7-day moderate adventure road trip from Bangkok to Koh Samui via coastal Thailand, national parks, beaches, caves, and ferry transfer.
Estimated cost
$1,285estimated total
Stays
$455
Fuel
$170
Food
$280
Other
$380
Estimates generated at planning time — your actual costs may vary.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
315 km4h 57mDepart 08:30
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Drive 130 km from Bangkok via Rama II Road
1
Attraction
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (Khao Wang)
Tambon Khlong Kra Saeng, Thailand
10:45–13:153m here$6
Hilltop palace and historic temples
Cable car or steep walk; bring water.
Drive 5 km through town
2
Food
Payunh - Thai Restaurant Phetchaburi
Tambon Nong Phlap, Thailand
13:30–14:301m here$12
Regional Thai lunch stop
Try local sweets and khao chae.
Drive 150 km south on coastal highway
3
Activity
Hua Khao Tian Viewpoint
Sam Roi Yot, Thailand
16:30–18:302m here$6
Short coastal viewpoint hike
Moderate heat; start slow.
Drive 55 km north to Hua Hin
4
Overnight
Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin
Tambon Hua Hin, Thailand
19:30–20:301m here$65
Moderate beachfront hotel
Evening beach walk nearby.
Day 2
136 km2h 33mDepart 08:30
Drive 65 km to Sam Roi Yot coast
5
Activity
Phraya Nakhon Cave
Tambon Sam Roi Yot, Thailand
09:45–12:453m here$8
Cave hike to royal pavilion
Wear sturdy shoes; steep sections.
Drive 8 km along local beach roads
6
Food
Dolphin Bay Resort
Tambon Sam Roi Yot, Thailand
13:00–14:001m here$15
Beachside seafood and Thai dishes
Good relaxed coastal stop.
Drive 75 km south on Highway 4
7
Attraction
Ao Manao beach
Tambon Ko Lak, Thailand
15:15–17:453m here$5
Scenic bay and beach break
Swim only if conditions are calm.
Drive 6 km into town
8
Overnight
Prachuap Beach Hotel
Tambon Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand
18:00–19:001m here$55
Comfortable town hotel
Night market is nearby.
Day 3
233 km3h 20mDepart 08:15
Drive 3 km from town hotel
9
Attraction
Wat Khao Chong Krachok
Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand
08:30–10:302m here$3
Hill temple with sea views
Watch belongings around monkeys.
Drive 115 km south on Highway 4
10
Food
Cafe Wien Bangsaphan คาเฟ่วีน บางสะพาน
Tambon Ron Thong, Thailand
12:15–13:151m here$12
Simple Thai lunch near beach
Good rest after highway drive.
Drive 45 km to Ban Krut coast
11
Activity
Ban Krut Beach
Thong Chai, Thailand
14:00–16:303m here$4
Quiet beach walk and swim
Check waves before swimming.
Drive 115 km south to Chumphon
12
Overnight
A-TÉ Chumphon Hotel
Tambon Tha Taphao, Thailand
18:15–19:151m here$55
Moderate hotel for overnight stop
Convenient for next day island pier route.
Day 4
429 km7h 10mDepart 08:30
Drive 35 km to coastal park area
13
Attraction
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
Hat Sai Ri, Thailand
09:15–11:453m here$6
Coastal islands viewpoint
Great views in clear weather.
Drive 5 km along Sairee coast
14
Food
Sairee Cottage Restaurant
Tambon Ko Tao, Thailand
12:00–13:001m here$15
Thai seafood lunch near the water
Light meal before drive.
Drive 55 km north toward Pathio
15
Activity
Khao Dinsor Viewpoint
Saphli, Thailand
14:00–16:002m here$4
Short nature walk and wildlife lookout
Best in migration season, still scenic.
Drive 185 km south to Surat Thani
16
Overnight
Neenlawat Riverside
Tambon Khao Hua Khwai, Thailand
19:00–20:001m here$60
Moderate hotel by river
Prepare ferry booking for tomorrow.
Day 5
199 km3h 38mDepart 08:00
Drive 120 km west to Khao Sok
17
Activity
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok, Thailand
10:00–13:003m here$12
Rainforest hike and wildlife spotting
Use insect repellent and hiking shoes.
Drive 3 km to village area
18
Food
The Village Food Khaosok
Bang Pru, Thailand
13:15–14:151m here$13
Thai lunch near park entrance
Refill water before afternoon.
Drive 65 km through mountain roads
19
Attraction
Cheow Lan Lake
Khao Phang, Thailand
15:30–18:003m here$10
Limestone lake scenery stop
Optional boat tours cost extra.
Drive 20 km to Ban Ta Khun
20
Overnight
Ta Khun Mountain View Hotel
Tambon Khao Wong, Thailand
18:30–19:301m here$65
Moderate hotel near lake route
Quiet base before ferry day.
Day 6
188 km4h 28mDepart 08:00
Drive 75 km east to Surat Thani
21
Attraction
Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine
Surat Thani, Thailand
09:15–11:152m here$3
Cultural landmark and city stop
Short history stop before pier route.
Drive 4 km through city traffic
22
Food
The Riverside Restaurant
Surat Thani, Thailand
11:30–12:301m here$13
Local Thai lunch by Tapi River
Buy snacks before ferry.
Drive 65 km to Donsak Pier, then ferry
23
Activity
Raja Ferry Pier, Don Sak
ตำบล ดอนสัก, Thailand
14:00–17:003m here$85
Car ferry crossing to island
Arrive early; schedules can shift.
Drive 28 km from Nathon Pier to Lamai
24
Overnight
Lamai Coconut Beach Resort
Koh Samui, Thailand
18:15–19:151m here$80
Moderate beach hotel
Island driving is slower after dark.
Day 7
47 km1h 38mDepart 08:30
Drive 14 km inland from Lamai
25
Activity
Na Muang Waterfall 1
Koh Samui, Thailand
09:00–11:303m here$5
Waterfall walk and jungle scenery
Paths can be slippery after rain.
Drive 22 km to Bophut
26
Food
Greenlight Resort & Cafe
Bophut, Koh Samui, Thailand
12:15–13:151m here$18
Beach village lunch and cafés
Good food and shopping area.
Drive 8 km to northeast coast
27
Attraction
Wat Phra Yai
Koh Samui, Thailand
13:45–15:452m here$4
Iconic island temple landmark
Dress modestly for temple visit.
Drive 9 km to Chaweng
28
Overnight
Samui Paradise
Koh Samui, Thailand
16:15–17:151m here$75
Final island hotel near beach
Trip ends on Koh Samui with beach access.
Finish
Surat Thani, Thailand
Before you go
Local tips
- 1Book Samui car ferry ahead
- 2Start hikes early for cooler weather
- 3Keep cash for parks and small restaurants
- 4Use offline maps in rural areas
- 5Check sea and rain conditions daily
Good to know
- 1May is hot and humid
- 2Southern roads can have heavy rain
- 3Monkeys may grab loose items
- 4Ferry times can change
- 5Avoid night driving on island roads
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