Name: Thailand Beaches
Start: 2024-04-10T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-04-18T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Phuket, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Penny Pinching Globetrotter

Email address verified

21 reviews

Apr 10 - 18, 2024

Group size: 6 - 14

Thailand Beaches

Phuket, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

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Penny Pinching Globetrotter

Email address verified

21 reviews

Apr 10 - 18, 2024

Group size: 6 - 14

Clear blue waters, white sands, swaying palm trees and a bungalow on the beach – they don’t call it Thai-riffic for nothing. Come and explore Thailand's capital, relax in the sun and try some of the choice food this region is renowned for. Exploring capital Bangkok, Ao Nang, Khao Lak and Phuket, you’ll be hitting the best of the best in Thailand, getting all the time you need to hit the bustling streets and manic markets, or just basking on the shores of some of the best beaches in the world. It’s all fun and games that await, so jump right into the heart of Thailand’s best.

Want to explore more of Southeast Asia? Extend your trip with us! Fly in early and add Northern Thailand to your adventure.

We specialize in tours for adults only. We take you away from your everyday world and immerse you in foreign lands, cultures, and food.

All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Some countries also require a machine-readable passport and/or unstamped available pages. When assisting with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travelers on the booking have a valid passport. If this is not the case, you must let us know. It is important to ensure you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments, delay or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

Need a passport? Click here -> U.S. Passport

Need to renew your passport? Click here -> Renew U.S. Passport

We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.

In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.

Risks of Travel and Release: We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.

Should you cancel no more than 30 days after making your deposit you get a 100% refund minus a $150 admin fee.

Should you cancel between 30 days of booking to 180 days before the trip you will get a 50% refund minus the $150 admin fee.

Once we are within 180 days of the trip starting there are no refunds.

Note-should you find someone to fill your spot I can transfer your balance to them minus the $150 fee if it's 60 days before departure. Should you become sick or have other issues it’s highly likely the required travel insurance would kick in and reimburse you so be sure and check with your provider.

It is the responsibility of the trip attendee to reach out in the event of a cancellation and make their payments on time. We reserve the right to hold payments according to the cancellation policy above to pay our vendors to make this trip happen.

By making a deposit you agree to above terms of service and cancellation policy.

To make things easier we created a list specific to this trip of things you may want. You can find it here.

For our best tips on packing in general check this out.

We're committed to ensuring our trips remain safe for everyone — for our travelers, our leaders and crew, and the people we visit along the way. As responsible travelers, anyone who chooses to travel with us has a duty of care to themselves and the people around them. Travelers are required to comply with local regulations and laws.

What are the medical and vaccination requirements? Medical and general vaccination requirements differ between nations and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.

We believe vaccinations play a key role in saving lives and helping to keep people safe. Around 70% of the world is vaccinated against COVID-19 but vaccination rates remain low in some of the destinations and communities we visit. Therefore proof of up to date COVID Vaccine is required on all of our trips.

Travel insurance will help protect your investment and is required. We use and recommend World Nomads. But if you over 70 it’s best to use some place like Insure My Trip

Lodging
All lodging as mentioned
Local Guide
An English speaking guide is with us throughout the trip to show you around their country.
Host
To handle all the details before and during your trip
Activities/Fees
All activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
Peace of Mind
Other than your plane tickets we take care of everything and make sure you are on time and where you need to be.
Transport
All trip transportation as outlined in the itinerary
Some Meals
As outlined in the itinerary

Airport transfer upon arrival

$40

Airport transfer upon departure

$40

Single room

$500

Don’t want to share a room? Get you own When staying at hotels.

Hotel night before the trip

$75

Need more than one night? Purchase how many you need.

Hotel night after the trip ends

$85

Day 1
Day 1
Bangkok
Sa-Waddee! Welcome to Thailand! Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at around 4:30 pm. Afterwards, get to know the area with a 2-3 hours orientation walk with your guide. The China town area is known for its many (gold) shops and Chinese medicine sellers. Yaowarat Road has many narrow busy side streets/streets with food stalls, restaurants and market stalls. If you love foods, then Chinatown is the place to be in Bangkok.

You can get dinner at any of the many street food options while we are out.

