Thailand on a Shoestring 8 Days Tour from Bangkok

DAY 1 Arrive Bangkok, airport transfer Upon arrival at Bangkok airport we’ll meet you and transfer you to your guesthouse near the famous Khao San Road, where you’ll spend the next couple of nights. The rest of the day is free to meet the others in your group and to explore the local area. If you would like to arrive early, we can arrange extra nights and will still pick you up from the airport. In the evening, we’ll arrange to meet for dinner and maybe head over to the Khao San Road for drinks and your first experience of Bangkok by night. OVERNIGHT Bangkok guest house DAY 2 Bangkok River cruise and temple visits Today we take to the water with a cruise along the Chao Phraya River. This is a fantastic way to see the sights of Bangkok and we’ll stop to visit two of the most important temples in Thailand. You’ll have a local Thai guide to explain a bit about the history and the Thai culture. Next, we take a Tuk Tuk ride back through Bangkok to Khao San Road where you can enjoy lunch at the traditional street stalls or a local restaurant. In the evening, your tour leader will take you to the best places to eat and drink and to experience the legendary Bangkok nightlife. OVERNIGHT Bangkok guesthouse DAY 3 Thai massage, overnight train This morning we take a trip to a local spa for a traditional Thai massage. There are other treatments available if you don’t feel like a massage and it is the perfect way to relax before the overnight train. The afternoon is free for you to do some more sightseeing, shopping or to just relax by the pool with a beer, before we transfer you to the train station in the evening for the overnight train to Surat Thai. OVERNIGHT Sleeper train DAY 4 Khao Sok National Park Leaving the hustle and bustle of Bangkok behind today we arrive at Khao Sok National Park. You'll arrive at your floating bungalow by long tail boat and the rest of the day if free for you to explore your jungle surroundings. You can enjoy kayaking on the lake or explore the local caves or just chill out with a beer and top up on your tan. An unforgettable experience, and probably unlike anything you’ve seen before the tranquil jungle scenery is just breathtaking. You’ll also get all your meals provided whilst in the national park. OVERNIGHT Floating bungalows MEALS Lunch, Dinner DAY 5 Bottle Beach Heading back to Surat Thani, we catch a ferry to the awesome island of Koh Phangan! When we get there, we’ll transfer to Bottle Beach (one of our favourite spots in Thailand), which is a beautiful, secluded bay on the north of the island. You can relax on the beach or go for a swim in the afternoon, and then the evening is time for your own private beach party with cocktails, campfire, lanterns & music. You’ll spend the night in your own private beach bungalow and wake to the sound of the sea breaking on the sand. OVERNIGHT Beach bungalow MEALS Breakfast DAY 6 Bottle Beach, waterfalls or Muay Thai & Haad Rin Your morning is free today to chill out and make the most of your beautiful surroundings. There are some great short hikes up to nearby viewpoints, volleyball on the beach, kayaking or more sunbathing to enjoy. Early afternoon we are picked up by boat and head to a local gym to try Thailand's national sport, Muay Thai boxing. You can skip this and just watch if you prefer or take a hike to a local waterfall (seasonal). Later, we arrive at our final accommodation, Echo Beach backpackers and arrange a time to meet for dinner. We'll take a taxi to Haad Rinn home to the famous Full Moon Parties, which is full of more beach bars if you fancy a few drinks after dinner. OVERNIGHT Resort DAY 7 Boat trip, Farewell Dinner We take a boat trip today, taking in the gorgeous island scenery from the water, with stops for snorkeling on some of the best reefs, and a seasonal visit to Than Sadet waterfall. There are free drinks on board the boat, and food and music throughout the day. Back in town, we head out to the best restaurant in town for a great final meal (on us!). Here we can start to say our goodbyes to new friends, and discuss onward plans and our next adventures. OVERNIGHT Resort MEALS Lunch DAY 8 Tour ends This morning your tour ends. You can add in extra days and spend more time on this wonderful island for just a few pounds/dollars per night to stay in the same resort or just head of on your next adventure. The tour leader and resort staff will be happy to help you arrange any onward travel, either back to Bangkok or elsewhere in Thailand. OVERNIGHT Resort