Bangkok, Khao Sok & beach holiday in Krabi

Today is the day you will fly towards Bangkok in Thailand. There will be connecting flights along the way.

You’ll arrive in Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok. After passing through immigration and collecting your luggage, you’ll meet your guide in the arrivals hall at Door B, Gate 6. Your guide will be wearing the TourCompass uniform and carrying a TourCompass sign, making it easy for you to spot them. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Bangkok – and even on the way, you’ll get your first glimpse of the city’s grandeur and its bustling, energetic atmosphere.

Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Depending on when you land – and how much energy you have – you might simply want to relax at the hotel or perhaps take a short stroll in the local area. If you’re feeling adventurous, step out into the streets of Bangkok for a first taste of the city. You’ll discover an intoxicating maze of sights and sounds, with food options ranging from tiny street stalls to trendy fusion restaurants. If you fancy, you could visit neon-lit Chinatown, sample the delights of Soi 38 in Sukhumvit, experience the roadside kitchens at Victory Monument, or soak up the lively riverside vibe at Asiatique The Riverfront, where restaurants, shops, and a vibrant evening scene unfold along the water’s edge.

If you still have some energy left, why not round off your day with a drink at one of the city’s sky bars, taking in the stunning views over the illuminated metropolis before retreating for a well-deserved night’s rest.

You’ll wake up in Thailand’s bustling capital — a city of striking contrasts where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside ancient temples, and modern skytrains glide several metres above the streets while traditional river taxis ferry locals and visitors alike between Bangkok’s many attractions.

You’ll have the day at your leisure until late afternoon, when you’ll set off on a tuk-tuk street food tour. Until then, you could, for example, relax by the pool and soak up the sun, explore the city, or join one of our optional tours.

In the afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to MRT Hua Lamphong Station, where your local guide will meet you. From here, you’ll head off on foot into Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods, where narrow alleyways, traditional trading streets, and small roadside kitchens set the scene for an evening brimming with aromas, flavours, and vibrant local life.

Your first tasting is a bowl of “tom yum wonton”, where the classic Thai soup is served with stuffed dumplings — a delightful blend of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavours. You’ll then follow the irresistible scent of the grill to the next stop, where satay skewers of grilled pork are cooked over charcoal and served with a creamy peanut sauce.

You’ll continue on foot through one of Bangkok’s most atmospheric old trading streets, where historic shophouses, street art, and a new wave of creative energy blend together. Along the way, you’ll taste traditional steamed buns – a classic snack rooted in the area’s Chinese culture and considered a symbol of luck and prosperity.

Next, you’ll hop back into a tuk-tuk and whizz through Chinatown, where neon lights and bustling streets create a truly unique atmosphere. A short stop is made at the 27-metre-high Giant Swing, a historic and cultural landmark by the Wat Suthat Thepwararam temple, beautifully illuminated at night and perfect for photos.

Dinner is served at a local restaurant that has been making Pad See Ew for more than 40 years. This popular noodle dish is a wonderful example of how Chinese culinary traditions have shaped Thailand’s vibrant street food culture.

The evening concludes with a scenic drive past the Grand Palace and the City Pillar before you arrive by the riverside opposite Wat Arun. The temple stands beautifully lit on the far side of the Chao Phraya River, providing a stunning backdrop for the final stop of the tour.

Here, you can unwind at a rooftop bar by the river with a drink in hand, soaking up the view and the vibrant atmosphere. Bangkok rarely feels more alive than it does right here.

Afterwards, you’ll be driven back to the hotel unless you choose to stay a little longer and explore on your own.

Today, there are no excursions planned, so you can take the day at your own pace.

When getting around Bangkok, you don’t need to worry about the infamous traffic as the city offers a good range of transportation options. Many use tuk-tuks or Grab, but the river taxis are also a hit and make up a significant part of the public transport, stopping at many of the city’s major attractions. Additionally, there is the Sky Train, which winds between the city’s skyscrapers, providing a good, fast, and affordable way to get around.

Bangkok is divided into the east and west by the 372 km long Chao Phraya River. The eastern part of the city is considered central Bangkok with popular areas such as Sukhumvit, Silom, and China Town, which have a high concentration of shopping centres, local markets, and excellent eateries. The historical part of Bangkok, home to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, is also located on the eastern side.

