Thailand Bangkok to Beaches Trip notes

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1 Trip Summary If you want to see the best of Thailand, from the crazed streets of Bangkok to the quiet bliss of hidden coves and palm-lined beaches, colourful underwater worlds, and famous beachside parties, this trip has it all. Starting in the capital, you ll get a taste for the history and culture behind the hustle and bustle of modern-day life in Bangkok from there we ll spend the rest of the trip hopping from one tropical island to another, taking in the incredible sights of Koh Tao, the party atmosphere of Koh Pha Ngan and, if you choose to extend your trip to 15 days, the devastatingly beautiful islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi. This trip has beachside living and party vibes in equal measure, you ll get to try a multitude of different activities in your own time and explore as you wish, with the freedom to discover the best of Thailand at your own pace, whilst being in safe hands with an experienced guide to help you plan your adventures. Are you travelling in 2018? Click here to see our amazing new itinerary! Trip Highlights Discover the magic of Bangkok s history and culture by canal Experience the tropical paradise of some of the world s most beautiful beaches Get up close and personal with some incredible marine life on a snorkelling trip Dance under the stars at one of Koh Pha Ngan s famous Moon parties Extend your trip to include the gorgeous Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi experience Make friends for life by sharing this experience with like-minded travellers Trip Info 1/7

2 Day 1: Arrival Welcome to Thailand! You ll be met at Bangkok Airport by our friendly team, who will take you to your guesthouse accommodation near Khao San Road (famously described as the centre of the backpacking universe in Alex Garland s book, The Beach). Once you ve settled in, you ll get the chance to mingle with the rest of the group and, if you arrive early enough, will have the opportunity to explore the bustling streets and colourful markets before heading out for a few drinks and some traditional Thai food in the evening. Day 2: Bangkok After breakfast the group will get together at 10am to discuss the day s events. You ll be going on a magical mystery tour of Bangkok, kicking things off with a laidback canal boat trip to discover some of Thailand s history. You ll also get a glimpse into the lives of some of Bangkok s more traditional communities before a trip to see some of the most iconic temples in the region. We ll head to Wat Arun to stand at the foot of the porcelain tower, before making our way to Wat Pho to pay our respects to Bangkok s famous golden reclining Buddha. Later on we ll take a tour of the majestic Grand Palace and the beautiful grounds that surround it (please note the entrance fee to the Grand Palace isn t included in the price of your trip this costs roughly 500THB/ 12). In the evening we ll freshen up at our hotel before hopping on a coach for an overnight journey to Koh Tao. Day 3: Koh Tao Arriving on the idyllic tropical island of Koh Tao (also known as Turtle Island), we ll head straight to our resort near popular tourist destination Sairee Beach to get settled in and beach-ready, as today you ll be taking it easy shore-side. Grab your swimming gear, take a dip in the bright blue waters, then chill under the palms with a cocktail or cold beer, or if you d prefer to stay within crawling distance of your room, you can make use of the accommodation s pool. If you re feeling inquisitive, you could take a wander to explore the typically busy, but laidback streets in the town centre, but there s no rush to see everything today you ll be calling Koh Tao home for the next few days, so relax and soak up some sunshine. Day 4-6: Koh Tao If it s beaches you re after, Koh Tao will spoil you with choice offering some of the best pristine white sand bays and coves in the country. While away your time with a front row seat to paradise, go and explore the rocky caves by kayak, hike through the forested terrain for the best views of the surrounding islands, or take a longtail boat trip to see every nook and cranny of this beautiful place from the sea. On day 5 you ll get to discover the island s amazing marine life on a snorkelling trip that will leave you speechless. In the evenings, we ll get together to discuss the day s events before hitting the town to enjoy the brilliant party atmosphere. Please note, all activities on Koh Tao other than the snorkelling trip on day 5 are optional, so make sure you budget accordingly. Day 7: Koh Pha Ngan Today we ll be hopping on a boat to Thailand s party isle Koh Pha Ngan. Known the world over for its epic Full Moon parties, you can expect a lively atmosphere as we get geared up for one of the island s Full Moon, Black Moon, or New Year s parties (depending on the time of year). Our accommodation for the next few days is in a great location right on the beach in the Ban Tai area and comes with its own pool and restaurant the perfect place to unwind in or plot daytime explorations from. Day 8-9: Free time on Koh Pha Ngan 2/7

