Child Ages: 7+

Family Thailand Beach, Jungle and Wildlife Adventure

Thailand - Trip code FTT Family
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
159Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Southern Thailand's warm, clear waters and west coast tropical islands provide a perfect winter getaway. Combine some of the world's most beautiful beaches by kayak, speedboat and longtail boat with time to explore ancient jungles that are home to whooping gibbons, long tailed macaques and wild elephant. A few days in Bangkok adds contrast with the opportunity to try Thai boxing and cruising the city's klongs.

Why we love this trip
  • Bangkok - Take part in a Muay Thai boxing training session and absorb local life on a long-tail boat journey through Bangkok's canal network
  • Khao Sok National Park - Enjoy guided jungle walks and a canoe trip through this ancient jungle
  • Khao Lak or Koh Samui - Do as much or as little as you like in this unspoilt beach destination, with a full day snorkeling around the Similian Islands off Khao Lak or Ang Thong Marine park off Koh Samui
  • We offer a East and West coast version - of this trip depending on the season to optimize the best weather conditions.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 12

    Lunch: 1

    Dinner: 2

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Boat Crew

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

    Ferry

  • i

    Accommodation

    2 nights comfortable bungalow

    1 nights comfortable homestay

    1 nights simple homestay

    8 nights comfortable hotel

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    12 - 18

Itinerary

Day 1 - Trip starts in Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand famous for its street vendors serving up tasty Thai food, bright lights, tuk tuks and khlong boats plying the network of canals and waterways.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Bangkok at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International airport (airport code BKK), which is 30km, between 45 minutes and an hour from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to join a sight-seeing tour this afternoon of the Grand Palace and rambling complex of Wat Po. Older than the city itself, this is home to a reclining Buddha which is a 46 metre golden plated statue depicting Lord Buddha as he enters Nirvana. Another option is to visit the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall. This interactive museum is regarded as one of the best in Thailand and helps to bring Bangkok's history and culture to life.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Thai boxing session and long tail boat cruise

This morning visit the Sor Vorapin gym - the famous Muay Thai training camp to watch Thai Boxing experts in action. Afterwards, we will have the chance to try out training techniques of the traditional martial art in a training session. There is no sparring involved, instead we use pads and kick bags; for those that don't wish to take part there is a café on site serving drinks and light meals.

This afternoon head to Tha Tien Pier and embark on a traditional long-tail boat to cruise along Thonburi's klongs (canals). This is the ideal way to explore Bangkok's network of meandering waterways that continue to serve as an important thoroughfare in the city. Along our route watch local life taking place around us - vendors pass by on small wooden boats that are filled with vegetables and noodles to be sold to canal-side homes. We may even see the postman making his deliveries in his engine-powered banana-boat. This evening, head to the lively back packer area of Khao San Road, where we can enjoy a traditional Thai food dinner with the opportunity to shop in the area for souvenirs before we return to our hotel for the evening.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Explore the Floating Market. Overnight beach camp

Set off this morning for the floating market of Damnoen Saduak, a ninety minute drive west of Bangkok. Here you board a longtail boat to explore the many canals that are filled with market traders selling everything from chicken and sticky rice to souvenirs and nik naks.

Our destination this afternoon is Khao Sam Roi Yort National Park. Upon arrival, disembark our bus onto a mangrove boardwalk where we walk along a 1km raised platform through the fragile ecosystem in search of mud crabs and giant monitor lizards. These forests are unique and offer a wonderful experience with their sprawling roots and shady canopy. Continue on foot to our beach camp in Khao Sam Roi Yort National Park, a vast untouched beach in front of our campsite. Tents are located a secluded wooded area, sleeping sheets, mats and pillows are provided. The site has male and female shower blocks as well as a restaurant where dinner is included tonight. Tonight we sleep with the sound of the waves gently breaking on the shore next to our tents.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Homestay

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 - Morning walk to Laem Sala Beach and Phraya Nakhon Caves. Free afternoon to relax on the beach

It's just a short drive from our campsite to the start of our walk to Laem Sala Beach, a spectacular stretch of coastline. Secluded from all roads, you have time to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery as we take a short walk along the beach.

