Experience the local charm of the floating markets, adventure through jaw-dropping jungles and discover the incredible Thai islands.

Thailand intoxicates you with happiness. The partying makes you move like mad and the food is addictively delicious. On this trip, get up close and experience the local charm of the floating market, journey up the River Kwai by longtail boat, learn about the Death Railway and marvel at the bridge on the River Kwai. Explore the hidden temples and treats of Bangkok, adventure through the jaw-dropping jungles of the Khao Sok National Park, and splash, dance, and eat your way through the incredible islands of Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phi Phi. Get ready to experience the best of what Southern Thailand can offer!

We spend 17 days exploring Thailand. We visit Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya , Khao Sok National Park, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Ao Nang (Krabi).

What Is Included...

  • Your Busabout crew

  • 15 nights’ accommodation, 1 night overnight train 2nd Class A/C

  • 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

  • Mae Klong railway market

  • Damnoen Saduak floating market

  • Hellfire Pass Memorial

  • River Kwai boat trip

  • Local enterprise visits

  • Muay Thai gym experience

  • Ayutthaya Archaeological Park tour

  • Entrance to Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Temple of the Golden Buddha

  • Chao Phraya River and canals of Thonburi Tour

  • All National Park entrance fees as per itinerary

  • Cheow Larn Lake boat trip

  • Khao Sok Ethical Elephant Experience

  • Air

  • conditioned transport (private van)

  • Private transfers from Busabout’s accommodation to port

  • All ferries between islands

  • Orientation walks of all islands

  • Organised optional dinners and nights out on all islands

  • Boat trip to Railay Beach

  • Full day 4 Island Boat Trip (Koh Cheok, Koh Mook, Koh Kradan and Koh Ma)

  • Entrance to Koh Phi Phi Sunset View Point

  • Sunset BBQ Dinner on Koh Lanta

Trip Highlights
  • See the awesome limestone cliffs of Khao Sok National Park
  • Stay in a floating bungalow on the River Kwai
  • Explore the beaches of Thailand's islands

Check these off your bucket list

River Kwai River Kwai
Emerald Secret Lagoon Emerald Secret Lagoon
Explore the Beaches Explore the Beaches

17 Day Itinerary

Ultimate Southern Thailand Adventure 17 day full itinerary breakdown and route map

Day 1

Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets to Kanchanaburi

Your incredible adventures kicks off in Bangkok this morning, where you’ll meet your awesome Busabout guide and head off to the station. We’ll hop aboard the train for our short but scenic journey to the famous Mae Klong railway market. Here we’ll have an wander, and check out one of the local enterprises that produces palm sugar from the sweet watery sap that drips from cut flower buds. Climb aboard the long-tail boat for a ride along the Mae Klong River, and make sure you get some pics of the palm trees and traditional houses on the banks - just don’t drop your phone! We’ll disembark and transfer to the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market. At the Baan Bang Noi homestay you’ll learn to prepare a Thai meal, and then chow down on your creation! After we’ve eaten, you’re free to explore the surrounding orchards on foot or by bicycle. This afternoon we’ll continue to the River Kwai and board the longtail boat to Jungle Rafts, where we’ll arrive late afternoon. (L,D)

Day 2

Kanchanaburi to River Kwai to Ayutthaya

This morning we have a visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial. This was established by the Australian Government and houses a theatre and collection of data, photographs, and equipment, used during the construction of the Death Railway. Later we’ll check out the bridge on the River Kwai, built by forced labour during the Second World War, and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. This cemetery contains the remains of 6,982 Allied POWs who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway. You’re free to grab some local lunch before we visit a wooden drum making enterprise. Witness the process of selecting the wood and stretching leather, before the decorating begins. Late this afternoon we’ll check in to our accommodation before heading to a local Thai boxing gym, where you can see the local athletes practice! Join us for dinner tonight at a local restaurant and get to know your new Busabout squad. (B)

Day 3

Ayutthaya – Bangkok

Rise and shine, if you get up early today you’ll be able to see the offering of alms with local monks this morning! We then have our visit to Ayutthaya’s Archaeological Park where you’ll learn about Ayutthaya’s history from ancient to present-day. We then check out Wat Phra Sri Sanphet - the prototype of the famous Grand Palace in Bangkok! You’ll also get to see Wat Mahathat, to have a look at the famous Buddha Head inside the banyan tree. We’ll visit a local restaurant and chow down on some of the tasty cuisine for lunch. We’ll depart from Ayutthaya early this afternoon and hit the road back to Bangkok. (B)

Day 4

Bangkok to Khao Sok (overnight train)

Head put with your guide today for a tour of one of the biggest Chinatowns outside of China. Climb aboard a tuk tuk as we make our way through the busy streets. Check out the giant gilded Buddha at Wat Traimit as we pass through the Odeon Circle and into Chinatown. Wander through the market stalls and sample the street food! Join us later for an optional lunch with epic views of the river. We’ll then board a longtail boat to explore the Chao Phraya River, see the canalside artist community of Klong Bang Luang, and visit Wat Po before heading to the breathtaking Temple of Dawn. Later on we’ll catch our transfer to Hua Lamphong Railway Station for our overnight train to Surat Thani. (B)

Day 5

Khao Sok National Park (Cheow Lan Lake)

We arrive into Surat Thani this morning, and have a short transfer to the stunning Khao Sok National Park. This remnant of an ancient rainforest is home to some incredible fauna and flora and awesome limestone cliffs. Mid-morning we’ll arrive at Cheow Lan Lake and board a longtail boat to check out the beautiful karst topography of the lake. We have a tasty traditional Thai lunch at our floating bungalow, then have the rest of the day to relax. Take a kayak out and explore the area, sunbathe and swim, or just chill out. Tonight we enjoy a delicious Thai dinner and take in the surroundings. (L, D)

