Journeys: Best of Southern Thailand

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Duration: 8 days

Begins: Krabi

Ends: Koh Samui

Trip Code: ATKNG

From

£1,499 per person

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or Call 01273 099433

    Trade the ordinary for the warmth of southern Thailand, where limestone cliffs rise from turquoise waters and quiet villages welcome you in. Glide past tropical islands on a longtail boat, cook a feast over an open fire deep in the rainforest, and tour organic family farms. Whether navigating mangrove forests by longtail boat or winding between traditional villages in a tuk-tuk, experience the lesser-known side of Thailand’s idyllic coastal escapes.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    National Geographic Journeys
    Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
    Service Level
    Upgraded
    Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
    Physical Rating
    2 - Light
    Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Life along the Krabi River, Krabi
    • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Feast in the rainforest, Khao Sok
    • Your G for Good Moment: Island hopping by longtail, Krabi
    • Your G for Good Moment: Harvesting local traditions, Ban Ta Khun
    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
    • Arrival transfer
    • Free time in Koh Samui & Khao Sok
    • Krabi Village Excursion
    • Bamboo cooking experience & riverside dinner in Khao Sok National Par
    • Khao Sok National Park Night Hike
    • Hong Island Traditional Longtail Boat Tour
    • Samui Premium Off-Road Journey
    • Internal flights
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Allow USD100-130 for meals not included.

    Day 1 : Krabi

    Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

    Arrival Transfer

    Krabi Airport - Krabi 0h45m - 0h45m

    You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

    Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group

    1h

    Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

    Acommodation

    Aonang Princeville VIlla Resort & Spa

    Acommodation

    Aonang Princeville VIlla Resort & Spa

    Day 2 : Krabi

    Step aboard a traditional longtail boat on an excursion with a community-run enterprise, supported by G Adventures. Cruise the waters of the Andaman Sea, heading for the Hong Island archipelago. Spend your day exploring four islands: Hong, Pakbia, Lahding, and Paradise. Sink your toes into white sand, share a quiet picnic lunch surrounded by limestone cliffs, and snorkel in clear waters teeming with colourful marine life. It is a day defined by the simple rhythms of the sun and sea, offering plenty of time to swim, relax, and absorb the natural beauty of the coast before heading back to Krabi for a free evening.

    Island hopping by longtail

    Krabi 7h - 8h

    Explore the Hong Islands on a full-day tour from Krabi that travels by traditional Longtail boat. Head to white-sand beaches and hidden lagoons where you can snorkel in the clear waters of the Andaman Sea and search for an abundance of colorful fish and other aquatic life. Take breaks to lie on the white sand and soak up the sun.

    Acommodation

    Aonang Princeville VIlla Resort & Spa

    Acommodation

    Aonang Princeville VIlla Resort & Spa

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 3 : Krabi/Khao Sok

    Begin the morning by crossing the Krabi River on a longtail boat to explore quiet rural communities. Hop on tuk-tuk to wind through farming villages, meeting residents and learning about daily agricultural life and the customs of the predominantly Muslim community. In the afternoon, travel to Khao Sok National Park, where you will join a local guide for a walk through the rainforest. Arrive at a secluded jungle clearing for a bamboo cooking experience, helping to prepare a feast of green curry, barbecued chicken, and rice inside freshly cut bamboo tubes, dining as the forest comes alive with evening sounds.

    Life along the Krabi River

    Krabi

    With our local guide, cross the Krabi River by typical long-tail boat, and jump in tuk tuks to explore local villages and farming communities. Interact with people going about their daily lives farming rice and vegetables and other rural industries. Learn about the culture and beliefs of the mostly Muslim population.

    Private Vehicle

    Krabi - Khao Sok 2h - 2h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Feast in the rainforest

    Khao Sok

    In the afternoon, venture into the lush rainforest of Klong Phanom National Park alongside a local guide who calls this region home. Take a walk through the vibrant landscape as your host shares the secrets of traditional jungle medicines, then gather around a campfire to enjoy a freshly prepared dinner of local rainforest specialties.

    In the afternoon, venture into the lush rainforest of Klong Phanom National Park alongside a local guide who calls this region home. Take a walk through the vibrant landscape as your host shares the secrets of traditional jungle medicines, then gather around a campfire to enjoy a freshly prepared dinner of local rainforest specialties.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 4 : Khao Sok

    Today is yours to shape as you wish, with optional excursions that let you dive deeper into this ancient rainforest. Choose to set out on a guided jungle trek to spot wild orchids, towering bamboo groves, and signs of native wildlife along the leafy trails. Alternatively, opt for a peaceful canoe tour down the gentle Sok River. Whatever you choose, spend a slow-paced day connecting with one of Thailand's most biodiverse wilderness areas.

