Itinerary for Thailand Travel Adventures Trip C
Southern Thailand
January 21 to February 10, 2010
Itinerary is subject to change.
Day 1, Thursday, January 21, 2010 – Depart San Francisco for Bangkok (very early morning) – lose one day.
Day 2, Friday, January 22, 2010 – Arrive in Bangkok, (mid-day) – Free Afternoon.
Day 3, Saturday, January 23, 2010 – Bangkok – Explore Southeast Asia's largest bazaar – the exciting Chatuchak Weekend Market, where just about anything imaginable is available in over 7,000 stalls, including, of course, Thai handicrafts. Dine on superb Thai cuisine at a favorite Bangkok restaurant!
Day 4, Sunday, January 24, 2010 – Bangkok to Ranong – Head south along the narrow peninsula, stopping by Phetchburi to stock up on kanom (snack foods), Hua Hin for a colorful market walk & Pranburi marina for a scrumptious seafood brunch. Snack break at pork bun village. Overnight in Ranong, known for its hot mineral springs and spa.
Day 5, Monday, January 25, 2010 – Ranong to Koh Surin –From the pier at park head-quarters south of Ranong, a boat will take us out on the beautiful Andaman Sea to remote Koh Surin Marine Nat'l Park, our island home for the next three days. After checking into our rustic park cabins, we will head for the nearby reefs to snorkel for the remainder of the afternoon.
Day 6, Tuesday, January 26, 2010 – Koh Surin National Park – Today will be spent boating around the two main Surin islands, stopping at prime spots for snorkeling. The extensive reefs here are outstanding – among the most biologically diverse and best preserved in Thailand's waters! We'll also visit the sea gypsy village located on a beautiful cove and the sea turtle nursery.
Day 7, Wednesday, January 27, 2010 – Koh Surin National Park – Another day to explore the Surin islands, both in and out of the water. If you wish, hike a trail to a secluded cove and watch for wildlife and rare birds in the shelter of the rainforest canopy. Snorkel the fabulous reefs, swim with sea turtles in clear warm waters and marvel at the astounding array of sea life in exquisite coral gardens!
Day 8, Thursday, January 28, 2010 – Koh Surin to Kuraburi – Free morning. Take a last snorkel or do a nature walk. After lunch, we'll head back for the mainland coast, keeping an eye out for dolphin or whale shark sightings. Overnight at a luxurious resort set against lush rainforest vegetation, where we can once again enjoy the amenities of civilization.
Day 9, Friday, January 29, 2010 – Kuraburi to Krabi – Brunch on different kinds of delicious rotis in Takua Pa, then drive through spectacular mountain country of dramatic limestone karsts, surrounded by a lush 160-million-year-old rain-forest. Take a nature walk in a rainforest park with cascadiing falls & visit a batik center on our way to Krabi, where we'll stay at a posh resort by the karsts.
Day 10, Saturday, January 30, 2010 – Krabi to Island Home – Explore Krabi province's magnificent coastline with its tall limestone cliffs, immense caves, idyllic islands and dazzling white and golden sand beaches. Swim, sun, snorkel, beachcomb and enjoy the beauty of the Andaman seacoast. Settle in on our own enchanting tropical island home, also home to many gregarious hornbills.
Day 11, Sunday, January 31, 2010 – Idyllic Island Home – Today and tomorrow we'll follow the tide. When it re-cedes, we'll head out for the bountiful reefs in nearby Phi Phi Marine National Park & when it's in, we'll relax on beautiful beaches, kayak to alluring coves, or go birding on our charming tropical island home. Picnic and enjoy the day in and out of the water.
Day 12, Monday, February 1, 2010 – Idyllic Island Home – Another day to explore the lovely Andaman seacoast, including the captivating islands of Phi Phi Marine National Park, flanked by awesome limestone cliffs, ringed by picturesque bays, lagoons & gorgeous white-sand beaches, and surrounded by extensive reefs home to millions of fish and colorful coral formations.
Day 13, Tuesday, February 2, 2010 – Island to Krabi – Watch the sunrise from the deserted beach of our idyllic island paradise and spend the morning kayaking or snorkeling her own lively reef. Return to mainland shores. Free afternoon to relax at our luxurious resort and use the spa if you wish. Exquisite dinner at a favorite Krabi garden restaurant!
Day 14, Wednesday, February 3, 2010 – Krabi to Pakbara – Breakfast at a kanom jeen shop where we can see the noodles made fresh, then head for Klong Thom to soak in the natural pools of a waterfall hotspring & walk the nature trail in lush lowland forest to a lovely spring-fed crystal pond. Continue to Trang for a scrumptious lunch, then on to Pakbara in Satun province.
Day 15, Thursday, February 4, 2010 – Pakbara To Tarutao National Park – Following breakfat, we'll take a boat from Pakbara pier for our four-day excursion to Tarutao Marine National Park. Picnic lunch stop on a gorgeous island with stunning beaches, inviting aquamarine waters & picturesque natural rock arch. Swim, sun, snorkel before continuing on to Lipeh island, our home for the next few days.
Day 16, Friday, February 5, 2010 – Mu Koh Tarutao National Park – We'll stay in rustic huts alongside a beautiful white-sand beach, not far from a sea gypsy village. Boating tour to various uninhabited nat'l park islands in the Adang-Rawi group with pristine, deserted beaches ringed by diverse coral formations, from very colorful soft coral to delightfully varied coral gardens.
Day 17, Saturday, February 6, 2010– Mu Koh Tarutao National Park – Another day to explore the many islands of Thailand's first marine nat'l park. set up to protect sea turtles. Picnic on yet another charming island with long stretches of deserted beach and lively coral reef. Visit an unusual pebble beach, circle unique rock formations & swim around a coral-ringed islet. Another inspiring sunset!
Day 18, Sunday, February 7, 2010 – Mu Koh Tarutao National Park to Krabi – After a leisurely breakfast, we'll bid farewell to our tropical island home in the enchanting Andaman Sea and head back to the mainland. Along the way, keep watch for sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs (sea cows). Scenic drive back to Krabi, where we'll stay at the same resort by the karsts
Day 19, Monday, February 8, 2010 – Krabi – Free Day Enjoy our resort's large pool beneath towering limestone karsts. Walk to town, shop or visit the bustling marketplace as you wish. Or, pamper yourself at the resort's spa. Dine once again on superb southern food at Kasma's favorite restaurant.
Day 20, Tuesday, February 9, 2010 – Krabi to Bangkok – Following breakfast, we'll return to Bangkok by air, arriving in the capital city around mid-day. Walk and graze our way through a very colorful open-air fresh food and fruit market. Unwind from the trip and pack to return home. Farewell Party & Feast!
Day 21, Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – Depart Bangkok for San Francisco (mid-day) – gain 1 day – return on same day.
Itinerary is subject to change.
This trip will also be offered in Dec. 2010 / Jan. 2011, either with this itinerary or as a 28-day trip.
Be sure to see Kasma's Southern Trip C Photos.