With over 100 national parks, huge swathes of Thailand’s territory are protected areas. The country is home to many excellent nature reserves and this journey includes three of the most important –Khao Yai, Kui Buri and Khao Sok.
Arriving in Bangkok, travel towards Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest park that supports tiger, elephant and leopard. Continue down south to Hua Hin where you will visit Sam Roi Yot which is the country’s first coastal national park and covers an expansive stretch of wetlands, limestone mountains and beaches. Visit Kui Buri where there is a 95% chance of seeing elephants in the wild before travelling to the Ranong province, a little-visited area of Thailand’s southwest coast. End the tour with two nights searching for gibbon in Khao Sok National Park which is renowned for its beautiful limestone karst and evergreen forest landscapes.
Bangkok – Khao Yai National Park – Bangkok – Hua Hin – Pranburi – Kui Buri – Chumphon – Ranong – Khao Sok National Park
Trip Highlights
- Khao Yai is Thailand’s finest reserve and home to elephant, black bear and gibbon
- Visit Kui Buri National Park where there is an excellent chance of seeing elephant
- Thickly forested Khao Sok supports tiger, gibbon and hundreds of bird species
- Coastal Sam Roi Yot National Park incorporates wetland, mountain and beach
- Explore the tropical mangrove forests of Chumphon Islands National Park
- Island hop along Thailand’s Andaman Coast snorkelling in pristine turquoise seas
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Depart the UK on the non-stop EVA Air flight to Bangkok.
Day 2
Arrive Bangkok
Arrive into Bangkok where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night. Bustling and eccentric, intriguing and unforgettable, Bangkok is the gateway to the country and Thailand’s principle city. With a history stretching back a little over two-hundred years, Bangkok has always been a modern forward-thinking place yet much traditional Thai culture remains, as do beautiful monasteries, colourful markets and opulent palaces.
Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
The Sukhothai Bangkok
Capella Bangkok
The Siam
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Day 3
Bangkok to Khao Yai National Park – 185kms
Early this morning leave Bangkok and drive north to Khao Yai National Park where you will stay for the next two nights. En route visit Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, a charming yellow colonial building that houses a traditional herbal pharmacy training centre. On arrival to Khao Yai enter the reserve and follow one of the main walking trails where both Great hornbill and the playful white-handed gibbon are commonly seen. Khao Yai is Thailand’s oldest national park, is UNESCO protected and home to elephant, tiger, deer, gaur, leopard and gibbon as well as over 300 resident and migratory birds. In the late afternoon, drive to open rice fields surrounded by mountains and experience an amazing phenomenon of thousands of bats fly out of the cave over the lush paddy fields.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Atta Lakeside Resort Suite
Day 4
Khao Yai National Park
Today hike the Orchid Waterfall Trail, so named because of the many different orchids that grow along the route. Surrounded by bamboo forest, the trail follows the Tha Klong River and it will hopefully be possible to see the endangered Siamese crocodile. You will also see the Heow Suwat Waterfalls which were the falls featured in the film, ‘The Beach’. After dinner, return to Khao Yai for a memorable night safari in the national park. With some luck it should be possible to see a number of nocturnal animals include the elusive large Indian civet cat, porcupine, wild dog, elephant and several different species of deer.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Atta Lakeside Resort Suite
Day 5
Khao Yai to Bangkok – 185kms
This morning return by road to Bangkok enjoying an included lunch at a picturesque hotel and a visit to Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi, otherwise known at the ‘temple of Buddha’s footprint’. Arrive to Bangkok in the late afternoon with an evening at leisure in the bustling Thai capital.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
The Sukhothai Bangkok
Capella Bangkok
The Siam
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Day 6
Bangkok to Hua Hin – 200kms
Depart Bangkok early this morning and transfer to Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s beach towns that is a favourite getaway for Bangkok residents. En route to Hua Hin, stop at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand. A registered foundation under Thai law, the main objective of WFFT is to rescue maltreated and neglected wildlife, provide a sanctuary for sick animals, prevent hunting and promote conservation of all natural resources. During this full day programme you will learn about the rescued animals living at the centre and visit the elephant refuge where you can get up close to these majestic creatures in a responsible manner.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Wora Bura Hua Hin Resort & Spa
Cape Nidhra Hotel
Day 7
Hua Hin to Pran Buri via Sam Roi Yot National Park
Today will be spent exploring the south coast’s wild landscapes as well as Sam Roi Yot National Park. Meaning ‘Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks’, Sam Roi Yot was Thailand’s first coastal national park and covers an expansive stretch of wetlands, limestone mountains and beaches. On arrival to the park visit a pineapple plantation before continuing to Bang-Pu, a thriving fishing village where you can catch a glimpse of the fisherman’s daily activities. Board a motorboat and cast out to sea before docking at a beautiful stretch of beach and walking to Phraya Nakhon Cave. Although called a cave, Phraya Nakhon is actually a sunlit cavern formed by two sinkholes. Enjoy the surreal landscapes before reaching the centre where you will be amazed at the site of a royal pavilion surrounded by stalactites and the illuminated sun shining through. Return to the beach for a traditional lunch and the opportunity to relax on the pristine sands and swim in the warm turquoise sea before transferring to the hotel in Pran Buri.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Aleenta Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Spa
Day 8
Pran Buri to Kui Buri – 72kms
Depart the hotel this morning and drive about one and a half hours to the district of Kui Buri where you will visit a local community and experience local sustainable activities such as the silk making process. Following lunch, travel to Kui Buri National Park which is renowned for its wild elephant watching with a 95% chance of seeing these magnificent creatures.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Tolani Resort
Day 9
Kui Buri to Chumphon – 207kms
After breakfast meet your guide and drive further south towards Chumphon. On arrival visit Chumphon Islands National Park and take a stroll along a 1km wooden walkway that winds through the beautiful mangrove forest. Continue by driving up to Khao Mastri Viewpoint and enjoy stunning 360-degree vistas of the city and coast below before visiting Hat Sai Ri beach and the shrine of Prince Chumphon, the founder of the modern Thai Royal Navy.
