Scenic and Cultural South

Description

Southern Thailand offers a great variety of activities, must-see places and insights into the local traditions and history. During these three days, you will get to see the beautiful Lotus Lagoon, agricultural farm, local villages, temples, caves, handicraft community, stunning viewpoints and much more, including traditional Thai restaurants, small road-side fruit stalls, and experience true Thai hospitality away from the buzzing tourist destinations. A guide will be with you during the entire 3 days and 2 nights, providing you with all the insightful information and historic backgrounds.

This adventure starts in Krabi where you get to explore the Emerald Pool and the surrounding national park. On the way to Nakhon Si Thammarat province, we will stop at a 120-acre farm that follows the teachings of King Rama 9, grows various types of vegetables, fruits and raises animals. Upon reaching Nakhaon Si Thammarat, our first steps will lead to Khiriwong Village, a peaceful community of farmers and craftsmen that has the highest ozone level in Thailand. They produce plenty of various fresh fruits, which you can of course try, and you will also get the chance to learn how to make mangosteen soap and use the Batik technique. Visit the main temple of the province called Wat Phra Mahathat, a famous nielloware handicraft group and the awarded Suchart Sapsin Museum which are a must-see of this province.

The last part of the trip takes you to Phattalung province, starting with an excursion at Varni Handicraft, a community enterprise group that helps the locals reduce poverty, unemployment and gender inequality in the area. Next on the lists are the largest lagoon lake in Thailand and wetlands that are home to thousands of bird species and the famous royal lotus. Back to the mainland to explore huge caves with its stalactites and stalagmites, which were found over 30 years ago, and get back on the road. Before we reach your accommodation back in Krabi, we will visit Wat Klong Thom Museum which provides great insights into the history of Krabi.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Krabi to Nakhon Si Thammarat (-, L, D)
– Departure from your Krabi hotel at 7.30
– Emerald Pool and the surrounding national park
– Baan Rai Tawanarm farm, lunch break
– Khiri Wong Village
– Dinner at a local Thai restaurant at Nakhon Si Thammarat Town
– Hotel recommendations: Twin Lotus Hotel, Navakitel Design Hotel

Day 2 | Nakhon Si Thammarat to Phathalung (-, L, D)
– Departure from your hotel at 9.00
– Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Buddhist temple
– Nakorn Handicraft Group visit
– Ban Nang Talung Museum, shadow puppet show exhibit
– Lunch at a local Thai restaurant
– Varni Handicraft community visit
– Dinner at a local Thai restaurant in Phathalung Town
– Hotel recommendations: Sri Prak Pa Resort, Charn Mai Chai Lay

Day 3 | Phathalung to Krabi (-, L, -)
– Departure from your hotel at 5.45 to see the sun rise
– Talay Noi Non-Hunting area
– Return to the hotel, check out
– Leave the hotel at 10,00
– Wat Tham Sumano, Buddhist temple
– Thai lunch at Khao Pubpa Restaurant
– Wat Klong Thom Museum
– Arrival back in Krabi at around 16.30
• Couples, family, friends and groups with interest in culture, history and ecotourism
• Swimwear, change of clothes, temple-appropriate clothes, towel, hat, walking shoes, sunscreen, camera, sunglasses, personal medication
• We do not recommend this tour for people with physical problems and elderly aged over 75 years
• The program, timing, and the route can be changed according to the water level and weather conditions
• Make sure you mention any special food requirements upon reservation, and we will arrange accordingly
• Kindly note that the temple requires everyone to dress respectfully, please wear a shirt that covers shoulders and shorts that cover your kneecaps (a sarong can be rented at the temple for a small fee)
✓ All tour transfers
✓ Professional English-speaking guide (other languages available upon request for additional cost)
✓ Lunch and other meals specified in the itinerary
✓ Drinking water & soft drinks
✓ Fresh fruits
✓ Cold towel
✓ Entrance fees
✓ Snorkelling equipment & life jacket
✓ Accident insurance
✓ First-aid kit
✗ Personal & other expenses that are not mentioned in the itinerary
✗ Accommodation
✗ Additional food and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
✗ Tips and gratuity for guide & driver
• Children aged 3 – 11 years pay approximately 60% of adult price
• Children under 3 travel free
• Operate all year round