Things to do in Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast

Depart from Phuket and cruise in a speedboat across the ocean to the Phi Phi Islands. Enter the picturesque Loh Sama Bay and walk across the sands to relax on Maya Bay. Spot local wildlife at Monkey Beach and indulge in a beach-side restaurant buffet before snorkeling on Bamboo Island. Get picked up from your hotel in Phuket and travel to the pier to meet your friendly crew and group for the day. Be welcomed onto the boat with a soft drink and seasonal fruits as you're briefed about the tour. Arrive at Loh Sama Bay, a famous site of Koh Phi Phi Leh, located on the eastern side of the island's southern tip. The bay has a small islet in the center, along with a tiny beach at the back of a small canyon on its northern part. From Loh Sama Bay you will walk over to Maya Bay, famous for being the set of the movie, The Beach. Here, spend time enjoying the view of the local white sand beach and take some time to walk around. Appreciate the restoration work around the bay, and respect the strict rules that have been placed to preserve its natural beauty for everyone. Visit Pileh Lagoon, an uninhabited national park, which truly allows you to take in the natural environment. It is one of the most stunning places to visit in Thailand due to being an enclosed lagoon with its bright emerald waters encircled by towering limestone cliffs. In front of the steep and dark cliffs, there is a narrow strip of fine white sand, where you can a small secluded beach. Ponder over your existence, let your toes feel the grains, and feel the peace of being where you are. Visit Viking Cave, an excellent way to discover one of the most profitable local industries in the past, the harvesting of swiftlet bird nests. Particularly prized in Chinese culture, these edible nests are believed to promote good health, specifically for the skin. Next, you will have the chance to visit monkey beach, one of the most unique locales on the Phi Phi Islands. Reach, an idyllic spot, surrounded by nature and steep rock formations that makes the whole vision of the beach a beautiful memory that will last forever. Limestone cliffs surround the beach and the wild monkeys can be seen up in these cliffs, chilling out on the sand or swimming in the sea. Here, take a moment to sightsee, but keep your distance from the wild monkeys to avoid a dangerous altercation. Enjoy a delicious International Buffet Lunch at a beach-side restaurant on Phi Phi Don. After lunch, travel to Nui Bay, a dive site on the northwest coast of Koh Phi Phi Don. It offers a shallow dive and is also well-known for snorkeling trips inside the bay. Get excited for some free time on Bamboo Island where you will be able to swim, relax, or sunbathe for an hour and a half. The island measures roughly 600 meters wide by 700 meters long, and the island is shaped almost like a heart. Surrounding the island, is a strip of white powder sand, which boasts as a highlight of the Phi Phi islands. Afterward, return to your speedboat and enjoy a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.

Enjoy a full-day of relaxation on this speedboat trip to Phi Phi Islands, lapped by turquoise waters and shaded by towering limestone rocks. Scene of the blockbuster movie “The Beach,” Phi Phi is a paradise destination just 30 miles from mainland Thailand. Composed of 2 islets, Phi Phi Don is the larger, known for its fine beaches and coral formations. Tourist facilities are available along the 2 beautiful curved bays of Ton Sai and Lodalam. During the day you can visit Maya Bay, where “The Beach” was filmed, swim in some of the world's clearest water, snorkel at beautiful Hin Klang, and explore Viking Cave, where thousands of swallows nest. Discover the hidden coves of Phi Phi Lee, such as Phi Lee Bay, where the limestone cliffs rise straight up from the waters and are only reachable by boat. Snorkel among the coral gardens of Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama. Surrounded by flawless sand beaches, expect to see abundant reef fish and even the occasional leopard shark.For those who want to explore more coves, lagoons and beaches around Phi Phi Leh, book a longtail boat ride directly on site at a small extra fee. This optional activity is operated by local fishermen from the community and is not part of the tour. You will also visit Monkey Beach, which is located on the southwestern side of Ton Sai Bay. It is a simply stunning 150-meter-long strip of white powdery sand fringed by emerald water. During low tide, you can see a colony of monkeys having their breakfast down on the beach. The morning session will end on Phi Phi Don, the larger of the 2 sister islands. A rich Thai buffet lunch is served in the restaurant of Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort. Then it is time to explore the island path of Ton Sai along the beautiful curved bays of Ton Sai and Loh Dalum Bay. In the afternoon you will have to chance to swim and snorkel at Bamboo Island, a tiny and flat island covered by lush vegetation and entirely surrounded by a strip of white sand and a reef that spreads up to 500 meters from the shore. The uninhabited paradise located 3 miles (5 km) off the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi Don provides visitors with the feeling of swimming in an aquarium.

Set off around the Phi Phi archipelago on a longtail boat tour for 15-18 people. Discover the area's marvelous islands, beaches, lagoons, and bays, and round the day off in style with spectacular sunset views. Meet the local partner's staff in front of McDonald's in Tonsai Bay at 9:30 AM and make your way to the pier for a 10:10 AM departure. Set sail toward Monkey Beach, Shark Point, and Runtee Bay first, and enjoy time to snorkel in the sea. Next, head to Bamboo Island, a wonderful circular island filled with wild bamboo. Relax with some free time on the powdery white beach with soft sand and crystal clear water before savoring a picnic lunch right on this paradise beach. After lunch, enjoy time away from the crowds, and snorkel in the stunning waters of the southeastern tip of the island, home to an impressive abundance of marine life. Next, sail to discover the mysteries of the Viking Cave, famous for the seemingly prehistoric painting of a Viking boat on its wall. The cave was once used for the extraction of birds' nests, prized ingredients in Chinese culture for making medicinal soups believed to help with longevity. From the Viking Cave, prepare to marvel at Pi Leh Lagoon, a beautiful turquoise lagoon enclosed by towering, jagged limestone cliffs. At some spots, it even seems like the water is lit from the bottom of the sea, a spectacular sight to see. Relax and escape in the most spectacular site in the Phi Phi archipelago, and float in the crystal clear and still water of this gem of the Andaman Sea. Your next stop is Loh Samah Bay, famous for shallow still waters and a large coral reef filled with colorful fish. Snorkel here for a while, then hop back on to your longtail boat to sail toward Maya Bay. Admire the spectacular sunset views at this wonderful paradise made famous by the Leonardo Di Caprio movie, “The Beach.” At about 6:30 PM, transfer back to the pier from where you can walk to your hotel.

Explore the Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary in Phuket and feed the elephants with bananas, corn, and more. Learn more about the elephants from your guide, and uncover the benefits of spa treatment on the animals before savoring a delicious lunch box.  Begin with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Phuket and a one-hour transfer to the elephant sanctuary. Be warmly welcomed upon arrival with an Elephant Behavior and Save & Care program to prepare for your encounter. Feed the elephants baskets of bananas, sugarcane, cucumber, and corn. While they enjoy their food, learn from the guides about the background of each elephant. Next, prepare the elephants with a spa treatment and shower. Discover the healing benefits of special spa mud that help to heal elephant wounds from many kinds of scratches, and skin damage, and provides heat balance benefits for the body and blood flow. Enjoy lunch with a Pad Thai box set and seasonal fruits before departing back to your hotel in Phuket. Leave inspired and informed, having supported the elephants and future care at the Elephants Wildlife Sanctuary.

Explore some of Thailand's most iconic and stunning islands on a longtail boat cruise from Khao Lak. Cruise over turquoise waters, past lush mangroves, and see the famous James Bond Island up close. Feel the salty breeze in your hair and relax under the warm tropical sun en route. After a pickup from your hotel in Khao Lak, board a traditional longtail boat and experience the mangrove forests and karst formations from a different perspective. Get up close to the limestone rocks on a short canoe trip before heading to Khao Phing Kan. Marvel at rock formations such as Tapu Island and James Bond Island, used as a film location in the movie "The Man With the Golden Gun." Continue to the floating Muslim village of Koh Panyi, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Next, go to Suwan Khuha Cave Temple to see the statue of the reclining Golden Buddha. Get some time to feed the resident monkeys before the return trip to Khao Lak.

Depart Khao Lak and enjoy a day tour of river rafting, elephant interaction, and rainforest exploration. Visit an ethical elephant conservation center, sail along a quiet river through the rainforest, and hear about sea turtle conservation. After pickup from your hotel in Khao Lak, relax on the comfortable ride to the elephant camp. Spend some time with bathing and feeding these gentle giants in a relaxed and respectful environment. Continue the tour with a visit to Sai Rung Waterfall. Enjoy some refreshments as you watch the water plunge 20 meters from a ledge into a lagoon encircled by jungle. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the area around the falls also hosts an abundance of local wildlife. Hop on a bamboo raft with a local boatman and float along the river for a calm and tranquil ride through the rainforest. Head to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center to learn about projects aimed helping these endangered creatures. Finally, return to your hotel in Khao Lak.

Enjoy an island-hopping adventure to 7 beautiful islands near Krabi on a long tail boat tour. Visit a variety of picturesque islands and enjoy a tasty BBQ dinner as you watch the magical sunset on Koh Poda. Start the 7 island sunset tour with pickup from your hotel in Krabi, or at one of several meeting points in the area. Depart by traditional longtail boat from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang, with a short stopover at Railay Beach to pick up fellow travelers. Continue to Koh Yawasam and dive into a paradise of large shallow gardens of coral surrounded by flat sandy areas. Cruise around the chicken-shaped rock at Koh Kai. Enjoy an excellent photo opportunity at this oddly-shaped natural landmark. The next stop is at Koh Tub for some beach time or (at low tide) a walk across the spectacular sandbank that connects it to Chicken and Mor Islands nearby. Swim in the crystal-clear water at Koh Tan Ming, a small rock islet in front of Koh Poda. After plenty of exertion and activity, you will then enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner right on the beach of Koh Poda as the sun goes down. Complete the evening with a short swim amidst the bio-luminescent plankton in the surrounding ocean of Koe Raeng before returning to the pier in Ao Nang.

Start your trip nice and early with pickup from your accommodation before heading to Thong Krut Pier. From there, board a boat and make your way to Koh Madsum, also known as Pig Island, for a stroll and selfie with the wild island pigs. From Koh Matsum, travel to Koh Tean. In Koh Tean, spend your time swimming, relaxing, snorkeling, kayaking, or exploring the area before enjoying lunch. Afterward, take some free time to enjoy the pristine beach, kayak in the crystal clear waters ,and savour the inhabited landscape. After a full afternoon, make your way back to Thong Krut Pier and be transferred from there back to your accommodation.

Join a guided tour of Koh Samui Elephant Home to see rescued Thai elephants in a safe and ethical environment. Help to contribute to the program's conservation efforts and walk, feed, and play with the elephants. Hotel pickup and drop-off and lunch are included. Start your day with a pickup from your hotel or villa around the island arriving at Koh Samui Elephant Home. Meet with your guide who will offer a warm welcome and receive a welcome drink. Listen as your guide explains to you the plight of the center, and how you can help. After your introduction, take part in the harvesting of organic food for the elephants and even get to feed them up close. Make sure to bring your camera along for some truly remarkable holiday memories.  Afterwards, watch them as they play in the mud spa as they cool themselves down. During your tour, you'll also get to walk with the elephants into the jungle over 10 acres of land. See their real habitat and enjoy a relaxing stroll in nature.  Continue on your journey to visit the first elephant nursery on Koh Samui. Have fun whilst you feed them, rub their skin and take photos with them before you set them free to enjoy nature by themselves.  To complete your fabulous outing, enjoy some vegetarian food and seasonal fruits whilst you watch a surprise video before being transferred back to your hotel.

Explore Koh Nang Yuan, a group of 3 tiny islets off Ko Tao’s northwest coast, on a day trip with hotel transfers. Get access to paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling gear to enjoy your time on the water. Savor a buffet lunch on board with tea and coffee, and a BBQ dinner with unlimited soft drinks. Get picked up from your hotel in Ko Tao and get driven to the pier to begin your adventure. Soak up the sun on the small beach that links this palm-fringed island to the neighboring Koh Nang Yuan. Next, head to the Japanese Gardens diving site in a sheltered bay on the east side part of Koh Nang Yuan. Explore a rich variety of coral and underwater fauna along the granite rocks. After an hour, hop back on board to relax on the sun deck while the crew serves a freshly-prepared lunch. Savor the meal as you soak in views of Nang Yuan Island and Mango Bay. Next up, find yourself surrounded by lush green hills and boulders at the pristine Ao Muong Beach, a picture-postcard resort town in Mango Bay with more snorkeling opportunities. Continue to the east coast of Ko Tao to reach the large bay of Hin Wong. Relax on Ao Hin Wong Beach or go snorkeling. If you’re lucky, you can see schools of sardines being chased by hungry trevally fish at a depth of 1 meter. Then, head to Aow Leuk beach where you can observe a great diversity of fish of different sizes and sometimes small harmless sharks just a few steps into the water. In the middle of the bay is a sandy bottom, so float around without worrying about hitting rocks. Move toward Shark Bay to observe sharks swimming peacefully above the seabed. Go 6 to 12 feet deep in the water to watch blacktip reef sharks, some of them over 6 feet long, crisscross the bay. As the day comes to a close, watch the sunset while treating your tastebuds to a BBQ dinner on the way back to Mae Haad pier.