Trek Thailand
23 February – 4 March 2009
Join us on this trek to exotic Thailand and discover some of its spectacular scenery.
The Trek
This trek takes us to Thailand’s southern peninsula. With its varied landscapes ranging from paddy and vegetable fields, to wild jungles, lush rainforests, mountains and cliffs, beaches and waterfalls, this trek offers spectacular scenery throughout.
Our journey starts from the pearl of Southern Thailand, Phuket before we head in land to explore Khao Sok National Park – an area of outstanding natural beauty and all of its wondrous surroundings. For six days our route will take us through the lush green rainforests, past limestone cliffs and stunning waterfalls – where they will be time to cool off and past local villages.
This spectacular challenge ends at a scenic and tranquil beach resort at Khao Lak, on the gorgeous Andaman Seaboard. This is one of Thailand's most peaceful resort destinations, offering you the ideal place to relax, swim and celebrate your achievements.
With its renowned hospitality, glittering temples, fabulous cuisine, colourful textiles, breathtaking scenery and tropical climate, this Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for all, so come and join us on this trek of a lifetime.
Accommodation
We stay in hotels before and after the trek in Phuket and Khao Lak and in local lodges and bungalows on the trek. On the trek though conditions are basic, every lodge and bungalow has showers and toilets. You will be sharing a room. If there is someone in particular you would like to share a room with, let us know on you registration form.
Costs
Tour costs – £1735
Registration fee: £250
Minimum sponsorship target: £3250
Weather
We expect the weather to be warm and sunny during the day with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C and it will feel fairly humid. You must be prepared though for all eventualities so do pack wet weather gear as there is a possibility of rain in Khao Sok National Park.
Fitness Levels
This trek suits people of average fitness. You will be trekking for approximately six hours per day for six days over varying terrains through the southern Thai peninsula. To achieve the recommended level of fitness, we advise you start training as soon as you sign up. When you register we will send you a training guide to help get you started. The fitter you are, the more confident you will be and the more you will enjoy each day. Our treks are not a race; everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace and the level of fitness will naturally vary throughout the group.
For more information on this challenge, follow the links on the right hand side of the screen. Alternatively, email challenges@breastcancercare.org.uk or call 0845 092 0805 to speak to a member of staff.
Downloads
The itinerary
Day 1: Mon 23rd Feb, London Heathrow – Bangkok
Depart from London Heathrow to Bangkok on your Thai International Airways scheduled overnight flight. Total flying time approx 12hrs.
Day2: Tue 24th Feb, Bangkok – Khao Lak
Arrive early morning into Bangkok and proceed directly to the transfer/transit departure lounge for your onward flight to Phuket. Total flying time approx 1.5 hrs. On arrival into Phuket you will be met by our local ground agents and transferred to your hotel in Khao Lak (approximately 2hrs drive). Spend the afternoon at leisure getting used to the change in climate and re-charging your batteries for the trek ahead! This evening there will be a welcome briefing followed by dinner and a good nights sleep.
Overnight: Hotel Khao Lak Similana resort or Similar
Day 3: Wed 25th Feb, Khao Lak – Khao Sok
After breakfast in the hotel you set off, ready in your trekking gear, for Khao Sok National Park. The 2 hour Transfer takes you through the beautiful Phang Nga province. Arrive at the lodge (your home for the next 3 nights) mid morning where you will have a short briefing about the forthcoming adventures and an introduction to the local guides followed by lunch.
This afternoon you will head off on your first trek through the rubber plantations, and some more challenging jungle. As with all first days trekking many will find it tough today, getting used to the routine, different terrain and climate but don’t worry you are not alone and there will be plenty of stops and a chance to enjoy the scenery. Dependent on timings you will either walk or drive back to the lodge via dense tropical forest and dirt roads bordered by local villager’s houses. This evening enjoy dinner followed by a briefing on tomorrow’s adventure.
