Luxury Island Hopping in Thailand: Ko Samui, Ko Phangan & Phuket - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive on 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 crashing 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 the 5-star resort, Santiburi Samui. The complex lies on the island's peaceful north shore among 23 acres (9 ha) of tropical, lagoon-spotted 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 head out to explore Ko Samui independently. Highlights include the hilltop, 50-foot-tall (15 m) Buddha statue, and striking Grandmother and Grandfather rock formations.

Day 2: Private Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Tour

Experience the natural wonders of Angthong Marine Park today on a private speedboat tour. This far-flung 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 vibrant 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: Pampering Session at Eranda Herbal Spa

Enjoy a day of pampering with a trip to the decadent Eranda Herbal Spa, one of the best on the island. Soak up the idyllic atmosphere with thatched-roof pagodas set among tropical gardens with cascading waterfalls and sea views. Choose from various indulgent treatments, including Thai massages, hot stone therapy, foot reflexology, and ear candling. Finish your session with a body scrub, facial, and Jacuzzi.

Afterward, return to your resort for a final afternoon and evening on the island. Bask by the pool or take a kayak out for a sunset paddle. End the day with a meal at one of the on-site restaurants, which includes Sala Thai for traditional cuisine and the Beach House for cocktails and seafood.

Day 4: Speedboat to Ko Phangan & Settle into the Resort

Say goodbye to Ko Samui this morning and hop over to Ko Phangan via speedboat. Away from the island's famed Full Moon Parties, Ko Phangan offers tranquil scenery ranging from pristine beaches to coconut plantations, waterfalls, and mountains. Meet your driver at the port for the journey to Santhiya Ko Phangan, an eco-resort and spa.

Check into your intricately-carved teakwood pool villa or suite, each set on a rugged clifftop overlooking the resort's private beach. Wander the 18 acres (7 ha) of tropical gardens, complete with a large pool and Ayurvana Spa, where you can enjoy a range of massages, body scrubs, wraps, and facials. This evening, dine at one of Santhiya's chic eateries, which include Chantara for Thai classics and Titan for seafront feasts.

Day 5: Hike to the Summit of Khao Ra

Explore Ko Phangan today with a challenging hike to the summit of Khao Ra, the island's highest peak at 2,067 feet (630 m). Trek through the lush jungle on a well-marked path surrounded by colorful birds, climbing steadily to the summit. You'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Chaloklum Bay and Ko Ma on the lesser-visited northwest coast of the island.

Afterward, spend a well-earned restful afternoon on the beach or poolside at your resort. Alternatively, if you still have some energy, discover underwater wonders on a snorkeling trip or visit natural island gems such as Tan Sadet Waterfall and Rin Nok Beach. End the day with sunset cocktails overlooking the sea and a lavish meal.

Day 6: Anantara Spa Day

Spend your final day on Ko Phangan at Anantara Ko Phangan Spa. This award-winning slice of paradise offers massage salas nestled among towering palms and limestone rocks. Detox in the steam cave and stretch your muscles on the sea-view yoga platform before settling in for an opulent treatment. Signature experiences include the Rsananda Island Bliss for floral and after-sun soothing massages and the Journey of Siam for a coconut scrub and traditional Thai massage

Day 7: Fly to Phuket, Explore Thailand's Largest Island

This morning, fly an hour west to the sparkling Andaman Coast. Touch down on Thailand's largest island, Phuket, 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.

Your driver will take you straight to Anantara Mai Khao Phuket, a pool-villa resort on the island's northern tip. Settle into your luxe villa, situated around a lagoon along a flawless stretch of beach, where you can enjoy morning yoga or Muay Thai classes. Resort features include the acclaimed Tree House restaurant, which serves authentic Japanese cuisine, a stunning sea view pool, and a tempting spa.

Spend the rest of the day chilling in your villa, or explore Phuket independently. Start in the Old Town with its 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese architecture. Visit the Baan Chinpracha mansion, a testament to the island's tin mining history, and be sure to stop by Thalang Road, where you'll find a popular market.

Day 8: Private Phi Phi & Khai Islands Speedboat Tour

Today you'll discover the beauty of the Khai and Phi Phi archipelagoes. Take a private speedboat charter just east of Phuket, where you'll hit the cluster of Khai Islands, famed for their unspoiled sands and undeveloped vibe. Laze on the palm-shaded beach, sip a cocktail, or snorkel among coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Continue to the Phi Phi Islands, 25 miles (40 km) east of Phuket, known for their film-worthy beaches and top snorkeling spots. Highlights include swimming and snorkeling at Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave and visiting Phi Phi Ley's Maya Bay, which served as the setting for the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, "The Beach." Make a stop at Monkey Beach, home to cheeky macaques, or spend time on Bamboo Island before returning to Phuket for the night.

Day 9: Private Phuket City Tour with Rum Tasting

Uncover Phuket's treasures today on a guided tour. Start at the 147-foot tall (45 m) Big Buddha statue and the sacred Wat Chalong temple, which is the biggest in Phuket and dates back to the 19th century. Next, wander the streets of Phuket's Old Town, discovering Sino-Portuguese architecture, Thai temples, Chinese shrines, museums, and stately mansions.

As the sun sets, head to Chalong Bay Rum Distillery for an exclusive rum-tasting and cocktail-making experience. Learn about creating handcrafted rum from first-press organic sugar cane, with flavors ranging from cinnamon to Thai sweet basil. Sip a mojito and join an expert mixologist to create innovative cocktails, including cane crush, Siam twist, and lemongrass caipirinha. End the day by witnessing a neon sunset over the sea from Phuket's second-largest hill, Khao Rang, then return to your villa to make the most of your last night on the island.

Day 10: 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!