South of Thailand: off the beaten path

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Phuket and heading to the island of Koh Phra Thong.

  

  Your driver will pick you up at Phuket airport and take you to Kuraburi in a private car. The journey will take about 2h30. Upon your arrival in Kuraburi, take your private boat to Koh Phra Thong. Head to the beach in front of your hotel (if the tide does not allow it, you will be transferred to the village and then by car to your hotel). You will be welcomed by the host and settle into your eco-bungalow. This unique complex is located facing the bay, allowing you to swim all day. This place, surrounded by nature, will allow you to disconnect from the world. Out of respect for the environment and the ecological charter of this eco-hotel, electricity operates only from 6pm to 6am. Your bamboo bungalow is equipped with a fan. You will have your feet in the sand. Ko Phra Tong is an island in the Phang Nga province, on the coast of the Andaman Sea. Almost halfway between Phuket and Ranong, it is little known to tourists, but it is an island with a unique landscape and vast stretches of deserted beaches. Legend has it that a group of pirates hid a golden Buddha statue there, hence the name Ko Phra Thong, which can be translated as "The Island of the Golden Buddha." Free evening and overnight at the Resort. Night at Koh Phra Thong at Horizon Eco Resort.

• day 2

  Exploration of the savannah and the island of Koh Phra Thong

  

  Early this morning, you will leave at 7:30 am for a half-day "Savannah" tour. Your driver will pick you up and, during the journey, you will make a few stops to take beautiful photos of the landscape that unfolds before you (about 45 minutes by road). Upon your arrival in an African savannah setting, you will have a great chance to see the famous "Big Bird, the Shaggy Marabou," a migratory bird that we observe only on Koh Phra Thong, among other species. Your guide will then take you to visit an orchid farm, as well as landscapes worthy of movie sets, with artificial lakes. We will continue to the fishing village inhabited by the Mokens and visit a small village school. Return to the Resort for your lunch. Free afternoon, enjoy the beach to relax (possibility to go kayaking, take a cooking class or do yoga - not included, to be decided on site with the reception). Free evening and overnight at the Resort. Overnight at Koh Phra Thong at Horizon Eco Resort.

• day 3

  Cruise on Koh Ra Island

  

  After breakfast, you will board a boat for an unforgettable day in the spectacular Andaman Sea. Your guide will take you to visit Koh Ra Island for a full day, where you can observe millions of tropical fish. You may even have the chance to encounter a turtle. Put on your fins, mask, and snorkel to dive among the most beautiful seabeds in Thailand. Return at the end of the day and free evening at your leisure. Overnight in Koh Phra Thong at the Horizon Eco Resort.

• day 4

  Direction Khao Lak - Discover the authentic Thai charm

  

  This morning, enjoy your last moments of freedom in your cocoon on Koh Phra Thong. Your hotel team will then take you by boat to Kuraburi, then by private minibus to Khao Lak, a journey of about 2 hours. Known for its long stretch of golden sand, superb swimming, romantic walks, and dazzling sunsets, Khao Lak is far from the tourist crowds. You will be warmly welcomed at your boutique hotel, managed by the same family since its opening. Your villa is surrounded by a lake and a lush tropical garden of 80,000 square meters, as well as a private beach with more than 3 kilometers of pristine sand. Escape to a haven of peace for a truly relaxing and meditative experience. Overnight in Khao Lak at the Thai Life Homestay Resort & Spa.

• day 5

  Snorkeling excursion to the Similan Islands

  

  After breakfast, get ready for a dream day sailing around the Similan Islands, enjoying the clearest waters in Thailand and exceptionally rich marine life. We will pick you up at your hotel in the morning and head to Khao Lak port. There, you will have a short coffee break and meet your diving guide. Upon your arrival at the Similan Islands after 1h30 of sailing, start your incredible snorkeling experience in the waters rich with a variety of fish and turtles. During your lunch break, you will enjoy delicious Thai dishes carefully prepared on Koh Miang island. You are then free to swim in the turquoise waters, go snorkeling, or simply enjoy the sun while lying on your paradise beach. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel with memories to last a lifetime. Overnight in Khao Lak at the Thai Life Homestay Resort & Spa.

• day 6

  Free day in Khao Lak

  

  During your free stay, you can participate in the following activities (not included): Scuba diving or snorkeling in the Similan Islands (these picturesque islands are very popular, with superb underwater scenery and turquoise waters). Cruise to paradise islands on a private boat. Squid fishing at nightfall. Yoga and cooking classes. Spa, massage and wellness, shopping. Bike or motorbike ride. Hiking. Water sports. Rent a scooter to visit the surrounding waterfalls. Of course, enjoy your hotel and its beautiful view of the beach. Night in Khao Lak at the Thai Life Homestay Resort & Spa.

• day 7

  Direction Klong Thom and the natural spa in a hot spring.

  

  After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Khao Lak and drive you to Klong Thom in a private minibus. The journey takes about 03h10. In the Klong Thom district, in the south of Krabi province (about 70 kilometers from the city, near the Khao Phra Bang Khram nature reserve), there is a natural jacuzzi and hot springs. The water here comes from hot springs, originating from volcanic chambers deep underground. Nestled in the jungle, the place has "bathtubs" naturally carved into smooth stone, filled with fresh spring water at a pleasant temperature of 35 to 42 degrees Celsius. After "taking a bath," take a refreshing dip in the cool river located next to it. Today, enjoy this moment of relaxation and let yourself be pampered by the professionals at Wareerak. The programs include organic exfoliations, spa treatments, Thai yoga, and herbal massages. You will wear a typically local outfit with which you will bathe in the hot water baths offered by Mother Nature. You will be transported to a soothing environment that will make you forget the stress of everyday life. Then, enjoy a delicious herbal snack, healthy and nutritious. This unique experience will rhyme with relaxation and well-being. Overnight in Klong Thom at Wareerak Hot Spring & Wellness.

