Highlights
- Let local guides show you Bangkok's famous temples and canals
- Take a tasty nighttime food adventure around Bangkok by tuk-tuk
- Spend three nights at a scenic floating resort in Khao Sok National Park
- Swim and snorkel at untouristy beaches and islands around Khanom
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok, Experience Khao San Road Nightlife | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Symbolic Temple Tour & Khlong Tour | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Bang Krachao Cycling Tour, Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk | Bangkok |
| Day 4 | Fly to Surat Thani, Transfer to Khao Sok National Park | Khao Sok |
| Day 5-6 | Relax & Explore Khao Sok National Park | Khao Sok |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Khanom, Free Day | Khanom |
| Day 8 | Snorkeling Tour of Ko Madsum & Ko Tan Islands | Khanom |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Khanom | Khanom |
| Day 10 | Pink Dolphin Excursion & Khanom Sightseeing | Khanom |
| Day 11 | Depart Thailand |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Experience Khao San Road Nightlife
Welcome to Bangkok! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met at the air bridge and escorted to the immigration counter, after which your guide will assist with your luggage and take you to your local driver for transfer to your hotel. The rest of your day is free, where you'll have the opportunity to freshen up, relax at the hotel, and explore the surrounding neighborhoods.
In the evening, make your way to Khao San Road to explore its young and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy the international atmosphere with travelers from around the globe, and sample local dishes as you walk through a maze of street food stalls in the night market.
Day 2: Symbolic Temple Tour & Khlong Tour
Rise and shine! After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and take you to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' early morning chanting ritual, which begins at 9 am. One of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho is home to a famous 150-foot (45 m) Reclining Buddha, as well as being the original school of traditional Thai massage. From here, continue to the Grand Palace, the most important and impressive royal palace in Thailand. Your guide will show you the palaces used for different occasions here. Afterward, stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant.
In the afternoon, discover the city's khlongs (canals) during a boat tour in Thonburi, the former national capital. Removed from the tall skyscrapers and congested traffic jams of the new part of the city, Thonburi reveals a more traditional side of Bangkok with its old wooden townhouses, floating kitchens, colorful temples, and simpler way of life. The long-tail boat tour will culminate with a visit to the remarkable Wat Arun temple on the Chao Phraya River.
Day 3: Bang Krachao Cycling Tour, Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk
A half-day bicycle trip to Bang Krachao is the best way to escape the chaotic streets of Bangkok. Just a few minutes across the Chao Phraya River, you'll find this green and peaceful paradise. Ride through the lush gardens of this charming district, making a stop on the way at the famous Bang Nampueng weekend market for local street food and souvenirs.
In the evening, enjoy a food tour by tuk-tuk. Meet your guide at the hotel and hop aboard this fun and commonly-used open-air vehicle, which easily accommodates two passengers. Your guide will provide an overview of Thailand's capital and insights into local life as you take in the beauty of Bangkok by night and explore its markets, temples, and food.
Along the way, you'll stop at Wat Pho to admire its golden pagodas lit up at night and walk through the famous 24-hour flower market, where vivid colors are in full bloom under the fluorescent lights. At nightfall, Bangkok comes alive with food vendors, and your driver will also stop in Chinatown, where you can sample some of the best food in the city before finishing with a delicious dessert at a mystery stop.
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Day 4: Fly to Surat Thani, Transfer to Khao Sok National Park
It's time to head to Southern Thailand! At the appointed time, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to the city of Surat Thani. Once you arrive, a private driver will pick you up and transfer you toKhao Sok National Park(a 1.5-hour drive). Once you enter the park, take a boat transfer to 500 Rai Floating Resort for check-in and dinner. This beautiful resort features overwater bungalows surrounded by nature and is a great place to relax and enjoy a serene boat ride.
Day 5: Relax & Explore Khao Sok National Park
Spend the next two days exploring this stunning national park at your leisure, or join one of the activities arranged by the resort. Some of these include trekking to Tarzan Viewpoint, surrounded by stunning flora and fauna, or visiting Pad Zian Waterfall, which can be reached via a 15-minute boat ride on Chiew Larn Lake. You can reach the top of this waterfall via a hike through a lush green forest. Another excursion involves trekking to Nam Ta Lu Cave, where you can discover stalactites, stalagmites, and several fantastic rock formations.
