Across the Peninsula

- A Secret Retreats journey -
14 days / 13 nights
from 3,300 USD /person

 

ITINERARY BOOK
 


Atte discovered the beach on Khanom in 2008 and fell in love right away with its natural beauty. He decided to build the resort right on the beach, away from crowds. In this program, he shares with you the best secret spots the destination can offer.

All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.

Highlights of the Journey:

  • Long sandy beaches
  • Khao Sok National Park
  • Koh Phra Thong and its savannah
  • Pink Dolphins
  • Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahavihan
  • Thale Noi Lotus lake

Embark on an adventure through Thailand’s vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and untouched natural wonders—a journey blending cultural immersion, relaxation, and exhilarating exploration. Begin in bustling Bangkok, where golden temples, lively markets, and secret dining experiences await. Then, escape to the tranquil shores of Khao Lak before venturing to the hidden paradise of Koh Phra Thong, an island of wild savannahs and endless beaches. Dive into the emerald waters of Khao Sok National Park, where floating lodges and jungle treks reveal Thailand’s breathtaking biodiversity. Discover the serene beauty of Khanom and Phatthalung, where pink dolphins, lotus-covered lakes, and traditional crafts offer a glimpse into authentic Thai life. From the grandeur of ancient temples to the whispers of untouched nature, this meticulously crafted itinerary ensures every moment is filled with wonder, adventure, and the warm hospitality that defines Thailand. Let the journey begin!


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Your Journey Day by Day

from 3,300 USD /person for 14 days / 13 nights

based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room

 