Trekking Duration: approx 3-4 hrs
Overnight: Lodge Khao Sok Riverside cottages or similar
Day 4: Thur 26th Feb, Khao Sok – Tang Nam
Today you transfer in local songthaews for approx 30 mins to the main entrance of the national park. The visitor centre here shows photos of the local flora and fauna and the things you are likely to see on your trek to Tang Nam. Despite being a national park trail the path today can be tricky underfoot so it may be helpful to have your walking poles at the ready. You will stop for a short break at Bang Hua Reed and then proceed to Tang Nam and view the majestic cliffs. Stop here to enjoy your picnic lunch and chance to have a swim before heading off on the same trail back. Transfer back to the lodge for your evening briefing and a well deserved dinner.
Trekking Duration: approx 6 hrs
Overnight: Lodge Khao Sok Riverside cottages or similar
Day 5: Fri 27th Feb, Khao Sok – an insight into the Thai way of life!
This morning you walk directly from the lodge, among the orchards to the village primary school, your first challenge of the morning is to cross the shallow stream just outside the lodge to get to the rubber plantations on the other side. Once through the plantations we follow a dirt track through the village via the celebrated Monkey caves. The jungle surrounding the cave is home to the Monkey’s so if you’re lucky you may get a chance to see them playing in the trees. From the cave it is a short walk to a local Buddhist Temple then on to the local school. The children will welcome you with a traditional dance then usually manage to convince us to have a quick game of football. Even better if we are not very good!!
From the school we transfer via local songthaews back to the lodge for lunch. This afternoon there is the option to go canoeing. Highly recommended, the views as you row down the river are amazing! Tomorrow you move to another accommodation so enjoy your last dinner at the lodge followed by your evening briefing.
Trekking Duration: approx 3-4 hrs Canoeing: approx 2 hrs
Overnight: Lodge 1 Khao Sok Riverside cottages or similar
Day 6: Sat 28th Feb, Khao Sok – Raja Phraba Lake
After breakfast you will transfer for approx 1.5hrs to Rajapraba Lake where you will enter the Park and board a local long tail boat which will take you to your raft house accommodation for the night (approx 45mins boat trip). Enjoy an early lunch before continuing by long tail boat to the eastern banks of the lake to the start of your trek in the Haroy Rai area. This starts on a wide, up hill trail as you enter the rain forest with hundred year old trees. Once you reach the inner lake of Haroy Rai an original raft-boat will be waiting to take you to discover the mysterious “Coral Caves” before continuing your trek. At the end of our trail today a longtail boat will be waiting to transfer you back to your raft house for the night.
Trekking Duration: approx 4-5 hrs
Overnight: Raft house or similar
Day 7: Sun 1st March, Raja Phraba Lake – a night in the Jungle!
After breakfast you will transfer by boat (45mins) to the starting point of your trek into the deep rainforest. Park rangers will lead you while a team of porters will go ahead to set up camp. You will stop in the jungle for a picnic lunch and introduction to traditional meditation techniques, before continuing your trek through the rainforest teeming with thick bamboo, thorny rattan, pandanus and other tropical flora. Reach the campsite early evening with plenty of time to enjoy a delicious Thai camp dinner including jungle curry and rice steamed in bamboo from the forest before settling into your tents for the night.
Trekking Duration: approx 6 -7 hours
Overnight: Tents in the Jungle!
Day 8: Mon 2nd March, Jungle - Krabi
Enjoy breakfast in the camp before heading off on your last trek through the
rainforest, as you leave the camp the trail winds its way along the river until you
reach a point where you must trek back into the deeper jungle and through the
Banana plantations.
As you reach the end of the trek you will be greeted by the
sounds of celebration music and one last picnic lunch in the jungle. Having
celebrated your achievements, transfer to Krabi; your beach resort for the next
two nights. Tonight is a chance to get out of those trekking clothes and enjoy a
gala dinner celebration in style….
Trekking Duration: approx 3 hours
Overnight: Hotel Krabi Aonang Paradise or Similar
Day 9: Tue 3rd March, Free Day Krabi
Spend the day at leisure or take one of the optional excursions (offered and payable locally). Tonight dinner is included at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Krabi Aonang Paradise or Similar
Day 10: Wed 4th March, London
After breakfast transfer to Krabi airport for your flight to the UK via Bangkok. Arrive into London Heathrow in the evening.
Note: Itinerary, dates and flight times are subject to change
