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Thailand Beaches (East Coast)

Trip type: 
Cultural
Adventure level: 
2. Gentle
Max group size: 
12
Avg user rating: 
4
Thailand, Asia | 11 days
Trip code: 
TTST
What's included: 

Transport - Overnight Sleeper Train, ferry, local bus, songthaew and taxi

Accommodation - Hotels/guesthouses 5 nts, bungalows 2 nts, overnight train 1nt

Meals - 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches

Trip Highlights: 
See the temples of Bangkok
Cruise among Thailand's stunning islands
Swim and snorkel among colourful reefs
Visit local fishing villages
see full itinerary >>
Trip Highlights: 
See the temples of Bangkok
Cruise among Thailand's stunning islands
Swim and snorkel among colourful reefs
Visit local fishing villages
see full itinerary >>
What's included: 

Transport - Overnight Sleeper Train, ferry, local bus, songthaew and taxi

Accommodation - Hotels/guesthouses 5 nts, bungalows 2 nts, overnight train 1nt

Meals - 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches

Trip Overview: 

Clear blue waters, white sand, swaying palm trees and a bungalow on the beach... this is the ideal recipe for a holiday in paradise. Come and explore Thailand's beautiful southern islands, relax in the sun and try some of the special Thai food that this region is famous for.

Itinerary: 
Day
1/2

Fly to Bangkok

Upon arrival in Bangkok after your overnight flight, you will transfer to your hotel and check in. In the evening you will meet you leader and the rest of your group for a welcome meeting. Your leader will have left details of where and when this will take place with the hotel's reception. Hotel - 1 night

Day
3
Bangkok

Bangkok

Early this morning you head out to explore this fascinating city. You're first stop is Wat Arun, 'Temple of the Dawn'. Bangkok's founder, King Thaksin, was keen to give hope to his people after Ayutthaya was ruined, and so borrowed the name from the Hindu God Aruna, who's name means Dawn. You might also like to pay a visit to Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and home to the massive 46m long reclining Buddha (additional charge). Wat Pho is also the national headquarters for the teaching of traditional Thai medicine, so you might like to find time to experience a traditional Thai massage.

Alternatively, why not visit the Grand Palace, or the National Museum? Both are located near Wat Arun and Wat Pho (additional charge). Or you might like to simply explore the busy city streets. Khao San Road is a mecca for shoppers and attracts many visitors with it's offerings of cheap clothing, tasty snacks and ice-cold beer. This evening you board your overnight train, bound for Surat Thani (approx. 13hrs). You will be in soft sleeper class coaches with air-conditioned multi-share compartments. Bedding is provided and there is a food and drink service on board, although you might like to stock up on fesh bread and fruit during your free time in Bangkok. Please note that on rare occasions due to local scheduling changes, the overnight trains may be replaced with an overnight bus. Overnight train - 1 night

Day
4/5
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan

Your train will pull into Surat Thani station early in the morning. Continuing by bus (approx 1.5hrs) and then by boat (approx. 3hrs) you reach your destination on the beautiful island of Koh Pha Ngan. During your time here you will be free to relax on the beach, explore the fishing villages and learn about local Thai life, visit temples and cool off by stunning waterfalls. A delicious seafood barbecue on the beach is the perfect way to sample the local cuisine (additional charge). Guest House 2 nts

Day
6/7
Koh Tao

Koh Tao

From one island paradise to another, a two hour hop by boat takes you to the delightful little island of Koh Tao, famous for its spectacular coral reefs. The rest of the day is then free for you to relax on the beach and swim in the tropical waters. The next day you take to the water on a snorkelling trip to see for yourself the amazing underwater world that surrounds the island. With plenty of coral and fish and even the slight chance of spying the timid reef shark amongst the mesmirising coral formations, Koh Tao is definitely one of the jewels in southern Thailand's crown. Bungolow - 2 nts

Day
8/9
Koh Samui

Koh Samui

Boarding a boat once again you head over to your final island of the trip, Koh Samui (approx. 2.5hrs). This island is more developed, but does still have the beautiful long white beaches, with striking granite outcrops. If you want a break from the beach, then Koh Samui has it's share of treasures for you to discover. Why not pay a visit to the Big Buddha, take a dip at the waterfalls, see a mummified monk and do some last minute souvenir shopping (all additional charge). There is also a lively nightlife for those who want to join the locals for a cocktail or two.

Your second day here involves an exhilarating speedboat trip out to Ang Thong, Thailand's largest national marine park. The reserve consists of an archipelago of around 40 pristine islands, one of which is home to the famous Emerald Lake and there are many lookouts that you can climb up to for spectacular views of the area. Afterwards you head off for another dip among the reefs with your snorkel and fins, before heading over to the Park Headquarters for a buffet lunch on the beach. Enjoy the afternoon sitting back and relaxing with a cool drink. Hotel - 2 nts

Day
10/11

Overnight flight home

To arrange a transfer to the airport from the last hotel on this trip, a taxi to the airport will take about 45 minutes and cost approximately THB750. A minibus will take about 1.5 hours and cost around THB300. There is also a shuttle bus service available from the hotel. These can be arranged easily when in country and your group leader will be on hand to provide advice on how best to do this.

You will then arrive at the airport to board your your flight home.

2 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included on this trip.

 

Tropical Beaches

Thailand is well known for having some of the best beaches in the world. On this trip you will discover the long white stretches of sand, sea and gently swaying palm trees for yourself. Under the sea, you will find an equally fascinating, if otherworldy paradise, as you explore the reefs and marine life that surround the islands.

Seasonal Differences

Due to the changes in weather at different times of the year, it is necessary to have two alternative itineraries so that Southern Thailand can be a year-round destination. This means that between May and October you will visit the east coast, and from November to April you will visit the west coast, see tour code TTZT. Although there will inevitably be some differences between the two, the itineraries are very similar.

Bangkok

Bangkok has so much to offer and perhaps there is no better place to start than the impressive Wat Arun or 'Temple of Dawn'. This is only the beggining though so make sure you contuinue your exploration during your free time.

Our Thailand Beaches trip is just one of our many Thailand tours. To find out more visit our Thailand holidays page.