SUBLIME SOUTHERN THAILAND

Upon your arrival at Phuket International Airport (HKT) we’ll have a transfer ready and waiting to whisk you to our first hotel in Phuket. Depending on when you get here, you should have some time to settle in, freshen up and perhaps explore the surrounding area before we gather as a group for the first time this evening. You’ll meet your fellow travellers, as well as our Local Insider, and head to an authentic Thai restaurant for dinner.

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll spend today getting the full picture of Phuket. You’ll be guided around the colourful streets of old town before visiting an ethical no-touch elephant sanctuary and discovering some of the most gorgeous beaches along this spectacular island coastline. Oh, and there’ll be some mouthwatering Thai food discoveries along the way, too. Our Phuket tour will wrap up late afternoon or early evening, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore solo when night descends on this vibrant island.

Today we swap land for water, transferring in the morning to a pier, from where our vehicle for the day awaits. We’re in Thailand, so naturally it’ll be a majestic wooden longtail boat, and we’ll enjoy a serene sail all the way to Phang Na bay. This place is the Thailand you daydream about; the vast body of emerald green water interspersed with epic limestone karsts, blanketed in greenery and keeping watch of the area’s countless little stretches of pristine white sands, barely visible among the luscious tropical flora. You’ll have the opportunity to hop off-board for some swimming and snorkelling with tropical fishies in the waters surrounding Koh Panyee and James Bond Island, named after its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). We’ll be back at the hotel late this afternoon, so spend the rest of the day as you wish.

After breakfast this morning we’ll leave our hotel in Phuket behind for an accommodation that becomes an experience in and of itself. We’ll be transferring over to the splendid Khao Sok Lake, which is home to some utterly charming raft houses. One of those floating homes will be yours for the night so, after arrival and a bite to eat for lunch, you’ll have the entire day to enjoy this unique staying experience. You’ll never have easier access to the water, so an afternoon swim or kayak adventure is always on the cards, or you can just sunbathe on your decking, right in the middle of paradise. We’ll reconvene for a group dinner this evening.

If you fancy an early start you can join us for a safari this morning. By the time you’re tucking into breakfast you’ll have already hung out with elephants, hornbills, leopards and monkeys. Later in the morning we’ll transfer to the mainland coastal region of Krabi, home to our next hotel, which might be even more spectacular than our last. A luscious five-star eco-resort awaits, so you’ll have some time to kick back by the pool before heading out for a tasty street food tour – the best way to start any evening in Thailand.

We figured you’re going to want to bask in the luxury of your eco-resort, so we wanted to leave plenty of time today for you to enjoy the high life. Relax by the pool and hit the spa, or go out exploring in search of the perfect hidden beach. Late this afternoon we’ll get the group back together for a really special evening aboard a sunset cruise along the coast of Krabi. Marvel at the dense greenery, striking rock formations and dreamy little beaches that dot this coastline, before tucking into a delicious Thai barbecue onboard, and settling down to enjoy a sunset you’ll never forget.

Wave goodbye to the mainland once more as you take a two-hour boat transfer to Koh Yao Yai, a secluded island which sits halfway between Krabi and Phuket. Here, it’s all about relaxation. After checking into the hotel, why not make the most of the sea view from the infinity-edge swimming pool, sip on your favourite cocktail or book a soothing Thai massage at the spa. It’s time to switch off and recharge.

The world is your tropical oyster once more today. Fancy taking it easy for another day? Go for it. For those keen to explore Koh Yao Yai, there’s plenty to see and do. Trek to the north of the island for impressive vistas from the observation deck, visit the eye-catching sand formations jutting out into the sea at Laem Had Beach, or try the miniature inflatable waterpark at Coco Beach. Alternatively, lie back and catch some rays on the pristine white sand.

After breakfast we’ll have a slow morning so that you can enjoy your beachy surroundings for a little longer, before we transfer back to Phuket early in the afternoon. We should check into our final hotel late this afternoon, so you’ll have some more time to enjoy Phuket before gathering with the group one last time for a farewell dinner – a perfect setting to toast the holiday of a lifetime and reminisce on the memories, and new friends, that will stick with you forever.

Sadly, our time together in Thailand has come to an end. Tuck into breakfast, pack your bags and say your goodbyes before heading back to the airport via a private transfer. Alternatively, you could always extend your stay in Thailand – there are plenty more beaches to discover, after all.