- Breakfast
The Noveau Beach Resort
Day 10
Chumphon to Ranong – 135kms
After checking out this morning, continue towards the province of Ranong. Visit the Gong Valley and meet a community enterprise that focus on chemical-free coffee production and hand-roasting techniques which gives their coffee a distinct and unique aroma. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure enjoying the hotel’s facilities.
- Breakfast
The Hidden Resort
Day 11
Ranong
After breakfast meet your guide and begin your morning with a city tour of Ranong guided by two local experts. Start with a visit at Baan Tien Sue, a Chinese style house and museum which formerly housed King Rama V’s financial division and learn about the history of the Chinese settlement in Southern Thailand. Continue the tour to the Governor’s House and King’s Palace before trying some local Ranong specialities for lunch. In the afternoon head to the ninth floor of the lighthouse on the Andaman Pier for great views of the picturesque Ranong Bay.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
The Hidden Resort
Day 12
Ranong
Today you have two choices of activities. The first is a full day of island hopping where you will visit Koh Gam, Koh Yee Pun (Japanese Island) and Koh Khang Khaw (Bat Island). Enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the turquoise waters and hike to the viewpoint on Koh Gam for spectacular views of the half moon beach below. The second option is to explore the local community in more depth; take a boat to survey the mangrove forest and participate in a planting activity, experience bamboo rafting along the Klong and visit a floating community and fisherman village. If time permits you can also enjoy the natural hot springs that are located in the town.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
The Hidden Resort
Day 13
Ranong to Khao Sok National Park – 294kms
Check-out early this morning for the drive to Khao Sok National Park. En route stop at Sri Phang Nga National Park where you will enjoy luscious scenery of evergreen forests, waterfalls and limestone cliffs and also take part in some birdwatching, which is what the park is famous for. Process to Khao Sok and travel to Ratchaprapa Dam for a scenic boat ride through Chiew-Larn Lake to your floating hotel. Famous for its limestone karst mountain scenery, Khao Sok is considered to be one of Thailand’s most beautiful wildlife reserves with an impressive range of flora and fauna, reptile and bird life. Spend the afternoon at leisure where you may wish to swim or kayak and end the day on a relaxing boat trip through ‘Little Ha Long Bay’.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Panvaree The Greenery Floating Resort
Day 14
Khao Sok National Park
At Khao Sok there is an impressive variety of wildlife and today explore the reserve with your naturalist. Almost 50 different types of mammal and close to 200 bird species have been recorded in Khao Sok including elephant, tiger and clouded leopard, gibbon, deer and the great hornbill. The park is also known for its extensive flora including orchids, best seen from February to March, and the Rafflesia Kerri Meijer which flowers between December and February and which can only be found in Khao Sok.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Panvaree The Greenery Floating Resort
Day 15
Khao Sok National Park to Phuket Airport – 155kms / Phuket to the UK – by air
Wake up and experience the beautiful mist that skims the lake. After breakfast take a longtail boat back to the pier and continue by road to Phuket Airport where you will board your flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Khao Lak, a short hop from Khao Sok National Park, is a tranquil haven for beach lovers that is home to white sands, secluded bays and a colouful underwater world. Stay at the beautiful Sarojin Resort which is set in large tropical grounds and is close to the dive sites of the Similan and Surin Islands.
From Phuket, take a short speedboat to the Koh Yao islands. Known for their spectacular scenery and tropical beaches, these serene isles also offer a wonderful glimpse of traditional Thai life where farming and fishing still reign supreme.
Extend your time in Bangkok to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital. The reliquary towers, vast monasteries and imposing Buddha figures provide an indication of the city’s former splendour and importance.
