Destination Thailand
Phuket Excursions
Elephant Trek (45 min)
Operated: Daily, 08:00–11:30 or 13:00–16:30 hrs.
A tour that is both exciting and educational! We are taken to the Chalong Highlands, the location of Phuket’s best elephant camp to learn about the national animal of Thailand. Information is also given about the internationally acclaimed Siam Safari Elephant Conservation project which promotes the good health care, welfare and the conservation of these amazing but endangered animals. It is then time to climb onboard a jumbo for a ride through the jungle. The route takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in Phuket. You will also get the chance to meet some baby elephants and see how they are trained by their mahouts who develop a lifelong association with their animals. You can even buy art work painted by an elephant with all proceeds going towards the preservation of these amazing animals.
Phuket Island Tour
Operated: Daily, 09:30–13:30 or 13:30–17:30 hrs.
This tour provides the perfect orientation to the life and beauty of the island of Phuket in just half-a-day. The itinerary includes a visit to Phuket Town, an area rich in culture and history. A guided tour takes in the Sino-Portugese style buildings and there is also an opportunity to shop at one of the many bustling local markets. The road trip takes in many of the island’s iconic buildings, such as glittering Wat Chalong and the impressive Big Buddha which sits high on hill and provides spectacular views of the island. The coastline road is especially panoramic and takes in Patong, Karon, Kata and Rawai. A highlight is a visit to the ‘Three Beachesí viewpoint’ which takes in a superb vista of the beautiful bays of Kata Noi, Kata, Karon and Kho Phu Island. Whether you are a first time visitor to the island or a returnee, this excursion will enrich your holiday memories of the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’.
Four-in-One Safari with Sundown Cruise
Operated: Daily, 13:00–18:30 hrs.
We are taken by four-wheel drive We are taken in an open air vehicle from the Siam Safari Center up to the Chalong highlands to the acclaimed Siam Safari Elephant camp to learn about elephants and conservation programs and also to watch the mahouts train the elephants to respond to commands and perform forestry skills. There follows an elephant trek on a scenic jungle trail that takes in stunning views of Chalong Bay and Phi Phi Islands on the horizon. Other informative activities include demonstrations of how jungle curry is made; how rubber is tapped from trees; how monkeys are trained to only select the ripe coconuts from trees; how coconuts are processed to make milk and oil; and the role of buffaloes in agriculture and traditional Thai communities. There will even be an opportunity to sit on a buffalo. After all these activities, join an exclusive afternoon cruise in Chalong Bay aboard a classical wooden junk style boat. Cruise past Lone Island (home of local fishermen) and see exceptional views of the islands dotted around the bay. Two glasses of wine or beer are included in the price and light refreshments will be served. Relax and enjoy the stunning view as the late afternoon sun goes down on idyllic tropical islands. Early evening return to hotels.
Phang-Nga Bay
Operated: Daily, 08:00–17:00 hrs.
An unforgettable journey through one of the most unique marine settings in the world! Start the perfect day with a drive across the causeway to the mainland where a boat awaits to take us on a cruise around the towering limestone karst islands in the famous Phang-Nga Bay. These majestic rocks rise dramatically out of the sea and are interspersed with mangroves and fascinating hidden caves. En-route a visit is made to the renowned James Bond Islands, the location for ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ and countless other movies. A trip to the floating sea gypsy village of Koh Panyi is next. This village is notable for being built on stilts at the end of the 18th century by nomadic fisherman. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Phang-Nga Sea Canoe
Operated: Daily, 07:30–17:00 hrs.
