Thailand: Phuket & the Andaman Coast
Forget the city. This one is all about unadulterated idyllic island beauty - where mountainous rainforests meet halcyon beaches. Been waiting for a sign you need a pure escape? This is it
What's included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- Arrival transfer included
About your trip
Spend 10 sun-kissed days exploring Thailand’s idyllic islands and Andaman coastline on this slower-paced immersive adventure.
Starting in Khao Lak, whose turquoise palm-fringed shores remain blissfully undeveloped, you’ll spend lazy days cruising through the mangroves (hello snakes, birds and monkeys), visiting a sea turtle sanctuary and learning how to cook an authentic Thai feast – a skill you’ll be very popular for at home.
Powder-white sands and jagged karst landscapes await as you island-hop across the crystalline Andaman Sea, seeking out the best spots for swimming, snorkelling and picnics. You’ll embrace your inner artist with a batik painting masterclass and find your peace on Phuket as you meditate with Buddhist monks, mingle with rehabilitated elephants and spend balmy barefoot evenings sipping cocktails as the sun sets.
Who said adventure needs to be hard work?
- Arrive into Phuket Airport where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you to the laid-back beach town of Khao Lak
- Arrive at your palm-fringed beachside hotel and settle in with a welcome cocktail and three-course Thai dinner as you get to know your fellow Flashpackers
- Take a dip in the sea before you head off to discover the secrets of authentic Thai cuisine
- Joining an expert local chef, you’ll cook up a banquet of traditional dishes, so simple you can recreate them at home
- Sit down to enjoy anything from crisp spring rolls and fresh papaya salad to tangy pad Thai and aromatic green curry, savouring the fruits of your labour
- Board a traditional longtail boat as you set off to explore the unspoiled coastline, looking out for exotic wildlife as you go
- Stop off to relax on the golden sands of beautiful Khao Na Yak cape
- Pay a visit to the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Centre to learn how these endangered creatures that nest here are protected
- Travel onwards to Koh Yao Yai: a sleepy island in Phang Nha Bay, surrounded by sandy shores and secluded coves
- Embrace your inner artist as you create your own batik artwork using elaborate and colorful designs
- Explore a nearby rubber plantation to see how the trees are tapped for sap – a process done entirely by hand
- Today you’ll island-hop across the pristine Koh Hong archipelago – a world of real desert island perfection
- Snorkel the shallow reefs off Pakbia Island and swim in the emerald water of Koh Hong’s hidden lagoon
- Feeling energetic? Hike up to the viewpoint for a 360-degree panorama
- Take a speedboat across the turquoise bay to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, where you’ll be spending the next four nights
- Settle into your stylish hotel and spend a blissful afternoon swimming in the turquoise sea
- Take your pick for dinner: plenty of seafood restaurants and street food stalls are dotted along the beach
- Learn about the traditional practice of meditation at Wat Mai Luang Pu Supha, one of Phuket’s most sacred sites
- Join the monks at Wat Chalong Monastery as they go about their daily rituals, gaining an insight into the life of Thai Buddhists
- Find a quiet corner to practice your meditation, calming your mind and soothing your soul as the temple bells ring out above
- Explore the Phi Phi Islands by speedboat, stopping off at stunning Ao Maya – once used as the setting for ‘The Beach’
- Continue around Phi Phi Lay Cove and Monkey Beach (look out for the long-tailed macaques) for more swaying palm trees and picture-perfect bays
- Dip beneath the surface to discover underwater beauty and exotic marine life before a lazy picnic lunch
- Spend a magical morning mingling with rescued gentle giants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
- Gain an aerial view from the 600-metre canopy walkway (the longest in Thailand) before meeting them up close as you walk through the forest
- Back at your hotel, you’ll gather for a farewell dinner. Raise a toast with your group – now firm friends
- All too soon, your trip has come to an end and it’s time to make your way to the airport
- Return to daily life with an undeniable feeling of contentment. You’ve experienced some of the world’s most stunning corners now, after all
Where you'll be staying
We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.
Khaolak Laguna Resort
Nestled amidst lush tropical foliage on Khao Lak’s pretty beach, the resort fuses modern design with traditional Thai aesthetics, including Buddha statues, local artwork and polished dark-wood floors. Vine-covered pathways lead to the serene spa, beachfront restaurant and freeform pools (complete with whirlpool) overlooking the ocean.
Royal Yao Yai Beach Resort
Expect stunning sunsets from this west-facing hotel, just steps from the white sand of Loh Pa-Red beach. The modern rooms are light and airy, with private balconies and teak furnishings, but you’ll probably spend most of your time outside either lounging by the pool or cosied up on a beanbag underneath a palm.
Proud Phuket Hotel
A chic Sino-Thai retreat on the quieter northern side of Phuket, next to Sirinat National Park and just a stone’s throw from uncrowded Nai Yang Beach. The hotel boasts lush manicured gardens, turquoise lap pools and a lovely rooftop lounge with vine-draped walls, plus it’s just a 10-minute drive from the airport.
Adventure FAQs
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into and out of Phuket Airport (HKT).
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What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Please aim to arrive at Phuket Airport by 1 pm on Day 1 to meet your private group transfer to Khao Lak. Depending what time your flight lands, you may have to wait a short while in the airport.
If you need to arrive later than 1 pm, please let us know so we can arrange a separate transfer for you.
If you have booked a pre-night, you will meet the rest of your group at the welcome meeting on Day 1, which takes place at the hotel.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
Depart at your own leisure any time on Day 10.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer to Khao Lak will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
Excluding alcohol, we’d suggest budgeting the equivalent of 30 GBP. That said, if you’re willing to eat like a local it can be a lot less. It is still possible in Thailand to buy a plate of food for 1-2 GBP.
Please note that tips for your Pack Leader and driver are not included in the cost of this adventure.
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Should I be worried about animal welfare at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary?
Elephant tourism is a concern in many countries, including Thailand.
A recent report by the Animal Welfare Protection charity lists Phuket Elephant Sanctuary as one of the best venues for observing elephants.
- The organisation assessed elephant welfare in Thailand, India, Laos, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Malaysia as of January 2020.
- They used nine recognised criteria considered to have a significant direct impact on an elephant’s welfare.
- Their researchers visited elephant tourism venues offering a range of entertainment activities including rides, shows, elephant washing, feeding, selfies and observation.
Following the research they compiled a list of venues with the best welfare conditions.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers an ethical way to interact with these animals by allowing visitors to observe them, follow them through the forest and feed them, but not ride them.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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