3 The next couple of days are all yours to take in island life at your own pace. Besides beach parties and buzzing nightlife, Koh Pha Ngan is known for its natural beauty, covered in vast jungle greenery and dotted with secluded beaches. Go and see some traditional Chinese architecture at the Guanyin Temple, visit the temple grounds and have a herbal sauna session at Wat Pho, or dip your toes in the cool waters of Nam Tok Phaeng waterfall. In the evenings, enjoy a sunset swim, a bite to eat on the beach, or peruse the bustling night markets before partying under the stars. Your tour guide can help you plan activities and daytime excursions on Koh Pha Ngan, but any activities you arrange in your free time are at your own cost. Day 10: Bid goodbye or travel on For those of you booked onto the 10-day tour, you ll say goodbye to your group and make your way back to Bangkok. Speak to your guide beforehand about your plans and they ll help you make arrangements for onward travels. If you ve selected the Koh Phi Phi extension, you ll have the morning to relax before boarding a boat to Koh Samui a serene and tranquil setting even the most hungover travellers will appreciate! Lay back and chill on Chaweng beach this afternoon, and recharge before heading out in the evening to mingle with the locals and fellow globetrotters. Day 11: Koh Samui Today you ll have the opportunity to get out and explore as you wish whether that s not exploring at all and simply spending some time soaking up some sunshine, or indulging in a little retail therapy, or going all out and trekking through Ang Thong National Park, whizzing through the rainforest on a zipline tour, or visiting some of Koh Samui s most spiritual sites including the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem. Your guide will be able to suggest activities, advise on costs, and help you plan your day. Day 12: Koh Phi Phi Setting off from Koh Samui in the morning, we ll jump on a ferry back to the mainland before driving to Thailand s west coast and jumping on another ferry to the Koh Phi Phi islands. Undisputedly beautiful, you ll be forgiven for needing to pinch yourself constantly over the next few days Thailand really is home to so many breathtaking views. On arrival we ll make our way to our accommodation in the centre of town and get settled before enjoying a laidback evening. Day 13-14: Discover Koh Phi Phi Spend the next couple of days sightseeing and topping up your tan. Koh Phi Phi is notoriously chilled out, so go with the flow and take everything in your stride. It s worth putting some time aside to scale the scenic winding paths up to Phi Phi viewpoint for stunning views across the islands, taking a trip to Monkey Beach to feed the cheeky locals, and heading over to Maya Beach made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio film, The Beach.. If you re up for something a bit more energetic, spend some time snorkelling, kayaking, or touring the island by boat. Your guide will know the area and be able to point you in the right direction of all the best water sports activities. Day 15: Farewell It s very likely you won t want to leave, but today we do have to part company as this fantastic tour comes to an end. Having said your goodbyes, you ll make your own way back to Bangkok from Koh Phi Phi by coach or internal flight, which your guide will be more than happy to help you arrange. 3/7

4 Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change. Destination Information If you ve got the travel bug, Thailand is a must-see destination renowned for its varied landscape (the country combines dramatic mountain ranges with miles of uninterrupted beach, tangled city streets and stunning forests) and captivating collision of peaceful temples and buzzing party spots. This makes for a unique mix of the historical and the contemporary, and Thailand has earned a well deserved reputation as one of the most popular destinations for young travellers. It is the ideal location in which to spend a gap year, with an inexhaustible list of things to see and do, and enough uninterrupted terrain to ensure you ll be able to beat the bustle and paint your own picture of Thailand. Thailand has around 65,000,000 people and stretches more than 1,500KM from North to South, covering a range of landscapes and climates (although other than the mountain regions in the West and North it s never very cold). Thailand s currency is Thai Baht (THB) and the national language is Thai. This trip will introduce you to Thailand with a magical spell in Bangkok, the captivating capital city. Established in 1782, the city has become the social, cultural and culinary capital of Thailand. Bangkok is home to glittering skyscrapers, colourful floating markets and dizzying nightlife, and has to be seen to be believed. With an approximate population of over 10 million people, you ll be immersed in a whirlwind of hectic streets, so be ready to soak up the sights, sounds and sensations of non-stop Bangkok and its vibrant population. Culture vultures can visit inspiring temples to find their inner Buddha all while enjoying the irresistible lure of Bangkok s cosmopolitan vibe. Bangkok has been dubbed the city of angels by its inhabitants, and we re sure you ll find this incredible place to be a little slice of heaven! Like many of Thailand s islands, Koh Samui is a beautiful haven of gleaming water and golden sands. While it is tranquil by day, by night it is home to a range of buzzing party spots! Koh Samui has been a tantalizing tourist hotspot for many years now, drawing in laid back beach lovers and excited partygoers alike, however there s always the opportunity to step back and experience authentic Thailand. The South and West regions of the island feature some fabulous family run restaurants showcasing the best of authentic Thai cuisine, and Ang Thong National Marine Park is a striking locale where you ll find small islands, towering cliffs and lustrous flora. Koh Phangan is Thailand s 4 th largest island with a population of around 12,000 people, though this increases depending on visitors and of course, party seasons! While it s most famous for its legendary Full Moon parties, Koh Phangan has a host of other fantastic attractions for you to enjoy. Thousands of young thrill seekers flock to the island to party beneath the light of the moon, so get ready to don your day- glo paint and join them on the shores of Haad Rin beach. When not bathed in a sea of neon revelry, Koh Phangan is a serene spot in which to find some secluded bays, and there are plenty of small neighbouring islands to hop over to! Koh Tao a blissful beach base. Fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for young travellers, and with an official population of only 2,000 people the island has a leisurely vibe and you ll easily find your pace. This stunning island likely be one of the most beautiful places you ve witnessed first-hand and it will soon become your playground! Kick back on a strip of uninterrupted beach, or dive in the island s glittering waters. Get the lowdown on the highlife and experience tropical living first hand at one of Koh Tao s many laid back beach bars. With an array of activities ranging from trekking to vibrant nightlife, you ll quickly put your stamp on Koh Tao. 4/7

