From Bangkok to Beaches: Thailand off the Beaten Track

Overview

This 11 day adventure in Thailand will immerse you in the culture, cuisine and lifestyle of this vibrant country. Discover Thailand as a local, in a truly unforgettable off the beaten track experience.

Tour summary

Day 1 & 2 – Bangkok
Day 3 & 4 – Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Day 5 & 6 – Chumphon
Day 7 – Ranong
Day 8-10 – Koh Phayam
Day 11 – Bangkok

Your off the beaten track Thailand adventure starts in bustling Bangkok, before travelling south to traverse the lush rural landscape, with the opportunity to see mighty elephants and bison in Thailand’s largest natural park and then relaxing on stunning beaches with crystal clear waters.

Embark on an afternoon biking adventure through Bangkok, discovering the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and the third capital of Siam: Thonburi. Thonburi has a vibrant local community of people and places that we’ll explore as we ride through the back streets, contrasting with the imposing skyscrapers of downtown before visiting one of Bangkok’s greatest landmarks: The Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun. To end your biking adventure, we will enjoy a night time bike ride through an unusually quiet Bangkok whilst enjoying some authentic Thai street food. There are few better ways to enjoy the sites of Bangkok than when most of the other visitors have retreated to their hotels.

Journey South to the East coast of the Malay Peninsula and the beautiful beach resort of Sam Roi Yot in Pran Buri. When you arrive at Pran Buri, you will take a Songtheaw (the local transport, which is a covered pickup truck with rows of seats in the back for transporting local people along routes) to your accommodation in Sam Roi Yot village. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is the next stop on your ‘off the tourist track’ adventure. It is the largest marine national park in Thailand and has the largest area of wetlands in the country.

Visit Kui Buri National Park for some wildlife spotting. The park is home to one of the biggest populations of gaurs and bison in Thailand, there are around a hundred in the area, alongside over 300 wild elephants. Hike across the gorgeous landscape to a hidden bay and discover the beauty of Phraya Nakhon Beach.

Explore Chumphon off the beaten track, visiting the artisans at a Yui Batik shop and design and make your own batik.

Feel like a castaway on the tranquil island of Koh Phayam, one of the most beautiful, and undiscovered, of Thailand’s islands, it is relatively unknown and is not yet on the tourist trail. Enjoy white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. There’s no better place on earth to soak up some winter sun than this spot.

End your adventure travelling by overnight train back to Bangkok.

For full details of this fabulous trip, scroll down to the full itinerary below…

Arrival Day

On arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, you will take a private transfer to your hotel where you can relax and explore for the rest of the day.

Bangkok is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, which is home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple.

Accommodation:

The Raweekanlaya Bangkok Wellness Cuisine Resort – Mattanee Executive

Built in the late 1800’s as a royal residence, the hotel has been restored and carefully designed to reflect the heritage of Old-Siam with contemporary touches. It is a true urban oasis with lush greenery, and its iconic 120 year old Banyan tree.

Meals:

None

Exploring Bangkok by Bike

Start the day with your first Thai breakfast at the hotel, and then in the afternoon meet up with your local guide to start exploring Bangkok by bike!

Your guide will show you the Bangkok that most people don’t have the chance to visit.

Away from the shopping malls and tourist hotspots of metropolitan Bangkok, we’ll discover the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and the third capital of Siam: Thonburi.

We’ll ride through the Bang Rak neighbourhood, head to the pier and take a ferry over to this less-traveled destination.

Today, Thonburi is a vibrant local community of people and places that we’ll explore as we ride through the back streets, contrasting with the imposing skyscrapers of downtown.

Next, we’ll take secret paths to the Turtle Temple, where these sacred animals are kept in a beautiful garden. This area is also home to a Sino-Portuguese community with a long and fascinating history. We’ll stop at a museum-café to learn about the history and taste the local pastries made with recipes passed down through generations.

We’ll then change gears from these hidden enclaves and visit one of Bangkok’s greatest landmarks: The Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun, as sunset shows us a different side to this majestic highlight. Leaving Thonburi behind, we’ll embark on another ferry and cross the river back into the city. Right at the pier we’ll stop at a little rooftop bar with views of the surrounding sites and enjoy a cold refreshment before we continue.

To end the biking adventure, we will enjoy a night time bike ride through an unusually quiet Bangkok. There are few better ways to enjoy the sites of Bangkok than when most of the other visitors have retreated to their hotels.

We’ll visit the must-see Wat Po temple and enjoy an almost silent and magical experience where, only hours earlier, stampeding hordes were clicking away with their cameras! As we start to cycle back we’ll stop and admire the spectacular Flower Market where we’ll also have chance to sample some authentic Thai street food.

You will arrive back to the hotel at around 9.30pm.

Accommodation:

The Raweekanlaya Bangkok Wellness Cuisine Resort – Mattanee Executive

Meals:

Breakfast

Transfer to Pran Buri, Sam Roi Yot Beach

After an early breakfast, check out of your hotel, and begin your journey South to the East coast of the Malay Peninsula and the beautiful beach resort of Sam Roi Yot in Pran Buri.

