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Day 1: Bangkok Arrival
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day is free.
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Day 2: Bangkok
Explore a different side to the city by tuk-tuk as you whizz through the traffic to reach the fortress of Phra Sameru Fortress built during the reign of Rama I, and is only one of two that have survived to present day. Then it’s off to the Amulet Market where a vast array of religious amulets, charms and traditional medicine is sold. See the reclining Buddha of Wat Po and head into Little India where a labyrinth of narrow lanes is stocked with rolls of textiles such as silk and cotton. Last stop is the Thieves Market once a home for stolen goods! Tonight travel by overnight sleeper train to Surat Thani.
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Day 3: Khao Sok National Park
This morning arrive early into Surat Thani and drive to Khao Sok National Park, one of the oldest evergreen forests in the world. The park stretches over 739 square kilometres and is bursting with thick native rainforest, waterfalls, towering limestone cliffs and a lake. It is home to many species of animals including elephants, gibbons, bears, langur monkeys and a rare tiger or two! Take a swim in the river and have a spot of lunch before meeting an elephant for a ride in the jungle.
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Day 4: Khao Sok National Park
Travel by pick-up truck through the jungle to the enormous, yet tranquil Raja Phraba Lake and take a long-tail boat to a floating raft house. The building of the dam has created many floating island communities. Spend the day swimming, tubing and exploring the nearby caves.
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Day 5: Khao Sok – Koh Samui
Drive to the port to catch a ferry to Koh Samui, an island of the east coast of Thailand. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, calm waters, snorkelling and diving, you’ll be spoiled for choice. This once sleepy island has a lively bar and nightlife scene, boutiques and galleries, and global cuisine.
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Day 6: Koh Samui
Explore Samui’s with a half-day tour taking in the natural rock formations of Grandmother and Grandfather Rock and the islands Big Buddha. Then be prepared for the bizarre as you visit Wat Khunaram and see the mummified monk seated in a glass case and surprisingly showing little signs of decay!
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Day 7: Koh Samui – Koh Tao
Hop aboard the ferry to Koh Tao, once a haunt of sea turtles, this small island has become a magnet for divers wanting to view the coral reefs. The main attraction is diving although the laid back atmosphere and white sandy beaches are perfect to get away from it all.
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Day 8: Koh Tao
Cruise to an outlying reef for a day of snorkelling amongst the coral , spotting an abundance of tropical reef fish, stingrays, turtles, and even sharks. If you’re lucky and depending on the season, there is even the chance to see whale sharks
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Day 9: Tao – Bangkok
Take the ferry to Koh Samui and the airport, for your onward journey.