Thailand: Khao Sok, Jungle Wonders and Water Riches

Meet your group at your home airport. Fly together as a group to Thailand. Total travel time will depend on your departure location and flight schedule. Be sure to get some rest so you arrive ready for adventure!

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.

If your travel to Thailand crosses the international dateline, you’ll likely lose this day to travel. Not to worry – you’ll get it back on your return!

Arrive into Krabi Airport and meet your program leaders who’ll be with you for the duration of the program.  Drive north to Khao Sok National Park, one of the oldest and largest primary rainforests in SE Asia that’s home to endemic and endangered flora and fauna. Take in views of the dramatic limestone mountains and the rich biodiversity in the region. Settle in with an orientation and games before heading to a local organic farm to help out with tasks and pick ingredients that you’ll cook for your own meal!  In the evening, head out with guides into the jungle to see how the forest comes alive at night.

Overnight: Khao Sok Hotel

Spend the day touring the aquamarine water wonderland that is Cheow Lan Lake. Take longtail boats deep into the heart of the lake’s vast complex of cliff-lined bays and inlets. Swim in the refreshing water and hike through lush rainforests. Be on the lookout for many unique and endemic species that are found only in this natural paradise.

Overnight: Khao Sok Hotel

Spend the day with four beautiful retired elephants at Hillside Elephant Retreat. Work with the team of mahouts to help with daily tasks, taking care of the happy herd. Feed, bathe, clean and play with these precocious and intelligent pachyderms who love making new friends. In the afternoon head back to the resort for a BBQ and games under the stars. 

Overnight: Eco Resort in Khao Sok

Say goodbye to the mountain rainforests of Khao Sok and head to the beach for an afternoon swimming and exploring the Andaman coast, known for stunning cliffs that descend dramatically into crystal clear waters – a true tropical paradise. Take in the sunset at Ao Nang and enjoy a delicious dinner and shopping at the night market.    

Overnight: Hotel, Ao Nang

Leave the beach behind, and hop aboard a private longtail boat to see nearby islands that dot the coast. Jump on and off the boat to swim, snorkel, and explore small deserted beaches. Southern Thailand is home to many fish and coral species, and the crystal blue water and stunning scenery will make for some amazing memories. After a full day, head back to the bungalows for dinner and chill time on the sand.

Overnight: Hotel, Ao Nang

Your program leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure. It’ll be hard to say goodbye, but don’t worry, you can always come back and visit us again in the “Land of Smiles!”

Flight Details: Depart from Krabi International Airport (KBV); Rustic Pathways can book your flights upon request. Note that Surat Thani is the closest airport at about 1.5 hours from Khao Sok. Phuket and Krabi are both less than 2.5 hours from Khao Sok.