A private transfer will take you to Mochit New Van Terminal where you will board a public van to Pranburi (departure at 8:00 with an expected arrival around 12:30).

When you arrive at Pran Buri, you will take a Songtheaw (the local transport, which is a covered pickup truck with rows of seats in the back for transporting local people along routes) to your accommodation in Sam Roi Yot village.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is the next stop on your adventure. It is the largest marine national park in Thailand and has the largest area of wetlands in the country.

The most famous landmark in the park is Phraya Nakhon Cave with its iconic royal pavilion and huge chamber and the freshwater marsh and mangrove forests are home to an amazing number of wildlife species.

All this, plus stunning beaches, limestone islands, walking trails and spectacular views are in store for you tomorrow.

This evening relax at the hotel and enjoy a walk on the quiet beach or perhaps have a cold beer at one of the several bars close to your hotel.

Accommodation:

Namaste Resort, Sam Roi Yot.

Namaste resort offers accommodation with a garden views and a balcony

Meals:

Breakfast

Exploring Sam Roi Yot National Park

This morning you’ll hop on a local vehicle to Phraya Nakhon Beach.

Enjoy a fun ride in the countryside and, on arrival, start hiking on the trail to a hidden bay, which will take around an hour’s moderate walk over the hill to enter the cave that hosts a beautiful landmark. Alternatively, you can arrange a local boat to sail directly to the hidden bay. You are sure to be blown away by the natural beauty and lush landscape.

We then continue to Kui Buri National Park for some wildlife spotting. The park is home to one of the biggest populations of gaurs or bison in Thailand, there are around a hundred in the area, alongside over 300 wild elephants.

The best time to see the wildlife is in the early evening and seeing these amazing wild animals up close in their natural habitat is a breathtaking experience.

We will drive back to Sam Roi Yot for the night, where you can relax and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Accommodation:

Namaste Resort in Sam Roi Yot.

Meals:

Breakfast

Transfer to Chumphon

This morning, you will be continuing your journey south to Chumphon, by private transfer.

Chumphon is a southern Thai province known for its coral reefs and a long coastline dotted with beautiful beaches.

Upon arrival check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure in this stunning location; take a walk and explore or unwind in the luxury of your hotel.

Accommodation:

Nana Beach Resort

Nana Beach is located on a private spot with a white-sand beach, Turquoise Ocean and breathtaking sunshine.

It is an oasis for those wishing to truly get away from it all.

Meals:

Breakfast

Explore Chumphon

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will embark on our day exploring Chumphon.

We start with a visit to the local artisans at the Yui Batic shop where you will discover how traditional batik fabric is made, and have the opportunity to design and make your own batik!

We will continue to the beautiful viewpoint of Khow Muttree, a definite photo opportunity and then visit the famous Prince of Chumpon Shrine before stopping for a delicious lunch of local Thai dishes.

We will then spend a couple of hours relaxing on the beach or taking out a kayak to explore the coastline, before heading back to the hotel.

Accommodation

Nana Beach Resort in a Standard Room.

Meals:

Breakfast

Travel to Ranong

Today you will have an early start and a tasty breakfast before before embarking on a fisherman’s longtail boat and head back to the mainland.

On arrival at the village, you can enjoy a refreshing shower and then head further south to your next destination, Ranong, on the west coast of the peninsula, along the Andaman Sea.

Once you arrive in Ranong, you will have the chance to unwind and relax in your new hotel.

Accommodation:

Sok Hotel – Superior Pool Access

Meals:

Breakfast

Speedboat to Koh Phayam

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for your island life.

Today you will be transferred from your hotel to the pier, where you will board a speed boat taking you to stunning Koh Phayam.

Koh Phayam is one of the most beautiful, and undiscovered, of Thailand’s islands, it is relatively unknown and is not yet on the tourist trail.

This peaceful and tranquil location has stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, the perfect island getaway!

Accommodation:

Nitiporn Resort – Private Villa

Meals:

Breakfast

Explore Koh Phayam

After a delicious breakfast, enjoy the entire day to simply enjoy the island life!

If you feel energetic you may want to explore by kayak or bicycle, or simply relax by the pool or beach and make the most of this island paradise.

Accommodation:

Nitiporn Resort in Koh Phayam.

Meals:

Breakfast

Transfer back to Bangkok

Begin your last day with a delicious Thai breakfast. Today is the last day on this paradise island, as you will be transferring to Bangkok.

After you checking out, you will be taking a speedboat to the mainland and a transfer to the train station for your overnight train back to Bangkok, a truly local adventure for your last day here!

This is not the most luxurious overnight of your stay, but is a ‘must do’ when in Thailand!

Accommodation:

2nd Class Overnight Train (1st Class Cabin, if available, will be provided however these are limited on some dates)

Meals:

Breakfast

Departure Day

You will arrive in the early morning at Bangkok station and a private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight back home.

This marks the end of your amazing off the beaten track adventure in Thailand. We wish you Bon Voyage, you have only managed a small glimpse of this diverse and wonderful country, so we look forward to welcoming you back and showing you more!

Meals:

Breakfast