Thailand Island Hopping

Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok

As congested, polluted and hectic as it is, Bangkok has plenty of appeal. With towering skyscrapers pressed up against Chinese shop-houses and brand-new Mercedes squeezing past vendors with pushcarts, this is a city of distinct contrasts. Culture fiends will delight in the dazzling Royal Palace and the city’s countless pagodas, while shoppers could spend weeks sifting through Bangkok’s malls and open-air markets. Entertainment ranges from highbrow (classical Thai music concerts) to low (transvestite revues) with everything in between. Dining options are equally varied. Whether you’re eating French cuisine in a plush hotel restaurant or sampling fried crickets on the side of the road, prepare to have all of your senses engaged. This is the place to eat, drink and be merry.Travellers will be arriving at all times today so there are no activities arranged. Please try to arrive by 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the tour leader and the other group members. You have the day free to relax and adjust to the frenetic pace and humid heat of Bangkok.On Day 2 - fly to Koh Samui or Krabi.

For trips that run from May-Oct , East Coast

(While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below during the designated seasons, please note that trips that are in April/May and October/November may be changed to the opposite itinerary due to weather conditions. Our goal is to visit the area with the best optimal weather conditions.)

Day 2-3 Ko Samui

Lying off Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui offers everything you could want in a beach retreat: white sand beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood and clear water. With an area of 247 square kilometres, Ko Samui is the largest island in an archipelago of around 80 islands. The nearby Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao also offer many beach resorts and great diving. Like Phuket, Ko Samui attracts many visitors yet has plenty of out-of-the-way spots for those wishing to get away from it all. After our short flight on day 2, we arrive in Ko Samui for it’s magnificent beaches and party nightlife. We have a tour of the island and it’s main sights before we leave you to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Day 4-5 Ko Phangnan

A short boat ride take us to the small island of Ko Pha Ngan where we have the next few days to explore the nearby caves and swim in the lagoons.

Day 6-8 Ko Tao

Also named and know as ‘turtle island’ some say because of its shape, others say the waters in the area were rich with sea turtles whereas now they have moved onto other breading grounds. Initially the island was not inhabited, there was only the occasional fisherman from the neighboring islands looking for shelter in a storm or just taking a break before continuing their journey. In 1980s the first travellers discovered the island paradise and word spread and made it widely known and a popular backpacker destination. As a consequence, bigger, faster and safer boats were used to allow easier access to Koh Tao. During the past 10yrs the reputation of the Turtle Island’s natural beauty, especially its marine life and coral reefs, has spread the world over and the number of paradise seekers increased rapidly. It soon became one of the major dive sites in Thailand, attracting beginners and professionals alike. The local businesses expanded immediately to catch up with the needs of the new clientele. The island today, though still remaining a unique paradise caters for all tastes and budgets. On day 8, we transfer to the mainland by boat to Chumphon where we will board an overnight train to Bangkok.

Day 9 Depart Bangkok

Our train will arrive in Bangkok early in the morning. Your tour ends at the train station, where your leader can help you arrange onward transport.

For trips that run Nov to Apr, West Coast

(While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below during the designated seasons, please note that trips that are in April/May and October/November may be changed to the opposite itinerary due to weather conditions. Our goal is to visit the area with the best optimal weather conditions.)

Day 2-3 Krabi

Arriving into the airport, we transfer to the west coast town of Krabi where we check into our beach guest house to enjoy the stunning Karst scenery and white beaches.

Day 4-5 Ko Muk

A drive of around 2 hours takes us to a pier where we catch a local motorboat ride to the small island of Ko Muk where we have the next few days to explore the nearby caves and swim in the lagoons. Accommodation here is provide in very simple bungalow (non air-conditioned room) with shower and toilet attached.

Day 6-8 Andaman Sea

Using the beautiful island of Koh Ruk as our base we board our longtail boat and head out for 3 days of cuising around the Andaman Sea exploring white sandy beaches and coral bays. We camp under the stars for 2 nights enjoying the relaxed pace of the South. The longtail boat carries basic snorkeling equipment for you to use but you may want to bring your own. On day 8, we make the 8 hour journey back to the mainland at Trang to catch our overnight sleeper train to Bangkok.

Day 9 Depart Bangkok

Our train will arrive in Bangkok early in the morning (approx 9am). Your tour ends at the train station, where your leader can help you arrange onward transport.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Hotels/Guesthouses (1 nt) sleeper train (1 nt), simple bungalows (6 nts)
Departure	Departs every Sunday, year round.
DepEnd	Sun-Mon
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	Island hopping, Sea safari
Local Payment	USD150 or Thai Baht 5100
Meals Included	No meals are included.
StartFinish	ex Bangkok
Testimonial	"The high points for me was the interaction with the people, I especially loved how much Thai culture we soaked up. The use of local transport/accommodation and restaurants was an absolute treat. This in my opinion is the best way to see any country." - Miriam Walsh travelled on Thailand Island Hopping
Transport	Train, Local bus, aircon bus, boat, tuk-tuk, songthaew, taxi, ferry, plane
Brochure Intro	Coconut trees, gleaming white beaches and crystal clear waters are just some of the treasures that Southern Thailand has waiting for you. If camping on deserted islands and swimming and snorkelling in clear waters are your style, then this great trip is for you. Depending on the time of year, choose to spend your beach retreat on the east coast or the west coast of the country.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-09-14	2008-09-22	4
2008-09-28	2008-10-06	7+
2008-10-12	2008-10-20	7+
2008-11-09	2008-11-17	7+
2008-11-23	2008-12-01	7+
2008-12-07	2008-12-15	7+
2008-12-14	2008-12-22	7+
2008-12-21	2008-12-29	7+
2008-12-28	2009-01-05	7+
2009-01-04	2009-01-12	7+
2009-01-11	2009-01-19	7+
2009-01-18	2009-01-26	7+
2009-01-25	2009-02-02	7+
2009-02-01	2009-02-09	7+
2009-02-08	2009-02-16	7+
2009-02-15	2009-02-23	7+
2009-02-22	2009-03-02	7+
2009-03-01	2009-03-09	7+
2009-03-08	2009-03-16	7+
2009-03-15	2009-03-23	7+
2009-03-29	2009-04-06	7+
2009-04-12	2009-04-20	7+
2009-04-26	2009-05-04	7+
2009-05-10	2009-05-18	7+
2009-05-24	2009-06-01	7+
2009-06-07	2009-06-15	7+
2009-06-21	2009-06-29	7+
2009-07-05	2009-07-13	7+
2009-07-19	2009-07-27	7+
2009-08-02	2009-08-10	7+
2009-08-16	2009-08-24	7+
2009-08-30	2009-09-07	7+
2009-09-13	2009-09-21	7+
2009-09-27	2009-10-05	7+
2009-10-11	2009-10-19	7+
2009-10-25	2009-11-02	7+
2009-11-08	2009-11-16	7+
2009-11-22	2009-11-30	7+
2009-12-06	2009-12-14	7+
2009-12-13	2009-12-21	7+
2009-12-20	2009-12-28	7+
2009-12-27	2010-01-04	7+

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