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14 days

Bangkok and island hopping in Phuket & Koh Yao Yai

Look forward to city life in Bangkok, a lively island vibe in Phuket and wind right down on the charming, peaceful island of Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay.

Bangkok and island hopping in Phuket & Koh Yao Yai
Bangkok and island hopping in Phuket & Koh Yao Yai
14 days
HomeAsiaThailandBangkok and island hopping in Phuket & Koh Yao Yai

Bangkok and island hopping in Phuket & Koh Yao Yai

Look forward to city life in Bangkok, a lively island vibe in Phuket and wind right down on the charming, peaceful island of Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay.

HomeAsiaThailandBangkok and island hopping in Phuket & Koh Yao Yai
What is included in the price?
This package includes the following
  • Flight from chosen airport to Bangkok and home from Phuket
  • Domestic flight from Bangkok to Phuket
  • 11 nights at 4-star hotels
  • 11 x breakfast (days 3-13)
  • 2 x dinner (day 4 and 6)
  • Welcome meeting in Bangkok
  • Speedboat transfer between Phuket and Koh Yao Yai
  • Local English-speaking guides on transfers and excursions
  • All mentioned transfers and excursions take place within international groups of 1–14 people and with TourCompass’ own guests only
  • Travelling in a car or minibus with air conditioning
  • ATOL certificate
  • Emergency hotline staffed 24/7 throughout your tour
  • Departure guarantee – the tour goes ahead regardless of the number of participants

Extensive excursion package:

  • Bangkok street food tour in a tuk-tuk
  • Island tour in Phuket, including the Wat Chalong temple, Phuket Old Town, and Chillva Night Market
  • Admission and fees to the sights and attractions mentioned

THE TOUR IN SHORT

This tour offers a wide variety of experiences in Bangkok and on the islands of Phuket and Koh Yao Yai.

In Bangkok, experience the pulsating city life and stark contrasts. Bangkok is a city brimming with everything a metropolis should have while delightfully surprising with its small, green havens. We’ve included a thrilling excursion in a tuk-tuk through the city’s fantastic street food scene before winding down on a relaxed rooftop bar with views of the Wat Arun Temple.

You travel on to Phuket, Thailand’s beach holiday destination No. 1, where you will find lovely golden beaches and an exciting island tour that takes you to Phuket’s most significant temple, Wat Chalong. You’ll also experience the cosy, charming Phuket Old Town and finish off at Chillva Market, where you can enjoy local delicacies. In Phuket, you have the option of heading off on a whole host of exciting excursions, including to the Phi Phi Islands.

The tour ends on the quiet island of Koh Yao Yai, which possesses an authentic charm and exudes tranquillity. The island is the perfect refuge if you dream of experiencing quiet beaches away from the crowds. Instead, you get a tropical paradise where you can shift down into the lowest gear, relax and immerse yourself in the magnificent scenery. Koh Yao Yai’s lush landscapes provide a beautiful setting for the long, pristine sandy beaches, which are made for relaxation.

In other words, on this tour, you get big city life, a lively island atmosphere and the opportunity to wind right down.

Why choose this tour

  • Look forward to city life in Bangkok, a lively island atmosphere in Phuket and pure relaxation on Koh Yao Yai
  • Hop into a tuk-tuk and taste Bangkok’s incredible street food, culminating in a relaxed rooftop bar with views of the Wat Arun Temple
  • Relax on Phuket’s golden beaches and look forward to an exciting island tour to Wat Chalong, Phuket Old Town and Chillva Night Market
  • Enjoy the quiet paradise of Koh Yao Yai, which exudes tranquillity and authentic charm, with lush nature and pristine beaches

Our tours always include

  • All international and domestic flights
  • All accommodations
  • All specified excursions and activities
  • 24/7 telephone – We’re with you all the way
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from selected airport

Today’s the day you finally get to fly to Thailand. There will be connecting flight(s) along the way.

Day 2: Arrival in Bangkok – Welcome meeting

After a long flight, you land in the Thai capital, Bangkok. You go through immigration and collect your luggage. A guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, holding up a TourCompass sign, and you will be driven from here to the hotel in central Bangkok.

Late afternoon, there will be a welcome meeting at the hotel, when your guide will tell you about Thailand; what to respect and what to be aware of. At the same time, any questions you may have will be answered and you’ll run through the itinerary. You’ll then go on a short walk in the area around the hotel, where the guide will show you where you can find a cash machine, pharmacy, etc.

After the meeting, you might be hungry and then you’re all set to head out into Bangkok’s lively streets, where outstanding culinary experiences await you, You can then look forward to a much-deserved night’s sleep.

