EXPERIENCES — phuket thailand

Day 1  Highlights:

• Khao Lak-Kuraburi-Koh Surin National Marine Park
• Moken-guided tour of Koh Surin
• Spearfishing and Jewelry Weaving
• Lunch on the beach
• Learning about Moken freediving techniques
• Retreat to Baba Eco Lodge

Day 2 Highlights:

• First breakfast at Baba Eco Lodge
• Longboat tour to Koh Ra
• Searching the jungle for hornbills
• Lunch on a secluded beach
• Return to Baba Eco Resort

Day 3 Highlights:

• Either a safari Tour of Koh Phra Thong or
• Sea-foraging/gathering at Tung Dap Village
• Enjoy the late afternoon swimming and relaxing at Baba Eco Beach Resort

Day  4 Highlights:

• Slow breakfast at Baba Eco Resort
• Return to Khao Lak or Phuket by speedboat

Just 18 km from  Myanmar's sea-border lies a Marine Park with splendors that are likened to the Similan islands. Its flourishing ocean gardens form the lifeline of a local tribe of sea-nomads known as the Moken tribe, a group of people living as one with the sea. The coral filled waters and mangrove lined islands they inhabit are lesser known amongst tourist, making this tour very  specialized and significant.

As your longtail boat glides through the waters just off the coast of Surin Marine park, you will probably see their traditional black house- boats hovering in the glinstering water, and wonder where the sail-vessel's captain is.Just as the thought crosses your mind, a small body appears next to the streamlined vessel in the middle of the ocean, pulling from the liquid depths the freshly caught treasure of squid and crab. You sit wondering about the secrets these tribes hold, and how their centuries at sea have not been infiltrated by modern technology and globalization. Then you realize that during the next four days, your curiosity will be quenched as you get the rare opportunity to be invited into the homes and lives of these sea-specialists. Welcome to the 4 day sustainable Island tour.

Day 1 : Discovering Traditional Sea-Life with the Moken Tribe

Your day will start early with a speedboat transfer from Khao Lak to the Kuraburi Pier. Here you will board a speedboat which will rapidly take you to Koh Surin National Marine Park.

You will be greeted by your guide- the local Moken people, admirably referred to as sea-gypsies or sea-nomads. These unique people have been living off the sea for centuries learning how to hunt and gather from the folds of the ocean. Their way of living is seen as an excellent example of human and nature collaborating.

As you meet your Moken guide, you will start a guided tour of the island, getting a firsthand introduction to the beauty of these barely touched tropical islands of the Andaman sea.

You will learn through experiencing the local ways of life of the indigenous people. You will see the colourful poles which rise out from the sea, a symbolic show of respect for the sea-spirits which they believe guide them and protect them. You will get a glimpse into their everyday lifestyle, by viewing their stilted bamboo houses, and practicing the daily craft of spearfishing, and jewelry weaving with Pandanus leaves.

You will also receive a lesson on how to steer their unique Moken sailing-boats, which often form their home during large parts of the dry season. During many months of the year, this tribe happily hunt ,cook ,eat and sleep on this tar-coloured vessel, which has been known to harbor families, dogs, cats and even chickens.

A fresh sea-food lunch will be served under the shade of a tree on one of the beautiful white beaches. Next you will enjoy a short walk to a local coral reef in order to view the Moken  people’s unique diving rituals and techniques. Naturally growing up surrounded by the ocean, and using it as their main source of food, diving has formed an important part of their lives since birth. These mermaid-skilled humans can easily freedive down  to 30 meters, in order to  catch food for their families, or simply enjoy the beauty of their beautiful island waters.

After you spend  some time  swimming with the local Moken people and children, you will say goodbye to your guide. A longboat will take you to the secluded and private Baba Eco Lodge, boasting a 12 km stretch of deserted beach.

This incredible eco resort truly encompasses sustainability by hosting only a small number of people in stylish wooden huts, crafted in the traditional Thai architectural style of spacious interiors with wide open doors and windows. These huts allow uninterrupted views of either ocean or jungle, with a constant breeze sweeping its simple yet extremely stylish interior.

Enjoy the afternoon exploring the local beach and then a traditional dinner at the resort. Rest well because the morning will bring a beautiful jungle tour!

Day 2 : Koh Ra Jungle Trekking in Search of  Hornbills

After a delicious breakfast at the lodge, you will travel to the jungle island of Koh Ra by longtail boat.

