JEWELS OF THE GULF OF SIAM - 7 days / 6 nights

DAY 1

Departure from Bangkok around 9am going south.
After an hour drive, discover the vast salt plains.
Straight afterwards we will leave the main road, steering towards the Kaeng Krachan National Park, the largest in Thailand and certainly with the most dense, lavish forest.
Above the Kaeng Krachen dam, we will arrive at a very large reserve lake known for its quantity of fish. Here we will lunch in a local lake side restaurant and be able to taste freshly caught fare.
After the meal, a boat will take us off for a tour of the lake to admire the unspoilt surrounding nature. Around 200 kilometres further south we shall make a short stop at the southern point of another National Park, Khao Sam Roi Yot, where we may be amazed by the savage landscape, as its name indicates (the three hundred summits).
At sunset we'll be off the discover the marsh fauna, an unforgettable experience!
Back on the road to Bangsaphan and Coral Hotel, followed by evening meal.

DAY 2

Breakfast at Coral Hotel, then departure for a expedition into authentic Thailand.
Firstly a visit to the natural caves and statuettes situated in the heart of a Buddhist temple, a unique introduction to this dominant religion. Then, driving along the coastal route with its savage scenery and sandy dunes, we'll arrive at the fishing village of Bankrut, dominated by a Big Buddha and temple which was built in homage to the king.
After lunching at Coral Hotel, take a trek in a jeep along a thin, winding path to admire the mountain views, rubber plantations, local cultures and numerous orchards including coffee, bananas, pineapples, mangoes and other exotic fruits.
Before arriving at the Burmese border, we shall journey alongside the small rapids and waterfalls in the heart of the lavish vegetation.
Dinner and barbeque at Coral Hotel.

DAY 3

Breakfast at Coral Hotel, followed by transfer to Chumpon quay embarking on the fast boat (around 2h30) to visit the first island, Ko Tao.
Before arriving in the Gulf waters, the boat will take us through the rivers natural channel which houses the most active fishing port of the region and is extremely busy early in the morning. By the end of the morning we will arrive at Turtle Island (Ko Thao), named after its shape. The islands surface area is 21 km² and the native population counts around a thousand inhabitants who essentially live off fishing, coconuts and, more recently, tourism and diving. Ko Thao is extremely rich in coral reef.
Once landed, we shall be accompanied to our hotel, the Resort, which is equipped with bathrooms, air-conditioning and sea view.
Following lunch in the small costal restaurant, we will be off to discover the island with its twisting, steep paths that meander through the natural mountainous relief and small, turquoise creeks. (You may choose your transport for this outing - on motorbike or by car).
After an early evening meal, embarkation on a local fishing boat to try a hand at catching squid and fish.

DAY 4

Breakfast at the Resort, then embarkation on to a long tailed boat for a tour of the island. Those who wish to dive will be equipped with masks, tubas and flippers to have a go at surface diving and visit the magnificent sites. Appreciate relaxing and bathing on a spectacular beach where the coastal views and under-water life leave a lasting impression. Take the time to drink in every corner of this miniature paradise and picnic lunch on one of the islands savage beaches. Experience an evening meal in a characteristic island restaurant, and back to the Resort for the night. For those wishing a different adventure, an alternative of deep water diving is also available with one of the Padi clubs on Ko Thao. If you opt for this choice, a supplement will be charged locally.

DAY 5

After breakfast at the Resort, departure for Ko Thao port and embarkation for Ko Phan Ngnan Island, about an hour and a half away. This island counts over ten thousand inhabitants, is mountainous, largely covered in dense forests, and is surrounded by abundant unspoilt beaches. Once on the island, a 4 wheel drive vehicle is at our disposition to venture along the winding, hilly paths leading to the Than Sadet waterfalls which flow in to a small river, of the same name, and from out of which rise rocks engraved by kings with their royal insignia. A small, simple meal can be taken in a typical beach restaurant before getting back on the road again. During the return journey back to the quay, a short visit to Wat Kao Tham is a must. This small temple, perched on a hill summit, regularly welcomes people wishing to study meditation. On option, for those looking for unspoilt ground, is an extra day on Ko Phan Ngnan and the delights of relaxing on a beautiful beach at the foot of the Panvinam Resort which we have chosen for its 3*** qualities. From your room you may admire the spectacular panoramic maritime view. Taking the fast boat again, moving on to the third, most well known touristy island on our tour, Ko Samui. Landing at sunset, straight on to our hotel, Jungle Park Resort, a French run 3*** establishment, where a warm welcome awaits us. Evening meal and night at the hotel.

DAY 6

Breakfast, and transfer for a group visit to the Ang Thong National maritime Park.
This park is composed of a dozen or so islets, all very different - abrupt cliffs, white sandy beaches, tropical vegetation and magnificent lagoons. On the archipelago we may ascend the summit of the hill to admire the view, dive into one of the lagoons formed by the islets, enter a cave in the shape of a lotus flower….. Of course, lunch will be served around midday.
After a day on the water, return to the hotel for diner, and an evening outing to Chaweng Jungle Park.

DAY 7

Breakfast at the hotel, and departure for a circuit of Ko Samui. First stop, the legendary rocks of "Grandfather" and "Grandmother", followed by the islands Muslim market, then on to a Buddhist temple where a mummified monk is on exhibition. After this cultural tour, a visit to the marvellous tropical garden which is home to a multitude of local butterflies.
To finish the circuit, the big Buddha which is the pride of this islands inhabitants, and a pause on the Chaweng beach. A meal will be provided during the tour before going to the airport where we can take off for Bangkok.

TOUR INFORMATION

Sightseeing tour : 7 days / 6 nights accompanied by a French guide

All meals inclusive - drinks non-inclusive - throughout tour

All hotels minimum 3***

The return flight ticket to Ko Samui-Bangkok non-inclusive

Supplement day and night in Ko Phan Ngnan
non-inclusive Extensions are possible for several nights:
- The Jungle Park at Ko Samui
- Coral Hotel at Bangsaphan

TOUR PRICES / PER PERSON (until 31/10/2007)

Minimum
2 persons: 43 700 baht
3 persons : 40 300 baht
4 - 6 persons : 33 400 baht
7 - 9 persons : 30 500 baht
Supplement for extra day and night in Kho Phan Ngnan or Jungle Park in Kho Samui : Please contact us.

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