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Kayak and Hike Wild Thailand

Paddle and hike through lush jungle, explore tropical islands and relax on palm-lined beaches along the way

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Trip Ref #10518

Kayak and Hike Wild Thailand

Paddle and hike through lush jungle, explore tropical islands and relax on palm-lined beaches along the way

DURATION
9 nights
LOCATION
Thailand
ANNUAL LEAVE
6 days off work
SEASON
Oct-Aug
GROUP SIZE
Up to 12 people
MEETING POINT
Bangkok Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Comfort

Hotel · Train Carriage · Rafthouse · Rainforest Lodge

OVERALL RATING

5.0

Based on 3 reviews
DIFFICULTY
Easy

With short hikes, paddles or rides most days, this is manageable by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure.

Kayak the otherworldly Khao Sok Lake and circumnavigate the mangrove-fringed Ao Phang Nga National Park

Hike the jungle trails of Khao Sok National Park and Kao Yao Yai Island, and tackle the 1260 steps up to Tiger Cave Temple

Kick back in longtail boats and hang out on white sandy beaches, peepers open for incredible wildlife

Bed down in a jungle lodge, drift off on a floating bungalow, and rest up in idyllic boutique hotels

Day 1

Welcome to Bangkok

Touch down in Bangkok, the city with the world's longest name. This fascinating city thrums with the pulse of old and new, and is home to arguably some of the best street food in South East Asia. Soak up the vibes as you're collected by your host at the airport and transferred to your hotel in bustling Chinatown. Depending on when you arrive, head out to explore - Yaowarat Road, the main artery of Chinatown, is moments from your doorstep; or hit sights like the Grand Palace and its Emerald Buddha.

Day 2

Cycle Bang Krajao

Cycling

2-3hrs · 15km

Head out of the frenetic streets of Bangkok and hop on two wheels to explore the winding trails of Bang Krajao. A lush haven known as the 'Green Lung of Bangkok', a leisurely cycle ride through the peace and quiet here is a tonic. A popular spot for locals, here nature thrives and languid canals cool the air. Stop to meet the community of people who call this oasis of calm home, before heading back to the city to board your sleeper train. Roll out of Bangkok heading south to Surat Thani, where the adventure really begins.

Day 3

Khao Sok National Park

Hiking

3-4hrs · 5km · 250m up · 250m down

Wildlife Watching

1hr

Rolling into Surat Thani, grab your bag and fill up on breakfast. Hit the road by van, before sailing out on a scenic boat ride into heart of the sublime Khao Sok National Park. The park conserves the largest area of virgin forest in southern Thailand and is teeming with native species, which you'll experience on a wild jungle hike. At sunset, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife aboard a longtail boat, before bedding down on the lake in your tranquil floating bungalow.

Day 4

Khao Sok National Park

Canoeing

2hrs · 5km

Wildlife Watching

2hrs · 4km

Set off deep into Khao Sok National Park to your next destination, your jungle lodge nestled amidst one of the world's oldest rainforests. Jump in a canoe to paddle the Sok River, taking in the jungle entwined banks, dramatic limestone cliffs and some of the 331 bird species. After sunset, explore the jungle, alive with the chorus of chirruping insects - an expert local guide will lead you on a nocturnal hike to discover wildlife. If you're lucky, you may even catch a sighting of the rare, elusive jungle cat. Later, drift off to the sounds of the forest symphony in your bungalow.

Day 5

Than Bok Khorani National Park

Kayaking

3-4hrs · 6-7km

Head south to the small village of Bothor, on the coast of Phong Nha Bay, and into Than Bok Khorani National Park. Hop into a kayak and fully immerse yourself in this enigmatic place. Paddling through dense mangroves, you'll enter caves adorned with stalagmites, stalactites and ancient paintings. Glide across shallow aquamarine lagoons until you reach the ethereal blue pool of Tham Lord. Hit the beach for some downtime late afternoon and savour the tranquillity of the location.

Day 6

Krabi

Hiking

3-4hrs · 5km · 600m up · 600m down

Kick off today with a hike to Huay Toh, a glistening tiered waterfall at the base of Phanom Bencha mountain - the perfect place for a cooling dip. Suitably refreshed, it's time to seek inner peace at the Tiger Cave Temple Complex. Limber up and hit the 1260 uneven steps to the top, where you can take in the stunning views over Krabi province, presided over by the ever-watchful golden Buddha statue. Wander past sacred trees and the monks' sanctuary to the Tiger Cave itself. Back at the beach, relax and admire the islands of Phong Nga Bay.

