Tusks and Trails: 10 Nights in Phuket, Khao Lak and Khao Sok

Overview

We explore the wild south of Thailand on this holiday. We go from the lovely beaches of Phuket, to the ancient tropical forests of Khao Sok, and the quiet shores of Khao Lak. We begin our trip in Phuket. Here we can soak up the sun, swim in clear waters, and learn about local life. As we head north, the views change to a wild, untouched landscape with some of Thailand's most beautiful natural sights. We enter the heart of Khao Sok National Park. Here we can walk through the jungle, canoe along the calm rivers, and see rare animals in their homes. At the Elephant Hills camp, we get to meet elephants up close. We learn about their behaviour and social lives safely and kindly. After our Khao Sok adventure, we relax on the white sand beaches and clear blue waters of Khao Lak.

Best season: The dry season from November to February is best for good weather.

Gallery

Trip highlights

• Enjoy the beaches of Phuket and Khao Lak
• Discover the ancient rainforests of Khao Sok National Park
• Meet and feed elephants at Elephant Hills camp
• Canoe safari along the Sok River
• Explore the beautiful Cheow Larn Lake

Day by day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Welcome to the Pearl of the Andaman!

   When we arrive in Phuket, we meet our driver and go to our hotel to relax. If we are not too tired, we can visit the famous Bangla Road in Patong Beach. There are lively bars, clubs, and street performers. We can also visit local markets or try delicious Thai food.

2. Day 2

   Arrival in Khao Sok

   After breakfast, we get ready for our Khao Sok adventure. On the way, we see tropical rural life. When we arrive at Elephant Hills Camp, a buffet lunch with Thai dishes is waiting for us. Our stay in Khao Sok will be a highlight. We will meet and feed the elephants at Elephant Hills Camp. We will canoe down the Sok River past limestone mountains and cliffs. In the evening, we enjoy cultural shows, including dance and a cooking demonstration.

3. Day 3

   Discover the Marvelous Mangrove Swamps

   We wake to the sounds of nature and birds, with mist over the rainforest. After breakfast, we start our first adventure on the West Coast. We take a speed boat to explore the mangrove forest channels. We look out for wildlife and can use binoculars. We stop for lunch and then take a quiet self paddle canoe trip on a nearby mangrove creek. On the way back, we stop at a local market for some Thai shopping. We end the day with dinner by the rainforest.

4. Day 4

   Witness the spectacular Cheow Lan Lake

   Today begins with a hearty breakfast. Our adventure takes us to Cheow Lan Lake. This man made lake is surrounded by limestone mountains and cliffs covered in rainforest. We take a longtail boat journey. We can pack our swimwear for a dip in the emerald water, and we will have lunch afterwards. We return to the hotel and can choose an activity or relax by the pool. We enjoy one last dinner at Elephant Hills.

5. Day 5

   Goodbye Khao Sok and Hello Khao Lak

   We wake to the jungle sounds of Elephant Hills and enjoy breakfast. Our last adventure is a jungle walk. This is a chance to explore one of the world's oldest rainforests. We see exotic plants, tropical hardwood trees, and many life forms. We walk slowly, look, learn, and listen. We discover some of the rainforest's secrets. We return to Elephant Camp for a Thai buffet before checking out. We then transfer to Khao Lak. Here we can relax at a spa. We treat ourselves to a calming wellness experience. We deserve to look after ourselves today. We watch the stunning sunsets from viewpoints like Cape Pakarang and Sunset Beach. We let the peace and beauty wash over us.

6. Day 6

   A Day Trip to Phi Phi Islands

   Are we ready for another adventure? We take a speedboat to explore the Phi Phi Islands. We start early to avoid the crowds. Our tour takes us to the most famous spots of the beautiful Phi Phi islands. We see pristine beaches and landscapes, where we can swim and snorkel in the clear waters. Our first stop is Phi Phi Leh island, home to Maya Bay. Next, we visit Phi Phi Leh Lagoon for a refreshing swim. Afterwards, we go to Phi Phi Don to climb to a viewpoint. We take in the amazing views and see the town. We enjoy a light breakfast and later lunch. Drinks are provided on the speedboat. We also see Viking Cave and monkeys from the boat. We make the most of a long snorkelling stop. Finally, we head to Bamboo Island for a picnic lunch and a swim on the beach.

7. Day 7

   Discover the Wonders of Similan Islands

   We start the day with a delicious breakfast. We can choose an optional trip to the pier for an exciting adventure to the Similan Islands for snorkelling and diving. The calm sea and perfect weather add to the excitement of our hour long boat ride. Or, we can have the day to ourselves and relax by the beach or take a walk down the street. Khao Lak offers adventure, beautiful scenery, and lots of marine life. It is a trip we will remember.

8. Day 8

   A Journey through Khao Lak's Lam Ru National Park

   Today, after breakfast, we can hike the trails of Lam Ru National Park. We see spectacular scenery and new wonders at every turn. We start early to explore the stunning waterfalls. It is a great photo opportunity. We continue to incredible viewpoints and the lush jungle with its exotic sounds. The well marked trails let us explore freely and enjoy the plants and animals. Lam Ru National Park is a natural wonder. As the sun sets, we return to our accommodation. We feel content after a day in nature. Our Khao Lak adventure will be a cherished memory. This tour is optional.

9. Day 9

   Thrilling Outdoor Adventure in Khao Lak

   As the sun rises on day 9 of our Khao Lak adventure, excitement is in the air. We are ready for an adrenaline filled day. The first activity is white water rafting. We navigate the lush forests around Khao Lak. Next is zip lining. We experience nature's beauty from above. We zip line through the green forests, taking in the views and feeling the wind. The experience is thrilling and unforgettable. As the day ends, we think about our amazing experiences and relax by the pool. This tour is optional.

10. Day 10

    Remembering the Past and Embracing the Present

    Today is a day of cultural exploration in Khao Lak. Our first stop is the Tsunami Memorial and Museum. It is a sad reminder of the 2004 tsunami. Walking through the museum, we learn about the tsunami's impact and the efforts to rebuild. The stories and images are powerful. They give us a new appreciation for the people's strength. Our next stop is The Wat Suwan Khuha Temple. It is in the hills outside Khao Lak. The temple has a beautiful reclining Buddha statue. We also visit the nearby Cave Temple. Here we explore natural caves and admire carvings. We head back to the hotel to relax and enjoy the evening. This tour is optional.

11. Day 11

    Farewell Thailand!

    After a delicious breakfast, we get ready to be picked up from our hotel. We head to the airport for our flight home. Thailand's natural beauty, lively culture, and friendly people have made this an amazing experience. It is hard to say goodbye to a place that has left such a lasting impression. As we return to the UK, we will keep the memories and experiences we will always cherish.