Highlights
- Relax at a luxurious beach resort on the quieter tropical island of Koh Yao Yai
- Spend a day swimming and snorkeling around the picturesque Phi Phi Islands
- Paddle into hidden coves and blue lagoons around the famous Phang Nga Bay
- Meet elephants at a local sanctuary, and take a tour of Phuket's historic sites
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Phuket, Speed Boat to Koh Yao Yai | Koh Yao Yai |
| Day 2 | Beach Day in Koh Yao Yai | Koh Yao Yai |
| Day 3 | Biking, Kayaking & Fresh Seafood in Koh Yao Yai | Koh Yao Yai |
| Day 4 | Speed Boat to Phuket, Romantic Cliffside Dinner | Phuket |
| Day 5 | Day Trip to the Phi Phi Islands | Phuket |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Phang Nga (Little Amazon) | Phuket |
| Day 7 | Half-Day Phuket Tour, Free Time | Phuket |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to Phang Nga Bay | Phuket |
| Day 9 | Visit an Elephant Sanctuary, Free Time | Phuket |
| Day 10 | Depart Phuket |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Phuket, Speed Boat to Koh Yao Yai
Welcome to your beautiful honeymoon in southern Thailand! Upon arrival in Phuket, a driver will meet you at the airport for a transfer to Ao Por Marina Pier. From here you'll board a speed boat to your romantic resort at Koh Yao Yai, one of Thailand's lesser-known island destinations. This tropical paradise is known for its swaying coconut palms, white sandy beaches, and lush jungle. Here you can explore local villages, dine on seafood, relax by the beach, and go snorkeling or diving. Check in, drop your bags, and use the rest of the day to relax and explore the island on your own.
Here you can lose the afternoon lazing on the quiet beaches, swimming in the warm sea, or reading books by the swimming pool. You could also treat yourselves with a spa treatment at the resort, and later sit down for your first romantic dinner at the beach while watching the sunset.
Day 2: Beach Day in Koh Yao Yai
The spectacular beaches of Koh Yao Yai are still quiet and unspoiled by tourism. After a relaxed breakfast at the resort, pack a bag with your towel and sunscreen and spend the day exploring the island's beaches. You could visit Laem Had Beach, considered the most beautiful beach on the island with its fine white sand and coconut trees. From this beach, you can see Yao Yai's sister island of Koh Yao Noi. During low tide, a sand bar appears and connects the two islands. You can walk across and look back at Koh Yao Yai.
Loh Pared Bay Beach is another to pop on your list. This long beach has gorgeous views and is one of the best spots for sunset. For a more local vibe, try Loh Jark Beach, where you can watch locals go about daily life as fishermen mend their nets and others come in with the catch of the day. This is also the place to book fun water activities and boat excursions.
Day 3: Biking, Kayaking & Fresh Seafood in Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Yai is not only famous for its stunning beaches. Use today to explore the island's lush jungle interior and connect with the authentic culture and lifestyles of the locals who have lived off the island and the sea for centuries. The best way to explore is by renting bicycles or a scooter. With bikes you cycle through the mangrove forest, rubber and coconut tree plantations, and get far from the crowds, making special memories as just the two of you.
You should also visit a little fishing village where there are houses on stilts above the sea. Here you enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant while watching the daily life of the locals. Finally, you could end the day with a kayak adventure. Grab a paddle and go kayaking through the mangrove canal to see the tropical rainforest and its wildlife from another angle.
Day 4: Speed Boat to Phuket, Romantic Cliffside Dinner
After your final breakfast at the resort, it's time to return to Phuket. Pack your bags and board a one-hour speed boat back to Thailand's largest island. Once here, a driver will transfer you to your hotel. Use the rest of the day to explore this cosmopolitan destination, where you can find both gorgeous beaches, rich heritage, and a buzzing nightlife.
