18 to 35s Essential Southern Thailand
Love beaches? Islands? Cocktails? Well, you’ll love this trip! Head from buzzing Bangkok to blissful Ko Samui and Phuket on this eight-day southern Thailand adventure. With loads of free time to go snorkelling, swimming and waterfall-chasing, you’ll also enjoy awesome included activities, like hiking, learning about turtles, blissing out on the beach and getting your safari fix in the jungle of Khao Sok National Park. Stay in a traditional raft house and be treated to some classic Thai hospitality, then end it all in vibrant Phuket.
Why you'll love this trip
Khao Sok National Park — Step into another world and go wildlife spotting and waterfall hiking through some of the oldest jungles in the world.
Classic Thai flavours — Eat your weight in pad Thai, mango sticky rice, roti bread, street snacks and home-cooked dinners, then try your hand at making delicious local food.
Ko Samui island life — Discover a real slice of paradise, cruise the island, chase waterfalls and enjoy free time for Thai massages or the Samui Elephant Sanctuary.
Sea turtle conservation — Visit the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center and learn how leatherback turtle eggs and other local turtle species are rescued.
Nightlife and new friends — Explore vibrant nightlife, beach bars and beach clubs in Bangkok, Ko Samui and Phuket with like-minded travellers and a local leader.
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds. Meet like-minded travellers, explore southern Thailand and enjoy plenty of free time to make the adventure your own.
Itinerary
Itinerary for 1 January 2027 onwards. Trip details may change across seasons.
DAY 01
Bangkok
Your southern Thailand adventure begins in buzzing Bangkok. Meet your group and local leader, explore the city and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Thailand's beaches, islands and jungles.
DAY 02
Bangkok — Overnight Train
Explore more of Bangkok before boarding an overnight sleeper train southbound to Surat Thani. The overnight train is a great way to travel long distances while maximising your time in southern Thailand.
DAY 03
Ko Samui
Arrive in southern Surat Thani this morning and then board a bus and ferry to Ko Samui. From here, it's waterfalls, swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling all day, every day. When you arrive, you have free time to explore Ko Samui. Known for its palm-fringed beaches and coconut groves, maybe beach hop your way around the island or spend the afternoon relaxing. This evening, maybe get a group of your new friends together and find a place for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations of where to eat.
DAY 04
Ko Samui
Enjoy another day discovering Ko Samui. Make the most of the island's beaches, waterfalls and tropical scenery, with plenty of free time for optional activities and relaxing.
DAY 05
Ko Samui
Continue enjoying Ko Samui with free time to swim, snorkel, relax on the beach or choose from optional island experiences.
DAY 06
Khao Sok National Park
Head into Khao Sok National Park, one of the world's oldest rainforests. Experience the incredible jungle scenery and discover the area's wildlife and waterfalls before settling into a traditional raft house.
DAY 07
Khao Sok National Park — Phuket
Leave the jungle behind and travel towards Phuket, stopping along the way to experience more of southern Thailand. Visit the Khao Lak Tsunami Memorial and the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center before continuing to vibrant Phuket.
DAY 08
Phuket
Your southern Thailand adventure comes to an end in Phuket this morning. If you have extra time, consider staying a few additional days to experience more of Phuket and its surrounding islands.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
Bangkok · Ko Samui
Khao Sok · Phuket
Meals
2 breakfasts
1 lunch · 1 dinner
Transport
Boat · Ferry · Public bus
Private vehicle · Overnight sleeper train
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights) · Resort (3 nights)
Rafthouse (1 night) · Sleeper train (1 night)
Included activities
- Bangkok — Wat Pho
- Ko Samui — half day guided tour
- Khao Sok National Park — Longtail Boat Wildlife Safari
- Khao Sok National Park — Rafthouse Stay
- Khao Lak — Tsunami Memorial
- Phang Nga — Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center
- Khao Sok National Park — Waterfall Hike
Optional activities
- Bangkok — Tuk Tuk Experience Urban AdventureTHB 2,500
- Bangkok — Grand PalaceTHB 500
- Bangkok — Jim Thompson's HouseTHB 250
- Bangkok — Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)THB 200
- Bangkok — Thai MassageTHB 300
- Ko Samui — Thai MassageTHB 300
- Ko Samui — Thai cooking classTHB 2,300
- Ko Samui — Day trip to Koh TaoTHB 2,400
- Ko Samui — Ang Thong Marine Park tourTHB 2,500
- Ko Samui — Samui Elephant SanctuaryTHB 3,500
- Phuket — Similan Day TripTHB 3,500
- Phuket — Surin National Marine Park Day TripTHB 3,500
- Phuket — Elephant SanctuaryTHB 3,500
- Phuket — Phi Phi & Koh Khai Island Day TripTHB 3,500
- Phuket — Banana Beach & Koh Mai Ton Day TripTHB 2,500
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in the destinations you visit.
