Thailand Off-the-Beaten-Path

Day 1

Surat Thani Arrival – Khanom

Welcome to Southern Thailand! meet with our local representative and transfer to your
resort located in the quiet province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, a few dozen kilometers away
from Surat Thani. Stunning and undeveloped beach stretch as far as the eye can see. Every
beach boasts its own unique characteristics. In addition to white sand and palm trees, there
are limestone cliffs and mangrove forests. Many of the beaches remain unspoiled, providing
complete privacy. The area is also known for its rare pink dolphins. Locals here are proud of
this rare animal species and wish to protect its original idyllic living environment on the
coastline.

Overnight at Aava Resort, Deluxe Bungalow

Day 2

Khanom

This morning, embark on a local boat and head towards to the north side of Khanom
District. Along the route you will enjoy the livelihood of Khanom fishermen and spot the 11
beautiful islands of Moo Koh Thalay Tai, the “South Sea Island National Park”. The boat will
lead you to Taled Bay, home of the pink dolphins (Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin). You will
also see the Pancake Rock, a famous landmark along Lak Sor Bay. Continue to Nui Nok
Island and pay homage to Luang Por Tuad before reaching a holistic fresh water hole and
learn more about some 100-years old legends of this holistic place.
Lunch along with soft drinks and fresh seasonal fruits will then be served on Nui Island.
Later the boat will cruise along the back of Tham Island. There, passengers will experience
sea grass planting, actively participating in preserving the fragile food chain of this area.
Around 15:00, sail back to the pier and transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight at Aava Resort, Deluxe Bungalow

Day 3

Khanom – Khao Sok National Park

This morning, after breakfast, enjoy some free time relaxing on the beach before your
transfer to Khao Sok National Park (no later than noon). You will drive through one of the
most scenic landscape of Thailand surrounded by karst formations and thick jungle!
The Park covers an area of over 120,000 hectares of mostly virgin rainforest. There is
plenty of wildlife in the park such as gibbons, hornbills and wild elephants. It is also home to
the rare Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, which grows to a diameter of around 80
centimetres and blooms once a year in January or February.
Arrive at the Park mid-afternoon, check in at your lodge and rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight at Khaosok Discovery Boutique Camps, Boutique Tent

Day 4

Khao Sok National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a full day hike with our local English speaking guide into Khao Sok
National Park (entrance fee not included). Picnic lunch along the way at a scenic place,
such as a waterfall or a river. Since the Park is located in the central mountain of Southern
Thailand, it receives quite a bit of rainfall from May to October. The dry season is early
November to April. Whilst the dry season has its merits, you are more likely to see some of
the larger mammals (civets, black bear, slow loris, boar, wild elephant and, if extremely
lucky, tigers) along the trail system during the wet season.
Return to your lodge in late afternoon.

Overnight at Khaosok Discovery Boutique Camps, Boutique Tent

Day 5

Khao Sok National Park – Phuket Town

This morning, enjoy some free time to explore the surroundings on your own or simply relax
by the lodge swimming pool. Around noon, meet your driver and transfer down South to the
world’s famous Phuket Island. While most of its beaches are crowded with tourists all year
round, you will head towards the lesser-known small city of Phuket Town. Phuket has a long
association with European seafaring nations such as Portugal, Great Britain, Holland and
France. It also has an established tradition of ethnic Chinese settlement, mainly from Fujian
Province, during the tin mining days. In addition Phuket city was a tradional meeting place
of Thai and Malays. The overall result was a fascinating cultural mix, and the townscape of old Phuket is unique in Thailand. The main attractions in old Phuket Town are the Sino-
Portuguese buildings (the Chinese row houses), the Sino-Colonial mansions, the elaborate Chinese and Thai temples, and the public markets. On arrival, check-in at your hotel located in the old town, and rest of the day free to explore
the buzzing streets on your own.