One of the highlights is the spectacular cave temple of Phraya Nakhon Temple with its atmospheric pagoda built within. There is a short but steep ascent up a staircase, the sights waiting at the top makes the climb well worthwhile. After exploring the cave, return to the car park to meet our driver and transfer to our resort in Kui Buri, a ten minute drive. The rest of the day is free to relax on the nearby excellent Sam Roi beach or around the pool.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Search for elephant in Kui Buri National Park

This morning transfer to the nearby Kui Buri National Park Thai/Burma border. Transfer to off road trucks in search of wild elephant herds that calls the park home. Whilst sightings are not guaranteed, the park rangers that accompany us are familiar with the herds movements so there is a high success rate. You will also have time to learn about other aspects of the park before returning back to our beach resort in the afternoon.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Free day at the beach

Today has been kept free to relax and enjoy Sam Roi beach or the hotel pool.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Visit secluded Koh Phitak Island. Option of night time squid fishing

Following breakfast we move onto Koh Phitak, a drive of four hours. Leaving behind the mainland, we take a long-tail boat the short kilometre crossing to the island. Upon disembarking, settle into our homestay accommodation and meet the community hosting us.

The accommodation is a mix of twin-share and communal rooms, with some guests staying in the homes of locals. There is access to toilets and showers in a central area. Dinner is included this evening.

The rest of the day has been left free to either relax and soak up the tranquil atmosphere, or to explore the island. There is a short circular walk of around 1-2 kilometres around the island, and there is also the option to take a boat trip out to snorkel the surrounding coral reefs. In the evening you may like to join the local fisherman on a squid fishing quest, where we learn the interesting techniques of this old trade, and if we get lucky our catch can be cooked onboard the boat for us to enjoy - ocean to plate in a matter of minutes.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Homestay

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 - Khao Sok National Park. Guided jungle walks and canoe rides

After saying goodbye to our hosts we continue our journey south this morning, heading for our riverside jungle lodge in Khao Sok National Park. Covering an area of some 65,000 sq km, the park is one of the oldest and most bio-diverse jungles in South East Asia, boasting a lush rainforest that is older than those of either the Amazon or Central Africa.

Set against a spectacular backdrop of towering limestone mountains, the park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Some 180 species of birds are also in residence - a delight for both keen birdwatchers and novices alike.

This afternoon, head out into the park in a canoe ride along one of the tributaries that snake through this natural wonderland. Here, the sounds of gibbon calls mingle with the flowing river. The park is also a haven for a wide variety of exotic plants, including bamboo, fig, palms and the carnivorous pitcher plant, which gruesomely consumes its prey in its specially adapted 'bag'. Our jungle lodge will be our base for the next two nights. In this magical setting, we can look forward to the sight of monkeys descending from the surrounding canopy to drink from the river.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Bungalow

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Khao Sok National Park. Guided jungle walks

Our second day in the jungle sees us enjoying a guided walk through the dense forest keeping our eyes peeled for mischievous monkeys playing in the canopy above and watching out for colourful hornbills and kingfishers as they dart amongst the trees. The rest of the day is then free to indulge, explore or relax as you see fit. Our lodge is set close to the river, so a swim in this idyllic and unique setting is a welcome possibility. It is also possible to hire a canoe to explore a bit further afield. This evening, there is the option to go on a walking jungle safari, to witness the jungle bursting with life at night.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Bungalow

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 10 - Ferry to Koh Samui with its white sandy beaches and coral reefs

This morning we take a fast ferry to Koh Samui, arriving late in the morning. This is the largest and most developed of the islands in the Sumai Archipelago, with a distinctive mix of quiet palm-fringed beaches, backpacker resorts and coconut plantations.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace. You may choose to take to the waters with mask and snorkel again, or simply wander the palm-fringed beaches and trails around the island. Koh Samui has a slightly different feel to many of the other islands in southern Thailand, owing in some part to the influence of the Hainan islanders who first settled the island 150 years ago. The Chinese influence is still visible in some of the building in Na Thon, and some descendants of the original settlers still live in the area.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 11 - Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park by boat

Today we have the opportunity to visit the beautiful chain of islands that make up the Ang Thong National Marine Park. The group of islands cover over 250 square kilometres, are situated around 45 km north-west from Koh Samui. Once renowned as a haven for pirates, this stunning archipelago's reputation now centres on its pristine beaches, remote bays and virginal rainforest. The limestone islands are home to sea otters, monitor lizards, dolphins and wild pigs, and offer the perfect setting for some aquatic exploration.

