From $699, 10 days, Thailand Trip code: THIN
Trip Highlights
Watch our new Bangkok to Beaches video here
- Explore the backpacking capital of Thailand - Khao San Road
- Find a bargain in the bustling night markets of Cha Am
- Trek the soaring mountains of Sam Roi Yot National Park
- Snorkel in the clear waters off the sandy coastline of Koh Tao
- Relax on some of the most stunning beaches in the world
Trip Summary
See full itineraryKick-start your backpacking experience by joining our exciting 10 day tour introducing you to the wonders of Thailand. From bustling markets, to secluded tropical islands to ancient temples, you'll get a real taste for this fascinating country.
Starting with the chaos of historic Bangkok, you’ll venture to the tranquil island paradise of beautiful Koh Tao, making sure that you visit the highlights of Thailand along the way.
Let our experienced Thai guides make all the arrangements and relax as they lead you from the night markets of Cha Am to the natural splendour of Sam Roi Yot national park. This great trip is the perfect introduction to start your Thailand chapter or a longer trip around Asia.
When do I want to go?
Showing all departures (19)
| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 June 2013 | 10 days | $699 | Available | Book now | |
| 13 July 2013 | 10 days | $699 | Available | Book now | |
| 10 August 2013 | 10 days | $699 | Available | Book now | |
| 14 September 2013 | 10 days | $699 | Available | Book now | |
| 12 October 2013 | 10 days | $699 | Available | Book now | |
| 9 November 2013 | 10 days | $699 | Available | Book now | |
| 14 December 2013 | 10 days | $699 | Available | Book now | |
| 11 January 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 8 February 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 8 March 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 12 April 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 10 May 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 14 June 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 12 July 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 9 August 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 13 September 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 11 October 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 8 November 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
| 13 December 2014 | 10 days | $729 | Available | Book now | |
What will I be doing?
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Bustling Bangkok (Days 1 to 2)
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Time to haggle for a bargain (Days 3 to 4)
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Welcome to paradise (Days 5 to 9)
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Leave only your footprints (Day 10)
Bustling Bangkok: Days 1 to 2
Next LegDestination info
The Kingdom of Thailand, with a population of 65 million people, is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and shares borders with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty complemented by impressive architecture, including striking temples. The country is also well known for its appetising food and the people renowned for their friendly manner.
- Location: Bangkok
Day One: Arrive in Bangkok
On Saturday you'll be personally met on arrival at Bangkok airport by our friendly co-ordinators. They will take you to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive, you can relax or explore this exciting city. We will arrange a welcome dinner on Tuesday evening. This is a great opportunity to have fun, make friends with your fellow travellers and get to know the co-ordinators.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day Two: Tour of Bangkok
Meet the staff at the hotel lobby at around 9am for a welcome chat and brief introduction of your experience. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers and get those questions answered by our team. Once the talk has finished we will walk through bustling Bangkok to our first stop on the tour - the Grand Palace.
The Grand Palace is the most sacred of all landmarks in Thailand, all Thais must visit the Palace at least once in their life to pay respect to their most revered monarch, there is also a saying that you have never truly been to Thailand unless you go within the walls of the Grand Palace, so a great way to start your tour. The Grand Palace is not included in the tour and costs 350 baht. If you do not wish to go into the Palace there is a small market nearby selling all kinds of souvenirs and street food. After the Grand Palace you will stop for lunch for an hour or so before setting off towards Wat Arun or The Temple of Dawn which is a quick stop over the Chao Phraya river. This temple offers great views of the city – at a price, as the view requires a slight climb up some ancient steps!
Crossing the river again, a short 5 minute walk will bring you to Wat Po or The Reclining Buddha. Here you can walk around the statue and partake in some of the rituals which are said to bring you lots of good luck. You will then head back towards Khao San Road and your hotel, to either rest or go shopping in and around the Khao San area where almost anything is sold and at very reasonable prices - just remember to meet your team around 8pm for your welcome meal and continued merry making within Khao Sans’ infamous night scene.
Overnight in Bangkok, breakfast included.
Destination info
The Kingdom of Thailand, with a population of 65 million people, is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and shares borders with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty complemented by impressive architecture, including striking temples. The country is also well known for its appetising food and the people renowned for their friendly manner.
- Location: Cha Am and Sam Roi Yot
Day Three: Cha Am
At around 10am you will leave your Bangkok hotel and make the two hour journey south to Cha Am, a resort boasting Thailand’s longest white sand beach, in Phetchaburi province. Here you will have the afternoon free to chill out on the beach.
In the evening your co-ordinator will take you to Cha Am’s busy night market which sells everything from noodles to puppies. The market begins to wind down just before midnight but many of the stalls selling food and drinks often stay open until dawn.
Overnight in Cha Am.
