Thailands West Coast

Overnight Standard Hotel

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 yolk 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 lightening 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 by 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 Surathanee.

Overnight Basic Train Included meals: Breakfast

We arrive at Suranthanee and if time allows we can enjoy a walk around a local market before driving to Chalong Bay where we take a private ferry to Racha Yai, an island paradise of sandy beaches and swaying palms, surrounded by reefs of hard coral. The journey by ferry will take us around 45 minutes and, after checking into our hotel, the rest of the day is free to enjoy as you wish. The waters off this tropical haven are teeming with reef fish of every colour, size and shape. There are triggerfish and trumpetfish, colourful parrotfish and menacing looking moray eels and the coral gardens off shore are rich hunting grounds for snapper and blue spotted rays. Our accommodation is located around 10 minutes walk from the main beach, making it easily accessible for a relaxing afternoon of sea and sun. Please note: rooms are airconditioned, water supply is unheated.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Today we will enjoy a half-day boat trip around the island, stopping off to enjoy some swimming and snorkelling en route. We will be using traditional long tails boats, with 6 people in each and the aim is to stop off at four different locations: Ao Tue, Ao Pak Tok, Ao Hia and Ao Siam. If conditions allow there may also be the opportunity to make our way onto a secluded beach to enjoy some rest and relaxation before returning to the hotel. Please be aware that this excursion is very much weather dependent and we may need to use speedboats if water conditions are not suitable for longtail boats. The rest of the day is free to enjoy more of this idyllic setting. There are a number of walks available around the island, passing through tranquil landscapes of coconut groves and palms, where water buffaloes and local people continue their daily routines much as they have for generations. The island is rich in plantations of mangoes and jackfruit, tamarind and cashew nuts and fishermen ply their trade much as their ancestors before them.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Returning to Phuket, by speedboat, we dock at the pier and then transfer by road to Krabi, spectacularly located near the stunning beaches and breathtaking corals of the Andaman Sea. Krabi’s mountainous landscapes offer an idyllic backdrop to the turquoise waters lying off Thailand’s southwestern coast. On arrival we shall check into our hotel for the next two nights, after which the rest of the day is free to enjoy this stunning location at your leisure. Renowned for its limestone outcrops, the region is littered with caves that have unearthed prehistoric rock paintings and artifacts that date back some 40,000 years, one of the oldest finds of human habitation in Southeast Asia. These caves are also one of the prime sources worldwide for the nests of the Swiftlet that is used to make bird nest soup. Please note: rooms are air-conditioned and have fans. Hot water is available at certain times of the day.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

A free day affords another opportunity to relax and enjoy the balmy serenity of these tropical shores, relaxing on the beach, or perhaps taking a walk through the surrounding area. 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. Alternatively you may wish to take the short trip to Krabi, to partake in an optional Thai cookery course, where an expert cook will teach even the most inexperienced the fundamentals of Thai cookery so that the fabulous cuisine can be recreated on your return home. For those looking for adventure farther afield there is the option to take a morning ferry to Phi Phi Island. Here, magnificent limestone cliffs rise out of the water while warm waves crash on the brilliant white sand. The undulating island is covered with rich vegetation and bright flowers and fringed with thatched roof houses. Walking up to the viewpoint at sunset is recommended, from where we can see the fantastic sweeping views back across the 2 bays of Phi Phi Island, which gained international recognition after it was used as the location for the film “The Beach”.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

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 will 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. Inhabited largely by Muslims who arrived here from Malaysia 200 years ago, this beautiful island is some 25 kilometres long, with a steep ridge forming a forested interior. Parts of its lush interior are cultivated, but most villagers are still involved in the time-honoured occupation of fishing, much as their ancestors have been for generations. 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 a ‘Mai Tai’ cocktail, whilst watching the sunset offers a perfect end to the day. 

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

A free day on the island affords a wealth of opportunities to enjoy some optional excursions, including elephant rides and walks in the national park, a boat trip into the warm waters, or perhaps an excursion by bus around the island. The rich and relatively pristine waters of these shores presents some ideal opportunities for diving and snorkelling.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

A short boat transfer takes us to the beautiful island of Koh Hai, (sometimes called Koh Ngai), the least developed of the islands we stay on, and a true paradise that is perfect for exploring, with its fine white sandy beaches, clear water and vibrant coral reef. A saw-toothed landscape of ragged 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. Please note: rooms are air-conditioned.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Our first full morning on Koh Hai sees us taking a boat trip to the nearby Trang Andaman Island of Koh Muk, where we stop off to visit the stunning ‘Emerald Cave’ (Tham Morakot). An 80 metre swim along a limestone tunnel emerges at an inland beach, surrounded by enclosed cliffs covered in vegetation and an open pool of water that reflects the most beautiful emerald colour. This island is the perfect place to relax and unwind – perhaps taking the opportunity for further snorkelling, or a walk through the the forested interior to the other 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 else by taking boat trips off the island.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Another free day today affords an opportunity to return to the forested landscapes of the National Park, or perhaps to take a speedboat or local ferry 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 before the warm waters of the Trang Sea.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

After a free morning we take the ferry back to the mainland, from where we take the overnight train from Trang back up to Bangkok.

Overnight Basic Train Included meals: Breakfast

After arriving in Bangkok we will transfer into the city. The rest of the day is left free in this vibrant and bustling capital city.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Included meals: Breakfast