Day 6

Khao Sok National Park

Spend this morning doing something unforgettable, an intimate encounter at the Khao Sok Elephant Experience. Meet Somboon the elephant, and the family that cares for him, and prepare some tasty treats for him. Then it’s time to scrub him down with a coconut husk as he enjoys a refreshing mud bath, before planting sugar cane for the gentle giant and his friends to enjoy in the future. Participation helps to fund the program and assist in rescuing more of these incredible animals! Afterwards we’ll head to our overnight destination of Khao Sok town for dinner and drinks at our riverside accommodation. (B, L)

Day 7

Khao Sok National Park to Phuket

Spend the day as you please, or join us for a fantastic optional excursion. We’ll head out and explore Sok River, see the diverse wildlife of the area and marvel at the limestone cliffs in this dramatic landscape. When we’re hungry, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in Khao Sok town before moving on for our afternoon transfer back to Phuket. We arrive in Patong this evening and go for an orientation walk to get our bearings, before we make our way to Bangla Road to experience the wild nightlife! (B)

Day 8

Phuket

This is your free day to explore Phuket! Check out the numerous temples and Buddha statues, or head to one of the local beaches to relax in the sun. Hit up your guide for suggestions on what to see and do. Later on tonight we’ll regroup and make our way out into the buzzing nightlife of Bangla Road once more. (B)

Day 9

Phuket

Have a nice long lie in, or get out there and explore the beautiful scenery of this tropical location. Tick off any sights that you may have missed, or join us on an optional excursion with an included traditional lunch to see Phang Nga Bay by canoe! We’ll pass alongside the karst islets that dot the seascape and take in the spectacular sights of this picture perfect location, and check out numerous caves and tranquil inlets. Join your fellow travellers and awesome guide tonight for another night out, or have a chilled evening and gear up for tomorrow. (B)

Day 10

Phuket to Koh Phi Phi

This morning we have an early rise for our ferry to the stunning Phi Phi Islands. Rent a kayak or snorkel gear and have an aquatic adventure, or kick back on the beach and work on the tan. If you feel like exploring, wander into town and hit the shops or treat yourself to a massage! This evening we’ll have a short hike to Phi Phi’s most famous viewpoint to enjoy the sunset over this beautiful island. Tonight we’ll grab some dinner before having our first taste of the notorious nightlife in Koh Phi Phi. (B)

Day 11

Koh Phi Phi

Today you’ll get to see the film location of “The Beach”, starring Leo DiCaprio - the stunning Maya Bay on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh! If you’ve got itchy feet, get moving and hike the surrounding wilderness, pamper yourself in town or just kick back on the beach. If you feel like diving in deeper with scuba diving or snorkelling, there are numerous reputable tour operators so chat to your guide for advice. Tonight, watch the mesmerising skill of fire dancers on the beach before we make our way into town for the last night on this slice of paradise. (B)

Day 12

Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta

Get ready for our transfer to Tonsai pier. We’ll arrive into Koh Lanta in the early afternoon, and then it’s time to relax on one of the most charming islands in Thailand. Check out the stunning rock formations along the coast, relax on the beach with a cold drink, or pamper yourself with another massage. If you’re a dog-person, you can take the friendly doggos for a walk at the Lanta Animal Welfare Centre. This evening, we’ll have dinner by the beach before exploring Koh Lantas quirky beachside bars. (B)

Day 13

Koh Lanta

Gear up for the incredible included excursion today - the 4 Islands Boat Trip! A speedboat ferries us from island to beautiful island today, where you can snorkel and sunbathe on the beaches. We’ll relax with a delicious lunch on the white sands of stunning Koh Kradan beach, before checking out the spectacular Emerald Cave and its hidden beach inside. Tonight we’ll kick back with an included sunset BBQ dinner, before letting loose on a night out. (B, L, D)

Day 14

Koh Lanta to Krabi (Ao Nang)

Hop on board the ferry, we’re off to Krabi! Upon arrival we’ll have some lunch before our included visit to Railay Beach. This is the ultimate relaxation spot, so make the most of it and soak up the beautiful scenery. Go for a refreshing swim in the sea, grab a drink, or make your way to the nearby Phra Nang beach to see the shrine. Join your guide and travel buddies tonight for a night of fun and drinking games, as we experience the vibrant nightlife of Krabi. (B)

Day 15

Krabi (Ao Nang)

What’s on the cards today? It’s your call! Head straight to the beach to soak up the sun and have a swim, take a boat trip to one of the islands, explore the surrounding area or try your hand at rock climbing! We’ve also got an optional excursion tour inland to see the picturesque Emerald Pool, the cascading hot springs, and the Tiger Cave Temple with its 1,237 steps (don’t worry, the view makes it worthwhile!). To replace the calories you’ve burned off, we’ll have a visit to the Krabi food markets to sample some of the delicious fresh foods. (B)

Day 16

Krabi (Ao Nang) to Phuket

Spend the morning seeing any sights in Krabi you may have missed, before our journey back to Phuket. Climb aboard our air-conditioned transport as we make our way over the bridge, arriving in Phuket not long after. You’ll have time to explore once more, before we get ready for the night ahead - the final night of our adventure! Join your guide and your Busabout family, and head out into the vibrant Thai nightlife one last time. (B)

Day 17

Phuket

Check-out is after breakfast. (B)

See full itinerary

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