Thai Community Encounter

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Bangkok

After checking in to your hotel you'll have the chance to gently acclimatise to the temperature, humidity and time zone, so the rest of the day is left free for you to spend as you please - perhaps relax by the pool or explore the sights and sounds of the bustling Thai capital.

Nouvo City Hotel (AAA) - 1 night - Swimming Pool

Bangkok

Today you take a city tour to uncover the delights that Bangkok has to offer. Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the oldest, largest and probably most spectacular temple in Bangkok and a good place to start your day. From here, you have time to visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), where frescoes display various stages of Buddha's life, and the Grand Palace, still used to house visiting dignitaries as well as the Thai royal family. One of the most famous sights in Bangkok is the klongs or waterways. You have time to travel down these and watch daily Thai life take place - a great place to people watch! From here you transfer to the station for your overnight train journey to Surat Thani.

Berth on sleeper Train (1 night) (B)

Khao Sok National Park

In the morning you arrive at Surat Thani and drive for approximately two hours to Khao Sok National Park. In Khao Sok you’ll find some of Thailand’s best remaining rainforest, which is an incredible 150 million years old and where, amongst the giant tropical hardwood trees, limestone ‘karst’ formations stretch up from the jungle floor. This exciting national park is home to some of the country’s rarest animals, including leopard, Malayan sun bear, elephant, langur and even tiger, though they are elusive and rarely seen. During your two-day stay you will have plenty of time to explore independently. You can take a half-day walk to learn more about the tropical rainforest ecosystem and perhaps visit incredible stalactite caves. Although the walking is not difficult and you carry only a daypack, it can be tiring as conditions are hot and underfoot it’s often wet and slippery.

In the rainy season you may be able to take to the river in inner tubes and float downstream through the rainforest (dependant on water level), listening to the calls of gibbons and the other sounds of the jungle (optional). In addition to a float downstream, there’s the chance for those who wish to take a short elephant ride (optional).

As you would expect in the jungle, facilities are more basic; however the setting of superb limestone cliffs, mountains and rainforest more than makes up for any lack of comfort.

Morning Mist Resort (AAA) - 2 nights - Swimming Pool (B)

Discover village life

After the rainforest, you’ll head to the rural village of Ban Talae Nok on the Andaman coast. For over 10 years, the Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute has helped to teach local communities how to manage tourism by creating tours that support conservation and development as well as the preservation of culture and tradition. Not everyone has the time to spend several weeks, or even months volunteering on a project, although many people want to have the opportunity to do so. This ‘hands on’ aspect has been integrated into the trip itinerary to give you the chance to contribute something to the community without requiring a long time commitment. The only requirement is that you come with an open mind and a “have a go” attitude.

After a welcome and introduction to this fantastic initiative, you’ll meet your host family who will proudly show you around their home and village and what follows will be a positive cultural interchange where you’ll experience what life is like in this Thai village community, as well as their unique customs and traditions. The village was hit by the 2004 tsunami and the villagers who are now rebuilding their lives and their homes are an true inspiration.

During your stay, you'll get stuck in to an array of activities, which include English lessons and games with children - maybe even a spot of football on the beach, Thai dessert making, Nipa Palm roof weaving, fishing on the beach and a long-tail boat trip through the mangrove forest. The kids will love integrating with the local children and this is the ideal way to give something back to the community that you visit.

Homestay (A) - 2 nights - Swimming Pool (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2)

Koh Phangan

This morning, you you'll take part in some palm room weaving before helping the villagers prepare lunch (with some very tasty desserts!) It'll then be time to say farewell to the community before returning to Kuraburi, then onwards to the Don Sak Pier for your onward journey by ferry to the laid back tropical island of Koh Phangan where you'll enjoy the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, every bit the tropical island paradise that Thailand is famous for. You have the option of taking a day trip out to snorkel on the sea and watch the impressive marine life below the water. Or if you prefer, just lie back on the beach and take the time to unwind here.

Grand Sea Resort (AAA) - 2 nights - Swimming Pool (Bx2)

Koh Samui

You’ll depart Koh Phangan in the morning and travel by ferry to Koh Samui, a short 45 minute journey. Landing on Thailand's third largest island you’ll see a blanket of coconut palms stretching right down to the pristine beaches in front of you; a perfect spot to swim and relax.

The island’s inhabitants refer to themselves as Chao Samui (Samui folk) rather than Thai, and are renowned for their friendliness and good humour. During your stay here you could take a songthaew (local taxi) to explore the island; a great way to see its waterfalls and temples. A visit to the Na Muang Waterfall, near to the centre of the island and a butterfly farm are also fun possibilities (both at additional cost).

With free time to explore, there is also plenty of time to spend snorkelling or to take optional boat trips, perhaps to Ang Thong National Marine Park, a lush, dense group of 41 small islands strewn over the deep blue Gulf of Thailand. A climb up the wooded slopes will give you some breathtaking views of the surrounding archipelago, or you can see the landlocked lake that gives the park the name Ang Thong, meaning 'Golden Bowl'.

Those who simply want to relax will be able to sample the wonderful coconut cuisine, enjoy a traditional Thai massage or just soak up the sun and atmosphere on the beaches.

Buddy Oriental Samui Beach Resort (AAA) - 3 nights - Swimming Pool (Bx3)

Bangkok

You'll have some free time in the morning before you transfer to the airport in Koh Samui, where you'll catch an early afternoon flight back to Bangkok. Here, you can decide to have your 'last supper' with the group, do some last minute bargin hunting (and bartering!) and reflect on some wonderful memories.

Nouvo City Hotel (AAA) - 1 night - Swimming Pool (B)

Trip ends

The trip ends here for land only passengers. (B)

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner