From tranquil beaches and emerald seas to characterful local stays, you’ll experience the west coast at a relaxed pace. Travel between islands by boat, savour fresh seafood, and discover a side of Thailand where life still moves to the rhythm of the tides.
Depart your home country on your flight to Thailand.
Arrive in Phuket and transfer to your hotel. Built on a former tin mine, the hotel infuses Phuket’s history as a tin mining centre with modern design effectively and creatively. Three nights here will allow you to unwind after your flight, enjoy the hotel, and relax on Phuket’s Nai Yang beach. Take some time to explore the bustling town at the island’s historic centre, where you can take a food-focussed walking tour, join a world-renowned Thai cooking school or simply amble around taking in the unique architecture.
Transfer by boat to Koyao Island Resort on the unspoilt island of Koh Yao. Koh Yao is quiet and peaceful, with striking natural features like palm-covered mountains, idyllic beaches, and mangrove forests. Koyao Island Resort is understated and maintains a laid-back feel allowing for true relaxation, although it could be described as luxurious too, making it a true beach hideaway.
Today take a boat from Koh Yao to Krabi. You’ll stay in a hotel with beautiful views over the stunning and extraordinary limestone rock formations famous in Krabi. Ao-Nang beach itself has a small market and lots of local bars and restaurants for an evening out.
Transfer by boat to Koh Jum, a laid-back and sleepy island. As you travel further south, you’ll notice the cuisine change subtly as it becomes influenced by nearby Malaysia.
Transfer by boat to Koh Kradan for the last part of your adventure. Kradan is a small island and one of the most remote in the area. The island is stunningly picturesque, with clear, bright blue water and paradise-like white sandy beaches perfect for swimming. Snorkelling is possible, and the coral reefs offshore are home to exotic species. There are hidden beaches around the island, reachable only by kayak.
The hotel we include here is the Seven Seas Resort, on a fine stretch of beach perfect for whiling away the time. By virtue of its remoteness, the hotel is relatively simple but has a few deluxe luxury touches, and most rooms have ocean views.
The island is tranquil, with few developments and no local villages, so three nights here will allow you to switch off from the rest of the world in an idyllic beach hideaway.
Transfer from Koh Kradan to Trang airport for your flight to Bangkok. Depending on available international flight times, an overnight in Bangkok may be necessary on the way home.
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With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Ella’s first trip to ‘The Land of Smiles’ sealed the deal. She fell instantly for the effortlessly friendly people and the banging food. Now, she spends her time helping travellers experience the Thailand she loves – from Bangkok’s hidden gardens with secret restaurants to quiet islands where you won’t be part of a pack of tourists. Phew.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
Thailand, West Coast Islands
Highlights
Beachfront villas, Kayaking, Yoga
Best for
Solo
Couples
Friends
West Coast Islands, Thailand
Tranquil, boutique, undiscovered. And what’s not to like about an infinity pool with views over the Andaman sea dotted with fantastical limestone karst islets?
Highlights
Thatched villas,
Beachfront pool,
Watersports
Best for
Families
Friends
Couples
Thailand
Large “design” hotel with five-star facilities, a great stretch of beach and fantastic food.
Highlights
Bill Bensley’s bold design,
Substance as well as style
Best for
Couples
Families
Thailand, West Coast Islands
Charming boutique hotel on secluded beach in Krabi.
Highlights
Private beach,
Pool villas,
Wellness pavilion
Best for
Couples
Family
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Thailand for around 20 years and some of our team live there. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships and network of specialist local guides, we can really help you under the skin of the country and discover her secret sides.
Over the years, we’ve developed enriching experiences that bring together cultural depth and give you the freedom to explore. Think hands-on food adventures in Bangkok’s backstreets, access to peaceful beaches, countryside stays where local life still ticks to its own rhythm, or journeys into the mountainous north to meet the hill tribes – all bespoke to you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can get into holiday mode knowing everything’s covered – while still having the freedom to discover Thailand your way. We don’t do cookie-cutter trips. Every holiday is personal, every route considered, and every detail designed to show you a side of Thailand that most visitors miss.
So come with us, to the Thailand we know and love.
In general, November to April is the most popular time, with warm, dry weather across most of the country – ideal for both exploring and beach time. But Thailand’s seasons aren’t as simple as they look, and with a little know-how, there’s somewhere worth visiting year-round.
The Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) is at its sunniest between November and April, while the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) comes into its own from February to August when the west coast monsoon winds bring in rain to the west coast. With its mountains and cooler breezes, Northern Thailand is best for trekking and outdoor adventures from November to February.
Travelling during the “green season” (roughly May to October) can be rewarding: fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and lower hotel rates. Rain tends to arrive in short, heavy bursts rather than all day, leaving plenty of sunshine in between. National parks are glorious at this time, with waterfalls in full flow. During late August and September, Thailand often experiences flooding, so this time is usually best avoided, though even then, you can still visit many of the beach destinations very happily.
The months of April and October are the turning points worth considering for great-value travel, with fairly reliable weather. In April, the Songkran New Year festival is a joy to be part of, if you don’t mind getting a soaking from a water pistol (or water blaster!). The rates fall dramatically compared with March. While Songkran marks the start of the rainy season, it has not fully kicked in. It can be a good time to travel throughout the country for those who can put up with some serious heat and humidity. In October, the rains tend to fall away as Thailand returns towards the settled November weather.
So while November to March might be the sweet spot for most of Thailand, there’s always a way to plan a Thailand holiday that fits your timing – and often, going slightly against the grain can mean quieter beaches, great value and a richer experience.
Every ETG holiday is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience the country in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
Tempted to discover the very best of Thailand, far from the tourist traps?
Our experts spill their secrets in The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand.
Download your complimentary copy for an insight into the country’s highlights, hot hotels and unusual experiences to inspire your next great adventure.
