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![Essential Tours For A Luxury Koh Samui Vacation: The Most Sought After Experiences In The Gulf Of Thailand](http://bespokeinfinitetravel.com/cdn/shop/articles/iStock-504705735_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1675827358)
Essential Tours For A Luxury Koh Samui Vacation: The Most Sought After Experiences In The Gulf Of Thailand
Trip 1 Highlights: Snorkel and relax on the remote island of Koh Tan
- Half day trip
- Longtail boat to Koh Tan
- Snorkeling in the clear water
- Relax on the pristine beaches of Koh Tan
Trip 2 Highlights: Exciting safari-style Koh Samui excursion by 4x4
- Full day excursion
- Open-top Jeep tour for perfect views
- Discover Wat Phra Yai and Wat Plai Leam
- See the Guan Yu Koh Samui Shrine
- Learn about tapping at a Rubber Tree Plantation
- Hike to Na Muang Waterfall and take a dip
- Enjoy Lunch at a viewpoint restaurant
- Enter a magical garden
- Enjoy the beauty of Koh Samui from a mountain viewpoint
- Witness a giant Golden Buddha at Wat Tee Pangkorn
Trip 3 Highlights: Sunset dinner cruise on a romantic Chinese Junk
- 3 hour cruise
- Set sail into the sunset
- Enjoy panoramic views of Koh Samui as your cruise circles the island
- Delve into a delicious sea-food buffet dinner
- Relax onboard and enjoy the sights of Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Transfer to your hotel
Trip 4 Highlights: Full day exploration of Ang Thong Islands
- Full day tour
- Explore the islands of the Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Swim in the coral-rich waters
- Sunbathe on pristine, secluded beaches
- Enjoy a Thai-style lunch with cool dips in the water for refreshment
- Cruise between the beautiful beaches of the many islands
Trip 5 Highlights: Discover the incredible diving islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
- Full day Tour
- Discover Koh Nang Yuan- Three islands connected by a pristine sand-bank.
- Swim in the beautifully clear waters and discover local fish and coral
- Enjoy an al fresco lunch on Koh Tao
- Spend your afternoon exploring the wonderful Island of Koh Tao by yourself.
- Snorkel, swim or canoe- have a fun time exploring
The Gulf of Thailand has become a favorite between those who appreciate the raw beauty of the sea. Not only do these islands have spectacular marine visitors, such as the giant Whale Shark, but the dive schools and island inhabitants take coral and ocean health seriously, ensuring a beautiful and flourishing marine environment. This makes a trip to these islands unforgettable because of the clear waters and pristine and clean beaches.
Every island has its own unique vibe and significance. Koh Samui is the perfect luxury jungle-to-ocean island with its many forest-covered mountains and wide-sandy beaches. It also has top quality resorts and restaurants with decks that give you a full view of the island.
In comparison to Koh Samui, Koh Tao is tiny, but has immeasurable beauty. With many small beaches that lead to clear, calm and safe waters, this island awakens the sea-lover in you, and will have you canoeing, snorkeling and even diving before you have time to think about fear. This Island is pure magic!
Now, a perfect tour to one of the many islands in the Gulf of Thailand can be difficult to arrange because of the many options. So we have put together 5 of our favorite, not-to-be-missed tours that will surely make your trip unforgettable and the envy of all your friends. Take a look below!
Trip 1: Snorkel and Relax on The Remote Island of Koh Tan
This tour is the perfect half-day add on. It has adventure and relaxation all in one-perfect island package.
Starting with a scenic longboat cruise, your boat captain will take you through the blue waters to the gorgeous and remote island of Koh Tan.
This island has only a few inhabitants - around 50 local people - and is less touristy than most other Thai islands, ensuring your stay will be tranquil. Spend your time snorkeling and exploring the colorful under-water world of Koh Tan, or lounge around on the secluded beaches surrounded by palm trees and shaded forests.
This trip is perfect for those who want a less crowded beach and sea experience but still want pristine beauty and beautiful snorkeling conditions. Calm, relaxed and beautiful, this is the perfect add on to any Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao stay.
Trip 2: Exciting Safari-Style Koh Samui Excursion by 4x4
Did you know the perfect way to explore Koh Samui is not by tuk-tuk? This big island is covered with jungle and mountainous terrain- it is what makes it the perfect jungle island. So the best way to explore this island is safari-style on a Jeep 4x4 trip!
This fun-filled trip starts with a drive to Wat Phra Yai and Wat Plai Leam. Wat Phra Yai is famous for its huge, golden Buddha towering above a colorful staircase. This relic’s significance lies in the depiction of Buddha in a tranquil and pure state.This is especially easy to see as the huge monument is etched out against the crystal blue island skies.
Wat Plai Leam has a similar styled Buddha, but it is especially memorable because of the Buddha’s 18 arms reaching out left and right. The temple grounds are filled with beautiful gardens and other sculptures and monuments that narrate the beautiful story of Buddha. It is a must see when visiting Koh Samui.
Next you will visit the Guan Yu Koh Samui Shrine, which is a beautiful and ornate symbol of China’s relationship with Thailand and the cultural exchanges between the two cultures. This 16 meters high shrine is a wondrous symbol of respect and religious reverence.
Going from religion to nature, you will now visit a local Rubber Tree plantation to learn about rubber-tree tapping methods. After a stop at the shaded plantation you will take a short hike to bathe in a beautiful waterfall and your guide will teach you about the island’s produce and how coconuts form a foundation for its stable economy.
After a delicious lunch at a restaurant with a magnificent view, you will visit a unique garden with magical architectural designs, before a last viewpoint stop on the mountain.
You will end off your tour with a trip to Wat Tee Pangkorn which protects a giant, golden Buddha called Pra Buddha Dipankara.
This tour is an all-day Island adventure unlike any other! Be sure to book this if you want island fun with a side of adrenaline!
Trip 3: Sunset Dinner Cruise on a Romantic Chinese Junk
Sunsets in the Gulf of Thailand are legendary! We believe the best way to experience a sunset is by sea. Therefore, we highly recommend this romantic dinner cruise while in Koh Samui.
What makes this specific cruise so significant, is the lavish vessel which will welcome you aboard-the traditional Chinese Junk. This beautiful wooden ship has giant red billowing sails which creates a striking picture in the golden hours of sunset. This makes the trip especially scenic and picturesque, and creates a canvas for perfect instagram pictures of your trip.
To add to this splendor is a delicious sea-food focused buffet of Thai and international dishes and a wonderful atmosphere.
Once the cruise around the island is complete, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Trip 4: A Full Day Exploration of Ang Thong Islands
There is no better way to explore the Ang Thong National Marine Park than by island hopping. This exquisite National Marine Park has some of the best islands in Asia and in order to see more than just two, island hopping is the recommended itinerary for a full day of fun and adventure.
This gorgeous Marine Park located North-West of Koh Samui contains 42 limestone islands and clear water. Healthy and colorful coral reefs wrap these islands with lush beauty creating the perfect environment for tropical fish to flourish in. This means that every dip into the ocean on your island hopping tour will provide many interesting things to see.
Because the islands are less inhabited, the beaches are clear and serene. Perfect for lounging around and catching some tropical sun rays well taking regular dips in the beautiful sea water.
Lunch will be served on one of the secluded beaches surrounded by Emerald forests.
Trip 5: Discover the incredible diving islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
A favorite among sea-lovers, Koh Tao has become one of the most popular island visits on any perfect Thailand tour. What makes this island so unique is the safe, clean and thriving marine environment it provides. The many dive shops and committed locals take marine conservation to the next level, ensuring tourists, guests and inhabitants of the island take conservation seriously. The result is an island with such beautiful corals, beaches and coves, that it keeps visitors coming back for more.
Right alongside Koh Tao is a beautiful sliver of an island called Koh Nang Yuan. This tiny little island is surrounded by healthy and colorful coral reefs, making it another perfect snorkeling site. These islands are connected by a perfectly white sand bank making it one of the most photographed spots in Thailand.
Your trip will start on Koh Nang Yuan kicking off the day with a lovely morning swim and an early lounge on the beach. Next you will be taken to Koh Tao where you will enjoy an al fresco lunch with views.
Now you will be free to enjoy the rest of the day exploring Koh Tao yourself.
Rent a see-through canoe at one of the local dive shops, and have a fun-sea adventure at one of the local beaches. Pop into one of the health restaurants and ask them to pack a small picnic for a beach snack later, or a walk down the beautiful walking-paths to find some fresh fruit or local street food such as Pad-Thai.
Whatever you decide to do, we promise an afternoon exploring this island is the best add-on to any tour on the side of Thailand.
Travel Your way: Experience A Curated Travel Experience
At Bespoke InfiniteTravel we aim to design each tour inspired by your requests, and that is why every tour can be redesigned to suit your unique needs; from travel requests, and cuisine preferences, to stylish hotels, or home-stays that keep the experience close to traditional culture.You choose every-step, and we guide you with our knowledge and years of cultural experience.
Our multilingual team can provide honest expertise and we aim to establish ourselves as one of the most trustworthy and highly skilled travel-companies in Asia. Do not let the language barrier prevent you from experiencing what the local “it” crowds do. Let us be the bridge between you and the travel experience of a lifetime, ensuring you get a curated, unique, and stress-free travel plan. We advise, design and book your trip from start to finish- you just tell us what you truly want to experience.
We know the best places, the most unique characters and the true culture of Asia and we want to share it with you. Nothing stands between you and the trip of a lifetime!
