Bangkok - If sun, swimming and good times are what you’re into, then the Thai Islands are all yours. Jump your way from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, finishing it up with the legendary Koh Pha Ngan. With multiple nights on each island, you can sit back on island time.
Take it up a notch if you want to swim and snorkel off white sand beaches, go hiking in emerald green forests, or choose to chill on the beach and sip cocktails from a coconut as you really relax and indulge.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui has got something for everyone, so with two full days here, get ready for a taste of everything the island offers to its travellers.
During the day, there are long stretches of beach with soft, white sand dotted around the island for you to take advantage of and the chance to soak up the rays, swim, snorkel and relax.
Explore the local town for a generous dose of the lifestyle here. Head down the little side streets for an authentic Thai feast - you’ll find lots of local delights like Pad Thai, delicious exotic curries and fresh flavours at some unbelievable prices.
You can also take a tour of the island to see some of the local sites or visit a Buddhist temple with a 15m statue of the Buddha. Built in 1972, this statue is respected by locals and visitors alike – many of whom light incense and pray here with offerings of fruit and flowers.
With loads of free time ask your tour manager for some tips on what to do. You could visit the Wat Khunaram with its mummified monk or the uniquely shaped formation of the Grandmother and Grandfather rocks.
At night this island rocks. Spots like Chaweng, the island’s most popular beach, come alive with other travellers and locals alike. With so many bars and clubs located right on the beach, it’s the perfect place to party with your travel buddies, locals and new mates.
Koh Tao
Wake up on Koh Tao and get ready for a slice of paradise. Koh Tao is known for its submerged scenery, so it’s a not-to-miss experience when you visit.
Snorkeling is a fantastic way to explore the island’s underwater world. Fins, snorkels and masks can be rented from lots of places throughout the island for a small fee. Your tour manager can give you some advice on the best places to head to. Get ready for some unbeatable sights, colourful fish and vibrant sea life. Otherwise, take it easy and maybe opt for a swim in the warm waters.
If the underwater scene isn’t what you’re into, then there are loads of other things to experience here. If you’d prefer to keep things on land and venture out on foot, you could explore some of the island’s hiking trails. With its hilly landscape there's a lot to explore and great views to check out here.
Koh Pha Ngan
When on Koh Pha Ngan there is enough free time for you to really explore. You could make your way to Haad Yao beach, a quiet spot that’s great for swimming and snorkeling. You could also treat yourself to a bit of pampering if you wish - there are lots of places to have a Thai massage while listening to the waves lap against the shore. An hour long massage will cost about 300 Thai Baht (about R100).
With close access to excellent dive spots, Koh Pha Ngan is quickly developing a reputation as a great learn-to-dive location too! If you have a diving certificate or want to learn how, you could head out on a boat & explore some of the island’s key diving spots while you’re here.
You can also opt to take a Thai cooking class with Chef Tummy. For about R550 you’ll learn first explore the local markets for the freshest ingredients and then uncover the secrets of Thai cooking, whipping up delicious Pad Thai, Tong Yum Goong or Som Tam.
By night, this island is the place to go out. Try it local and enjoy the lively night scene. Whether it is a Half Moon Party, a Black Moon Party or Full Moon party – there is always something going on in Koh Pha Ngan.
Priced from R6 045 per person sharing (excluding flights) enjoy nine days on Contiki’s Thai Island Hopper East. This includes eight nights twin share accommodation with breakfast daily, two dinners, local ferries, all tips, local taxes and service charges. Travel is on selected dates between now and September. Early payment discount of five percent if booked and paid in full by 31 May.
Contact your local ASATA travel agent or Contiki directly on (011) 280 8400 or visit contiki.com for more information.