Pedestrian-Only Beaches: Visit the laid-back paradise of Railay Beach, accessible only by boat. Cut off from the mainland by towering limestone cliffs, there are no roads and no cars — just footpaths weaving between beaches, jungle, and small local shops.
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Thailand 15-Day Trip
Trip cost per person
$6,850 USD – Single occupancy
$5,900 USD – Double occupancy
(See below for occupancy options, inclusions, and exclusions)
Payment schedule
A deposit of half the trip cost is needed to secure your spot. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.
*$300 of the deposit is a non-refundable booking fee. You can view our cancellation policy HERE.
Credit or debit card payments are subject to processing fees at booking and are non-refundable under any circumstances. To avoid these fees, you can pay via bank account instead.
Occupancy packages (select at checkout)
Single occupancy package – $6,850 USD per person
If you prefer your own room throughout the trip and do not want to share a room, this option is recommended for you.
Roommate pairing package – $5,900 USD per person
If you are traveling solo but are open to sharing a room, we offer roommate pairing with another traveler of the same gender on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll be introduced to your roommate after booking. IMPORTANT: If a match is not found by 75 days prior to the trip start date, the single occupancy rate will apply.
Double occupancy package – $5,900 USD per person
This option is for two travelers booking together and sharing a room.
What is included :
- 14 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
- 3 domestic flights
- Private, air-conditioned ground transportation
- Speed boat/ferry transfers
- Activities as noted on the itinerary
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Local trip leader throughout
What is not included :
- Visas (if needed)
- Insurance
- International flights
- International airport pick-up & drop-off
- Some lunches & dinners
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
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The Right Fit
Our trips attract thoughtful, open-minded guests from around the world. Group dynamics are part of what makes these experiences so special, so we ask that all travelers treat fellow guests and locals with kindness and respect.
We also believe in flexibility. Travel in Thailand can be beautifully unpredictable — that’s part of the adventure. If you’re someone who can go with the flow, laugh when plans shift, and embrace cultural differences, you’ll thrive. If you tend to focus on small inconveniences or expect everything to feel like home, this may not be the right fit.
Things to Keep in Mind
Thailand is not like home — and that’s the point. Water pressure, bed firmness, room temperature, and WiFi can vary, especially in more remote areas. Come with curiosity and adaptability, and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Trip Leadership & Independence
Your local guide is there to guide, support, and enhance your experience — but they are not personal assistants. A degree of independence and self-sufficiency is expected and appreciated.
Our trips are designed for semi-independent travelers. If you choose to skip an included activity, you are responsible for arranging your own plans (though we’re happy to offer recommendations).
If you arrive early or stay later, pre- and post-trip arrangements — including accommodations and transport — are yours to organize, as our support begins and ends with the official trip dates.
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This trip requires a low to moderate level of fitness. You should feel comfortable being active throughout the day. If at any point you prefer to skip an activity, you’re always welcome to relax or explore independently.
To participate comfortably, you should be able to:
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Walk 1–2 miles (1.5–3 km) per day over mixed terrain, including uneven paths, cobblestones, sand, and stairs.
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Be on your feet for up to 4 hours at a time, both indoors and outdoors, in warm weather.
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Carry or roll your luggage short distances (for example, from vehicles to hotel entrances and into your room).*
*Most hotels have staff available to assist with luggage. If someone escorts you to your room, we recommend tipping.
Additional notes specific to this itinerary:
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We’ll be getting on and off long-tail boats several times, which requires a bit of balance. There will always be crew members available to assist you.
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In the jungle, we’ll do a guided hike and visit a cave. Participation is optional — if it feels like too much, you’re absolutely welcome to sit it out. Your jungle guide will provide a full briefing beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.
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One night will be spent in a treehouse-style accommodation with narrow stairs. Please be aware of this when considering your comfort level.
Our goal is for everyone to feel confident, safe, and fully able to enjoy the experience.
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Each trip includes 6–12 travelers.
We intentionally keep our groups small to create a more intimate, connected experience. Traveling in a smaller group allows for deeper cultural interaction, more meaningful conversations, and a greater sense of community.
It also means more personalized attention from your host and local leaders, as well as greater flexibility along the way. Small groups move more easily, adapt more smoothly, and often access experiences that simply aren’t possible with larger tours.
