Southern Thailand's Hidden Gems
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Southern Thailand's Hidden Gems
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Southern Thailand's Hidden Gems

This Thailand is pretty special. Get beyond the cliche and the crowds with this adventurous but gentle travel experience. It's a holiday, alright, but not as you might know it. There are some lesser-known nature resorts, gorgeous beaches and picturesque spots aplenty. Begin in Bangkok, and explore some unique corners of the city, before boarding the train south and veering off the tourist track to Chumphon. Connect with nature in Koh Phra Thong and Khao Sok, enjoy serene beaches and lush jungles and connect with interesting local communities. There are no domestic flights in this itinerary; half of the route is covered by train, and there are a couple of boat journeys and a handful of 1.5-hour road journeys. 

Highlights include

  • Stay aboard a floating hotel amidst the breathtaking scenery of Cheow Lan Lake
  • Discover a different side to Bangkok, pedalling through lush green landscapes and quaint villages
  • Indulge those beach fantasies on 'way-way-off-the-beaten-track' Koh Phra Thong Island 

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is a jumping-off point. We'll help you get further once we get to know you. To learn more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday, let's start the conversation today.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

  • International flights (if required)
  • Guides, drivers & their tips
  • Accommodation
  • Specified meals & snacks
  • Your immersive experiences
  • Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Day 1 Depart The UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Bangkok.

Days 2- 4 Bangkok Exploration

Getting out and in it by boat, by tuk tuk and sky train is a great way to get a feel for this incredible city. It also means you can focus on whatever interests you most. Travel along the river, take the sky train to iconic landmarks or embark on a tuk-tuk tour to experience the city's nightlife, delicious street food and vibrant atmosphere.

Spend a further day on a cycling tour, you’ll venture into the peaceful outskirts of the city to enjoy the perhaps unexpected, lush greenery and quaint villages of Bangkok’s “Green Lung”. 

Day 5 Train Journey South

Catch the early train from Bangkok to Chumphon and spend the day travelling South arriving at 5 pm. There is the option of an overnight train if you’d prefer. 

Day 6-8 Off-The-Beaten-Track in Chumphon

Enjoy a leisurely day at The Nest Beach Resort. Relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace.

After your time at The Nest, you’ll take a scenic drive (approx. 1.5 hrs) to Eco-Logic Nature Retreat, with stops along the way. Eco-Logic is a sustainably run project in a rarely explored location amongst nature, with plenty of activities. Spend your time trekking or meditating, learning to cook local food or lending a helping hand in the local community, there’s something for everyone. A two-night stay will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Day 7 & 8 Away from the crowds on a hidden island

It’s a picturesque 1.5-hour drive to the pier, where you’ll board the boat to Koh Phra Thong. From there, hop on a boat for a one-hour journey to the island. Check-in at Baba Eco Lodge, your home for the next two nights. Take a guided tour to explore the savannah-like landscape and wildlife, or relax on the beach. There are great snorkelling trips and a vibrant underwater world to discover.

Day 9-11 Adventure & Scenery in Khao Sok

Bid farewell to Koh Phra Thong and take a boat back to the pier. From there, embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive into beautiful Khao Sok National Park. Check-in and spend two nights surrounded by the lush jungle at Our Jungle House. For your third night in the National Park, you’ll spend the night at a floating resort on Cheow Lan Lake. Breathtaking scenery, what could be better?

During your time in the park, night safaris, kayaking, and trekking are available. Get stuck in as much as you like.

Day 12-14 Relax at Khao Lak Beach

Leave the gorgeous lake behind and drive for approximately two hours to Khao Lak. Check into a lovely beach resort for the last 3 nights of your holiday. You’ll have plenty of time here to relax. 

Day 15 Fly Home

Transfer to Phuket Airport (approx. 1 hr) for your flight home.

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Hotels & Villas
featured above

Ariyasom Villa

Ariyasom Villa, Bangkok

A beautiful boutique hotel in central Bangkok that’s modelled on a 1940s design. Bonus points for an award-winning vegetarian restaurant.

BABA Eco Lodge

BABA Eco Lodge, Koh Phra Thong

Off-the-beaten-track beach resort on the west coast of Thailand.

Bangsak Village

Bangsak Village, Khao Lak

Excellent value, remote beach hideaway near Khao Lak.

Eco Logic

Eco Logic, Chumphon

Immersive, off-the-beaten-track, socially responsible nature retreat in a picturesque location.

Our Jungle House

Our Jungle House, Khao Sok National Park

Rustic retreat where you can experience the best of this tropical jungle location.

The Nest Private Beach Resort

The Nest Private Beach Resort, Chumphon

Peaceful, hidden beach retreat surrounded by lush forest on the south-east coast.

Experiences & Activities
featured above

A Day and a Night on Cheow Lan Lake

A Day and a Night on Cheow Lan Lake , Khao Sok National Park

Immerse yourself fully in the region's natural beauty by staying overnight on the lake.

Bangkok's Hidden Garden

Bangkok's Hidden Garden, Bangkok

Support a fantastic little project while enjoying a delicious lunch in a lovely garden setting.

Bang Kra Cycle Tour

Bang Kra Cycle Tour, Bangkok

A leisurely cycle ride through a quiet corner of the city. Cross canals and mangrove forests passing golden temples and traditional houses.

Jungle Trek & Bamboo Cooking

Jungle Trek & Bamboo Cooking , Khao Sok National Park

Search for wildlife and explore the jungle with experienced guides,

Khao Sok Night Safari

Khao Sok Night Safari , Khao Sok National Park

Experience the sights and sounds of the national park by dark with a night-time safari tour.

Multi Transport Adventure

Multi Transport Adventure, Bangkok

Avoid the tours groups and the traffic and find the hidden gems of Bangkok.

Overnight Sleeper Train

Overnight Sleeper Train, Bangkok

An excellent way to get a sense of the country's scale and see the scenery change as you travel from North to South.

Savannah Grassland Tour

Savannah Grassland Tour, Koh Phra Thong

Explore an unexpected landscape on one of Thailand's few undeveloped island gems.

~
Every ETG journey is unique.
Let us inspire you
~

Your next adventure starts with a conversation...

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More Holiday Suggestions

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Classic Family Thailand

A little bit of everything Thai - from Bangkok street food to countryside bicycle rides to off-the-beaten-track idyllic beaches.

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Family Adventure By Train

Take a little extra time to travel Thailand by train as you explore its cities, countryside, and beaches on this unforgettable family experience.

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Jungle & Secret Island Adventure

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