Another option is a one-mile (1.5 km) trekking excursion through dense jungle will take you to Pa Ka Rang Cave, a limestone cave that was formed under the ocean almost 250 million years ago. Explore the cave via bamboo raft, keeping an eye out for stalactites and stalagmites as you enjoy stunning views. You could also join a wildlife safari by long-tail boat. A short 30-minute boat ride will take you to Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, where gaurs can be spotted during the summer season. You may also catch a glimpse of wild elephants, boars, and hornbills.
Day 7: Transfer to Khanom, Free Day
Enjoy a free morning today at your resort before you are picked up for the transfer to Khanom (a 2.5-hour drive) for a beach break. Check into your hotel from 2 pm, then use the rest of the day to relax and explore the area on your own. Khanom is one of Thailand's last pristine tourist destinations. Here, you'll find swaying coconut palms, lush green landscapes, limestone mountains, and virtually-untouched beaches still retaining their natural beauty.
Day 8: Snorkeling Tour of Ko Madsum & Ko Tan Islands
The islands of Ko Tan, Ko Madsum, andKo Rab and their vast coral reefs offer ideal areas for snorkeling. You'll see the whole spectrum of colors as coral sways slowly in the mild sea currents and fish of different sizes swim below you.
Begin that adventure by heading to Bang Nod Harbor, then continue by boat to Ko Tan. Once you arrive, enjoy some snorkeling before relaxing at Ko Madsum, also known as "Pig Island," due to the community of pigs living there. Lunch will be served on the boat. Afterward, move on to another spot on Ko Tan or Ko Rab for snorkeling or swimming. The tour will end at a resort and spa in the area where you can enjoy a tropical drink and relax.
Day 9: Free Day in Khanom
Enjoy another free day in the Khanom region today. The best-known attraction here is the colony of pink dolphins that patrol the coast every day. You'll find one national park northeast of the village of Khanom and another to the west. There are also two waterfalls and a cave within a short drive of the village.
If you venture 12.5 miles (20 km) to the north or south, you'll discover many other small and lovely beaches. The mountains which guard the coast at both ends are covered in a pristine jungle full of colorful birds. There are also a number of other natural and manmade wonders in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani provinces, all within a one to two-hour drive.
Day 10: Pink Dolphin Excursion & Khanom Sightseeing
This morning, you'll set off on a local long-tail fishing boat to seek out pink dolphins. Then, travel to the island of Ko Nui Nork, where you'll learn about the legendary Buddhist monk Luang Por Tuad. After having lunch on the beach, enjoy a natural spa treatment in the mountain river. Fish will nibble gently at your feet to clean and soften them. Afterward, spend the afternoon relaxing at your leisure.
Day 11: Depart Thailand
It's time to say goodbye to Thailand today! Enjoy any extra hours this morning to relax and go for one more swim, then take a private transfer to the airport in Surat Thani. From there, fly to Bangkok to catch your onward flight. Safe travels!
More Great Thailand Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Check out these other Thailand itineraries, explore different ways to spend 11 days in Thailand, or discover the best time to visit Thailand.
FAQs
How many days do I need in Khao Sok? ›
How long to spend in Khao Sok National Park. I'd recommend spending 2-3 nights in Khao Sok National Park to really make the most of everything on offer. One night would suffice if you're tight on time – I just wouldn't recommend a day trip, as you won't get the full experience.
Is it worth going to Khao Sok National Park? ›Yes, it is definitely worth visiting Khao Sok National Park for its stunning natural beauty, wildlife, and range of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and jungle safaris. Khao Sok is a gem in Thailand, and it offers visitors the chance to explore a jungle that is over 160 million years old!
How do I get from Bangkok to Khao Sok? ›Flights and bus via Surat Thani is the most fastest option how to reach Khao Sok National Park. There are also tourist sleeper buses to Khao Sok from Bangkok, travel by tourist bus takes about 14-16 hours and it costs about $29-40/pp. Travel by bus is the most cheapest way of transport.
