#Phuket to Krabi by ferry with hotel trip transfer

[ahmeddawn]

The Ultimate 3 to 5 Day Phuket Itinerary

Best Things to See in Phuket (3 to 5 Days in Phuket, Thailand)

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is a paradise for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. With stunning coastlines, vibrant nightlife, and historical landmarks, Phuket offers something for everyone. This guide will help you create your perfect 3 to 5 day itinerary, packed with the best things to see and do in Phuket.

Getting to Phuket

From Bangkok:

Phuket boasts its own international airport (HKT) offering direct flights from Bangkok (both BKK and DMK) in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Prices are comparable between airports, but like Krabi, DMK might offer more flight options and convenient departure times. Choose based on your location and preference.

From Krabi:

Ferries operate daily between Krabi and Phuket, offering scenic journeys across the Andaman Sea. Travel time can range from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the ferry type. Consider the convenience and cost when making your choice.

From Your Arrival Point to Your Hotel:

Taxis, metered taxis, airport shuttles, Grab (ride-hailing app), and pre-booked private transfers are all available to whisk you from the airport to your hotel. For a hassle-free arrival, consider booking a private transfer online beforehand.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Patong Beach:

For vibrant nightlife, a vast selection of restaurants, and lively markets, Patong Beach is the ideal base. This bustling area offers easy access to jet-skiing, parasailing, and other water activities. However, it can be quite crowded, especially during peak season.

Kata Beach & Karon Beach:

These beautiful beaches offer a good balance between lively experiences and relaxation. They provide a plethora of restaurants, bars, and shops, with a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Patong.

Surin Beach & Kamala Beach:

For a tranquil getaway with stunning scenery, consider the northern beaches like Surin and Kamala. These areas offer luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, and a slower pace of life.

Choosing Your Base:

Phuket caters to various travel styles. Consider your preferences for nightlife, relaxation, and budget when picking your perfect location.

The Ultimate Phuket Itinerary & Best Things to See in Phuket

Instead of a rigid day-by-day itinerary, this guide highlights must-do activities in Phuket, allowing you to craft your ideal itinerary based on your interests.

Island Hopping Adventures (Optional):

Phuket offers numerous island tours, but consider these top picks:

Phi Phi Islands Day Trip: Explore the stunning Phi Phi Islands, famous for Maya Bay (the filming location of "The Beach") and breathtaking limestone cliffs.

James Bond Island Tour: Visit Khao Phing Kan, the iconic island featured in the James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun."

Phang Nga Bay Tour: Discover the mesmerizing Phang Nga Bay, dotted with towering limestone karsts and hidden coves. Kayak through secret lagoons and marvel at the iconic James Bond Island.

Pro Tip: Book these tours in advance, especially during peak season. You can also take these tours from neighboring Krabi, so compare prices and choose the most convenient option.

Top Things You Must Not Miss in Phuket:

Beaches:

Patong Beach: Lively atmosphere, water sports, restaurants, and nightlife.

Kata Beach and Karon Beach: Stunning scenery, good swimming conditions, and a variety of resorts.

Freedom Beach: Secluded beach with a laid-back vibe, accessible by boat or longtail taxi.

Nai Harn Beach: Picturesque beach with calm waters, ideal for families.

Activities:

Big Buddha: A majestic Buddha statue atop Nakkerd Hill, offering panoramic views.

Old Phuket Town: Explore the historical Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street markets.

Wat Chalong: Phuket's most revered temple, showcasing intricate Buddhist architecture.

Elephant Sanctuary Tour: Opt for a responsible sanctuary that prioritizes animal welfare over exploitative practices.

Phuket FantaSea: A cultural theme park with extravagant shows, parades, and a variety of entertainment options.

Thrilling Activities:

White Water Rafting: Embark on a thrilling white-water rafting adventure through the lush jungles of Phuket.

Surf's Up!: Catch some waves at Phuket's west coast beaches like Kata Noi and Surin during the monsoon season (May-October).

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with coral reefs and marine life.

 Nightlife:

Patong Beach: Bars, clubs, and live music venues for every taste.

