Sublime Southern Thailand
10 Days Starting and ending in Phuket, Thailand
Visiting: Phuket, Khao Sok, Ao Nang, Than Bok Khorani National Park, Chicken Island (Koh Poda Nok), Ko Yao Yai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
THS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
25-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Boat/Cruise Excursion, Canoeing-Kayaking, Snorkeling, Swimming
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
From kayaking through mangroves and caves to sampling traditional street food, this trip will immerse you in the riches that southern Thailand has to offer. Starting in Phuket, head north to Khao Sok Lake where you’ll stay in a floating raft house and experience a wildlife boat safari – possibly spotting a sun bear if you’re lucky. Snorkel in the Andaman Sea, embark on a sunset cruise and explore the hidden lagoon on Hong Island before some well-earned relaxation in Koh Yao Yai. Cap off your island-hopping adventure with a farewell group dinner under the star-studded sky.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Phuket And Enjoy The Local Nightlife
Location: Phuket
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Dinner
Touch down at Phuket International Airport – whether you’re arriving from home or joining from our Welcome to the Jungle: Exploring Northern Thailand trip. At the hotel, you’ll be greeted by our local insider who will accompany the group throughout the trip. Meet your fellow travellers at 6pm. A welcome dinner at the beachfront is the perfect way to get your first night started before venturing out on a night tour of Patong. Take to the dancefloor or grab a beer in one of the many bars on Bangla Road – but be sure to bear in mind tomorrow’s early start!
Activities included:
Welcome dinner
Patong night tour
Day 2 : Discover Khao Sok Lake And Stay In A Floating Raft House
Location: Khao Sok
Accommodation: Resort, Resort
Accommodation Name: Keeree Tara Floating Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, get ready for your transfer to Khao Sok Lake – a 165sqkm (64sqmi) body of emerald-green water, surrounded by dense rainforest and dramatic limestone formations. Upon arrival, you can store your luggage and take an overnight bag before setting off from the pier on a longtail boat for a scenic, guided journey to the raft house. Next, fuel up on lunch before hiking to a waterfall, underground cave or viewpoint, depending on the season. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure – swimming, kayaking or exploring the area’s rugged inlets.
Activities included:
Raft house boat trip
Guided Khao Sok Lake activity
Optional activities:
Kayaking
Day 3 : Spot Local Wildlife And Kayak Through Mangrove Forests
Location: Khao Sok, Ao Nang
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Pakasai Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kick off day three with a wildlife safari by longtail boat. Keep a close eye out for hornbills and gibbons in particular; you may even be fortunate enough to spot a sun bear, too. Head back for breakfast and enjoy some free time before your minibus transfer to Krabi. En route, you’ll stop at Bor Thor mangrove forest for an unforgettable kayaking adventure. It's not strenuous, thanks to the lack of current here, and you can also explore caves that feature 3,000-year-old drawings. Come evening, watch the sun set on the beach and sample the delicious street food of Ao Nang.
Day 4 : Explore Hong Island
Location: Than Bok Khorani National Park, Ao Nang
Accommodation: Resort, Resort
Accommodation Name: Pakasai Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jump on a boat this morning for a day of island-hopping. You’ll start at Hong Island 6km (4mi) off the coast of Krabi; it’s actually an archipelago in the Than Bok Khorani National Park, characterised by sandy white beaches, limestone cliffs and a secluded turquoise lagoon. The calm, shallow water is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking among shoals of colourful fish. Follow the nature trail through the jungle to get a deeper feel for the islands before you head back to the mainland.
Activities included:
Hong Island day trip
Snorkelling
Optional activities :
Kayaking
Day 5 : Embark On A Boat Cruise And Dine On Deck At Sunset
Location: Chicken Island (Koh Poda Nok), Ao Nang
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Pakasai Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following a laid-back morning at the hotel, you’ll be picked up and transported to the pier, where you’ll set off on a five-hour boat cruise. Enjoy Thai snacks and cold drinks, snorkel in the clear waters of the Andaman Sea and explore Chicken Island – named after the unusual chicken-shaped rock formation on its southern tip. Wrap up the day with a barbecue on deck served at sunset, featuring a variety of Thai delicacies.
