Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Phuket

Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Phuket

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9 Days From

$1465

Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Phuket

9 Days Starting in Bangkok and ending in Phuket

Visiting: Bangkok, Ao Nang/Krabi, Khao Lak, Phuket

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TTZT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Beach Tours

From: $1465 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 29-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Clear blue waters, white sands, swaying palm trees and a bungalow on the beach – they don’t call it Thai-riffic for nothing. Come and explore Thailand's capital, relax in the sun and try some of the choice food this region is renowned for. Exploring capital Bangkok, Ao Nang, Khao Lak and Phuket, you’ll be hitting the best of the best in Thailand, getting all the time you need to hit the bustling streets and manic markets, or just basking on the shores of some of the best beaches in the world. It’s all fun and games that await, so jump right into the heart of Thailand’s best.

Highlights

  • Ease into the beach-loving lifestyle and enjoy various sea activities of snorkeling and kayaking to explore the amazing limestone cliff and caves, colorful coral reefs and mangrove forests.

  • Get deep in the community vibes of Baan Nai Nang village by spending time with the locals, enjoying a hearty home-cooked lunch and learn about their organic fruit orchids.

  • Discover a true slice of paradise on an included sea kayaking trip through the stunning inlets, caves and mangrove forests.

  • Oh, did we mention the beaches? Just some of the most striking stretches of sand with sparkling sapphire waters and palm-fringed shores – no biggie.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Bangkok, where world-class cuisine and lush landscapes only the beginning. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not explore this city of tuk tuks and street food at your own pace. Maybe watch the traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River or walk around and get to know the local spots. After your meeting, you might want to walk down Khao San Road, grab dinner and get to know each other.

Optional Activities:
-Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure
-Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure
-Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure

Day 2: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train

Accommodation Name: Overnight sleeper train

You’ll start today with a visit to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn. Named after the Indian God of Dawn, Aruna, this impressive landmark of Bangkok sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own exploration. Perhaps head next door to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or visit Wat Pho – home to the country's largest reclining Buddha and keeper of the magic behind Thai massage. Maybe take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, or travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous khlongs (canals) of Bangkok. Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Tonight, board an overnight train southbound for Surat Thani.

Included Activities:
-Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Optional Activities:
-Bangkok - National Museum
-Bangkok - Thai Massage
-Bangkok - Wat Pho
-Bangkok - Grand Palace
-Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House

Day 3: Ao Nang/Krabi

Location: Ao Nang/Krabi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive at Surat Thani this morning and continue by bus to the resort town of Ao Nang in the Krabi Province. Ao Nang has a main street with open-air restaurants, shops that light up the sidewalk and bars perfect for kicking back with a beer. You can also hop on a longtail boat to places like Railay Beach and the idyllic islands surrounding the bay. There's plenty of free time to relax on the beaches and get into the spirit of southern Thailand. You might like to take a cycling trip through back country tracks, getting to know local culture and taking an afternoon dip in a waterfall. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage on the beach or just sit back with a good book. In the late afternoon, visit Baan Na Teen village to take part in Batik Making. Learn about this ancient technique of dyeing, then join a local family for some home-cooking.

Included Activities:
-Ao Nang – Baan Na Teen village community experience and home-cooked dinner

Optional Activities:
-Ao Nang - Longtail Boat Taxi to Railay Beach
-Ao Nang - Thai Massage

Day 4: Ao Nang/Krabi

Location: Ao Nang/Krabi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, head out to Ao Nang beach and board a private longtail boat to start today’s exploration. As you sail, take in the beauty of the coastline, stopping at Phra Nang Cave, Railey Beach, Koh Tup and Koh Gai along the way. See the coral and tropical fish in the crystal clear waters below on snorkelling excursions and enjoy a half day of swimming and sailing. Tonight, why not grab some of your fellow travellers and stroll down the main drag to find a seafood restaurant.

Included Activities:
-Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling Tour

Optional Activities:
-Ao Nang - Thai Cooking Class

Day 5: Khao Lak

Location: Khao Lak

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Say goodbye to Ao Nang this morning and continue your journey to Khao Lak. On the way, stop at the community-based tourism initiative of Baan Nai Nang village (supported by Mangrove Action Project) where you’ll spend the better half of the day. Soak up the amazing nature and learning about local culture. Then, get active and venture out in a kayak to explore the water, limestone cliffs and mangrove forests at Khao Ka Rot. Return to the village and learn to prepare the organic local mulberry leaf tea, sitting down with your hosts for a home-cooked lunch. Head out for a walk through the village’s organic fruit orchards before hopping back on your bus to Khao Lak.

Included Activities:
-Baan Nai Nang CBT village - village walk
-Khao Ka Rot - sea kayaking
-Ao Makham Beach - home cooked lunch & Mulberry leaf tea tasting

Day 6: Khao Lak

Location: Khao Lak

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day to explore Khao Lak at your own pace. Maybe visit Lam Ru National Park, known for its nature trails, secluded beaches and Ton Chong Fa Waterfall. Or take a daytrip to the Similan Islands or the Surin Islands, soaking up the gorgeous natural landscapes. Your local leader will be on hand with suggestions and to help you out with logistics.

