Southern Thailand Nature Safari

Welcome to Thailand!  Upon arrival to Suvarnabhumi Airport, our team will be ready and waiting to welcome everyone and help with the transfer arrangements to the hotel.

There’ll be some time to some rest at the hotel before the evening exploration begins. Depending on the day of the week, there will be a visit to either Khlong Ong Ang or Chinatown.

Khlong Ong Ang (Fri-Sun)

Visit Bangkok’s latest walking street “Khlong Ong Ang”. This renovated Bangkok canal or ‘Khlong’ offers a delightful entry point into the Thai kingdom and social culture. It features street art created with various Thai, Chinese and Indian influences. Live music and other street performances are on full display as well. The market stalls at Khlong Ong Ang sell everything from tasty treats to traditional arts and crafts created by the local vendors.

Chinatown (Tue-Thu)

Pay a visit to Chinatown, the chaotic community that is known for its delicious street side food stalls.  The first stop here will be Tep Bar, a trendy hangout paying homage to all things Thai. They have Thai xylophones and cymbals, Thai tapas and cocktails with names borne from ancient Thai lore.  Dine on tapas which is served a-la-carte - we recommend the moo sarong (pork balls wrapped in yellow noodle and fried) and the Khao Kriab wow (rice cracker served with chili paste).  For friskier travellers, try a shot of Ya Dong (Thai moonshine infused with herbs).  Afterwards, take to Chinatown’s streets to sample more tasty treats.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel. Begin the first day in Bangkok by visiting Wat Suthat. Wat Suthat is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bangkok and known as the temple of the Giant Swing. The temple complex is one of the largest in Bangkok and the main temple building contains intricately drawn murals depicting Buddhist stories that span the walls. Take a walk around the area of the temple to taste a range of delicious Thai desserts and other local foods.

Then, visit the Grand Palace, Thailand’s most famous site. Do be prepared for crowds as tourists can clog the grounds during the day.  Our expert local guides will find quiet areas to relay the palace’s religious and royal significance.  The Grand Palace has been the seat of the Thai monarchy for more than two centuries, and houses a number of halls, temples and museums.  Within the grounds is the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered relic.

After that, explore Wat Pho’s spiritual grounds, including the gilded 45-meter reclining Buddha.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel. Depart the hotel at 07:00. An early start is required as our destination is the famed Maeklong Railway Market, an hour and half outside the city. The train only comes through at certain times so we will ensure you are there for the highlight!

Afterwards, a local lunch will be enjoyed before heading to a floating market. Depending on the day of the week, this will be either Damnoen Saduak or Tha Ka floating market.

Maeklong Railway Market (Talad Rom Hub)

At first glance there’s nothing special about Maeklong Railway Market - typical vendors selling grilled skewers or mango or crabs or cold, sugary drinks.  But when the train’s whistle sounds, the small, sedate market instantly swings into motion as vendors, sitting opposite each other with the tracks bisecting the stalls, pack away their food and wares, fold-down their roofs, and wait for the train to pass.  This ritual repeats itself throughout the day, offering tourists a glimpse into the ingenuity brought about in a free-market economy.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Tha Ka Floating market (Sat – Sun) (Recommended by Tripseed)

Spend time walking and boating at Tha Ka Floating Market. Situated amongst local sugar plantations, Tha Ka is one of the area’s few remaining floating markets that is predominantly visited by locals rather than being a tourist set-up. At Tha Ka, the speed is decidedly slower and the vendors more friendly, offering a more authentic experience. Boats are either selling produce or freshly cooked dishes, such as hoy tod (fried oyster omelette).  

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Mon – Fri)

After arriving to the pier, board a long-tail boat for a ride through the maze of khlongs (canals) that constitute Damnoen Saduak.  The initial stretch of the river is lined with both wooden and more modern concrete houses.  The main stretch of market is both chaotic and charismatic, with hawkers peddling over-priced souvenirs to tourists while boats brimming with fruit make for excellent photos.  While the main market tends to be over-touristed, our guides make sure to include time at Khun Phitak, a little off the beaten track area where some authenticity shines through.

Afterwards, drive to Hua Hin which is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Thailand with its beaches, seafood and number of attractions and activities.

Overnight in Hua Hin.

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel.

Remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hua Hin.

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel. After eating, a private transfer will provide a comfortable drive from Hua Hin to Surat Thani with a stop at Sam Roi Yot National Park (Approximately 6 hours).

Sam Roi Yot National Park is located to the south of Hua Hin. The name of the park means the mountain with 300 peaks. There are 157 species of bird in the national park that indicate the abundance of nature and biodiversity of the area. The view from Khao Daeng Peak and Khao Daeng Canal are the best spots to enjoy the landscape. The main attractions of the national park are Phraya Nakhon Cave with its iconic royal pavilion and huge chamber.

Continue driving to Surat Thani.

Overnight in Surat Thani.

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel. After breakfast, transfer to Khao Sok.

A local market and temple will be visited first. Then, it’s time for a relaxing spot of canoeing for an hour. Let your guide do all the paddling as you sit back and relax on a journey that takes you past towering limestone cliffs. Monitor lizards, kingfishers and monkeys can be spotted along the way.

Stop along the way for a quick dip in the cool waters and a coffee made from a bamboo cup! The canoe trip was initiated by a group of local villagers interested in sharing and preserving their special environment.

Afterwards a tasty Thai Lunch will be enjoyed in a wonderful atmosphere at the Rock and Treehouse Resort. Eat as much as you want while enjoying a nice talk with your group or letting the fascinating impressions of the morning slowly sink in, before we continue to an Elephant camp where it’s possible to try mixing herbs for them to aid their diet and bath them.

Overnight in Khao Sok.

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the resort before the day kicks off with a transfer to Khao Sok National Park. Boarding longtail boats across Cheow Lan Lake makes it easy to enjoy the fascinating landscape on the way to the Bamboo Raft Houses.

Here, check-in and enjoy a real Thai lunch, before going on an afternoon wildlife safari by longtail boat.

Dinner and overnight at Raft house.

*Please note the accommodation on the lake is very basic. For this tour, we go deep into the jungle to explore wildlife.

Overnight in Khao Sok.

It’s an early morning today as it begins with a safari by long-tail boat, soaking up the scenery of the lake and sounds of the surrounding wildlife. Return to the raft for breakfast.

A jungle trek follows adventurously exploring the Klong Kla area to unveil the untouched nature of the rainforest. Follow the guide along hidden tracks (Approximately 1.30hr –2hrs), and listen to the sounds of the jungle. Investigate Prakaiphet cave to explore the many stalagmites and stalactites inside.

Thai Lunch will be served on the lake before heading back, cruising again through the diverse landscape of Khao Sok.

Transfer to Khao Lak.

Overnight in Khao Lak.

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the resort.

Remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Khao Lak.

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel. Following this, a private transfer will be prepared for a drive from Khao Lak to Phuket International Airport for your departure.