Koh Ra island is covered in tropical jungle, and home to many famous bird and animal species, such as the colorful and hornbill. You will be guided by a local guide, who will teach you about the different plant and animal species, showing you  the unique properties of the various tree, plant and fruit species.

One of the most famous bird species you will search for, is the large, yellow-billed hornbill of Surin. This colorful animal can be likened to a feathered farmer, as it spreads seeds from different trees and plants across the forest, essentially planting and growing local flora. These forests provide a paradise of food supply  to this tropical bird, and it happily feasts numerous plant, fruit and seed species from the Koh Ra jungle.

As you focus  on the jungles' peaceful energy, your eyes and ears will become attuned to the songs of this lush island. Listen to the call of the local beetle and bird species and take large gulps of fresh air.Being this close to nature is an experience many people can only ever dream of.

Your exhilarating jungle trek will lead you to a secluded beach for a picnic near the sea. Eat and swim and enjoy the unspoilt views of an island just for you.

After your hike back you will return to the Baba Eco-lodge to spend some time relaxing or exploring by yourself.

Day 3 : Safari through Thailand's Savannah or Take-Part-In Indigenous Sea-Foraging and Gathering

Day 3 starts with a choice. Each activity is extremely unique, so choose carefully to make sure  you get the experience you want.

Option 1) Thai-Savannah Safari: The lesser known island called Koh Phra Thong has a big secret- it hides a secluded savannah only some people know about. If sea-life has been a little much, and you need a bit of an African feel, then this jeep safari is perfect for day 3. Your jeep leaves at 6 AM, as the morning touches the island. Your tour will take place on the African-like dunes of Koh Phra Thong, a location covered with golden grass fields, twisted trees and sandy dunes.  As you race up and down the arid landscape you will get some time to look for the local bird species which hide amongst the fields and in the trees. If spotted, your guide will show you the large, yellow necked Adjutant stork, as it wades through marshes and fields on its bamboo-like legs.

Option 2) Sea-Hunting and Foraging Adventure: If you have not yet had your fill of sand and sea, then spending the day learning about local fishing and cooking techniques will be right up your alley. Your day will start at 9 AM, with a trip to Tung Dap Village. After a short introduction and orientation, you will join a small workshop which will teach you how to make squid traps, used by the local people for centuries. After honing your craft, you will be invited for lunch by a local family, and experience a sea-to-table meal.

After lunch you will be taken to a local beach to learn how ro catch crabs and fish, as well as gather local sea-shells, if the tide permits it. Their sea-gathering and hunting techniques are not well-known, and sharing this perfectly practiced skill with our guests is something we are so grateful for. You will return to the resort around 4:30 , so you can spend your last evening at the beautiful Baba Eco lodge, drinking in the sunset and enjoying the peace and quiet of undisturbed beach life.

Day 4 : Last Goodbyes

As you start your last morning in the Andaman Sea, you can enjoy a lovely slow breakfast and have a last stroll down the beach or dip in the clear water.

You will be returned to Kuraburi pier by speedboat and then be taken to Koh Lak or Phuket to continue your travels in Thailand.

What to Expect From This Sustainable Tour

The Surin area is beautiful and unurbanized, with local people and companies trying to upkeep this natural and sustainable manner of living the Moken and other local people have been nourishing over centuries. Therefore this tour is focused on educating and respectfully joining in on local activities.

Though this tribe has graciously invited us to experience their ways, it is always good to remember that cultures differ and to follow the example of your local guide when interacting with the local families and children.

Please take care when swimming and diving not to touch, pick-up or remove any part of the coral reef, and where  possible to use only eco-friendly sunscreen, in order to protect the ocean which feeds  the local people.

In return, you will have a once in a lifetime experience and learn about a way of life that has been sustained over centuries of global change. Eating, hunting, gathering and living off the sea is an enigma to most people, and we are truly blessed to be able to provide you with this wonderful experience.

Ready, Set…Pack!

Our bilingual team will be ready to assist you with any questions regarding your trip, but here are some packing tips ahead of time. Remember that part of Thailand's beauty is because of the humidity in the air, so wearing breathy, light garments made from natural linen or cotton will definitely make your trip more comfortable. We also recommend hiking shoes and clothes, and even though all resorts provide what you need to fight off the buzzing mosquitoes, buying a mosquito cream and coral-friendly sunscreen will only be in your best interest.

Come have fun, and pack enough swimsuits for moonlight swims and morning dips, and do not forget that insta worthy sunhat for perfect pictures at the floating village or the tip of a longboat.