The boat journey to Ang Thong takes around two hours, once in the park there is ample opportunity to swim and explore. We make a stop up on one of the islands to climb up a flight of steps to see the wonderful 'Emerald Lake' known locally as Talay Nai, the lake has a magnificent l backdrop of the surrounding islands. A buffet lunch is served on board, returning to Koh Samui early evening.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12 - Free day to snorkel or relax on the beach with optional Coral Island longtail boat trip

Today has been left free to spend as you wish. You may choose to relax on the beach, or enjoy a snorkelling trip around the island.

Another option is to take a Longtail boat trip to Coral Island, Koh Samui's neighbouring island 20 minutes away. Coral island is far less developed than its neighbour, surrounded by coral reefs and white sandy beaches appealing to snorkelers and sunbathers alike.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 13 - Trip ends in Koh Samui

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui's airport (airport code USM), which is 30km, around 45 minutes from the hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Thailand

Climate

Generally hot with high humidity. There is some rainfall from April to September with most days being hot (around 33 Degrees) and a light breeze on the islands. If it does rain, it will be more of a heavy tropical downpour that lasts a few hours. Additional information and climate charts can be accessed at http://www.explore.co.uk/weather.

Time difference to GMT

+7

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Buddhism

Language

Thai

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your Family adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on which are the most suitable for your family. Please note some of the suggested prices are based on a 3-participant basis and will become cheaper or more expensive based on number of participants.

Day 2 - Excursion to Grand Palace and Wat Pho on foot $32 per person
Day 7 - Snorkelling at nearby island (equipment provided) $14 per person; Squid catching (equipment provided) $12 per person
Day 12 - Full day excursion to Phang Nga Bay by speedboat (and canoe) $73 per person

Clothing

Pack essentially for hot weather. Bear in mind that the region is tropical (humid) and that days can be very hot. Lightweight rainwear or an umbrella is advisable all year. Casual clothes are the most practical (something with long sleeves, and long trousers for evenings), and tight fitting garments should be avoided. A fleece is useful for the overnight train. Laundry facilities are available on the islands. A swimming costume is a must and waterproof sandals are a good idea for wading out of boats. When visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok shorts are not permitted and shoulders and feet must be covered.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes and sandals. Flipflops are useful when hopping on and off boats.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

A small torch and insect repellent. Bring a beach towel and high factor sunscreen. If you intend to do much snorkelling we recommend you bring your own mask and snorkel, as local equipment is not always top quality. A disposable waterprof camera can be useful whilst snorkelling. Any qualified divers should remember to bring logbooks and certification with them if intending to dive. We advise you bring a water bottle for day to day use.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
In this region, tipping is a recognised part of life across the service industry. Local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided.

To assist with this your Explore Leader may organise a group tips kitty for included activities and meals, they will then account for kitty use throughout the tour.

For this we suggest $25 per family member.

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Thailand

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Dinner price
£4.00 - 8.00
Beer price
£1.5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Thai Baht
Recommended Currency For Exchange
We recommend that you bring your money in GBP or US$.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns and on the islands - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in Bangkok but are limited on the islands.
Credit Card Acceptance
Major stores and restaurants.
Travellers Cheques
Can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices throughout the tour although rates may not be as favourable.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat, Ferry

Family swimming

The hotels have pools plus you can swim when staying on the islands.

Thailand

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Thailand: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens for a stay of less than 30 days. All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining on entry to Thailand. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Thailand

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and infectious hepatitis. Although not compulsory, travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on Dengue, Malaria and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Family information
Southern Thailand is blessed with warm clear waters, tropical islands, dense jungles and generous hospitality, making it a perfect introduction to South East Asia for families. With time split between vibrant Bangkok, tranquil Khao Sok with its spectacular landscape of limestone cliffs soaring out of its lakes and a week hopping between tropical islands it’s an action packed family adventure.

Triple Rooms: This trip allows the option for triple rooms to be included within the booking on a selected number of night stops within the holiday. If you would like this option, a discount may be applicable on the cost of the trip - please ask our Sales team for further information.

Average Age: As a guide we have identified the actual average age of the children who have travelled on this trip over the the last 5 years, to help you decide whether it's the right one for your family. The average age on this trip is 12 years old.

Minimum age: This trip is suitable for children of all ages from 7 upwards. On certain trips there may be some flexibility to accept children from the age of 5 if travelling with older siblings, please speak to our reservations team for details.
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Airport Transfers
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