Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui

Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui

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10 Days From

$1505

Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui

10 Days Starting in Bangkok and ending in Ko Samui

Visiting: Bangkok, Bangkok / Overnight train, Ko Pitak, Chumphon, Ko Tao, Ko Samui

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TTST

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise

From: $1505

NB: Prices correct on 02-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Clear blue waters, white sands, swaying palm trees and a bungalow on the beach… Thailand has the ideal ingredients for a holiday in paradise. Come and explore Thailand's beautiful southern islands on this 10-day adventure that will have you relaxing in the sun and sampling some of the most delicious local Thai food this region is famous for. Take boat rides to different islands everyday, snorkel among colourful corals and tropical fish, look out for sharks and other marine life and spend a night at a homestay to get to know the locals and feast on the day’s fresh catch. What’s better than island life?

Highlights

  • Discover the best beaches and islands of Thailand’s east coast – from popular Ko Samui to laid-back Ko Tao – for a true slice of paradise

  • Cruise to Ko Pitak for a taste of real island life. Enjoy an overnight homestay, feast on fresh seafood and interact with local fishermen

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.

  • Two in-depth snorkelling trips, one in Chumphon and one in Ko Tao, give you plenty of time to explore underwater worlds brimming with coral and colourful tropical fish

  • Travel as the locals do on an overnight sleeper train – the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at destinations

  • Discover the best beaches and islands of Thailand’s east coast – from popular Ko Samui to laid-back Ko Tao – for a true slice of paradise.

  • Cruise to Ko Pitak for a taste of real island life. Enjoy an overnight homestay, feast on fresh seafood and interact with local fishermen.

  • Two in-depth snorkelling trips, one in Chumphon and one in Ko Tao, give you plenty of time to explore underwater worlds brimming with coral and colourful tropical fish.

  • Travel as the locals do on an overnight sleeper train – the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at destinations.

  • Soak up all the free time to take optional day trips to other islands, hike, search for the best panoramic views or just chill out beachside with a cocktail.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation: Hotel

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Bangkok mixes ancient traditions and modernity, where the bazaars and world-class cuisine are only the beginning. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not acquaint yourself with the city of tuk tuks, street food and traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River. Tonight, you might want to experience the unique tourist haven of Khao San Road.

Optional Activities:
-Bangkok - Bangkok by Bike Urban Adventure
-Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure

Day 2: Bangkok / Overnight Train

Location: Bangkok / Overnight train

Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train

You’ll start today with a visit to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn. Named after the Indian God of Dawn, Aruna, this impressive landmark sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities – maybe head next door to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or visit Wat Pho, home to the country's largest reclining Buddha and keeper of the magic behind Thai massage. Maybe take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, or travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous 'khlongs' (canals) of Bangkok. Tonight, you’ll board an overnight train southbound for Langsuan.
Notes: Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned, and beds are multi-share compartments with bunk bed padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing compartments with locals of the same or opposite gender. Your baggage will travel in the carriage with you. There's also a food and drink service available on board. Some may find the air conditioning on the train quite cold overnight so best to pack a jumper and some long pants.

Included Activities:
-Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Optional Activities:
-Bangkok - Thai Massage
-Bangkok - Grand Palace
-Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House
-Bangkok - Wat Pho

Day 3: Ko Pitak

Location: Ko Pitak

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals Included: lunch, dinner

After disembarking early this morning, try a local-style breakfast in Luangsuan market before heading to the pier for your ferry to Ko Pitak – a small island and tonight's homestay. Head out for an orientation walk around the village with your leader when you arrive. Your homestay tonight will include lunch, dinner and breakfast tomorrow morning. Most meals will be typical local southern fare with fresh local seafood.

Day 4: Chumphon

Location: Chumphon

Accommodation: Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast

Say goodbye to your hosts and travel back to the mainland on a short boat trip. Then make the journey to Chumphon by private minivan (approximately 1.5 hours) and check into your resort. Your accommodation is beautifully located, right on the beachfront at Thung Wua Lan Beach (located about 16 kilometres away from the main town). You'll join the rest of the group to travel to a local lookout point, Khao Matsee, to take in some nice views and perhaps grab a cup of coffee. Back at the beach, spend free time stolling along the white sands of this pristine, uncrowded strip of coast.

Day 5: Chumphon

Location: Chumphon

Accommodation: Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Embark on a full-day snorkelling adventure. You’ll start at around 9 am and finish up at around 3 pm. The trip covers three different snorkelling spots, which gives you a nice variety of underwater scenery. See how many different kinds of tropical fish you can spot. The snorkelling will take place in the open water, so there will be no beach stops. Lunch is included, and you will arrive back at base at around 5 pm for a free evening to watch the sunset.

