Unseen Southern Thailand 12 Days

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples.
The first destination is the Grand Palace. This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in 1770s. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of national significant events takes place there.
Wat Phra Kaew is the most out-standing architecture in complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. Wat Pra Kwae is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue will bring back fortune and prosperity for the nation.
Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho – the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold. This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage.
The Wat Pho wall-surrounded complex was divided into 2 by Soi Chetuphon running along East – West. The Northern complex is the one including the in gold Buddha statue and massage school mentioned above. The Southern complex, Tukgawee, is a monastery and a school.
After having lunch by your own account, we visit the last destination of the day: Wat Traimit. This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue represents for prosperity and purity, as well as strength and power. The Golden Statue was defined to be built in Sukhothai period, the 13-15th century – one of the most famous periods of Thai Buddhism architecture.
We will board on a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by.
On route, we stop at Wat Arun, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s riverbank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. “Arun” means sunrise, but it is most beautiful in the sunset. The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style. You can climb up to the top of Wat Arun to see Chao Phraya, Grand Palace and Wat Pho at the opposite side.
Return to the hotel and you are free to explore Bangkok by night.

The morning would be free to do whatever takes your fancy until you would be transferred to Hua Hin.
Check in and enjoy your free time at the hotel or wander to explore the city.
Overnight in Hua Hin

Distance: ~330 km | Driving time: ~5 hrs (excluding stops)
08:00: Depart Hua Hin hotel.
11:00–11:45: Visit Wat Thang Sai (mountain-top temple with sea views).
12:00–13:00: Visit Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdee Prakat – striking nine-tiered pagoda overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
13:15–14:15: Lunch at a local seafood restaurant in Bang Saphan (on own)
17:00: Arrive Chumphon area.

Breakfast at hotel.
The driver will pick up you from hotel to Khao Sok via Ranong.
Along the way, you will stop at Raksa Warin Hot Spring, located within Raksawarin Public Park. The hot springs have three main pools (Father, Mother, and Child pools) with water temperatures around 65 degrees Celsius. The water is considered pure and was even used for important ceremonies.
Transfer to Khao Sok (~3h). Check-in at hotel and freetime for relaxation.
Overnight in Khao Sok.

Khao Sok is well known for its dense vegetation and limestone hills, which make it impressive. You will be seduced by its thriving jungle , its lake and its animal species.

In the early afternoon, rafting trip over the river in a beautiful rainforest environment covered with thick jungle hills bordering the river. During the trip, spot many wild animals such as monkeys birds, snakes and other reptiles. Afterwards, return to the lodge and enjoy the site during your free time, before dinner at the lodge restaurant.

Overnight in Khao Sok 

Participate in hands-on experiences that foster a deep connection with the elephants, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism. Your adventure extends beyond the immediate encounter with these incredible beings; it contributes directly to their well-being and the broader mission of preserving Thailand’s natural heritage.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the local community, gaining a profound understanding of their symbiotic relationship with the elephants. As you delve into the heart of Khao Sok’s conservation efforts, you become an advocate for sustainable travel, leaving a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of these gentle giants.

Choose a mindful and ethical approach to tourism, ensuring that your experience not only creates lasting memories but also contributes to the ongoing conservation endeavors in this captivating corner of Thailand.

Activities:

• A briefing about elephants in Thailand
• Elephant feeding
• Elephant mud Spa
• River bathing with your elephant.

Finally transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle from Khao Sok to Khao Lak without guide. Overnight in Khao Lak
 

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer by air-conditioned private vehicle from Khao Lak to Krabi. Free on the beach of Krabi.

Today, you are free to explore exotic paradise of Krabi with over 150 islands off its 150km-long coast line (many of them featuring fantastic white-sand beaches and turquoise waters), a jungle-covered interior, towering limestone cliffs, caves, waterfalls and exotic wildlife. You might go swimming, diving, snorkeling, enjoy seafood or just relax on the beach

After enjoying breakfast, you are free until transferring to Phuket. Upon arrival there, time will be on your own. Glorious long salty days, balmy nights and endless ocean explorations are calling.
Overnight in Phuket 

Breakfast at the hotel. Your time of today will be on your own or you might want to practice swimming, diving; enjoy the seafood or have fun in the bars.

Time is free until you are transferred to the airport for your flight to next destination.