Krabi and island hopping on Koh Yao Yai & Phuket

Today, you will fly towards Krabi in Thailand with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You will arrive at Krabi airport, pass through immigration, and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

Upon arrival, you will check in, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Pop on your swimwear and find a sunlounger by the hotel’s pool, or head to the beach, which is just a stone’s throw away.

You’ll be staying at Tub Kaek Beach as a default. The area offers a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquillity. You’ll almost have the beach to yourself, and although the selection of hotels and restaurants is small, any of them are undeniably a good choice. Tub Kaek is an ideal starting point for hikes, including the popular trail to Dragon Crest Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view.

Alternatively, you may opt to stay in Ao Nang, which is perfect for those who desire more action and a wide selection of dining and activities. The main street stretches for several kilometres, offering a plethora of eateries, from international restaurants to local spots serving authentic Thai dishes. In Ao Nang, you’ll find both the tranquil Noppharat Thara Beach, perfect for relaxing sunset walks, and the livelier Ao Nang Beach, where boats shuttle to the many beautiful small islands in Krabi Bay.

The days are at your leisure.

In Krabi, the door is open to a multitude of activities and beautiful beaches, all offering views of the numerous limestone cliffs and small islands that characterise the Krabi province. Here, you can find both peace and adventure.

In the Andaman Sea off Krabi lie some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, including the Phi Phi Islands, Hong Island, and several smaller islands. Tomorrow’s excursion will take you to some of these enchanting islands, and you can look forward to it! The islands are renowned for their stunning beaches and fantastic snorkelling spots.

The mainland also features delightful beaches, such as Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach, and Tonsai Beach. These beaches attract visitors from all over the world with soft, white sand, crystal-clear waters, and impressive rock formations.

Aside from relaxation, you have the opportunity to experience Krabi’s breathtaking nature, including natural pools in the jungle. Or what about the kayaking paradise of Ao Thalane? If you’re up for even more adventure, you can embark on a journey through lush jungle and small streams to the nearby Dragon Crest Mountain in Tub Kaek, where you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the area.

In the Krabi province, you also have the chance to experience Thai culture, which is shaped by two religions. Here, Buddhists and Muslims live side by side in peace and harmony. The multicultural society is clearly reflected in cultural experiences. You will find both mosques and temples around, and the Tiger Cave Temple, located just outside Krabi, is especially worth a visit. Here, you can get close to the monks’ daily lives and experience the spiritual peace that pervades the place. If you’re up for a challenge, you can climb the over-1,200 steps to the top of the cliff—a symbolic journey representing overcoming life’s challenges and striving for inner peace.

Today, you will embark on an unforgettable full-day excursion where you’ll visit some of the Andaman Sea’s most popular islands and the picturesque Phra Nang Beach on the Railay Peninsula.

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the pier, where a traditional longtail boat awaits to take you out onto the turquoise sea.

After about 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Koh Poda, one of the most beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea. Known for its pristine beaches with soft, white sand meeting the crystal-clear waters, here you can snorkel among tropical fish, swim, or bask in the sun. If you prefer some solitude, find a shady spot under a tree, enjoying the breathtaking views. For that ‘Robinson Crusoe’ feeling, stroll further down the beach to find your own private slice of paradise. The further you venture, the more you’ll capture that sense of being on a deserted isle.

At midday, a traditional Thai lunch buffet will be set up on the beach, allowing you to enjoy your meal with your toes buried in the soft, white sand.

You’ll then board the long-tail boat again and set sail for Koh Gai, also known as Chicken Island, named after a rock formation resembling a chicken. The island boasts delightful beaches and is surrounded by crystal-clear water with colourful coral reefs and fish.

Next, you will visit the paradise islands of Koh Tup and Koh Mor, offering crystal-clear waters, white sand, and excellent snorkelling opportunities. The islands are connected by a sandbank visible at low tide, and you can swim between them as they are close together.

The tour concludes at Phra Nang Beach, where you can enjoy a swim or visit the Princess Cave, or head to the eastern side of the Railay Peninsula, where you might encounter a few macaques along the way.

You’ll return to your hotel by mid-afternoon and have the evening free to enjoy Krabi before your journey continues to Koh Yao Yai early tomorrow morning.

After breakfast and checking out, you’ll meet your driver in the lobby, who will take you to the Nopparatthara pier. From there, a speedboat will whisk you away to Koh Yao Yai, nestled between Krabi and Phuket, right in the heart of Phang Nga Bay, alongside its neighbouring island, Koh Yao Noi. After a 40-minute boat ride, you’ll arrive at Chong Lard pier on this beautiful, serene island, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel, about a 40-minute journey.