• day 8

  From Klong Thom to Phattalung to discover Thale Noi.

  

  After breakfast, you will travel from Klong Thom to Phattalung in a private minivan. The journey will take about 03h00. Upon arrival, your host will welcome you and you will settle into your rooms. Next to the lake, these small stilt bungalows offer you a majestic view of the vast stretches of reeds and the fishermen with their lift nets who, in the early morning, will amaze you as you wake up. Discover the area and relax in this haven of peace known as the Thai Camargue. A total change of scenery is guaranteed. You can enjoy the kayak provided for you or the bicycles to explore the surrounding nature. In the Phattalung region, you will discover a place far from the beaten path. It is the largest bird reserve in the country. Highly contrasting and indescribably beautiful landscapes await you. Overnight in Phattalung at the Sripak Pra Resort.

• day 9

  Immersion in the Phattalung region

  

  Today, wake up at 5:15 am for your grand tour of the lake to encounter wildlife, departure at 05:30. So, why 5:30? This early wake-up will allow you to be among the first on site and to observe animals such as birds, buffaloes, otters, and many more, facing the rising sun. A privileged moment for wild animals and a magical one for you. It is simply another world that opens up to you. You will surely have the opportunity to observe large expanses of water lilies opening to the sun and giving the impression that the lake is completely pink. At the same time, watch the fishermen with their lift nets in the morning, tipping their nets into the water to collect the small fry that will delight you at breakfast. Return around 8:00 am to your host, where you will enjoy your well-deserved breakfast. You will be free until 1 pm, an ideal time to relax in the heart of this exuberant nature. Around 1:00 pm, you will have lunch in a typical restaurant in the heart of the rice fields. Then set off to discover the region. On the program: Wat Wang temple, one of the most beautiful temples, in our opinion, in Thailand, and a visit to the house of the King of Phattalung. Continue with the discovery of a very special temple in its magnificent crypt. Explore the village of Baan Talay Noi, a small typical village specialized in basketry. Wonderful scenes of life will unfold before your eyes, don't forget to bring your camera. Then, in the village of Thale Noi, you will meet local artisans who make all their objects from reeds. Indeed, early in the morning, the men of the village go fishing and bring back in their baskets large reeds that the women dry and weave to make the famous Thale Noi mats. This village is built on stilts and, by exploring these places, you will fully immerse yourself in Thai culture, far from the crowds. Finally, you will visit the surrounding countryside, the rice fields, the shrimp farms, and end your day by heading to the largest bridge in Thailand at sunset to photograph the surrounding nature. Night in Phattalung at Sripak Pra Resort.

• day 10

  Heading to Koh Lipe Island

  

  After your breakfast, enjoy your last moments in this haven of peace. Your driver will pick you up in Phattalung and transfer you to Pak Bara Pier in a private minivan. The journey will take about 2h30. You will take a speedboat to reach the island of Koh Lipe. The crossing will take about 1h30. Your hotel team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle into your room and enjoy your free time to relax on the hotel's beautiful white sand beach. The coral reefs surrounding the island are spectacular. The fishing community gives Koh Lipe all its originality. Overnight in Koh Lipe at the Castaway Beach Resort.

• day 11

  Free beach stay in Koh Lipe

  

  During your free stay, these activities are available to you (not included): Scuba diving or snorkeling on the surrounding islands. Snorkeling directly from the beach. Visit Tarutao National Park. Tour the paradise islands by private boat. Squid fishing at nightfall. Massage and yoga. And of course, enjoy your hotel and its beautiful beach. Overnight in Koh Lipe at the Castaway Beach Resort.

• day 12

  Free beach stay in Koh Lipe.

  

  During your free stay, these activities are available to you (not included): Scuba diving or snorkeling on the surrounding islands. Snorkeling directly from the beach. Visit Tarutao National Park. Tour the paradise islands by private boat. Squid fishing at nightfall. Massage and yoga. And of course, enjoy your hotel and its beautiful beach. Overnight in Koh Lipe at the Castaway Beach Resort.

• day 13

  Departure for Phuket

  

  After your breakfast, your hotel team will transfer you to the Koh Lipe port to take your speedboat towards Pak Bara. The crossing will take about 01h30. Your driver will then transfer you by private minibus to Hat Yai airport, where you will board your flight to Phuket International Airport. Fly to Phuket airport, about 01 hour flight. The hotel team will pick you up at Phuket airport, then transfer you to your hotel. Settle into your room and enjoy your last half-day free in the pearl of the Andaman: Phuket. "The Pearl of the Andaman" is the largest and most famous island in the Kingdom of Thailand. Located nearly 850 kilometers south of Bangkok, in the Andaman Sea, its length is 48 kilometers from north to south and its width can reach up to 21 kilometers. It features incredibly varied landscapes: rocky promontories, white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, an abundance of coconut and palm trees, small estuaries and lagoons, not to mention the lush tropical vegetation that covers much of the island. Far from being flat, the island has its own mountain range, hills, and valleys. The summit of Phuket, Mai Tao Sip Song, even reaches 529 meters. Thanks to its size, population, location, and thriving economy, Phuket and its 39 small nearby islands make up one of the 77 most prosperous provinces in Thailand. Overnight in Phuket at the Dewa Phuket Resort.

• day 14

  Return to France

  

  After your breakfast, your hotel's shuttle will transfer you to Phuket International Airport, according to your flight schedule, for your flight to France. It's already the end of the holidays, but you leave with memories to last a lifetime.