Bangla Road (Patong): Notorious nightlife district with a mix of bars, discos, and adult entertainment.

Kata and Karon Beaches: Offer a more relaxed nightlife scene with beach bars and restaurants.

Night Markets: Experience the local night markets and sample authentic Thai cuisine.

Pro Tip: Some activities might be included in your booked tours. Check beforehand to avoid redundancy.

Embrace the flexibility of this guide to create your dream Phuket itinerary. Choose the experiences that resonate most with you and create lasting memories on this incredible island.

[travools]

What is special about Phuket to Krabi by ferry?

Phuket to Krabi by ferry is one of the most popular ways to travel between these two popular destinations in Thailand. The journey takes around two hours by ferry and is a great way to see the stunning scenery of the Thai coastline. Ferries depart from Phuket International Airport and arrive at Krabi International Airport, making it easy to connect to your onward flight or transfer. Once you arrive in Krabi, you'll be able to explore all the wonderful beaches and islands that the area has to offer. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of travel, and it is advisable to book tickets in advance during peak season. The ferry terminal in Phuket is located at Rassada Pier, and the terminal in Krabi is located at Ao Nang Pier. Tickets can be bought online or at the ferry terminal. There are also many islands to stop at along the way, so it's a great way to see some of the stunning scenery in this part of Thailand. There are many ways to travel from Phuket to Krabi, but one of the most popular is by ferry. The ferries are comfortable and offer a great view of the Andaman Sea. The Phuket to Krabi ferry price is available at the travools website, so curious visitors can visit the website and compare its costs. For more information please visit here.

How to get to know about Phuket to Krabi ferry price?

Various travel agencies offer Phuket to Krabi by ferry price, so interested people who want to know about can visit those websites and compare their costs. The Phuket to Krabi ferry cost will vary depending on the company you choose and the time of year you travel. Generally speaking, the cost will be between 700 and 1,000 THB per person. There are a few different companies that offer this service, so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal. Travools also offers Phuket to Krabi by ferry at budget cost so it is much more suitable for every pocket size. The cost of a ferry ride from Phuket to Krabi offered by travools is just 600 THB per person, so curious visitors book Phuket to Krabi by ferry with hotel trip transfer by simply visiting the travools website, filling out the registration form, choose the payment option, and make the payment. When payment is done the ticket for the boat from Phuket to Krabi is in your hand in no time.  This is a great option if you want to stay in Krabi for a few days. The transfer will take you to your hotel in Krabi and you can relax and enjoy your stay. The best way to travel between Phuket and Krabi is by ferry. This is a great way to see the beautiful coastline and islands of Thailand. The trip takes about 2 hours and there are several ferries to choose from. You can also add a hotel trip transfer to your ferry ticket. 

Do you want to know Phuket to Krabi distance by ferry?

The Phuket to Krabi distance by ferry is approximately 80 kilometers. The ferry ride takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are several companies that operate ferries between these two points, so be sure to check schedules and fares in advance. Krabi is a beautiful province in southern Thailand and is well-known for its stunning beaches and limestone cliffs. Phuket is Thailand's largest island and is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, nightlife, and seafood. The transfer from Phuket to Krabi by ferry is the best way to get from Phuket to Krabi. Ferries run regularly between the two cities and the journey takes just over an hour. The ferry terminal in Phuket is located in the old town, while the ferry terminal in Krabi is located in the Ao Nang area. The Krabi to Phuket ferry is a popular way to travel between these two popular tourist destinations in Thailand. The journey by ferry takes around two hours, and there are a number of companies that operate services between the two cities. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the day of travel, and it is recommended to book ahead during the high season. The ferry terminal in Krabi is located close to the town center, and in Phuket, it is situated just a short walk from the main tourist area. So what are you waiting for guys? Tag your loved ones, planned the trip, grab your luggage, and check out this much-happening destination with your loved ones and make your journey immortal for your diaries of lifetime memories.

