Classic Phuket Beach Adventure - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Phuket, Free Time

Welcome to southern Thailand! Upon arrival in Phuket, a driver will meet you at the airport for a transfer to your hotel. Check in, drop your bags, and use the rest of the day to relax and explore on your own. Phuket is more than a beach vacation—there is plenty of culture and adventure, too.

In the Phuket Old Town area, Thalang Road is lined with pastel-colored 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings. Here you can visit charming cafés, restaurants, and bars. Gallery Cafe, in the center of Phuket Old Town, offers both European and Thai dishes, or check out the quirky decor at Feelsion Cafe. And, of course, Phuket has many Thai massage parlors to choose from, like Kim's Massage & Spa with a professional staff and calm atmosphere.

Day 2: Boat Trip to the Phi Phi Islands, Cabaret Show

After breakfast, get ready to explore the Phi Phi Islands, one of the most beautiful and well-known destinations in southern Thailand. You'll visit this paradise by boat with stops at Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, and Viking Cave. Phi Phi Island is also home to some of the best snorkeling in Thailand, thanks to an abundance of marine life and great visibility. During the trip, you can snorkel, dive, or just swim in the blue lagoons. After your playtime in the sea, enjoy a local lunch before transferring back to your resort.

Later this evening, consider attending the unique Simon Cabaret Show for an evening of entertainment unlike any other. Since opening in 1991, the cabaret has established itself as one of the leading shows in Southeast Asia and it attracts visitors from around the world. 

Day 3: Explore Phang Nga Bay by Speedboat

Today is another spectacular boat trip—this time to the famous Phang Nga Bay, made famous by the James Bond movie "Man with a Golden Gun." Upon arrival, enjoy some sightseeing at Panak Island Bat Cave Hoy Tib and walk around I-Tim Cave and Diamond Cave. Then, feel like an island castaway as you paddle your kayak around Hong Island, entering a lagoon in the center of the island. Stop for a delicious Thai and seafood lunch at the Ko Panyee ("Sea Gypsy Village"), before visiting Ko Tapu Island. Here you can enjoy a swim or relax on the beach before returning to Phuket.

Day 4: Explore Coral, Racha & Maiton Islands by Speedboat

Today you'll hop between three gorgeous islands in Phuket. First, you'll speedboat to Coral Island, where you can take your pick between parasailing, sea kayaking, and stand-up paddleboards (at your own expense)—or simply relax on the sand.

Then boat over to Kon Kae Bay to get to a brilliant snorkeling point where a colorful underwater world awaits. Pause for a simple Thai lunch on the beach before departing from Buang Hai Bay to Patak Bay for some free time. Finally, depart for the famous Maiton Island where you'll have more time to swim and snorkel in the beautiful coral reefs before returning to your hotel.

Day 5: Jungle Adventure Day in Phuket

Today is all about adrenaline-pumping fun, so pack a sense of adventure and some sunscreen! First, a driver will transfer you to a whitewater rafting camp deep in the Thai jungle. Here you'll meet a guide who will give you basic training before your rafting experience starts. Navigate the rapids with your team as you traverse a 3-mile (5 km) course.

 

Then dry off and start your next adventure on ATV quad bikes. Hop on your own ATV and make your way through mountains, rubber trees, and lush greenery. Along the way, you can make stops to see Phuket's Big Buddha Temple as well as the Monkey Cave at Suwan Kuha Temple with its 50-foot (15 m) reclining Buddha.

 

Your third adventure takes you through the tree canopy on a zipline tour. Soar through the treetops and breathe in fresh jungle air as you fly along 500-foot-long (150 m) lines. Break for lunch at the camp and visit a nearby waterfall before heading back to your hotel.

Day 6: Explore the Similan Islands by Speedboat

Embark on another island-hopping adventure today, this time to the Similan Islands—a paradise of fine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best coral reefs and marine life in Thailand. To begin, a driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to a base camp, where a simple breakfast awaits.

 

Afterward, board the speedboat for a brilliant snorkeling trip between the islands, which are part of the protected Mu Ko Surin National Park. The coral reefs here are host to a dazzling variety of marine life that is best appreciated while snorkeling.

Day 7: Phuket Half-Day City Tour, Muay Thai Performance

Today you can start the morning on dry land with a half-day walking tour of Old Phuket Town. Your guide will show you around the colorful streets lined with Sino-Portuguese shophouses while pointing out Thai restaurants and cool cafés. You'll also visit Thai temples and Chinese shrines, museums and mansions, and the bustling market. 

After some free time at the beach, you may want to end your trip with some Muay Thai or Thai boxing, the national sport. Developed several hundreds of years ago, this form of martial art utilizes the entire body, especially knees, elbows, shins, and hands. In Phuket, most Muay Thai competitions start around 6 pm and 9 pm depending on the venue so take your pick.  

Day 8: Depart Phuket

It is time to say goodbye to southern Thailand! At the appointed time, a driver will transfer you to Phuket airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!

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