The best 8-day Thailand itinerary - Discover Bangkok, Khao Sok and Koh Phangan

You’ve landed in Bangkok and into the hands of the TruCrew. Over the next 8 days, we’re going to take you around the wonders of Thailand, introduce you to the country's best-kept secrets and have a seriously good time whilst we’re at it. So sit back, relax, grab a Chang and leave the rest to us. This is the perfect tour for those of you who want a taste of Thailand. We'll take you for a traditional massage, show you the ultimate place for kayaking and even give you the chance to have a go at Muay Thai! It's going to be an epic 8 days and you'll fall in love with Thailand - just like Joe and Mark did 10 years ago (they're our founders btw!) This isn’t just an average tour, but a TruThailand Experience. After these 8 days you'll have memories, photos, friendships and an addiction to mango sticky rice that will last a lifetime!

Tour Rating

Here at Tru our 'People and Planet Promise' is crucial to designing and running every tour. We also want to be transparent about what we are doing to give back to the local communities and the planet too! Check out the measurements of sustainability below to find out more about how we are giving back.

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Ripple Score
100
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This score indicates how much of the money spent on our tours stays within the local economy and is marked out 100. Read More
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Trees Planted
4
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This refers to the amount of trees planted per tour bought. For every £1000 spent we plant 5 trees! Read More
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Carbon Offset
0.11 Tons
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This is how many tons of carbon we offset from all the travel, accommodation and activities that every single customer uses when they join one of our amazing trips. Read More
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Tour Impact
83
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We’ve scored each tour and supplier in our network on business practise, green efficiency, carbon footprint and plastic use. The higher the score, the more this tour and the suppliers we use have a positive impact on the environment and the local people. Read More

Travel Style

classic

We’ve perfected the balance between culture, adventure, beaches and parties. A high level of inclusions at a low cost. Think of a Ferrari for the price of a Ford. Highlights, hotspots & hidden gems are crafted into each itinerary with our own TruExclusives. We stay in a variety of different accommodations such as hotels, hostels, homestays, beach huts & even boats. Maximum adventure, minimum hassle.

What's Included

  • Activities
  • Airport Pickup
  • Travel Ninja
  • Transport
  • Accommodation
  • TruExclusives
  • Meals

Activities
Chao Phraya River Cruise, Bangkok
Floating Bungalows
Bottle Beach
Muay Thai lesson
Wat Arun Temple visit
Wat Pho temple visit
Thai Massage
Overnight train
Kayaking in Khao Sok
Koh Phangan Boat Trip
Bottle Beach viewpoint
Tuk tuk ride
Khao Sok National Park
But...wait there's more! Show Less
Chao Phraya River Cruise, Bangkok Floating Bungalows Bottle Beach Muay Thai lesson Wat Arun Temple visit Wat Pho temple visit Thai Massage Overnight train Kayaking in Khao Sok Koh Phangan Boat Trip Bottle Beach viewpoint Tuk tuk ride Khao Sok National Park

Airport Pickup
If you are arriving less than 48 hours before the start of the tour and booked the pre-nights directly with TruTravels at the start hotel, you will get a free airport pickup.
If you are arriving the day of the tour you will also be eligible for an airport pick up.
If you are arriving less than 48 hours before the start of the tour and booked the pre-nights directly with TruTravels at the start hotel, you will get a free airport pickup. If you are arriving the day of the tour you will also be eligible for an airport pick up.

Travel Ninja
Your Guide! Like travelling with your best mates and one of them happens to know where they're going!
Your Guide! Like travelling with your best mates and one of them happens to know where they're going!