[travelsketchbymaitri]

Phuket

Thailand is a well-known country, to some the city life is comfortable and some are attracted by beaches. Every person is different and has various likes & dislikes. Well, for me it’s beaches. Hence decided to visit the most beautiful islands of Thailand.

Often known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea with scenic beauty and natural iconic movie effects, it makes my heart skip a breath. An astonishing island with all the colors in the sky and sea gives you a seamless painting. And when put yourself in the painting, you get a perfect picture.

Phuket is one of the islands in Thailand and offers you a perfect spectrum of rainbow colors with shining sunrises and incredible sunsets.

It is the largest island of Thailand and is surrounded by many small islands. Phuket not only offers the most beautiful beaches, but also have a lively and trendy nightlife.

Phuket draws a lot of tourists and the crowd, if you want silent & peaceful vacation you need to get off the main spots.

This travel guide will help you to visit the best places in Phuket with cost effective tips.

<a href=“Best Time to Visit Phuket”></a>

How to reach Phuket & travelling internally

Where to stay in Phuket

Things to See and Do

Important Tips

<a name=“Best time to visit Phuket"> </a>

Since it is a tropical region so Phuket does not have the cold weather. Best and peak season is from November to February. Later till May it is hot there in Phuket Mid May starts the rainy season which goes until October. So, if you wish to visit in the off season when you get good deals on flights and hotels you can plan your trip in September and October. However, do expect some drizzling and humidity. If you are more of a person who enjoys weather, you can plan in November & February. This way you will avoid the overcrowded beaches in Dec & Jan. I visited in late September, weather was fine neither too hot nor very pleasant.

How to reach Phuket & travelling internally-

Phuket has its own international airport. So, it makes quite easy to directly visit Phuket from mostly all the major countries. Phuket town has a main bus terminal that connects it from all the major cities of Thailand. Phuket to Krabi one can use the ferry, but please make sure to check on the days as it only operates 3 days a week.

From Phuket airport, you can take mini vans instead of taxi. This would save you a hefty amount. Mini vans take around 10-12 people and would drop you at your hotel doorstep. They will charge you around 200 TBH per person.

For travelling internally in Phuket, the best way is to rent a bike. One can use tuk-tuk as well but that does not give you the freedom of exploring nook & corner of the city.

A tuk tuk would typically charge you in between 20-25 TBH for shorter rides and can goes up to 300 TBH for 2-3 kms. A bike would cost around 300 TBH for a day in which they also provide you with a full tank of fuel and 2 helmets. Renting a car can cost you around 1000 TBH a day.

Where to Stay in Phuket-

Patong beach is the busiest and most famous beach of Phuket. Since it has the main market area near it and Bangla road is just 5 mins walk. All cuisine restaurants are walking distance and shopping is quite handy in the area. In the market, you can easily book your taxis, rent a bike or booking of island hopping and cabaret shows are easily accessible.

However, if you like a silent and peaceful vacation, Patong is not the area for you. You can explore a nice resort or hotel at Kamala beach, Kata beach and Karron beach. They are easily accessible by local transport to Patong, you can also explore with rented bikes. Some hotels do provide with free shuttles. But shuttles have particular timings and therefore it becomes more of school experience rather than vacation.

Hotels of all budgets are spread all over Phuket, one can take hotels starting from 350 TBH. Another budgeted options are hostels, you might even get it in 130 TBH. One just needs to explore more.

If you are visiting in the off season and pre-booking it few months prior to your visit, you may end up saving a lot of money and staying at a very good resort.

I booked my resort 3 months prior and got a deal for 5-star property by the name Patong Resort in just 1200 TBH.

Things to See and Do-

Island Hopping::

This is one of the major attractions in Phuket. As it is surrounded by various small islands, one can explore different islands. There are tour operators which take you through those islands and it is an entire day trip. They provide you with lunch and water bottles too. One can easily get the tickets from the main market in the city centre at different corners. You can explore at different shops for the booking and don’t forget to negotiate with them. You can get the bookings done from your own hotel but that would be comparatively costly. Just roam in the streets of the city and you will get a good deal out of your efforts. Major island hopping is James bond and Phi Phi Island. Both will be covered in different tours. You can also have one day trip to Krabi from here, but would suggest to stay in Krabi at least a night to enjoy the nature. You can read about which island is better Phuket or Krabi here.

