Thai Island Hopper East

If anything gets a pack of travellers feeling hyped it's the prospect of 9 days exploring the fabled Thai islands. If you can drag yourselves away from the luxe hotel we've all checked-in to, our first night in Koh Samui as a squad will see us taking in the buzzy nightlife of Chaweng Beach.

Really, can snorkelling, swimming, soaking up the rays and sipping on fresh coconuts ever get boring? Hmm...no. But if you've got a taste for adventure, this glorious island offers plenty to keep hungry explorers enthralled. Visit the mighty Wat Phra Yai temple with its 15-metre golden Buddha statue, see the super on-trend mummified monk at Wat Khunaram, or marvel at the natural beauty of the Grandmother & Grandfather rocks on our highlights of Samui island trip.

Three days in Samui means plenty of time to get a taste of the place - and we don't just say that figuratively. Mangosteen & rambutan fresh off the tree, coconut & lime Panang curries & mango sticky rice are just some of the flavours on offer to pleasure your palate, in amongst ocean swims and island explorations of course.

Today we swap one ocean paradise for another, departing Koh Samui and cruising the Gulf of Thailand to Koh Tao. Ah, life on the Kohs - that's Thai for islands, if you hadn't already noticed. Today we have an orientation walk and an all included beach-side dinner to settle us into the vibes of Tao, starting life on this island right.

Getting under water should be high priority today. Abounding in coral beauty and (wait for it) sea turtles, Koh Tao's diving reputation is well documented. Grab a snorkel and ask your Trip Manager for the islands hidden spots. Above land, the islands hilly landscapes offer many pretty hiking trails and bubbling waterfalls, depending on the season. Above or below water level, the island is yours & will fill you with happy feels.

Will we be sad to leave Koh Tao today? Maybe slightly. But with another swaying palm trees destination calling our names, we're hardly sobbing into our backpacks. This afternoon we make our way to Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan is fringed by flawless beaches that offer endless days of island enjoyment. Grab a snorkel and hit the seas for an island adventure, or head to Haad Yao, one of our absolute favourites, for some sea and sun.

Enjoying a traditional Thai massage whilst listening to the sound of the waves, the sea breeze tickling your body - now that should be up there as a top 10 life goal. Once ticked, more Koh Pha Ngan beach hangs and some time exploring the island, fresh coconut in hand, can complete your day. *Happy sigh*

It's the second last day of our island adventure and 'mai pen rai - don't worry, be happy' is now the group mentality. Enjoy a lazy breakfast and dose up on Vitamin D. It's our last full one together, so make it count.

Breathe in those last waves of Koh Pha Ngan air before we hit the seas for our ferry ride back to where it all began, Koh Samui. We'll arrive back in Samui armed with a totally zen outlook and a backpack full of incredible new memories. Say your teary goodbyes to your new wolf-pack, making plans for a reunion tour to ease the pain - not forgetting there are another collection of Thai islands just waiting to be explored.