Every Amazing Holiday Experience Started With The Right Steps
We can be the first and even last step of your ultimate Asian Holiday Experience. It starts with one email; one call. Simply fill out our booking form and we will reach out to you so we can help you start your perfect 2023 Thailand Trip.
![Unseen Hua Hin: Discover the Unfrequented Paradise that Surrounds This Coastal Town](http://bespokeinfinitetravel.com/cdn/shop/articles/fishing_village_of_Bang_Pu_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1667195338)
Unseen Hua Hin: Discover the Unfrequented Paradise that Surrounds This Coastal Town
Day 1 Highlights:
- Discovering the ethereal beauty of Tham Khao Luang Cave
- An epic road trip through evergreen pineapple and papaya plantations
- Lunch at a local eatery
- Arrive at Kaeng Krachan National Park
- A breathtaking boat trip on the Kaeng Krachan reservoir
- Check in to Laksasubha Hua Hin Resort
Day 2 Highlights:
- Breakfast at the resort
- Take a short roadtrip through the coconut and pineapple plantations
- Pass through the fishing village of Bang Pu, to reach Lame Sala Beach
- Hike to Phraya Nahhon Cave and view an architectural wonder
- Spend some time on the local beach
- Return to Laksasubha Hua Hin Resort
Day 3 Highlights:
- Coffee and breakfast at the resort
- Explore the eclectic art village called Baan Sillapin
- Admire the Royal Waiting Room at the Hua Hin Train Station
- Travel to Khao Takiab, also called the monkey mountain.
- Check into the I Love Phants Resort and retreat for a peaceful evening
Day 4 Highlights:
- Enjoy breakfast and coffee at your resort
- Learn about animal rescue at the Wildlife Rescue Centre and Elephant Refuge
- Return to the Big Mango, Bangkok
Hua Hin- the name alone is synonymous with the rich and elite of Thailand, where Ferraris and other fast toys are common sights on beach roads lined with elite resorts and hotels. The playground of the rich and famous.
However, this coastal city is surrounded by various natural wonders that often get left out of tourist media and recommendations, purely because of how well hidden they are. From caves holding ancient relics to the largest national park in Thailand, Hua Hin has much to share and you have much to discover.
Day 1: An Epic Road Trip Through Pineapple and Papaya Plantations: Bangkok to Hua Hin
Hua Hin has become a fast favorite of the famous, not only because of the powdery white beaches, but because of its proximity to the Big Mango, Thailand’s Capital city, Bangkok. Your 4 day experience will start with a personal pick up at your Bangkok hotel. The first leg of the journey will be a beautiful country roadtrip to the coast.
Enroute you will stop at the famous Tham Khao Luang Cave to bid honor to the magnificent cave temple hidden in its mysterious hollows. This is a truly magnificent location because of how the many golden relics and Buddhist statues line the inner space of the bare cave walls. These symbols of Buddhist respect are often bathed in soft sunlight giving this temple an ethereal atmosphere that hushes even the most hurried soul.
Your guide will stop for a delicious lunch at a local eatery before continuing this road trip to Hua Hin, following the road through plantations lined with giant pineapple trees reaching to the skies like prehistoric umbrellas. The landscape often plays chess by switching papaya and pineapple plantations for swampy rice paddies, surrounding the smooth road with green on either side. Driving along you will most certainly catch glimpses of smooth skinned Thai oxen moving within the shadows cast by these wondrous farmlands.
Your next stop will be the Kaeng Krachan National Park. Stretching across 2,914 km this park reaches out to Myanmar which forms its western border. This national park is filled with natural wonders and harbors some of Thailand's most elusive mammals, such as the Sambar Deer, Clouded leopards and golden Jackals.The park is perfect for exploring because of magnificent viewpoints and smaller but beautiful caves. Walking through this heritage site will make you feel like you are lightyears from civilization,as nature fills your soul, and you will have an excellent chance of seeing these wondrous animals within their natural habitat- protected and happy.
While in the park you will be taken on a boat trip on the Kaeng Krachan reservoir, before heading to your resort to check in.
You will be greeted with warm Thai hospitality at the Laksasubha Hua Hin Resort before checking into your room. This resort has an air of lightness because of its soft white rooms and how the resort is surrounded by the sands of Hua Hin’s white beaches.
Enjoy an evening of relaxation at the resort or take a sunset stroll before dinner,relaxing after a day filled with driving and jungle adventures.
Day 2: From Fishing Village to Beach to Jungle Cave
After a delicious breakfast at the resort you start your exploration of the beautiful nature surrounding Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park to the south of Hua Hin. First your trip will start with a scenic drive along coconut and pineapple plantations as you head to the fishing village known as Bang Pu. This traditional way of life in Bang Pu has not been eroded by technology, making this quick stop a unique point of interest within the stretches of Hua Hin.