For Phi Phi or James bond island a day’s trip would cost you around 1500 TBH.

 Major city attractions::

Big Buddha is one the most iconic landmarks of Phuket. It sits in between the Chalong Temple and Kata, and it offers some panoramic views of Phuket town as well as the beaches. There are no charges for Big Buddha.

Wat Chalong is the largest temple of Phuket. This colourful building is elaborately decorated with numerous images of the Buddha, along with imagery from Thai and Buddhist mythology. Again, no fees or tickets to Wat Chalong temple.

Khao Sok National Park is an outdoor adventure where you can get the full jungle experience–complete with elephants, lazy rivers, and tree-house lodgings. This area is said to be one of the oldest rain forests in the world, and it’s certainly one of the most scenic, with its magnificent cascading waterfalls and dramatic limestone formations. The entrance fee would cost you around 300 TBH.

Phuket Trick Eye Museum- If you need something else for a change, then how about a visit to a museum? Not just any museum, but the Phuket Trick Eye Museum in Phuket Town! The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the entrance fee is 500 baht per person. If you book the ticket online, it’s only 400 Baht per person.

 Night Life in Phuket::  

Bangla Road- If you like to party and you enjoy the night life, Bangla road is the place for you. It’s 5 mins walking distance from Patong beach. It is probably the most famous red light district in Thailand.

There are not only the ping pong shows and lady bars, you can get the plenty of bars with live music and decent place to sit. However, they do not serve anything to eat, but just the booze.

However, you can even get decent bars at Kata & Kamala beach.

Simon Cabaret- Located near Patong Beach, the Simon Cabaret hosts the most respected lady boy shows in Phuket, and is an attraction in Phuket in its own right. The show features some impressive sets, even more dazzling costumes, and some of the most glamorous performers in the industry, so it’s not difficult to see why it’s become one of Phuket’s main attractions. One of the acts displayed a dance on a Bollywood number of Ranbir Kapoor- Delhi wali girlfriend 😊. One-person ticket is around 600 TBH but is definitely a must visit experience.

Phuket FantaSea- For a family night out, head to the Phuket FantaSea Show, which sits in its own theme park complex. This iconic nighttime attraction features exotic animals that help tell a traditional Thai story infused with modern technology. This large complex also houses carnival games, a shopping village, and a place to enjoy a buffet dinner. A Ticket to this would range from standard tickets 1700 TBH to Gold tickets upto 3300 TBH. Some of the deals would include transfers from the hotels and dinner as well.

Important Tips

Explore street food, you will get good seafood.

Meal at an Indian restaurant can cost around 500-700 TBH.

You can buy your booze from 7-Eleven stores, it would cost you a lot.

Visit Phuket in the off season to save cost.

Currency exchange shops are easily available in the city center.

Do remember to negotiate in the local markets, bring out your bargaining skills. The rule of thumb is, the more you buy, the cheaper the prices will be.

Rent a bike to roam around the city but do carry license and helmets as police is quite active and you can get a ticket too.

Phuket alone would need 4 days if you want to spend a day in leisure just on the beach.

[toursattractionsdeals]

