Phuket & Khao Sok Holiday

After breakfast, we’ll head to the top tourist attraction in Bangkok, the magnificent Grand Palace. Walk through a corridor lined with ancient trees, and you’ll be captivated by the ornate roofs and gleaming gilded spires of this sprawling complex, which has served as the royal residence since 1782. Our guide will lead you through various temples to learn more about their functions and architectural features. During your visit, please give Wat Phra Kaew extra attention, which is considered the holiest site of Thai Buddhism and houses the Emerald Buddha, the first of Thailand’s three national treasures. Carved from a single piece of emerald, this Buddha statue is the patron saint of Thailand. To pray for peace and prosperity for the nation and its citizens, the king changes the Emerald Buddha’s costumes as the season changes.
Tip: Please refrain from wearing see-through and tight clothing when visiting. Make sure the top covers your shoulder and tummy, and the bottom covers your knees. Ripped trousers are not acceptable, either.

Next, we will visit Wat Pho. Beyond its impressive Reclining Buddha statue, this oldest and largest temple in Bangkok boasts rich inscriptions that showcase Thailand’s architectural, medicinal, and literary wisdom. It’s no wonder that Wat Pho is called the First University of Thailand.

★ Take a Long-tail Boat to Enjoy Different Bangkok City Views
Want to take in a unique perspective of the city? Hop aboard our specially arranged long-tail boat to start your 1-hour cruise on the Chao Phraya River! Please sit near the front of the boat to admire its distinctive garland decoration and enjoy a quieter experience. It’s also a great spot for taking pictures of Wat Paknam’s giant Buddha statue. You’ll also encounter local floating houses, a testament to life along the river, with numerous cables crisscrossing above.
Tips: 1. Keep your hands inside the boat, as curious giant lizards might be swimming alongside you. 2. Someone may offer floral garlands for THB 20, politely decline it if it’s not your interest.

We will finally disembark at the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and visit its 79-meter (259-foot) tall stupa. The guide will lead you up to the top of the stupa, which is an ideal place to appreciate all of Bangkok in the sunset. Then you’ll be escorted to the hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant (at your own expense): 
After today’s sightseeing, you can have dinner near Wat Arun. Chom Arun Restaurant is a good choice since it offers stunning nighttime views of the Wat Arun and Chao Phraya River from its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and observation deck. To get there, you can take the ferry from Wat Arun Pier to Rajinee Pier, and then walk northwest for 10 minutes. It is expected to spend around THB 800-900 (USD 24-27) per person for a delightful meal featuring Grilled River Prawns, Spring Rolls, and Yellow Curry Chicken. If you prefer an outdoor seat, please book on Facebook at least one month in advance and bring mosquito repellent when dining.
Average Cost per Person: THB 800-900 (USD 24-27)
Address: 392/53, Maha Rat Road, Bangkok 10200 Thailand

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom Bangkok (4 stars) - Deluxe Room or similar

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Phuket. Upon your arrival, our driver in Phuket will greet you and we’ll make the transfer to Khao Sok National Park in a comfortable private car. It takes 2.5 hours on the way.

Around 17:00, our guide will lead you to take a sightseeing boat on Cheow Lan Lake heading to the Sam Klur Mountain Khao Sok National Park. When viewed from above, the lake resembles a giant tree with many branches, each leading into the embrace of pristine rainforests. The emerald-green hue of the lake is so stunning that you may think of it as seawater. Along the way, you can also admire the raw textures of more than 100 exotic limestone peaks standing around the lake. The boatman will pause during your journey, allowing you to soak in the oil-painted scenes, where locals can be seen fishing and drawing fresh water from the lake. Along the way, with our guide's explanations, you will learn about the history of the villagers' evacuation before the dam was constructed.

Tips: 
1. The sunshine reflected on the lake can be quite dazzling, so don’t forget your sunglasses;
2. For a quieter ride, sit at the front of the boat or carry earplugs, as the engine noise from the stern can be a bit annoying.

★ Unique Experience: Stay Overnight in a Floating Resort
To fully immerse in the natural beauty, we've arranged for you to have a unique stay at a floating resort for two nights. You'll fall asleep to the gentle lapping water and wake to the symphony of birdsong. Does that sound like a cool experience to you? The rest of the afternoon depends on you! You can have a relaxing time appreciating the natural scenery around, kayaking, or jumping out of your room window to swim if you like. Dinner will be served at the resort. You can taste the authentic local food and then enjoy a peaceful night of total immersion in nature.

► Tips: The resort provides electricity from 5:00 pm to 9:00 am, and charging service is available at the reception during the day. You can also prepare power banks for that. In addition, the WIFI signal in the resort can be weak or hit-and-miss. To ensure a stable network, it is recommended that you purchase an AIS SIM card, which offers 8-day unlimited data at a cost of THB 399 (USD 12).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Panvaree Resort, Khao Sok or similar

Wake up early, as today promises an adventure like no other! Around 06:30, start your day with an exciting morning boat safari led by our guide. Drift across the lake shrouded in mist to see the amazing sunrise, which is just like a scene from a movie! In this charming natural environment, early-rising gibbons may greet you on the shore, and colorful birds might wander around our boat from time to time. Then we'll return to the resort for breakfast at 07:30, and the rest of the morning is up to you! Enjoy tranquility in a cozy bamboo house or continue the kayaking adventure.

