SUBLIME SOUTHERN THAILAND

Touch down at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – whether you’re arriving from home or joining from our Welcome to the Jungle: Exploring Northern Thailand trip. You’ll be met here by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll get to meet your new travel companions – and our Local Insider, who will accompany the group throughout the trip. You’ll have time to drop your bags before we head out for a group dinner at a local Thai restaurant. Afterwards, we’ll introduce you to the sights, sounds – and spirits – of the famous Khao San road. Grab a drink or two, but bear in mind we’ve got an early start tomorrow!

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be met by our Local Insider for an early-morning tour of Thailand’s beating heart. We’ll take in some of Bangkok’s big-ticket sights, such as Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, before heading back to the hotel by tuk-tuk for lunch. Come late afternoon, we’ll make our way to Bangkok railway station, where you can grab some takeaway dinner, before hopping on board the overnight sleeper train to the coastal city of Surat Thani – the gateway to Southern Thailand.

After breakfast, get ready for your transfer to Khao Sok Lake – a 165sqkm (64sqmi) body of emerald-green water, surrounded by dense rainforest and dramatic limestone formations. Upon arrival, you can store your luggage and take an overnight bag before setting off from the pier on a longtail boat for a scenic, guided journey to the raft house. Next, fuel up on lunch before hiking to a waterfall, underground cave or viewpoint, depending on the season. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure – swimming, kayaking or exploring the area’s rugged inlets.

Kick off day three with a wildlife safari by longtail boat. Keep a close eye out for hornbills and gibbons in particular; you may even be fortunate enough to spot a sun bear, too. Head back for breakfast and enjoy some free time before your minibus transfer to Krabi. En route, you’ll stop at Bor Thor mangrove forest for an unforgettable kayaking adventure. It's not strenuous, thanks to the lack of current here, and you can also explore caves that feature 3,000-year-old drawings. Come evening, watch the sun set on the beach and sample the delicious street food of Ao Nang.

Jump on a boat this morning for a day of island-hopping. You’ll start at Hong Island 6km (4mi) off the coast of Krabi; it’s actually an archipelago in the Than Bok Khorani National Park, characterised by sandy white beaches, limestone cliffs and a secluded turquoise lagoon. The calm, shallow water is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking among shoals of colourful fish. Follow the nature trail through the jungle to get a deeper feel for the islands before you head back to the mainland.

Following a laid-back morning at the hotel, you’ll be picked up and transported to the pier, where you’ll set off on a five-hour boat cruise. Enjoy Thai snacks and cold drinks, snorkel in the clear waters of the Andaman Sea and explore Chicken Island – named after the unusual chicken-shaped rock formation on its southern tip. Wrap up the day with a barbecue on deck served at sunset, featuring a variety of Thai delicacies.

Wave goodbye to the mainland once more as you take a two-hour boat transfer to Koh Yao Yai, a secluded island which sits halfway between Krabi and Phuket. Here, it’s all about relaxation. After checking into the hotel, why not make the most of the sea view from the infinity-edge swimming pool, sip on your favourite cocktail or book a soothing Thai massage at the spa. It’s time to switch off and recharge after an action-packed few days.

Fancy taking it easy for another day? It’s your choice – but for those keen to explore Koh Yao Yai, there’s plenty to see and do. Trek to the north of the island for impressive vistas from the observation deck, visit the eye-catching sand formations jutting out into the sea at Laem Had Beach, or try the miniature inflatable waterpark at Coco Beach. Alternatively, lie back and catch some rays on the pristine white sand.

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, because how you spend the day today is entirely up to you. Get a taste for rural island life by visiting a paddy, rubber plantation or lobster farm, venture to a different beach such as Khlong Son, Loh Pared or Ao Sai for a sunbathe and swim, or you can simply lounge by the pool. There’s no shortage of options.

Prepare for your transfer from Koh Yao Yai back to Phuket, where you’ll check into the hotel for your final stop of the trip. There are two beaches separated by a rocky headland in this peaceful corner of Phuket, called Ao Yon Bay, both of which tend to be much less crowded than other better-known beaches on the island. Take a gentle afternoon stroll along this unspoilt piece of coastline before toasting your fellow travellers during a final dinner on the beachfront.

After breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags and say farewell to the group. Head back to Phuket airport (HKT) via private transfer by approximately midday to begin your journey home. Alternatively, extend your stay in Thailand – there are plenty more beaches to discover.