Transport
All Transport Included
Private Van
Overnight Train
Ferry to Koh Phangan
All Transport Included Private Van Overnight Train Ferry to Koh Phangan

Accommodation
7 Nights Accommodation
Twin Share Hotel
Floating Bungalows
Bottle Beach Bungalows
7 Nights Accommodation Twin Share Hotel Floating Bungalows Bottle Beach Bungalows

TruExclusives
Spend the night at Bottle Beach
Spend a memorable night on a secluded beach on the tropical island of Koh Phangan. We are the only company that spends the night here - play volleyball, swim in turquoise waters, and watch a fire show before having a beach bonfire and partying the night away.
Spend the night at Bottle Beach Spend a memorable night on a secluded beach on the tropical island of Koh Phangan. We are the only company that spends the night here - play volleyball, swim in turquoise waters, and watch a fire show before having a beach bonfire and partying the night away.

Meals
3 X Breakfasts
2 X Lunches
1 X Dinner
3 X Breakfasts 2 X Lunches 1 X Dinner

Your Trip Planner

Thailand Experience
8 Days

U$1,025 U$717.50

Location Route Iconbangkok - koh phangan

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Start
green location pin icon bangkok
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Total Price:
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letter i in a circleThe deposit price is U$280

Map

Bucket List

A stunning photo of the picturesque floating bungalows in Khao Sok national park
Floating Bungalows
group learning how to do muay thai in Thailand with knee up to elbow
Muay Thai Lesson
People riding down the river in a colourful longtail boat in Thailand
Chao Phraya River Cruise
The top of the view point at bottle beach in Koh Phangan Thailand over looking incredible views
Bottle Beach Hike
Tru
Flexibility
Low Deposit
Stupidly low deposits so you won't have to raid the piggy bank to lock in your trip.
Free date change
If your plans change, no stress. We allow one free date change up to 60 days before you travel.
Payment Plans
Have something to look forward to & pay us when you can.
Unrivalled Support
The best 1 on 1 support before, during and after your trip.

Itinerary

Day 1

hello bangkok

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Tru
Exclusives
A lively photo of a crowd enjoying the nightlife in Bangkok
A group enjoying the night life on Khao San road in Bangkok Thailand
A group photo at Khao San road in Bangkok Thailand

So you made it! How was your flight? How much free wine have you drunk? Fear not, we’re already at the airport in Bangkok, ready and waiting to scoot you off to your new home. Get settled, meet the rest of your group and find your tribe. As the evening arrives with the last of our group, we’re heading to the bustling Khao San Road for a true Thai dining experience!

Bangkok
Airport Pick Up
Day 2

temples & river cruise

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Tru
Exclusives
People riding down the river in a colourful longtail boat in Thailand
A group shot on the river cruise in Bangkok Thailand
group standing in front of temple in Bangkok
A group photo outside of Wat Pho in Bangkok Thailand on a sunny day
Group standing in between two temples in Bangkok with blue sky and clouds
A girl being blessed by a monk at the temples in Bangkok Thailand

YOU’RE ON A BOAT. That’s right, we’re not scrimping here. We’re off with a bang and after last night’s boozing, we thought a river cruise was a far more appealing way to take in the sights of Thailand’s capital. We’ll make our way along the Chao Phraya River, where you’ll explore Bangkok & experience some of Thailand’s heritage. We’re keeping things cultural today and will visit two prestigious temples – Wat Arun and Wat Pho, to see the very impressive giant & gold reclining Buddha statue. Make sure you have your shoulders covered! The rest of the day is free for exploring, you may want to try some of the famous shopping in Bangkok as it's known for being notoriously cheap. Remember to always try and barter with the street vendors, you can sometimes get as much as 50% off the original price! The same applies to your taxis! Post-shopping trip, we’ll reconvene for more food, drinks and some wild antics for the evening.

