Thai Island Hopping

Arrive in Thailand's capital, the lively metropolis of Bangkok. The bustling street life of this energetic city is set to a backdrop of colourful, ornate shrines and modern glass-fronted high-rises, which jostle for position to dominate the city's skyline. It's a place where old meets new at every corner. Sample the fresh and tasty street food, haggle in the non-stop markets and take a cruise out on Chao Phraya River to witness stunning sunsets.



For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up in the lobby at 8am on day 2.



If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is one hour from our hotel.



Bangkok has an abundance to offer, from its golden temples to mouthwatering street food. If you'd like more time to explore the capital, we highly recommend adding a few extra nights before your trip.

Travelling on foot this morning, we head for the magnificent splendour of the Grand Palace, where we enjoy a tour of the site in the company of a local guide. Dating from the latter years of the 18th century, this huge edifice represents the emergence of the Thai nation once more from under the yoke of Burmese oppression. It is opulence on the grandest scale and is almost certainly the most impressive site in the city, with its unrivalled collection of palaces, golden stupas, wats (temples) and ornately decorative statues.



The most impressive of the wats within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaeo (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha), where we find the small jade statue of Buddha, believed to have been created in Sri Lanka and reputedly discovered when a lightning storm split open an ancient chedi in the northern town of Chiang Rai during the early years of the 15th century. Reputed to contain fabulous powers it is still worshipped by Thais, from the king down, to this day.



After our visit, we continue on foot to the rambling complex of Wat Po, older even than the city itself and home to the fabulous reclining Buddha, a 46 metre golden plated statue depicting Lord Buddha as he enters Nirvana.



We will have some free time to enjoy the delights of Bangkok before we head to the station, to get our overnight sleeper train to Trang. We will travel in 2nd Class A/C sleeper, which comprises of two bunk-style beds that fold down on either side of the carriage. Each bed has a privacy curtain that can be pulled across the length of the bed, and toilets are available at either end of the carriage.

We awake this morning in Trang, the gateway to the Southern Andaman Islands. After disembarking, we make a short drive to Pak Meng Pier where we catch our first glimpse of the shimmering turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea.



A short boat transfer takes us to the beautiful island of Koh Hai, (sometimes called Koh Ngai), the least developed of the islands that we will stay on, and a true paradise that is perfect for exploring, with its fine white sandy beaches, clear water and vibrant coral reef. A landscape of rugged limestone outcrops and evergreen forests offer a spectacular backdrop to our stay here. Once we have checked in the rest of the day is free to enjoy as you wish.

On our first full morning in Koh Hai, we embark on a boat trip to the nearby Trang Andaman island of Koh Muk. Here, we visit the breathtaking Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot), where an 80-meter swim through a limestone tunnel leads to a secluded beach, surrounded by towering cliffs blanketed in lush vegetation. The tranquil pool of water here glows with a stunning emerald hue. This island offers the ideal setting for relaxation, whether you choose to snorkel some more or take a peaceful walk through the forested interior to the opposite side of the island.



Returning to Koh Hai the rest of our time on this glorious island is free to enjoy as you wish. You may like to take a walk into the forested slopes of the National Park, where crab-eating monkeys and monitor lizards travel down from the mountains to wander through the plantations of palms in search of food. Alternatively, you can enjoy more of the spectacular reefs off shore, either from the beach, or by taking boat trips from the island.

A free day affords an opportunity to return to the forested landscapes of the National Park, or perhaps to take a speedboat to nearby Rok Nok or Rok Nai, to enjoy some snorkelling and shopping. Of course you may just prefer to soak up the idyllic majesty of our island paradise and relax by the warm waters of the Trang Sea.



This evening there is the option to take a sunset cruise from Koh Hai, a fitting way to spend our final night on the island, before continuing north.

Transferring to the local pier, we take a public ferry to the island of Koh Lanta, whose beautiful beaches have earned it the name of Pulao Satak by the local people (Island of the Long Beaches). Its white sands and forested hills present the ideal backdrop to our stay amidst the warm waters of the Andaman Sea and on our journey to the island, we may even be accompanied by dolphins and flying fish, so keep your eyes peeled.