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Our travelers are generally between their mid 30s and early 70s, with most joining us solo. They come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, yet tend to share similar values: curiosity about the world, emotional intelligence, independence, and a desire for travel that feels both meaningful and well-designed.
We welcome men and women, LGBTQ, solos, and couples alike. What truly connects our groups isn’t age or background — it’s mindset.
The minimum age on our trips is 18.
To get a sense of the atmosphere and group dynamic, we invite you to browse photos from our previous journeys HERE.
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Most daily experiences and excursions outlined in the itinerary are included in your trip cost, so you can relax and fully enjoy the journey without constantly reaching for your wallet.
That said, we intentionally built in free time throughout the trip. This gives you space to experience each destination in your own way — whether that’s booking a massage, browsing local markets, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying a long café stop.
If you’d like to arrange something additional during your free time, your host and local leaders are happy to offer recommendations and help point you in the right direction. Optional activities, spa treatments, personal shopping, and independent experiences are not included in the trip price and are at your own expense.
We believe the balance of curated experiences and personal time creates the perfect rhythm — guided when it matters, flexible when you want it.
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Airport pick-up is not included on this trip. The arrival airports are Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK). The hotel is approximately 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Upon arrival, you can take a taxi directly from the airport or pre-arrange a transfer with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups or another provider you find on travel sites like TripAdvisor. If you take a taxi, please see our blog about getting from the Bangkok airport to the hotel for more details.
Please note that Bangkok traffic can be heavy during peak commuting hours. If possible, try to avoid traveling between 8:00–9:00 AM when heading from the airport into the city, and 5:00–7:00 PM when traveling back to the airport.
Airport drop-off is also not included. On departure day, the hotel staff can easily help arrange a taxi or private transfer to either BKK or DMK.
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The currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB).
Here are a few helpful basics for travelers:
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Symbol: ฿
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Code: THB
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Common banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 baht
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Coins: 1, 2, 5, and 10 baht (plus smaller satang coins that are rarely used)
Most everyday purchases—such as street food, markets, taxis, and small shops—are paid in cash, so it’s helpful to carry some baht with you. ATMs are widely available across Thailand, and withdrawing cash locally is usually the easiest way to get baht.
Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.
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We strongly recommend using ATMs in Thailand, as they typically offer the best exchange rates. The easiest option is to withdraw Thai baht from an ATM at the airport upon arrival, and then as needed throughout your trip.
Most ATMs in Thailand allow a maximum withdrawal of around 20,000 THB per transaction. Local ATM fees are usually about 220–250 THB (approximately $6–$7 USD) per withdrawal, so it’s often best to withdraw the maximum amount to minimize fees.
It’s also a good idea to carry some cash with you, in case your bank temporarily places a hold on your card or you encounter places that do not accept cards.
Before traveling, notify your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card abroad. Some banks automatically block international transactions if they have not been informed of your travel plans.
During the trip, your trip leader will be happy to point you toward nearby ATMs or currency exchange offices if you need assistance.
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Yes, you can use credit and debit cards in Thailand, particularly in hotels, shopping malls, larger restaurants, and many establishments in major cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards.
However, Thailand is still largely a cash-based society. Street food vendors, local markets, taxis, small restaurants, and smaller shops often accept cash only, especially outside major cities.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to carry some Thai baht with you for everyday purchases. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, making it easy to withdraw cash when needed.
It’s also recommended to notify your bank or credit card company before traveling, as some banks may block international transactions if they are not aware of your travel plans.
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Thailand does not have a strong tipping culture, and tipping is generally not expected, though it is always appreciated for good service.
In restaurants, some establishments already include a 10% service charge in the bill. If a service charge is not included, leaving around 5–10% or simply rounding up the bill for good service is appreciated in mid-range and higher-end restaurants.
For taxis, tipping is not required, but it is common to round up the fare to the nearest 10–20 THB.
At hotels, tipping luggage porters is standard practice. A suggested tip is around 20–50 THB (approximately $1 USD) per bag.
Tipping your trip leader: If you feel your trip leader did an exceptional job and enhanced your experience, many past travelers choose to tip around $100–$160 USD/EUR at the end of the trip. This is entirely optional and at your discretion.