Bangkok
Bangkok river cruise, Wat Arun & Wat Pho temple visits, Tuk Tuk ride
1x Breakfast
Day 3

massage & overnight train

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Tru
Exclusives
Group at train station in Bangkok with all their backpacks and bags and trains in the background
Overnight train photo from the windows at Khao Sok national park Thailand
A group photo from the windows on the overnight train to Khao Sok National Park Thailand

Feeling a little fragile? Us too. Ease off the hangover with a massage, we would recommend an oil massage (bare in mind that a traditional Thai massage may not be as relaxing as you may think), before jumping aboard on the sleeping train for the night. Which is an experience as authentic as it comes! You’ll get your very own bed on the train, and it’s a great place to get to know the rest of your group. Watch as the bustle of Bangkok melts away and in its place, striking scenes of the tranquil lake of Khao Sok National Park – situated in the Surat Thani province of Thailand.

Overnight train
Massage
1x Breakfast
Day 4

khao sok national park

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Tru
Exclusives
A stunning photo of the picturesque floating bungalows in Khao Sok national park
A group photo at the floating bungalows in Khao Sok national park
A group of four girls enjoying a boat trip at Khao Sok National Park
Group kayaking in Khao Sok Thailand with picturesque scenes

Now we’ve got another treat for you. We’re not only staying on floating bungalows tonight, but you’re also on a freshwater lake, surrounded by a chirping tropical rainforest. You wanted a great adventure and we’ve given it to you. There are plenty of things to do in Khao Sok. Throw on your swimmers, as we make our way there via longtail boats, stopping on the way for a quick dip! Try your hand at some kayaking or sit back with a beer in front of the stunning backdrop of the surrounding limestone mountain range. It’s pretty spectacular if we do say so ourselves and we hope you’re having the time of your life. We know we are.

Khao Sok National Park
Kayaks and Floating bungalows
1x Lunch 1x Dinner
Day 5

bottle beach experience

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Tru
Exclusives
A group photo with crystal clear waters at bottle beach Koh Phangan Thailand
A group photo on a speed boat at bottle beach in Koh Phangan Thailand
Five girls at bottle beach in Koh Phangan with two of them on the swing

It’s time for an early start, not bad for your fifth day in. Fear not, we’ve made breakfast anyway. We’ll be aboard a ferry & heading East to Koh Phangan once the coffee and eggs are down. When we arrive, BRACE. Oh, because we’re about to introduce you to our best-kept secret and our favourite beach in the world. YEAH, NO BIGGIE. It’s quiet, amazingly beautiful, only accessible by boat, and to make it better, we pretty much get the whole place to ourselves, staying in beach huts overlooking the ocean. Yes, we’re showing off. We hope you love it. Once you’re acquainted with the secluded paradise of Bottle Beach in Koh Phangan; relax here for the rest of the afternoon, enjoy a bit of volleyball, sunbathing or swimming. In the evening we can enjoy dinner & some cocktails on the beach next to a campfire with our own private fire show. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan
Fire show, Volleyball, Snorkelling
1x Breakfast
Bottle Beach Experience
Day 6

morning chill & muay thai lesson

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Tru
Exclusives
The top of the view point at bottle beach in Koh Phangan Thailand over looking incredible views
A selfie at the top of the viewpoint at bottle beach in Koh Phangan Thailand
A group taking a muay Thai lesson in Koh Phangan
A group practicing muay Thai moves at a class in Koh Phangan Thailand

The sun is beaming, the waves are crashing around you as you crack your eyes open. TruFam snoozing in nearby beds. Are you in Heaven? Maybe. Take it easy and don’t rush yourself anywhere today. Make the most of your surroundings. Your options are limitless; go kayaking, play volleyball, top up the tan, trek to viewpoints or enjoy a lie-in. We’ll be collected early-afternoon and taken to a local gym, where you can try your hand at a bit of Muay Thai boxing, Thailand’s national sport. Afterwards, we’re off to our new home, where we will spend the final nights of the trip. Naturally, it’s got a great bar and the vibes are unrivalled. What did you expect from us?!