 
Day 1 : Bangkok arrival (-/-/-)
Upon your morning arrival, your guide and driver will meet you and transfer you from airport to your hotel (early check-in available with supplement). If the room is not ready guest can relax by the pool until the room is ready (max 2.00pm). The rest of the day is free at your leisure.
For dinner, we recommend experiencing one of our Secret Tables in Bangkok for a unique and memorable dining experience.
HOTEL: Ariyasom Villa
Day 2 : Bangkok (B/L/-)
Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to begin your Bangkok exploration. In the morning, visit Pak Klong Talat Market, followed by Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha and Thailand’s renowned massage school. Continue to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, where you will admire its golden chedis, intricate halls, and the revered Emerald Buddha.
Enjoy lunch by the river in front of Wat Arun at Supanniga Eating Room before boarding a boat to explore the Thonburi canals (klongs). The day concludes with a visit to the stunning Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. Afterward, return to your hotel.
HOTEL: Ariyasom Villa
Day 3 : Bangkok - Phuket Airport – Khao Lak (B/-/-)
In the morning, leisure breakfast and transfer to Bangkok airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon your arrival at Phuket Airport, a driver will be waiting at the exit gate to pick you up and transfer you the hotel (about 1hr drive). Arrive at the hotel, check in and enjoy your 2 nights on the beach. The Anda Mani is located right on the beach in Khao Lak. We can recommend a nice seafood restaurant located near the harbour (just 5mn drive away)
HOTEL: The AndaMani
Day 4 : Khao Lak (B/-/-)
No program for the day, enjoy the beach, the pool and all the attentions from the team at The Anda Mani.
HOTEL: The AndaMani
Day 5 : Khao Lak – Koh Phra Thong (B/-/-)
Pick-up at your hotel and transfer to Kuraburi Pier for a boat ride to Koh Phra Thong (1 hrs+ 90mn boat), followed by a golf cart ride to your villa. Upon arrival at your home for the next three nights, you’ll find yourself on a 12-kilometer stretch of white powdery sand bordered by the blue waves of the Andaman Sea. The rest of the day is at your leisure: relax on the beach, enjoy a massage, or simply take in the surroundings.
No arrangement for any meal.
HOTEL: Baba Ecolodge
Day 6 : Koh Phra Thong (B/-/-)
Enjoy your breakfast and you are free to design your program for the day. Around 5pm, embark on a Koh Phra Thong trip to a sunset viewing spot in the savannah. For this trip we use the resort’s jeep. Ko Phra Thong’s savannah interior is a very interesting habitat – more reminiscent of Kenya than Thailand. As we head south keep an eye out for deer, birds and carnivorous plants. This unusual landscape mesmerizes our visitors with its mix of white sand, water brooks, clutches of Melaleuca trees and the long grass everywhere, leading one to expect giraffes or elephants to spring into sight at every corner. There is also a very good chance of spotting a lesser adjutant crane in the south of the island (one of only two colonies in Thailand).
Back to the lodge. No arrangement for dinner.
HOTEL: Baba Ecolodge
Day 7 : Kho Phra Thong (B/-/-)
No program for the day, enjoy the beach, the lagoon, the spa and all the attentions from the team at the lodge.
HOTEL: Baba Ecolodge
Day 8 : Koh Phra Thong – Khao Sok (B/L/D)
Checkout after breakfast, boat back to Kuraburi Pier where a driver will pick you up and drive you to Khao Sok National Park, to the Pier for the 500Rai Floating Lodge (2hrs drive). At the pier you will have to purchase the National Park Entrance tickets (cash on site) then a private boat will wait for you to reach the floating lodge (about 1hr). Along the way by boat you may stop for some sightseeing at Khao Sam Klur or Guilin Noi. Check-in and orientation, followed by lunch. After lunch you can rest, use your kayak around or swim in the lake. At 17:00: join a wildlife boat safari to spot wild animals along the lake shore. The boat ride will take you to Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, a location where only 30 mins boat ride away from 500Rai floating resort. Gaurs are mostly spotted during summer season, but you can even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the wild elephants, wild boars and hornbills.
Back to the lodge for dinner after sunset.
HOTEL: 500 Rai Floating Resort
Day 9 : Khao Sok (B/L/D)
In the morning you may want to join the yoga or meditation followed by Bird watching tour at 7:00am Khao Sok National Park is one of the well-known places for birdwatchers, with more than 300 species of birds especially rare species of Great hornbills! Depending of the day of the week, you will go also for a soft trekking of 1.5 km in the dense jungle, taking a bamboo raft and cave exploring. You will visit a limestone cave which was formed under the ocean almost 250 million years ago, however, stalactites and stalagmites are still growing inside the cave and create the stunning charismatic views which seems like we are diving through the ocean. You can enjoy lunch and the afternoon on your own (or request more activities at the reception desk).
Dinner included at the lodge
HOTEL: 500 Rai Floating Resort
Day 10 : Khao Sok - Khanom Beach (B/-/-)
Chek out after breakfast, and board your boat back to the pier on mainland where a driver will wait to drive you to Khanom Beach. (about 2hrs drive). After check-in and a visit of the property, enjoy time to relax on the beach or by the pool.
No arrangement for dinner.
HOTEL: Aava Resort
Day 11 : Pink Dolphins (B/L/-)
After breakfast, we depart around 8am to the Dolphin Pier in search of Pink Dolphins. Board a long tail boat for about 3 hrs. Khanom is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to spot the rare pink dolphins (souse Chinensis). The best way to try your luck is to hop on a long tail or fishing boat driven by a local expert, who knows exactly where to find them. In addition to the dolphins, the trip takes you to the sacred island of Koh Nui Nok where you can hear the amazing story of Luang Por Tuad, a Buddhist monk born in Perak, Malaysia, who lived in Siam in the 17th century. The monk came on a boat trip with his companions around Khanom, and as they were thirsty but had no water on board, they moored on the island in search of water. By knocking on the ground with a stick the monk made water spring. Until today you can taste the water from the spring at low tide. A shrine with a statue of the monk are built on top of the island overlooking the turbulent sea.
