Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 11 Breakfasts 1 Lunches 2 Dinners

Transport

Bus, Boat

Accommodation

1 nights simple camping 2 nights simple homestay 4 nights standard hotel 2 nights simple hotel 2 nights standard lodge

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately.

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip In Bangkok; Street Food Tour Of Chinatown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Trip In Bangkok; Street Food Tour Of Chinatown

Arrive in Thailand’s capital, the lively metropolis of Bangkok. The bustling street life of this energetic city is set to a backdrop of colourful, ornate shrines and modern glass-fronted high-rises, which jostle for position to dominate the city’s skyline. It’s a place where old meets new at every corner. Sample the fresh and tasty street food, haggle in the non-stop markets and take a cruise out on Chao Phraya River to witness stunning sunsets. For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on a tour of Bangkok’s street food. Embarking on the impressive metro system, we will take in the city’s frenetic energy is encapsulated within this one kilometre strip of gold traders, street-side restaurants, market stalls, Chinese temples, and of course bright neon lights. We make our way through the melee of stalls where our trip Leader will explain the history of this area, providing some context for the colourful and exotic scenes in front of us. For those that are hungry, there is a huge array of tasty street food to try, and for those feeling brave, there is the delicacy of this area- deep-fried insects! If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is one hour from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up in the lobby at 8am on day 2. Please note that if you wish to join the Street food tour of Chinatown today, you must arrive at the hotel by 6pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around one hours’ drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 3pm.
Day 2 Day 2: Free Day In Bangkok; Optional Trip To Grand Palace, Wat Arun And Wat Pho
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Free Day In Bangkok; Optional Trip To Grand Palace, Wat Arun And Wat Pho

Today has been left free for you to explore Bangkok. There are a number of optional excursions available, enabling you to choose how you discover this fascinating city. One stand-out highlight of Bangkok is the Grand Palace, the city’s gleaming and glittering centrepiece. Constructed in 1782, it was the home of Thai royalty for over 150 years, as well as housing the Royal Court and administrative seat of government. Its intricate carved statues, art work and gold-gilded architecture is some of the best in the country, and the complex also houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of the most sacred temples in the country. Next door to the palace is Wat Pho, otherwise known as the ’Temple of Reclining Buddha’. The iconic temple houses a huge 46 metre long golden Buddha and is symbolic of Buddhism in Thailand. Another popular option is to explore Bangkok’s ’Klongs’ - a narrow network of waterways navigated by long-tail boats and water taxis, offering a different way of seeing the capital. Other options include cycling through Bangkok’s ’Green Lung’ in Sri Nakhon Park, a morning excursion to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and a full day trip to visit the temples of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya.
Day 3 Day 3: Morning Drive To Kanchanaburi, Afternoon Ride Along Death Railway
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Morning Drive To Kanchanaburi, Afternoon Ride Along Death Railway

We make an early start today, heading to Kanchanaburi located 128 kilometres west of Bangkok. We visit the world-famous Bridge over the River Kwai and Allied War Cemetery and ride on the train along the infamous Death Railway, before continuing onto the Hellfire Pass. The building of the bridge and railway is one of the most infamous episodes of the Second World War. The Japanese built the railway to link Siam and Burma (Myanmar) using Prisoners of War between June 1942 and October 1943. We spend time learning about the gruesome history here before boarding a train for a ride along the so-called ’Death Railway’, that offers wonderful scenery, but more importantly, context to the information we have taken in.
Day 4 Day 4: Free Day In Kanchanaburi, Optional Visit To Bridge Over River Kwai And Rafting
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Free Day In Kanchanaburi, Optional Visit To Bridge Over River Kwai And Rafting

Today has been left free in Kanchanaburi, where there are a number of different activities available. You could go back and visit the Bridge over the River Kwai, walking across the bridge and along Hellfire Pass, or you could choose to float gently down the Kwai Noi River on a bamboo-raft. The nearby Erawan Waterfalls are well worth seeing, a cascading complex of waterfalls and emerald-green rock pools.
Day 5 Day 5: Drive To Khao Sam Roi Yort And Walk Through A Mangrove Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Drive To Khao Sam Roi Yort And Walk Through A Mangrove Reserve

This morning we leave Kanchanaburi behind and head south towards Khao Sam Roi Yort. Following a break for lunch we set off on a walk through the mangroves using a series of boardwalks, and here it is possible see several species of rare birds, such as the Oriental Hobby and Spoon-Billed Sandpiper, which use these freshwater marshes as an important breeding area. From the mangroves, it is only a short drive to the Dolphin Bay Resort, our accommodation for the night.
Day 6 Day 6: Morning Visit To Phraya Nakho Cave And Boat To Koh Phithak Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Morning Visit To Phraya Nakho Cave And Boat To Koh Phithak Island