Koh Phangan
Viewpoint trek & Muay Thai lesson
Day 7

island boat trip

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Tru
Exclusives
Beach party in Koh Phangan with islands in the background
A group photo on a boat with a few chang beers in Koh Phangan Thailand
A group photo in front of the serene sunset in Koh Phangan

Today is the day to scope out the underwater world of Koh Phangan, snorkelling at the coolest hot spots around the tropical island. Naturally, we’ll stop off at some of the best beaches around Koh Phangan, where again, this is a chance to take the island as you like. You might think it couldn’t get any better, but it does; you’ll receive a drink on us on arrival onto the boat & a spot of lunch on us whilst listening to (excellently selected) music throughout the day. Drawing the evening and our trip to an end, it's time for a farewell dinner with your TruFam. Finally, as the moon pools over the beaches, we’ll hit the beach bars for one final big night to send the adventure off together.

Koh Phangan
Island boat trip, Snorkelling
1 x Lunch
Day 8

chilled checkout

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Tru
Exclusives
A group photo at sunset on the beach in Thailand

Today is, unfortunately, check out day (we’re not crying, you’re crying). But that doesn’t mean this is goodbye forever. We’re on hand to plan the next legs of your Thailand adventure, whether you want to continue the party in Koh Phangan or need help getting home safe. Wherever you’re off to, let’s wallow together and reminisce on the horrible things we all did last night for a bucket of free booze. TruFam forever.

Help with onward travel

WHERE WE STAY

bangkok

We start the BEST 8 days of our lives in Bangkok!! This hotel is located right next to the famous Khao San Road, so it's right in the centre of all the fun. It's in the perfect location for our night out on day 2 (and day 1 if you're feelin' it!) - you can have a bucket (or five) and then stumble home in just a few minutes! This hotel is also the perfect place to relax after your long journey or to nurse a hangover with a dip in the pool, either at your hotel or the sister hotel next door. If you like to get stuck in and explore, tourist sights like The Grand Palace are sooo close.

*Please note all accomodation is subject to change- but it will always be great and of an equal standard! If you would like to confirm the accomodation for your trip please contact the sales team on info@trutravels.com*

Thailand Adventure - Khao Sok
Viewpoint khao sok national park
Khao-Sok-Floating-Bungalows-Thailand
floating bungalows in khao sok national park
Thailand Adventure - Khao Sok
Viewpoint khao sok national park
Khao-Sok-Floating-Bungalows-Thailand
floating bungalows in khao sok national park

khao sok

Ok, welcome to paradise! Sleeping in floating bungalows is everyone's DREAM, right!? Imagine waking up surrounded by calm waters that are crystal clear and an idyllic blue... well, that's what you get at the floating resort in Khao Sok National Park! Each of the 30 bungalows has its own veranda, perfect to lie on and watch the jungle night sky. There's also a bar area to get your beer fix and a chill space for the evenings.

bottle beach

Welcome to Bottle Beach and your own little beach hut overlooking the ocean. That's right, this accommodation is pretty special. Not only do you get to stay in a beach hut, but the beach is secluded and we pretty much get it allll to ourselves. So chill in your hammock and take in the sights, grab a cocktail and wait for the beach bonfire to start!

koh phangan

After our night on Bottle Beach, staring up at the stars as we sleep from the hammock on our patio, we move on to our second Koh Phangan destination. What you wouldn't expect is that we move from one secluded beach to the next. Our second hotel has its own private beach too!! Unreal, right? So you can chill, sip on a cocktail and soak up all the good vibes either in the gorgeous pool, by the bar or on the secluded beach.

