Kayak and Hike Wild Thailand

Whilst no prior experience is needed, a reasonable level of general fitness is required – you'll be cycling, hiking and kayaking at different points across the itinerary for between two and four hours in duration and using different muscle groups. The cycling in Bangkok will be relaxed and makes a good acclimatisation activity. The hiking within the itinerary will be through jungle and tropical foliage, and although not at high altitude or on difficult terrain, the heat, humidity and possible rain will mean you need to be prepared. The 1200+ steps up to the Golden Buddha and Tiger Cave Temple are no mean feat. Kayaking on inland waters will be gentle, although on tidal waters amid mangroves or when sea kayaking, the paddling will be a little more challenging. You can read our article on Discovering Thailand Beyond the Backpacker Trail to get an idea of what this trip is like.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and not customary in Thailand, but if you wish to, your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

70 THB-135 THB / US$2-US$4, per person, per day can be used. (Please don't tip with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes. Culturally, this is regarded as an insult.)

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink. Clean drinking water will be provided throughout. Please pack your own reusable bottle, it will be well used. There will be a large drinking water container provided on the vehicles for you to refill you bottle.

Thailand's climate is generally hot and humid, with the rain arriving over the middle months of the year. The seasons differ in each region of the country, meaning the weather will vary depending where you are. Khao Sok National Park can experience rain showers all year round. May to August is a great time to visit the rainforest, which green and vibrant and there is a higher chance of spotting wildlife, although there is a higher chance of heavy rain showers and stronger breezes in Phang Nga bay.

Thailand’s south and west regions have three seasons. From November to March, conditions are pleasant with a refreshing breeze reducing humidity making the daytime a little more comfortable and temperatures generally in the region of 26°C / 79°F to 32°C / 90°F, and down to around 23°C / 73°F at night. From March to May, the heat and humidity rises with temperatures generally in the region of 30°C / 86°F to 36°C / 97°F in the daytime, and down to around 25°C / 77°F at night. From late May it’s rainy season, which usually lasts through to October, with peak rainfall usually between mid-September and mid-October. Between June and August the rain falls in a short, heavy downpours, most likely in the afternoons. Temperatures are generally in the region of 35°C / 95°F to 40°C / 104°F in the daytime and down to around 27°C / 81°F at night.

Bangkok’s weather follows the same pattern as described above, with the most pleasant time to visit being between December and February with cooler temperatures. Between March and May it’s at its hottest with daytime temperatures at around 40°C / 104°F.

The trip dates are scheduled across southern Thailand’s dry months as well as some of the wet months, as both seasons are great times to experience the varied locations and activities in this trip. However, due to weather and local conditions at the time of travel, minor changes to the route, order or timing of the activities may be necessary once you’re on the trip. Your host will ensure any changes, if necessary, are kept to a minimum, and your guide will keep you in the loop as the trip progresses to ensure that you have an awesome time.

Due to the point to point nature of this trip, your luggage will be transported with you throughout the journey. During the overnight train journey, please ensure your luggage is locked and stowed underneath the berth seats.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small day sack to carry personal items and water bottle during each day.

There will be a different types of kayaks or canoes used across the itinerary, including inflatable canoes and kayaks as well as sit-on-top kayaks, all of which will be doubles. Inflatable kayaks and canoes provide buoyancy, stability, performance and durability with quick response to the light paddle strokes; they can be used on the sea, estuaries, rivers, lakes and canals. Sit-on-top kayaks are very stable and easy to paddle for everyone, from new paddlers through to experienced paddlers. Sit-on-top kayaks can be used on the sea, estuaries, rivers, lakes and canals.

The inflatable canoes are designed for two persons and have average weight limit 240kg. The sit-on-top kayaks are made from a plastic and polystyrene composite, are for two persons and have an average weight limit of 170kg. The SOTAR inflatable kayaks are made from Lextron 40oz fabric and have an approximate weight limit of 250kg.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.