Included Activities

• Welcome Meeting

• Orientation walk around the area

Accommodation

Asai China Town Hotel (Comfy Room) or similar

https://www.asaihotels.com/locations/bangkok-chinatown/

Notes- Airport transfer is not included. You can book it through me here upon check out or on your own here

If you are staying late or arriving early you can add extra nights at check out here or you might find it cheaper to book yourself via hotels.com every 10 nights you book with them you get a night free. I am an affiliate with them and when you use my link I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Looking for something to do today. Check out these platforms for tons of activities and tours. Viator & Getyourguide
Read more
Day 2
Day 2
Bangkok – Culture of Thailand
After breakfast we dive into Thailand culture. Our first stop is the unique Erawan Museum. The building is a statue of a three headed elephant and inside you will find three stories of antiquities and priceless collections of ancient religious objects. Next head to Muang Boran otherwise known as The Ancient City and dubbed as the world's largest outdoor museum. The 320-hectare "city" features 116 structures of Thailand's famous monuments and architectural attractions. Visiting The Ancient City will make you feel like you get a chance to visit every region in Thailand, while completing your discovery of the architectures, arts, and cultures that is native to each region.

Upon return this is a little free time to grab some snacks and get ready to board an overnight train, heading southbound for Surat Thani (approx. 13 hours).

Included Activities

• Visit to Erawan Museum and Ancient City

Accommodations

Overnight train Bangkok – Surat Thani | Special Express 2nd class soft sleeper

Meals included: Breakfast
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Day 3
Day 3
SuratThani - Krabi- beach massage and relaxing
Arrive into Surat Thani this morning and continue by bus (approximately 2.5 hours) to the resort town of Ao Nang in Krabi Province. Ao Nang has a main street with open-air restaurants, shops that light up the sidewalk and bars perfect for kicking back with a beer. It’s also in a great position to hop on longtail boats to places like Railay Beach and the idyllic islands surrounding the bay.

Unwind with an included one hour beach massage then spend some time relaxing on the beautiful beaches and get into the spirit of southern Thailand. The rest of the day is yours to do as you wish. Sit back with a good book and a cool cocktail and soak up the sun. Or speak to your guide about optional activities in the area.

In the evening, join a local family for a home-cooked feast. There will be opportunity to assist with the preparation of tonight's meal – learn some of the delicious secrets of southern Thai cooking and enjoy a dinner that tastes all the better thanks to your handiwork! This is a wonderful opportunity to absorb some of the daily rituals of Thai culture.

Included Activities

• Ao Nang - Home-cooked dinner

Meals included: Dinner

Accommodation

Phra Nang Inn by Vacation Village (Deluxe Room) or similar |

https://phrananginn.vacationvillage.co.th/
Read more
Day 4
Day 4
Krabi-Snorkeling
This morning, head out to Ao Nang beach and board a long tail boat to start today’s exploration. Immerse in the beauty of the coast line with stops at Phra Nang Cave, Railey Beach, Koh Tup, Koh Gai and discover the amazing coral and tropical fish through snorkelling in the crystal clear water. Lunch is provided during the journey.

After a day of swimming and snorkelling return back to Ao Nang beach in mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is yours. Tonight, why not grab some travel pals and stroll down the main drag and find a yummy restaurant for dinner

Included Activities

• Ao Nang - Four Islands Snorkelling

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Phra Nang Inn by Vacation Village (Deluxe Room) or similar |

https://phrananginn.vacationvillage.co.th/
Read more
Day 5
Day 5
Krabi – Khao Lak- Kayaking
Say goodbye to Ao Nang this morning and continue your journey to Khao Lak. On the way, stop at a great Community-based tourism initiative at Baan Nai Nang village (supported by Mangrove Action Project) and you’ll spend a better half of the day here, experiencing the amazing nature and learning about local culture. Get active and venture out in a kayak to explore the amazing water, limestone cliffs and mangrove forests at Khao Ka Rot. Return back to the village and enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch, then learn to prepare and taste the organic local mulberry leaf tea on a walk in the village and its organic fruit orchards. Later hop back on your bus and continue to Khao Lak (approx. 3 hours).