📌 Phuket Simon Cabaret - Get Ticket, Compare and get the best price 👉 onGetYourGuide https://goo.gl/8UbMPe The evening of glamorous entertainment is, without a doubt, you will experience the most popular show events in Phuket. From the moment you enter the stylish and luxurious venue, you realize that this is going to be a very different and special night. Come along and enjoy this unique show, be amazed at the professional approach to each musical theme, laugh along at the comedy and fun, it is a visual spectacular that will have you leaving wishing there was more to see. There will be opportunities to meet the stars of the show for those unforgettable photo moments and to see just how really beautiful they are. ---------------------------------- Thanks for watching! ---------------------------------- 👉 Subscribe for more videos: https://goo.gl/6zrcKv 🌎 Top Tours & Activities from around the world. 👉 Trip Tour Guide: https://ift.tt/2HvJB4R 🔹 Explore Thailand 🇹🇭 website https://ift.tt/2PhywYf 🔹 Explore Phuket 🇹🇭 website https://ift.tt/33rhKcU ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎁 Bonus 10% OFF⭐ ⭐Resort Bonus 10% OFF ⭐ Get a 10% Discount Bonus in a nice 3-star resort in Phuket – Kata beach. 👉 Get the FREE Bonus https://ift.tt/31Ke58N 🎁 Bonus 10% OFF⭐ ⭐Restaurant Bonus 10% OFF ⭐ Get a 10% Discount Bonus in an Authentic Italian Cuisine Restaurant in Phuket – Chalong. 👉 Get the FREE Bonus https://ift.tt/2ootkqg ✅Top Tours & Attractions in Phuket 👉 https://ift.tt/2pQkD8C ⦿ Thailand Travel Services • Thailand Tours, Attractions, Tickets, Activities & Things To Do ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-byViator ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-byGetYourGuide • Best Hotels in Thailand ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-byHotelscombined ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-byBooking • Cheap flights and airline tickets ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-byJetradar ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-bySkyscanner • Cheap Car Hire ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-byRentalcars • Airport transfer & taxi ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-byIntuiTravel ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-byKiwitaxi • Scooter, motorcycle, bicycle rental ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-byBikesBooking • Local Transport: Trains, Buses, Ferries ⦿ http://bit.ly/powered-by12goasia 😎 Amazing Thailand! Always amazes you! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #PhuketSimonCabaretShow #PhuketSimonCabaret #phuket #thailand #thailand_tours #thailandtrips #travel #thailandholidays #thailandtourism #thailandpackages #thailandtravel #thailand_travel #thailandislands #holidaysthailand #thailand_tour #package #thailandvacation #bangkoktour #phukettours #bangkokpackage #bangkok #phuket #chiangmai #pattaya #krabi #huahin #chiangrai #Kanchanaburi

[zillowcondo]

Island Hopping in Thailand – The Perfect 2 Week Itinerary

Thailand is one of the world’s most popular destinations thanks to its incredible beaches, fantastic food and friendly people. With hundreds of islands to explore, it’s best to focus on one or two regions such as the Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea. We’ve put together a handy island hopping in Thailand 2 week itinerary to help you make the most of your time.

Island Hopping in Thailand

The Andaman Coast is one of the best choices for Thailand island hopping. With crystal clear water, abundant coral reefs and lush scenery, it’s rightly popular. Our friends at the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Travelbag put together a fantastic Southern Thailand island hopping itinerary, taking in Krabi Province, the Southern Islands of Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Islands and Phuket.

Thailand 2 week itinerary

When planning your itinerary for Thailand, be sure to allow some time to kick back and relax. We’d recommend 2 nights or more at most of the destinations so that you can explore the islands, go snorkelling or simply enjoy the beach. If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Thailand, it’s particularly popular between November to April. There’s minimal rainfall and it’s nice and sunny, although it never gets very cold in Thailand.

Krabi

Krabi makes an excellent starting point from which to go island hopping in Thailand. The town of Krabi is on the mainland, however Krabi Province is home to some of the most beautiful islands in Thailand such as Koh Phi Phi. There are direct flights with Qatar Airways from Doha to Krabi as well as internal flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui to Krabi. The Shellsea Krabi is a brand new luxury hotel in a tranquil part of Krabi yet it’s only 30 minutes drive from the airport. In Thailand, the beaches are public but on these golden sands you get the feel of a private beach as it’s not at all crowded.

Walking to the far end, you come across a natural wonder, Fossil Shell Beach. One of only 3 such sights in the world, it might look like man-made slabs but it’s actually composed entirely of shell fossils. There’s a visitor centre at the top of the hill and stalls selling pearl jewellery at reasonable prices.

If you can tear yourself away from the private pool in your villa, there are some other interesting things to do in Krabi, such as visiting Wat Tham Sua, the Tiger Cave Temple. The Emerald Pool and Krabi Town are also popular with visitors to the area.