Day 7

Koh Yao Yai Island

Kayaking

3-4hrs · 4-5km

Leaving the mainland, travel to Koh Yao Yai by speedboat. The island sits within Ao Phang Nga National Park which is famous for its limestone cliffs and islets skirted by forest. Jump into a kayak to paddle quietly through unspoiled mangroves, watching fiddler crabs scuttle away from hungry macaques. The mangroves near Ban Ya Mi village cover an area of approximately five square kilometres, and are a critical part of the island ecosystem. After your paddle, kick back into island life on the white sands and catch the sunset.

Day 8

Koh Yao Yai Island

Hiking

3hrs · 4km · 10m up · 10m down

Lace up your boots for a hike around Koh Yao Yai Island. Encircled by the clear coastal waters of Phang Nga Bay, soak up the charm of this peaceful location, away from the hustle and bustle. Head through lush jungle, past rubber and coconut plantations, spotting tropical birdlife hiding amid the foliage. Quiet villages dot the island, with plenty of opportunities to meet local residents and discover their sustainable rubber tree oil extraction process. Enjoy lunch by a peaceful stream before heading on to the bustling vibes of Old Town Phuket, where you can explore at your own pace.

Day 9

Island-hopping by sea kayak

Kayaking

3-4hrs · 10km approx

Your final day features an epic sea kayaking adventure, visiting some of the most spectacular parts of Phang Nga Bay. Head to Ao Por pier to meet your local guide and be briefed on the day's activities, which will be tailored to the tides. Out on the water, you'll use a large longtail boat as a floating base. Circumnavigate tropical islands, discover hidden beaches and snorkel in the clear warm sea, taking in the gnarled limestone formations. Head ashore for a spot of lunch and a wander through the mangroves. Head back to dry land in the evening to have one final dinner with your fellow adventurers in the buzzing streets of Phuket Old Town.

Day 10

Phuket

After breakfast, say your final goodbyes. You'll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.

Included

Guides

Local, English-speaking tour leader, plus specialist guides for activities

Accommodation

Think jungle lodges, floating bungalows and sleeper trains, as well as boutique hotels

Meals

All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners

Transfers

Airport transfers and everything in between

Equipment

All your kayaking and cycling equipment, including cycle helmet

Permits

All permits, tickets and entry fees

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Some meals as described

Tips for your guides

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Train Carriage · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Rafthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Rainforest Lodge · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6 – Day 8

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 9

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 10

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Thai cuisine tends not to designate meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner times - on the whole, most meals are eaten at any time. Breakfasts in hotels will cater for all tastes. The majority of Thai dishes are on the spicy side, and served with rice, with options such as rice porridge, minced pork balls, ribs, seafood, omelettes, a variety of fresh fruit, grilled pork, or fried eggs - often served with ham and additional garnishes. Western options, including eggs, ham, sausage, toast and cereal, will be available.

For lunch or dinner, common dishes in Southern Thailand include fried pork with basil, green curry soup, spicy noodles with vegetables, seafood or crispy pork, red curry, and sataw beans - a regional speciality served with stir-fried prawns and vegetables. However, on Koh Yao Yai island 90% of the population are Muslim, so pork dishes will rarely be found.

Vegetarians, vegans and those with other dietary requirements or allergies can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger info form.

What is the accommodation like?

Bangkok

Your first night in Thailand will be spent at the Asai Hotel, Chinatown. This stylish, boutique, 3-star hotel is close to the heart of the action and within easy reach of the MRT - Bangkok's subway system. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Overnight Train

A journey aboard a sleeper train is an essential experience of travelling in Thailand! You'll be travelling south from Bangkok to Surat Thani overnight, in a standard two-person shared berth. With one bunk above and one below, you'll be provided with sheets, a blanket and a pillow. Relax, explore or get to know your fellow passengers. There is also a food and drink service available on board.

Floating Bungalow, Khao Sok National Park

Located in a quiet corner of Khao Sok Lake, you'll be gently swayed to sleep in your floating bungalow upon the glassy waters. The Phupa Waree bungalows are mostly off-grid, but with electricity at night. Enjoy the remote jungle surroundings in comfort and take in the superb scenery from your own porch. Your bungalow stay will be on a twin-share basis with an en-suite bathroom.

Jungle Lodge, Khao Sok National Park

April and October - December departures: Spend the night at the Anurak Community Lodge (or similar) surrounded by rainforest. The lodge is set in six hectares of lush tropical gardens right on the boundary of Khao Sok National Park, with bungalow rooms nestled beneath a canopy of trees. You’ll stay in a Deluxe Eco room on a twin share basis, with an en suite bathroom, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito netting above each bed and a large balcony, affording you a panoramic view of the jungle scenery.

