Essential Southern Thailand

8 Days | Fall in love with southern Thailand on a nature-focused adventure

5 out of 5 based on 37 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
NZD $935
View dates and book
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

Love beaches? Islands? Cocktails? Well, you’ll love this trip! Head from buzzing Bangkok to blissful Ko Samui and Phuket on this eight-day southern Thailand adventure. With loads of free time to go snorkelling, swimming and waterfall-chasing, you’ll also enjoy loads of awesome included activities, like hiking, learning about turtles, cruising, blissing out on the beach and getting your safari fix in the jungle of Khao Sok National Park. Stay in a traditional raft house and be treated to some classic Thai hospitality, then end it all in vibrant Phuket.

Trip overview

Map of Essential Southern Thailand including Thailand
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Phuket, Thailand
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
Thailand
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
TTYC
This trip generates 43 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Meaningful experiences

Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience


Why you'll love this trip
  • Discover a real slice of paradise in Ko Samui. Cruise the island, go chasing waterfalls and relax on the beach before heading out to one of the famous beach bars.
  • Step into another world in Khao Sok National Park – an essential experience in Thailand, nature-lover or not (but how could you not be?). You’ll go wildlife spotting and waterfall hiking through some of the oldest jungles in the world.
  • Eat your weight in pad Thai, mango sticky rice, roti bread, street snacks and homecooked dinners (at your raft house stay) then wash it all down with a cocktail or two – yum!
  • Explore vibrant nightlife, beach bars and beach clubs in Bangkok, Ko Samui and Phuket with new like-minded friends and a local leader who knows all the best spots.
  • Visit the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center and learn how they work with local organisations and educational facilities to rescue leatherneck turtle eggs (and other local turtle species) and provide the community with environmental training.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Travel with the locals! This trip involves some long stints of travel using local transport, including a 13-hour overnight train to Surat Thani. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a great experience and the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at your destinations. Occasionally passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and/or you'll be sharing with locals or travellers from other groups.
  • As this is a Basix trip, the majority of activities are optional and you'll have lots of free time. This means you're able to do your own thing at your own pace. Accommodation will be basic but is always comfortable.
  • The weather in Thailand can be hot and sticky, so ensure that you pack accordingly. Please also wear sunscreen and a hat and drink plenty of water.
  • This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Real Thailand.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Essential Southern Thailand including Thailand

Inclusions

Meals

3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Boat, Ferry, Public bus, Private vehicle, Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Resort (2 nights) Rafthouse (1 night)

Activities
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho
  • Ko Samui - half day guided tour
  • Khao Sok National Park – Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
  • Khao Sok National Park - Rafthouse Stay
  • Khao Sok National Park – Waterfall Hike
  • Khao Lak - Tsunami Memorial
  • Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Add on activities
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
  • Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure - THB2900
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
  • Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
  • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) - THB200
  • Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250
  • Ko Samui - Thai Massage - THB300
  • Ko Samui - Thai Cooking Class - THB2300
  • Ko Samui - Day trip to Koh Tao - THB2400
  • Ko Samui - Ang Thong Marine Park tour - THB2500
  • Ko Samui - Samui Elephant Sanctuary - THB3500
  • Phuket - Phi Phi & Koh Khai Island Day Trip - THB3500
  • Phuket - Banana Beach & Koh Mai Ton Day Trip - THB2500
  • Phuket - Similan Day Trip - THB3500
  • Phuket - Surin National Marine Park Day Trip - THB3500
  • Phuket - Elephant Sanctuary - THB3500

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you'd prefer not to share a room on this trip. The Single Supplement excludes Day 2 (Overnight Train) and day 5 (Raft house). Please note that some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 37 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Katy · Traveled August 2024
I loved the variety of this tour, though my favourite part by some distance was Khao Sok National Park - unbelievably beautiful and peaceful, and I highly recommend waking up early for the sunrise! Patong was less to my tastes but a great setting off point for day trips.
Review submitted 27 Aug 2024

katie · Traveled August 2024
we had the most amazing time, made lovely friends and loved our tour guide melon, she was amazing!
Review submitted 25 Aug 2024

Elise · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 13 Aug 2024

Dilushi · Traveled August 2024
The essential southern Thailand trip was perfect, it allowed me to see the main places in the south within a short period of time. Intrepid was amazing because I didn’t have to think or plan anything. Our group leader Pepea was amazing, she gave the true cultural experience to us!
Review submitted 13 Aug 2024

James · Traveled August 2024
Great trip, food was great, destinations were great and travel was easy, loved the overnight train and our tour guide Pepea made everything so enjoyable. Thanks for a great trip.
Review submitted 13 Aug 2024
Essential Southern Thailand
From
NZD $935