Just 35 minutes by car from The ShellSea, you’ll find Amari Vogue Krabi. It has a great location opposite Hong Islands, which are easy to reach by direct longboat from its beach. There are 3 swimming pools,  a stylish spa and an award-winning beachfront restaurant, Bellini.

The sunsets on Tubkaak Beach are particularly impressive and are best enjoyed with a signature cocktail in hand. Right next to the hotel, there’s the National Park of Khao Ngon Nak. Also known as Dragon Crest Mountain, it’s a scenic 2 to 3 hours walk to the top.

Koh Phi Phi

Phi Phi Island, as it’s often called is actually 2 islands, Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh. They’re considered to be among the world’s most beautiful islands and if you visit you will soon understand why. Part of the fun is getting here, by taking a private speedboat or a ferry from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang. There are food stalls and restaurants here, but you can also purchase food and water on the ferry. During the 2 hour ferry ride, you’ll see some stunning scenery, with rocky outcrops and azure blue water.

Once you arrive at Tonsai Pier, you need to pay a 20 baht entry fee to the island. Hop on a longboat to Phi Phi Island Village, or take the resort’s own speedboat depending on your arrival time. Arriving at Phi Phi Island Village on Koh Phi Phi Don was one of the highlights of our Thailand itinerary. The island lies within the Nopparattra National Park, and the palm fringed beach is charming.

Koh Phi Phi Don

There were just 2,500 people living on Koh Phi Phi Don at the last census in 2013, and Phi Phi Island Village is ideally located on the quietest part of the island, within . The traditional bungalows and hillside pool villas are built in traditional style with thatched roofs. Our private infinity pool was the perfect setting in which to enjoy afternoon tea each day. We could easily have stayed there all day, but Koh Phi Phi Don is the ideal base from which to take a Phi Phi islands tour. The resort is known for its Phi Phi Island Dive Village, a PADI certified 5-Star Gold Palm diving centre. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a novice like us, they have tours suitable for all abilities. We chose the early bird half day trip in one of the resort’s own speedboats. It takes you directly to Maya Bay so you avoid most of the crowds, before heading to Pileh Lagoon for snorkelling, then Viking Cave and Monkey Island to see monkeys in their natural habitat.

Koh Phi Phi Leh

Maya Bay is a picturesque place that’s famous worldwide as the setting for The Beach, the film starring Leonardo di Caprio. The beach is framed on 3 sides by cliffs that are 100 metres high. It’s best to get there as early as you can in the morning to avoid the crowds. For that reason, it’s definitely worth staying as close to Maya Bay as you can. Whilst there are no hotels on the island of Koh Phi Phi Le itself, you can get from Phi Phi Don to Phi Phi Leh in 30 minutes by speedboat. We’d advise anyone visiting to wear water shoes as you’ll need to wade on to the beach and there are quite a few rocks under water.

To get from Koh Phi Phi Leh to your next destination, Koh Yao Noi, you’ll take Phi Phi Island Village Resort’s speedboat to stylish Ao Por Grand Marina in Phuket. From there, it’s a short car journey to HKT Yacht Haven Marina. As you can see, it really is a haven! There’s a chic cafe with restrooms, air-con and Wi-Fi and from here it’s a 50 minute speedboat transfer to Paradise Koh Yao Noi.

Koh Yao Noi

One of our favourite Thailand hidden gems, Koh Yao Noi is a laid-back island getaway. We found paradise here, well, Paradise Koh Yao to be exact ;-). This boutique beachfront hotel is located on the smaller of the two Koh Yao islands. It’s one of the closest located hotels to James Bond Island, where The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. The boho-chic decor of the hotel is charming, and the new TreeHouse Villas at the neighbouring sister property are equally stylish.

However, it’s the feeling of being at one with nature that’s the real draw here. Oriental hornbills fly around the property, eating the berries and no doubt admiring the view as we did! These canopy-dwelling birds are recognizable by their large yellow-tinged beak.