Are there tigers in Khao Sok National Park? ›An estimated 200-250 tigers remains in the wild, in Khao Sok National Park, the onoly habitat in Thailand that is capable of supporting the tiger.
What is the best month to visit Khao Sok? ›The dry season (November to February), best travel time Khao Sok. The months November to February are, according to many visitors, the best months to travel to Khao Sok. In these months normally the least rain falls. In Thailand this season is also called the cold or dry season.
How far is it from Bangkok to Khao Sok? ›The distance between Bangkok and Khao Sok National Park is 579 km. The road distance is 724 km.
Do you need malaria tablets for Khao Sok? ›Is there malaria in Khao Sok? Khao Sok is not a typical malaria area, and usually free of malaria. However, we always advise to consult a tropical doctor before traveling to Thailand.
Can you swim in Khao Sok National Park? ›Activities at Khao Sok National Park
Trails lead to fantastic caves, swimming holes, and waterfalls. There are several shorter jungle hikes you can do by yourself, or with younger children. For longer treks and trips to the floating bungalows, we provide top-notch guides.
The combination of scenery, swimming conditions, and wilderness, means Khao Sok Lake has something for everyone.
How much is taxi from Bangkok airport to Khao San? ›The quickest way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Khaosan Road is to taxi which costs ฿290 - ฿350 and takes 25 min. Is there a direct bus between Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Khaosan Road? Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport and arriving at Khao San Road.
What should I wear to Khao Sok National Park? ›
Sunscreen also helps prevent you from turning red and burning. For footwear, flip-flops or regular sneakers are good to wear around Anurak; but, for hiking Khao Sok, you'll need a sturdy pair of closed-toe hiking shoes. A lightweight rain jacket is a good precaution, for the rainy season, as sudden downpours can occur.
What is the easiest island to get to from Bangkok? ›Koh Si Chang, or Sichang, is the nearest island to Bangkok. It gets its fair share of local and foreign visitors who mostly make the day trip or weekend outing from Bangkok or nearby Pattaya.
Does Khao Sok have crocodiles? ›Nope, none of this!
Are there snakes in Khao Sok National Park? ›Khao Sok National Park provides a home for numerous species of lizards, snakes, frogs, and toads. Although snakes are often feared and there are more than 170 species of snakes in Thailand, most of them are rather rare and only 48 are venomous.
Are there bears in Khao Sok? ›The Malaysian Sun Bear aka the Malay or Malayan Sun Bear is the smallest bear species in the world. It height ranges from 1,2 to 1,5 meters, head to tail. It is only the only species of bear living in Khlong Saeng – Khao Sok Forest Complex.
How far is it from Khao Sok to Phuket? ›How far is Khao Sok National Park from Phuket? If you're traveling by land, it's important to know the distance from Khao Sok National Park to Phuket. Your trip will be a total of 78 miles (125 km). The flying distance is 78 miles (125 km).
What is Khao Sok known for? ›The main attractions of Khao Sok are Cheow Lan Lake, wildlife, iconic limestone hills, waterfalls, raft houses spread over the lake, trails, caves and rivers. Khao Sok was established as Thailand's 22nd national park in 1980 by The Royal Forest Department.
How much is a day tour of Khao Sok? ›| Pax | Rate per person |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5,350 THB |
| 2 | 3,000 THB |
| 3 | 2,300 THB |
| 4 | 1,950 THB |
There's no possible way you could experience all the treasures of Bangkok in just a few days. At a minimum, you need between four to five days to explore this marvellous city. Not only are there so many things to do in the Thai capital, but the tropical heat and crowds of people can also easily wear you down.
Which airport is closest to Khao Sok? ›By plane: Surat Thani airport is the nearest one but you can also choose Phuket airport. By train: Surat Thani train station is the nearest one. Be careful: the southern line is very busy, advance booking is highly recommended. By night bus: There is only one night bus per day stopping at Khao Sok.
