A land of great biodiversity, Thailand supports a rich variety of flora, fauna and birdlife. With nearly 300 species of mammal, 18,000 types of plant and close to 1,000 kinds of bird the country's national parks are a must for any wildlife enthusiast.
Arriving in Bangkok, explore this vibrant city and also visit Bang Pa-In and historic Ayutthaya on a day trip from the capital. Continue your adventure and stay three nights in Khao Sok National Park which supports a staggeringly wide range of flora and fauna, reptile and bird life. End the journey on the beach in Khao Lak at the excellent Sarojin Resort.
Bangkok – Khao Sok National Park – Khao Lak
Trip Highlights
- Discover an interesting collection of pavilions, mansions and palaces in Bang Pa-In
- Khao Lak has a relaxed atmosphere in beautiful surroundings with white-sand beaches
- Explore the regal palaces, bustling markets and gilded temples of capital Bangkok
- A historic capital of Thailand, today Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Marvel at the virgin jungle and limestone karst formations of Khao Sok National Park
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Depart the UK on the non-stop British Airways flight to Bangkok.
Day 2
Arrive Bangkok
Arrive into Bangkok where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. 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. Either spend the evening at leisure or we can arrange a twilight culinary tour by tuk tuk where you will visit Bangkok’s best eateries and street food stalls as well as visiting local landmarks.
Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
The Sukhothai Bangkok
Capella Bangkok
The Siam
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Day 3
Bangkok
Today explore Bangkok with your guide starting at the Grand Palace. This vast complex, built by the early kings of the Chakri dynasty, features Wat Phra Kaeo, Thailand’s oldest temple which contains the Emerald Buddha. Other highlights include the King’s private residence, stables and ministries. Afterwards visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Po, then the atmospheric flower market before boarding a private long-tail boat to cruise the quiet canals of the Chao Phraya River. End the day at Wat Arun for a panoramic view of the Grand Palace and river before exploring Bangkok’s eclectic food scene.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
The Sukhothai Bangkok
Capella Bangkok
The Siam
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Day 4
Bangkok & Ayutthaya
This morning travel by local train north to Bang Pa-In, the former summer residence of the Ayutthayan kings, before travelling by long-tail boat to Ayutthaya, one of Thailand’s historic capitals and current UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Chai Wattanaram and Wat Phra Mahathat with the remains characterised by reliquary towers and vast monasteries which indicate the city’s former splendour. Later in the afternoon return to Bangkok by car.
- Breakfast
Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
The Sukhothai Bangkok
Capella Bangkok
The Siam
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Day 5
Bangkok to Surat Thani – by air / Surat Thani to Khao Sok National Park – 105kms
After breakfast fly south from Bangkok to Surat Thani then continue by road towards Khao Sok National Park where you will stay for the next three nights. Famous for its limestone karst mountain scenery, Khao Sok is considered to be one of Thailand’s most beautiful wildlife reserves and the thick evergreen forest supports a staggeringly wide range of flora and fauna, reptile and bird life. You will take a scenic boat ride through Chiew-Larn Lake to your floating resort and enjoy lunch on arrival. Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming or kayaking before embarking on a boat trip down ‘Little Ha Long Bay’.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Panvaree The Greenery Floating Resort
Day 6
Khao Sok National Park
Take a safari early this morning where you will witness the most beautiful view of Chiew-Larn Lake and well as encountering the sun rise over the mountains as the mist floats across the water. After lunch at the resort, embark on a bamboo trip to Prakarang Cave, take a jungle trek to Emerald Lagoon and see wildlife and rare plants in the rainforest. Almost 50 different types of mammal and close to 200 bird species have been recorded in Khao Sok including elephant, cloud leopard and tiger, gibbon, deer and the great hornbill. The park is also known for its extensive flora including the endemic Rafflesia Kerri Meijer, best seen between December and February, and beautiful orchids, which flower between February to March.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Panvaree The Greenery Floating Resort
Day 7
Khao Sok National Park
Today is at leisure at Khao Sok National Park, there are a number of activities to take part in such as a sunrise kayak, or further explore the flora and fauna of this beautiful area.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Panvaree The Greenery Floating Resort
Day 8
Khao Sok National Park to Khao Lak – 85kms
Today drive to Khao Lak and stay for six nights at the beautiful Sarojin Resort. Set in large tropical grounds, the resort has access to a secluded white-sand beach and close to the fabulous dive sites of the Simlan and Surin Islands and the dazzling Phang Nga Bay. Known for its attention to detail and personal service, rooms are contemporary in style, the food first-rate and there is a fine swimming pool and spa.
- Breakfast
The Sarojin
Day 9-13
Khao Lak
At leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel.
- Breakfast
The Sarojin
Day 14
Khao Lak to Phuket – 75kms / Phuket to the UK - by air
This morning return to Phuket and fly to Kuala Lumpur. Here connect onto the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Continue your journey in southern Thailand. Visit one of the twin islands of Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi, which are only half an hour away by speedboat from Phuket. The islands are known for their luxurious yet eco-friendly resorts that tend to seamlessly blend into the surrounding scenery.
During your time here it is effortless to enjoy the slow pace of these islands. Cycle down tracks that pass patchworks of rice paddies and rubber plantations, explore the limestone karsts and hidden coves by kayak or take a private speedboat to colourful reefs for snorkelling.
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand can easily be incorporated to your itinerary with direct flights available from Phuket. Often described as the cultural capital of the north, Chiang Mai is home to fine monasteries and glittering temples, atmospheric markets and a rich artistic tradition.
Extend your Thai adventure in neighbouring Cambodia. Spend time in Siem Reap where you can explore the incredible temple complexes of Angkor, visit Phnom Penh’s historical sites or head north to the remote Modulkiri province where you can encounter crested gibbon.
Guide to Price
14 days from £3250 - £4350 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 £3250 - £4350
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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