Things to do in West Coast Thai Beaches
Phang Nga Snorkelling Trip
Enjoy a full day snorkelling trip from Phuket pier to Phang Nga Bay, heading across by boat to the wide channel separating Koh Yao and Koh Yao Noi islands. Don your mask and jump overboard to snorkel in these calm waters which are teeming with tropical fish. Then continue on to swim in the waters of Phang Nga Bay and stop here for a picnic lunch aboard the boat.
Street Food Tour in Phuket Town
Discover the best local food in Phuket's old town on a street food tour. Begin early and spend the morning wandering along the side streets of the city, stopping off at food stalls which sell everything from fresh fruit to noodle dishes. Enjoy dim sum for breakfast with some locally grown coffee and chat to some of the shop owners, many of whom have been running these stalls for generations.
Dine in a Cave
Enjoy lunch or dinner in the spectacular natural setting of The Grotto, a restaurant nestled into the ancient limestone cliff at Rayavadee Resort. This is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch overlooking Phranang Beach or to sip cocktails as the sun sets over the water. You can also enjoy a seafood barbecue here in the evening upon request, dining on fresh, locally caught fish.
The Best of Thailand
Explore some of the best Southeast Asia has to offer on a holiday to Thailand, home to remarkable temples, spectacular scenery and exotic beaches. Visiting one of the numerous elephant sanctuaries, indulging in local cuisine and wandering through the beautiful Khao Sok National Park are just a few of the best things to do in Thailand. Read on for more…
Elephant Experiences
The lush northern regions of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are home to some of the best and most ethical elephant experiences in Thailand.
Visit a sanctuary where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the resident elephants who have all been rescued from mistreatment. One of the volunteers from the sanctuary will show you around and explain the threats to the Thai elephant population and their natural habitat, to give you a better idea of the important work being done in the sanctuaries.
In most sanctuaries the elephants are allowed to roam completely free in the park, but they have also become accustomed to daily feeding routines so are likely to be around for you to meet as you help the staff with feeding.
A highlight for many visitors is the chance to help the staff bathe the elephants, getting up close and personal with the beautiful, gentle creatures as you do so. There is often also the opportunity to join the mahouts and elephants on an extended trek in the surrounding area, passing through the stunning terrain of jungles, rivers and mountains.
Jungle Visit
Visit a night safari centre to see a number of different species of wildlife. Expect to see white tigers, jaguars, capybaras, clouded leopards, fishing cats, Brazilian tapirs, squirrel monkeys, crowned cranes and more.
Thai Cooking Classes
Learn the secrets of Thai cuisine in a hands-on cooking class. Start the day visiting a local market to learn about and collect some of the exotic, fresh local ingredients used in everyday Thai cooking, before returning to the kitchen. Learn traditional cooking techniques before enjoying the fruits of your labour over lunch. Take your new skills back home to wow your friends and family with.
Muay Thai Masterclass
Learn the art of Thailand's national sport with an unforgettable Muay Thai masterclass. Start with an introduction to this traditional martial art with a professional trainer and watch locals practising. Then it's your turn to jump into the ring, where you can follow the trainers as they show you some traditional moves, including those that are used at the start of each match to bring good luck to the participants.
Khao Sok National Park
Spend two days exploring Khao Sok National Park, trekking through lush rainforest, travelling down the Sok River by canoe or boat, and exploring the dense bamboo groves. Bathe and feed elephants and see other wildlife including exotic birds, monitor lizards, monkeys and more. Your guide can explain the ecology of the area as you cruise down the river admiring the dramatic limestone mountain scenery.
