Luxury Thailand: Islands and Beaches

This protected archipelago consists of more than 40 limestone islands, rising above the pale turquoise water of the Gulf of Thailand. You’ll travel there by speedboat, starting your visit with snorkelling at Koh Wao, whose shallow bays teem with corals, groupers and butterflyfish. You’ll also stop at Koh Mae Koh, whose viewpoint overlooks the national park. And finish with kayaking along the coast.

Get a different perspective by moving inland from the beaches. After visiting the Big Buddha Temple, you’ll be driven up to Chaweng viewpoint for views across Koh Samui and surrounding islands. Then, in the centre, you’ll explore a market, meeting locals who shop here daily and learning about the fresh produce. Walk to a nearby fishing village before ending the day with a tour of a rum distillery and coconut plantation.

Similan Islands National Park consists of nine granite islands scattered in the Andaman Sea. You’ll head there on a private speedboat, passing formations resembling a turtle’s head and a sailing boat. Underwater are walls of corals, sponges and thousands of different fish species. With plenty of time for snorkelling, you might also spot sea turtles.

Jampa Restaurant is a sustainable eatery that sources ingredients from its farm. You’ll be greeted with a mocktail before embarking on a tour around the farm. Along the way, you’ll gather ingredients like eggs, organic vegetables and herbs. These will be used to prepare your meal, served with views of the surrounding gardens.

Phang Nga Bay is home to marine national park with limestone cliffs, thickly forested islands and vertiginous karst formations jutting from the sea. Head there via speedboat, and kayak through caves and mangrove forest. Listen to your guide tell tales of mythical creatures who ‘shaped’ the ethereal landscapes here.

On the Phranang Peninsula, the area around Railay Beach attracts rock climbers from around the world. Embark on a guided climb up sheer-sided limestone cliffs, which loom behind the sandy cove. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Andaman Sea islands and karst formations.

Immerse yourself in natural hot springs on Krabi’s mainland before your guide drives you to Thung Teao Forest National Park. This area of intact lowland rainforest is known for its biodiversity and rare resident birds like the cinnamon-rumped trojan, named for its rust-red plumage. Follow a nature trail to reach the Emerald Pool, named for its deep turquoise hue. Swim in the waters, fed by hot springs, before lunch at a local restaurant.

These uninhabited sister islands, within Mu Ko Lanta National Park, are known for pristine beaches and coral reefs. You’ll start at Koh Rok Nok, snorkelling in the clear, shallow waters. Then, head over to Koh Rok Nai for a picnic on the beach. There will be more time to swim and snorkel here before finishing up at Koh Haa. Also in the park, this small archipelago is known for hard and soft coral, huge caves and whale shark sightings.

Set off on a private longtail boat to explore four nearby islands, each with diverse landscapes. You’ll stop at Koh Hong, whose white sands are reachable only by boat, and Koh Lao Lading – with a beach tucked between limestone cliffs. The two sides of Koh Phak Bia are joined by a sandbank. At tiny Koh Nok, take a short hike for views across the archipelago.

This unforgettable evening begins with a boat ride out to a quiet island. Once there, your personal chef will prepare a dinner in time for sunset. You’ll start with a seafood platter, followed by dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Your meal might include pot-roasted organic chicken, finishing with a tropical fruit platter served up under the stars.

Koh Yao Noi has extensive mangrove forests rich in wildlife. Board a longtail boat to access them via Phang Nga Bay. Once there, your experienced guide will lead a kayak tour through the labyrinthine tunnels, pointing out flora and fauna. Look for macaques, hornbills and sea eagles. And watch for mudskippers, amphibious fish that hop across the mudflats.