Can you island hop in Thailand? ›
Top Tips for island hopping in Thailand
Don't try to squeeze too much into one trip. Try and stay at least two to three nights on each island (more is recommended) to ensure you get to see all of the highlights. Visit fewer places but do them well. It's always good to have a reason to come back!
It's recommended that travellers to Thailand have jabs for tetanus and hepatitis A, possibly for yellow fever too, and they should also take additional precautions depending on which regions they're visiting and the activities they plan to do.
What vaccines are required for Thailand? ›Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.
Do you need any vaccines to go to Thailand? ›The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Thailand: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Shot lasts 2 years.
Is there phone signal in Khao Sok? ›There is no wifi or mobile reception at the lake. The Khao Sok floating bungalows are basic but comfortable.
How much does it cost to go to Khao Sok National Park? ›National Park entrance fee
An entrance fee is payable at all of Thailand's national parks. The fee for foreign visitors to Khao Sok National Park is 300 Baht (150 Baht for children) and covers a 24-hour stay. The fee for Thai nationals is 40 Baht (20 Baht for children).
General information about tubing in Khao Sok
The price of a tubing experience in Khao Sok ranges from 300 – 400 Bhat ($9.74 – $12.98) for 90 to 120 minutes and depends on which tour operator you use and how many people there are in your party. The more people, the cheaper it works out per person.
Of all the creatures found in national park Khao Sok, perhaps the most feared is the terrestrial leech. These animals carry no toxins, diseases, or bacteria, and pose no risk to hikers. However, as a result of their appearance and penchant for bloody bites, they are often misunderstood.
Are there monkeys in Khao Sok? ›Long-tailed Macaque
These boisterous, communal monkeys are plentiful in Khao Sok, both in wild and developed areas.
With its lush rainforest, abundant wildlife, limestone mountains, and stunning lake views, Khao Sok National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. From exploring caves and waterfalls to spotting wildlife, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in this stunning park.
Does Uber work in Bangkok? ›
Is There Uber In Bangkok, Thailand? While there's no Uber in Bangkok, Thailand's version of Uber, the Grab App, is extremely popular there. You will find more options of different Grab cars you can call, from scooter taxis to premium cars, available in Bangkok at all hours of the day.
Is Uber in Bangkok Thailand? ›There is no Uber in Thailand, but there is Grab
But there is a similar ridesharing app called Grab. All you have to do is download the app and enter your destination, just like you would with Uber.
The fastest way is to use the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) train. The City Line is the quickest way to travel between Suvarnabhumi Airport and central Bangkok. The train station at Suvarnabhumi (BKK Airport) is in the Basement level of the passenger terminal.
Do I need a guide for Khao Sok? ›Plus, you're actually not supposed to go more than 3 km into the park without the assistance of a guide. There are plenty of local guides that are ready and willing to take you into the jungle. Ask your accommodation for recommendations, or visit the main street in Khao Sok to find numerous guides selling tours.
Is Khao Sok a jungle? ›Khao national park has been millennia in the making, and the mist-cloaked Khao Sok jungle contains plants and animals both rare and beautiful. It is home to over 50 types of mammals, 300 bird species, and several endemic orchids and palm trees.
Where is the starting point for Khao Sok? ›As one of Thailand's largest parks, the nationalpark covers a huge amount of territory. On the west side, the headquarters are located next to Klong Sok village. The headquarters are the starting point for khao Sok nationalpark tours.
What is the most scenic route in Thailand? ›Chalerm Burapa Chollathit is the longest seaside road in Thailand and claims the title Most Scenic Route.
What is the cheapest period to travel to Thailand? ›Cheapest time to go to Thailand
You'll find the cheapest flights to Thailand from May until October, which happily covers the British school holidays. This does come at a price, however – the southwestern monsoon rolls in from mid-June and sticks around for the whole summer.
The nearest tropical island to Bangkok is Koh Samet, which is full of different beaches to explore. It takes roughly three hours to drive to Koh Samet from Bangkok, but there is so much to do on this island. There are 16 beaches on the island, and 15 are free for the public to enjoy!
