Island hopping off Thailand’s east coast

Itinerary

Itinerary:
Bangkok - Surat Thani - Ko Tao - Ko Phangan - Ko Samui - Bangkok
Duration:
14 days / 13 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 1,369.- per person (excluding flights)
When to go:
December - August

Thailand is well-known for its beautiful beaches and idyllic islands: some are popular tourist hotspots, whilst others are more peaceful and laid-back. This two-week island-hopping trip gives you the opportunity to experience 3 different Thai beaches: Ko Tao, Ko Phangan and Ko Samui. We’ll arrange all your accommodation and the necessary ferry transfers, leaving you plenty of time to relax and dig your toes into the soft sand!

The best time to visit these islands, and Thailand’s east coast, is between January and July when dry, sunny weather is the order of the day. If you’re planning a trip in November and December, we’d recommend our West Coast island hopping roundtrip.

Days 1-3 – Bright lights of Bangkok

You will arrive at the airport in Bangkok to find our local agent waiting for you in the arrivals hall. During your transfer you’ll get your first taste of the unmistakably Thai atmosphere. You’ll stay in a boutique hotel close by Chao Phraya river and only 10 minutes walk to the famous Khao San Road.

On your first full day you will get to know the city in a more authentic way, uncovering it’s hidden side. Wander through small alleyways and learn about guardian spirits and amulets at local markets with a local guide, visit the famous Giant Swing and take in the Buddhist culture and history found around every corner. Later that afternoon you will explore Bangkok’s maze of canals or Klongs, visiting a canal side artist community, art studios and galleries. Marvel at the magnificent Wat Arun also known as the Temple of Dawn and the 17th century Wat Po. The afternoon ends in style as you take in the view from a rooftop bar overlooking the Chao Phraya River and across to the glistening Wat Arun.

On your final evening in Bangkok, you will board the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Surat Thani.

Days 4-6 – White sands of turtle island

On arrival into Surat Thani the next morning, you will be transferred to the pier in time to catch the ferry to the island of Ko Tao. You’ll be staying in a small hotel with a swimming pool, spacious rooms with a large veranda and a restaurant with a view of the sea. It’s within walking distance of the small village, where you will find just enough restaurants to try something different every night. We highly recommend heading to one of the bars on the beach to enjoy the sunset.

The next few days are free for you to explore the island at your own leisure. You might decide to spend your time relaxing on the beach with a good book and a tropical cocktail. Alternatively, if you want to discover why Ko Tao is famous for it’s bright coral reefs and colourful fish, book a local snorkelling tour or introductory dive. If you’ve never dived before, Ko Tao has enough great dive sites to give you the passion to start a new hobby.

Days 6-8 – Shimmering bays and secluded beaches

From Ko Tao, take the ferry to the next tropical island on your itinerary: Ko Phangan. We’ll arrange for you to be collected from the ferry port and transfer you to your Thai style beach resort with swimming pool, located on Thong Nai Pan Yai beach – which in our opinion is one of the most beautiful bays on the island. The famous full moon parties are held on the other side of the island at Had Rin Beach, so they won’t impact you during your stay.

Your time here is free to do as you please! If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike up to the island’s highest point – Kao Ra. This breath-taking viewpoint is located at an altitude of 627m. Alternatively you can sit back and relax on the shimmering beach with a local beer or tropical cocktail. At the end of your stay we’ll also arrange your transfer back to the ferry port.

Days 8-11 – Daydreaming on Samui

A 30-minute ferry will take you on to Ko Samui: which is well-known and loved by travellers from all around the world. It offers an appealing mixture of Thai hospitality, crescent-shaped beaches, atmospheric hotels and a wide variety of restaurants. Behind the beaches, Ko Samui is draped in lush green vegetation and countless coconut palm plantations. There are shimmering waterfalls at Na Muang and a temple at Laem Saw. In other words it offers the complete tropical island experience. You’ll stay in a small-scale hotel situated near one of the quieter beaches on the island.

Junk boat adventure

The next day you’ll take a unique trip on a traditional junk boat. You’ll be collected from your hotel between 9-11am and taken to the pier. Here you’ll board a traditional style wooden ‘junk’ boat for your trip from Ko Samui over to Ko Phangan and back again. Along the way you’ll get the chance to explore the colourful underwater world of Koh Ma. Corals, sea anemones and many different varieties of tropical fish are easy to see just with just snorkelling equipment (included), as the waters of the Gulf of Thailand are extremely clear. After a lovely Thai lunch on-board you’ll stop off on Thong Nai Pan beach for a few hours before heading back to Ko Samui pier. The rest of your time on the island is free for you to do as you please.

Day 13 – Departure

After one final dip in the sea, check out of your beach resort and head to Samui airport for a flight to Bangkok, where you’ll pick up your flight home.