Southern Thailand Off-the-Beaten Nature

📍 Bangkok Airport - Bangkok (35 km): 45 min 2.46 hr

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, you will be met and greeted by our EXO Travel guide and transferred to your accommodation in Bangkok.

In the evening, you will be picked up at 17:00. As night falls, Bangkok truly comes alive, with the streets filled with the irresistible aroma of delicious food that delights your taste buds. One of Bangkok’s best-kept secrets is Chinatown, internationally renowned for having the city’s longest street-food scene. The best way to explore the area’s hidden gems is on foot.

On this tour, you will begin at MRT Hua Lamphong Railway Station and explore the backstreets, discovering the bright lights and energy of Chinatown’s vibrant Yaowarat Street. Along the way, you will learn about the history of the area and meet some of its favorite street-food artisans. Sample a variety of dishes, from famous Chinese dumplings and peppered pork noodles to Chinese donuts, and indulge in sweet Chinese desserts. You will also visit a traditional tea house.

By the end of the tour, you will understand why Chinatown holds some of Bangkok’s most fascinating and flavorful secrets.

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up at 08:30 and transferred to a local pier, where you will take a short boat trip across the Chao Phraya River to Bang Kra Jao, an area nicknamed the “Bangkok Jungle.” Although located close to the city’s bustling business district, sleepy Bang Kra Jao feels worlds away and is the perfect place for a bike ride..

Set off on two wheels and explore the network of roads that crisscross Bang Kra Jao. The tour begins on Rama III Road, a bustling street, but soon you will be immersed in the tranquil atmosphere of Bang Kra Jao. Tropical plants and lush trees line the roads, creating an urban jungle in the heart of the city. Cross over canals and admire the mangrove forests along the waterways. See traditional Thai houses and golden temples rarely visited by tourists, and stop to chat with friendly locals or visit markets selling a wide array of fresh produce.

During the two-hour ride, refuel with snacks at one of the many street stalls. Enjoy delicious Thai dishes while learning about local life in this traditional community. If it is a Saturday or Sunday, you will also stop at Bang Nam Phueng, a large weekend market popular with local residents.

After enjoying a breath of fresh air in the Bangkok Jungle, return to the city center and head back to the hotel.

The afternoon is free at leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Bangkok – Kui Buri National Park (285 km): 4.34 hrs.

Leave Bangkok early this morning at 07:00. Check out and board a private transfer south to Kui Buri National Park via Hua Hin. (Note: Take a breakfast box from the hotel.)

Lunch at the Kui Buri Community Village.

After lunch, around 14:00, set off for Kui Buri National Park to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat—no staged setups, just an authentic experience. Witness how the animals live and interact in nature.

Overnight in Kui Buri

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Kui Buri - Sam Roi Yot National Park (47.3 km): 50 min

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today’s tour begins at 08:30. Spend the day exploring the south’s wild landscapes on this Sam Roi Yot National Park tour. Meaning “Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks,” Sam Roi Yot was Thailand’s first coastal national park and encompasses an expansive stretch of wetlands, limestone mountains, and beaches. Today’s visit offers a variety of sites, providing a glimpse into the remarkable diversity of this region.

Set off from Hua Hin on a scenic drive south. After passing through the park’s entrance, visit a pineapple plantation and learn how these delicious fruits are grown and harvested. Continue to Bang Pu, a thriving fishing village, for a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen. Then, board a motorboat and head out to sea. Cruise away from the shoreline and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and coast. (Note: The boat trip may be cancelled if sea conditions are unfavorable.)

After a twenty-minute boat ride, you will arrive at a beautiful stretch of beach. Walk to the nearby entrance of Phraya Nakhon Cave, where a longer 430-metre trek awaits. Although called a “cave,” Phraya Nakhon is actually a sunlit cavern formed by two sinkholes. Venture deeper into the cavern, enjoying the surreal landscapes, until you reach its center. Be amazed by the sight of a royal pavilion, surrounded by dripping stalactites and illuminated by sunlight streaming through the openings. (Note: The best time to see this site is just before 11:00.)