5 Koh Phi Phi, a treasure trove of beautiful islands. Travellers love the lively nightlife scene, and many flock to these stunning islands to explore the terrain by bike, boat or on foot! The eastern side of the island features uninterrupted bays, so Koh Phi Phi provides the perfect opportunity to both immerse yourself in Thailand s dynamic party scene and retreat to serene shores. Most globetrotters head to Phi Phi viewpoint, where jungle makes way for glittering stretches of golden sands. Head to Koh Phi Phi to find out just why Thailand is top of the list for welcoming locals and awe inspiring scenery! Minimum age & eligibility The minimum age for this trip is 18. British passport holders arriving by air can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa. Please ensure your passport is valid, with six months remaining on the date of your planned return, and that you hold a valid return flight ticket. If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days you will need to apply for a visa before departing the UK, which will be issued as a 60 day tourist visa so long as you re not planning on taking paid work during your stay. Accommodation & Meals You ll stay in a variety of different types of accommodation throughout your trip, each having been selected with location, comfort, and safety in mind. The majority of the places you stay in will be based on two to four people in the group sharing a room you will always share with travellers of the same sex, but if you are travelling with a friend or partner let us know when you book so we can make sure you re in a room together. All accommodation on this trip has air-conditioned rooms, Wifi access, and western-style bathroom facilities. Two of the guesthouses have pools, which you will have full access to in your downtime. Most meals aren t included on this trip, which offers you a fantastic opportunity to sample a range of Thailand s delicious food. You won t be short of places to choose from and your guide will always be able to suggest different places to eat be adventurous and try out some of the local dishes. Do let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book, and let your tour guide know if there s anything specific you can t eat while you re in Thailand. Additional Information What's Included Transfer on arrival Accommodation An experienced tour guide All transport between destinations on the itinerary Bangkok canal boat tour Wat Arun temple visit Wat Pho reclining Buddha visit Snorkelling session on Koh Tao Koh Pha Ngan trip to coincide with a Moon party (cost of ticket/drinks not included) 24/7 emergency support 5/7

6 What's not Included Flights Visas Travel insurance Meals Entry fee to the Moon Party on Koh Phangan Entry fee to the Grand Palace during the Bangkok tour Optional activities Further Information SUPPORT AND ADVICE Your safety is paramount which is why all our programmes have had assessments conducted to ensure any major risks have been minimised. In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to. In addition our overseas partners and coordinators are on hand in-country to assist you. You may also want to consider our one day Gap Year Safety Course so you are well prepared for your overseas adventure find out more at FINANCIAL SECURITY We know that the last thing you want to worry about when you re planning your trip of a lifetime is whether your money is in safe hands. As a leading global gap year provider it s our job to make sure your finances are secure, so when you book with us you can be confident that we do just that. Real Gap Experience is part of Gap 360 Ltd. The owners of Gap 360 Ltd have been providing gap years and adventure holidays for young people since Your money is safe and secure when you book with Real Gap Experience. Our membership of ABTOT (The Association of British Tour Operators Trust) means that you can rest assured that that the monies you have paid to Real Gap are completely secure. Gap 360 Ltd has provided a financial bond which will cover you in the event of the financial failure of the company. DISCLAIMER The information contained in this trip note has been compiled with great care and is provided in good faith. Any itinerary featured is correct at time of release. However, our itineraries may change as make improvements that result from traveller s comments, our own research or from time to time as a result of Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice. You can rest assured that it is always our goal to provide you with the most rewarding trip and experience ever! OUR DETAILS If you have any questions about this trip please do not hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to answer them. 6/7

7 Post: Real Gap Experience, Top Floor, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1QR Web: Prices Prices shown are correct on the 15th Dec 2017 and are subject to change Thailand Bangkok to Beaches - 10 Days Thailand Bangkok to Beaches + Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi Extension - 15 Days /7