Activities included:
Sunset cruise and barbecue
Day 6 : Kick Back And Relax In Koh Yao Yai
Location: Ko Yao Yai
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Koh Yao Yai Village Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave goodbye to the mainland once more as you take a two-hour boat transfer to Koh Yao Yai, a secluded island which sits halfway between Krabi and Phuket. Here, it’s all about relaxation. After checking into the hotel, why not make the most of the sea view from the infinity-edge swimming pool, sip on your favourite cocktail or book a soothing Thai massage at the spa. It’s time to switch off and recharge after an action-packed few days.
Day 7 : Trek To The Viewing Point And Enjoy A Waterpark In The Sea
Location: Ko Yao Yai
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Koh Yao Yai Village Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fancy taking it easy for another day? It’s your choice – but for those keen to explore Koh Yao Yai, there’s plenty to see and do. Trek to the north of the island for impressive vistas from the observation deck, visit the eye-catching sand formations jutting out into the sea at Laem Had Beach, or try the miniature inflatable waterpark at Coco Beach. Alternatively, lie back and catch some rays on the pristine white sand.
Optional activities:
Island exploration
Day 8 : Free Time In Koh Yao Yai
Location: Ko Yao Yai
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Koh Yao Yai Village Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, because how you spend the day today is entirely up to you. Get a taste for rural island life by visiting a paddy, rubber plantation or lobster farm, venture to a different beach such as Khlong Son, Loh Pared or Ao Sai for a sunbathe and swim, or you can simply lounge by the pool. There’s no shortage of options.
Day 9 : Return To Phuket And Share A Farewell Dinner With Your Fellow Travellers
Location: Phuket
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Bandara Phuket Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Prepare for your transfer from Koh Yao Yai back to Phuket, where you’ll check into the hotel for your final stop of the trip. There are two beaches separated by a rocky headland in this peaceful corner of Phuket, called Ao Yon Bay, both of which tend to be much less crowded than other better-known beaches on the island. Take a gentle afternoon stroll along this unspoilt piece of coastline before toasting your fellow travellers during a final dinner on the beachfront.
Activities included:
Farewell dinner
Day 10 : Depart From Phuket
Location: Phuket
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags and say farewell to the group. Head back to the airport via private transfer by approximately midday to begin your journey home. Alternatively, extend your stay in Thailand – there are plenty more beaches to discover.
What's Included
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Private and local transport
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Activities described in the itinerary
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Airport transfers
What's Not Included
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Meals not in the itinerary
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Visas (if required)
Check out our Q&As
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Do I need to tip?
Tips are not included in the price of your trip but are entirely optional and at your discretion.
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Can I book extra nights accommodation before or after my trip?
Yes, call or email one of our Travel Experts who will be able to add accommodation to your booking.
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Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Yes - all travellers must have travel insurance before they join one of our trips. You are strongly advised to take out your policy at the time of booking to protect your holiday payments in the event of cancellation.
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Do I need any vaccinations?
As a tour operator we are unable to give medical advice, however we suggest you contact your doctor, a professional medical travel clinic or check out the World Health Organisation website for more details.
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What is the group size?
Our maximum group size is 18, although our average group size is 10-12 people. Group travel is a great way to meet other people, and you will have the safety of travelling with a group, but you can also decide how much time you want to spend by yourself.
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What is not included in the trip?
We don’t include the following in our trips: insurance (however you must have insurance to travel on one of our trips), flights, tips for local guides, optional activities and other meals and services not mentioned in your itinerary.
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Are flights / transport to the destination included?
No - our travellers come from all over the world so flights and / or transport to the start destination are not included.
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How many meals are included?
Breakfast is included daily and then depending on your itinerary, some lunches and dinners. This is clearly indicated in the trip details or ask your Travel Expert to confirm.
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Are airport transfers included?
Some of our trips do not include airport transfers, so we recommend customers either take public transport or a taxi. However, if you would like us to arrange a private transfer please ask one of our travel experts who can arrange this for you.
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Why should I travel with Culture Trip?
