Depart your home country on your flight to Bangkok, Thailand.
Journey along Thailand’s east coast, ideal for travellers heading out during the British summertime. This side of the country has a different weather pattern to the west and shines in its ‘dry season’ from March to August.
This itinerary blends often-overlooked gems — like the lotus-filled wetlands of Songkhla Lake and the pink dolphin coast near Khanom — with the better-known islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, shown through a different lens. Along the way, you’ll encounter birdlife, wildlife, experience Thai culture first-hand, and enjoy the essentials: snorkelling, swimming, and simply sinking into the golden sand under the tropical sun.
Summer on the East Coast
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Bangkok
On arrival, you’ll meet your guide and driver and be whisked to your first hotel, a lovely riverside retreat.
During your time in Bangkok, take a guided walking tour, navigating through a labyrinth of side streets and shophouses. Hop in a tuk-tuk to explore Bangkok’s ancient temples and vibrant markets. Glide through small canals by boat to reach a hidden restaurant, and dig into a delectable lunch made from the organic garden, followed by a hands-on dessert workshop.
There will also be time for a cycling adventure in Bangkok’s ‘Green Lung.’ In stark contrast to the city’s concrete metropolis, this mangrove forest is an oasis of calm with elevated walkways, perfect for cycling. Along the way, you will discover interesting stop offs, breathe in the fresh air, and have an opportunity to interact with the local community.
Days 5 - 6
Songkhla Lake
Take a short flight from Bangkok to Trang or Hat Yai in southern Thailand. Your driver will take you to your eco lodge in Phatthalung on the edge of the largest lake in Thailand.
A highlight here is the sensational sunrise over the stilted fishing platforms. Explore Thale Noi on a boat trip to discover the Waterfowl Reserve, home to over 180 species of resident and migratory birds. Or, you can experience local life at a community lodge, engaging in activities like crafting fishing nets, exploring the fishing village, and enjoying dinner with a host family.
Day 7 & 8
Khanom
Today, you’ll leave the lake and travel north to Khanom via Nakhon Si Thammarat, one of Thailand’s oldest cities. Visit the sacred Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, a temple with centuries of history and a revered Buddha relic. Then, step into the world of traditional Thai storytelling at the House of National Arts.
Continue to the quiet shores of Khanom and settle into your coastal hotel. The next day, set off early on a private boat trip to spot the elusive pink dolphins, who feed and play in the calm waters here. It’s a tranquil and memorable way to witness these unique creatures in their natural habitat.
Days 9 - 12
Koh Phangan
It’s a short 25-minute drive to the pier, where you’ll board the boat to Koh Phangan — a lush, mountainous island in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
Although best known for its full moon parties, Koh Phangan is a large island with a much quieter, idyllic side. Think sleepy coves, jungle-backed beaches, and a relaxed, low-key atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and breathe.
Over four nights, you can do as much or as little as you like. Swim in calm bays, hike jungle trails to hidden waterfalls, take a longtail boat around the coast or simply settle into your surroundings and let island time work its magic.
Days 13 - 14
Koh Samui
Sail across to Koh Samui and spend your last day exploring a different side of the island with your guide. Visit a hilltop temple, wander a coconut plantation, and snack your way through a vibrant local market. Lunch is a feast of southern Thai dishes, followed by a visit to a local rum distillery, where you can toast to your trip with a perfectly mixed cocktail.
Day 15
Fly home
Today, it’s sadly time to wave goodbye to Thailand. Your driver will drop off at the airport for your flight home.
Epic Trip in Thailand
From the moment we started conversations... we knew we would be in safe hands. ETG's first hand knowledge of all the destinations and experiences mean that they can bespoke the perfect trip for you. We experienced Thailand from a different perspective... with great guides. I work in hospitality and it’s all about the small details and surprise and delight moments which [they] get. Book with ETG you won’t regret it!
Simon
21 August 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Meet Our Thailand Experts
Ella’s first trip to ‘The Land of Smiles’ sealed the deal. She fell instantly for the effortlessly friendly people and the banging food. Now, she spends her time helping travellers experience the Thailand she loves – from Bangkok’s hidden gardens with secret restaurants to quiet islands where you won’t be part of a pack of tourists. Phew.
“For a fun summer holiday, it’s hard to beat taking the family island hopping in Thailand. You’ll all remember this trip for the rest of your lives.”
Ella
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Thailand
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Thailand
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Thailand for around 20 years and some of our team live there. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships and network of specialist local guides, we can really help you under the skin of the country and discover her secret sides.
Over the years, we’ve developed enriching experiences that bring together cultural depth and give you the freedom to explore. Think hands-on food adventures in Bangkok’s backstreets, access to peaceful beaches, countryside stays where local life still ticks to its own rhythm, or journeys into the mountainous north to meet the hill tribes – all bespoke to you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can get into holiday mode knowing everything’s covered – while still having the freedom to discover Thailand your way. We don’t do cookie-cutter trips. Every holiday is personal, every route considered, and every detail designed to show you a side of Thailand that most visitors miss.
So come with us, to the Thailand we know and love.
In general, November to April is the most popular time, with warm, dry weather across most of the country – ideal for both exploring and beach time. But Thailand’s seasons aren’t as simple as they look, and with a little know-how, there’s somewhere worth visiting year-round.
The Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) is at its sunniest between November and April, while the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) comes into its own from February to August when the west coast monsoon winds bring in rain to the west coast. With its mountains and cooler breezes, Northern Thailand is best for trekking and outdoor adventures from November to February.
Travelling during the “green season” (roughly May to October) can be rewarding: fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and lower hotel rates. Rain tends to arrive in short, heavy bursts rather than all day, leaving plenty of sunshine in between. National parks are glorious at this time, with waterfalls in full flow. During late August and September, Thailand often experiences flooding, so this time is usually best avoided, though even then, you can still visit many of the beach destinations very happily.
The months of April and October are the turning points worth considering for great-value travel, with fairly reliable weather. In April, the Songkran New Year festival is a joy to be part of, if you don’t mind getting a soaking from a water pistol (or water blaster!). The rates fall dramatically compared with March. While Songkran marks the start of the rainy season, it has not fully kicked in. It can be a good time to travel throughout the country for those who can put up with some serious heat and humidity. In October, the rains tend to fall away as Thailand returns towards the settled November weather.
So while November to March might be the sweet spot for most of Thailand, there’s always a way to plan a Thailand holiday that fits your timing – and often, going slightly against the grain can mean quieter beaches, great value and a richer experience.
Every ETG holiday is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience the country in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand
Tempted to discover the very best of Thailand, far from the tourist traps?
Our experts spill their secrets in The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand.
Download your complimentary copy for an insight into the country’s highlights, hot hotels and unusual experiences to inspire your next great adventure.