After our beach-side breakfast we drive a short distance to Laem Sala and set off on foot to explore the spectacular Phraya Nakhon Cave, with its atmospheric pagoda built within. There is a short but steep ascent up a staircase, but the sights waiting at the top makes the climb worthwhile. After some time spent exploring the cave we then move onto Koh Phithak, where we leave behind the mainland and take a long-tail boat over the short kilometre crossing to the island, before getting settled into our homestay accommodation and meeting the community that will be hosting us over the coming 2 nights. The accommodation here is a mix of twin-share and communal rooms, with some people staying in the homes of locals, whereas some people may be in the community hall. There is access to toilets and showers in a central area, and all meals are provided.
Day 7 Day 7: Free Day On Koh Phithak Island, Optional Island Walks, Swimming And Fishing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Free Day On Koh Phithak Island, Optional Island Walks, Swimming And Fishing

Today has been left free to either relax and soak up the tranquil atmosphere, or to explore the island. There is a short circular walk of around 1-2 kilometres around the island, and there is also the option to take a boat trip out to snorkel the surrounding coral reefs. In the evening you may like to join the local fisherman on a squid fishing quest, where we learn the interesting techniques of this old trade, and if we get lucky our catch can be cooked onboard the boat for us to enjoy - ocean to plate in a matter of minutes.
Day 8 Day 8: Continue South To Khao Sok National Park; Evening Jungle Walk
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Continue South To Khao Sok National Park; Evening Jungle Walk

After saying goodbye to our hosts we continue our journey south this morning, heading for our riverside jungle lodge in Khao Sok National Park. Covering an area of some 65,000 sq km, the park is one of the oldest and most bio-diverse jungles in South East Asia, boasting a lush rainforest that is older than those of either the Amazon or Central Africa. This evening we take an exciting night walk with our local guide along jungle trails, learning about the flora and fauna of the park. The park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including elephant, tiger and Malaysian sun bear and with some 180 species of birds it is a haven for keen birdwatchers and novices alike, although of course wildlife viewings can never be guaranteed.
Day 9 Day 9: Free Day In Khao Sok National Park; Optional Walks And Kayaking
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Free Day In Khao Sok National Park; Optional Walks And Kayaking

Today has been left free for you to explore the park at your own pace. There is the option to hire canoes and take them on the river. Alternatively if a more relaxing day is preferable then it is possible to swim in the river near the lodge, or simply relax and enjoy the idyllic jungle surroundings with the noises of the rainforest all around, and the sight of monkeys descending from the surrounding canopy to drink at the water’s edge.
Day 10 Day 10: Morning Drive To Krabi, Afternoon Free At The Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Morning Drive To Krabi, Afternoon Free At The Beach

This morning we leave our jungle surroundings and head for the coast, the beautiful white sand beaches of Krabi our final destination. The journey will take approximately three hours, and after checking into our beach-side hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to spend at leisure.
Day 11 Day 11: Free Day On Ao Nang Beach, Krabi; Optional Island Hopping
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Free Day On Ao Nang Beach, Krabi; Optional Island Hopping

Today is free to relax on the beach, or you may choose to take one of a number of optional excursions. There is the option to take a speedboat to the idyllic island of Koh Phi Phi that includes swimming and snorkelling in Maya Bay (famous from the film ’The Beach), discovering Viking Cave and visiting the monkeys living on the aptly named Monkey Island. Other possibilities include a kayaking trip through the mangrove forest of Ao Thanlane, you could visit Krabi’s natural hot springs and the emerald lagoon, or take a traditional long-tail boat through the towering limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay and visit the famous ’James Bond Island’.
Day 12 Day 12: Trip Ends In Krabi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Trip Ends In Krabi

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Krabi. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Krabi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Krabi Airport (KBV), which is 40 minutes from our hotel.

12 days tour

Simply Thailand

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Simply Thailand

Day 1: Join Trip In Bangkok; Street Food Tour Of Chinatown

Day 2: Free Day In Bangkok; Optional Trip To Grand Palace, Wat Arun And Wat Pho

Day 3: Morning Drive To Kanchanaburi, Afternoon Ride Along Death Railway

Day 4: Free Day In Kanchanaburi, Optional Visit To Bridge Over River Kwai And Rafting

Day 5: Drive To Khao Sam Roi Yort And Walk Through A Mangrove Reserve

Day 6: Morning Visit To Phraya Nakho Cave And Boat To Koh Phithak Island

Day 7: Free Day On Koh Phithak Island, Optional Island Walks, Swimming And Fishing

Day 8: Continue South To Khao Sok National Park; Evening Jungle Walk

Day 9: Free Day In Khao Sok National Park; Optional Walks And Kayaking

Day 10: Morning Drive To Krabi, Afternoon Free At The Beach

Day 11: Free Day On Ao Nang Beach, Krabi; Optional Island Hopping

Day 12: Trip Ends In Krabi

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