We know the world's best bits – our award-winning content proves it. Now we’re using that expertise to bring you curated trips that combine thoughtful planning with authentic experiences and hand-picked accommodation. Led by Local Insiders, our trips bring together small groups of curious travellers who embrace the value of shared experiences, cultural immersion and travel that never feels rushed.
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What kind of transport do you use on your trips?
We use a mix of public and private transport on our trips, but usually a small and comfortable minibus, so we can access more remote destinations that larger groups can’t get to.
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How much money should I bring?
This will depend on how long your trip is, your destination and how much you intend to spend on personal expenses and any meals that aren’t included. It is a good idea to check out the cost of a local lunch and dinner in your destination before you travel.
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Will there always be a guide on the trip?
Absolutely yes. We pride ourselves on our expert Local Insiders - they are an integral part of what makes our trips so special. Your Local Insider will accompany you throughout the trip and is there to help and assist in any way possible as well as ensure everything works to time.
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Can I travel in my own private group?
Yes you can. Our team of Travel Experts can put together a bespoke trip to suit all group sizes in most destinations around the world. Please contact us for more details.
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What kind of luggage should I bring?
It depends on the type of trip you have booked, but we usually recommend a soft sided bag or case as they are easier to handle on a trip.
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What happens if I need to amend or cancel my booking?
You can change the date of your tour up to 60 days prior to departure and cancel at any time, although cancellation conditions may apply.
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What happens if I am travelling on my own?
Most accommodations on our trips are reserved on a twin share basis. Therefore, if you are travelling on your own you will be sharing a room with another Culture Trip traveller of the same sex. However, most of the time it is possible to pay a supplement for your own room. Please ask your Travel Expert for more information.
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Is there any age limit on the Trips?
You must be 25 or over to travel on our trips, however there is no upper age limit. You just need a sense of adventure.
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What visas do I need?
Depending on your passport and your destination, you may need a visa to travel on one of our trips. It is up to you to ensure you have any and all necessary visas before you travel. We recommend you check with a specialist visa agency at least 6 weeks before you travel.
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How fit do I need to be to take one of your trips?
We offer a variety of different trips, most of which do not require a specific level of fitness. Some of our trips are more active, but we include details on each specific trip information page. If you are unsure please don’t hesitate to ask one of our Travel Experts.
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When will I know if my trip is guaranteed?
We usually wait until we have a few travellers booked on a trip before we guarantee it will run. The latest we will guarantee a trip is 60 days ahead of departure, often it will be long before.
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I booked but cannot travel anymore. What are the amendments and cancellation options?
We understand plans can change and that’s why we offer flexible booking conditions. You can change or cancel your booking at any time up to 56 days prior to departure and receive a full refund of any funds you have already paid towards your trip.
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Do I have to make full payment at the time of booking?
You do not have to make full payment at the time of booking. We only require a small, fully refundable deposit of $100 to secure your spot on the trip. Full payment is due at the latest 56 days prior to departure.
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Do I have to take part in all the activities? Will there be free time on my trip?
The amount of free time varies per trip. Please enquire with our travel experts to get a proper understanding on the amount of free time on the trips you are interested in. You do not have to take part in all activities but we strongly encourage you to do so! We have carefully crafted each trip to show you the best of every destination, so you’d be missing out! Also taking part in activities is a great way to get to know your travel companions and make new friends. Nothing like a positive and supportive group environment to venture outside of your comfort zone and surprise yourself!
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What is a Local Insider?
We believe there’s no better way to discover a new place and a new culture than by experiencing it through the eyes and experience of a local. That’s why we only work with local guides - whom we name our Local Insiders. They know their region inside out and have a passion for sharing it with travellers. All our Local Insiders have years of experience guiding and speak English. Importantly, they like to travel the way we like it too: away from crowds, tourist traps and queues. Focussing on the true essence of a destination, teaching you all about the local culture and profusely sharing local hidden gems and insights.
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Free Date Changes
Culture Trip allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 55 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Culture Trip allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform culture trip, 55 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Culture Trip requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 55 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of culture trip charges.
At 54 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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