Only 720€ per week!
Trunk to the South (Road Trip)
Trunk to the South - Thailand
Indulge in a wonderful experience that will get you exploring the culture and local customs of the Thai people from the Southern seas.
During the various excursions to Thailand’s nature sights, you will have the chance to let yourself be overwhelmed by the beauty of these places. During the visits to the national parks and beaches, you will learn about these ‘treasures of nature’ while enjoying yourself by snorkeling, trekking and swimming.
Program
Living
Thailand
Program Description
Come and explore the beautiful South of Thailand! Whilst travelling through the provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani by bus, you will witness and experience the thorough beauty of the Southern Thai culture, people and natural beauty. These locations include Angthong National Park and Thailand’s finest island: Koh Samui! While helping out at the beach and snorkeling in the clear blue sea, you will be warmly greeted by the very friendly and ever smiling people of the South.
During the various excursions to Thailand’s nature sights, you will have the chance to let yourself be overwhelmed by the beauty of these places. During the visits to the national parks and beaches you will learn about these ‘treasures of nature’ while enjoying yourself with snorkeling, trekking and swimming. This exploration of the South program has a wide range of activities which will satisfy your wishes and needs for cultural knowledge, local experiences and fun!!
Mostly Thai style dishes will be served during the trip. This means that the meals will consist of mostly rice and noodles. There will usually be some vegetables and some meat in these dishes, but vegetarian options can be arranged as well. We do not offer Western style meals, but you can feel free to supplement the menu at your own cost to include any of your favorite dishes.
Aims & Objectives
The aim is for you to enjoy this journey whilst helping out on the beach, learning about the lives of the Southern community and experiencing the natural beauty of the forest and magnificent mountains in the National park. Another aim is to support local development and to take care of Thailand’s impressive coastline by cleaning and collecting garbage in order to help conserve the beach.
Schedule
Sunday
- If this is your first week, you will be transferred directly from Bangkok to Hua Hin upon arrival. Depending on your previous week's program, you will be transferred to Hua Hin after brunch
- Dinner at Hua Hin center
Monday
- Breakfast at the Hua Hin center
- Visit a famous Bhuddist temple nearby
- Lunch
- Take a scenic train from Hua Hin to Bang Saphan Yai
- Dinner
Overnight stay at hotel in Bang Saphan Yai
Tuesday
- Breakfast
- Sightseeing and snorkeling on a three hour boat trip
- Lunch on the boat
- Back to the hotel
- Free time at the beach
- Dinner
- Free time
Overnight train journey to Surat Thani
Wednesday
- Breakfast in Surat Thani
- Minivan to pier
- Boat to Koh Samui (2 hours)
- Check in to hotel at Choeng Weng Beach
- Lunch at the hotel
- Explore the local area near the Hotel/Beach.
- Dinner at the guesthouse
- Night market
Overnight stay at the hotel/guesthouse (hot water, air-con & Wi-fi)
Thursday
- Travel to Ang Thong National Park by boat
- Breakfast on the boat
- Snorkeling and hiking, visiting the park and two islands
- Lunch on the boat
- Continue with the above program
- Boat transfer from Angthong National Park to Koh Samui (2 hours)
- Back to the hotel/guesthouse in Koh Samui
- Dinner at a local restaurant in Koh Samui.
Overnight stay at the hotel/guesthouse (hot water, air-con & Wi-fi)
Friday
- Breakfast at the guesthouse
- Visit Wat Phra Yai
- Visit Grandmother and Grandfather stones at Koh Samui
- A visit to a beautiful waterfall where swimming is possible
- Lunch back at the hotel
- Dinner at Thai restaurant
Overnight stay at the hotel/guesthouse (hot water, air-con & Wi-fi)
Saturday
- Breakfast at the hotel in Koh Samui
- Free time on the beach
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Check out from the hotel and head to the bus station
- Arrive at Mo chit bus station in Bangkok early Sunday morning. Transfer to Singburi for further programs.
Overnight bus/boat from Koh Samui to Bangkok
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: –
Maximum age: –
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: No
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
There are no further requirements.
Additional Equipment
- Good walking shoes
- Towels
Location
A route from the tourist hotspot Hua Hin down to Thailand’s probably most well-known island: Koh Samui. Passing beautiful beaches and several national parks.
About the Accommodation
Along the route you will have overnight stays in hotels/guest houses, busses and even a boat. More information can be found inside the schedule.