After wandering through Bangkok in the tropical heat and bustling traffic, there will certainly be moments when you dream of greener and quieter places. Here, you might visit the Lumpini or Benjakiti parks. You can also venture to the western side of the river, where you will experience a completely different world without skyscrapers and honking tuk-tuks. Here, you’ll encounter traditional Bangkok and a labyrinth of canals with stilted houses and mail carriers navigating by boat.

There is also the option of joining one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read more about below.

Whatever you decide to do, we guarantee you won’t be bored.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport, where you’ll catch a flight south to Surat Thani—a journey of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once you land, collect your luggage and meet your driver, who will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a TourCompass sign. He’ll transfer you to Khao Sok National Park, where an authentic jungle adventure awaits.

Khao Sok is one of Thailand’s largest national parks, spanning 739 km², and arguably one of the most breathtaking. Here you’ll find one of the country’s biggest areas of pristine primary forest—ancient, untouched rainforest that has stood undisturbed for millions of years. The lush surroundings and life-giving rivers are home to an abundance of wildlife, including gibbons, langurs, and macaques. The petite mouse deer, along with muntjacs and serows, also reside here. If you’re very fortunate, you might even catch a glimpse of the beautiful, long-tailed marbled cat. Bird enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to too: hornbills and red-headed trogons are just some of the many species living in the dense jungle.

The drive from Surat Thani airport to your hotel takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Upon arrival at your accommodation, you’ll enjoy a peaceful canoe trip along the Sok River. It’s a truly delightful experience, drifting quietly on the water while you soak up the sights and sounds of the surrounding rainforest. Take in the view of dramatic limestone cliffs and lush, vibrant nature. Listen to the birds singing high in the treetops, and keep an eye out by the riverbanks—if you’re lucky, you might spot a monitor lizard. Best of all, you can simply sit back and relax while your local guide does the paddling for you.

Afterwards, you can choose to unwind and take in the beautiful natural surroundings right outside your door.

In the evening, you will have the option to join a night safari, giving you the chance to spot some of the jungle’s fascinating wildlife. Read more about this optional tour below.

Another adventure awaits today.

Part of Khao Sok National Park is formed by the 165 km2 emerald lake, Cheow Lan. The lake was created when the Rajjaprabha dam was built in 1987, submerging the area. 385 local families were relocated and compensated, and animals were transported via the rivers and flown out by helicopter. As the area became more flooded by rain and river water, part of the rainforest turned into a lake. The towering limestone cliffs, which once rose high between the tree canopies, were transformed into small rainforest islands that today pierce the emerald-green water. It’s no wonder Cheow Lan is sometimes described as Thailand’s answer to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful places.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from the hotel, waving goodbye to the rainforest as you head towards Cheow Lan Lake, where more than 100 limestone cliffs rise from the emerald waters.

Be aware that you cannot bring all your luggage to the lake, so you can leave it safely at the hotel. We recommend you bring a backpack with the essentials for the next few days on the lake. When you meet your driver again on day 7, they will bring your luggage.

First, you will be driven to the small local town of Ban Ta Khun. Here, you’ll visit the local market, famed for its papaya and excellent quality of turmeric.

Next, you’ll be driven to the Ratchabrapa pier near the impressive dam. Here, you will board a long-tail boat and sail onto Cheow Lan Lake, where the majestic landscape with iconic limestone cliffs awaits.

At lunchtime, you will arrive at your accommodation – a floating bungalow in the middle of the lake. After check-in, the staff will serve a traditional lunch, which you can enjoy with views of the surrounding nature.

You can then decide to stay at the hotel, enjoying a good book, exploring the area by kayak, or taking a dip in the emerald-green lake directly from your veranda. The water is clean and warm all year round.