From the Bang Pu beach a longtail boat will ferry you across the waters to Laem Sala Beach. This powdery white beach is lined with gorgeous blue water and tall coconut trees. If the water and warm sands entice you to stay, feel free to enjoy the time lulling away on the beach and relaxing in the water. However, the hike we planned will take you to Phraya Nakhon Cave, so if you are up for an adventure, take a short hike to this jungle cave.
Following the trail underneath the flat surface of the cave ceiling, the rock walls seem to open up to a bubble of light, as sunbeams illuminate the green trees and perfectly carved pavilion built for King Rama V in 1890.When conditions are perfect, the Thai-styled pavilion is illuminated by a beam of sunlight penetrating the shell of the cave as if blessing this structure with heavenly wishes. Take your time to enjoy the splendor and explore the surrounding habitat. This particular spot is perfect for those once-in-a-lifetime instagram shots, mesmerizing your social feed with the beauty of Thailand.
Once returning to the beach, you will have some time to enjoy the beach and clear water, before heading back to the resort for the evening.
Day 3: Spending a Day in the Quaint Artist House of Hua Hin
Day three is all about the local cultural experience, taking a break from nature to explore the many artistic and creative ventures of the Baan Sillapin Artist House. Built over the local water canals, this house resembles a village and community all at once.
Spending a morning here will promise views of longtails boats with happy tourists, and wooden spaces filled with locally crafted art and cultural objects. The Baan Sillapin Artist House also boasts a beautiful and traditional puppet show, with puppeteers wearing black masks, skillfully breathing life into exquisitely crafted puppets, wearing shimmering Thai costumes and telling tales of Thai myths through dramatic presentation- a must see on a list of “off the beaten track activities”.
The next cultural destination is the teak Royal waiting room of the Hua Hin Train station. Historically, royalty would visit the coast by traveling on the magnificent waterways, but since the railway sped up travel time, the Royal family had an ornate waiting room built, following the Thai architectural style of carefully carved teak wood and cherry red pointed roofs, brilliantly pointing to the ever blue Hua Hin sky.
Next you will meet the local mischief makers, the raunchy and overconfident monkeys who rule the area aptly nicknamed, Monkey Mountain. This stop is a true humorous experience, as a town ruled by monkeys can be very unpredictable, you know. Seeing these local critters play amongst the Thai-styled buildings, will present many moments for fun photos and the promise of future anecdotes to share with the family back home. This location, being elevated within the beautiful scenery, is a perfect lookout point because of the panoramic ocean views.
After an eventful afternoon on Monkey Mountain, you will be escorted to your resort, humorously called “I love Phants”- an eco inspired lodge, neighboring an elephant sanctuary and the evergreen jungle.
Relax for the evening and have a delicious dinner at your resort before winding down for the last evening in Hua Hin.
Day 4: Up-Close and Personal with Local Wildlife Heroes.
After a delicious breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the lovely resort and start your last activity of your Hua Hin experience. Today you will have the chance to get close and intimate with the local wildlife, as we introduce you to Wildlife Rescue Center and Elephant Refuge.
This sanctuary provides a rare opportunity to learn about the rescue and care provided to local wildlife through this incredible organization. During your visit you will join the staff as they make their rounds, feeding, treating and taking care of their four ( and sometimes two legged) patients. This experience is highly educational and one specific element that stands out is the education you will receive on elephant rescue. You will be introduced to their huge-bellied rescued friends, and be intimately acquainted with these giants by learning their names and backstories.
The visit will provide the rare chance of joining the unsung heroes of the sanctuary as they fulfill their daily rituals of care for, treating and feeding their animal and elephant patients. Bespoke Infinite Travel chose this important experience because of the highly educational side, and also because trips to this sanctuary aids their financial well being. Your visit will contribute to the feeding and medical costs of this incredible organization and animal hospital.
After a last buffet lunch, you will be escorted back along the green countryside to Bangkok, spending a few moments with your local guide after a safe and thrilling four day experience.
What to Expect From This Hua Hin Tour
Hua Hin is a famously beautiful town, and what makes it quite unique is the gorgeous area that surrounds it. Thus this trip is focused on introducing you to the experiences even the local Bangkok people do not know much about.
However, this experience is aimed at showing you the beautiful flora and fauna if the this coastal region, and thus comfortable shoes and clothes are essential to making this experience as exceptional as possible.
Bring some bug repellent if you are a little squeamish and a hat and sunscreen is always recommended.
Further, a happy and respectful attitude will add to your experience and we believe that our itinerary will fulfill all your travel wishes.
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.
If you enjoyed the idea of being close to Bangkok while still exploring the countryside, then we know Ayutthaya will interest you for sure. Take a look at our Modern Ayutthaya Tour here.
Be sure to let us know if you have any questions! We love sharing our knowledge and expertise.