodation.

Overnight: Sai Yok Transport: Minibus, Train,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 5 - Kanchanaburi - down the River Kwai

Departure for nearby ‘Hellfire Pass’ where we’ll visit the fascinating museum and hike along the former route of the ‘Death Railway’ itself. (So named because of the numbers of local workers and Allied POWs who died during its construction by the Japanese army.) Afternoon expedition down the jungle-lined River Kwai with a choice of kayaks or 2 person canoes for the uninitiated.

Overnight: Kanchanaburi Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 6 - Kanchanaburi - Angkor period ruins and a night train

Complete our Western Thailand loop with a return to Kanchanaburi Town by way of the impressive 12th-century ruins of Muang Singh – a former, fortified, frontier town of the Angkor Empire. Time to visit some of the sites of Kanchanaburi Town on foot or bicycle, such as the ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ and War Museum before catching a night sleeper train to the South.

Please note, single accommodation is not available on the sleeper train

Overnight: Night sleeper train Transport: Minibus, Train, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 7 - Khao Sok - explore the stunning scenery

On to Khao Sok in Surat Thani Province – acknowledged as one of Thailand’s most spectacular National Parks – with its dramatic limestone, karst scenery, lakes, waterfalls and lush jungle. An afternoon at leisure offers the options of tubing down the nearby Khao Sok River, an afternoon elephant experience – with the opportunity to learn about the gentle giants – an unusual jungle cookery class or just kicking back on your balcony and admiring the fabulous tropical flora and fauna.

Overnight: Khao Sok Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 8 - Khao Sok - boat trip on Chiew Lan Lake

A day trip into the park’s interior to discover the incredible karst scenery of Cheow Lan Lake by boat and on foot including cave exploration, a jungle hike and lunch in a floating raft restaurant.

Overnight: Khao Sok Transport: Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 9 - Nakorn Si Thammarat - the deep south

A scenic morning drive east to Nakorn Si Thammarat Town with an afternoon tour to discover this friendly southern town’s bustling markets and ancient temples (now on UNESCO’s tentative list) and check out the region’s traditional shadow puppet making.

Overnight: Nakorn Si Thammarat Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 10 - Khao Luang National Park - lush jungle

Excursion to nearby Khao Luang National Park, site of the dramatic Kharom Waterfall – one of the highest and most spectacular in Thailand. Bathing, nature hike and scrambling up the falls before an afternoon transfer to Thale Noi in Phattalung Province where we’ll stay in a charming little resort set on the edge of this vast inland sea.

Overnight: Thale Noi Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 11 - To Trang via Thale Noi Bird Sanctuary and a cave temple

Early morning boat trip through the atmospheric marshes and lily-covered wetlands of Thale Noi Bird Sanctuary – one of the region’s most important water-bird sites. Time to soak up the wonderful scenery before afternoon visits to the unusual Wat Tham Sumano cave temples and lush Thung Khai Botanical Gardens with their canopy walkway. Arrival in Trang Town and evening street food tour of the bustling night market.

Overnight: Trang Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 12 - Trang - mangroves and sea caves

Head for the Andaman coast to Ban Chao Mai National Park where we’ll canoe through mangrove swamps and travel along underground streams to visit the spectacular and mysterious sacred sea caves. Time to relax on superb Hat Yao Beach (and with luck catch a glimpse of the resident langurs) and a leisurely return drive along the scenic coastline with perhaps sundowners on the beach at Pak Meng?

Overnight: Trang Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 13 - Trang - morning at leisure

A morning at leisure in Trang before a transfer to Krabi airport for a return flight to Bangkok. Alternatively, transfer to the nearby, unspoilt island of Koh Libong for a few days of quality beach time.

Extra nights in Bangkok prior to, or after your tour are available on request.

Overnight: Departure Transport: Minibus, Plane,  Meals: B,