Day Four: Sam Roi Yot
Get ready for a packed day’s activity in Khao Sam Roi Yot or “The Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks” - a coastal national park around 60km South of Cha Am. The park is home to over 300 species of birds as well as the rare Serow, a goat/antelope like mammal that can sometimes be seen near the park headquarters.
The day will begin with a trek through the forests and caves that surround the Limestone Mountains rising from the Gulf of Thailand. You will also visit the mangrove forests and take a boat trip to view the mountains from the sea, and perhaps even see some of the dolphins that live in the waters of the park.
Overnight in Cha Am.
Destination info
The Kingdom of Thailand, with a population of 65 million people, is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and shares borders with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty complemented by impressive architecture, including striking temples. The country is also well known for its appetising food and the people renowned for their friendly manner.
- Location: Koh Tao
Day Five: Travel to Koh Tao
Expect an early start as the coach for Chumphon, from where the ferry leaves for Ko Tao, leaves at 8am. You should arrive in Koh Tao at around 2pm.
Koh Tao translates as “Turtle Island” and is situated between Suratthani and Chumpon in the Gulf of Thailand. Serving first as a stopping point for fishermen and later as a prison, the island did not begin to develop as a tourist destination until the 1980s and remains less developed than islands such as Koh Samui and Phuket.
You will be staying on Sairee Beach, a 1.7km long stretch of soft white sand and shallow turquoise water.
Overnight on Sairee Beach, Koh Tao.
Day Six: Island Tour
Today you will take a boat ride around Koh Tao with frequent stops for snorkelling in the clear waters. The Tour ends on the tranquil Koh Nangyaun, three tiny islands connected only by a strip of sand.
Overnight on Sairee Beach, Koh Tao.
Days Seven to Nine: Koh Tao
No activities are scheduled for these days so you have the freedom to enjoy the tropical island in your own way. Your coordinator will be able to advise you what to do in your free time.
Snorkelling is a favourite activity for many visitors to Koh Tao and, if you didn’t have enough of it on your boat trip, fins, snorkels and masks are readily available for hire all over the island and coast at a cost of around 100 Baht per day. Head East or North to explore the rocky coves and even a shipwreck or two. Visitors between March and May might be lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse of a visiting 40ft Whale Shark, but if not, the coral and tropical fish more than make up for it. If you want a more adventurous underwater experience many companies offer diving trips for beginners. Onshore there are numerous activities, such as yoga and hiking, open to visitors.
Two nights on Sairee Beach, Koh Tao.
Previous Leg
Leave only your footprints: Day 10
Destination info
The Kingdom of Thailand, with a population of 65 million people, is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and shares borders with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty complemented by impressive architecture, including striking temples. The country is also well known for its appetising food and the people renowned for their friendly manner.
- Location: Koh Tao
Day Ten: Tour Ends
Some may choose to stay on Koh Tao, travel on to other parts of Thailand or further afield while others will be heading back to Bangkok and home. Whatever your travel plans our local coordinator will be happy to advise you.
Please note: The trip finishes on Koh Tao and therefore any arrangements after this are at your own cost.
Trip Notes Download
To get a detailed PDF of information for this trip including full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather, download our trip notes. By doing so you’ll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
What's included?
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- Bangkok tour
- Transport to Cha Am
- Trip to Cha Am night market
- Sam Roi Yot tour
- Transport to Koh Tao
- Koh Tao tour
What's not included?
- Tourist visa
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Meals
- Grand Palace entrance fee (350 baht)
- Onward transport from Koh Tao
Additional Information & FAQs
Minimum age
18 years
Minimum numbers required on this trip
This trip requires minimum numbers to operate.
Accommodation
Accommodation will vary during your programme as you will be staying in several different locations. In Bangkok your hotel room will be twin share with air conditioning and breakfast included on Khao San Road. Throughout the rest of the trip hotel rooms will be twin share and equipped with a fan.
You will share a room with a member of the group of the same sex. Depending on group dynamics, there may be occasions where you will share a triple room. Please remember to inform us if you want to share a room with your friend or partner, so we can make sure you stay together throughout your trip.
Meals
Breakfasts are generally not included but can be purchased for as little as 50p. Most lunches and dinners are not included to allow you to enjoy eating out in local restaurants and bars and the opportunity to sample the local cuisine. Eating out is very cheap in Thailand, and can cost as little as 25 pence though an average meal may set you back between £1- £1.50.
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
FAQ
1. What is the average age of people on this trip?
The average age is usually between 18-30 years old.
2. How much spending money would you recommend I take?
We generally recommend that you take around £80-£100 per week.
3. What visa do I need?
When entering Thailand you will automatically receive a 30-day tourist visa. If you intend to stay longer than 30 days, you need to get the 60-day or 90 day visa before you go directly through the Thai Embassy.
4. Is Thailand safe?
Absolutely, and you have co-ordinators with you at all times to ensure your safety.
5. When is the best time to go?
Thailand is beautiful all year round!
What will I see in Thailand?
