Thai Island Hopping

Day 3: This morning, we wake up 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), our home for the next three nights. Koh Hai is the least developed of the islands - it's a true paradise with its white sand beaches, clear water and vibrant coral reef. A landscape of rugged limestone outcrops and evergreen forests offers a spectacular backdrop to the surrounding paradise. Once we've checked in to our hotel, the rest of the day is free.

Day 4: This morning, we embark on a boat trip to the nearby Trang Andaman island of Koh Muk. Here, we'll visit the 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 is perfect for relaxing, 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 the day is free. You might 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 offshore, either from the beach or by taking boat trips from the island.

Day 5: Today you're free to return to the forested landscapes of the national park, or perhaps take a speedboat to nearby Rok Nok or Rok Nai and enjoy some snorkelling or shopping. Of course, you might prefer to simply 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.

Day 6: Transferring to the local pier this morning, we'll take a public ferry to the island of Koh Lanta, whose beautiful beaches have earned it the local title of Pulao Satak (Island of the Long Beaches). Its white sands and forested hills are a picturesque backdrop for our stay amidst the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Keep your eyes peeled on our journey to the island as we might be accompanied by dolphins and flying fish. On arrival, we'll transfer to our hotel and check-in, after which the rest of the day is free to explore, or simply take in the tranquil ambience of our surroundings. There are deserted beaches to wander along, or you could watch the fishermen pull in a catch, while children splash in the golden waters at sunset. This is the perfect spot to forget your worries and relax - watching the sunset with a Mai Tai cocktail offers a perfect end to the day.

Day 7: 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 on respect and care - touching the elephants is not allowed. We'll take some time to 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' behaviours, learn about their personalities, and hear their individual stories. As the elephants lead the way, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the lush environment, discovering the diverse trees and wildlife that thrive in this 60-acre sanctuary. As the elephants are left to their own devices, we might sometimes have a bit of a trek to find them. Our visit today might involve some hiking through steep, jungle terrain. After our walk, we'll 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. We have lunch at the sanctuary before heading back to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the island's life of Koh Lanta.

Day 8: Today, you have the freedom to enjoy a leisurely day on the island's pristine white sand beaches, soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. If you're in the mood for adventure, consider taking an optional excursion to the iconic Phi Phi Islands, known for their crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life. The island is extremely popular, thanks to its iconic beach featured in the famous movie, and can often become quite crowded. Whether you choose relaxation or exploration, the day is yours to enjoy!

Day 9: We'll continue our island-hopping voyage with a lunchtime public ferry to Koh Yao Noi. 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'll arrive at Koh Yao Yai in the mid-afternoon and take a short drive in a local truck to our hotel base for the next two nights.

Day 10: Today is free for you to either relax under the shade of a palm tree or choose from several optional excursions.

Day 11: 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.

Day 12: This morning, we'll head to the pier for a half-day kayaking excursion in Ao Thalane. This is 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, it's a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area at a relaxed pace. As we paddle through the calm, shallow waters, we'll glide past towering karst formations and have the chance to navigate narrow, winding channels through the mangroves. Along the way, you might spot a variety of wildlife, including colourful 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. Afterwards, we'll return to the pier, change clothes, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant with a beautiful view. Following our meal, we'll head back to our hotel and the rest of the day is free

Day 13: We have another free day in Krabi today. You might like to spend a full day relaxing on the beaches and browsing the local markets. Alternatively, there are plenty of local tour companies offering excursions to the surrounding islands, including the Phi Phi Islands, made famous by the movie The Beach. If you're feeling adventurous, there's the option to take a speedboat out to Koh Hong, an island known for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters - a near-perfect recipe for snorkelling.

Day 14: The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Krabi. There are no activities planned today, so you're 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'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Krabi Airport (KBV), which is a 30-minute drive from our hotel.