Compare Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Phuket by Intrepid Travel vs 4 days the South by Asia Planet

Day 1 Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Bangkok is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and slick modernity, where markets (obviously bustling) and world-class cuisine are only the beginning. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you do arrive early, kudos to you! How about acquainting yourself with this frenetic city of tuk tuks, street food and traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River and just having a walk around. After your important meeting, you might want to experience the unique tourist mecca of Khao San Road with some of your new travel crew.

Day 2 Bangkok

You’ll start today with a visit to Wat Arun – Temple of the Dawn. Named after the Indian God of Dawn – Aruna, this impressive landmark of Bangkok sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities, and this city has so much to offer – perhaps head next door to the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Pho, home to the country's largest reclining Buddha and keeper of the magic behind Thai massage. You may want to take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, or travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous 'khlongs' (canals) of Bangkok. Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Tonight, board an overnight train southbound for Surat Thani (approximately 13 hours).

Day 3 Ao Nang/Krabi

Arrive into Surat Thani this morning and continue by bus (approximately 2.5 hours) to the resort town of Ao Nang in Krabi Province. Ao Nang has a main street with open-air restaurants, shops that light up the sidewalk and bars perfect for kicking back with a beer. It’s also in a great position to hop on longtail boats to places like Railay Beach and the idyllic islands surrounding the bay. There's plenty of free time to relax on the beautiful beaches and get into the spirit of southern Thailand. You also might want to take advantage of some of the optional activities on offer, like a cycling trip that takes you on back country tracks, gets you close to local culture, and rewards you with a lovely afternoon dip in a beautiful waterfall. Otherwise, consider a relaxing massage on the beach (no kidding), or just sit back with a good book and a cool cocktail to watch the sun slip beneath the horizon. This is living. In the late afternoon, visit Baan Na Teen village and take part in Batik Making to learn about this ancient technique of dyeing and then join in a local family for some home-cooked feast. Here is also an opportunity to assist with the preparation of tonight's meal – learn some of the delicious secrets of southern Thai cooking and enjoy a dinner that tastes all the better thanks to your handiwork! This is a wonderful opportunity to absorb some of the daily rituals of Thai culture.

Day 4 Ao Nang/Krabi

This morning, head out to Ao Nang beach and on board a speed boat to start today’s exploration. Immerse in the beauty of the coast line with stops at Phra Nang Cave, Railey Beach, Koh Tup, Koh Gai and discover the amazing coral and tropical fish through snorkelling in the crystal clear water. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling and return back to Ao Nang beach in mid-afternoon. Tonight, why not grab some travel pals and stroll down the main drag to find a seafood restaurant.

Day 5 Khao Lak

Say goodbye to Ao Nang this morning and continue your journey to Khao Lak. On the way, stop at a great Community-based tourism initiative at Baan Nai Nang village (supported by Mangrove Action Project) and you’ll spend a better half of the day here, experiencing the amazing nature and learning about local culture. Get active and venture out in a kayak to explore the amazing water, limestone cliffs and mangrove forests at Khao Ka Rot. Return back to the village and enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch after a good workout, then learn to prepare and taste the organic local mulberry leaf tea. Head out for a walk in the village and its organic fruit orchards after lunch before hopping back on your bus and continue to Khao Lak (approx. 3 hours).

Day 6 Khao Lak

Enjoy a free day at Khao Lak. There are plenty to do in Khao Lak. Why not visit Lam Ru National Park andTon Chong Fa Water Fall, or make it a day trip to Similan Islands or Surin Islands? Your tour leader will be on hand to help you make the best of the day.

Day 7 Phuket

This morning leave for the tourist haven of Phuket, Thailand’s largest and most visited island. This island is certainly a brasher, more vibrant extrovert to the mellower sibling of the last few days. If a little modern pizazz is what you’re after with your dose of sunshine exotica, look no further – this island offers a little something for everyone. It’ll take about 3 hours to get to Phuket.Once you've arrived on the island, there's a chance to stop at the Tsunami Memorial if you would like to visit. Then continue to Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation which support the protection of turtles and research of the Marine Biodiversity. You'll be able to learn about the important work that they do here and see the different type of turtles at the foundation. Then it's another hour to Kata beach. You’ll stay in the heart of Kata beach, where everything from shops to restaurants to nightclubs awaits.

Day 8 Phuket

Phuket is ringed with beaches, each with their own distinct personalities, from a party vibe to perhaps something quieter and more romantic. If you can pull yourself away from the beautiful beaches and curving coasts, Phuket also has a range of activities to fill your day, from Thai boxing exhibitions to cabaret shows. If you love getting out on the water and exploring the islands, then perhaps use your last day to take a day trip out to the stunning Phi Phi and Khai Nok, a tiny island surrounded by white sandy beach perfect suitable for swimming and snorkelling. If you want to spend some time with Thailand’s magnificent elephants, take a visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. You will get to see the elephants in the safety and security of their natural home and get an insight into the behaviour and personal history of each elephant. Perhaps gather together your fellow travellers tonight and enjoy a celebratory dinner.

Day 9 Phuket

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you’d like to continue to soak up the very best of Phuket, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Day 1: BANGKOK - PHUKET

Pick up at your hotel in Bangkok and tranfer to Airport. Depart to the south and Phuket by Air. Arrive in the Thailand largest tropical island : Phuket, the pearl of the orient. Your will be greeted by your representative. Transfer to hotel. Leisure.

Day 2: PHUKET - KOH PHIPHI - PHUKET

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

American breakfast. Depart to the Makan Bay Jetty to board the cruiser for Phi Phi Island tour. Upon approaching the Phi Phi Island, you'll see the surroundings nearby island. The Viking Cave, where there are ancient paintings on the wall and also a reserved cave for birds nests collection. Keep a watch out for long bamboo poles along the surrounding islands! The bird nests in Phi Phi Island are being exported throughout the world. Watch the pretty marine life, corals, etc Your lunch awaits you at Phi Phi Island. Relax at the white sandy beach of Tonsai Bay. An appointment time will be set for you trip to cruise back to Phuket Island where the coach awaits to send your back to your hotel around 17.00 . The beauty of Phi Phi Island will always be in your mind.

Day 3: PHUKET - PHANG NGA BAY - PHUKET

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

American breakfast. Depart to “James Bond Island “ which is situated on the Andaman sea. The coach will take you northward of Phuket Island and cross the Thepkassatri Bridge which connects Phuket Island with the mainland Thailand. On this hour and a half coach ride, enjoy the greenery surroundings of Phuket Island and Phang Nga Province. You’ll see lots of rubber estates and cashew-nut trees along the way. Upon arrival at the Phang Nga Bay jetty, You’ll board the boat to begin your exciting tour by passing the mangrove swamps flanked on both sides. Take a glimpse at the wild birds at the swamp before sailling through the limestone cave “ Tan Lod”. During your cruise, you’ll be able to see the different formation of animals from the surrounding island that handsomely rises from the water. We will continue to cruise towards the highlight of the day James Bond Island. Why is it called James Bond Island? The movie “ The Man with a Golden Gun “ was filmed on this island. Opposite this island, you’ll see Koh Tapoo or Nail Island. Seafood lunch at the fisherman village at Koh Panyee. After your lunch, take a walk around this village, which there are a lot of things that’ll fascinate you. Drop-by to the floating school at the Fisherman Village, From the Fisherman Village, you’ll take the boat ride back to the Phang Nga Bay Jetty Where the coach awaits you for your transfer back to the hotel around 17.00.

Day 4: PHUKET - BANGKOK

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, free at leisure till Transfer to Airport. Flight Phuket Bangkok . Arrive in Bangkok. End of service