16 photos
What other travelers thought
I've done this trip
Write reviewIsabelle Sykes - May 2013
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
met amazing people, made life long friends, had new experiences, saw a beautiful country
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the accuracy of your pre-departure information
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
Please rate the worthwhileness of any volunteering in your trip if applicable.
Please rate your airport pickup (where applicable)
Please rate your in-country orientation
What were the highlights of your trip?
Meeting new people, having a mixture of cultural and more relaxed activities, seeing and experiencing new things!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
DONT drink the water and remove ice from drinks, put a lot of sun cream on and take a rucksack as opposed to a wheely bag
Is there anything else you would have liked to have added to your itinerary?
I would have loved to have spent a few days on another island such as koh samui to do elephant trekking.
Would you travel with our company again?
yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Chloe Trumper - June 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Definitely worth the money, Thailand is the most amazing place I have ever visited and you'll fall in love with Koh Tao.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the accuracy of your pre-departure information
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
Please rate the worthwhileness of any volunteering in your trip if applicable.
Please rate your airport pickup (where applicable)
Please rate your in-country orientation
What were the highlights of your trip?
The highlights are my trip were definitely the bangkok tour and Koh Tao itself. My two tour guides Puukkii and Lisa definitely made the trip as well, they were both so helpful and lovely and I felt really sad to leave them.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
- Take an underwater disposable camera - they're well worth it! - Try and get as involved in the group as possible, I have made lifelong friends. - Make the most of your tour guides!
Is there anything else you would have liked to have added to your itinerary?
More activities scheduled in Koh Tao- I would have loved to have seen more of the island.
Would you travel with our company again?
yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Julie Dickin - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Fantastic experience, want to go back and see more
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seeing different places around Thailand, meeting great new people
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Enjoy every second as it goes too quickly!
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Gillian Dobbin - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Met great people, loved the staff and tried new food.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Relaxing on the beaches of Ko Chang and Ko Samet
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Spend time with your travel mates, try new foods, explore the places you are traveling in
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Fiona Gallagher - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
I loved the thai fire boys and the thai food
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Gift! such a good guide, cried when i had to say goodbye, so much fun and so kind really looked after everyone in the group. she did such a good job and if i ever had enough time and money again i would ask which tours shes doing so i could get guided by her again.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
do it. booze isnt that cheap so dont bother. buy a silk sleeping bag liner.
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Emma Streets - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
met some fab new people, drinking, activites, laughter, more drinking, exploring.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Gift - our fun guide - not tour guide she was amazing and real gap are very lucky to have her representing them.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
pack light - you can buy everything you need whilst in Thailand at half the price. speak to the locals they can advise you of hidden treasures in their area that you might not find in a brochure the ATM charge you
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Rebekah Mcgill - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
wonderful tour guide, fun, breathtaking scenery, unforgettable, friendly locals.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
The Mountain trek and seeing lots of monkeys so close up.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
don't hesitate to buy things in bang kok! there are so many things there!
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Jenna Lawrence - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Good to meet people so not alone
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
Scott Nelson - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Great trip made awsome friends.shame about tour guide.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
The places I've been amd seen.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Budget before you travel. Appropriate sun cream :-/
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Sophie Allinson - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
A trip that could so easily be improved with better accommodation on Koh Tao, but was saved by the great people we met.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
The group of people we travelled with.
Would you travel with our company again?
No
Would you recommend us?
No
Alice Lily Falla - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Incredible trip, great people, better tour guide needed.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Meeting new people and visiting the beautiful places in Thailand
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
*100% Deet - the mosquitos are evil *Walking shoes for Khao Sam Roi Yot - Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks. *Make the most of your tour guide.
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Ashanti Coleman - October 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
What were the highlights of your trip?
Going hiking into the caves
Jessica Probert - October 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Meeting the tour guide, who is now an amazing friend, so friendly and I loved that she helped me to learn some Thai language. She was very helpful and gave us lots of info about where we were and what we were seeing. Very well organised although probably too much drinking was done! The snorkelling trip was also amazing as we had a boat to ourselves - i was expecting to be in with a lot of other tourists, we had a small group too so we all got to know each other really well. I really enjoyed that we were in 3 completely different parts of Thailand and all travel and accomodation was included, very good value. This was our first package deal at the start of a backpacking trip around South East Asia and I feel by doing this first it has really helped us with the basic skills needed for the rest of our trip. An amazing time with an amazing tour guide/friend - Gift you are truly wonderful and I'm so glad you led the trip!
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Emma Tye - October 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seeing the dusky langurs on the mountain climb. Getting to see different aspects of Thailand in such a short space of time. Input from our local tour guide about different places.
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Rebecca Selbie - July 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Friends for life, Unforgettable memories.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seeing all the temples in Bangkok, visiting a typically Thai town, and relaxing on the beach :)
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Just relax and enjoy! Dont forget suncream its expensive here! Be yourself!
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
