Itinerary for Thailand Travel Adventures 2013-14 Trip C (tentative)

Day 1, Thursday, January 23, 2014 – Depart San Francisco for Bangkok (very early morning) – lose one day.

Day 2, Friday, January 24, 2014 – Arrive in Bangkok, (mid-day). Free afternoon.

Day 3, Saturday, January 25, 2014 – 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 restaurant!

Day 4, Sunday, January 26, 2014 – Bangkok to Ranong – Head south along the narrow peninsula, stopping in Hua Hin for a colorful market walk (sample delicious jack fruit) and to stock up on kanom (snack foods). Then stop at Pranburi marina for a scrumptious seafood brunch. Overnight in Ranong, known for its healing hot mineral springs and spa.

Day 5, Monday, January 27, 2014 – 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 National 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 28, 2014 – Koh Surin National Park –Today will be spent boating to various spots around the Surin group of islands to snorkel the extensive reefs which support an extraordinary abundance of marine life. Swim among large schools of colorful fiishes and, if we're at the right place at the right time, we may see sea turtles. reef sharks and sting rays.

Day 7, Wednesday, January 29, 2014 – Koh Surin National Park – Another day to explore the Surin islands, both in and out of the water. Snorkel more of the fabulous reefs surrounding the five islands and marvel at the astounding array of sea life. We'll visit the Moken sea gypsy village on a beautiful cove of South Surin island near one of the long reefs where we'll snorkel.m

Day 8, Thursday, January 30, 2014 – Koh Surin to Kuraburi – Free morning – go for a last snorkel or take a nature walk, keeping an eye out for wildlife and rare birds. After lunch, we'll head back for the mainland coast. Overnight stay at a luxurious resort set against lush rainforest vegetation, where we can once again enjoy the amenities of civilization.

Day 9, Friday, January 31, 2014 – 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, February 1, 2014 – 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, February 2, 2014 – Idyllic Island Home – Today and tomorrow we’ll follow the tide. When it recedes, 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 3, 2014 – 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 4, 2014 – 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 delicious Krabi restaurant!

Day 14, Wednesday, February 5, 2014 – 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 6, 2014 – To Tarutao National Park – Following breakfast, 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 con-tinuing on to Lipeh island, our home for the next few days.

Day 16, Friday, February 7, 2014 – 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 National 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 8, 2014– Mu Koh Tarutao National Park –Another day to explore the many islands of Thailand’s first marine National 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 9, 2014 – 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 10, 2014 – 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 a Krabi restaurant.

Day 20, Tuesday, February 11, 2014 – 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 12, 2014 – Depart Bangkok for San Francisco (mid-day) – gain 1 day – return on same day.