Reviews

Peanut I miss you more than yesterday
The tour in general was great- jam packed with fun activities and was so fun to learn about Thai culture. Our tour guide Peanut made it absolutely perfect. He is kind, caring and most of all absolutely hilarious and constantly had us in tears of laughter. He also made such a big effort to make sure everyone was included and having the best time. We all felt like Peanut was one of us and a true friend. I will miss Peanut and everyone on the tour! I love you all more than yesterday x
Becca Hall - Nov 2024
We love you Peanut!
Peanut absolutely made our Northern Thailand tour an experience I'll remember forever. The members of the group were awesome, the tour, activities and organisation flowed very well. Will definitely be back on another TruTravels tour! We love you more than yesterday! ❤️🥜
Matt Quincey - Nov 2024
This was the experience of a lifetime
, everything went smoothly from start to finish and I felt so safe and supported in the hands of our tour guide ‘Smile’. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone! We did Bangkok, Kao Sok national park, bottle beach and Tiki Beach in Koh Phangan! Truly amazing!
Customer - Nov 2024
Fantastic, affordable experience
Highly recommend Trutravels. My tour guide was so much fun and very knowledgeable about the places we visited. I felt there was a good balance between scheduled events and the freedom to wander off on our own if we wanted. Plus I loved how affordable it was compared to other high priced tour companies. Great mix of an immersive, cultural experience and a night life buzz. Book it!!
Michael - Jun 2024
8 day Thailand experience
The tour was amazing and the activities were a great mix of relaxing, educational and fun! I had Scotty and Arthur as my tour guides and they really made the tour exceptional. They always went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible experience. I would definitely recommend this tour :)
Victoria Stojanovic - Sep 2023
8 day Thailand experience
Biggy and Taro were amazing on my Thailand experience 8 day tour. They were very organised and fun. So many activities were included, just wish I chose the longer option. An unforgettable experience, would highly recommend
Charlotte Withers - Aug 2023
8 day Thailand Experience Tour with Peanut
I loved the 8 day Thailand tour! As a female solo traveller I felt safe and comfortable and it was a great way to meet new people. The tour itself was great, lots to do but not too jam packed so it still felt like a holiday. The tour felt well organised with everything going smoothly and lots included. The highlight by far was our tour guide Peanut. I think I might have to cut cashews out of my life for good just in pure solidarity and support of this beautiful human. Peanut was such a warm, positive energy on this trip. Always helpful, with an impressive ability to wrangle up all group membe...
Amber Givoni - Aug 2023
Thailand Experience
The tour was excellent, so fun to meet other solo travellers and the tour was packed with activities and places to visit, from Bangkok and the gulf islands. A huge thanks to our tour guide Peanut who was so organised, kind, fun, always looked after us and gave us an unforgettable experience.
Louise - Jul 2023

FAQs

Where does the trip start & Finish?

The trip begins in Bangkok and finishes in Koh Phangan.

Which airport do I need to fly into?

You will need to fly into Suvarnabhumi (BKK) which is the main international airport or alternatively we can also collect you from Don Muang (DMK).

What is the closest airport to the end destination?

The closest airport is Koh Samui (USM) which is a 45 minute ferry ride away from Koh Phangan. The ferries run regularly. There are also other means of travel that our group leaders will be able to help you arrange.

How do I get back to the start destination and is this included in the price? If not, how much is it?

No it is not included but we can assist you with booking it all. You will need to get a joint ticket which consists of a ferry from Koh Phangan to the mainland and then a bus to Bangkok. The cost is around £37/USD $47. Please be aware this can be quite a long journey of around 12 hours door to door. Alternatively, you can fly from Koh Samui which is a 45 minute ferry ride away from Koh Phangan however this option is more expensive and would cost in the region of £100/USD $130 but saves time.

What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?

The accommodation for this trip is all twin share private rooms. Doubles can be provided upon request for couples.

How much is a pre night’s accommodation?

If you would like to arrange a pre-night please email info@trutravels.com

Is my money protected?

Yep! You will never lose your money. You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe. We also offer 1 free date change before 60 days of your departure date.

Do you have age limits for your tours?

Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We have no strict upper age limit on our tours but all of our tours are specifically designed for those of this age group which is worth noting when browsing through our website.

Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?

Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!

Do many TruTravellers travel alone?

Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.

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