Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Bangkok – a huge, buzzing metropolis and the capital of Thailand. If you arrive early, make the most of the city's bustling markets, grab some spicy noodles from a street cart or relax with a Thai massage. After your meeting, get the gang together and head out for dinner with the group to get to know each other a little better or ask your leader for the best spots to soak in some local nightlife – cocktail, anyone?

Arrive in southern Surat Thani this morning and then board a bus and ferry to Ko Samui. From here, it's waterfalls, swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling all day, every day (for the next three days). When you arrive, you have free time to explore Ko Samui. Known for its palm-fringed beaches and coconut groves, maybe hire a scooter and beach hop your way around the island. This evening, maybe get a group of your new friends together and find a place for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations of where to eat.

Today you’ll go on a half-day guided tour of the island on a songthaew (a traditional Thai bus) with your group and local leader and see the iconic 15-m Big Buddha along the way (Wat Phra Yai). Due to the scenery and natural wonders, the island of Ko Samui has been a tourist hotspot for decades. This afternoon, maybe relax in the waterfalls at Na Muang. Tonight, feast on a curry and then join in the party atmosphere in Ko Samui's famous nightlife.

Spend a free day today however you’d like – swimming, lazing in the sun or actively exploring. You might like to take an optional day tour to Ang Thong Marine National Park by either slow boat or speedboat. The park is an archipelago of over 40 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, featuring pristine beaches, jungle, mangroves and limestone mountains rising out of the sea. Swim at popular Ko Mae Island and check out the saltwater lagoon of Thale Nai (Emerald Lake). For a quieter experience and some great snorkelling opportunities, head to the nearby islands of Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan. Ko Samui is also home to an elephant sanctuary, and you can come close to these gentle giants. Watch them bathe, roam the fields and socialise with other elephants, knowing they are in a caring and peaceful environment.

Your adventure comes to an end this morning and with no activities planned, you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer (we wouldn’t blame you), just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.