Explore Southern Thailand National Geographic Journeys 8 Days

Tour Code: XMX337IRU9G4 

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Bangkok, Koh Samui, Khao Sok National Park, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi
Land tour From: $288
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Duration

8 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

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About this tour

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure through Thailand’s most captivating destinations! Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Bangkok, where you’ll explore its rich culture and stunning temples. Next, unwind on the idyllic beaches of Koh Samui, followed by an immersive experience in the lush wilderness of Khao Sok National Park. Then, discover the natural beauty of Krabi, known for its breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Finally, set sail to the enchanting Ko Phi Phi, famous for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant marine life. This tour promises a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories!

Included/Excluded

  • * All accommodations (with Twin/Double rooms) while on tour
  • * Accommodation based on twin or double sharing room
  • * All transfers and road transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles if specified in the program
  • * Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
  • * Your tour guide is a professional, fully trained employee of Vietnam Tour Packages
  • * Entrance fees if specified in the program
  • * Airfares, Cruise, Train, Sleeper bus if specified in the program.
  • * Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
  • * Meals not mentioned in the program
  • * Single Supplement. Early check-in and late check-out. Hotel/Room upgrade
  • * Drinks, personal expenses and any services not clearly mentioned in the program
  • * Surcharge for the festive seasons
  • * Applicable Government Taxes and other service charges.
  • * The tour cost does not include POE charges and passport charges.
  • * Porterage Facility

Itinerary

<span> Day 1</span> Bangkok

Upon your arrival at Bangkok Airport, a representative will greet you and take you to your hotel. You're free to arrive at any time on the first day; however, please keep in mind that the check-in time at the hotel is 14:00.

<span> Day 2</span> Bangkok/Ko Samui

Situated off Thailand's eastern shore in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui provides an ideal seaside getaway, featuring pristine white beaches, swaying coconut trees, delectable seafood, and inviting, crystal-clear waters.

Our hotel is nestled in the lively "Chaweng" area, just a short stroll from a variety of restaurants, entertainment venues, and shops. You can easily take a tuk-tuk to explore the nearby beaches.

<span> Day 3</span> Ko Samui

Hop on a classic longtail boat and venture away from the usual tourist spots to discover the unspoiled islands of Ko Mat Sum and Ko Taen. Enjoy a local lunch on the beach, then decide whether to explore by kayak or go snorkeling. Paddle through lush, green cliffs and serene lagoons, or put on your mask and fins to experience the colorful underwater ecosystems.

<span> Day 4</span> Ko Samui/Khao Sok

Khao Sok boasts breathtaking scenery, featuring one of the oldest evergreen rainforests on the planet, framed by impressive limestone karst formations.

<span> Day 5</span> Khao Sok

Khao Sok National Park is the largest untouched rainforest in southern Thailand, featuring stunning landscapes of karst mountains, azure lakes, and lush tropical forests along the southwest coast. Today, you have the opportunity to explore the park at your leisure, selecting from a range of optional jungle activities. You might embark on a hike to spot monkeys and colorful tropical birds within the dense treetops, relax in natural hot springs, paddle along the glistening Sok River in a canoe, or enjoy a cycling adventure on the park's scenic trails.

<span> Day 6</span> Khao Sok/Krabi

This morning, set off for Krabi, located on Thailand’s picturesque southwest coast. Begin by crossing the Krabi River in a private longtail boat, gliding through mangrove forests and past striking limestone formations. Explore the Khao Khanap Nam cave, where you can discover ancient paintings and intriguing rock structures. Next, make your way to Ko Klang island, where you'll hop onto motorized tricycle tuk-tuks to visit local communities and traditional industries, such as a rubber plantation, rice fields, and a batik workshop. Engage with residents and gain insights into agricultural practices and artisanal crafts that have been preserved over generations.

<span> Day 7</span> Krabi

Stay near the beach and take in the stunning views that southern Thailand is renowned for. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail while unwinding by the pool. Your CEO will share details about the various exciting activities available in the area. This destination is ideal for those looking to engage in adventures or simply relax.

Our resort is conveniently located just a short tuk-tuk ride from Aonang Beach and Noppharat Thara Beach. Make the most of the resort's fantastic amenities, including a restaurant and bars, three spacious outdoor swimming pools, and a rejuvenating spa (at an additional cost).

<span> Day 8</span> Krabi/Bangkok

The tour concludes at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport). Please be aware that your flight should not be scheduled to leave before 15:00 on this day.

