Thailand Beaches Discovery 10 Days • Private Journey by Ancient Orient Journeys

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Bangkok, a city where ancient temples and modern skyscrapers stand side by side. Meet your guide and group at 6:00 pm for a welcome meeting and trip briefing.

If you arrive early, explore Bangkok’s colourful street life: hop on a tuk tuk, stroll around bustling markets, or take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. In the evening, you might check out Khao San Road, famous for its lively atmosphere.

Important Note: Please attend the welcome meeting as we will collect insurance and emergency contact details. If delayed, kindly inform the hotel reception.

Start your day visiting Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, beautifully located along the river. The rest of the day is free for you to explore:

• Visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
• See the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, birthplace of Thai massage
• Take a riverboat to Chinatown or a longtail boat through Bangkok’s canals (khlongs)

In the evening, board your overnight sleeper train heading south toward Langsuan. Sleep in clean, air-conditioned compartments, sharing with locals or fellow travellers.

Special Note: Sleeper trains are air-conditioned and can be chilly; we recommend packing a jumper and long pants.

Arrive early and enjoy a local-style breakfast at Luangsuan market before taking a ferry to Ko Pitak, a quiet fishing island. Settle into a traditional homestay where you’ll experience authentic southern Thai life.

Join your guide for a village walk to get to know the community. Meals today feature fresh seafood caught by local fishermen, offering you a true taste of the region’s culinary traditions.

Say goodbye to your island hosts and travel back to the mainland by boat. Continue by private minivan to Chumphon (approx. 1.5 hours), where you’ll check into a beachfront resort on tranquil Thung Wua Lan Beach.

In the afternoon, visit Khao Matsee viewpoint for stunning coastal views and perhaps enjoy a cup of local coffee. The evening is yours to relax, stroll along the pristine beach, or watch the sunset.

Today, set out on a full-day boat trip, exploring three different snorkelling sites around Chumphon. Spend the day surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and colourful marine life.

Lunch is included onboard. Return in the late afternoon with time to unwind and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

This morning, travel by ferry to Ko Tao, famed for its spectacular coral reefs and laid-back beach atmosphere. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure:

• Relax on palm-fringed beaches like Sairee
• Join an optional diving course or snorkelling trip
• Take a Thai cooking class or indulge in a local spa treatment

In the evening, enjoy Ko Tao’s casual beach nightlife or simply relax with sunset views.

Experience the best of Ko Tao’s underwater world on today’s full-day snorkelling tour by boat. Highlights include:

• Shark Island: Spotting reef sharks and leopard sharks
• Luek Bay: One of the island’s best swimming beaches with fish-filled reefs
• Hin Wong Bay: Enjoy lunch onboard while anchored in this scenic bay
• Nang Yuan Island: Hike up for panoramic views, snorkel through schools of parrotfish, or relax on the beach

Cruise to Ko Samui, Thailand’s third largest island, where white-sand beaches meet cultural sights and lively markets. Known simply as Samui to locals, this island offers plenty to explore:

• Big Buddha Temple
• Waterfalls, temples, and local markets
• Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury spas

Optional activities today include a sightseeing tour or a hands-on Thai cooking class.

Special Note: Ferry travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Enjoy your final full day as you wish. Two popular options:

• Ang Thong Marine National Park: Take a speedboat to this archipelago of 40 islands for snorkelling, kayaking, hiking to the Emerald Lake viewpoint, and relaxing on the beach.
• Samui Elephant Sanctuary: Visit this ethical elephant sanctuary to observe rescued elephants as they roam, bathe, and socialise naturally.

Alternatively, simply relax at your resort, enjoy beach time, or explore Samui’s vibrant shopping and dining scene.

After breakfast, your journey concludes. Check out and transfer onward, or extend your stay in paradise — AOJ is happy to assist with arrangements.