In the late afternoon you'll take a transfer to Baan Rim Pa Restaurant Kalim for a romantic dinner. Baan Rim Pa boasts an incredible cliffside location directly over the Andaman Sea where every table has a magnificent panoramic view where you can watch the dramatic sunset. Sit back and enjoy the chef's sumptuous, award-winning Royal Thai cuisine while listening to live music and watching nature's show.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Day Trip to the Phi Phi Islands
Picture a gorgeous day diving into crystal-clear waters, snorkeling above vibrant coral reefs, and swimming at secluded beaches. Today's day trip to the Phi Phi Islands will offer all that and more. After breakfast, board an hourlong speedboat to Phi Phi Lee. Here you'll explore one of the most stunning destinations in Thailand, Maya Beach. This secluded cove is hemmed in by towering limestone cliffs and was made famous by the movie "The Beach." Swim in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by colorful fish and coral, and snap pictures of Pi Leh Lagoon and Viking Cave.
Then, on the way north to the larger island of Phi Phi Don, you'll pass Monkey Beach, so named for the community of crab-eating macaques that live here. Stop here to snorkel in the clear waters, then sit down for lunch at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, you'll visit Bamboo Island for more sunbathing, and from there you'll transfer back to your hotel.
Day 6: Day Trip to Phang Nga (Little Amazon)
Today is another spectacular day trip—this time to Thailand's own Little Amazon, Phang Nga. Start with a scenic 90 minute drive north to the Ban Tha Din Daeng community, where you'll learn about the local villagers' way of life, including hydroponic vegetable fields and black crab trapping. Then you'll kayak into the mangrove forest, where you can appreciate the beauty of the mangroves and canals. From there, float down the Sang-Nea River, otherwise known as the Little Amazon.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, you'll explore a savanna meadow and finish up with a relaxing swim at beautiful Khao Na Yak Golden Beach. This secluded sandy beach stretches more than 8 miles (13km) along the shoreline. Finally, you'll return you to your hotel in the evening, where you can step out for a delicious meal at one of Phuket's many restaurants.
Day 7: Half-Day Phuket Tour, Free Time
Jump in a van this morning for a half-day tour around Phuket. Your local driver and guide will go beyond the beautiful beaches to show you historic landmarks and highlights found both in the city and further inland. Start with a scenic drive along golden bays, stopping to enjoy panoramic views of the famous Promthep Cape. After, visit Wat Chalong, the largest of Phuket's 29 temples. Built in the 19th century, the temple honors two monks, Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang, known for their aid against a Chinese rebellion in 1876 and for healing the sick with herbal medicine.
Day 8: Day Trip to Phang Nga Bay
Today you'll set sail for Phang Nga Bay, made famous by the James Bond movie "Man with a Golden Gun. Take a transfer to the pier, then board a scenic cruise headed north through the karst islets dotting the Andaman Sea. Your first stop is Panak Island, where you'll enjoy a canoe trip through sea caves and mangroves. Then, feel like an island castaway as you paddle your vessel around Hong Island, entering a lagoon in the center of the island. A local guide will lead you to these hidden caves and lagoons. Return to the boat for a delicious buffet lunch.
In the afternoon, you'll visit Khao Phing Kan. This romantic island is most known for Ko Ta Pu, a towering limestone islet about 130 feet (40 m) offshore. Sometimes this spot is called "James Bond Island" as it was used as a film location. On Khao Phing, you'll spend time swimming and sunbathing at a secluded beach before returning to Phuket in the late afternoon.
Day 9: Visit an Elephant Sanctuary, Free Time
Rise early this morning for today's Thai adventure to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket. You'll leave before breakfast, driving northwest to Naithon Beach, passing by the rolling hills, mangrove forest, and local farms alongside the picturesque coastline. On arrival at the sanctuary, enjoy a welcome snack and a tea or coffee while your guide tells you about the elephants. After, you'll prepare natural dietary supplements to give the elephants, then have time to play and interact with the huge animals while learning about each of them.
Day 10: 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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