Southern Thailand: Islands & Wildlife 2027-28

Begin in Bangkok: glittering temples, neon streets and more food your loose pants can handle, Bangkok is where your small group trip through Southern Thailand starts. Meet your group, eat Pad Thai and talk late into the night. 

Klong cruising: step onto a traditional long-tail boat for a morning of floating through Bangkok’s famous canals. Klongs in Thai. Spot stilt houses, local neighbourhoods and stop at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen – a Buddha statue, temple complex and blend of past and present – as well as a local artist village. 

Later, your way: the city is yours. Ask your Trip Leader about their favourite spots to visit. Wander down a side street with an air of mystery. Or check your TikTok saves for the places you wish to experience. Then, stock up on snacks – you've got a bunk on an overnight train to snuggle into. 

Transport swap: wake up in the city of Surat Thani, grab a local breakfast packed with flavour and hop on the minibus for your journey to Khao Sok National Park. Loading: dramatic cliffs and lush rainforest. 

Treehouse life: firmly in jungle mode, settle in for a local Thai bamboo cooking demonstration. On the menu? A traditional grilled chicken (Kai Yang) and bamboo rice (Khao Lam) dish using techniques that go back centuries. Plonk yourself on the ground in front of the Sok River with your trip mates and tuck in until your treehouse calls for sleep. 

Floating lunch: venture deeper into Khao Sok National Park. Think: towering limestone karsts, ancient caves, some of the world’s oldest rainforest... If that doesn’t send curious shivers down your spine, lunch at tonight’s accommodation, a floating raft house at Cheow Lan Lake, will. 

Hike, boat and safari: get even more adventure after lunch with a guided jungle hike followed by a longtail boat experience, seeking the emerald lake’s hidden coves and cliff-lined shores. Then, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on a lake safari.   

More wildlife safari: after eating all the tropical breakfast you can stomach, another wholesome wildlife safari is on the cards this morning. Cruise across Cheow Lan Lake’s misty waters on the lookout for monkeys, hornbills and more. 

Later, your way: back at the raft house, the afternoon’s yours to experience the lake at your own pace. Team up in smaller groups for a canoe race, float on the water, or lay beside your trip mates on the porch – soaking up every ray of sunlight. 

Krabi bound: wave goodbye to the national park as you travel to Krabi for shimmering waters, powder-soft sand and jungle so thick you don’t know where it begins or ends. After check-in, the evenings yours. A dish of tom sam or moo ping anyone? 

Beyond Krabi’s beaches: hop on your transfer to meet your local crew at the coast for a kayaking journey that lulls you into zen mode. Paddle along winding waterways and gasp at limestone cliffs, hidden channels and even the Bat Cave. Relaxation more than earned, cool off in Ao Thueak Lagoon with a swim. 

Krabi community: after a group lunch, discover Nai Nang – a traditional fishing and farming community. There, we’ve packed the afternoon with activities: visit a beekeeping project, stop at a local goat farm, drop by a rubber plantation. Who in the group will be a natural at rubber tapping? 

Secret island life: a trio of golden sands, teal-to-turquoise waters and dense jungle is calling for today’s journey. Not many people know about the small island called Koh Yao Noi, but you get to discover it after a drive and short ferry crossing.  

Later, your way: check into the resort, dump your bags, freshen up and go straight back out of the door to see what this island has to offer. Hidden beaches, fresh coconuts and beachfront restaurants are just a taste. The slow life just got even slower. 

Back to Thailand’s roots: today is packed with more. More history. More bites. More crafts. Start with a walk through rice paddies and learn how farming practices have shaped the landscape. Then, pop that creative hat on for a batik workshop, resulting in a handmade souvenir. 

Lobsters and life: a local lobster farm will have you watering at the mouth for a taste of fresh seafood and local insight into sustainability. After, visit a local market where fresh produce and aromatic spices fill the air.  

Community values: after freshly made lunch, feel peace at a local mosque, gaining insight into Koh Yao Noi’s Muslim culture. Then, stroll through the narrow streets of a traditional village where family and friendliness are at the root of every interaction. 

Your day, your way: you’ve got 24 hours of pure free time to do whatever you choose today. Will you make more memories with the group, chatting, chilling, swapping home quirks until the sun goes down? Or will you keep to yourself for a bit of R&R? With tropical breezes, rustic cafés, quiet beaches and vivid viewpoints, there’s plenty of food and feels packed into Koh Yao Noi. 

Thailand’s biggest island: after breakfast, it’s time for a new location. Introducing Phuket, home to pristine beaches, vivacious nightlife and diverse culture. Dive straight in doing what you want with plenty of free time to soak it all up. 

Final celebration: it’s okay if tears form and you blame it on staring at the sun – the time has come for one last group dinner. Eat staple Southern Thailand food, drink cocktails, mocktails or beers and reflect on the travel moments that belong to the group... for life. 

A Thai goodbye: you’ve probably already swapped social handles with the promise of catching up in the not-so-distant future. But if there are a few tears today, it’s okay. Goodbyes with strangers-to-friends-in-eleven-days can be hard. And if you’re really not ready to say sàwàtdii to Thailand, you can always join our small group trip of Northern Thailand...