Before you book
Is this trip right for you?
- This trip involves some long stints of travel using local transport, including a 13-hour overnight train to Surat Thani. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a great experience and the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at your destinations.
- As this is a Basic trip, the majority of activities are optional and you'll have lots of free time. This means you're able to do your own thing at your own pace. Accommodation will be basic but is always comfortable.
- The weather in Thailand can be hot, so ensure that you pack accordingly. Please also wear sunscreen and a hat and drink plenty of water.
- As this trip only has limited time in Phuket, we recommend staying a few extra days after your tour to enjoy all the optional activities this amazing destination has to offer.
- This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out 18 to 35s Real Thailand.
- When visiting religious attractions such as temples or mosques, you are required to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Long pants or skirts are appropriate, along with closed-toe shoes or sneakers.
Important notes
This is an 18 to 35s Basic trip with plenty of optional activities and free time. Travel includes local transport and an overnight sleeper train.
Visas
Please check the current visa and entry requirements applicable to your nationality before travelling. Refer to the Essential Trip Information for the latest details.
Accommodation
Accommodation includes hotels, resorts, an overnight sleeper train and a traditional rafthouse. Accommodation is basic but comfortable.
Joining point
Bangkok, Thailand. Please refer to your Essential Trip Information for the confirmed joining point and arrival details.
Dates and prices
| Departs | Returns | Availability | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 27 Sep 2026 | Sun 4 Oct 2026 | Sale Last minute | $750 $600 |
| Sun 4 Oct 2026 | Sun 11 Oct 2026 | Sale Last minute | $750 $563 |
| Sun 18 Oct 2026 | Sun 25 Oct 2026 | Sale Last minute | $750 $638 |
| Sun 25 Oct 2026 | Sun 1 Nov 2026 | Sale Last minute | $750 $563 |
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | Sun 8 Nov 2026 | Sale Last minute | $785 $589 |
| Sun 8 Nov 2026 | Sun 15 Nov 2026 | Spots available | $785 |
| Sun 15 Nov 2026 | Sun 22 Nov 2026 | 1 spot left | $895 |
| Sun 22 Nov 2026 | Sun 29 Nov 2026 | Spots available | $785 |
| Thu 26 Nov 2026 | Thu 3 Dec 2026 | Spots available | $785 |
| Sun 6 Dec 2026 | Sun 13 Dec 2026 | Spots available | $785 |
Reviews
This was a great, short trip through the southern part of Thailand! If I could change one thing it would be to have one less day in Koh Samui for one more day in Khao Sok. It was so beautiful!!
This trip was exceptionally beautiful and nature heavy. We got to see a little of the city of Bangkok, a lot of Ko Samui and surrounding islands on day tours, and the highlight of the trip was Khao Sok. I would have loved to spend more time at the national park - it was breathtaking and serene! Our guide, Chilli, was wonderful and helped with every moment!
GIGI you made our Thailand trip amazing. We loved every second of it. If you are lucky enough to have Gigi as your guide make sure to have fun and try all of the activities! Make sure to do Pig Island and the elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui!
I had a great time on this trip! We had a good amount of both travel, sightseeing and relaxation time. There were many optional activities you could choose from. Our tour guide Maled was excellent, he had lots of local knowledge and had a great personality and sense of humour which I valued. I would recommend this trip!
This was the most amazing trip! It is such a great way for travellers to meet like-minded people and explore a new country in a very safe and organised way, especially for solo female travellers. Maled our tour guide was amazing, and it will be a trip I will never forget!