You will love our resort we are staying at the next two nights. There’s plenty to do on-site. Taste the pleasures of the inspired cuisine at Oriental Restaurant or sip on a bespoke cocktail at Coconut Bar. Keep up your fitness levels at the well-equipped gym, immerse your senses in a day of indulgence at Bhandari Spa. The beachfront is just a few minutes away, a mirage of golden sands and turquoise blues, dip your toes into the cool waters, top up your tan or sit and watch the sunset over the horizon. Take an evening stroll to the nearby town centre and spend some time choosing Thai souvenirs to take home or dine out on flavourful cuisine at one of the local restaurants.

Included Activities

• Baan Nai Nang CBT village - village walk

• Khao Ka Rot - sea kayaking

• Ao Makham Beach - home cooked lunch & Mulberry leaf tea tasting

• Tha Pom Klong Song Nam

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Khaolak Oriental Resort Khao Lak (Deluxe Room) or similar|

https://www.khaolakoriental.com/
Read more
Day 6
Day 6
Khao Lak
I know it will be hard to pull yourself away from the resort but today you will visit an organic herb and vegetable garden to learn about the ingredients needed to prepare three of Thailand’s favourite meals. Thai food has become world famous for the symphony of flavours and health benefits found in every mouthful. Learn the art of Thai cooking at a local restaurant located in a tranquil and natural location not far from Khao Lak Center.

The rest of the day is yours to relax at the beach or resort or stroll into town.

Included Activities

• Thai Cooking Class

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Khaolak Oriental Resort Khao Lak (Deluxe Room) or similar|

https://www.khaolakoriental.com/
Read more
Day 7
Day 7
Khao Lak - Phuket
After a couple days of relaxing it's time to head to exciting and vibrant Phuket, Thailand’s largest and most visited island. Once you've arrived on the island, there's a chance to stop at the Tsunami Memorial if you would like to visit. Then continue to Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation which supports the protection of turtles and research of the Marine Biodiversity. You'll see the different type of turtles and learn about the important work they do. Then it's another hour to Kata beach. You’ll stay in the heart of Kata beach, where everything from shops to restaurants to nightclubs awaits.

Included Activities

• Phuket - Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Kata Sea Breeze Resort (Seabreeze Room) or similar| https://www.kataseabreeze.com/ /
Read more
Day 8
Day 8
Phuket, Phi Phi Island
Today is your day to head on a boat tour to Phi Phi Island, made famous by James Bond. There will be an early start to the day at around 7:30-8 am. We will take a speedboat for sightseeing “Maya Bay” and “Loh Samah Bay” (Phi Phi Ley) Monkey beach. There will be time for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach at Phi Phi Don. After having Lunch at a restaurant on Phi Phi Island, you'll have chance to swim and relax on the beach of “Bamboo" or Rang Yai Island. Departure back to Phuket at 15.30 and transfer back to the Hotel

Inclusions: soft drinks, water, fresh fruits, land and sea transfers, mask & snorkel, life jacket, canoe, buffet lunch, tour guide, national park fee and travel insurance

What to bring:

Swimming Suit, Short & light T-shirt, Reef Shoes, Sun Block Lotion, Copy of Passport

Remark:Program can be changed, depending on tide and weather conditions.

Included Activities

• Phi Phi & Maya Bay Day Trip – by Speed Boat

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Kata Sea Breeze Resort (Seabreeze Room) or similar| https://www.kataseabreeze.com/ /
Read more
Day 9
Day 9
Phuket Farewell
There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time. Check out time at 12:00 noon.

Want to explore more of Southeast Asia? Extend your trip with us! Fly in early and add Northern Thailand to your adventure.

If you are staying late or arriving early you add extra nights at check out here or you might find it cheaper to book yourself via hotels.com every 10 nights you book with them you get a night free. I am an affiliate with them and when you use my link I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Looking for something to do today. Check out these platforms for tons of activities and tours. Viator & Getyourguide

Meals included: Breakfast
Read more

Day 1

Bangkok

Sa-Waddee! Welcome to Thailand! Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at around 4:30 pm. Afterwards, get to know the area with a 2-3 hours orientation walk with your guide. The China town area is known for its many (gold) shops and Chinese medicine sellers. Yaowarat Road has many narrow busy side streets/streets with food stalls, restaurants and market stalls. If you love foods, then Chinatown is the place to be in Bangkok.

You can get dinner at any of the many street food options while we are out.