Included Activities:
-Chumphon - Snorkelling tour

Day 6: Ko Tao

Location: Ko Tao

Accommodation: Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast

Hop from one beach paradise to another, travelling to Ko Tao – famous for its spectacular coral reefs, the little island of Ko Tao is popular not only among divers but also those looking for palm-fringed beaches like Sairee. Here, you can relax or take up some optional diving. Cooking classes, aromatherapy sessions or local spa visits are also great options. Ko Tao also has a small but lively nightlife for those looking for some dancing on the beach or kicking back a cocktail in one of the local bars.

Optional Activities:
-Ko Tao - Thai Massage
-Ko Tao - Scuba diving
-Ko Tao - Aromatherapy Care by Jamahkiri Spa
-Ko Tao - Thai cooking class

Day 7: Ko Tao

Location: Ko Tao

Accommodation: Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Today you’ll experience the underwater world that surrounds Ko Tao with an exploratory snorkelling trip. With coral and fish aplenty and the chance of seeing timid reef sharks among the coral formations, Ko Tao is undeniably one of the jewels in southern Thailand. Sail south from Mae Haad Pier, navigating around the southern tip of the island until you reach Shark Island. You might see the occasional leopard shark! Drop by Luek Bay for one of the best swimming beaches on the island with fish-filled reefs on either side, then stop at Hin Wong Bay for lunch aboard the boat. Then, head to Nang Yuan Island – you can pay the small entrance fee to this privately owned island and take a short hike up to a viewpoint, relax on the beach, snorkel through schools of parrotfish or chill out on the boat.

Included Activities:
-Ko Tao - Day tour & snorkelling

Day 8: Ko Samui

Location: Ko Samui

Accommodation: Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast

Jump on another boat today and cruise over to Ko Samui. The island is more vibrant compared to its sister islands. Known simply as Samui by locals, Thailand's third largest island is rich with white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees. There's also the Big Buddha, waterfalls, markets, temples, a mummified monk, shopping opportunities, Michelin star restaurants, luxury spas and a lively nightlife. Today, you can take an optional sightseeing tour around the island or brush up on your cooking techniques with a Thai cooking class.

Optional Activities:
-Ko Samui - Island sightseeing tour
-Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class

Day 9: Ko Samui

Location: Ko Samui

Accommodation: Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast

It’s up to you what you want to do today! If you feel like getting active, take an optional day trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park – an archipelago of around 40 islands (many uninhabited). If you choose this option, you’ll take a speedboat to the Marine Park with the island of Ko Wao or Ko Tai Plow as your first stop. There, you can snorkel in the turquoise waters filled with ever changing colours of coral and fish. Sail around the steep limestone cliffs to an inland saltwater lagoon called Emerald Lake (Talay Nai), which is fed by an underground cave. Take a short walk up pathways and a wooden staircase to reach a hilltop lake viewpoint, then have lunch on the island that houses the park headquarters. Chill out on the beach, climb up for a panorama of the Marine Park or get out on to the bay for some kayaking. You’ll head back to Ko Samui mid-afternoon. If you prefer to stay on land today, maybe check out the Samui Elephant Sanctuary and see the gentle giants as they roam, socialise and bathe.

Optional Activities:
-Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park tour
-Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Day 10: Ko Samui

Location: Ko Samui

Meals Included: breaksfast

With no further activities planned after breakfast, your beach adventure comes to an end and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Homestay (1 night), Hotel (1 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Resort (6 nights)

  • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

  • Chumphon - Snorkelling tour

  • Ko Tao - Day tour & snorkelling

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinners

Included Activities

  • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
  • Chumphon - Snorkelling tour
  • Ko Tao - Day tour & snorkelling

Transport

  • OVERNIGHT TRAINS
  • Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/

Accommodation

  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 2&3. Please speak to your agent for further information. Please note that some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested.

Mode of Transport

  • OVERNIGHT TRAINS
  • Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    The overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chumphon takes 9 hours and is a real Intrepid adventure. Be prepared for basic conditions though – bunk beds and shared facilities.

    This trip includes lots of free time for flexibility and space for making your own discoveries. There are lots of recommended optional activities if you wish, or just time to soak up the sun and kick back on the countless beautiful beaches.

    Get your sea legs ready because this trip involves lots of travel by boat. Apart from being the only way to see these islands, you can’t beat cruising between dramatic limestone outcrops as you island hop.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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Explore Southern Africa

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Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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