Koh Yao Yai is the larger of the two Koh Yao islands. Despite its size, it is less developed and therefore more peaceful, with fewer local residents but more visitors than Koh Yao Noi. The infrastructure is not well developed, and cars are scarce on the island, with scooters and bicycles being the most common means of transport – easy rentals are available.

You’ll quickly discover that Koh Yao Yai has an authentic charm, a pearl of tranquillity and beauty and an idyllic retreat. Life here moves at a leisurely pace. Local fishermen set out at dawn to catch the day’s haul, while farmers toil in the fields under the hot sun. The local population is renowned for their friendliness, and on this island, you can become closely acquainted with Thai culture and traditions.

Koh Yao Yai also boasts stunning landscapes, with lush forests and rolling hills, beautifully contrasting against the long stretches of untouched sandy beaches. The finest beaches can be found on the west coast, where you’ll undoubtedly stay, while the east coast’s beaches are strongly affected by the tides.

After checking in, get into your swimwear and find your new favourite spot on the beach or by the hotel’s pool, where you can soak up the sun and gentle breeze.

When hunger strikes, bear in mind that dining options are limited, but there are a handful of family-run restaurants scattered across the island. Seafood is a staple feature on menus, which also prominently display noodle and curry dishes.

As the evening draws in, you can witness the breathtaking sunsets over Phang Nga Bay, painting the sky a red-orange and sometimes an almost violet hue.

With no excursions planned, you can enjoy the days at your own pace. Relish the leisurely life by the beach with views of the bay’s picturesque limestone cliffs or take a stroll in the soft sand. While Koh Yao Yai symbolises tranquillity and a laid-back atmosphere, there’s still plenty to do: snorkel among tropical fish, hike, or cycle through beautiful landscapes, or take boat trips to nearby islands like Koh Hong and the Phi Phi Islands.

Check out our exciting range of optional tours below.

You’ll be collected from the hotel and taken to Chong Lard pier, where you will set sail for Thailand’s top beach destination: Phuket. After about 30 minutes, you’ll reach Bang Rong pier, where your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel, a journey of approximately 1 hour.

Your stay is at Kata Beach, located on Phuket’s southwest coast, one of the island’s most renowned beaches. Kata Beach is actually comprised of two beaches: Kata Yai, the ‘big’ beach, and Kata Noi, the ‘small’ beach. Both boast fine, golden sand, with calm, clear waters that are shallow and ideal for both children and adults. Kata Beach also offers a good selection of restaurants, bars, and shops.

This afternoon, embark on an exciting island tour providing great insight into what Phuket has to offer. Your guide will pick you up from the hotel for the first stop of the excursion, Phuket’s most significant temple, Wat Chalong. It’s celebrated for its magnificent architecture with beautiful murals depicting scenes from Buddha’s life.

Then, you’ll visit the charming Phuket Old Town. Once an important trading hub between China, India, and Europe, it bears the influence of both Chinese and Portuguese cultures. Experience fascinating architecture with its colourful Sino-Portuguese houses and learn about the intriguing history of the town and island. In the Phuket Old Town, you’ll also find trendy shops, art galleries, and cosy cafés and restaurants.

Dinner is enjoyed at the trendy market, Chillva, a short drive away. Indulge in the market’s delicious local delicacies such as succulent satay skewers, grilled lobster, and the dessert mango sticky rice. Grab a plastic stool, soak up the atmosphere, and occasionally enjoy live music.

After a day full of adventures and excitement, you’ll be driven back to your hotel.

With your days free, enjoy Phuket at your leisure.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, boasting over 30 magnificent beaches. It’s tempting to spend your days relaxing on the golden sands and swimming in the warm waters. If adventure calls, Phuket has much to offer with incredible natural and cultural experiences.
We recommend a snorkelling trip to the beautiful coral reefs off Phuket, where you can discover the most colourful fish.

East of Phuket lies Phang Nga Bay, famed for its numerous islands and striking limestone cliffs. It’s within this bay that you’ll find the legendary ‘James Bond Island’, where parts of ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ were filmed back in 1974.

Further east are the paradisiacal Phi Phi Islands, which you can experience on a full-day excursion allowing ample time for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing on the pristine white sandy beaches.

One evening, you must treat yourself to a sunset tour to Khao Rang Hill, one of Phuket’s most famous viewpoints. Here, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, nearby islands, and the undulating landscape. Alternatively, enjoy the sunset right from Kata Beach with a refreshing drink at one of the island’s charming beachfront bars.

Today marks your farewell to Thailand. In good time before your flight departure, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport, from where you will fly back to Europe with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You will arrive at your chosen airport after an adventurous and experience-filled tour.