Itinerary for Thailand Travel Adventures Trip C
Southern Thailand
January 20 to February 9, 2011
Itinerary is subject to change.
Day 1, Thursday, January 20, 2011 – Depart San Francisco for Bangkok (very early morning) – lose one day.
Day 2, Friday, January 21, 2011 – Arrive in Bangkok, (mid-day) – Free Afternoon.
Day 3, Saturday, January 22, 2011 – 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 23, 2011 – 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 (sample delicious jack fruit) and Pranburi marina for a scrumptious seafood brunch. Overnight in Ranong, known for its healing hot mineral springs and spa.
Day 5, Monday, January 24, 2011 – 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 dorm-style park accommodations, we will have the afternoon to explore the main island of the group.
Day 6, Tuesday, January 25, 2011 – Koh Surin National Park – Today will be spent boating around the two main Surin islands, stopping off at prime spots for snorkeling. The extensive reefs here are extraordinary – 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 26, 2011 – 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 and coral formations!
Day 8, Thursday, January 27, 2011 – 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 28, 2011 – Takua Pa to Khao Sok – Drive through spectacular mountain country of dramatic limestone karsts, surrounded by lush remains of a 160-million-yr-old rainforest. Late afternoon boating tour of a magical lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Swim and watch for wildlife: hornbills, monkeys, dusky langurs, serows and millions of fruit bats at sunset.
Day 10, Saturday, January 29, 2011 – Khao Sok to Nakhon Si Thammarat –Following breakfast at our lodging by the picturesque lake, we’ll head for the ancient city of Nakhon Si Thammarat on the gulf coast. Along the way, stop by a monkey training school to see how they are taught to pick coconuts, among other jobs. Scenic drive along the coastal highway. Shop for handicrafts.
Day 11, Sunday, January 30, 2011 – Nakhon Si Thammarat –Nakhon is the cultural heart and handicraft center of the South and an ancient sacred site of Buddhism. Walk the bustling Sunday market and acquaint yourself with the region’s history and culture at the local branch of the Nat’l Museum. Visit the workshop of a national artist to see a demonstration of shadow puppet play.
Day 12, Monday, January 31, 2011 – Nakhon Si Thammarat –Sample southern delicacies for breakfast at a well-known “kanom jeen” shop. Visit temples, a royally supported training center where villagers learn how to weave the exquisite “yan lipao” basketry, and an elementary school in a small village south of the city where the region’s fantastic manora dance is taught.
Day 13, Tuesday, February 1, 2011 – Nakhon to Krabi –Make a “pilgrimage” to the South’s most sacred temple – the magnificent Wat Mahathat with its 1000 kg solid gold spire atop a bell-shaped stupa where a piece of Buddha’s ashes is enshrined. After lunch, we’ll head across the lush peninsula to the seaport town of Krabi on the western coast.
Day 14, Wednesday, February 2, 2011 – Krabi – Take a refreshing morning soak in the natural pools of an unusual waterfall hot spring in a forest preserve. Walk a lovely nature trail through lowland forests to a spring-fed crystal pool for a swim. Visit Krabi Batik Center; shop for artfully handpainted batiks.Scrumptious meals at a favorite Krabi restaurant!
Day 15, Thursday, February 3, 2011 – Krabi to Island Home – Explore Krabi province’s magnificent coastline with 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 with dramatic scenery.
Day 16, Friday, February 4, 2011 – Idyllic Island Home –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 Nat’l Park and when it’s in, we’ll relax on beautiful beaches, kayak to alluring coves, or go birding on our charming tropical island home, also home to many families of gregarious hornbills.
Day 17, Saturday, February 5, 2011– Idyllic Island Home – Another day to explore the lovely Andaman seacoast, including the captivating islands of Phi Phi Marine Nat’l Park, flanked by towering limestone cliffs, ringed by picturesque bays, lagoons & gorgeous white-sand beaches, and surrounded by extensive reefs, home to millions of fish and delightful coral gardens.
Day 18, Sunday, February 6, 2011 – Island Home 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, or optional visit to nearby Tiger Cave forest monastery. Exquisite dinner of southern specialties!
Day 19, Monday, February 7, 2011 – Krabi. – Free Day. Enjoy our resort’s large pool beneath towering limestone karsts. Walk to town along the lovely river, shop or visit the bustling marketplace as you wish. Or pamper yourself at the resort’s spa in an idyllic and tranquil setting (highly recommended!)
Day 20, Tuesday, February 8, 2011 – 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. Shop for curry pastes, spices and packaged Thai snacks to take home for yourself or as gifts. Farewell Party & Feast
Day 21, Wednesday, February 9, 2011 – 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 Jan./Feb. 2012 with a 28-day itinerary.
Be sure to see Kasma's Southern Trip C Photos.