Optional Activities:
-Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park & Ton Chong Fa WaterFall
-Khao Lak - Pa-Kin-Na-Ka Thai Cooking Class

Day 7: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, you’ll leave the natural paradise for Phuket – Thailand’s largest and most visited island. When you arrive, you might like to stop at the Tsunami Memorial. Then, continue to the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center, which supports the protection of turtles, focusing on marine biodiversity. Learn about the important work that they do here and see the different type of turtles at the foundation. Later, continue to Patong Beach, where you’ll stay in the heart of it all near local shops, restaurants and nightclubs awaits.

Included Activities:
-Khao Lak – Lampi Waterfalls
-Khao Lak – Tsunami Memorial Park
-Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center

Day 8: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Phuket is ringed with beaches and you can find everything from a party vibe to something a little quieter. If you can pull yourself away from the curving coasts, Phuket also has a range of activities to fill your day, from Thai boxing exhibitions to cabaret shows. If you love getting out on the water and exploring the islands, then perhaps use your last day to take a daytrip to the Phi Phi Islands and Khai Nok – a tiny island surrounded by white sandy beach, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. If you want to spend some time with Thailand’s elephants, maybe visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Here, you can see the elephants in the safety and security of their natural home and get an insight into the behaviour and personal history of each elephant. Tonight, maybe get together with your fellow travellers for dinner and toast to a trip well travelled.

Optional Activities:
-Phuket - Phi Phi & Khai Nok Island Day Trip
-Phuket - Elephant Sanctuary

Day 9: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast

There are no activities planned for the final day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you’d like to continue to soak up the very best of Phuket, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Resort (4 nights)

  • Meals
    6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinners

  • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

  • Ao Nang – Baan Na Teen village community experience and home-cooked dinner

  • Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling Tour

  • Baan Nai Nang CBT village - village walk

  • Khao Ka Rot - sea kayaking

  • Ao Makham Beach - home cooked lunch & Mulberry leaf tea tasting

  • Khao Lak – Lampi Waterfalls

  • Khao Lak – Tsunami Memorial Park

  • Phang Nga - Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
  • Ao Nang - Ao Thalane Sea Kayaking
  • Ao Nang - Ao Thalane Lunch
  • Ko Yao Yai - Home-cooked dinner
  • Ko Yao Yai - Traditional dessert making
  • Ko Yao Yai - Village visit & guided walk
  • Koh Yao Yai - Phang Nga National Marine Park
  • Koh Yao Yai - Boat trip & snorkelling
  • Ko Yao Yai - Picnic lunch on the beach
  • Phuket - Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre
  • Phuket - Bang Pae waterfall
  • Phuket - Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary

Transport

  • OVERNIGHT TRAINS
  • Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/

Accommodation

  • Hotel (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Resort (4 nights)

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes day 02 (Overnight train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested.

Mode of Transport

  • OVERNIGHT TRAINS
  • Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom and flexibility, but it does require a level of independence. Only a few meals are included, so mostly you'll find your own (with plenty of suggestions from your leader of course) – a great way to mingle with locals and discover unexpected delights! There are also lots of recommended optional activities if you wish, or just time to soak up the sun and kick back on the countless beautiful beaches.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

John Appleby (Google Reviewer)  

The Intrepid tour to Everest...

13-Mar-2025

The Intrepid tour to Everest Base camp is the best tour I have ever done. The itinerary was perfect and the guides were incredible. They look after the participants constantly and are constantly on the look out for any issues with altitude. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip it was amazing

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

john whelan (Google Reviewer)  

We booked the 10 day...

28-Feb-2025

We booked the 10 day Group Explorer package with them for Vietnam and Wow !!! . It was fantastic. We were initially a bit anxious, but that all settled after day one. There is a fair bit of travelling and moving involved, but we'll woth it as you get to see and experience loads .Our Guide Huy was brilliant and looked after us really well from local knowledge to restaurants and tour information and activities . It's worth doing folks with intrepid . Well done, keep up that standard of service.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Declan Curry (Google Reviewer)  

I have recently completed the...

07-Feb-2025

I have recently completed the Premium India In Depth tour. A most wonderful introduction to this amazing continent. From the Taj Mahal to Tigers 🐅 in the wild , dining whe the locals eat and a couple of meals with families was a great way to embrace the people and their culture. Magnificent architecture,be it Forts or Shrines. The most informative and inspiring of guides was great to have with us. Mumbai to Delhi and 6 more cities plus A Safari included. Best trip to experience India 🇮🇳. Prepare to have all your senses assaulted . Go for it.

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Monday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025
$1465 (USD)

Sunday - Monday

Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025
$1500 (USD)

Sunday - Monday

Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025
$1525 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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