Khao Lak – Surin Islands – Koh Prathong                                             [L]

Escape to a tropical island paradise within the idyllic Koh Surin National Marine Park. An early 7 am start, with a transfer from Khao Lak to Kuraburi Pier, is followed by an exhilarating speedboat trip to Koh Surin. A guided tour conducted by the island’s original inhabitants, the Moken, provides a unique insight into their home. We will learn about the intricate relationship between this indigenous group and the environment, view brightly coloured poles that honour the spirits of nature and see bamboo stilt houses erected on the sand. We also try our hand at rowing a traditional boat, spearfishing and weaving, including the creation of a bracelet made from Pandanus leaves. Lunch is a Thai set menu served under the shade of a tree on the beach, followed by a short walk to a coral reef to view the Moken’s impressive diving techniques. It is then time to enjoy a cooling swim surrounded by tropical fish. We then take a long-tail boat to Baba Ecolodge Resort, with the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this idyllic site nestled within lush tropical jungle and facing a 12-km deserted beach.

Koh Ra                                                                                                    [B, L]

After breakfast at the resort, our adventure begins with a 15-minute long-tail boat ride to Koh Ra. This is a long and mountainous island and covered in ancient rainforest. The elevated and overgrown terrain has preserved the serenity. Consequently, it is home to abundant flora and fauna and this makes it an excellent trekking venue. We will set off on a leisurely hike and look out for hornbills and other native species. Lunch is served al fresco on a secluded beach, with time afterwards to enjoy a cooling swim, or relax on the pristine sand. At around 2 pm, we head back to the resort on Koh Phrathong, with the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the stunning beauty of this tranquil destination.

Optional activities                                                                            [B]

Savannah Tour with breakfast (by Baba Ecolodge Resort)
Another day in an idyllic island paradise unfolds, with the option to relax at the resort, or undertake some excellent optional excursions. The Savannah Tour reveals native wildlife and abundant nature. Our destination, Ko Phra Thong’s savannah interior is more reminiscent of Kenya than Thailand. We leave by jeep at 6 am and head to a spectacular environment featuring brilliant white sandy dunes covered with thick grass. This is one of the best bird watching destinations in Thailand and one of the few places on earth to spot the endangered lesser adjutant stork.

Island Adventure
Another option is an island adventure tour that reveals rustic Tung Dap village. The discovery starts with a 9 am transfer. After a briefing and a cultural orientation, we join an interactive workshop where we learn how to make squid traps, an essential tool for the indigenous Moken. We then enjoy a homemade lunch and a cultural exchange with our host family. We then head out to catch crabs, fish or gather seashells, depending on the tide. We also learn how to make a traditional Moken desert. At around 4.30 pm we arrive back at the resort, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Koh Prathong – Khao Lak                                                               [B]

Our escape from civilization to a remote island getaway concludes today. After breakfast, we have some time to soak up rays and enjoy a cooling swim. We then check-out of the resort and take a long-tail boat transfer to Kuraburi Pier, followed by a speedboat trip back to either Khao Lak or Phuket, depending on individual itineraries. This excursion provides the ultimate escape from modern life and promotes sustainable travel practices.