On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and check in, after which the rest of the day is free to explore, or simply relax and take in the tranquil ambience of our idyllic surroundings. There are superb deserted beaches to wander along, or watch the fishermen pull in a catch, while children splash in the golden waters at sunset. This is the spot to forget your worries and relax. And watching the sunset with a Mai Tai cocktail offers a perfect end to the day.

Today is a very special day as we visit the Following Giants project on Koh Lanta. This ethical tourism initiative is dedicated to the protection and well-being of elephants. At this sanctuary, visitors can observe the elephants in their natural environment, but the focus is always on respect and care - touching the elephants is not allowed.



Follow these majestic creatures as they roam freely in their natural habitat. This isn't just a walk-it's an opportunity to observe the elephants' behaviors, learn about their personalities, and hear their individual stories. As the elephants lead the way, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the lush environment around you, discovering the diverse trees and wildlife that thrive in this 60-acre sanctuary. Your guide will also share exciting plans for the sanctuary's future, making this walk both enlightening and inspiring.



Afterward, partake in a fun and meaningful Seed Ball Reforestation activity. Roll seeds in a mixture of clay and elephant dung to create seed balls, then launch them into the sanctuary from an observation deck. In just a few months, these seed balls will sprout into fresh vegetation, providing natural food sources for the elephants.



The rest of day is free to enjoy the island's life of Koh Lanta.

Today has been left free to relax on the idyllic white sand beaches, or perhaps take an optional kayak trip out to Talabeng Island. It's an easy two hour kayak in still and calm waters around the rocky outcrop of Talabeng and through dense mangrove forests, with an included lunch on the beaches of Bubu Island.

We continue our island-hopping voyage with a lunchtime public ferry to Koh Yao Yai. This little-visited island lies in the shadows of towering rocky outcrops and jagged limestone cliffs, all part of the picturesque Phang Nga National Park. We arrive at Koh Yao Noi in the mid afternoon and take a short drive in a local truck to our hotel base for the next two nights.

Today is free for you to either relax under the shade of a palm tree, or choose from a number of optional excursions. These include hiring a bicycle and cycling around the island to learn about daily life; joining a cooking class at local chef Khun Mina's house, or taking a day cruise through the idyllic karst scenery of Phang Nga Bay. Your tour leader will discuss the various options with you.

This morning, we transfer by local truck to the pier where we board a public long tail ferry to Ao Thalene pier on the mainland. On arrival we check into our hotel for the next three nights, after which the rest of the day is free to enjoy this stunning location at your leisure. Considered one of the most picturesque regions in southern Thailand, the area is blanketed in verdant vegetation, white beaches and numerous caves, islands and waterfalls just waiting to be explored.

This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and head to the pier for a half day kayaking excurstion of Ao Thalane. A half-day kayaking trip in Ao Thalane offers an unforgettable adventure through one of Thailand's most beautiful and serene landscapes. Set in a stunning bay surrounded by limestone cliffs, lush mangrove forests, and crystal-clear waters, this kayaking experience allows you to explore the natural beauty of the area at a relaxed pace.



As you paddle through the calm, shallow waters, you'll glide past towering karst formations and have the chance to navigate narrow, winding channels through the mangroves. Along the way, you may spot a variety of wildlife, including colorful birds and monkeys. The peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings make for a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, offering a chance to connect with nature. Afterward, we return to the pier, change clothes, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant with a beautiful view. Following the meal, we'll be transferred back to the hotel.



The rest of the day is free.

Another free day in Krabi gives us further opportunity to explore the many interesting sights in the region, or perhaps spend the last full day relaxing on the white sand beaches and browsing the local markets.



There is also the option to take a speedboat out to Koh Hong, an island synonymous with colourful vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters - a near-perfect recipe for snorkelling.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Krabi.



There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Krabi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Krabi Airport (KBV), which is approximately a 30-minute drive from our hotel.