---
title: "Alternative Thailand | 9-day Small Group Tour | Soca Islands"
canonical_url: "https://socaislands.com/trips/alternative-thailand"
last_updated: "2026-09-20T08:14:14.556Z"
locale: en
meta:
description: "Make the most of 9 days in Thailand with kayaking Nong Thale Crystal Lake, a floating raft-house stay in Khao Sok and a Thai cooking experience."
"og:description": "Make the most of 9 days in Thailand with kayaking Nong Thale Crystal Lake, a floating raft-house stay in Khao Sok and a Thai cooking experience."
"og:title": "Alternative Thailand | 9-day Small Group Tour"
"twitter:description": "Make the most of 9 days in Thailand with kayaking Nong Thale Crystal Lake, a floating raft-house stay in Khao Sok and a Thai cooking experience."
"twitter:title": "Alternative Thailand | 9-day Small Group Tour"
---
**
From **$2,785**
# Alternative Thailand
9 days, 8nights Thailand
Dates and prices
- Tour code ## THAADV02
- Start ## Bangkok
- End ## Phuket
- Min. age ## 16 years old
- Group size ## Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style ## Explorer
- Trip pace ## Easy
- Language ## English
Experience Thailand beyond the typical tourist trail on this nine-day adventure for solo travelers and curious explorers. Combining iconic sights with hidden gems, this trip offers a balance of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and authentic local experiences.
## What you will see and do
Kayak through Nong Thale Crystal lake
Sleep in a floatig raft house within Khao Sok National Park
Master the art of Thai cuisine at a small, family-run restaurant
## What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Accommodations in double rooms
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group
One farewell group lunch or dinner
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Group transportation
Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you'd prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
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## Group itinerary
##
Touch down in Bangkok, a city where modern skyscrapers rise alongside centuries-old temples, and meet your private airport transfer. Connect with your Soca Islands guide and fellow travelers over your first traditional Thai meal opposite the stunning Wat Arun Temple. Wrap up the night with drinks at a rooftop sky bar, taking in sweeping panoramic views of the glittering city below.
##
Board a private long-tail boat to explore Bangkok’s historic canals and riverside neighborhoods. Make a traditional Buddhist offering at a hidden temple off the beaten path, then refuel with a street food lunch. In the evening, hop aboard the overnight sleeper train to Surat Thani, drifting to sleep as the countryside rolls past your window.
##
Arrive at your eco retreat near Krabi, set amidst lush jungle and complete with a refreshing pool. Spend the day unwinding maybe book a spa treatment or simply watch the sun sink into the Andaman Sea. In the evening, enjoy authentic Thai cuisine at a tucked-away local restaurant, from spicy papaya salad to sizzling BBQ seafood.
##
Paddle through a flooded forest to Nong Thale Crystal Lake, navigating between towering limestone cliffs. Optional stop at Railay Beach to watch rock climbers tackle the dramatic cliffs. Later, learn to cook fragrant Thai dishes in a hands-on class at a family-run restaurant, savoring your creations for lunch or dinner.
##
Travel by long-tail boat to Khao Sok National Park, a pristine expanse of rainforest and limestone karsts. Check into your floating raft house perched on a mirror-like lake, and enjoy a delicious Thai lunch. Spend the afternoon on a guided hike through the forest, returning in time for dinner and a refreshing evening drink.
##
Wake at dawn for a private wildlife safari on the lake, soaking in the serene morning. After breakfast, kayak or swim before boarding your long-tail boat to continue the journey. Stop for a local lunch before transferring to sparkling Phuket, where you’ll have a free evening to explore at your own pace.
##
Take a relaxed morning at your hotel, perhaps indulging in a spa treatment. Then get ready for a jet ski adventure, hopping between hidden islands like Yao Yai and Koh Li Pe. Stop along the way to snorkel in secret bays, discovering vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish beneath dramatic limestone cliffs.
##
Enjoy a free morning swimming or lounging in the turquoise sea. In the late afternoon, head to one of Phuket’s trendiest beach clubs for cocktails or a traditional Thai massage. End the day watching the sunset over Bangtao Beach, then dance the night away with your Soca Islands group.
##
After breakfast, bid farewell to paradise and your new friends as you make your way to Phuket Airport (HKT). Depart feeling reinvigorated and inspired, carrying memories of sun-soaked beaches, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable experiences in Thailand.
## Tour FAQS
##
For October to April departures:
Fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and out of Phuket Airport (HKT).
For May to September departures:
Fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and out of Koh Samui Airport (USM).
##
Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.
##
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
##
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
##
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
##
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
##
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
1. **Consult with a healthcare professional:** Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. **Up-to-date medical advice:**
- **US residents:** Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- **UK residents:** Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- **Australian residents:** Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3\. **Government travel advice:**
- **US residents:** Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- **UK residents:** Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- **Australian residents:** Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4\. **Medication tips:** If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
##
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
##
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
##
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
## Would you like to learn more or customise our Alternative Thailand trip?
Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.
## Alternative Thailand 9 days, 8nights
All dates20262027
- Travel dates:
April 17, 2027 April 25, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$2,785 USDSingle occupancy +$920 USD$418 today, then 5 monthly payments of about $474 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/THAADV02_17APR2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
June 12, 2027 June 20, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$2,785 USDSingle occupancy +$920 USD$418 today, then 7 monthly payments of about $339 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/THAADV02_12JUN2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
July 10, 2027 July 18, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$2,785 USDSingle occupancy +$920 USD$418 today, then 8 monthly payments of about $296 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/THAADV02_10JUL2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
August 21, 2027 August 29, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$2,785 USDSingle occupancy +$920 USD$418 today, then 9 monthly payments of about $263 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/THAADV02_21AUG2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
November 27, 2027 December 05, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$2,785 USDSingle occupancy +$920 USD$418 today, then 12 monthly payments of about $198 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/THAADV02_27NOV2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
December 11, 2027 December 19, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$2,785 USDSingle occupancy +$920 USD$418 today, then 13 monthly payments of about $183 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/THAADV02_11DEC2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
December 22, 2027 December 30, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$2,785 USDSingle occupancy +$920 USD$418 today, then 13 monthly payments of about $183 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/THAADV02_22DEC2027?currencyCode=usd)
###### Your impact
With this purchase you are supporting local guides, drivers, hosts, accommodations and businesses.
###### Secure your spot
Trips 90 days or more away need just a 15% deposit per person. Between 60 and 89 days, it's 50% at booking.
###### Flexible payment plan
Pay the balance in equal monthly payments. Everything is due 60 days before departure, so trips departing sooner are paid in full at booking.
