South Thailand: Tropics & Tuk Tuks

Keen to kick off the adventure? Meet us in Bangkok: Thailand's temple-packed, neon-lit, food-loving capital. First things first: get to know your fellow adventurers over a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Expect plenty of spring rolls and spicy curry to kick things off.

Afterwards, enjoy some downtime to do whatever you want. Head to one of the city's swanky rooftop bars, get your souvenir shopping sorted early at a night market, or enjoy a chilled evening back at the hotel. It's your time to play as you please. Stay: Lub D Bangkok Chinatown or similar (D)

You've got a full day to make the most of Bangkok. Need recommendations? Pull on your history hat and explore the city on two wheels during an optional bike tour. Whizz up Khaosan Road (a former rice market turned backpacker haven) before stopping off at stunning temples, old-school steam train depots and the beautiful Grand Palace.

Want to delve a little deeper? Feast your eyes on the official royal residence and Wat Pho with its real big golden buddha during an optional guided tour.

Tonight, stock up on snacks and change into some comfy clothes. Why? We're catching an overnight train to Surat Thani. Shotgun the top bunk! Stay: Overnight train (B)

Rise and shine, folks! We'll jump off the train in Surat Thani bright and early. Don't worry – you'll have plenty of time to catch up on some sleep on the bus to Khao Sok National Park.

After we've checked into our eco treehouse and immersed ourselves in the jungle setting, level up those chef skills with a local Thai bamboo cooking demo, featuring a delicious chicken and rice dish, cooked the traditional way. Savour your homemade dishes while soaking up the stunning views of the Sok River - this is what you came for. Stay: Our Jungle Camp - Eco Resort or similar (D)

After breakfast, we'll take one last look at our treehouses before diving deeper into Khao Sok National Park.

Soak up the sights as we pass rugged limestone mountains, ancient caves and trees as tall as skyscrapers. After checking in and enjoying lunch at our traditional raft house on the twinkling Cheow Lan Lake, we'll head off on an afternoon hike – before hopping on a local longtail boat for a scenic ride.

Before you fall asleep to the sound of gently lapping waves, there's time for an afternoon wildlife cruise. Prepare to switch off and completely immerse yourself in nature. Stay: Praiwan Raft House or similar (B/L/D)

Fuel up with another tropical fruit-laden breakfast before we activate explorer mode. First: soak up Khao Sok's misty jungles, magical peaks and awesome wildlife (think sun bears, tapirs and even clouded leopards) on an early morning boat safari.

Afterwards, enjoy some free time to soak up the serenity – take a self-guided canoe or kayak out onto Cheow Lan Lake's dramatic rock formations, go for a swim, or simply relax on the porch and take it all in.

Then we'll be making tracks for Krabi, so grab some fluids, soak up the tropical views, and put the lingo skills of your travel buds to the test. When we arrive, you'll have the evening to get your bearings. Need some recommendations? Your Trip Leader's got them by the bucketload. Stay: Navinda Krabi or similar (B)

Powder-soft sand coves. Swaying coconut palms. Islands surrounded by emerald waters. Krabi really is Mother Nature at her finest.

Need a lie-in after yesterday's journey? You got it. Later, we'll round up the group for a trip to the breathtaking Railay Beach. This cove is ridiculously breathtaking. We'll approach it by longtail boat too, giving you the best views of its limestone karsts and palm-flecked shoreline. Don't say we don't treat you. Stay: Navinda Krabi or similar (B)

Today, we're swapping one paradise for another as we head for Phuket. On the way, we'll make a pit stop at Samet Nangshe. Clear your camera rolls, because this viewpoint is as photogenic as it gets. We're talking 180-degree scenes of majestic mangrove forests and the sparkling ocean.

Next up: Phuket. Eye-popping architecture. Delicious eats await on this flavorful evening adventure through Southern Thai cuisine and Phuket's buzzing street food scene. Dive fork-first into bold flavors, lively markets, and a feast that's as vibrant and colorful as the island itself. We can't think of a better place to spend the last few days of your trip. Stay: Lub d Phuket Patong or similar (B)

This immense island sure packs a punch – and today it's all yours to delve deeper. Opt for a day trip speedboating around Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands for more emerald waters, gorgeous beaches and stunning scenery. Or jump on a traditional longtail boat and cruise over to Coral Island for some tropical magic.

Fancy some Muay Thai (the boxing, not the drink)? There's a chance to brush up on your skills at one of the country's best training camps. Tonight, settle in for our final group dinner. What an adventure it's been. Stay: Lub d Phuket Patong or similar (B/D)

You came. You saw. You cultured. And just like that, it's over. Head down to breakfast and swap those socials – you'll need them for next year's reunion trip.

Not ready for the fun to end? Hop back up to Bangkok to join our North Thailand: Rivers & Rice Fields trip. You know you want to! (B)