9 days Bangkok to Phuket with Topdeck
Overview
TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. There’s more to Southern Thailand than paradisical beaches, picturesque temples and droolworthy pad Thai. Wanna go beyond those bucket list attractions? We got you. Delve deeper into the ‘Land of Smiles’ – we’re talking heaps of culture, tonnes of hidden gems and endless *pinch me* moments. Ready for 9 days of action-packed tropical adventures, plus plenty of free time to do you? This is it.
Package Details
- Travel dates: select departures November 2026
- Prices from: R20,700 pps
Itinerary
Keen to kick off the adventure? Meet us in Bangkok: Thailand’s temple-stuffed, neon-lit, food-loving capital. First things first, say hello to your fellow adventurers over an included dinner at a local restaurant. Cue = stuffing your face with allll the spring rolls and spicy curry. Afterwards, you’ve got options. Continue your convos at one of the city’s swanky rooftop bars. Get your souvenir shopping sorted early at a night market. Or have a chilled evening back at the hotel. Your trip = your vibe.
MEALS: Dinner
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!
INCLUDED TODAY: Overnight train to Surat Thani.
MEALS: Breakfast.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Half-day historic Bangkok bike tour: from 49 USD.
Tour of Grand Palace and Wat Pho: from 53 USD.
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.
INCLUDED TODAY:
Overnight experience in an eco treehouse lodge.
Bamboo cooking experience in Khao Sok National Park.
MEALS: Dinner.
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.
INCLUDED TODAY:
Longtail boat ride to floating raft accommodation.
Overnight experience in a floating raft house.
Wildlife boat cruise in Khao Sok National Park.
MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner.
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. Then, we’ll be making tracks for Krabi, so grab some fluids, soak up the tropical views, and put the lingo skills of your travel buds to the test. When we arrive, you’ll have the evening to get your bearings. Need some recs? Your Trip Leader’s got them by the bucketload.
INCLUDED TODAY:
Khao Sok National Park morning safari
Kayaking on Cheow Lan Lake
MEALS: Breakfast.
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.
MEALS: Breakfast.
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.
INCLUDED TODAY: Visit Samet Nangshe lookout.
MEALS: Breakfast.
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.
MEALS: Breakfast + Dinner.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Full-day Phi Phi Islands tour: from 108 USD.
Kata hot yoga class in Phuket: from 73 USD.
Muay Thai boxing class in Phuket: from 78 USD.
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’.
MEALS: Breakfast.
Includes / Excludes
Inclusions
- 9 days.
- 12 Meals.
- Trip Leader.
- Overnight train, local boat, private vehicle.
Exclusions
- International flights and taxes
- Visas (if required)
- Travel Insurance
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Anything of a personal nature
Terms & Conditions
- Prices are per person, capacity controlled, subject to availability and further subject to rate of exchange fluctuations at time of booking.
- For standard booking terms and conditions see: www.topdeck.travel/terms-and-conditions
- Valid for selected dates. Book by 31 July 2026.