Travel to Kanchanaburi which is home to the Bridge over the River Kwai, a symbol that represents the damage suffered by Thailand during wartime. After visiting this poignant landmark, take a boat to stay at the Float House, a luxurious and unique floating resort.
Guide to Price
15 days from £4600 - £4900 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4600 - £4900
Travel Information
Getting There
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok are available from British Airways, Thai Airways International and Eva Airways. Plenty of airlines offer indirect flights to Bangkok from London and regional airports including Manchester and Glasgow.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights take from around 11 hours. Flights with stops en-route take around 15 hours.
Time Zone
Thailand is +7 hours ahead of GMT
Visa Requirements
British citizens can visit Thailand for 60 days without a visa and will receive a ‘Visa Exempt’ stamp on arrival. Starting 1 May 2025, all non-Thai nationals must complete a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering Thailand. The TDAC form can be filled out starting three days before the date of arrival. Access the official TDAC website to complete the digital registration.
Do’s & Don’ts
It is illegal to import, transport, use, store or sell vapes or e-cigarettes in Thailand. This ban applies to both visitors and locals. If found in possession of a vape or e-cigarette the device will be confiscated and a fine, or more significant penalty, enforced. We strongly advise not to bring or use any vape or e-cigarette during your stay in Thailand.
Smoking is prohibited in many places – from air-conditioned buildings and public transport to the parks of Bangkok and beaches in the provinces of Phuket, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chon Buri and Songkhla as well as Koh Samui. If caught smoking it may result in a fine.
Carry your passport, or a photocopy of it, with you – it is a legal requirement for visitors.
In temples, dress conservatively, remove shoes and do not sit with your feet pointing towards Buddha as this is disrespectful.
Use metered taxis if you need to get around. If you use a tuk-tuk be aware that many drivers make commission by encouraging tourists to visit shops. Hail a taxi with your hand horizontal, fingers facing down – facing up is rude.
Money
Thailand's currency is the Baht and exchanging it is easy and usually offers much better value than exchanging it at home. ATMs are plentiful and credit cards are widely accepted. Do not step on notes or coins, even to stop them rolling away, and do not deface them either – all Thai currency carries a portrait of royalty, and Thai laws expressly forbid acts that could be considered disrespectful.
Tipping
Tipping is not a big issue in Thailand and large tips will not be expected. For service workers, 20-50 Baht will go a long way to supplementing their wages and will be genuinely appreciated. Taxis will generally round up fares to the nearest 10 Baht whilst restaurants commonly include a 10% service charge in their bills. Leave loose change on the table at a restaurant. If you have a massage, be aware that the person doing all the work will be getting very little so a 100 Baht tip is acceptable. A guideline for tipping drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Thai food is complex, aromatic and draws its influences from many sources. Rice is the staple base and, indeed, the word for rice is also the word for food – khao, pronounced 'cow'. Many varieties of rice are used, and many types of noodle too. Expect to come across fish sauces and chilli pastes in the cooking with copious use of fresh herbs and spices. Thai food, as a rule, is also light and often deliciously spicy. Favourites include khao phat, fried rice with various meat or vegetables, phat Thai, noodles with fish sauce, lime juice, peanuts, eggs and chicken, prawns or tofu, and tom yum – a hot, sour soup with meat of some sort. There are four regional cuisine styles and, within these, dozens of cultural variations. Thai food is an adventure in itself and visitors should indulge whenever they can.
Accommodation
Hotels in Thailand are varied in price, amenities and style, covering everything from simple homestays and eco-focussed hotels to charming boutique properties and luxurious resorts. There may be less choice in rural locations, however, we will always recommend options that are comfortable and full of local charm. The islands of southern Thailand have a wide range of excellent options. The majority have beachfront positions and some of the higher-end properties may even be based on their own private island. In the mountainous north rural lodges allow the opportunity to fully understand the local Hmong and Lahu culture whilst houseboat accommodation is used at remote and little-visited Khao Laem National Park.
Shopping
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, with its local crafts, and Phuket, with its raucous night markets and street stalls are great places to shop. Markets can be found throughout the country and here haggling is expected so wear a smile and be prepared to pay what you bid.
Suggested Reading
Good sources of information include Rough Guides, Bradt and Footprint. If cookery is your interest, Michelin starred chef David Thompson's ‘Thai Food’ is a fantastic book packed with recipes and cultural insights to inspire a foodie trip. For an in-depth look at the country's roots, turn to ‘A History of Thailand’ by Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit or ‘Thailand: A Short History’ by David K Wyatt. If it's an epic novel that you are after, look no further than Kukrit Pramoj's ‘Four Reigns’ which takes in the country's development from the late 1800s to World War II through the eyes of a girl who lives a somewhat eventful life both inside and outside of the royal palace in Bangkok.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Thailand the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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