Luxury Beach & Island Escape in Thailand - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Ko Samui & Explore the Island

Welcome to Thailand! Touch down on the paradisiacal island of Ko Samui. Situated in the balmy Gulf of Thailand, the island is loved for its beaches lined with coconut groves. You'll find acres of mountainous rainforest in the island's interior, dotted with waterfalls and exotic wildlife. Ko Samui is also known for its wellness culture, which ranges from vegan eateries to yoga retreats and high-end spas.

A driver will be waiting to whisk you to your five-star resort, Santiburi Samui. The complex lies on the island's north shore among 23 acres (9 ha) of tropical, lagoon-studded gardens that lead down to the soft sands of Mae Nam Beach. Check into your luxury suite and refresh yourself with a dip in the 164-foot (50 m) pool, or explore Ko Samui independently. Highlights include the hilltop, 50-foot-tall (15 m) Buddha statue, and the striking Grandmother and Grandfather rock formations.

Day 2: Angthong Marine Park Private Speedboat Tour

Experience the natural wonders of Angthong Marine Park today on a private speedboat tour. This archipelago of 42 islands lies just a short speedboat ride from Ko Samui and offers everything from blue lagoons to hidden caves and kayaking. Zip across the topaz sea to Ko Wao to snorkel among thriving reefs that thrum with marine life.

Continue cruising the marine park, stopping at one of its most famous attractions: Emerald Lake, also known as Blue Lagoon. Located on Ko Mae Ko, forested karst walls surround this turquoise lake; hike a steep staircase for dramatic views. Have lunch at the fishing village of Ko Phaluay and dock on a remote beach for free time to swim, snorkel, kayak, or sunbathe. Return to Ko Samui for a relaxing evening at your resort.

Day 3: Ko Tan & Ko Madsum Island Hopping

Continue your island-hopping adventures today with a trip to Ko Tan and Ko Madsum, which lie just 3 miles (5 km) off the south coast of Ko Samui. Board a private wooden long-tail boat from the pier and set sail to Ko Tan, also known as "The Coral Island," for its lesser-visited, pristine reefs that offer prime snorkeling. Gear up and plunge into the mirror-clear water to spot exotic fish, stingrays, and barracudas.

Back on board, sail over to the neighboring island, Ko Madsum, which is blessed with an undeveloped, long sandy beach where you can laze in the sun. You'll also get to meet the island's group of friendly pigs, which were rescued from a market on the mainland by a local bar owner, Mr. Kitt. Enjoy lunch on the island with time for a swim before sailing back to Ko Samui for a final evening at your resort.

Day 4: Transfer to Khao Sok National Park & Settle into Floating Resort

Say goodbye to Ko Samui today and take a ferry ride across to Surat Thani on the mainland, followed by a 2.5-hour scenic drive west to the otherworldly Khao Sok National Park. This protected area of thick jungle is home to the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, crashing waterfalls, and limestone karsts. The vast Cheow Lan Lake, created by a damming project, takes center stage in the park and is dotted with floating raft houses where you can sleep among nature.

You'll stay at Panvaree The Greenery, a floating resort on a remote part of Cheow Lan Lake. This small collection of deluxe raft houses is backed by forested cliffs and linked by floating walkways. Check into your private cabin, which has floor-to-ceiling doors that open directly onto the lake, then hop into one of the brightly-colored kayaks to paddle over the emerald waters. Have dinner at the restaurant while watching the sunset and fall asleep to the quiet sounds of the lake.

Day 5: Bamboo Rafting on the Sok River

Board a traditional bamboo raft for a private, guided journey along the winding Sok River, once an ancient trading route that connects the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand. As you float, take in views of the impressive limestone cliffs and forests home to over 311 species of birds. Watch out for wildlife like gibbons, guars, and flying squirrels; you might even spot Asian elephants, as Khao Sok is one of the last places in Thailand where these animals roam wild.

Along the way, you'll stop for a hike through the jungle and a rubber tree plantation to a hidden cave. Here, you'll learn to boil water in a bamboo stem over an open fire and brew tea or coffee, just as travelers on the trade route once did. Throughout the rafting trip, you'll be guided by an experienced Khao Sok fisherman who'll punt you along the river using a long pole. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your raft house, swimming or kayaking, and soaking up the views.

Day 6: Transfer to Krabi & Relax at the Resort

Start the day with a two-hour private transfer by boat and car south to Krabi. Located on the island-spotted Andaman Coast, Krabi is home to sheer limestone karsts, which rock climbers come to scale in Railay, as well as white-sand coves and vibrant coral reefs that draw snorkelers and divers. Highlights include the golden sands of Ao Nang and kayaking through mangroves to bird-inhabited rock formations.

A driver will be waiting to take you to Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort on Klong Muang Beach, which showcases Krabi's famous cliff formations. Check into your honeymoon-worthy room with views of the mangroves and glittering Andaman Sea beyond. Dusit Thani offers two beachfront pools, perfect for basking by, and activities ranging from yoga and sound meditation to standup paddleboarding.