Do crocodiles go into cenotes? ›Yes and no. In pretty much any body of fresh water in the Yucatan Peninsula you'll be able to find a croc, but they prefer large bodies of shallow water. Since cenotes are sinkholes that are usually small and deep, there's not a large crocodile issue, since there's nowhere for the crocs to bask in the sun.
Which island is infested with crocodiles? ›
Ramree, a particular island off the coast of Myanmar, is home to thousands of crocodiles. The most crocodile-infested swamp in the world was on Ramree Island, a part of Myanmar.
Do crocodiles live in cenotes? ›Well, the answer is: yep, crocodiles can be found in some of the cenotes.
Do you get king cobras in Thailand? ›The king cobra is distributed across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the southern areas of East Asia (where it is not common), in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Where are King Cobras in Thailand? ›King Cobra - KHAO SOK National Park, Thailand.
Are there king cobras in Thailand? ›Thailand has an abundance of venomous snakes. Among the neurotoxic family Elapidae, there are three species of the genus Naja (cobras), three of the genus Bungarus (kraits), and the king cobra of the genus Ophiophagus. Other Elapidae snakes in Thailand include sea snakes and Asian coral snakes of the genus Calliophis.
Can you see wild elephants in Khao Sok? ›Khao Sok National Park in Thailand's southern Surat Thani Province is known to have a number of wild elephants. The herds live deep in the park's pristine forest and roam freely in the elephant sanctuary. It's not often that visitors get to see them in their natural habitat.
Can you see elephants in Khao Sok? ›The Elephant has been a significant part of Thai culture for centuries, and the Ethical Elephant Experience in Khao Sok is an educational adventure that will take visitors up to 2.5 hours with the gentle giants! The journey to Thongsuk Elephant Sanctuary will take guests a short 20 minutes from Our Jungle Camp.
Are there elephants in Khao Sok National Park? ›Khao Sok National Park is home to around 200 of these wild elephants which roam free in the rainforest.
How long should I stay in Koh Chang? ›But do you know that Koh Chang also has many natural attractions. Including hiking, waterfalls, mangrove forests, chilling, taking pictures, who would know that this is Koh Chang? Come to one place but get a full feeling Recommend to come at least 3 days or more, just right.
Can you explore Khao Sok by yourself? ›Visit Khao Sok Lake Independently. This is the absolute best option if you don't want to go on a group tour and love to explore on your pace! It's what we did and we loved it. Having all the time to take the pictures and videos you want, and not doing the activities you don't want to do: so perfect.
How long should I stay in Koh Samui? ›
At the bare minimum, you should be planning for at least 3 days in Koh Samui. You will be able to at least tick off the major attractions and activities. Four days gives you a bit more flexibility while 5–7 days allow for more time-consuming activities, such as island-hopping, or a more relaxed schedule.
Can you swim in Khao Sok Lake? ›The Good, the Bad, and the Jungle
90% of visitors to the lake join either a 1-day or overnight tour, and both programs include swimming, hiking, meals, and stop at Guilin scenic area.
12 days gives you ample time to fly between two or three regions, like the northern mountains around Chiang Mai and the inviting beaches on the Gulf of Thailand. 10 days is still enough time to visit a couple areas, see major attractions, go island hopping, and embark on nature excursions.
How much is a taxi from Bangkok to Koh Chang? ›| Transport Name | Route Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mama Travel and Tour Van + Ferry + Taxi | 08:30 - 15:00 | $28 |
| Bangkok Air Economy #PG305 | 11:40 - 12:40 | $54 |
| Bangkok Air Economy #PG305 | 12:35 - 13:35 | $147 |
| Bangkok Air Economy #PG307 | 15:00 - 16:00 | $147 |
To be honest, the more days the better! A minimum of 1 week in Thailand is ideal, but visiting for up to 2 or even 3 weeks will allow you to see more of this beautiful country or extend to Vietnam and Cambodia on the same trip.
What do you wear to Khao Sok? ›What do you wear to Khao Sok? Cool, quick-drying clothing is recommended. It's also a good idea to have a bathing suit, hat, good walking shoes, sun protection, and shirts or pants with button pockets so you don't lose anything on jungle hikes.