Bangkok and island hopping on Koh Kood & Koh Chang

Today marks the start of your Thailand adventure. You’ll be flying from your chosen airport, with connecting flights along the way.

You’ll arrive in Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok. After passing through immigration and collecting your luggage, you’ll meet your guide in the arrivals hall at Door B, Gate 6. Your guide will be wearing the TourCompass uniform and carrying a TourCompass sign, making it easy for you to spot them. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Bangkok – and even on the way, you’ll get your first glimpse of the city’s grandeur and its bustling, energetic atmosphere.

Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Depending on when you land – and how much energy you have – you might simply want to relax at the hotel or perhaps take a short stroll in the local area. If you’re feeling adventurous, step out into the streets of Bangkok for a first taste of the city. You’ll discover an intoxicating maze of sights and sounds, with food options ranging from tiny street stalls to trendy fusion restaurants. If you fancy, you could visit neon-lit Chinatown, sample the delights of Soi 38 in Sukhumvit, experience the roadside kitchens at Victory Monument, or soak up the lively riverside vibe at Asiatique The Riverfront, where restaurants, shops, and a vibrant evening scene unfold along the water’s edge.

If you still have some energy left, why not round off your day with a drink at one of the city’s sky bars, taking in the stunning views over the illuminated metropolis before retreating for a well-deserved night’s rest.

You’ll wake up in Thailand’s bustling capital — a city of striking contrasts where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside ancient temples, and modern skytrains glide several metres above the streets while traditional river taxis ferry locals and visitors alike between Bangkok’s many attractions.

You’ll have the day at your leisure until late afternoon, when you’ll set off on a tuk-tuk street food tour. Until then, you could, for example, relax by the pool and soak up the sun, explore the city, or join one of our optional tours.

In the afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to MRT Hua Lamphong Station, where your local guide will meet you. From here, you’ll head off on foot into Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods, where narrow alleyways, traditional trading streets, and small roadside kitchens set the scene for an evening brimming with aromas, flavours, and vibrant local life.

Your first tasting is a bowl of “tom yum wonton”, where the classic Thai soup is served with stuffed dumplings — a delightful blend of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavours. You’ll then follow the irresistible scent of the grill to the next stop, where satay skewers of grilled pork are cooked over charcoal and served with a creamy peanut sauce.

You’ll continue on foot through one of Bangkok’s most atmospheric old trading streets, where historic shophouses, street art, and a new wave of creative energy blend together. Along the way, you’ll taste traditional steamed buns – a classic snack rooted in the area’s Chinese culture and considered a symbol of luck and prosperity.

Next, you’ll hop back into a tuk-tuk and whizz through Chinatown, where neon lights and bustling streets create a truly unique atmosphere. A short stop is made at the 27-metre-high Giant Swing, a historic and cultural landmark by the Wat Suthat Thepwararam temple, beautifully illuminated at night and perfect for photos.

Dinner is served at a local restaurant that has been making Pad See Ew for more than 40 years. This popular noodle dish is a wonderful example of how Chinese culinary traditions have shaped Thailand’s vibrant street food culture.

The evening concludes with a scenic drive past the Grand Palace and the City Pillar before you arrive by the riverside opposite Wat Arun. The temple stands beautifully lit on the far side of the Chao Phraya River, providing a stunning backdrop for the final stop of the tour.

Here, you can unwind at a rooftop bar by the river with a drink in hand, soaking up the view and the vibrant atmosphere. Bangkok rarely feels more alive than it does right here.

Afterwards, you’ll be driven back to the hotel unless you choose to stay a little longer and explore on your own.

Today, you will bid farewell to the mainland and embark on the first part of your island hopping adventure on the scenic island of Koh Kood.

Early in the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Laem Sok pier, a journey of about 5 hours. Upon arrival, you will board the local ferry, which will take you on a one-hour journey to Koh Kood. Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the many small islands that appear on the horizon. When you arrive at Koh Kood, you will be greeted by a traditional songthaew taxi, which will take you the final stretch to your hotel.

Koh Kood, also known as Ko Kut, is an idyllic island with powder-like sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. It is less visited than the southern Thai islands, making it one of Thailand’s most unspoiled and scenic destinations. Koh Kood is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and slow pace. Here, there are no nightclubs or bustling city life, but rather small beach bars where you can enjoy a cocktail as you watch the mesmerising sunset. The island is also perfect for kayaking, as well as hiking and cycling through its verdant landscapes.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will check in, and the rest of the day is at your leisure – perfect for relaxing and soaking in the first impressions of this island paradise.

