Journeys: Best of Southern Thailand
About Thailand - From $2,799.00 CAD
Trade the ordinary for the warmth of southern Thailand, where limestone cliffs rise from turquoise waters and quiet villages welcome you in. Glide past tropical islands on a longtail boat, cook a feast over an open fire deep in the rainforest, and tour organic family farms. Whether navigating mangrove forests by longtail boat or winding between traditional villages in a tuk-tuk, experience the lesser-known side of Thailand’s idyllic coastal escapes.
Travel Style
National Geographic Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Life along the Krabi River, Krabi
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Feast in the rainforest, Khao Sok
Your G for Good Moment: Island hopping by longtail, Krabi
Your G for Good Moment: Harvesting local traditions, Ban Ta Khun
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group. Arrival transfer. Free time in Koh Samui & Khao Sok. Krabi Village Excursion. Bamboo cooking experience & riverside dinner in Khao Sok National Par. Khao Sok National Park Night Hike. Hong Island Traditional Longtail Boat Tour. Samui Premium Off-Road Journey. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Cruise the Hong Island archipelago by boat, Cross the river by longtail boat and ride a tuk-tuk through rural villages to meet residents and learn their customs, Hike deep into Khao Sok National Park, learning to craft bamboo cooking vessels to prepare a feast over an open fire, Tour organic gardens and a rubber plantation at a community farm to see how sustainable tourism supports local families, Journey across Koh Samui by off-road vehicle to find shaded coconut plantations, jungle waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 16, Avg 10.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private bus, tricycle tuktuk, minivan, boat, ferry, walking, plane.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (7 nts)
Itinerary
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Krabi
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
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Krabi
Step aboard a traditional longtail boat on an excursion with a community-run enterprise, supported by G Adventures. Cruise the waters of the Andaman Sea, heading for the Hong Island archipelago. Spend your day exploring four islands: Hong, Pakbia, Lahding, and Paradise. Sink your toes into white sand, share a quiet picnic lunch surrounded by limestone cliffs, and snorkel in clear waters teeming with colourful marine life. It is a day defined by the simple rhythms of the sun and sea, offering plenty of time to swim, relax, and absorb the natural beauty of the coast before heading back to Krabi for a free evening.
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Krabi/Khao Sok
Begin the morning by crossing the Krabi River on a longtail boat to explore quiet rural communities. Hop on tuk-tuk to wind through farming villages, meeting residents and learning about daily agricultural life and the customs of the predominantly Muslim community. In the afternoon, travel to Khao Sok National Park, where you will join a local guide for a walk through the rainforest. Arrive at a secluded jungle clearing for a bamboo cooking experience, helping to prepare a feast of green curry, barbecued chicken, and rice inside freshly cut bamboo tubes, dining as the forest comes alive with evening sounds.
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Khao Sok
Today is yours to shape as you wish, with optional excursions that let you dive deeper into this ancient rainforest. Choose to set out on a guided jungle trek to spot wild orchids, towering bamboo groves, and signs of native wildlife along the leafy trails. Alternatively, opt for a peaceful canoe tour down the gentle Sok River. Whatever you choose, spend a slow-paced day connecting with one of Thailand's most biodiverse wilderness areas.
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Khao Sok/Koh Samui
Discover how delicious southern Thai dishes go from plot to plate at Kao Thep Pitak farm and restaurant, a G Adventures supported community-run project. Walk through organic orchards and a nearby rubber plantation, learning how this self-sustaining initiative supports more than 140 local families. Share lunch prepared by village members, then travel to Don Sak pier to board the afternoon ferry to the tropical island of Koh Samui. Arrive on the island and settle into your hotel for a relaxed evening.
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Koh Samui
Set out on a day of discovery across Koh Samui, travelling beyond the beaches to see the island's interior. Wind past coconut plantations, wander jungle sanctuaries, and stand before waterfalls and island temples. Along the way, take in sweeping panoramic views from high mountain lookouts and stop to feel the soft sand of quiet Silver Beach. This journey offers a balance of culture, local life, and natural beauty, ending with a relaxed evening at your leisure.
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Koh Samui
Spend a free day taking in Koh Samui at your own pace. Choose to spend the day relaxing on the sun-warmed beaches, dipping into the Gulf of Thailand, and browsing local seaside markets. Or, opt for an excursion to Angthong National Marine Park, an archipelago of hidden lagoons and limestone cliffs. Your National Geographic Expedition Leader is on hand to help you arrange your perfect final day, leaving you free to gather with your fellow travellers in the evening to swap stories and celebrate your shared journey.
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Koh Samui
Depart at any time.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Expedition Leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
