Luxury Thailand: Islands and Beaches
Thailand’s coastline is laced with beaches and coves – with more than 1,400 islands scattered over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Across 16 days, you’ll explore some of the country’s most beguiling coastal landscapes. Picnic on beaches that can only be reached by boat. Cruise around boulder-like islets in Phi Phi and the Similan Islands and snorkel around shallow bays and marine national parks, watching for sea turtles.
Highlights
- Cruise around the dramatic karst formations of Phang Nga Bay
- Kayak through mangrove forests, spotting macaques and hornbills
- Snorkel around the reefs in Ang Thong Marine Park
- Browse a local market in the heart of Koh Samui
- Explore the granite Similan Islands by private speedboat
- Go island-hopping around Andaman Sea archipelagos in Krabi
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary
Days 1–4
Marine life and beaches on Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island. Located off the east coast, it’s ringed by pale sandy beaches, in turn backed by rainforest-clad mountains and coconut groves.
Chaweng is the capital and busiest hub. Its curve of bright white sand is backed by streets filled with restaurants, bars and shops. Nearby, a causeway connects the mainland to Koh Faan. This small rocky island is dominated by Wat Phra Yai, known as Big Buddha Temple due to its 12-metre tall golden statue.
During your stay, you’ll explore nearby islands and learn about the area’s rich marine life. Visit the protected archipelago of Ang Thong Marine Park. And explore life beyond the beaches on an immersive tour of Koh Samui’s verdant, fascinating interior.
Where you could stay
Go deeper
Marine park cruise
Samui inland
A private boat tour of Ang Thong Marine National Park
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.
A guided tour of Koh Samui
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.
Days 4–7
Laidback Khao Lak
North of Phuket in southern Thailand, Khao Lak is prized for its relaxed pace of life and relatively quiet beaches. The sand here is more caramel coloured than icing sugar, with popular stretches including Coconut Beach and Nang Thong Beach. Both have shacks serving cocktails, fresh seafood and chilli-laced salads. Stay for sunset, with uninterrupted views over the Andaman Sea.
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park has small sandy beaches backed by tropical evergreen forests. Follow your guide along hiking trails to Ton Chong Fa Waterfall.
The area is also known for diving and snorkelling. During your stay, you’ll spend time exploring the Similan Islands, a marine national park, keeping an eye out for green and hawksbill turtles among the corals.
Make it mine
Similan Islands
Farm-to-table dinner
A private snorkelling trip
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.
A sustainable farm-to-table dinner
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.
Days 7–10
Island exploration in Krabi
You’ll dip south to Krabi, whose coastline is a necklace of gilded sand and jewel colours. Ao Nang, with a sweep of golden sand, is the main hub for restaurants, bars and island-hopping tours. Railay Beach, protected by steep limestone cliffs characteristic of this coastline, is only accessible by boat. Nearby Phra Cave Beach has caves with stalactites and a fertility shrine.
Krabi is perhaps best known for what lies offshore, though; the region has several archipelagos with more than 100 islands and islets. Phi Phi National Park’s famous limestone islands appear emerald thanks to clusters of thick, tropical forest – popping out against the shallow waters.
Make it mine
Speedboat tour
Rock climbing
Cruise around the islands of Phang Nga Bay
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.
A guided climb above Railay Beach
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.
Days 10–13
Dive into Koh Lanta’s protected marine areas
There isn’t far to travel to the next stop on your coastal adventure through Thailand. Koh Lanta is an archipelago within Krabi province. And it definitely deserves a little more time to explore. Koh Lanta Yai is the largest island, and your base for navigating the area’s coral reefs and mangroves.
Beaches include long, sandy stretches like the aptly named Phra Ae, or Long Beach, with laid-back bars and restaurants and clear sunset views. Quieter coves and bays can also be reached by boat. The archipelago also encompasses Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Spread across 16 islands, it’s known for its rainforests, mangroves, limestone cave system and monkey-spotting from jungle trails.
Where you could stay
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Take to the water
Forest swim
Reef hopping
A guided jungle trek
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.
A snorkelling trip to Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai
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.
Days 13–16
Island life on Koh Yao Noi
Located between Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island) sits in Phang Nga Bay. Pale golden beaches edge its coastline, backed by rice paddies and rubber tree plantations.
Life here moves at an appealingly slow pace. Explore the verdant interior by tuk tuk or scooter. Paddle through mangroves, go snorkelling in coral reefs or hop between the 40-odd islands and tiny, limestone islets scattered across the surrounding bay.
At sundown, head to Thakhai Village. Evening vendors sell street food specialities like spicy papaya salad and fried pancakes, typically filled with fresh seafood or vegetables. And shop for one-off souvenirs, browsing stores and stalls with handmade batik fabrics and coconut oil toiletries.
Where you could stay
On the water
Four islands tour
Sunset BBQ
Mangroves tour
A longtail boat island tour
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.
A private dinner on an island
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.
A guided kayaking trip
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.
We had an incredible experience planning our honeymoon with Leanne and Gilda from Jacada. They crafted a personalized itinerary that exceeded our expectations, taking into account our desires and budget. Leanne's insight on different islands and cities was spot-on, and the detailed emails, including maps of international airports, made our journey seamless. The constant communication and check-ins added a sense…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
