Kayak and Hike Wild Thailand

Touch down in Bangkok, the city with the world's longest name. It thrums with the pulse of old and new and is home to arguably some of the best street food in South East Asia. Soak up the vibes as you're collected by your host at the airport and transferred to your hotel in bustling Chinatown. Depending on when you arrive, head out to explore – Yaowarat Road, the main artery of Chinatown, is moments from your doorstep. Hit sights like the Grand Palace and its Emerald Buddha, or sample that fabled street food.

Head out of the frenetic streets of Bangkok as you are driven to Bang Krajao, where you'll hop on two wheels to explore winding trails. A lush haven known as the 'Green Lung of Bangkok', where nature thrives and languid canals cool the air; a leisurely cycle ride here is a tonic. Stop to sample food at the local market, and for a delicious lunch, before being driven back to the city to board your sleeper train. Roll out of Bangkok heading south to Surat Thani, where the adventure really begins.

Rolling into Surat Thani, grab your bag and fill up on breakfast. Hit the road by minibus to the sublime Khao Sok National Park, which conserves the largest area of virgin forest in southern Thailand and is teeming with native species. You’ll catch a scenic boat ride into the heart of Cheow Lan, a vast lake where karst islands jut out of turquoise waters. You’ll trek through the jungle on one of these islands to an amazing viewpoint of the lake. At sunset, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife aboard a longtail boat, before bedding down on the lake in your tranquil floating bungalow.

After waking up on the water, set off deep into Khao Sok National Park to your next destination, your jungle lodge nestled amidst one of the world's oldest rainforests. Jump in a canoe to paddle the Sok River, taking in the jungle-entwined banks, dramatic limestone cliffs and some of the 331 bird species. After sunset, explore the jungle, alive with the chorus of chirruping insects – an expert local guide will lead you on a nocturnal hike to discover wildlife. If you're lucky, you may even catch a sighting of the rare, elusive jungle cat. Later, drift off to the sounds of the forest symphony in your bungalow.

Head south to the small village of Bothor, on the coast of Phong Nha Bay, and into Than Bok Khorani National Park. Hop into a kayak and fully immerse yourself in this enigmatic place. Paddling through dense mangroves, you'll enter caves adorned with stalagmites, stalactites and ancient paintings. Glide across shallow aquamarine lagoons until you reach the ethereal blue pool of Tham Lord. Hit the beach or relax by the hotel pool for some late afternoon downtime, and savour the tranquillity of the location.

It's time to seek inner peace at the Tiger Cave Temple. Limber up and hit the 1260 uneven steps to the top, where you can take in the stunning views over Krabi province, presided over by the ever-watchful golden Buddha statue. Wander past sacred trees and the monks' sanctuary to the Tiger Cave itself. Afterwards, refresh yourself at Huay Toh, a glistening tiered waterfall at the base of Phanom Bencha mountain – the perfect place for a cooling dip. Relax at the hotel before catching a shuttle to lively Ao Nang for cocktails at sunset and a trip to the night market.

Leaving the mainland, travel to Koh Yao Yai by speedboat. The island sits within Ao Phang Nga National Park which is famous for its limestone cliffs and islets skirted by forest. Jump into a kayak to paddle quietly through unspoiled mangroves, watching fiddler crabs scuttle away from hungry macaques. The mangroves near Ban Ya Mi village cover an area of approximately five square kilometres, and are a critical part of the island ecosystem. After your paddle, enjoy a delicious lunch before relaxing into island life on the white sands and catching the sunset.

Lace up your boots for a hike around Koh Yao Yai Island. Encircled by the clear coastal waters of Phang Nga Bay, soak up the charm of this peaceful location, away from the hustle and bustle. Head through lush jungle, on a hike led by a knowledgeable local villager. You’ll pass rubber and coconut plantations, spotting tropical birdlife hiding amid the foliage, and learn about their sustainable rubber tree oil extraction process. Enjoy lunch by a peaceful stream before heading on to the bustling vibes of Old Town Phuket, where you can explore at your own pace.

Your final day features an epic sea kayaking adventure, visiting some of the most spectacular parts of Phang Nga Bay. Head to Ao Por pier to meet your local guide and be briefed on the day's activities, which will be tailored to the tides. Out on the water, you'll use a large longtail boat as a floating base. Circumnavigate tropical islands, discover hidden beaches and take in the gnarled limestone formations. Head ashore to Koh Yao Noi for a spot of lunch before a final paddle and to snorkel in the clear warm sea. Once back on dry land, have one final dinner with your fellow adventurers in the buzzing streets of Phuket Old Town.

After breakfast, say your final goodbyes. You'll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.