Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket & the Andaman Islands — 12 Days
From Bangkok's temples and Phuket's beaches to Koh Phi Phi, Railay, and Krabi's mangrove kayaking.
This 12-day itinerary moves across Thailand's central and southern regions, beginning in Bangkok with visits to Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Saket, then traveling overnight by bus to Phuket. From there, the route includes an elephant sanctuary visit focused on feeding and care practices, then progresses by ferry to Koh Phi Phi for snorkeling and island time, followed by boat transfers to Railay Beach and Krabi. The final leg includes mangrove kayaking in Krabi before returning to Phuket for departure. The pace includes both structured activities and unscheduled time. Accommodation is mid-range throughout, with in-country transport, most meals, and entrance fees included. Some evening activities and meals remain at your own expense.
Highlights
- Wat Arun, Wat Pho's reclining Buddha, and Wat Saket in Bangkok—three major temples spanning different architectural periods
- Elephant sanctuary visit with direct feeding and care participation
- Koh Phi Phi island: Maya Bay access (subject to seasonal government restrictions), snorkeling in Pileh Lagoon, and Monkey Beach
- Railay Beach—limestone cliffs accessible only by longtail boat, with narrow strip of sand between rock faces and sea
- Mangrove kayaking in Krabi bay, with opportunities to observe kingfishers, herons, and crab-eating macaques
- Overnight bus transfer from Bangkok to Phuket and ferry transfers between islands
Day by day
1Arrival in Bangkok & Welcome Dinnerwelcome dinner · Bangkok Airport (BKK) · hotel · Khaosan Road
Arrive at Bangkok Airport (BKK) by 5 p.m. Complimentary airport pickup and transfer to hotel. After checking in, you have time to rest and settle before the evening. That night, join the group for a welcome dinner, with the option to visit Khaosan Road afterward—a central Bangkok thoroughfare known for bars, street food, and late-night activity. This introduction sets the pace for the coming days: a mix of structured group meals and independent time.
2Bangkok City Tour & Overnight Transfer to PhuketWat Arun · Chao Phraya River · Wat Pho · Wat Saket · hotel · Bangkok to Phuket
Begin with a visit to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River. A boat ride crosses the river to Wat Pho, where a large reclining Buddha statue dominates the main hall. Wat Saket, on an elevated platform, offers views across central Bangkok. The pace is moderate, allowing time between each site. In the afternoon and early evening, you have downtime at the hotel. Later that evening, board an overnight bus to Phuket—approximately 12 hours. The bus includes reclining seats, blankets, and a meal stop en route. You arrive in Phuket early morning.
3Phuket Beach & Bangla RoadBangla Road · the hotel pool · the beach
After the overnight bus journey, the morning is unstructured: most travelers spend it at the hotel pool or resting. The beach is a two-minute walk from the accommodation. In late afternoon and evening, a group bar crawl is organized along Bangla Road, Phuket's main entertainment strip. Pre-drinks begin at the hotel pool; afterward, the group moves to multiple bars. This segment is at your own expense, and participation is optional. The evening pace is social and casual.
4Phuket Day Tour: Viewpoint, Big Buddha & Old TownBig Buddha · Karon Viewpoint · Phuket Old Town · sunset beach
A guided tour covers Karon Viewpoint, a seaside overlook on Phuket's southern coast. Next is Big Buddha, a large marble statue atop Nakkerd Hills—monks on site offer blessings. The third stop is Phuket Old Town, a small historic district with shophouses built during the tin-mining era; the streets retain Sino-Portuguese architecture and small family markets. A sunset beach moment concludes the day. All transportation and entrance fees are included; meals are not.
5Elephant Sanctuary: Feeding & Careelephant sanctuary
A full-day visit to an elephant sanctuary includes preparing food, direct feeding, and time learning about elephant behavior and history in Thailand. Lunch is provided at the sanctuary. The group returns to the hotel in the afternoon. Details on the sanctuary's specific conservation practices—such as whether riding or bathing occurs—should be confirmed at booking, as standards vary.
