Simply Thailand

Arrive in Thailand's capital, the lively metropolis of Bangkok. The bustling street life of this energetic city is set to a backdrop of colourful, ornate shrines and modern glass-fronted high-rises. It's a place where old meets new at every corner. Sample the fresh and tasty street food, haggle in the non-stop markets and take a cruise out on Chao Phraya River to witness stunning sunsets.

For those arriving on time today, your Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on a tour of Bangkok's street food. Embarking on the impressive metro system, we take in the city's frenetic energy. We'll weave our way through the bustling stalls of Chinatown while our Tour Leader fills us in on the area's backstory, helping us make sense of the wild and colourful sights around us. If you're feeling peckish, there's tons of yummy street food to sample. And for the daring among us, you can even try the local specialty - crispy fried bugs!

If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is one hour from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up in the lobby at 8am on day 2.

Please note that if you wish to join the street food tour of Chinatown today, you must arrive at the hotel by 6pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around a one hour drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 3pm.

Today has been left free for you to explore Bangkok. There are a number of optional excursions available, enabling you to choose how you discover this fascinating city.

One stand-out highlight of Bangkok is the Grand Palace, the city's gleaming and glittering centrepiece. Constructed in 1782, it was the home of Thai royalty for over 150 years, as well as housing the Royal Court and administrative seat of government. Its intricate carved statues, art work and gold-gilded architecture is some of the best in the country, and the complex also houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of the most sacred temples in the country. Next door to the palace is Wat Pho, otherwise known as the 'Temple of Reclining Buddha'. The iconic temple houses a huge 46 metre long golden Buddha and is symbolic of Buddhism in Thailand.

Another popular option is to explore Bangkok's 'Klongs' - a narrow network of waterways navigated by long-tail boats and water taxis, offering a different way of seeing the capital.

Or why not take a cycling tour through Bangkok's backstreets?

This morning, we bid farewell to Bangkok and make our way on a three hour drive to Kanchanaburi. Our first stop is a visit to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and a walk across the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai to begin delving into the significance of this historic site.

From there, we board the train for a scenic and historic journey, offering a chance to experience Thailand's beautiful countryside while exploring its significant World War II history. The train, often referred to as the 'Death Railway' or the 'Burma Railway' was originally constructed by POW forced labour during the war, and it now serves as a reminder of those times.

After lunch, we take a short drive to the Hellfire Pass Museum - a poignant memorial dedicated to the prisoners of war and local labourers who were forced to work on the infamous Burma-Thailand Railway. The museum overlooks Hellfire Pass, a deep and narrow cutting through solid rock, which was excavated by hand. Visiting the memorial and walking through the cuttings in the jungle is a deeply emotional experience, but it is a crucial part of history that is important to remember.

After breakfast, we drive to Erawan Waterfall - a stunning natural attraction renowned for its emerald-green waters and picturesque, multi-tiered cascades. Trek to the waterfall along a well-graded nature trail and enjoy time at the falls to swim in the natural pools.

The afternoon is free to relax or explore the area. Another option is to go bamboo rafting on the River Kwai. As you glide down the river, you'll enjoy stunning views of the lush landscape and tranquil surroundings, providing a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the region. The rafting will last around an hour with plenty of opportunities to swim.

This morning, we depart from Kanchanaburi and head south towards Khao Sam Roi Yot. The drive takes approximately four hours. Upon arriving at the nature reserve, we embark on a walk through the mangroves along a network of boardwalks. These freshwater marshes serve as an important breeding ground for various rare bird species, including the Oriental Hobby and Spoon-billed Sandpiper, which can be spotted in this unique habitat.

Later, we make our way to the renowned Phraya Nakhon Cave, a hidden treasure celebrated for its stunning stalactites and the royal pavilion that stands majestically beneath an open ceiling, illuminated by natural sunlight. The trail to the cave is rocky and steep, with uneven stone steps. It's a short but strenuous uphill hike through tropical forested hills, with some shaded areas. The hike takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace with an elevation of 130 metres. For those who prefer not to hike, there's the option to relax and explore the scenic Laem Sala Beach instead.

From there, it is only a short drive to the Dolphin Bay Resort, our accommodation for the night.

Start your day with a departure from Prachuap Khiri Khan province, heading to Pranburi train station to catch the train south, a journey of around 5 hours. After arriving in Surat Thani, we travel in our bus towards Khao Sok National Park, arriving at our hotel around sunset. Although it's a long travel day, the chance to observe local life and take in scenic views makes the journey unforgettable.

Upon reaching Khao Sok, you'll check in at the eco-friendly lodge, a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature. Take the evening to relax and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere, preparing for the adventures ahead in this beautiful wilderness.

The morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure - whether you choose to relax, explore or indulge in your surroundings. For those keen to see more of the area, mountain bikes and helmets are available free of charge from the lodge.

In the afternoon, there is the option to head out on a guided walk through the surrounding jungle, keeping eyes peeled for mischievous monkeys playing in the canopy above and watching for colourful hornbills and kingfishers as they dart amongst the trees. The park is a haven for a wide variety of exotic plants, including bamboo, fig, palms and the carnivorous pitcher plant.

Or you could choose to embark on an excursion across the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake, where towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and lush rainforests create a serene and otherworldly landscape.

Today, we embark on a scenic transfer from the lush landscapes of Khao Sok to the breath-taking shores of Koh Lanta. After breakfast, we drive through picturesque countryside and vibrant local scenery, with the journey taking around four hours and then a short ferry ride to the island.

Upon arriving in Koh Lanta, you'll be welcomed by its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Check in to your accommodation and take some time to unwind. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy - whether you choose to relax by the beach, explore the island's charming culture or simply soak up the tranquillity of your coastal surroundings.

Enjoy a free day on Koh Lanta, where you can unwind on its pristine beaches, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or explore the island's interior. Whether you choose to visit the vibrant local markets, discover hidden coves or simply relax by the sea, the island offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

One of the highlights of the island is the opportunity to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. The 'Following Giants' experience allows visitors to observe and interact with rescued elephants in a natural, compassionate environment. Instead of riding or exploiting the elephants, guests can walk alongside these majestic creatures, learning about their behaviour, and witnessing their rehabilitation in a setting that prioritizes their well-being and freedom.

Today is another free day on Koh Lanta where you can decide to enjoy the beachfront hotel's facilities or take part in one of the many activities on offer.

Choose to kayak the mangroves of the island and paddle along tranquil waterways while spotting wildlife like monkeys, birds and other creatures in their natural habitat. Take part in a cooking class and learn how to prepare authentic dishes using fresh, local ingredients, guided by expert chefs who share the secrets of Thailand's rich culinary traditions. Or join a boat tour to explore nearby islands, swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel vibrant coral reefs and discover hidden beaches and caves.

After a relaxing morning, we wave goodbye to Koh Lanta and travel to Krabi for our final night with the group. The journey will take approximatively three to four hours by ferry and then a drive.

After check-in to our hotel the rest of the late afternoon is free to relax or explore the area. This evening, you have the opportunity to join the group for dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate our last night together.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Krabi.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Krabi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Krabi Airport (KBV), which is 40 minutes from our hotel.

There are many amazing places to discover around Krabi and it is the perfect location to take a boat trip to discover the nearby islands. If you would like to spend more time in Krabi, we strongly recommend to book a few extra nights after the trip.