The days on Koh Kood are marked by peace and relaxation. There are no scheduled activities, so you set the pace and enjoy the island’s untouched beauty at your own rhythm.

Koh Kood epitomises an idyllic beach holiday with stunning sandy beaches where palm trees cast shadows on the soft sand, crystal-clear water, and gentle lapping waves. Beaches such as Ao Tapao, Bang Bao, and Klong Chao rank among the island’s best, inviting long, lazy days in the sun and refreshing dips in the calm sea.

If you wish to combine relaxation with adventure, you can visit the roaring Khlong Chao waterfall, where you can take a dip in a cool, natural pool at the waterfall’s base. Another unforgettable experience is a kayaking trip through the mangrove forest by Klong Yai Kee or Klong Chao river. Here, you can silently glide through lush landscapes, experiencing the island’s unique ecosystem and wildlife up close.

If you want to experience more of the island’s local charm, you can rent a bicycle and cycle through rubber plantations and small villages, gaining an authentic insight into daily life on Koh Kood. In the fishing villages, Ao Salad and Ao Yai, you can also savour freshly caught seafood.

As evening falls, it’s time to enjoy the spectacular sunset with a cocktail in hand before settling into one of the cosy beachside restaurants. Here, you can indulge in freshly caught fish, shellfish, and delicious Thai dishes – a perfect end to a day in paradise.

Today, it’s time to leave the tranquil paradise life of Koh Kood for the second and final part of your island hopping adventure.

After a relaxed morning at the hotel, a songthaew taxi will pick you up and drive you to the pier, where you’ll take a ferry to Koh Chang – a beautiful journey of approximately 1.5 hours. During the sailing, you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze while gazing across the stunning sea and lush, green-clad islets rising from the water. As you approach Koh Chang, the island’s impressive, mountainous landscape emerges on the horizon. The steep, forest-covered hills give the island a dramatic appearance, and you can spot some of the island’s beautiful beaches right from the ferry. Upon arrival, a driver will be ready to take you to your hotel.

Koh Chang, known as the ‘Elephant Island’ in Thai, is Thailand’s third-largest island. Although it’s not home to wild elephants, the island hosts rich wildlife, including macaques, monitor lizards, wild boar, deer, and snakes. The island is covered in lush rainforest, and its dramatic terrain creates a magnificent contrast with palm-fringed sandy beaches and tranquil bays. Beaches like Klong Prao Beach, White Sand Beach, and Lonely Beach are among the island’s finest, with White Sand Beach and Lonely Beach also offering a vibrant nightlife.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will check in, after which the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You can relax on the beach, swim in the sea, or explore the scenic surroundings as you set your mind to new experiences on this beautiful island.

On Koh Chang, you have the freedom to shape your own days in the tropical surroundings. There’s plenty of time to follow your desires and discover what the island has to offer.

The island is home to several wonderful beaches, including Klong Prao Beach, which is within walking distance from your hotel. If you’re curious about marine life, you can explore the nearby islands in Koh Rang National Marine Park, where you can swim among colourful fish and corals – and maybe even spot the famous clownfish, Nemo.

For land adventures, you can discover Koh Chang’s impressive rainforests, which host rich wildlife. The island has a wealth of hiking trails of varying difficulty, and one of the most popular experiences is a visit to the beautiful waterfalls Klong Plu and Than Mayom. Alternatively, you can embark on a kayaking trip through the peaceful mangrove forests.

Besides its scenic beauty, Koh Chang offers an authentic local culture. In the fishing villages of Bang Bao and Salak Phet, you can experience traditional island life, savour freshly caught seafood, and explore charming stilt houses over the water and the surrounding shops.

As the day comes to an end, it’s time to enjoy a spectacular sunset. Along the west coast, you’ll find beach bars and restaurants with a cosy atmosphere, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal as the sun slowly sets on the horizon. Especially from Kai Bae Viewpoint, you have a fantastic panoramic view of the coast and the surrounding islets in the golden sunset glow.

For a culinary experience, you can also visit one of the island’s night markets and sample local street food.

Today, it’s unfortunately time to say goodbye to Thailand, but the memories of your magnificent tour will stay with you as a treasured souvenir.

In good time before your flight departure, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the ferry, which will sail you back to the mainland – a journey of approximately 45 minutes.

Once on the mainland, a driver will be ready to take you to Trat airport, from where you’ll fly towards Europe with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You will arrive at your chosen airport after an adventurous and experience-filled tour.