Delve Deep: Southern Thailand

You’ve got a full day to make the most of Bangkok. Need recs? Pull on your history hat and explore the city on two wheels during an optional bike tour. Whizz up Khaosan Road (a former rice market turned backpacker haven) before stopping off at stunning temples, old-school steam train depots and the beaut Grand Palace. Want to delve a little deeper? Feast your eyes on the official royal residence and Wat Pho with its real big golden buddha during an optional guided tour. Tonight, stock up on snacks and change into a comfy ‘fit. Why? Cos we’re catching an overnight train to Surat Thani. Shotgun the top bunk!

Rise and shine, folks! We’ll jump off the train in Surat Thani bright and early. Don’t worry – you’ll have plenty of time to catch up on some zzzs on the bus to Khao Sok National Park. After we’ve checked into our eco treehouse and soaked up some serious Jungle Book vibes, level up those chef skills with a local Thai bamboo cooking class. On the menu: Thai green curry, BBQ chicken, bamboo pancakes. Drooling yet? Gobble up your homemade goodies with a view of the stunning Sok River. This is what you came for.

After an included brekkie, we’ll take one last look at our treehouses (aka the hotel of 10-year-old you’s dreams) before diving deeper into Khao Sok National Park. Keep your face pressed to the window as we pass rugged limestone mountains, ancient caves and trees as tall as skyscrapers. Later we’ll hop on a local longtail boat and hightail it (see what we did there?) to tonight’s accommodation: a traditional raft house on the twinkling Cheow Lan Lake. Before you fall asleep to the sound of gently lapping waves, there’s time for an afternoon wildlife cruise. Prepare to switch off and completely immerse yourself in nature.

Fuel up with another tropical fruit-laden breakfast before we activate explorer mode. First: soak up Khao Sok’s misty jungles, magical peaks and awesome wildlife (think sun bears, tapirs and even clouded leopards) on an early morning safari. Afterwards, jump in a canoe or kayak and weave around Cheow San Lake’s ultra-dramatic rock formations. We’ll then wave goodbye to the mainland and make a beeline for the INCREDible island of Koh Phangan. Think: lush rainforest, gleaming white beaches (sunnies essential) and turquoise water so dreamy even the Little Mermaid would want to stay there. AND you’ve got the afternoon to explore it all. Need some recs? Your Trip Leader’s got them by the bucketload.

Fact: Koh Phangan is an absolute mood. The best bit? You’ve got 48 more hours to experience it. Hell. Yes. Jump in another longtail boat (your new fave mode of transport) and get ready for an optional underwater adventure around three beaut snorkelling spots. Prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground? Channel your inner eco-warrior with an optional tour of a local sustainable farm. Stroll around lush gardens, learn about habitat restoration and make your own drink out of Mother Nature’s bounty. Or show off those chef skills during a Thai cooking class. Tonight, round up your trip mates and tuck into satay, spicy soup and shrimp salad. Sparkling convo = guaranteed.

You wanted time to delve deeper, so you’ve got it. We’ll kickstart today with an Indian Jones-style jungle hike to Bottle Beach. Spoiler: your jaw’s gonna DROP. The rest of the day is totally up to you. Stick around the north coast, where Hat Khuat and Hat Thian beaches are all about the chill scene. Go chasing waterfalls (and beaches and bars). Or crack into a coconut and relax poolside back at the hotel. This? This is what makes the memories.

No lie, today’s a bit of a travel day. We’ll be making tracks for Krabi via sea and land, so stock up on local snacks, soak up the tropical views, and put the lingo skills of your travel buds to the test. When we arrive, you’ll have the afternoon to get your bearings. Powder-soft sand coves. Swaying coconut palms. Islands surrounded by emerald waters. Mother Nature sure as hell wasn’t messing about when she made Krabi.

Need a lie-in after yesterday’s journey? You got it. Later, we’ll round up the group for an awesome AF activity: a day trip to Railay Beach. This cove is RIDICULOUSLY breathtaking. We’ll approach it by longtail boat too, giving you the best views of its limestone karsts and palm-flecked shoreline. Don’t say we never spoil you.

Today, we’re swapping one paradise for another as we head for Phuket. On the way, we’ll make a pit stop at Samet Nangshe. Clear your camera rolls ‘cos this viewpoint is the definition of photogenic. We’re talking 180-degree scenes of majestic mangrove forests and the sparkling ocean. Next up: Phuket. Eye-popping architecture. Lip-smacking eats – try ’em out on a local food tour that includes a cheeky visit to a traditional barber shop. And a fascinating fusion of cultures and traditions. We can’t think of a better place to spend the last few days of your trip.

This immense island sure packs a punch – and today it’s 100% yours to delve deeper. Opt for a day trip speedboating around the Phi Phi Islands for more emerald waters, crazy-gorgeous beaches and mind-blowing scenery. Ready for Muay Thai (the boxing, not the drink)? There’s a chance to brush up on your skills at one of the country’s best training camps. Or prepare to get sweaty practising your downward dog with a hot yoga class. Tonight, settle in for our final group dinner. WHAT an adventure it’s been.

You came. You saw. You cultured. And just like that, it’s over. Get down to breakfast and swap those socials – you’re gonna need them for next year’s reunion trip. Not ready for the fun to end? Hop back up to Bangkok to join our Delve Deep trip around Northern Thailand. A few travel dates also match up perfectly with our Play & Pause: Great Southeast Asia trip. Just sayin’.