Koh Samui & Bangkok – 7 Days of Islands, Safari & River Cruise

This is the day most people remember Samui for. After an early pickup you meet the crew at the Insea speedboat pier, have a light breakfast and set off across the Gulf of Thailand. The first stop is Koh Wao Yai, where the water is clear and turquoise enough to see fish from the boat, for a snorkelling session. Then on to Koh Wua Ta Lap, the main island of Ang Thong Marine National Park, with white-sand beaches and calm emerald water for a swim.

Here you choose: kayak along the coastline, or hike up to the Pha Chan Charat Viewpoint for the panorama over the archipelago. Lunch is a Thai-style buffet at a local restaurant on Koh Phaluai. The last stop is Koh Mae Koh, where a climb of steps leads to the viewpoint over the Emerald Lagoon, a saltwater lake enclosed by limestone cliffs. You cruise back to Koh Samui in the late afternoon.

At a glance: Time needed: ~8–9 hrs tour · Travel: Speedboat across the marine park · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Early morning: Hotel pickup and transfer to the Insea speedboat pier. Meet the crew and have a light breakfast before departure.

• Morning: Speedboat to Koh Wao Yai and snorkelling, about 1 hr.

• Late morning: Koh Wua Ta Lap, the main island of Ang Thong: beach and swim, then kayaking along the coast or the hike to Pha Chan Charat Viewpoint, about 1.5–2 hrs.

• Noon: Thai-style buffet lunch at a local restaurant on Koh Phaluai, about 1 hr.

• Afternoon: Koh Mae Koh and the climb to the Emerald Lagoon viewpoint, about 45 min.

• Late afternoon: Speedboat back to Koh Samui and transfer to your hotel.

• Evening: Free. Dinner on your own (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Hotel → Insea pier and back by tour transfer.

• Pier → Ang Thong islands by speedboat, roughly 1 hr each way, with short hops between islands.

Tips & what to carry

• The Ang Thong National Park fee is not included and is paid locally on the day. Carry cash in baht.

• The Pha Chan Charat hike is steep, with ladders and sharp rock near the top. Wear proper shoes, not flip-flops, and skip it if you have knee or heart issues.

• The Emerald Lagoon viewpoint climb is steps all the way. Carry water.

• Take seasickness tablets before boarding if you are prone to it; the speedboat ride can be bumpy.

• Use reef-safe sunscreen and carry a dry bag for your phone, a towel and a change of clothes.

Included today

• Ko Samui Full-Day Angthong Snorkeling & Kayaking Tour

• Light breakfast on board

• Thai-style buffet lunch at a local restaurant

Overnight: Koh Samui

Today you see the inside of the island, which most beach visitors never do. A 4x4 army jeep takes you up into Samui's green interior on a tour that strings together the island's best-known sights. You start at Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks on the south-east coast, two rock formations with a well-known local legend, then visit the temple where the mummified monk Luang Pho Daeng sits in meditation, still wearing his sunglasses.

The jeep then climbs into the hills to Namuang Waterfall, where you can cool off in the pool below the falls, and on to the Magic Garden, a forest of moss-covered stone statues built by a local durian farmer. The mountain jeep ride is bumpy and great fun. A traditional Thai lunch breaks the day, and the tour ends at the Big Buddha on its own small island, the 12-metre golden statue that watches over the north coast.

At a glance: Time needed: ~7 hrs tour · Travel: 4x4 jeep and shared transfers · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Morning: Hotel pickup by shared transfer, then into the 4x4 army jeep.

• Morning: Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai), about 30 min; then Wat Khunaram and the Mummified Monk, about 20 min.

• Late morning: Mountain jeep ride and Namuang Waterfall, about 1 hr including time for a dip.

• Noon: Traditional Thai lunch, about 1 hr.

• Afternoon: Magic Garden (Secret Buddha Garden) in the hills, about 45 min; then Big Buddha temple, about 30–45 min.

• Late afternoon: Drop-off at your hotel. Evening free (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Shared hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Koh Samui areas.

• 4x4 army jeep for the mountain section, about 7 hrs in total.

Tips & what to carry

• Temples (Wat Khunaram and Big Buddha) ask for covered shoulders and knees. Carry a sarong or light scarf.

• Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to swim at Namuang, and carry a small towel.

• The jeep ride is rough. Not ideal for anyone with back problems or in pregnancy.

• Carry mosquito repellent for the jungle stops.

Included today

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off from selected Koh Samui areas

• 4x4 army jeep mountain ride

• Entrance fees

• Traditional Thai lunch

• Local guide

• Insurance

• Shared transfer service

Overnight: Koh Samui

A last breakfast by the sea, then check out and our driver picks you up from the hotel for the transfer to Samui Airport and your flight to Bangkok, a little over an hour in the air. Both transfers are covered today, hotel to Samui Airport and Bangkok Airport to hotel, so there is nothing to arrange on arrival.

Our representative or driver meets you at Bangkok Airport and drives you into the city to check in at your hotel in Silom. Silom is a good base: the BTS Skytrain and MRT are close by, and the evening street food and night markets start just outside the door. Keep the evening easy after the travel.

At a glance: Time needed: Travel day · Travel: ~1 hr flight plus two airport transfers · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast at the hotel and check out (usually by 12:00 noon).

• Late morning / Noon: Private transfer to Samui Airport and flight to Bangkok (flight not included; timing depends on your booking).

• Afternoon: Arrive at Bangkok Airport, meet our driver and transfer to your hotel, about 45 min–1 hr depending on traffic. Check in.

