Explore one of the most beautiful regions in southern Thailand for two glorious weeks of island hopping! The heavenly island of Ko Samui will be your first base. From here, snorkel and discover the aquatic wonderland of Ko Tao and relax on Ko Phangnan's secluded sandy beaches. Khao Sok National Park is next for three days of sailing among lush rainforests, swimming in emerald blue water, and observing exotic wildlife up close. Finish your trip with water adventures in Phuket and Ko Phi Phi.

Highlights

  • Snorkel among coral reefs and aquatic wildlife at Angthong National Marine Park
  • Visit Ko Samui's sites such as Fisherman's Village and Wat Plai Laem Temple
  • Explore Ko Phang Nga's secluded beaches and swim in crystal clear waters
  • Wander by kayak to uncover hidden gems in Khao Sok National Park

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok, Transfer to Ko Samui Ko Samui
Day 2 Full-Day Angthong National Marine Park Tour Ko Samui
Day 3 Explore the Beaches of Ko Samui Ko Samui
Day 4 Full-Day Tour to Ko Tao & Ko Nang Yuan Ko Samui
Day 5 Day Trip to Ko Phang Nga  Ko Samui
Day 6 Free Day in Ko Samui Ko Samui
Day 7 Transfer to Khao Sok National Park, Four Rocks Tour  Khao Sok National Park
Day 8 Free Day in Khao Sok Khao Sok National Park
Day 9 Half-Day Khao Sok Surroundings Tour Khao Sok National Park
Day 10 Transfer to Phuket Phuket
Day 11 Explore the Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat Phuket
Day 12 Full-Day Private Tour in Phuket Phuket
Day 13 Free Day in Phuket Phuket
Day 14 Depart Phuket  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Transfer to Ko Samui

Silver Beach on Koh Samui
Silver Beach on Ko Samui

Welcome to Thailand! Once in Bangkok, you'll change planes and head for Ko Samui International Airport, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Once you've settled in, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore or just chill out. Once a sleepy fishing village, Ko Samui is one of the most beautiful Thai islands with a wide array of things to see and do. You'll have plenty of options, from lush mountainous rainforests to a crystal clear sea. Check out the beaches and the town center, and enjoy the local Thai specialties.

Day 2: Full-Day Angthong National Marine Park Tour

Full Day Angthong National Marine Park Tour
Check out the excellent dive spots at Angthong

This morning, set off early with a quick boat ride to enjoy a day of adventure exploring Angthong Marine Park. Made up of over 80 islands, this island archipelago is a tropical paradise with stunning marine landscapes. You'll find uninhabited islands with white sandy beaches and colorful coral reefs full of tropical fish and sea life.

Start your tour by snorkeling in the clear water of Ko Wao before checking out several islands and climbing up to the lookout point where you can see the emerald lake. Stop for lunch before going to a deserted island to swim and relax on the beach on Ko Pha Luay. Finish your day with a short guided kayaking tour of the marine park before returning to Ko Samui.

Day 3: Explore the Beaches of Ko Samui

Koh Samui
View of the Andaman Sea

Today is free for you to enjoy some downtime on one of the many exquisite beaches of Ko Samui. Relax at Chaweng or Lamai Beach, where you can lie in a hammock with a coconut or a cocktail and watch the day pass. For an afternoon excursion, pay a visit to the nearby Fisherman's Village and Wat Plai Laem Temple.

If you feel like heading a bit farther afield, the beaches of Laem Yai and Mae Nam are well worth a stop, as is Bophut Beach, which has some great shops and restaurants. You can also take a car to Namtok Hin Lat Waterfall and Namtok Na Mueang Waterfall or discover more of the island's many temples and villages.

Day 4: Full-Day Tour to Ko Tao & Ko Nang Yuan

Full Day Tour to Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan
Swim with sea turtles at Ko Tao

Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan are the ultimate snorkeling destinations in the area. A driver will transport you to the departure pier, where you'll board a speedboat. The first stop is Ko Tao, which is known to have the most beautiful marine life and is only a 90-minute speedboat from Ko Samui. Once anchored, snorkel at Ao Maung and Mango Bay, where you'll view intact coral reefs and swim with various sea creatures.

After a traditional Thai lunch on the beach, you'll head to Ko Nang Yuan, where you can further explore more diverse species in an aquatic wonderland by snorkel. Climb the island's mountain for stunning views, relax on the beach, or swim in the shallow warm waters.

Day 5: Day Trip to Ko Phang Nga  

Koh Phangan
Take a day trip to the island of Ko Phang Nga

Head out early to Ko Phang Nga, an island known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant city influenced by Chinese culture. Get picked up and taken to the departure pier for a 30-minute ride to Thong Sala Pier. Learn about the community and the Chinese influence in this area with a visit to the Chinese Temple. Next, it's off to Malibu Beach, where you can relax before heading to Chalok Lam Bay, an authentic fishing village.

After lunch at Ko Rahnam, spend the rest of the afternoon at Secret Beach, also known as Haad Son, which is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Snorkel and relax in paradise before returning to Ko Samui late afternoon.

Plan your trip to Thailand
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 6: Free Day in Ko Samui

Koh Samui
A traditional long-tailed boat on the beaches of Ko Samui

Today, you are free to do whatever you like. If you've had your fill of chilling on the beach, you can easily hire a boat in Ko Samui for the day to explore on your own. Many organized tours, such as snorkeling trips to secluded coves, can also be arranged, or go on a 4WD jungle safari tour to see lush rainforests and waterfalls.