Return to the beach for a delicious lunch. The afternoon is free to relax on the pristine sands or swim in the warm sea before returning to your accommodation in Kui Buri.

Overnight in Kui Buri

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Kui Buri – Chumphon (218 km): 2.57 hrs.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide at 08:00 for check-out and a drive south to Chumphon, approximately a three-hour journey. Upon arrival, your first visit is Chumphon Islands National Park, where you can stroll along an impressive 1-kilometre wooden walkway winding through the mangrove forest.Next, drive up to Khao Matsri Viewpoint to enjoy a stunning 360-degree panorama of the city below.

The day continues with visits to Hat Sai Ri Beach and the shrine of Prince Chumphon, the founder of the modern Royal Thai Navy.

Overnight in Chumphon

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Chumphon – Ranong (123 km): 1.50 hrs.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide at 08:00 for check-out and continue your journey to Ranong province. Drive to Gong Valley, a community enterprise in Kraburi District, Ranong, which specializes in chemical-free coffee cultivation and hand-roasting techniques that give their coffee its distinctive aroma. This is where the sweet aroma and slightly bitter taste of Robusta coffee come from. Observe the process of making high-quality Robusta coffee here.

Overnight in Ranong

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

After breakfast, drive from your hotel to Klong Lad Nod Pier, where you will spend the day exploring the local community. Embark on a local boat to survey the mangrove forest, enjoying scenic views of Ka Per Bay along the way. Participate in a mangrove-planting activity. Lunch will be served, featuring fresh seafood.

After lunch, prepare to get wet and hop on a bamboo raft to float along the Klong, with the opportunity to take a dip in the water. Visit a local fishing village, observe aquatic animals at the coastal aquaculture center, and explore a floating community. Return to land, change your clothes, and bid farewell to the local people.

(Note: Today’s activity starts at 10:00 and ends around 15:00.)

If time permits in the late afternoon, enjoy a natural hot spring and mineral water spa in town.

In the evening, stroll along the walking street and browse various unique local products.

Overnight in Ranong

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ranong – Khlong Sang-Ne, Takua Pa (170 km): 2.43 hrs. Khlong Sang-Ne - Khao Sok (62 km): 1 hr.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive south toward Khao Sok via Takua Pa, a district of Phang Nga. Arrive at Khlong Sang-Ne, known as the “Little Amazon” of the district, where you will embark on a canoe to explore the natural surroundings and spot local wildlife perched in the banyan trees.

Continue to Khao Sok, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

Check in at your nature accommodation, nestled in the tropical rainforest.

In the late afternoon, enjoy the Jungle Experience. Meet your guide at 16:00 at the reception and gather around the onsite fire pits for a bamboo cooking demonstration, showcasing how locals traditionally cook in the forest. After preparing a three-dish meal, enjoy dinner at the Jungle Restaurant.

After dinner, join a night safari with your local English-speaking guide at Khao Sok National Park, observing nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight in Khao Sok

(Note: Basic natural accommodation in Khao Sok with no a/c)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Enjoy a freshly prepared set breakfast at our Jungle Restaurant before starting your full-day shared trip to Cheow Lan Lake. Admire the stunning views of the lake as you travel by long-tail boat to the floating bungalows. A Thai-style lunch will be served before some free time for swimming and relaxation.

You will have the opportunity to take a guided hike to one of the caves or along a nature trail, depending on weather conditions; your guide will advise you on the activities for the day. Return to

the resort and enjoy a delicious Thai or international set dinner, served in our beautiful Jungle Restaurant

Dinner at the hotel

Overnight in Khao Sok

(Note: Basic natural accommodation in Khao Sok with no a/c)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Khao Sok - Khanom (198 km): 2.59 hrs.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a river canoe adventure.

Your guide will paddle you through Khlong Sok—relax and take in the stunning scenery as the local paddler navigates the river. After the activity, return to the jungle resort, prepare to check out, and bid farewell to our jungle paradise.