Lunch is arranged at 11:30 to 13:30. After lunch at the resort, it's time to explore the tropical rainforests in the park, rumored to be older than the Amazon! Accompanied by our experienced guide, you'll explore the traces of wild Asian elephants and hornbills, and observe rare plants such as white palm trees and Rafflesia (corpse flower) in Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary. Traversing through the jungle, we will reach the opposite side of the lake. A motor raft is ready to lead you through the dense mangrove swamp to the mysterious Prakarang Coral Cave. Inside this limestone wonder, stalagmites and stone pillars of various shapes present you with a gallery of nature's artwork. You will also have an opportunity to discover a small waterfall hidden in the cave, where the sound of gurgling water will calm your mind. Finally, we'll return to the resort for dinner at 18:30.

► Tips:
1. For your comfortable adventure in the rainforest, please wear breathable long-sleeved clothing, pants and hiking shoes. Besides, sunscreen and mosquito spray are also useful;

2. The coral cave lacks an artificial lighting system, so use the flashlight of your mobile phone to unveil those treasures within.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Panvaree Resort, Khao Sok or similar

Wake up in your scenic floating bamboo house and enjoy breakfast. Afterwards, check out and pack your luggage, and a long-tail boat will take you away from this serene paradise, which is a great opportunity to soak in the clear lake and towering karst peaks again. If you are lucky, you may encounter wild elephants drinking water on the shore and shaking their trunks to bid farewell to you. When the boat docks, our adventure in Khao Sok comes to an end. You will be escorted back to Phuket by a private car and arrive at the hotel in 3 hours.

Phuket is one of the most popular tourist islands in Thailand, featuring white beaches, water sports and island hopping tours. The hotel we have chosen for you enjoys an exceptional location on Patong Beach, one of the liveliest places in Phuket.

► Free Time Suggestion: 
After a short break, you can explore the Otop Night Market. The clothing area boasts trendy elephant pants, Muay Thai shorts, and beach shirts, providing a wide selection to dress in the tropical style. Don’t miss out on haggling for a good price! Then treat your tasty buds with local food like Pad Thai, Coconut Cake and Mango Sticky Rice, priced at around THB 50-100 (USD 1-3) per serving. Before ending this wonderful night, enjoy a refreshing cocktail at a neon-lit open-air bar, where the soothing sound of waves beneath a starry sky creates an ideal backdrop for relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Charm Resort Phuket (4 stars) - Deluxe Room or similar

The whole day is your free time to explore Phuket. If the azure sky and sunny weather beckon, consider having a thrilling speedboat day trip to Emperor Island and Coral Island. Emperor Island features white sandy beaches with crystal-clear water shimmering, perfect for you to enjoy sunbathing or sea fishing. Then, head to Coral Island, where vibrant underwater life offers a great chance for snorkeling. Parasailing is also a popular activity there. If you want this day trip, simply make a reservation in advance at the hotel front desk or a nearby tourist shop on Patong Beach.

If you’re in the mood for a more leisurely experience, take a journey through time in Phuket Old Town. The colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings are the symbol of the town, showcasing the unique style of Phuket. Exquisite cafes along the street invite you to relax and savor the local lifestyle at a leisurely pace. Or you can visit the ancient Wat Suthon to appreciate the essence of traditional Thai architectural style. It is advised to take a unique Songthaew vehicle from the Phuket town bus terminal on Patong Beach (next to Lana Bar) to get there. It takes about 40 minutes and the ticket is THB 40 (USD 1) per person.

► Night Time & Dinner Suggestion (at your own expense): 
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you can go to the FUGA Beach Club to end your day! Its swimming pool offers an enchanting atmosphere, where you can admire the fantastic sunset while sipping your favorite cocktails. Regular fireworks and dance performances will elevate your night experience, and the talented DJ will show you the bumping heart of Phuket. Though the menu offers fast food like pizza and hamburgers, don’t miss the opportunity to try more options such as fresh oysters and exquisite sushi. The consumption depends on your seat. The sofa seats in the center have a minimum consumption requirement of THB 6,000 (USD 179). For other ordinary seats, the cost is about THB 700-1,000 (USD 21-30) per person.
Address: Patong Beach, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150 Thailand

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Charm Resort Phuket (4 stars) - Deluxe Room or similar

You can continue to enjoy a free morning in Phuket. Find your perfect spot along Patong Beach, lay out your towel, let the sun warm your skin, and unwind yourself before leaving. According to your flight time, a private car with a chauffeur will escort you to Phuket Airport. Have a good trip!

If you would like to extend your stay in Phuket, or you want to travel to other Thailand destinations like Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, or Krabi, please feel free to contact our travel consultant for further arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast