Andaman Archipelagos
Phuket – Koh Yao Yai – Khao Lak: an immersive itinerary close to the locals and their traditions
This itinerary takes you off the tourist trail to discover authentic Thailand, its traditions and its people. For nature lovers, wild beaches and unspoilt natural landscapes are the order of the day.
Your tour at a glance
- Day 1: Arrival in Phuket
- Day 2: Visit Phuket Island
- Day 3: Phuket - Koh Yai Yai
- Day 4: Meeting the people of Koh Yao Yai
- Day 5: Free day on Koh Yao Yai
- Day 6: Discover Phang Nga Bay - Khao Lak
- Day 7: Immersive experiences in Khao Lak
- Day 8: Departure or extension to Khao Lak
You'll love it...
- Small groups (maximum 10 people) throughout the tour for an intimate atmosphere.
- An itinerary close to the locals, where sharing will be the key word of the trip.
- The possibility of an extension to Khao Lak to bask on Thailand's wild beaches.
Day 1
Phuket | Arrival and installation
On arrival at Phuket airport, you will be met by an airport representative and transferred to your hotel. (Dinner at the hotel)
- Meals included: dinner
Day 2
Phuket | Get some height
After breakfast, set off to discover Phuket town. Meet your representative at the hotel and set off to visit the Kata and Cape Prompthep viewpoints, the ancient temple of Wat Chalong, a cashew nut factory and a pearl factory (lunch at a local restaurant).
Then enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the hotel or explore Phuket town at your leisure.
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Phuket - Koh Yao Yai | From modern to traditional island
Today you’ll leave for Koh Yao Yai. Join your transfer from the Phuket hotel to the pier. Then board a speedboat to Koh Yao Yai for your transfer to the Elixir Koh Yao Yai hotel. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the beach or the services around the hotel.
- Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Day 4
Koh yao Yai | Local immersion and wilderness
Travel around the island in a tuk-tuk and discover the charms of a land that is still unspoilt and authentic. Make your first stop in a rice field, where your guide will share the essential steps involved in planting rice. Then visit the neighboring farm to learn how to sort and wash the rice, an ideal place to meet animals and discover the prowess of monkeys. Then immerse yourself in the world of a rubber plantation, revealing the process of transforming sap into rubber.
Soak up thetraditional art of batik at a local village house, while the more creative can pick up their brushes and try their hand at this typical Southeast Asian painting technique. Next, head to a secluded beach where your lunch will be enjoyed in a local waterside restaurant, offering panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay. For lunch, prepare your own dessert (Thai banana with coconut milk).
Then make a stop on a sandbank that stretches as far as the eye can see, to enjoy a moment of relaxation and swimming.
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Koh Yao Yai | Free day
A relaxing day at leisure on Koh Yao Yai. Enjoy the beach or the services offered around the hotel during the day.
- Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Day 6
Koh Yao Yai - Khao Lak | Phang Nga Bay, the bay of 300 rocks
Set off on a long-tail boat, the traditional local craft, for Koh Tapu, famed as James Bond Island, location of the film “The Man with the Golden Gun”. Take a tour of the island, then stop off on the beach to take home the famous James Bond rock shot. To explore the beauty of this region’s karst landscapes, there’s nothing better than a canoe trip. Guided by a local paddler, you’ll canoe through the mangrove swamps, up close to the rock formations and discover secret caves – a pure delight for nature lovers.
Continue your journey to the floating village of Koh Panyee, famous for its floating soccer pitch. This Muslim village is built entirely on water. Enjoy a locally-flavored lunch on site, then stroll through the narrow streets of this atypical village.
At the end of the day, drive to Khao Lak to reach your hotel.
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Khao Lak | Meeting with the locals
Set off early in the morning for the town of Kuraburi to take part in the morning round of offerings to the monks. A unique experience under the spellbinding colors of the sunrise. Stop off at the town’s 100% local market, where you can enjoy a typical breakfast of “patongko”, small sweet doughnuts, or for the more adventurous, rice soup, the traditional breakfast of the locals. Stroll the aisles of this traditional market and discover the local flavours.
Afterwards, head to the temple of the monks you met on the morning procession for a true-to-life experience. You’ll receive a blessing in exchange for offerings. As you visit the monastery, your guide will explain the monks’ way of life and the importance of Buddhism in Thailand. A wealth of information on a fascinating philosophy.
Take a short tour of the mangrove channel by longtail boat from a local pier. Visit the local village boatyard, which was established after the tsunami as a Royal Thai Project Site, headed by the Crown Prince of Thailand (now King of Thailand), to support sustainable living for local people and rebuild hundreds of longtail boats to exact specifications for local fishermen and families who lost their boats in the tsunami. To round off this memorable day, join a local family for a traditional meal.
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8
Khao Lak - Phuket | Return or beach extension
- Meals included: breakfast
The above-mentioned program is for information only, and the order of stops, timetables and journey times are subject to change depending on local conditions, the weather or any other reason relating to the safety of the group.
Departure from the hotel for transfer to the airport, or extension to Khao Lak for lounging on the coast’s wild beaches. For further details, please consult the options section or contact our team.
What's included in the tour
What's not included in the tour
Extend your vacation with a seaside extension
There’s nothing better than an enchanted seaside interlude after your tour. Choose your extension according to your budget and your desires.
- 3 days at Kantary Beach Resort Khao Lak
- 5 days at Kantary Beach Resort Khao Lak
- 7 days at Kantary Beach Resort Khao Lak
Explore + by booking your optional excursions now
Extending your stay in Khao Lak? Plan the excursions you don’t want to miss.
A day in the life of a local fisherman
Ratchaprapa Lake, worthy of an Avatar set
Sunset evening and barbecue party on the Virgin Islands
For even more possibilities, explore all our excursions departing from Khao Lak.
How to make a reservation
To book, you can send us a quote request via our contact form with your travel dates, the number of people and your choice of extension (3, 5 or 7 days) if you opt for this option. Our team will send you a quote by e-mail as soon as possible, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Once the quote has been validated, you can proceed to payment online or directly with our teams.
How big is the tour group?
The group size varies from 2 to 10 people, to maintain an intimate, friendly atmosphere.
Can I choose a different extension period?
If you would like a different length of extension to those suggested, please let us know in your quote request so that we can give you the availability and prices to suit your requirements.
Plan, book, explore.
Steps
Duration
Guide
Francophone
Send us a quote request via our contact form with your travel dates or chat directly with one of our advisors via our whatsapp messaging service.
For cancellation conditions, please refer to our general terms and conditions.
Our hotel selection
For the duration of the tour, you will stay in hotels selected by the ThaiVacances team:
PHUKET
Kantary Bay Phuket 4* in Studio Suite
Nestled on Cape Panwa beach, the Kantary Bay Phuket hotel offers a peaceful retreat with its spacious suites. With its fine restaurants, serene ambience and unique view of the sunset over the sea, it’s the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle.
KOH YAO YAI
Elixir Koh Yao Yai in Superior Villa
Elegantly integrated into the unspoilt nature of Koh Yao Yai, the Elixir Resort offers top-of-the-range villas. With its tranquil ambience and private beach, it invites visitors to recharge their batteries and reconnect with nature.
KHAO LAK
Kantary Beach Resort Khao Lak 4* en Suite
Located on peaceful Pakarang Beach, the Kantary Beach Hotel Villas & Suites in Khao Lak offers elegant villas and suites in a warm, relaxing atmosphere. The hotel is ideal for a quiet getaway.
Photo gallery
A taste of what awaits you?
Would you like to receive a quote?
Talk directly to one of our advisors via our whatsapp messaging system or send us a quote request by e-mail with your travel dates. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
TRAVEL IDEAS
Our small group tours
From Buddhist temples to sandy beaches on paradise islands, every day will be filled with new discoveries. A journey through three provinces combining excursions and...
This tour offers a panoramic view of southern Thailand. You'll discover three provinces through cultural visits, immersive days discovering Buddhism and free days lazing on...
You'll discover sumptuous landscapes: local towns and villages, beaches and rocky points... But above all, you'll enjoy exceptional immersive experiences.
Why travel with us?
AUTHENTICITY
Not just the must-see tourist attractions, but also original, authentic experiences immersed in the local culture.
SUPPORT
An experienced local English-speaking guide at your side from your arrival on the island to your departure or beach extension.
SUITABLE PROGRAM
Departures at dawn to be the first on site, and itineraries designed to avoid crowds as much as possible.
COMFORTABLE RHYTHM
Alternate days of cultural visits with free time, forget the hectic pace and make the most of your stay.