Food Arrangements
Mostly Thai style dishes will be served during the trip. This means that the meals will consist of mostly rice and noodles. There will usually be some vegetables and some meat in these dishes, but vegetarian options can be arranged as well. We do not offer Western style meals, but you can feel free to supplement the menu at your own cost to include any of your favorite dishes.
Facilities
Along the route – but not at all times – there are ATMs and small local stores. Please make sure you have enough money with you before starting the trip.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
You’ll be on a busy schedule.
Transportation
From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):
- Akha Village Chiang Rai
- All around Thailand
- Around Thailand
- Hua Hin
- Kaeng Krachan
- Kanchanaburi
- Mae Sot
- Singburi
- Suphan Buri
- Train Track Northern Thailand
- Udon Thani
- Umphang
- Wang Nam Khiao
Quick Facts
Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Population: 67 million
Capital: Bangkok
Language: Thai
Currency: Baht (THB)
Time zone: ICT (UTC +7)
Country Information
From trekking in the beautiful mountains of the north to enjoying the glorious beaches in the south and experiencing the hustle and bustle of the metropolis that is Bangkok, Thailand is certainly not a country that lacks variety.
Whilst it really is at the heart of Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, its cultural identity remains very unique. As the only country in Southeast Asia to avoid European powers, the Thai are proud to refer to themselves as ‘The Land of the Free’ and many tourists might also know it as ‘The Land of Smiles’ due to its friendly people.
Climate
The majority of the country is home to a tropical savanna climate which consists of wet and dry seasons of a roughly equal length. The climate can be divided into three distinct seasons:
- Dry season: November – end of February. During this period, precipitation is at its lowest but so are the temperatures. This said, ‘low temperatures’ are of course relative and the difference is not in fact very different at all in the South. It is only if you will be visiting the northern mountains that you might need to bring some warmer clothes as temperatures can fall as low as 5°C. This period is, not surprisingly, the most popular time to visit Thailand and tourism peaks around Christmas and New Year as well as Chinese New year. Flights and accommodation at this time can be more expensive.
- Hot: March to June. During this time Thailand reaches its hottest temperatures (as high as 50°C).
- Rainy: July – October. This is when the tropical monsoons begin to arrive, peaking in September. Although this is indeed rainy season, it doesn’t mean that it rains non-stop. Storms can clear up very quickly, but when it does rain, heavy flooding is not rare.
Culture
A significant feature of Thai culture is its primary religion: Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is supported by the government and practiced by an estimated 95% of its population. Thailand not only boasts tens of thousands of beautiful temples, but you will notice that a lot of Thai people have miniature Spirit Houses on their front yards because they believe that the household spirits live in them and they make offerings to them to keep the spirits happy.
Another feature of Thai culture is the wai greeting, which is essentially a slight bow with palms pressed together in a prayer-like manner to show respect. This can be compared to the Indian namasté. Things to know about this:
- The higher the hands in relation to the face and the deeper the bow, the more respect is shown.
- It is made before formally entering/leaving a house
- It can also be made as a sign of gratitude or apology
- You do not make the greeting to those who are younger than you unless you are returning the wai.
- The gesture is normally accompanied with the phrase “sawadee (krap/ka)” (“krap” if you are male and “ka” if you are female)
- A corporate wai (made by cashiers etc) can be returned with a smile or a nod
The major festival in Thailand is Thai New Year, known as Songkran. It is celebrated on the 13th-14th April of every year. It is a festival that concludes the dry season and involves a lot of water throwing!
Gastronomy
Thai cuisine is very nutritious and alongside its plentiful use of rice, it generally contains fresh vegetables and white meats like chicken and fish. Thai people love spicy food but do not fear if you do not, just say ‘mai pet’ when you order. However, the flavors are not only about the spice, as many people believe. Thai food can be slightly salty, sour and/or sweet, so there really is something to suit everyone’s palate.
Transportation
Transport in Thailand is very varied and there isn’t one ‘main way’ to travel. Buses dominate long distance journeys. Travel in thailand is cheap and even domestic flights are a worthwhile consideration for long distance journeys, especially with the expansion of low-cost airlines.
Taxis, tuk-tuks and vans are also common modes of transport, but tourists must be wary about being overcharged. If in doubt, always ask that the taximeter be switched on to avoid overcharging.
