Thai Island Hopping

Our tour starts today in Thailand's capital, Bangkok. Here, old meets new, and the energetic local life - awash with street vendors, locals and tourists - is set against a backdrop of ornate shrines and modern skyscrapers. Sample fragrant street food, haggle in the non-stop markets and take a cruise out on the Chao Phraya River to witness stunning sunsets. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up on day 2. If you\ d like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is a one-hour from our hotel. Our itinerary allows us limited time to see the highlights so we highly recommend booking additional nights pre-tour to your trip.

Heading out on foot this morning, we'll visit the Grand Palace, where we'll have a tour of the site with a local guide. Dating from the latter years of the 18th century, the palace represents the emergence of the Thai nation once more from under the yoke of Burmese oppression. It's one of the most impressive sites 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 you can find the small jade statue of Buddha, believed to have been created in Sri Lanka and discovered when a lightning storm split open an ancient chedi in the northern town of Chiang Rai in the 15th century. Reputed to contain fabulous powers, it's still worshipped by Thais, from the king down, to this day. After our visit, we'll continue on foot to Wat Po. This sprawling complex is older than the city itself and home to the reclining Buddha, a 46-metre, golden-plated statue depicting Lord Buddha as he enters Nirvana. We'll have some free time to enjoy more of Bangkok before we head to the station to catch the sleeper train to Trang. We\ ve graded the overnight train as simple and facilities are basic. We travel in second-class A/C sleepers, which feature two fold-down, bunk-style beds with privacy curtains. There are toilets available at either end of the carriage.

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.

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. Alternatively, you can enjoy more of the spectacular reefs offshore, 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 islands to enjoy some snorkelling . 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.

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.

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.

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!

We'll 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'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.

You can take a snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant marine life, or immerse yourself in the local culture with a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional dishes using fragrant herbs and spices to create authentic Thai cuisine.

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, 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.

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. 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.

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.