6Ferry to Koh Phi PhiKoh Phi Phi · Patcharee · Reggae Bar · Phuket to Koh Phi Phi
A short ferry ride from Phuket delivers you to Koh Phi Phi, famed for its unspoiled beaches and laid-back island atmosphere. The crossing takes approximately some time. On arrival, settle into your hotel, then head to Patcharee for lunch. The afternoon opens up for exploration—many guests make their way to the well-known Instagram swing for photos, or simply wander the island's sandy lanes and coves. As evening approaches, the group reconvenes to share recommendations on the local nightlife scene. Reggae Bar is a popular spot where the night comes alive. Dinner and evening activities are at your own pace and expense.
7Koh Phi Phi: Boat Tour to Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon & Monkey BeachMaya Bay · Pileh Lagoon · Monkey Beach
A full-day longtail boat excursion departs in the morning. Maya Bay—the limestone lagoon featured in a film—is the first stop; note that access is subject to seasonal government restrictions and may be closed for periods during each year. Snorkeling follows in Pileh Lagoon. Monkey Beach, a separate location, offers time to observe monkeys in their natural setting. The boat returns to shore by late afternoon. An evening bar crawl across multiple beach venues is optional and at your own expense. Alcohol consumption and nightlife tone are not managed by the tour operator.
8Koh Phi Phi to Railay Beach by Longtail BoatKoh Phi Phi to Railay Beach · Railay Beach
A longtail boat transfers the group from Koh Phi Phi to Railay Beach, a narrow strip of sand hemmed by limestone cliffs. Railay is reachable only by boat—no road access exists. The afternoon is unstructured; most travelers spend time on the beach or exploring the immediate area. The dramatic cliff formations are the main visual feature. Dinner and evening activities are independent.
9Railay Beach & Boat Transfer to KrabiRailay Beach · Krabi · Railay Beach to Krabi
The morning is free for swimming, sunbathing, or walking the beach and nearby trails. Monkeys are common in the area. A boat departs for Krabi by water. Upon arrival, check into accommodation. The rest of the day is unstructured.
10Mangrove Kayaking in Krabi Baymangrove ecosystem located between Than Bok Khoranee and Krabi town
A half-day kayaking excursion enters a mangrove ecosystem located between Than Bok Khoranee and Krabi town. Kingfishers, little herons, and crab-eating macaques inhabit the mangroves. Paddling is moderate in pace and does not require prior kayaking experience. The group returns by mid-afternoon. All equipment and guide services are included. Lunch follows; the rest of the day is free.
11Return to Phuket & Farewell DinnerPhuket · Krabi to Phuket · Phuket beach
We bid farewell to Krabi's landscapes with a scenic 3-hour bus journey back to Phuket. The afternoon is yours to unwind—relax by the beach, revisit favourite spots, or grab those last-minute snacks from 7-Eleven. As evening approaches, gather with your travel companions for a final meal together, sharing stories and memories from the journey. It's a fitting close to your time in Thailand.
12Phuket DeparturePhuket Airport
Your 12-day adventure through Thailand concludes today. Depending on your flight time, arrange transport to Phuket Airport for your departure. As you leave, reflect on the destinations explored and memories created—and consider where your next adventure might lead.
Where you go
- 1Khaosan Road
- 2Wat Arun
- 3Wat Pho
- 4Wat Saket
- 5Bangla Road
- 6Big Buddha
- 7Karon Viewpoint
- 8Phuket Old Town
- 9elephant sanctuary
- 10Koh Phi Phi
- 11Maya Bay
- 12Pileh Lagoon
- 13Monkey Beach
- 14Railay Beach
- 15Krabi
- 16Phuket
- 17Phuket Airport
Included
- Airport Pickup on Arrival
- In-Country Transport
- Stated Meals
- Pre-Departure Support
- Expert Local Guide
- Like-Minded Travel Group
- Free E-Sim
- Bangkok City Tour
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour
- Elephant Sanctuary
- Phi Phi Boat Trip
- Railay Beach
- Mangrove Kayaking
- All Entrance Tickets
- Welcome and Farewell Meal
- Bangkok Boat Ride
- Phuket Viewpoint
- Phuket Beach Day
- Phi Phi Island Bar Crawl
- 11 Nights Accommodation
Not included
- Flights
- Optional Activities
- Travel Insurance
- Visas