Do follow us on Instagram and tag us in your photos so we can share in your perfect experience. Our hashtag is #BespokeInfiniteTravel.

Are you feeling the need for more culture and heritage-inspired tours? Take a look at our curated Heritage Tour in Northern Thailand, where we introduce you to the amazing Longneck tribes of Thailand.

Be sure to let us know if you have any questions! We love sharing our knowledge and expertise.

A private tour of Thailand's gorgeous islands does not get more exclusive, intimate, or luxurious than this overnight sailing experience. Imagine being able to explore the azure waters of Phuket or Pattaya at your leisure, diving into pristine waters, drinking bubbly on the deck as you watch the  sunset over the horizon. If an exclusive luxury sailing trip is what you desire, then this package is  perfect for you.

Often the joy of exploring the specific locations we have chosen for this experience can be restricted by loads of tourists, crammed speedboats, and overbooked island activities that spend more time rushing from spot to spot, than swimming, snorkeling or relaxing on a beach. The locations are simply perfect, but the experience often lacks intimacy and serenity.

We want to counter that rush caused by commercial travel, by curating this overnight yachting experience. We want to provide you with space, private quarters filled with luxury, and time to take in all the beauty that surrounds you; moving at your chosen pace- placing you at the center of the quiet, natural beauty of Southern Thailand. The Andaman Sea is your playground- let us help you explore it in an unspoiled way, surrounded by luxury and serenity. 

Sailing through The Heart of Tropical Islands: 

Phuket and Pattaya are two of the most beautiful locations on the planet. When sailing through the  waters of these beautiful locations, you will quite literally be surrounded by staggering cliffs protruding from lush, overgrown islets crested by soft-sandy bays.   

Phuket needs no introduction. Its closest islands, Koh Phi Phi, Bamboo Island, Koh Khai Nok, and the breathtaking Phang Nga Bay will be calling you to dive into their clear waters and explore their coral-lined floors through snorkeling. When sailing through the waters of the Andaman Sea, you will experience serenity and calm as limestone cliffs jut out from the blue waters, letting you glide  through a maze of the most exclusive islands on earth-while drinking bubble from the deck of your private yacht. 

Pattaya, known by the rich and famous for its luxury resorts, is the perfect location for either a relaxing cruise or a cruise filled with water activities that will get your heart pumping. When setting  up your trip, do include the famous Monkey Island. We also highly recommend Koh Khram Yai for snorkeling or free-diving. It is part of the local marine protection zone, so water conditions are superb, with high visibility for the underwater enthusiast. 

Whichever location you choose, you can be sure your experience will be intimate and exclusive and your Bespoke Intimate Travel representative will help you pick the best island routes and yachts. For your personal needs. Here is what you can expect: 

Day 1 : All Aboard! Sailing Out on The Andaman Sea

You will be picked up by a licensed guide to begin your scenic journey to your destination of choice. Because the south of Thailand is visually stunning, your trip to either Pattaya or Phuket will  include some sightseeing. 

Once you arrive at your destination, you will be escorted to your chosen private yacht. Because of the exclusivity of this experience, you can expect lavish interiors and comfortable lounging options for yourself and your partner, or yourself and your party.

Perfect for an elegant soirée' or a vibrant party experience, the stunning furnishings and decor will make you feel like a celebrity. A personal butler will be at your service and you can be sure your  dining will be of the highest quality, as our chefs can cater to any diet specifications or cuisine  preferences.   

If you need to treat your sun-touched skin with some love or simply feel like some spa pampering, The onboard spa room provides relaxing treatments- a perfect addition to your exclusive sailing trip. 

As the sunset takes you into twilight, feel free to enjoy some sun-downers on the deck, and get  ready for an evening beneath the starry sky- dancing or swimming or both. Once you have enjoyed a lavish dinner, you can relax onboard or retire early as the soft rocking motion of the Andaman lulls you off to sleep. 

Day 2 : Sunrise and Breakfast

Gently wake-up to the sound of water splashing against the side of the yacht. It is time to take it slow and enjoy the moment. Coffee in bed? We’ve got you covered! Enjoy the luxury of your private suite, or have your morning cup of caffeine on the deck, enjoying the serenity of this private experience. We can do mornings your way.  

When you are ready for breakfast, you can fill up on tropical fruit and enjoy the delightful breakfast spread laid out for you. Your last few hours will be spent cruising the ocean, taking in the sights from your private viewpoint, or taking a last-minute dip into the crystal waters before departing from the yacht around noon. 