Then, continue to Khanom, a small town in Nakhon Si Thammarat, with lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

Overnight in Khanom

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a pink dolphin tour. Upon arrival at the pier, board a long-tail boat to spot the pink dolphins. Khanom District is one of the few places in the world where you can see these rare dolphins, and there is no better way to do so than by hopping on a boat with a local expert. While on the boat, keep your eyes peeled to spot one or more dolphins. The boat trip also takes you to Koh Nui Nor Island, where you can hear the fascinating story of Luang Pu Tuad, a monk carved from green marble, who is said to oversee the turbulent seas and the freshwater fountain under the island.

Return to the pier for coffee and refreshments, then continue to the natural fish spa in Khanom. Relax your feet in the natural stream and let the fish give you a gentle pedicure, leaving your skin soft and smooth.

Lunch is served at Baan Hed Kub Pak Restaurant, an orchard and organic farm where you can taste fresh fruits and vegetables.

After lunch, visit Samet Chun Waterfall for the final leg of the trip. Enjoy swimming in the cool, refreshing water while taking in the breathtaking views over Khanom Bay, wrapping up your adventurous day.

Return back to the hotel.

Overnight in Khanom

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Khanom – Shadow Puppet Museum, Nakhon Si Thammarat (102 km): 1.28 hrs. Shadow Puppet Museum, Nakhon Si Thammarat – Phattalung (112 km): 1.29 hrs.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer southward toward your final destination, where true nature and local lifestyle await. On the way, make a short stop at the Shadow Puppet Museum (Nang Talung) of Suchart Subsin, located in Nakhon Si Thammarat. You may be fortunate enough to meet the legendary Puppet Master, who will gladly entertain you with a brief shadow puppet performance. His house also features a small museum displaying his masterpieces and a welcoming living hall where his family members demonstrate and explain the puppet-making process.

Continue to your destination – Phatthalung, a relatively unspoiled province where nature and Southern lifestyle remain beautifully preserved.

Arrive in Phatthalung later this afternoon.

Overnight in Phatthalung

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Wake up early this morning and take a long-tail boat to watch the sunrise over the stunning Thale Noi Lake, Thailand’s largest waterfowl reserve, home to up to 5 million lotus flowers. The flowers are in full bloom around 8:00 a.m. During the boat ride, soak in the natural scenery along the way, spotting flocks of birds and water buffaloes bathing in the water.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, Continue to Varni Craft, where you can create your own souvenir from a natural plant called "Krajood". Enjoy painting and decorating your woven bag, making a beautiful, memorable keepsake to take home.

Overnight in Phatthalung

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Phattalung – Hat Yai (101 km): 1.27 hrs

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Songkhla Old Town.

Songkhla Old Town is a historical area known for its charming streets, Sino-Portuguese architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The area features colorful shop houses, quaint cafes, and small museums, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's fascinating history. You can explore the streets and sights comfortably on a city tram tour. Next, visit the Songkhla National Museum, which was originally constructed in Chinese style in 1878 to serve as the residence for Songkhla’s ruler. Later, it became the residence for Songkhla’s upper administrative officers and the City Hall, before being converted into a museum exhibiting Southern artifacts in 1953.

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the old town.

In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Hat Yai for check-in.

In the evening, visit one of Hat Yai’s famous markets: Talad Nam Khlong Hae (weekend) or Talad Greenway (weekday).

Khlong Hae Floating Market is the first floating market in Southern Thailand. Traders here dress in traditional Thai retro costumes, and the market offers a wide variety of foods, including local, Thai, and Muslim cuisine. A unique feature of this market is its use of eco-friendly food containers, such as coconut shells, bamboo tubes, and earthen pots, instead of foam or plastic.

Greenway Market is a modern-style flea market in Hat Yai, featuring a wide selection of fashionable products, food stalls, and a food court offering a variety of street foods. The concept of this market is “all you can eat,” making it a convenient one-stop shopping and dining experience.

Overnight in Hat Yai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Hat Yai – Pakbara Pier, Satun (122 km): 2.10 hrs.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Hat Yai Airport or Pakbara Pier for a beach extension on Koh Lipe.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast