Thailand9 days
Thailand by Water, Rail & Trail — 9 Days
Bangkok to Phang Nga Bay: kayaking, hiking and cycling through rainforest, karst and mangrove
This nine-day active route moves through southern Thailand's layered topography using different forms of propulsion. It begins in Bangkok's Chinatown before a sleeper train carries you overnight to Surat Thani. From there, the itinerary threads through Khao Sok National Park, where you kayak Cheow Lan Lake's turquoise waters, hike to jungle viewpoints, and spend a night in a floating bungalow. The route then sweeps through Than Bok Khorani's mangrove caves and stalagmite-lined passages, climbs 1,260 steps to Tiger Cave Temple's golden Buddha above Krabi province, and finishes with two days on Koh Yao Yai Island within Ao Phang Nga National Park—kayaking through mangrove forests where macaques watch from the canopy—before a final full day circumnavigating Phang Nga Bay's limestone islands and hidden coves by sea kayak.
Highlights
- Kayak Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park, where limestone karst islands rise from turquoise water
- Night hike through Khao Sok's ancient rainforest with a local guide, listening to the nocturnal chorus of insects and wildlife
- Paddle through dense mangroves into Than Bok Khorani's cave systems, adorned with stalagmites and ancient paintings
- Climb 1,260 uneven steps to Tiger Cave Temple's golden Buddha at 600 metres elevation, overlooking Krabi province
- Cycle 15 kilometres through Bang Krachao, Bangkok's 'Green Lung'—a canal-threaded island sanctuary hidden within the city
- Kayak 5 square kilometres of undisturbed mangroves near Ban Ya Mi village on Koh Yao Yai, spotting fiddler crabs and macaques
- Full-day sea kayaking across Phang Nga Bay, circumnavigating tropical islands and exploring limestone formations and hidden beaches
- Learn sustainable rubber tree oil extraction from local farmers on Koh Yao Yai
Day by day
1Arrival in Bangkok's ChinatownBangkok's Chinatown · Yaowarat Road · Grand Palace · markets and restaurants in Chinatown
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel in Chinatown. Yaowarat Road, the neighbourhood's main artery, sits moments from your hotel—lined with street food stalls, vendor shops, and local activity. If your arrival allows, wander on foot: the Grand Palace and its Emerald Buddha are walkable from your hotel, as are the markets and restaurants in this working quarter. Settle in, rest if needed, and prepare for the journey south.
2Cycling Bang Krachao, Bangkok's Green LungBang Krachao · local market · overnight sleeper train
Leave central Bangkok behind and head to Bang Krachao, an island of wetland and forest within the city's administrative boundaries. You'll cycle approximately 15 kilometres on local trails, passing through residential areas and stopping at a local market for lunch. The terrain is flat and the pace is leisurely. Late afternoon, return to the city and board your overnight sleeper train heading south toward Surat Thani and Khao Sok National Park. Travel time: approximately 12 hours.
3Boat and Jungle Trek to Cheow Lan Lake, Khao Sok National ParkCheow Lan Lake · Khao Sok National Park · Surat Thani
Arrive in Surat Thani at dawn. After breakfast, travel by minibus to Khao Sok National Park, which conserves the largest area of virgin forest in southern Thailand and is teeming with native species. Catch a boat for a scenic ride into Cheow Lan Lake, where karst islands rise from turquoise waters. Hike to a viewpoint above the lake—approximately 5 kilometres with 250 metres of elevation gain—for views across the water to surrounding forested ridges. (During heavy rains, an alternative activity replaces this trek.) Sunset brings a wildlife-watching cruise aboard a longtail boat before settling into a floating bungalow for the night.
4Cycling and Nocturnal Forest Walk, Khao SokKhao Sok National Park · Wat Tham Pla—Fish Cave Temple
Wake on the water and travel by minibus deeper into Khao Sok National Park to a jungle lodge. A morning bike ride covers approximately 20 kilometres over small local roads and tracks, passing through villages, rubber plantations, and coconut groves. Stop at Wat Tham Pla—Fish Cave Temple—a cave shrine fed by underground streams. Rest at the lodge in the afternoon. After sunset, a local guide leads a nocturnal hike through the forest canopy. Activity duration: approximately 2 hours. Terrain: uneven forest floor with roots and rocks.
5Kayaking Than Bok Khorani and Mangrove Caves, Phang Nga AreaThan Bok Khorani · Phang Nga region · cave pool
Travel south to a coastal location in the Phang Nga region. You'll kayak approximately 6 kilometres through dense mangrove passages, entering caves with stalagmites, stalactites, and historical rock art. Paddle through shallow lagoons until reaching a cave pool. Afternoon allows beach walks or rest at your accommodation. Transfer time: approximately 2 hours from Khao Sok.
6Tiger Cave Temple and Huay Toh Waterfall, KrabiTiger Cave Temple · Huay Toh · Ao Nang
Travel to Krabi province by road. Tiger Cave Temple sits on a mountainside above the city, accessed by 1,260 uneven steps. At the summit, a golden Buddha statue overlooks Krabi's landscape. The hike gains 600 metres in elevation and takes approximately 3–4 hours including time at the temple and adjacent meditation sanctuary. Descend and travel to Huay Toh, a multi-tiered waterfall at the base of Phanom Bencha mountain where a natural pool permits swimming. Evening brings a shuttle to Ao Nang for dinner and a visit to the night market.
7Speedboat to Koh Yao Yai and Mangrove KayakingKoh Yao Yai · mangrove forests near Ban Ya Mi village · beach
Travel by speedboat to Koh Yao Yai within Ao Phang Nga National Park. You'll kayak approximately 4 kilometres through mangrove forests near Ban Ya Mi village. The mangrove system covers roughly 5 square kilometres and forms part of the island's coastal ecosystem. Activity duration: approximately 3 hours. Terrain: calm mangrove channels; experience level: beginner to intermediate. Lunch is served before afternoon beach time and sunset viewing.
8Island Hike with Local Guide, Koh Yao YaiKoh Yao Yai · Koh Yao Yai's interior · a stream
A local guide leads a hike through Koh Yao Yai's interior—approximately 4 kilometres over low-lying terrain through jungle, rubber plantations, and coconut groves. Activity duration: approximately 3 hours. Terrain: uneven forest trails. The walk includes explanation of rubber oil extraction, a primary livelihood for island residents. Lunch is taken by a stream before heading to Phuket Old Town.
9Full-Day Sea Kayaking, Phang Nga BayPhang Nga Bay · Ao Por pier · Phuket Old Town · Phang Nga Bay beaches
Your final active day covers approximately 10 kilometres of sea kayaking in Phang Nga Bay. Meet your guide at Ao Por pier for a tide-and-weather briefing; the day's route adjusts based on conditions. A large longtail boat serves as a floating base. You'll kayak around tropical islands with limestone formations, land on beaches accessible by water, and snorkel in warm, clear water. Lunch occurs ashore. Activity duration: approximately 6–7 hours on the water. By evening, return to Phuket Old Town for a final dinner.
10Departure from PhuketPhuket International Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Phuket International Airport in time for your onward flight. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Where you go
- 1Cheow Lan Lake
- 2Khao Sok National Park
- 3Ao Nang
- 4Phuket Old Town
Included
- Activities & Certified Guides
- All itinerary activities with a local, English-speaking tour leader plus specialist activity guides
- All accommodation
- 6 nights in boutique hotels, 1 night in a floating bungalow, 1 night in a sleeper train & 1 night in a jungle lodge
- Meals
- All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners
- Transfers
- To and from the airport and everything in between, including your overnight train journey to Surat Thani
- Equipment & Permits
- All your kayaking and cycling equipment is included, plus all permits and entry fees
- Small Like-minded Groups
- Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
Not included
- Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
- Travel to and from the trip
- Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Activities: Biking, Hiking and Kayaking