Durations

5 - 8 days

Regional Tours

Thailand

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Tour's Location

Bangkok, Koh Samui, Khao Sok National Park, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi
Ba Chuc: A Haunting Memorial to Vietnam’s “Killing Fields” - Ba Chuc: A Haunting Memorial to Vietnam’s "Killing Fields" 📍 Location: 40km southwest of Chau Doc⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM – 5 PM💰 Entrance Fee: Free🚗 How to Get There: Take Highway 91, then Highway N1 along the Cambodia border toward Ha Tien, and turn south onto Highway 3T for the final stretch. You can hire a taxi or xe ôm (motorbike taxi) from Chau Doc, including waiting time if needed. A Tranquil Countryside with a Dark Past Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes southwest of Chau Doc, the peaceful village of Ba Chuc hides a history of unimaginable horror. In the late 1970s, as Cambodian refugees fled Pol Pot’s brutal regime, the region’s Khmer population swelled. Tragically, the Khmer Rouge pursued them into Vietnam, leaving behind a trail of massacres that still haunt this area today. The Ba Chuc Memorial: Remembering a Tragedy At the heart of the village stands a solemn memorial honoring the 3,157 victims of one of the worst massacres in Vietnamese history. Between April 18 and April 30, 1978, Khmer Rouge forces slaughtered nearly every resident, often in brutal and inhumane ways. Shockingly, only two villagers survived the bloodshed. The memorial structure, though simple in design, leaves a powerful impact. Beneath a stark concrete canopy lies an eight-sided glass enclosure, where skulls and bones of the victims are displayed, categorized by age—a chilling reminder of the innocence lost in this atrocity. Phi Lai Pagoda: A Silent Witness to Horror Many of the victims were mercilessly killed at the nearby Phi Lai Pagoda, which still bears visible bloodstains on its walls and floors. A small sign near the altar marks a tragic site where 40 villagers perished after a grenade was thrown into a tiny chamber beneath the shrine. Between the memorial and the pagoda, a small exhibition room houses harrowing black-and-white photographs taken immediately after the massacre. These images show scattered, mutilated corpses, offering an unfiltered look at the horrors inflicted upon Ba Chuc. Some pictures are extremely graphic and distressing, so visitors should be prepared before entering. Visiting Ba Chuc Today Despite its grim past, Ba Chuc remains an important historical site, attracting visitors who come to pay their respects and reflect on the devastation of war. A few cafés and food stalls nearby provide refreshments for those exploring the area. Ba Chuc stands as Vietnam’s own "Killing Fields", a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. While the site is not for the faint-hearted, it serves as a vital testament to history—one that should never be forgotten.The Hoa Hao Religion - The Hoa Hao Religion: A Unique Buddhist Sect in Vietnam 📍 Location: Hoa Hao Village, 20km east of Chau Doc👤 Founder: Huynh Phu So📜 Key Beliefs: Simplicity in worship, direct connection with the Supreme Being, ascetic lifestyle The Hoa Hao religion, a distinctive Buddhist sect, emerged in Vietnam in the late 1930s, originating from the small village of Hoa Hao, near Chau Doc. The movement was founded by Huynh Phu So, a visionary spiritual leader whose life story is deeply intertwined with the sect’s teachings. Origins and Core Beliefs Huynh Phu So, a frail child, was placed under the care of a reclusive monk, where he studied both traditional Buddhist teachings and mystical spiritual disciplines. In 1939, at the age of 20, he experienced a profound trance, during which a new form of Buddhism was revealed to him. Upon awakening, he was miraculously cured of his lifelong illness and began preaching his unique spiritual philosophy. Hoa Hao Buddhism promotes a stripped-down approach to worship, rejecting elaborate rituals, temples, and intermediaries such as monks and priests. Instead, it emphasizes direct personal communication with the Supreme Being. The faith also upholds strict moral values, discouraging alcohol, drugs, and gambling. These principles, along with Huynh Phu So’s reputed healing and prophetic abilities, quickly attracted a large following, especially among Vietnam’s rural peasant communities. Political Influence and Conflict Beyond its religious foundation, the Hoa Hao sect soon became a political force, forming a militia to support its nationalist, anti-French, and anti-Communist stance. During World War II, the Japanese occupation army supplied them with weapons, seeking to destabilize the French colonial administration. However, the French viewed the movement with deep suspicion, branding Huynh Phu So as the "Mad Monk." In 1941, he was imprisoned and later confined to a psychiatric hospital—where he astonishingly converted his doctor to Hoa Hao Buddhism. Upon his release in 1945, tensions between the Hoa Hao and the Viet Minh escalated, leading to Huynh’s assassination by Viet Minh agents in 1947. Despite fierce resistance, the sect’s influence waned over the following decades. In the 1950s, President Ngo Dinh Diem’s crackdown on dissident groups further weakened the movement, culminating in the capture and execution of Hoa Hao military leader Ba Cut in 1956. By the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, the Communist government had eliminated any remaining political or military presence of the sect. Hoa Hao Buddhism Today Despite its turbulent history, Hoa Hao Buddhism remains a significant spiritual tradition, with an estimated two million followers primarily residing in Chau Doc and Long Xuyen. Some devout male practitioners still wear long beards and hair tied in a bun, a traditional marker of Hoa Hao adherents. While the sect no longer engages in political activism, its legacy continues through its strong spiritual and ethical influence on local communities.
Land tourFrom: $288

Owner

Thailand

Member Since 2024

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