This evening, dine at one of the on-site restaurants, gorging on Italian fare at Limoncello or an Indian meal at Mangosteen. Alternatively, book a private, candlelit beach or jungle dinner beneath a star-filled sky.

Day 7: Krabi Coast Private Speedboat Tour

Board a private speedboat today for a luxe island-hopping experience off the coast of Krabi. You'll visit unspoiled islets in protected Thanbok Kharanee National Park, a haven of waterfalls, mangrove forests, underground caves, and jagged mountains. Head to Hong Island, just a 20-minute speedboat ride across the waves, marveling at Krabi's unique limestone formations along the way.

You'll pause on far-flung beaches like Pilae for sunbathing and swimming and anchor up in remote snorkeling spots where you can spot a kaleidoscope of underwater creatures. Hong Lagoon is a highlight, accessed through a narrow rock opening big enough for speedboats and long-tail boats. Sail into the turquoise lagoon, surrounded by mountain faces, before returning to Krabi for the evening.

Day 8: Couples' Pamper Session at Wareerak Spa

Today you'll enjoy a couples' pamper session at the award-winning day spa Wareerak. Set among 10 acres (4 ha) of forest, the spa is home to five natural hot springs that brim with healing waters. Start with an organic body scrub before plunging into the hot pools, which range from 107°F to 129°F (42°C to 54°C), then indulge in a soothing foot massage followed by a hot stone massage in a couples' suite. End with singing bowl therapy and a meal before returning to your beach resort for a final evening.

Day 9: Speedboat to Ko Yao Noi & Settle into the Resort

Say goodbye to Krabi today and take a two-hour speedboat ride to Ko Yao Noi. This lesser-visited island is an ecotourism hotspot located between Phuket and Krabi in the azure Andaman Sea, and boasts sandy shores, lush mangroves, rubber plantations, and quaint fishing villages. Visitors are drawn to the island for its marine-rich waters that are perfect for snorkeling, as well as diving at Shark Point and King Cruiser Wreck.

A staff member from Treehouse Villas Ko Yao Noi Luxury Beach Resort will meet you at the pier and take you straight to the resort. Check into this adult-only retreat, which offers treehouses set among the jungle canopy and beachfront and hilltop villas, each with its own pool. Soak up views of Phang Nga Bay from the five-star resort and dine on an authentic Thai dinner at on-site Roots restaurant.

Day 10: Explore Ko Yao Noi

Today is yours to spend as you please. Rent a scooter to explore Ko Yao Noi, heading around the ring road that encircles the island. Witness rural island life along the way, stopping to wander through quiet fishing villages and sunbathe in sandy coves lapped by clear waters.

Alternatively, you can simply unwind at the resort. Treehouse Villas offers a range of nature-focused activities, including sea kayaking, mountain biking, and guided jungle treks. Other sports include volleyball and badminton, or you can join a yoga, batik painting, or Thai cooking class.

Day 11: Relax & Refresh Paradise Experience at Serenity Spa

Pamper yourself today with a Relax and Refresh Paradise experience at the resort's Serenity Spa. Spend some time in the herbal steam room and plunge pool while your open-air sala is prepared, then lay back for a one-hour aromatherapy massage overlooking the tranquil waterlily pond. Continue your session at the beach with a 30-minute neck and shoulder massage followed by a rejuvenating yoga class. Enjoy a Thai meal and a peaceful evening in your luxe treehouse.

Day 12: Boat to Phuket & Explore the Island

This morning you'll take a two-hour boat ride west to Phuket, the country's largest island. Set on the Andaman Coast, Phuket is known for its powdery beaches, neon nightlife, and world-class resorts. The island is also home to diverse landscapes ranging from dense rainforest to palm-fringed beaches and craggy limestone cliffs.

A driver will whisk you straight to The Shore at Katathani, a romantic adult-only resort. Check into your luxury pool villa, set in a secluded cove overlooking the beach of Kata Noi and surrounded by gardens. Villa highlights include an infinity pool, sunken lounge, and sea views. The award-winning resort also offers a Serenity Spa and various dining experiences, including private six-course seafront feasts and candlelit cove meals.

Spend the rest of the day chilling out in your villa, or explore Phuket independently. Start in the historic Old Town with its colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese architecture. Visit the Baan Chinpracha Mansion, a testament to the island's tin mining history, as well as Thai temples, markets, Chinese shrines, and museums.

Day 13: Visit Phuket's Old Town, Markets & Night Bazaar

Spend today exploring Phuket's buzzing markets and historic Old Town with a private driver and guide. Begin at the modern Banzaan Market, where you'll browse stalls heaving with fresh produce and a food court offering typical dishes, from pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles) to tom yum (hot and sour soup) and som tum (green papaya salad).

Continue to the popular Jungceylon Shopping Mall for retail therapy before heading to the Old Town, where you'll peruse unique handicraft and textile stores. End the day at one of Phuket's sprawling night markets. Chilya Market offers food and fashion in upcycled shipping containers, or if you're visiting on a Sunday, catch the lively Phuket Walking Street Market.

Day 14: Depart Phuket

Today your luxury Thailand getaway comes to an end. Spend a final few hours on the beach or shopping for souvenirs before your airport transfer. Safe travels!

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