Southern Thailand Sojourn: Nightlife & National Parks
8 days, Bangkok to Koh Tao
Itinerary Notes
Effective May 1, 2025, all travelers entering Thailand through air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand E-Arrival form. You must register at least 3 days before arrival. Please see Trip Details for more information.
When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.
Itinerary
Day 1Bangkok
Arrive at any time.
This evening, the famous Khao San Road is on the itinerary for your first night out. Explore this buzzing traveller hub with your CEO and check out the lively bars and dance parties that line the street. Grab a Thai beer or tea and connect with your fellow travellers. Don't forget to sample local delicacies, and try a deep fried scorpion if you dare!
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO 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.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
New Siam 2 (or similar)
Day 2Bangkok/Surat Thani
Get on first-name basis with Thailand's capital city. Start off the day with a street food crawl, then opt to check out Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, relax with a Thai massage, or explore the klongs (canals) by boat. Later, hop on board the overnight train.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Street Food Crawl
Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Bangkok, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Grand Palace, hopping on a cycle tour of the city, and visiting the National Museum. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Wat Po Visit
300THB per personThis temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Klong Riverboat Tour
30USD per personTravel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.
Thai Massage
15-30USD per personLie back and soothe aching muscles with a wonderful Thai massage. Affordable and amazing—don't miss out!
Grand Palace Visit
15USD per personVisit the King’s official residence (made up of many buildings, halls, lawns, gardens, and courtyards) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Please note the cost of this optional activity does not include the entrance fee.
Entrance - Royal Barge Museum
3.50USD per personLocated along the Chao Phraya River, the museum is home to many ceremonial barges. The barges are only used for special occasions so this is a chance to catch a rare glimpse of their ornate decorations and symbolic features.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Surat Thani/Khao Sok
See southern Thai hospitality in action with breakfast at G Adventures-supported Khao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Restaurant, where you can also meet other international visitors. Later on, go to Lake Cheow Lan where you can take in the views while hiking or swimming in the national park. Spend tonight falling asleep to the sweet sounds of the jungle.
This area is known for its natural beauty. You know what that means: lots of chances for photos.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your G for Good Moment: 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.
Lake Cheow Lan Excursion
Board a longtail boat for a tour of Cheow Lan Lake, taking in views of the limestone cliffs and lush jungle along the way. Stop in at a floating rafthouse for a delicious local lunch and opt to go for a swim, go tubing, or paddle out in a kayak.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Opt for a trek, a dip in the river, or kick back and chill by the pool.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Hiking
Discover one of the oldest rainforests in the world on foot. Join a tour or hire a private guide and choose from a variety of treks throughout the national park. Keep an eye out for the area's diverse flora and fauna.
Swimming
Take a dip in Cheow Larn Lake and the Kao Sok River.
Khao Sok National Park Visit
Explore the valleys, lakes, caves, and mountains of this national park, all nestled within the lush rainforest. Spot wildlife like monkeys, elephants and hornbills on a jungle trek or paddle through Lake Cheow Larn to marvel at limestone cliffs and see the floating bungalows.
Tubing
10USD per personGrab a tube and enjoy how the locals like to beat the heat - by floating down the river!
Accommodation
Khaosok Rainforest Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Khao Sok/Koh Pha Ngan
Head across southern Thailand to find yourself in Koh Pha Ngan. Take the free afternoon to relax on the beach or by the pool — which will be easy since tonight, you'll be staying beachside or poolside in cozy bungalows.
This area is known for its epic nightlife, whether or not there's a Full Moon Party. Make sure you don't miss the sunset. It'll be unforgettable.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Note: During seasonal monsoon rains from Nov-Jan, we sometimes have to alter our itinerary as ferries between the islands do not operate during heavy rain and strong waves.
Songthaew
Grab a seat on the bench aboard this uniquely Southeast Asian commuter bus.
Free Time
Explore this island paradise and the surrounding sea.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Swimming
Jump in and enjoy the turquoise waters around Koh Pha Ngan.
Accommodation
Delight Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Koh Pha Ngan
There's no rush to leave Koh Pha Ngan. Use your second day here to catch up on anything you missed yesterday, like exploring the island's waterfalls, swimming in lagoons, going for a hike, or, hey, taking another day to relax beachside.
Free Time
Get out and explore— the day is yours.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Koh Pha-Ngan Waterfalls Exploration
Hike to some local waterfalls and marvel at their beauty.
Yoga and Meditation Courses
Get your inner Om on and take part in some of the more relaxing activities offered on the island.
Hiking
Head out on some trails to explore the island at your own pace.
Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
Accommodation
Delight Resort (or similar)
Day 6Koh Pha Ngan/Koh Tao
Take the ferry to Koh Tao, a laid-back island known for snorkelling. This afternoon, put on your flippers to see a whole other world underwater. Going beneath the surface not your thing? Go the other way and climb up to the scenic view at Koh Nang Yuan View Point.
Free Time
Relax with a free morning before transferring to the pier.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Koh Tao Snorkelling
Get your fins on! There's an embarrassment of choices—but the better-known spots are: Hin Wong Bay, Mango Bay, Nang Yuan Island, South Mae Haad and Janson Bay.
Accommodation
Seashell Resort Koh Tao (or similar)
Meals included:
LunchDay 7Koh Tao
Make the most of your last full day in Koh Tao paradise. Spend the day soaking up the sun beachside and be sure to get your fresh seafood fix. For your big night out, venture into the bustling nightlife and cheers to life-changing adventures with newfound friends. If you want to keep the party going, participate in the massive Koh Tao Pub Crawl.
Want to discover the fascinating coral and marine life inhabiting the area? Pre-book the Open Water Half Day Dive Experience extra to take two dives, guided by the experts.
Free Time
Start exploring the island with a free day. There are endless activities to fill your time both on and off the water.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Beach Bar
Follow your CEO to the best beach bar in town to celebrate all the wild and humbling adventures you've just experienced with new friends.
Accommodation
Seashell Resort Koh Tao (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Koh Tao
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends as the tour ends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and cheers before you head on your way. If booking a flight out of Koh Samui airport, make sure not to book one earlier than 11:00am.
Want to take the hassle out of getting back to Bangkok? Book the Bangkok Express, a two-day post-tour Extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.
Add the “Bangkok Express: Koh Tao to Bangkok” to your adventure and make your way back to bustling Bangkok with the guidance of a CEO. This nifty post-tour Extra includes a ferry to the mainland where you’ll board an overnight train to Bangkok arriving in the city early the next morning. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Bangkok Express: Koh Tao to Bangkok
Want to take the hassle out of getting back to Bangkok? Book the “Bangkok Express: Koh Tao to Bangkok” post-tour Extra and make your way back to bustling Bangkok with the guidance of a CEO. On the final day of the tour, hop on a ferry back to the mainland and board an overnight train to Bangkok, arriving the next morning.