For more information about tipping, please see our blog on tipping.
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When it comes to spending money, every traveler is a little different. You know your own habits best, so please budget accordingly for optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, laundry, and any personal extras. Be sure to review the itinerary and inclusions carefully so you’re clear on what’s already covered in your trip price and what you’ll pay for while traveling.
As a general guideline, we recommend having access to $400–$700 USD, either in cash or available on a credit/debit card. It’s always wise to budget a bit more than you think you’ll need, just in case of unexpected expenses.
Since most major components of your trip are prepaid, your out-of-pocket expenses will mainly be:
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Some lunches and dinners
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Optional activities
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Drinks and personal purchases
Thailand is also a great place for shopping, and many travelers enjoy browsing local markets and boutiques. You’ll find everything from handmade crafts and textiles to Thai silk, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs.
Hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping malls typically accept credit cards, but local markets, street vendors, and smaller shops usually prefer cash, so it’s a good idea to carry some Thai baht with you.
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When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about whether or not it will work as well as data and call roaming prices. When you land, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below :
Welcome to Thailand! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.
Be prepared to ‘disconnect’ at the floating lakehouse hotel as there is no service due to its remote location. You will not have any internet access for one day.
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Most hotels you will stay at in Thailand offer free Wifi as will some restaurants and other public places. Please keep in mind that the internet may not be as fast as you’re used to and could be spotty if not absent in more remote areas.
In rural areas such as the treehouse resort, the Wifi can be spotty, weak, or completely absent. Be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when traveling one night to the floating hotel as there is no Wifi or any service due to its extremely remote location.
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In Thailand, the most common plug is a dual plug that fits European and US pin plugs (see picture below). Thailand operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Converters might be necessary for your electronic devices.
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Thailand has warm weather year-round with variations in terms of water level and humidity with a peak of rain during the monsoon season. Monsoon season varies depending on the area you are traveling to within the country but it is generally between August and November. Pack lightweight clothing in general and bring your rain gear for occasional rains.
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In Thailand, it is warm to hot almost all year round so it’s best to pack summer clothes. When visiting temples, women need to make sure to have their knees and shoulders covered. We recommend bringing a scarf to cover your shoulders.
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Lightweight clothing that dry quickly
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Umbrella (for shade & rain)
- Bathing suit
- Comfortable walking shoes (with good ankle support)
- Water shoes (for canoeing, and jungle)
- Scarf/light clothing covering knees & shoulders (for women at temples)
- Light jacket/cardigan (for cooler nights)
- Rain jacket
- Flip flops/sandals
- Sunscreen (biodegradable if possible)
- Shampoo/conditioner/soap*
- Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag for the day
- Diarrhea medicine
- Constipation medicine
- Motion sickness medicine
- First aid kit (travel size)
- Hand sanitizer
- Prescription medication (if needed)
- Snacks for the road (Cliff bars, nuts, etc.)
- An extra duffle bag (for souvenirs if you are an avid shopper)
- Overnight bag (for 1 night at the floating lakehouse hotel)
- Adapters/converters (if needed)
- Mosquito repellent (DEET strength)
- Mask (for dusty tuk tuk rides)
- Washcloth (for shower)
- Wet wipes/Napkins (no toilet paper in some public bathrooms)
- Hairdryer if needed (some hotels will have but not all)
- Ear plugs (for boat transfers)
*All hotels will have small toiletries kits but if you want extra shampoo, conditioner, or soap, you can bring your own.
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Almost all of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services for a very small fee if needed. It is best to give laundry to the hotel staff in the morning and it is usually ready by the evening.
PRO TIP: You can also do your laundry at a local business where 1 kilogram of laundry usually costs approximately 1 USD. It is best to pack less and do laundry during your trip… This way you have more room for souvenirs!
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Most will agree that the drinking water in Thailand is safe for brushing your teeth but is not recommended for drinking. Drinking only bottled water is recommended. Bottled water is easily found and can be purchased for a fee.
You can purchase bottled water but to alleviate the plastic waste epidemic, we recommend a reusable filtered water bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl.
Thailand has a very serious plastic waste problem, but unfortunately, there are not many water refill stations. Most of the hotels at which we stay have two free glass water bottles that are placed in your room each day. These can be used to refill your personal water bottles, so you can bring a water bottle and refill it with water from the glass bottles in your room. This is a small role we can play in the solution to the plastic epidemic that plagues Thailand.