January - March departures: Stay at The Cliff & River Jungle Resort in simple bungalow-style accommodation. The riverside setting is spectacular - think tropical gardens surrounded by rainforest and towering limestone karsts. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with air-conditioning, en suite bathrooms and mosquito netting above each bed.

Krabi

The serene Elements Krabi is a 4-star hotel set within abundant, tropical grounds beside Klong Muang beach. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms, tastefully designed to be in tune with nature. The hotel gardens are inspired by the beautiful Emerald Pond of Krabi, featuring turquoise pools with glittering waterways for you to relax in.

Koh Yao Yai Island

Relax into island life from your southern Thai-style bungalow at the 4-star Koh Yao Yai Village Resort overlooking Phang-Nga Bay. At this beachside property, you'll be staying in air-conditioned twin-share bungalows with a terrace and en-suite bathroom (complete with an outdoor rain shower). Make footprints in the powdery white sand, take a dip in the infinity pool or swim in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea.

Note: the December 2023 departure will stay at the 4-star Royal Yao Yai Hotel.

Phuket

Furnished in modern Sino-Portuguese style, Bhukkita Boutique Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Phuket Old Town. You'll be staying in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms, with a blend of minimalist decor and splashes of vibrant colour.

Note: the December 2023 departure will stay at the Ratri Hotel.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability). Please note, it is not possible to have a private room on the overnight train.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok International Airport)

Any time on Day 1

Ends

Phuket International Airport

Any time on Day 10

Transfers

Your host will meet you on arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and transfer you to your hotel in vibrant Chinatown. At the end of the tour, your host will transfer you to Phuket International Airport in time for your onward flight.

Airport transfers are included in the main price no matter what time or day you arrive/depart, provided you have supplied your flight details in advance.

Travel options

There are direct international flights to Bangkok from the UK and major European hubs, although the return flight from Phuket may be indirect. Indirect international flight options from the UK and various hubs in Europe usually transit via Amman, Paris, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Doha, Singapore or Hong Kong. From the US, there are indirect flights from various major hubs which transit via Seoul, Haneda, Narita, Manila, Istanbul, Zurich, Doha or Dubai, dependent on whether you are flying west or east.

For those arriving early or wanting to stay on, extra nights (and transfers) can be arranged with your host at an additional cost. Please see Optional Extras for more information.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • All canoeing and kayaking gear for sea and inland waterways
  • Bike and cycle helmet

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
  • Daypack (20 litre minimum)
  • Waterproof liner for daypack

CLOTHES

  • Lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Lightweight waterproof trousers
  • Thin jacket or similar
  • Buff or neckscarf/sarong
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts (cover knees in temples and villages)
  • T-shirts (cover shoulders in temples and villages)
  • Underwear and socks
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Something to sleep in
  • Hiking shoes/boots (worn-in)
  • Sandals

SLEEPING

  • Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
  • Travel pillow or pillowcase

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Insect repellent
  • Suncream (reef friendly only)
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Headtorch or torch (with spare batteries)
  • Luggage padlock
  • Reusable water bottle x1 litre
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Pre-trip accommodation in Bangkok (Single, Twin or Double)

Payable Before Departure

Pre-trip accommodation in Bangkok (Single, Twin or Double)

Post trip accommodation in Phuket (Single, Twin or Double)

Payable Before Departure

Post trip accommodation in Phuket (Single, Twin or Double)

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade

- Victoria(March 2023)

The areas visited were all fantastic. Krabi and the location of the hotel was the one weak link

- jan(January 2023)

If you’re wavering about doing this trip, stop now and book it! You’ll see and experience so much. From start to finish we had the best time, amazing experiences, fantastic people, wonderful food, scenery which will make you sit silent in wonder. The organisation was seamless and it’s difficult to think how our guides could possibly have been any better; they were so enthusiastic and went out of their way to make sure we had an extraordinary time. The accommodation was really comfortable and exciting - floating bungalows/jungle tree house/top notch hotel - just smashing from start to finish, one of the very best holidays we’ve ever had.

- Eugene(January 2023)

This was an excellent trip connecting us with the beautiful natural environment of Thailand through outdoor adventure. It’s amazing how we managed to experience so many things in ten days - hiking to scenic lookouts, kayaking through mangroves and caves, walking on white sandy beaches, and immersing ourselves into the culture of the local communities. Our guide Rit did an amazing job to make sure we were seamlessly moved along and he always ensured the food arrived piping hot just as we sat down. I can only imagine how much work Rit and the organisers put in to create such an unforgettable and mind blowing experience for all of us. You’ll be missing out if you haven’t already signed up for this trip!

We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 530kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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 between 2 and 4 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 1237 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.

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 in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.

Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.

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