A chance to explore true, undisturbed nature while having one of the greatest adventures life can offer. Discover the sea caves, hongs and tunnels of Koh Panak and Koh Hong. A ‘hong’ is an open-air, cliff-lined cylindrical tidal lagoon connected to the outside world through caves. Learn about, the ecosystems of these ‘secret’ places. Sit back and relax in complete comfort and safety and, probably for the first time, actually hear a bird fly in the total tranquility of this ‘lost world’. The tour includes a visit to Lawa Island where guests can paddle canoes, swim, or laze on the beach. Included are: transfers, soft drinks, snacks, fruit, buffet lunch, National Park entrance fees, life jackets, flashlight, canoe equipment and the services of expert paddlers.
Pick-up and drop off times subject to change depending on the tide.
Phi Phi Island
Operated: Daily, 07:00–17:00 hrs.
Cruise by big boat to two of the world’s most beautiful islands; Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley, also known as the Viking islands because of the ancient color paintings resembling Viking boats in one of the caves. Phi Phi Ley boasts huge limestone cliffs with hidden grottoes and scattered idyllic beaches. The islands came to worldwide prominence when Ko Phi Phi Leh was used as the location for the Hollywood movie ‘The Beach’. Take in the spectacular scenery ahead of a stop at Phi Phi Don for lunch at a restaurant in Ton Sai, the main village and tourist centre of the two islands. After lunch there is ample time to shop, swim, snorkel or just relax on the beach. Masks and snorkels are provided free of charge and a boat will take us to excellent snorkeling spots nearby that have abundant coral and a plethora of tropical fish. After a relaxing afternoon on the famous beaches of Phi Phi Island, we will return to Phuket in time to view the evening sunset.
Similan Islands (By Speed Boat)
Operated: Daily, 08:00–17:00 hrs.
This tour takes guests to explore one of the best snorkeling sites in Thailand. The Similan Islands form an area of great natural beauty and were declared a Marine National Park in 1982. They are surrounded by clear water and contain abundant marine life, from small fish to manta rays. Consisting of nine islands fringed with rocky outcrops and beaches with fine white sand, the islands are a diver’s dream. Water clarity is excellent and each island has its own unique scenery. In the morning, we are taken across the Andaman Sea to Honeymoon Bay and Koh Ha for snorkeling before heading over to Na Beach on Koh Miang where we can either snorkel in Princess Bay or explore the island and laze on the beach. Afterwards, a Thai buffet lunch is served at an idyllic beachside restaurant. Then it is time to head to Christmas Point for swimming and snorkeling and onto Donald Duck Bay for either swimming or a hike to the island’s viewpoint. The journey back to Phuket is made at 3pm. Travel time on the boat is approximately 90 minutes each way.
Phuket Fantasea
Operated: Daily (excl. Thursday), 17:30–22:30 hrs.
Phuket FantaSea showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand. It encompasses an extravagant 140-acre theme site which includes a festival village, carnivals, games, handicraft stalls, shopping outlets and a 4,000 seat restaurant offering a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine. The main attraction is the breath taking Las Vegas-style theatrical show that uses state-of-the-art technology and special effects to reveal Thailand's myths, mysteries and magic. The performance includes magical illusions, animal performances and musical presentations in a 3,000 seat theatre set against a backdrop of the reconstruction of an ancient Thai stone palace.
(Choice of transfer, dinner and show, or transfer and show only)
Sundown Dinner Cruise By Burmese Junk
Operated: Daily, 15:30–20:30 hrs.
This tour offers the perfect experience to view a tropical sunset onboard a classical wooden Burmese Junk. The cruise sets off from Chalong Bay and along the south coast of Phuket Island passing Cape Panwa with its quiet beaches and tropical rainforest-clad hills. Nearby Coral Island is inhabited by Muslim fishermen and sometimes the call to prayer can be heard drifting across the water from the mosque in the late afternoon. To the south of the island are clear waters with coral reefs. This area is a mixture of small fishing villages, prawn farms and coconut lined coves and it is renowned for its stunning sunsets. Enjoy a drink from the bar, then a sumptuous Thai buffet dinner as the sun sets. There is no better way to enjoy Thailand’s marine wonderland than aboard this dinner cruise boat!
