Islands Discovery Adventure
Islands Discovery Adventure
This four-day excursion reveals the unique lifestyle of a small community off Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast. Beginning with a speedboat ride, the journey takes guests across the the sea to visit the island of Koh Surin. Here, we witness the island’s inhabitants, the Moken, and learn about the intricate relationship between this community and the environment. The following days include a visit to nearby Koh Ra, with a trek through a rainforest and a picnic on a secluded beach and options for rest and relaxation.
Awards
This programme received the 2023 Thailand Tourism Silver Award
in recognition of its contribution to responsible and sustainable tourism.
Itinerary
Escape to a tropical island paradise within the idyllic Koh Surin National Marine Park. An early 7 am start, with a transfer from Khao Lak to Kuraburi Pier, is followed by an exhilarating speedboat trip to Koh Surin. A guided tour conducted by the island’s original inhabitants, the Moken, provides a unique insight into their home. We will learn about the intricate relationship between this indigenous group and the environment, view brightly coloured poles that honour the spirits of nature and see bamboo stilt houses erected on the sand. We also try our hand at rowing a traditional boat, spearfishing and weaving, including the creation of a bracelet made from Pandanus leaves. Lunch is a Thai set menu served under the shade of a tree on the beach, followed by a short walk to a coral reef to view the Moken’s impressive diving techniques. It is then time to enjoy a cooling swim surrounded by tropical fish. We then take a long-tail boat to Baba Ecolodge Resort, with the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this idyllic site nestled within lush tropical jungle and facing a 12-km deserted beach.
After breakfast at the resort, our adventure begins with a 15-minute long-tail boat ride to Koh Ra. This is a long and mountainous island and covered in ancient rainforest. The elevated and overgrown terrain has preserved the serenity. Consequently, it is home to abundant flora and fauna and this makes it an excellent trekking venue. We will set off on a leisurely hike and look out for hornbills and other native species. Lunch is served al fresco on a secluded beach, with time afterwards to enjoy a cooling swim, or relax on the pristine sand. At around 2 pm, we head back to the resort on Koh Phrathong, with the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the stunning beauty of this tranquil destination.
Savannah Tour with breakfast (by Baba Ecolodge Resort)
Another day in an idyllic island paradise unfolds, with the option to relax at the resort, or undertake some excellent optional excursions. The Savannah Tour reveals native wildlife and abundant nature. Our destination, Ko Phra Thong’s savannah interior is more reminiscent of Kenya than Thailand. We leave by jeep at 6 am and head to a spectacular environment featuring brilliant white sandy dunes covered with thick grass. This is one of the best bird watching destinations in Thailand and one of the few places on earth to spot the endangered lesser adjutant stork.
Island Adventure
Another option is an island adventure tour that reveals rustic Tung Dap village. The discovery starts with a 9 am transfer. After a briefing and a cultural orientation, we join an interactive workshop where we learn how to make squid traps, an essential tool for the indigenous Moken. We then enjoy a homemade lunch and a cultural exchange with our host family. We then head out to catch crabs, fish or gather seashells, depending on the tide. We also learn how to make a traditional Moken desert. At around 4.30 pm we arrive back at the resort, with the rest of the day at leisure.
Our escape from civilization to a remote island getaway concludes today. After breakfast, we have some time to soak up rays and enjoy a cooling swim. We then check-out of the resort and take a long-tail boat transfer to Kuraburi Pier, followed by a speedboat trip back to either Khao Lak or Phuket, depending on individual itineraries. This excursion provides the ultimate escape from modern life and promotes sustainable travel practices.
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this;
- Tours and excursions often include obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility;
- The protection of the country’s flora, fauna and its historical and cultural treasures is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles;
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us. Even when it is cloudy, the sun still has an immense power;
- All mentioned times, durations and stops are based on approximations and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather and traffic conditions beyond our control.
- Tours and transfers with licensed English-speaking guiding services / assistance. Other languages are on request and are subject to availability;
- Accommodation in sharing twin / double room with air-conditioning;
- Transportation for transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
- All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the programme;
- All applicable taxes and service charges;
- All meals as indicated in the programme (food only).
- Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation: THB 50 per person per day;
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement;
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the programme;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers.
This is one of our Sustainable Trails, an excursion that maximizes positive impacts on local communities and minimizes negative impacts on the environment in the following ways:
- Eat locally – Enjoy local dishes with authentic flavours, cooked using locally sourced ingredients;
- Stay eco-friendly – Stay overnight in an eco-friendly lodge;
- Experience meaningfully – visit less-frequented islands of Thailand and their fishing communities.
