Compare Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Phuket by Intrepid Travel vs 7 Day Thailand Guided Tour by Getaway Africa

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: Arrive In Bangkok

Accommodation: 4* Holiday Inn Silom

Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be collected from the airport and transfered to your hotel. After a lenghty flight you will likely be tired, so this day is at your own leisure to explore or rest.

Day 2: Bangkok City Temples

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 4* Holiday Inn Silom

Today we have a wonderful tour of Bangkok scheduled. The city of Bangkok lies on a bend of the Chao Phraya River and possesses an amazing combination of historic sights. During the tour enjoy a ride through the busy streets of Chinatown and visit three of the most impressive temples in Bangkok, The Golden Buddha Temple featuring the world’s largest solid gold statue. The Marble Temple, one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples and the Reclining Buddha Temple, considered the first public university in Thailand, teaching students religion, science and literature, also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Day 3: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Rose Garden

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: 4* Holiday Inn Silom

We take you on an exclusive tour to visit the rural and authentic Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak. Not only seeing, but you are able to experience riding one of these boats along the canal. After the floating market, you will visit the Rose Garden where you can enjoy seeing the Thai cultural shows and traditional dances, such as wedding ceremony, Buddhist coronation, folk dances, and Thai Martial arts.

Day 4: Phuket Island

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 4* Patong Beach Hotel

The airport for your flight onward to Phuket. (flight included) On arrival in Phuket you will be greeted by a representative and taken to your hotel.  At 14h00 you will be collected again for a Half day tour to introduce you to the life and beauty of Phuket Island. We visit Phuket town with its Malacca-stye houses and bustling markets and return to your hotel at 18h00.

Day 5: Koh Phi Phi & Koh Kai by speedboat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: 4* Patong Beach Hotel

Today's excursion takes you to some of South-East Asia's loveliest islands. We take you on an exhilarating speedboat trip to Koh Kai (meaning Chicken Island, becuase of the bizarre rock formation that resembles a chicken). Here you have some free time to explore, snorkel and even feed bananas to the fish.

Our voyage continues to Koh Phi Phi Don, a picture-postcard tropic island with fine sandy beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, a refreshing lack of roads and turqoise waters teeming with colourful marine life. A short boat ride takes you to the uninhabited Koh Phi Phi Leh and the famous Maya Bay. Koh Phi Phi Leh houses the Viking Cave, once a haunt of pirates who sheltered here to escape monsoon winds. We return you top your hotel late evening.

Day 6: James Bond by Canoe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: 4* Patong Beach Hotel

Transfer from your hotel to the pier for a cruise on a traditional Thai sailing boat to Phang Nga bay a picture‐perfect tropical island and from there visit stunning Koh Panak and Koh Hong by canoe. Continue on to James Bond Island, made famous in the film ‘The man with the Golden Gun’. Enjoy onboard lunch while the boat leisurely sails to Lawa Island where you can enjoy kayaking, swimming or simply relaxing on the white sandy beach before returning to Phuket.

Day 7: Depart Phuket

Meals: Breakfast

Your flight back home leaves at midnight tonight. You have the whole day at leisure to explore the island and it's vibrant markets