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Thailand is generally a safe country in terms of violent and non-violent crime. The most common crime that occurs is petty crime such as taxi/tuk-tuk rip-offs. As with most travel destinations, it is important to choose carefully before getting into any taxi and to negotiate the price before leaving.
As with any destination, it is always a good idea to avoid flashy or expensive-looking jewelry and to avoid putting anything in your back pockets when traveling around touristy areas or larger towns and cities.
The US State Department offers general travel information about Thailand. See below for more information:
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Hotels and restaurants throughout Thailand offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip although options might be limited.
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Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website for Thailand before traveling to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
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We offer private trips to Thailand depending on the size of the group and availability.
Please reach out to us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Flights
Your arrival and departure airport is Bangkok (BKK) or (DMK).
*Please do not purchase any flights until you receive an email from us. You will receive an email regarding your trip within 24 – 48 hours of booking.
Visa
Currently, passport holders from the USA, Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and EU member states do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Thailand (subject to current regulations at the time of travel).
If you hold a passport from a country not listed above, please check with your nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate to confirm your specific visa requirements.
You may also be asked to show proof of onward or return travel, such as a departure flight from Thailand.
As a general rule, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Many countries will deny entry if a passport expires within six months of your final day of travel.
Thailand enjoys warm weather year-round, with seasonal variations in humidity and rainfall. January falls within the dry season for most of the country, bringing generally sunny skies, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall — making it one of the best times to visit.
You can expect warm daytime temperatures and pleasant evenings. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the heat, along with a light layer for air-conditioned spaces or cooler nights. Rain is unlikely, but a small travel umbrella or light rain jacket is never a bad idea just in case.
From floating lake houses to treetop escapes, the accommodations on this journey are truly part of the experience — and consistently a highlight for our past travelers. Each property has been thoughtfully hand-selected for its central location, outstanding service, unique character, and overall quality.
Bangkok
Hidden from the bustle of the city behind a curtain of banyan tree branches lies this urban oasis. There is an inviting saltwater infinity pool and a 5-star breakfast that should not be missed!
Railay Beach
The beautiful colonial-style hotel has extra-large rooms and is furnished with special features like a balcony with an outdoor daybed. This hotel also offers a swim-up pool bar and a wonderful breakfast.
Khao Sok National Park - Jungle resort
Tucked away in the heart of Khao Sok National Park, this newly opened peaceful retreat is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and dense rainforest. Set right along the river, it’s perfectly positioned for an easy tubing adventure downstream and is just a 15-minute walk into town.
One of the key reasons we selected this property is its strong air-conditioning — something that is surprisingly uncommon in this area.
Recently opened, the hotel will also feature an outdoor swimming pool in time for our trip dates, with photos coming soon.
Cheow Lan Lake - Floating Lake House
This unique over-water stay is set on the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and rainforest. Floating rooms feature ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, air-conditioning (evening to morning working hours), private balconies, and Wi-Fi (signal can vary due to the remote location).
Each room includes a kayak for exploring the lake right from your doorstep. Expect peaceful sunsets, swimming straight from your terrace, and an immersive nature experience — comfortable, memorable, and far from the crowds.
Chiang Mai
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old Town, you really can’t beat this location — you can walk everywhere. It’s directly across from Wat Chedi Luang and just steps from cafés, markets, and massage shops. While not ultra-modern, it’s comfortable and very well maintained. And in Chiang Mai, being able to walk everywhere just makes life simpler.
Chiang Mai Treehouse
This treehouse hotel began in 2010 as a father’s retirement dream. Mr. Lee, a retired architect, first built a small wooden house on family land surrounded by a teakwood forest. What started as a simple project soon grew into a small family-run resort, hand-built with love and imagination.
These treehouse bungalows are nestled in a gorgeous teakwood forest with a river running through it. This is an eco-friendly hotel surrounded by beautiful nature, with a ‘forest monk’ temple just steps away.
Each bungalow is fan-cooled (no air-conditioning), but past travelers have not had any issues, as we are nestled in a teak forest and not a jungle. All rooms come with en-suite bathrooms and hot water.
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We recommend Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
