Cruising Thailand & Malaysia: Penang to Phuket

Cruising Thailand & Malaysia: Penang to Phuket

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Cruising Thailand & Malaysia: Penang to Phuket

Visiting: Penang, Langkawi, Ko Tarutao, Ko Tarutao – Ko Rok Noi, Ko Rok Noi, Ao Nang, Ko Yao Yai, Phuket

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TTMM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 48

Physical rating:

physical=2, cultureShock=1

Age range:

15-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Island Hopping

Tour Overview

What better way to experience the Malaysia and Thailand’s west coast than with an Adventure Cruise. Discover the jewels of the Andaman Sea on a nine-day island hopping adventure, sailing by Langkawi, Ao Nang, Ko Yao Yai and Ko Rok Noi. Visit hidden waterfalls tucked into the jungle, swim by vibrant coral reefs in crystal-clear waters, dine on delicious local meals with a dedicated onboard crew, and have plenty of time to experience this coast at your own pace with a range of tailored experiences to choose from. Whether it’s lazing on deck, taking a jungle expedition, or diving to the depths of the ocean, your cruising adventure has it all – and without the crowds or queues you may expect.

Highlights

  • Begin your Thailand adventure on the right foot with a guided walking tour around the Old Town of Penang – full of historic architecture, vibrant market vendors and amazing local food.
  • Take local transport from your boat to the Telaga Tujuh Waterfall in Langkawi – checking out the pools that are hidden in the thickets of the island’s rainforest.
  • With a free day at beachside Ao Nang, you get to choose you own adventure, with cooking classes, kayaking experiences, local village visits and beach activities all on offer.
  • You half board meal plan not only allows you gives you the best meals on board, but you’ll also have the chance to eat at local restaurants in town, discovering this region’s food flair.
  • Admire the clear blue waters, vibrant coral reefs and lush rainforest of the Tarutao Marine Park in Ko Tarutao. Snorkelling, diving, stand-up paddleboarding – how you see it is up to you!

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Penang

Location: Penang

Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Arrive at Penang International Airport, where you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your centrally-located hotel for the night. The fascinating island of Penang is teeming with local and colonial history, and is now a fusion of cultures, with the World Heritage-listed site of Georgetown sitting at its core. If you do happen to arrive early today, why not take a walk around the city, to see the blend of colonial architecture, local artisan shops and hawker-filled alleyways. Tonight, after an important welcome meeting held in your hotel at 6pm, why not venture out to one of the night street food stalls to get a real taste of this culturally-rich city.

Day 2: Penang

Location: Penang

After breakfast at the hotel, head on a guided tour the Old Town of Penang, taking in the city sights – a blend of old a new in the historic shophouses, narrow lanes and modern skyline overlooking the Malacca Strait. As you may have already discovered, Penang is a haven for food lovers, so enjoy lunch at a local hawker food market, where your leader will select a variety of interesting local dishes for the group to try. Travel like the locals do and transfer to your boat by rickshaw. This afternoon, after a safety briefing and welcome cocktail, set sail for the island of Langkawi. Tonight is all about introductions, so sit down with your group to your first meal on board the Panorama II as you cruise off into the sunset.

Day 3: Langkawi

Location: Langkawi

Today, embark on a tour to Telaga Tujuh Waterfall. Known as the ‘Seven Wells’ waterfalls, this is one of Langkawi’s most stunning natural attractions – a series of seven connected pools that feed into each other to create a flowing cascade. If you feel like a bit of a hike, spend 45 minutes heading to the top of the waterfalls, passing lush forests and spotting local wildlife like macaques and hornbills along the way. Head back in town to enjoy a free evening in Langkawi, perhaps discovering the local food and nightlife, or otherwise, have dinner on board – the choice is yours!

Day 4: Ko Tarutao

Location: Ko Tarutao

Depart Langkawi for an early-morning sail to Ko Tarutao National Marine Park. With today free to choose your own adventure, you may like to spend some time snorkelling, swimming, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding around the island, where you’ll pass by coral reefs, sandy white beaches and sparkling blue waters. Tonight, spend the night at anchor and enjoy a relaxing night on board – it’s just you, the crew and the big blue tonight.

Day 5: Ko Tarutao – Ko Rok Noi

Location: Ko Tarutao – Ko Rok Noi

Embrace another day basking in the sunlight and taking in your paradisiacal surroundings. Today will be spent discovering more of the Tarutao National Marine Park, as well as cruising onwards to Ko Adang – teeming with secluded coves, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters full of tropical marine life. For lunch, enjoy a beachside picnic prepared by your crew – by now, you’ll definitely be on island time, and the most important thing for you to do is choose whether to swim or snooze after your meal. In the evening, set sail for Ko Rok Noi with dinner served on board while you cruise. Spend the evening anchored by Ko Rok Noi.

Day 6: Ko Rok Noi

Location: Ko Rok Noi

Spend the morning enjoying the spoils of Ko Rok Noi. The waters around this pair of islands may be some of the clearest you’ve ever seen, so strap on a snorkel and get exploring. Return to your ship in the afternoon to cruise onwards to Ao Nang. If all goes to plan, you’ll arrive in time for a late dinner off the boat, ready to enjoy some of the regional specialties at your leisure in town.

Day 7: Ao Nang

Location: Ao Nang

Have a free morning in Ao Nang to do as you please, with a range of optional activities on offer. You could whip up some local specialties at a Thai cooking class, spot colourful tropical fish on a snorkelling trip, take the adventure to the next level with some diving or rock climbing, unwind with a traditional Thai massage, or make tracks on two wheels to a local waterfall. Another great option is to take a longtail boat to Railay Beach. This idyllic cove is only accessible by a short boat trip (approximately 10 minutes), due to it being surrounded by towering limestone karsts – it has to be seen to be believed. Alternatively, you may like to simply stay onboard the Panorama II and relax. Tonight is also free to check out the nightlife of beachside Ao Nang.

Day 8: Ko Yao Yai

Location: Ko Yao Yai

In the morning, arrive at Ko Yao Yai, and climb aboard a songthaew – a two-rowed passenger truck – for a tour with a local guide. Ko Yao Yoi is known for beautiful beaches, friendly fisherman and diverse birdlife, not to mention some delicious local seafood. Today, take up the chance for some swimming when you head to an island beach for a dip. This evening, indulge in a Captain’s dinner on board your vessel, enjoying an a la carte meal with your group while taking in the sunset. Tonight is spent at anchor, so gather with your group for a celebratory drink.

Day 9: Phuket

Location: Phuket

Departing early, cruise back to Phuket which is just a short distance away. As there are no activities planned for today, you are free to disembark after breakfast and continue your onward journey. If you need help planning your onward connections, please speak to your booking agent, or consult your ship crew before you disembark.

What's Included

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (1 night), Small ship cruise (7 nights)

Included Activities

  • Welcome Dinner
  • Local Lunch
  • Guided walking tour of Penang Old Town
  • Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls Visit
  • Beach BBQ
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Guided songtheaw tour of the island

Transport

  • Small cruise ship , zodiac , songtheaw , rickshaw , bus

Accommodation

  • Hotel (1 night), Small ship cruise (7 nights)

Check out our Q&As

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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