    Free time:

    Khao Sok

    Enjoy a day at leisure with the opportunity to join optional activities, including jungle hikes or canoeing.

    Optional Activities - Day 4

    Khao Sok National Park Hike

    Khao Sok

    Explore the National Park with an expert local guide. Hike through stunning rainforest and keep an eye open for birds and monkeys.

    Sok River Canoe Tour

    Khao Sok

    Take a guided canoe tour along the Sok river. Enjoy the stunning scenery and keep an eye out out for birds, monkeys, and lizards.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 5 : Khao Sok/Koh Samui

    Discover how delicious southern Thai dishes go from plot to plate at Kao Thep Pitak farm and restaurant, a G Adventures supported community-run project. Walk through organic orchards and a nearby rubber plantation, learning how this self-sustaining initiative supports more than 140 local families. Share lunch prepared by village members, then travel to Don Sak pier to board the afternoon ferry to the tropical island of Koh Samui. Arrive on the island and settle into your hotel for a relaxed evening.

    Harvesting local traditions

    Ban Ta Khun

    Indulge in traditional Southern Thai cuisine prepared by members of Kao Thep Pitak village. Your meal will be made with ingredients picked from local organic farms and a fruit orchard on the property. Over 140 families benefit from the community-owned and managed eatery through the Kao Thep Pitak Community Ecotourism Enterprise, supported by Planeterra and G Adventures.

    Private Vehicle

    Khao Sok - Don Sak 1h - 1h30m

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Ferry

    Don Sak - Koh Samui 1h30m - 1h30m

    Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

    Acommodation

    Fair House Villas & Spa

    Acommodation

    Fair House Villas & Spa

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 6 : Koh Samui

    Set out on a day of discovery across Koh Samui, travelling beyond the beaches to see the island's interior. Wind past coconut plantations, wander jungle sanctuaries, and stand before waterfalls and island temples. Along the way, take in sweeping panoramic views from high mountain lookouts and stop to feel the soft sand of quiet Silver Beach. This journey offers a balance of culture, local life, and natural beauty, ending with a relaxed evening at your leisure.

    Hidden corners of Koh Samui

    Koh Samui

    Explore the natural beauty, rich culture, and hidden treasures of Koh Samui on a full-day island adventure. Visit iconic temples, discover the enchanting Secret Buddha Garden, and journey off-road through lush coconut plantations and scenic mountain landscapes. Enjoy breathtaking island views, refreshing waterfalls, unique cultural landmarks, and finish the day relaxing on the beautiful shores of Silver Beach.

    Explore the natural beauty, rich culture, and hidden treasures of Koh Samui on a full-day island adventure. Visit iconic temples, discover the enchanting Secret Buddha Garden, and journey off-road through lush coconut plantations and scenic mountain landscapes. Enjoy breathtaking island views, refreshing waterfalls, unique cultural landmarks, and finish the day relaxing on the beautiful shores of Silver Beach.

    Acommodation

    Fair House Villas & Spa

    Acommodation

    Fair House Villas & Spa

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 7 : Koh Samui

    Spend a free day taking in Koh Samui at your own pace. Choose to spend the day relaxing on the sun-warmed beaches, dipping into the Gulf of Thailand, and browsing local seaside markets. Or, opt for an excursion to Angthong National Marine Park, an archipelago of hidden lagoons and limestone cliffs. Your National Geographic Expedition Leader is on hand to help you arrange your perfect final day, leaving you free to gather with your fellow travellers in the evening to swap stories and celebrate your shared journey.

    Free time:

    Koh Samui Full day

    Spend a full free day getting to know Koh Samui on your own. Stroll along the pristine beaches, visit the various temples in the area, hike through the island jungle, or set out on a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park.

    Acommodation

    Fair House Villas & Spa

    Optional Activities - Day 7

    Angthong National Marine Park Visit

    Koh Samui 7h - 8h

    Ang Thong National Marine Park is a protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands. All of the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except for one. This full-day leisure excursion through the astonishing archipelago offers many different experiences including hiking, snorkeling by the beach, and sightseeing.

    Acommodation

    Fair House Villas & Spa

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 8 : Koh Samui

    Depart at any time.

    Departure Day

    Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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