Day 3: Bangkok on your own

You wake up to the lively and fascinating capital, Bangkok, which is home to some 12 million people.

Today, no excursions are scheduled, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Bangkok boasts a variety of transport options, so you don’t need to worry about the infamous traffic when getting around. Many people opt for tuk-tuks or book rides via the Grab app, while river taxis are also popular and form an integral part of public transport, with stops at many of the city’s major attractions. Additionally, the Sky Train snakes between the city’s skyscrapers, offering a fast, convenient, and affordable way to travel.

Divided by the 372 km long Chao Phraya River, the eastern part is considered central Bangkok. Here, you’ll find lively districts such as Sukhumvit, Silom, and Chinatown, packed with shopping centres, local markets, and excellent eateries. The east side also hosts Bangkok’s historical sites, including the city’s Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew.

After roaming Bangkok amidst its tropical heat and noisy traffic, you might find yourself yearning for greener, quieter spots. Consider visiting the Lumpini or Benjakiti Parks. Alternatively, cross to the western side of the river to discover a different world without skyscrapers and honking tuk-tuks. Here, you can encounter traditional Bangkok and a maze of canals, where houses perch on stilts and postmen deliver by boat.

There’s also the option to join one of our exciting optional tours, detailed below.

Whatever you decide to do, we assure you that ‘boredom’ isn’t a word you’ll associate with Bangkok.

Day 4: Bangkok on your own – Street food tour in a tuk-tuk

You have the day at your own leisure until late afternoon, when you’re set to take part in a street food tour in a tuk-tuk. Until then, you might choose to lounge by the pool soaking up the sun, explore the city, or partake in one of our optional tours.

In the late afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the starting point of your street food tour. Here, a tuk-tuk awaits to whisk you through Bangkok’s bustling streets to some of the city’s hidden eateries.

Along the way, you’ll glimpse several of Bangkok’s popular landmarks, beautifully illuminated in the evening. Among these is the Democracy Monument, which commemorates Thailand’s transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. The monument sits on the bustling avenue of Ratchadamnoen, not far from the Grand Palace.

Arrive at a popular Pad Thai restaurant, distinguished as a Bib Gourmand establishment. This accolade, awarded by the Michelin Guide, celebrates restaurants offering good quality food at reasonable prices. Here, you’ll savour the delicious national dish served on banana leaves, and you can even step into the kitchen to see how it all comes together.

Back in the tuk-tuk, you’ll continue past the 27-metre high Giant Swing, a significant cultural landmark next to the Wat Suthat Thepwararam Temple.

Next, visit a local night market and have the time to wander amongst the myriad stalls. Discover local delicacies, such as braised pork leg (khao kha mu), coconut pudding, and sticky rice with egg (bua loi khai waan).

The tour moves on to Thailand’s largest flower market, Pak Klong Talat, open only at night. Stroll past the numerous flower stalls, with the chance to fold your own lotus flower, which holds great symbolic value, especially for Buddhists.

At the next stop, learn about Thai wedding traditions as you visit a patisserie specialising in wedding cakes.

End your evening at a relaxed rooftop bar by the Chao Phraya River, with views of the illuminated Wat Arun Temple. The view is simply unparalleled!

After an exquisite evening, you’ll be driven back to your hotel.

Day 5: Flight from Bangkok to Phuket

Today, you’ll be flying to Southern Thailand. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport, from which you’ll fly to Thailand’s holiday destination no. 1: Phuket.

On your arrival, you’ll pick up your luggage, and your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, ready to drive you to the hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Perhaps you fancy a dip in the waves? Or how about a stroll along the beach where you can enjoy the sun’s rays, the gentle lapping of the waves and the relaxing atmosphere?

You’ll be based at Kata Beach, which is on the south-western coast of Phuket and one of the most famous beaches on the whole island. Kata Beach actually consists of two beaches: Kata Yai, the “big” beach, and Kata Noi, the “small” beach. Both beaches have fine, golden sand. The water is clear, calm and relatively shallow – ideal beach for children and adults alike. Kata Beach is considerably quieter than the famous Patong Beach, but it still offers a good selection of nice restaurants, pleasant bars and shops.

Day 6: Island tour visiting Wat Chalong, Phuket Old Town and Chillva Night Market

The day is yours to do as you please until the afternoon, when you’ll be going on an exciting guided tour of the island. Phuket has been nicknamed the “Pearl of the Andeman”, and for good reason.

You will be picked up at the hotel by your guide and driver. The first stop is Phuket’s most significant temple, Wat Chalong. Wat Chalong is known for its magnificent architecture with beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.

From here, you will be driven to the cosy and charming Phuket Old Town. In the early days, the town was an important hub for trade between China, India and Europe, and the Chinese and Portuguese in particular have left their mark on the town. Discover the fascinating architecture with its colourful Sino-Portuguese houses and learn more about the town and the exciting history of the island. Phuket Old Town also offers trendy shops and art galleries alongside cosy cafés and restaurants.

Dinner is served at the hip Chillva Market, a short drive away, where, you can taste the market’s delicious local specialities, such as juicy satay skewers, grilled lobster, sushi, and the dessert sticky rice with mango. Sit yourself down on a plastic stool and enjoy the atmosphere, often with live music to complete the mood.

You’ll then be driven back to your hotel after an exciting, adventure-filled day.

Accommodation:
Days 7-9: Beach holiday in Phuket

There are no excursions planned for today, so you can enjoy Phuket at your own pace.

Thailand’s largest island, Phuket has more than 30 wonderful beaches. So you might be tempted to spend the days just lazing on the golden beaches and swimming in the warm water. But if you feel like heading out in search of adventure, Phuket actually has a lot to offer in the way of nature and cultural experiences.

We also recommend a snorkelling trip to one of the stunning coral reefs off the coast of Phuket, where you’ll see the most beautiful colourful fish?

East of Phuket is Phang Nga Bay, which is famous for its many islands and impressive limestone cliffs. Among other things, this is the bay where you can find the legendary “James Bond Island”, where some of the scenes in The Man with the Golden Gun were filmed in 1974.

Even further east are the heavenly Phi Phi Islands, which you can experience on a full-day excursion, giving you time to swim, snorkel, and relax on the white sandy beaches.

Be sure to spend at least one evening on a sunset excursion to Khao Rang Hill, one of Phuket’s most famous lookout points. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city, nearby islands, and the undulating landscape.

Day 10: Speedboat from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

After breakfast and check-out, you’ll meet your driver in the lobby. He’ll drive you to Bang Rong pier, where you’ll take a speedboat to Koh Yao Yai, located off the coast of Phuket in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, along with the neighbouring island of Koh Yao Noi. After just 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at the beautiful, peaceful island, where a driver will be waiting to drive you to your hotel, which takes around 40 minutes.

Koh Yao Yai is the largest of the two Koh Yao islands, but despite being the largest, it’s the least developed and thus also the quietest. There are fewer local residents, but more visitors than on Koh Yao Noi. The infrastructure is not especially well developed, which is why you’ll not find many cars on the island. Scooters and bicycles are the most common means of transport here – and are easy to hire.

You’ll soon find that Koh Yao Yai possesses an authentic charm. It’s a tranquil and scenic gem – an idyllic retreat. Life is lived at a slow pace here. The local fishermen set out to sea at dawn to harvest the catch of the day, while farmers work in the fields under the baking sun. The local people are known for their kindness, and here on the island, you get right up close to Thai culture and traditions.

Koh Yao Yai also offers impressive landscapes with lush forests and rolling hills providing a scenic contrast to the long stretches of pristine sandy beaches. The best beaches are to be found on the west coast, while the beaches on the east coast are heavily influenced by the tides.

After check-in, you can pull on your swimwear and find your favourite new spot on the beach or by the hotel pool, where you can soak up the sun and the gentle breeze.

When hunger strikes, you should be aware that there are not oceans of dining options, but there are a good handful of family-run restaurants located around the island. Seafood is an integral part of the menu, which is dominated by noodle dishes and curry dishes.

In the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset over Phang Nga Bay, which paints the sky in shades of red, orange and sometimes almost violet.

Days 11-12: Beach holiday in Koh Yao Yai

There are no excursions planned, so you can enjoy the next few days at your own pace. Laze on the beach with a view of the bay’s picturesque limestone karsts or stroll along the soft sand. While Koh Yao Yai is synonymous with peace and quiet and a laid-back atmosphere, there’s still plenty to do: snorkelling among tropical fish, walks and bike rides through the scenic countryside, as well as boat trips to nearby islands such as Koh Hong and the Phi Phi Islands.

Check out our exciting selection of optional excursions below.

Day 13: Departure day

Today, the time has come to say goodbye to Thailand. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the pier, from which you’ll sail back to Phuket. A driver will be waiting to drive you to the airport, which takes about 30 minutes, and you’ll fly back to Europe with connecting flights(s) along the way.

Day 14: Arrival back home

You land at the airport of your choice after an adventure-filled holiday with city life and island vibes.

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Millie Davies

Millie’s passion for travel sparked when she was little, and now she loves to help others fulfil their travel dreams

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