We continue to the Coral Pagoda, an ancient and sacred pagoda of Khanom locals. This unique pagoda is made of coral and it’s more than thousand years old. The Pagoda was built by a private individual from Chaiya who donated all his valuables and treasures to build it. The shape of pagoda is the converted jar and surrounded with ancient red sand stone.
We stop for seafood lunch in a local restaurant around noon on beautiful Kwang Phow beach. You can then relax at a natural Fish Spa! Khanom is only one place that offers a natural Fish Spa in the South of Thailand. Soak up your feet in the natural stream, fish pedicure will remove dead skin from your feet, making your feet skin soft and smooth again.
After this funny experience, we go to Khao Wang Thong Cave: the most beautiful natural cave in Khanom. You will discover inside the cave some large and smaller chambers with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites in all sorts of shape and size. The largest hall is about 1 rai (or 1600 sqm) in size and with a bit of imagination, you will see stone pillars, pagodas, waterfalls, fish skin, custard apples, bathtubs, etc. For the last exploration of the day, we go for a swim at the astonishing Samet Chun waterfall: refreshing water to cool down and breathtaking views over Khanom Bay.
Back to the resort.
HOTEL: Aava Resort
Day 12 : Baan Laem Village (B/L/-)
Departure after breakfast to Baan Laem Village. Upon arrival in the village, we have a small workshop where you will learn to make your own tie-dye shirt. After the workshop, we take a short boat ride out to the source of natural mud, enjoy a muddy experience in the water or bath the mud right on the boat. This natural mud source offers good benefit for skin and health. During the trip we are helping the nature by planting mangrove trees to conserve ecosystem. Sailing back to the shore for washing and changing clothes. Don't forget to pick up your new handmade tie dye shirt.
After arriving back to pier it is time for preparing our special lunch. You will experience charming Thai cooking class with the combination of the local wisdom and local ingredients. Baan Laem Homestay is settled at the shore, abundant with food sources, guaranteed fresh seafood, organic meats and vegetables. All cooking trick will be opened with practical cooking process starting from preparing fresh curry paste, coconut milk, making a fire in the stove etc. The local experience is rarely seen in the urban area, even if in Thailand.
We should be back to Aava around 14.00: spend rest of the day in leisure. Relax at the beautiful Nadan beach or pamper yourself in Aava Spa
HOTEL: Aava Resort
Day 13 : Nakhon Si Thammarat - Phatthalung (B/L/-)
After breakfast and check out around 8.00, we drive to Nakhon Si Thammarat to discover Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahavihan - the most important temple of Nakhon Si Thammarat and southern Thailand. It was constructed at the time of the founding of the town, and contains a tooth relic of Lord Buddha. This first-class royal temple has formerly named Wat Phra Borom That and is one of the most important historical sites in all of Thailand, before leaving here visitors can find all unique souvenirs of this region such as silverware, nielloware, basketwork, local products, handiwork, etc. We continue with the House of National Arts for Thai Shadow Puppet performance. Mr. Suchart Subsin has played a pivotal role in preserving this ancient performing art. Suchart’s traditional wooden house in Nakhon Si Thammarat is now a museum dedicated to his lifelong passion for shadow puppets. Ban Suchart Subsin is also a venue where visitors can see southern Thai shadow puppet performances, known as ‘nang talung‘, performed by members of Suchart’s family. Lunch at a Local Restaurant around noon. Then we drive to Phattalung (about 2hrs) and check in at Sri Pak Pra Boutique Resort.
Free time for the afternoon.
HOTEL: Sri Pak Pa Boutique Resort
Day 14 : Phatthalung - Nakhon Si Thammarat airport (B/L/-)
Wake up early and around 6.30am, we catch a boat to see the sunrise over amazing Thale Noi Lotus lake. Thale Noi is the largest waterfowl reserve in Thailand with up to 5 million Lotus flowers. See all the flowers blooming around 8am. We continue with a visit to Lard Hua Lan –Hua Leaw, to see local people go about their daily life making living by weaving Krajood products. Then we visit Varni Craft to make your own souvenir. Your own hand decorated Krajood weaving bag will make a great souvenir to take home with you. Around noon, we transfer to Baeb Thai Restaurant for Lunch. If it’s a weekend, visit also Tai Nod (Sunday) or Pa Pai Market (Saturday) to see the local way of living and try the local street kitchen delicacies.
In the afternoon, we can drive to Nakhon Si Thammarat airport to catch your flight.

****
End of our services.

Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary


Across the Peninsula

14 days / 13 nights
from 3,300 USD /person

based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room

 



The total price includes:
All Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis at suggested hotels and lodges
All meals as mentioned in the program (B= Breakfast / L = Lunch / D= Dinner)
All transfers are by private, spacious, air-conditioned car, with water and refreshing towels provided. The vehicle services we use are vetted by us to ensure well-maintained, correctly licensed, good, and safe drivers.
All other transportation used for travel (include boats)
Professional Guide with license in Bangkok andKhano-Phattalung and naturalist guides during the excursions in Khao Sok
All excursions, safaris and entry fees for places mentioned in the designed program (except National Park Fees)
Government taxes currently in force (VAT, etc....)

International and domestic flights to/from Bangkok, Phuket and Nakon Si Thammarat
Visa to Thailand - Most country do not need visa for Thailand, but we recommend you to check before. Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your departure date.
Beverages, personal expenses, and other services not clearly mentioned
Tipping guides and drivers, which are of course not mandatory, but always appreciated, are subject to your discretion.
Travel insurance of any kind (recommended)


This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Aida (Licence No. 34/01658)

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