Journeys: Explore Southern Thailand

Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included. You will be met on arrival at Bangkok Airport and transferred to your hotel. You are welcome to arrive at any time on day 1, but please note that hotel check-in time is 14:00.

Included Experiences

• Airport Transfer: Enjoy a complimentary transfer from the airport to your joining hotel.
• Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: 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.

This morning, transfer to the airport in Bangkok and catch a flight to the tropical island of Ko Samui, bordered by the sapphire waters off Thailand’s southeast coast. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to relax by the pool, stroll along a white-sand beach, or explore the local village. Off of Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui offers everything you could possibly want in a seaside retreat: white sandy beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood, and warm, clear waters. Our resort is nestled in tropical gardens with a private beach leading into crystal clear waters. The property also has three freshwater swimming pools and the resort is just 15 minutes by road to Lamai Beach’s bustling nightlife district.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
• Free Time: Kick back and relax on the beach, or opt to explore the town.

Enjoy a full day of free time to relax in Koh Samui. Opt for an island tour or a visit to Ang Thong Marine Park.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: 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.

Optional Experiences

• Angthong National Marine Park Visit: 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.
• Koh Samui Island Tour: Visit the iconic sites of the Big Buddha Temple and the intricately designed Chinese temple. Then take a trip to the south coast of the island to see the unusual and amusing Grandmother and Grandfather rock before taking in the more scenic views from the island view point, visiting majestic waterfalls along the way.

Catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Kao Thep Pitak, a community-owned farm supported by G Adventures. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties and take a stroll through the surrounding fruit orchards. Continue to Khao Sok National Park, where you will settle into a lovely resort overlooking the riverside and tucked beneath the rising cliffs in the distance. This evening, venture into the rainforest park on a nighttime walk with a community guide, then gather for a campfire dinner surrounded by the music of the jungle. Khao Sok is a stunning location with one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world, surrounded by limestone karst cliffs.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Kao Thep Pitak Farm and Culinary Experience: Discover how delicious southern Thai dishes go from plot to plate at this community farm and restaurant experience. Take a walk through Kao Thep Pitak's organic farm and fruit orchard to see how those same items are made into a tasty meal by local village residents. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the rubber plantation and learn how the village has made this farm into a self-sufficient economy benefitting over 140 families. Planeterra and G Adventures are proud to support this endeavour.
• Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal: 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.
• Rainforest Eco-Walk & Dinner: Explore the incredibly lush rainforest of Klong Phanom National Park alongside one of the locals who call this region home. This expert tracker is a conservationist and ecotourism guide who is now dedicating his life to the protection of the rainforest. He’ll also discuss traditional jungle medicines and their role in the lives of the area’s people. Afterward, sit down with our host at a campfire dinner of rainforest specialties.

Khao Sok National Park is southern Thailand’s largest area of virgin rainforest, encompassing a breathtaking wilderness of karst peaks, turquoise lakes, and tropical rainforest that stretch along the southwest coast. Explore the park on your own today, choosing between a variety of optional jungle activities. Head out for a hike in search of monkeys and tropical birds inhabiting the dense canopy. Glide down the sparkling Sok River aboard a canoe or take a boat tour in the beautiful scenery of striking limestone cliffs.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Today is free for optional activities including jungle hikes or canoeing.

Optional Experiences

• Khao Sok National Park Hike: 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: Take a guided canoe tour along the Sok river. Enjoy the stunning scenery and keep an eye out out for birds, monkeys, and lizards.

This morning, drive south to Krabi, situated on Thailand’s tropical southwest coast. Cross the Krabi River by private longtail boat, gliding past mangrove forests and limestone peaks. Venture into the Khao Khanap Nam cave to view prehistoric paintings and fascinating rock formations. Later, head to Ko Klang island and board motorized tricycle tuk-tuks to explore local communities and traditional industries, including a rubber plantation, rice fields, and a batik workshop. Chat with villagers and learn about timeless agricultural and artisanal techniques passed down over generations.

Included Experiences

• Krabi Village Excursion: 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.

Hop on a traditional longtail boat and set out on a full-day tour of the Hong Islands with stops at Hong Beach, Hong Lagoon, Phak Bia, and Lading Island with an included lunch. Enjoy the calm waters and colorful aquatic life as you soak up the sun. In the evening enjoy some of the beautiful scenic views that have made southern Thailand so famous. Grab a cocktail and relax at the pool. Your National Geographic Expedition Leader will fill you in on all the other interesting options that are available in the area. This is the perfect place to get active or simply chill out and relax. Our resort is located at Aonang Beach and only a short distance by Tuk -Tuk to Noppharat Thara Beach. End the day in paradise with a stroll along the beachfront.

Included Experiences

• Hong Island Traditional Longtail Boat Tour: 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.

Optional Experiences

• Massage: Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out.

This morning, return to Bangkok, where your trip concludes. The tour ends at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport). Please note: your flight must not depart earlier than 15:00 on this day.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.