For the remainder of the day, we would like to surprise you with some sightseeing- and we will carefully select the perfect places to suit your taste and time. Both seaside towns have many delightful experiences to offer, from dessert cafes which specialize in Thai delights, to local art spaces and beach activities that range from serene to adrenaline pumping. We will make sure your last few hours are spent experiencing the delights the town is known for, leaving you with only the best memories a holiday can provide.

Reset. Heal. Refresh. These are all words that describe the Phuket Wellness Resort Holiday. Phuket is known for its wonderful selection of wellness spas, located within serene surroundings and peaceful, tropical locations along the coast. We have chosen this location for the Wellness Resort Holiday because it boasts powdery soft beaches and deep blue coastlines. The perfect location for a holiday focused on renewing the mind and body.  

Bespoke Infinite Travel felt the urge to create a holiday package that will truly help guests step into their future- stronger, healthier, and revitalized. With mass media idolizing the forever “grind”, we want to advocate the beauty and importance of self-care and mindfulness. Thus we present to you a holiday aimed at resetting your body clock, through the combination of inner-cleansing and ancient rituals that rid the body, skin, and mind of toxins and stress.  

Let us introduce the Phuket Wellness Resort Holiday. 

What is the Phuket Wellness Resort Holiday? 

Also known as a Wellness Retreat, this experience aims to rid the body and skin of the harmful toxins caused by unhealthy, over-processed foods, stressful lifestyles, and air pollution through a body, skin, and mind detox. These harmful conditions are often the root of many illnesses and fatigue, and a detox is the logical antidote. 

By joining this program, you will be taking the first and most important steps to regain your vitality and health, by allowing your body to reset its digestive, immune, and endocrine functions. It can also be a start to building good habits, allowing you time to embrace a healthier lifestyle that sets over into lasting health benefits. 

What Benefits Can You Reap from This Retreat? 

Speaking of benefits, the Phuket Wellness Retreat has quite a few! 

• Lightness in body and mind 
• Energy and revitalization
• A reduced appetite with fewer food cravings 
• Improved digestive functions 
• Improved metabolism 
• Reduced body and joint inflammation. 
• Mindfulness, with thoughts being more present
• Improved hormonal functions. 
• Better sleeping patterns 

Another important element of this detox holiday is the lasting impact it may have if you embrace it fully. By approaching this experience as the start of a self-care lifestyle, it can be the start of your healthy, fit body too. Essentially, this program will be the first few steps to the healthier, more self-loving person you were born to be. 

What makes this program even more unique, is the fact that it can be the perfect experience for couples, or even best friends, moms, and daughters, or fathers and sons. With men taking their bodies and skins seriously and embracing a lifestyle in which health plays a vital role, this holiday can be a kick-start or a mid-point recheck. Perfect for anyone that takes their self-care seriously. That is you, right? 

What Is Included in This Holiday? 

This Wellness Resort is all-inclusive, and your Bespoke Infinite Travel representative will help you select the best program for your personal needs. Thus, your unique package may include the following: 

• Accommodation according to your selection and taste
• A Round trip from and to the Phuket airport
• An individual wellness consultation to assess your needs and set goals. 
• Three nutritious meals selected according to your detox program 
• A departure consultation 
• Blood pressure check-up  
• A physical analysis 

This wellness program will also focus on the use of ancient healing treatments that aid with detoxing and skin renewal, and will include the following spa treatments: 

• A Chi Nei Tsang detoxifying abdominal massage. 
• Colon Therapy
• Detox support supplements 
• A Full Body Swedish Massage 
• Daily Infrared Sauna sessions. 

You will also have daily yoga classes to build strength, increase mobility and teach mindfulness.  

Another truly remarkable experience that is included in the Thai Hammam Journey 

This treatment is likened to a journey, because of the beautiful stages your body and mind travel through during this experience. A Traditional Sauna, Aromatic Thai Healing Steam, and Rainshower are just some of the things you will experience during this 105 min journey. Rich in temperature, earthy products, and healing hydro-therapy, this experience will open your body and mind to stillness and peace. 

Why This Is An Experience You Should Book At Least Once in Your Lifetime. 

We all have one thing in common- and that is that we have one body during one lifetime. Is it not our responsibility to take better care of it? Of course, it is! But taking the first steps are always hard, and then finding the right formula to kick-start this decision is even more challenging. That is why Bespoke Infinite Travel suggests this program for all its clients. Finding health and peace is the greatest wealth in the world, and we want to be part of that journey.  

We look forward to introducing you to this exclusive self-care journey, and possibly, to a new-you!