The Gulf of Thailand is a paradise for divers, and outings can be organized by reputable PADI-certified instructors who will take you on a dive trip. Opportunities abound, from flying through the dense jungle by zipline at 50 miles (80 km) per hour to kayaking along the breathtaking Andaman coastline.

Day 7: Transfer to Khao Sok National Park, Four Rocks Tour

Four Rocks Tour in Khao Sok
The Four Rocks in Khao Sok

Get ready for more beautiful scenery this morning. A driver will collect you from your hotel in Ko Samui and drive you to the departure pier of the island, where you'll take a boat to Surat Thani Province on the mainland. From there, board a long-tail boat that will take you to a Khao Sok National Park resort. This resort floats on the water, giving you a fantastic backdrop to fall asleep each night.

Once settled in, hop back on your boat to explore the famous Four Rocks in Ratchaphapa Lake. Observe these limestone rock formations jutting from the emerald-colored lake surrounded by lush rainforest. Soak in the calm and beauty, as there are plenty of opportunities to hop off the boat into the water and experience total harmony with nature.

Day 8: Free Day in Khao Sok

Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Cave in Heo Suwat Waterfall
Enjoy a free day at the Khao Sok National Park resort, where you can relax and go swimming. For the more adventurous, there are many possibilities, such as taking a tubing trip or hiring a kayak or canoe. Take a trek through the jungle and get up close with exotic birds, monkeys, and other jungle creatures. There's also an elephant sanctuary where you can learn more about these fascinating animals and feed and bathe them. Hike to find secluded waterfalls or climb to some of the best viewpoints for the perfect photo.

Day 9: Half-Day Khao Sok Surroundings Tour

Half Day Khao Sok Surrounding Tour
A lounging lagur in Khao Sok National Park

Get picked up from the resort by a long-tail boat early this morning to observe birds, insects, reptiles, and even monkeys. The park provides a habitat for numerous animal and plant species. The most famous is the giant Rafflesia arnoldii or corpse flower—the largest flower in the world which hides in the deep jungle.

The best viewing must be done on foot, so you'll take a guided hike through the jungle and learn about flora and fauna once docked. Explore some of the lake's main highlights, such as the Tarzan viewpoint, from which you can see extraordinary panoramic views of the lake and jungle. After finishing the tour, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy free time and relax.

Day 10: Transfer to Phuket

Phuket's crystal clear water
Phuket's nightlife

It's an early start this morning, heading to Phuket. A driver will take you to Ratchaphapa Pier, where you'll take a boat to the mainland. From there, a second car will take you on the three-hour drive southwest to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

The beach is at the top of most people's list while in Phuket, and there are dozens of options around the island. Check out Patong and its festive main drag, Bangla Road, for the most buzzing beach scene with water sports. To the south, the beaches of Karon and Kata are more relaxed. Or, hop on a long-tail boat to the secluded Freedom Beach for a different vibe.

Day 11: Explore the Phi Phi Islands Tour by Speedboat

Full-Day Phi Phi Islands Tour by Speedboat
Aerial view of Ko Phi Phi  

Brace yourself for adventure in paradise as you embark on a full-day boat tour to Ko Phi Phi, world-renowned for its clear, jewel-toned waters and jungle-topped limestone cliffs. Meet your crew at the Phuket Pier, and board your speedboat for the hour-long crossing to the island. Visit stunning Maya Bay, made famous by the 2000 movie "The Beach," and other picturesque inlets, Loh Samah Bay and Pi Leh Cove, on the smaller island of Ko Phi Phi Leh.

Break for lunch at a restaurant on the main island of Ko Phi Phi Don before heading to Monkey Beach, a beautiful, jungle-backed stretch of sand where playful long-tailed macaques hang out. Before returning to Phuket, stop at the relaxed islet of Ko Khai, where you'll have a chance to swim and snorkel among colorful fish and coral reefs in shallow, crystalline waters. Your evening plans after this sun-filled day are up to you—whether it's a low-key dinner and early bedtime or a power nap before venturing out to a nightclub.

Day 12: Full-Day Private Tour in Phuket

Full-Day Private Tour in Phuket
Wat Chalong in Phuket
Spend the day touring the highlights of Phuket with a professional guide. As you explore the hilly island, you'll go to famed overlooks such as Karon Viewpoint and Cape Promthep, each offering its perspective on the island's coastline and the Andaman Sea. Visit the ornate and verdant grounds of Wat Chalong, Phuket's most important Buddhist temple, and the 148-foot-tall (45 m) Big Buddha, an unmissable hilltop landmark clad in white marble. Your tour ends in Phuket's lively Old Town, where you'll stroll among colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, colonial mansions, and cafés.

Day 13: Free Day in Phuket

Exploring by kayak
Exploring by Kayak

The final day of your trip is a full day at leisure. Of course, there's always beach time, but if you're looking for something different, there are plenty of options. The ethically certified Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a popular outing for animal lovers. You can also have a thrilling adventure with ATV tours, hiking excursions, ziplines, kayaking, and bungee jumping. Local experts can help you organize activities such as cooking classes, Thai massage, Muay Thai training camps, and day trips to places like the Little Amazon mangrove forest north of Phuket.

Day 14: Depart Phuket

Farewell Thailand!
Farewell Thailand!

Your trip finishes today. A driver will be waiting for you at your hotel and will take you to Phuket International Airport for your departure flight. Have a safe trip and sawadee ka!

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Map

Map of Discover Southern Thailand: Ko Samui, Khao Sok & Phuket  - 14 Days
Map of Discover Southern Thailand: Ko Samui, Khao Sok & Phuket - 14 Days