Thailand beach & rainforest escape

Have a private guided tour of Bangkok today, visiting the capital's key attractions: the Grand Palace, Wat Po (home to the reclining Buddha) and Jim Thompson's house. Get used to Bangkok's different forms of public transport — the Skytrain, which winds its way through the skyscrapers and shopping malls, the public taxi boat, a long-tail boat and, of course, the ubiquitous Thai tuk-tuk. This is a fun excursion that gives you a fantastic insight into the capital and the people who call Bangkok home.

An early start today for your private transfer to the airport to catch your internal flight to Phuket, a journey of around one and a half hours. Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, you'll be met by staff from Elephant Hills to take you and other guests to the Khao Sok National Park. The Elephant Hills Camp is a fantastic rainforest and elephant experience. The welfare of the elephants is at the heart of this camp, and it has received numerous awards for this. Upon arrival at the camp, meet the elephants and learn more about these magnificent creatures. You'll have the opportunity to help feed them in a small group session. After a traditional Thai lunch, take a jungle canoe paddling past stunning limestone karsts with an experienced guide in a small group.

Today, after you've had breakfast, you will transfer to a local mangrove forest to cruise through the water on a traditional Burmese junk boat. You will also have the chance to canoe through the waterways. After lunch, return to the main camp, where you may enjoy a cooking demonstration or dance performance.

After breakfast, you will head inland by road and then by boat for your scenic journey to the relatively untouched and stunning Cheow Larn Lake. This is a great place to be among nature, with more than 100 islands and limestone mountains rising from the shore. Bring your swimming costume if you would like to swim in the lake's warm waters. Lunch will be served at a floating raft house on the lake where you can relax and take in the stunning scenery before returning to your camp in the afternoon.

This morning, you will have the option to join your guide and fellow guests on a walk through the jungle, listening to the chorus of the many primates, reptiles and birds that inhabit the national park. After lunch, take a small shared transfer to the lesser-explored beach destination of Khanom for further wildlife and cultural experiences.

Today, head out for an early morning boat ride to spot the unique pink dolphins that frequent this small corner of Thailand. With a local guide on hand, keep your camera ready as they keep a lookout across the gulf. The rest of the day is then free to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Today is an opportunity to discover the local town and the smaller surrounding communities. Learn about the southern Thailand way of life and livelihood, as you visit local temples to coconut plantations. Sample local delicacies such as Thai caramel and coconut dumplings, and cruise through a native mangrove ecosystem that supports the lifeline of the local wildlife and fishing villages.

Time to move on to your next beach destination, for some final rest and relaxation along the golden sands of Khao Lak.

Today is free to relax and enjoy your surroundings. In addition to the beach, there is plenty to do around Krabi, and your time can be as busy or as relaxed as you like. The nearby islands of Phang Nga Bay are worth a visit, with plenty of snorkelling opportunities, which can be arranged from your hotel.

Enjoy your last day by the beach before heading home. You may like to relax by the water or head into Ao Nang town for shopping and dining on fresh local seafood.

Your driver is on hand to collect you from the hotel for your private transfer to Krabi Airport in time for your onward flights home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.