Included Activities

• Welcome Meeting

• Orientation walk around the area

Accommodation

Asai China Town Hotel (Comfy Room) or similar

https://www.asaihotels.com/locations/bangkok-chinatown/

Notes- Airport transfer is not included. You can book it through me here upon check out or on your own here

If you are staying late or arriving early you can add extra nights at check out here or you might find it cheaper to book yourself via hotels.com every 10 nights you book with them you get a night free. I am an affiliate with them and when you use my link I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Looking for something to do today. Check out these platforms for tons of activities and tours. Viator & Getyourguide

Very enjoyable trip. Great group to travel with. Loved how much of the country we saw. Our guide Johanna made it even more enjoyable with her insider knowledge of the area.

By Celia D for Iceland in Depth on Oct 22, 2024

Thanks so much for a wonderful trip! Iceland is beautiful and we were fortunate enough to see so many things because we booked this tour. I would definitely go on more trips in the future!

By Sonya N for Iceland in Depth on Oct 21, 2024

I just returned from the PPGT Iceland in Depth journey, planned and organized by Melissa and Wade. How do you describe an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, amazed and thankful all at the same time? How do you properly write a review about a place that was not only on a bucket list, but also felt like you returned home and was actually in depth? A special thank you to Johanna, who was not only our fearless leader and chauffeur, but to call her a guide is an understatement. She wrapped us in a wonderful love of her country, warm stories, and folklore, took us off that beaten path, and invited us into her own home. At times it felt like those familiar family trips in the old station wagon hauling the trailer. This trip, along with many offered by Penny Pinching Globetrotters creates an experience that leaves you wanting to see this beautiful world even more. Organized and planned thoroughly, all details are looked after. Many new friends are always made, and it’s not a trip but an experience.

By Mike D for Iceland in Depth on Oct 16, 2024

My trip to Iceland was amazing!!! The people, food landscape were beautiful and memorable!! Our guide Johanna was the best! Her knowledge, humor, and presentation was great!!! I would recommend this Penny Pinching Globetrotter vacation to everyone wanting an adventure of a life time!!!

By Charlene W for Iceland in Depth on Oct 15, 2024

My first time traveling abroad and it was amazing! The itinerary was exceptional with each day filled with new and varied experiences. The people were warm and friendly, accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious. This was my very first solo trip with Wade and Melissa, but it certainly won't be my last!

By Debra D for Beautiful Bali on Oct 08, 2024

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My family has been my rock.....my greatest source of strength when my world was falling apart. When I told them about my plans to get back to traveling and the possibility of traveling solo, they all had the same request....please don't go 100% alone...find you a group or tour company. After looking at more than I can remember and realizing that most just weren't the right fit for me, I found Melissa and Wade and Penny Pinching Globetrotter. Their small group sizes, culturally immersive and eco-touristic active itineraries were just what I was looking for. With the opportunity to journey through a new country with like minded travelers, I was sure that this group was for me. Even though I would be traveling alone both to and from the destination, once there, I would still be traveling to meet new people and experience new things...just not completely on my own. And I was right! I had a wonderful experience with a terrific group of people that began as strangers, but ended as friends ❤️

By Debra D on 22 Jul, 2024

This is my 2nd trip with Melissa and Wade. Having now spent a month of days with them, two continents and destinations I can tell you if you’re looking for a real experience without a lot of the hassle their trips are ideal. I have travelled solo and done all the work so I have a good frame of reference for what goes into planning an idyllic experience. Melissa and Wade with the help of a local guide really take the worry and stress out of planning. When things don’t go as planned they will remove the obstacles and get you back on track whether that’s illness or just circumstance they’ve got you covered. If you yearn to learn about the culture and have a real experience meeting the local people and getting off the beaten path these trips are for you. I have some solo trips planned but hope to travel with them again.

By Nicole A on 17 Jul, 2024

Penny Pinching Globetrotters is my go to for my trips. Peru is my 4th trip with Penny Pinching Globetrotters. Melissa plans every trip down to the smallest detail. Makes traveling so easy. I book my plane ticket and pack my clothes and I’m ready to go. I have been to some amazing places and met wonderful people because of PPG. I have two more trips already planned with Melissa and Wade. Looking forward to seeing new places and meeting fellow travelers.

By Linda Christine P on 03 Jul, 2024

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