The island is situated in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, between Phuket & the mainland of Krabi. Phang Nga Bay is known for its’ unique limestone formations & pristine beaches & was most famously captured in the James Bond film – “The Man with the Golden Gun” & “The Beach” with Leonardo Di Caprio. To get to your next destination, the nearby island of Koh Yao Yai, you’ll take the hotel’s bus to the village and Manoh pier. Along the way, we spotted rubber trees with tapping buckets on their trunks and several water buffalo grazing. From the pier, it’s a 10 minute long-boat ride to Chong Lad pier on Koh Yao Yai.

Koh Yao Yai

Although it’s the larger of the two Koh Yao islands, Koh Yao Yai has less inhabitants. It’s definitely a contender for best island in Thailand as it’s so unspoiled. In keeping with the local Thai architecture of the local habitations, Santhiya Koh Yao Yai was built in an ornate traditional style. You can see craftsmen in the lobby, carving intricate patterns onto the wooden pillars and these beautiful decorations are found throughout the resort. There’s a fabulous 1,500 square metre pool with a manmade waterfall and a hilltop infinity pool from which you can admire the surrounding islands.

Phuket

Our final destination is the largest of the islands in Thailand, Phuket. Easily accessible from many locations in Thailand, it’s a pleasant speedboat ride from Koh Yao Yai. Island hopping from Phuket

Cape Panwa in Phuket is a great base from which to explore the surrounding area. This stylish hotel has been popular with celebrities since it opened 30 years ago, in fact Leonardo di Caprio and the crew filming The Beach stayed here. Panwa House restaurant specializes in authentic Thai cooking and is just one of the many great dining options within the hotel grounds.

The hotel is a few minutes walk away from Phuket Aquarium and about 40 minutes by car from the Big Buddha, which is well worth a visit. We recommend going for sunrise to make the most of the light. Standing 45 metres high on a hilltop, it’s an impressive white marble statue and has panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The site is free to enter, however you can donate towards the construction costs of the statue’s base by purchasing a tile or a heart plaque. As is the case in other religious sites in Thailand, visitors must cover their legs and bare shoulders and there’s a booth where you can borrow a sarong if need be.

There are several night markets in Phuket, and if you’re there on a Sunday then don’t miss the Sunday Walking Street Market, or Phuket Weekend Market as it’s also known. Held every Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm in the picturesque Old Town with its Sino-Portugese buildings, it’s a fun place to find crafts or clothing.

As you can see, it’s easy to spend 2 weeks in Thailand and to never be bored. With some fantastic spas, luxury escapes and hidden gems that we’ll be uncovering in upcoming posts, the island’s charms are sure to have you returning time and time again.

We recommend the following itinerary, but you could easily reverse the order and start with island hopping from Phuket, finishing in Krabi.

5 nights in Krabi (ShellSea Krabi and Amari Vogue)

2-3 nights in Koh Phi Phi

1 night in Koh Yao Noi

2 nights in Koh Yao Yai

3 nights in Phuket

Tips for Thailand Island Hopping

Bring plenty of Thai baht, the official currency in case you spot a bargain at one of the many markets. Bank cards are accepted at all the hotels. For your Thailand packing list, we’d suggest water shoes and loose, lightweight clothing. A sarong will come in very handy for ladies at the temples and can double up as a skirt. For the Phi Phi island tour, it’s best to dress in your swimming costume with shorts and a top over it, as you’ll be getting in and out of the water a lot. There’s no need to bring snorkelling equipment as you can rent it in most places. Internet access is excellent at these particular hotels, even on the smaller islands. As for tips, they’re not expected but will be very much appreciated.

Have you ever been to Thailand? We hope that this guide to island hopping in Thailand has inspired you to travel there. Let us know in the comments if you have any tips for first time or returning visitors!

Pin for later or share with friends if you’ve found this useful

In association with Travelbag UK and the Tourism Authority of Thailand

The post Island Hopping in Thailand – The Perfect 2 Week Itinerary appeared first on Luxury Columnist.

Island Hopping in Thailand – The Perfect 2 Week Itinerary published first on http://bogouzunshang.tumblr.com/