Overnight at Memory at On On Hotel, Superior Room

Day 6

Phuket Town – Koh Yao Noi

This morning you will be picked up for your Phuket food experience. Phuket town is a
unique place. The contribution of foreign influences has produced a cuisine that you won’t
find anywhere else in the world. Arab and Indian merchants, Portuguese and French, and

later the Chinese immigrants all brought their part in this amazing mix of culture and taste.
We want to take you to the hidden little places only the locals know about. Indulge in a
scrumptious breakfast at a little dim sum place on a small soi behind the fresh market. Then
after walking the charming streets of the city center try some delicious roti with curry. And
later la piece da resistance Sino-Thai cuisine a feast of noodles and local delicacies you will
never forget. Along the way we will also visit the local fresh market were you will become
familiar with some of the unique products of Thailand. And explore the shrines and sights of
the old town while walking with our English-speaking guide. Like Penang in Malaysia Phuket will soon become famous for its local street food, come see (& taste!) it before everybody else!

Later we continue in the direction of Koh Yao Noi and on the way will be treated to
sweeping views of the karst formations of Phang Nga Bay. Arrive on the island and meet
with the charismatic chief of village, Mr. Bung Mee for a preliminary introduction to
Community Based Tourism (CBT) principles. Then, take a local public bus and continue
towards your homestay. Meet your host family, before sightseeing around the quiet island of
Koh Yao Noi.

Koh Yao Noi has around 4,000 inhabitants and is around 120 km2 in size. Sea farms,
holding bays for live fish and lobsters, are all popular and a common sight around the
island. Tourism here has not been developed as it is in Phuket or Krabi; therefore you can
experience the island as it was centuries ago, observing local people going about their daily
business. The Island remains a very natural, quiet and easy place to live: Koh Yao Noi and
its surroundings provide some of the most interesting things to be discovered in South
Thailand, in one of the most beautiful locations.

Late afternoon, before returning to your homestay, visit one of the island’s small markets to
buy all the ingredients for your dinner later this evening. On arrival at your homestay, join
your host family in preparing dinner and learn how to best cook the freshly fished seafood.
Dinner served at your homestay and rest of the evening free.

Homestay overnight.

Day 7

Koh Yao Noi

This morning, enjoy a traditional local breakfast with your host family, before further
exploring the island. First stop at local coastal fisheries where you will get the chance to
meet and interact with the fishermen. Then, embark on a local long tail boat trip and explore
the stunning Phang Nga Bay and its numerous small uninhabited islands. First stop at Hong
Island, famous for its rich underwater life. Free time to enjoy the beach and snorkel around
(snorkelling equipment included). Around noon, local lunch is served on the island’s main
beach. Free time to relax before heading back to Koh Yao Noi.
In the evening, meet again your host family and enjoy a tasty dinner with them.

Homestay overnight.

Day 8

Koh Yao Noi – Krabi – Koh Lanta

After your local breakfast served at your homestay, it is already time to say goodbye to your
host family! Transfer back to the pier and embark on a long tail boat that will take you through the
stunning Phang Nga Bay. Reach the pier around Krabi, and then transfer back private car to
the quiet island of Koh Lanta. Check-in at your resort and rest of the day free at leisure to
enjoy the resort facilities or simply have a walk on the beach: it’s your choice!
Once a backpacker's haven, Koh Lanta nowadays offers a wide range of comfortable to
luxury resorts. Friendly locals and its unspoiled nature are still main attractions. Misty
mountains abound in some areas, especially down south, while the islands' lush jungle,
clean sandy beaches, pretty coral reefs and crystal-clear water all make for a perfect
relaxing retreat.

Overnight at Anda Lanta Resort, Superior Room

Included: 

• English speaking guide

• Entrance fee s

• Accommodation as detailed

• All transfers as detailed

Not Include:

• Alcoholic beverages

• Tips

• Insurance

• Airline tickets (where applicable)

• Personal gear or items