• Evening: Free. A walk around Silom, or Patpong Night Market nearby.

• Night: Dinner on your own (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Hotel → Samui Airport by private car.

• Koh Samui → Bangkok ~1 hr 5 min by flight.

• Bangkok Airport → Silom hotel ~45 min–1 hr by private car (longer at rush hour).

Tips & what to carry

• Flights from Samui have tight baggage allowances on some fares. Check yours before you pack souvenirs.

• Bangkok rush hour (roughly 7:00–9:30 AM and 4:30–8:00 PM) can double the airport drive time.

• Bargain politely at Patpong and street stalls; first prices are usually high.

Included today

• Airport Transfer in Koh Samui (hotel to airport)

• Airport Transfer in Bangkok (airport to hotel)

Overnight: Bangkok

A big, easy day out that works for every age. Your private car takes you to Safari World and Marine Park on the north-east edge of Bangkok, the city's largest open zoo and leisure park. You start with the drive-through Safari Park, where giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers and bears roam in open enclosures right beside the vehicle.

The Marine Park side is about the shows, which run on a fixed timetable through the day: dolphins, sea lions, orangutans and exotic birds, plus the stunt shows. Lunch at the park's buffet restaurant breaks the day, and there is still time for the Jungle Cruise, the feeding zones and the exhibits before you head back to the hotel in the evening.

At a glance: Time needed: ~7 hrs at the park · Travel: ~45 min–1 hr each way by private car · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:30–9:00 AM): Breakfast, then private transfer to Safari World, about 45 min–1 hr.

• Morning (park opens around 9:00 AM): Safari Park drive-through, about 1 hr.

• Late morning: Marine Park shows: plan your route around the show timetable you get at the gate. Each show is around 20–30 min.

• Noon: Lunch inside the park, about 1 hr. The park runs a buffet restaurant; lunch is not part of the package meal plan, so confirm with your consultant whether it is bundled with your ticket.

• Afternoon: More shows, the Jungle Cruise, feeding zones and exhibits, about 3 hrs.

• Evening: Private transfer back to your hotel. Dinner on your own (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Hotel → Safari World ~45 min–1 hr by private car, and the same back.

• Transfers are private, with entry tickets included.

Tips & what to carry

• Pick up the show timetable at the entrance and plan your route by it; the shows are spread out.

• Arrive early. The orangutan show and dolphin show fill up, so get there 10–15 minutes before.

• Carry a cap, sunscreen and water. Much of the park is outdoors and hot by noon.

• Feeding-zone food and photos with animals are paid locally.

Included today

• Safari World & Marine Park Private Tour

• Transfers with Private with Entry Tickets

Overnight: Bangkok

The day is yours. After breakfast, shop, eat and wander at your own pace; no transfers or sightseeing are included until the evening, so plan it however you like. For shopping, MBK Center and Platinum Fashion Mall are best for bargains, CentralWorld and Siam Paragon for brands, and Pratunam Market for wholesale clothes. Cafés, street food and the night markets fill in the gaps.

In the evening you are transferred to the pier for the Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise. You eat on deck while the boat glides past the lit-up skyline and the city's riverside landmarks, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace and the old warehouses among them. It is a relaxed, pretty end to the trip. After the cruise you are dropped back at your hotel.

At a glance: Time needed: Free day + ~2 hrs cruise · Travel: Own travel by day; evening transfer included · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast at the hotel.

• Late morning – Afternoon: Free for shopping at your own pace (own transport): MBK Center and Siam Paragon are next to each other at BTS National Stadium/Siam; Platinum Fashion Mall and Pratunam Market are a short ride away.

• Late afternoon: Back at the hotel to rest and change.

• Evening (around 7:00 PM): Transfer to the pier and Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise, about 2 hrs with dinner on board.

• Night: Transfer back to your hotel.

Travel for the day

• No transfers for daytime shopping. The BTS Skytrain from Silom is the fastest way to Siam.

• Hotel → pier → hotel transfer included for the evening cruise.

Tips & what to carry

• Use the BTS Skytrain or MRT to beat the traffic; buy a stored-value card if you will ride several times.

• Pratunam Market is busiest and best early in the day. Platinum Mall opens around 9:00 AM.

• Cruise dress is smart-casual. Avoid shorts and flip-flops on most dinner boats.

• Carry a light layer for the river breeze on deck.

• Keep receipts above THB 2,000 from VAT-refund shops; you can claim at the airport.

Included today

• No Transfers for this Shopping

• Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise

• Transfer & Dinner Cover for Evening Tour

Overnight: Bangkok

A final breakfast and time to pack, with a last walk or a quick bowl of noodles near the hotel if your flight allows. Check out of your hotel in Silom.

Your driver meets you at the hotel for the private transfer to Bangkok International Airport. Sit back and watch the city go by on the expressway.

At a glance: Time needed: Free until departure · Travel: ~45 min–1 hr airport transfer · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Free for last-minute shopping, flight permitting (own cost).

• Noon: Check out (usually by 12:00 noon; late check-out depends on availability).

• Departure: Private transfer to Bangkok Airport, reaching at least 3 hrs before an international flight.

Travel for the day

• Silom hotel → Bangkok Airport ~45 min–1 hr by private car (allow more at rush hour).

Tips & what to carry

• Claim your VAT refund at the airport before check-in for goods you will put in the hold.

• Spend or change leftover baht at the airport; it is harder to change in India.

• Leave extra time in the evening rush hour.

Included today

• Airport Transfers are in Private