Alternatively, join an exciting hike through the jungle to one of the area’s stunning stalactite caves, Coral Cave. Make sure to bring water and good, closed shoes, and be aware that it may be slippery during the rainy season. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll be taken to the start of the hike in a long-tail boat. During the hike, you’ll experience the jungle’s impressive plant life, with your guide explaining the various species along the way. You may also spot some of the jungle’s birds and insects. After approximately 45 minutes, you will arrive at a lagoon where a bamboo raft waits to take you to Coral Cave, which takes about 15 minutes. Inside the cave, you’ll see beautiful stalagmites and stalactites resembling elephants, witches, and snakes. The return journey follows the same path as the arrival.

Late in the afternoon, you can join a fantastic boat safari. Here, you have the opportunity to spot some of the area’s birds and wild mammals, such as hornbills, elephants, gaurs, and sambar deer. On the way back to the hotel, the sun will begin to set behind the towering limestone cliffs – a truly magical sight!

Back at the hotel, a delicious dinner awaits, after which you can unwind from a day full of experiences and gaze at the beautiful, clear starry sky, unspoilt by artificial light.

Waking up in the middle of Cheow Lan Lake is nothing short of magical. Pull back the curtains, open the door to your veranda, and watch the mist slowly lift over the serene lake, with only the call of the Asian koel breaking the silence.

Early in the morning, embark on another exciting boat safari. Keep your eyes peeled for dusky leaf monkeys, gibbons, and macaques.

After the boat ride, breakfast is served, after which you have time for a swim in the lake, a canoe trip, or simply time to enjoy the view and the silence.

Late in the morning, it’s time for check-out, and you’ll be taken back to the mainland. Along the way, take in the final sights of the magnificent limestone cliffs.

Back at the pier, your driver will be waiting to take you back to the rainforest, where you’ll be served a delicious Thai lunch before being driven to your hotel in Krabi, a journey of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Perhaps a dip in the waves? Or what about a stroll along the beach, soaking up the sun’s rays, the sound of gentle waves, and the relaxing holiday vibe?

You’ll be staying at Tub Kaek Beach as a default. The area offers a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquillity. You’ll almost have the beach to yourself, and although the selection of hotels and restaurants is small, any of them are undeniably a good choice. Tub Kaek is an ideal starting point for hikes, including the popular trail to Dragon Crest Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view.

Alternatively, you may opt to stay in Ao Nang, which is perfect for those who desire more action and a wide selection of dining and activities. The main street stretches for several kilometres, offering a plethora of eateries, from international restaurants to local spots serving authentic Thai dishes. In Ao Nang, you’ll find both the tranquil Noppharat Thara Beach, perfect for relaxing sunset walks, and the livelier Ao Nang Beach, where boats shuttle to the many beautiful small islands in Krabi Bay.

The days are at your leisure.

In Krabi, the door is open to a wealth of activities and beautiful beaches, all boasting views of the many limestone cliffs and small islands that characterise the Krabi province. Here, you can find both peace and adventure.

In the Andaman Sea off the coast of Krabi lie some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, including the Phi Phi Islands, Hong Island, and several smaller islands. The islands are famed for their outstanding beaches and fantastic snorkelling spots.

The mainland also boasts lovely beaches such as Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach, and Tonsai Beach. These beaches attract visitors from around the world with soft, white sands, crystal clear waters, and impressive rock formations.

Beyond relaxation, you have the option to experience Krabi’s extraordinary natural beauty, including natural pools in the jungle. Or how about the kayaking paradise, Ao Thalane? If you’re up for even more adventure, take a trip through lush jungle and small streams to the nearby Dragon Crest Mountain in Tub Kaek, where you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the area.

Here in the Krabi province, you also get the chance to experience Thai culture, which is influenced by two religions. Buddhists and Muslims live side by side in peace and harmony. This multicultural society is clearly reflected in the cultural experiences available. You will find both mosques and temples around, and the Tiger Cave Temple, a bit outside Krabi, is particularly worth a visit. Here, you can get close to the monks’ daily lives and experience the spiritual calm that pervades the place. If you’re up for a challenge, you can climb over 1,200 steps to the top of the cliff – a symbolic journey representing overcoming life’s challenges and striving for inner peace.

Today, it’s time to bid farewell to Thailand. You will be picked up from the hotel and driven to Krabi airport, where you’ll fly towards Europe with connecting flights along the way.

You will land at your chosen airport after a magnificent holiday featuring both city life, breathtaking natural experiences, and relaxation.