Thai Island Hopping

Overall the trip was brilliant. Koh Ngai was amazing. Fantasy resort was excellent and you didn’t feel like you were just another guest. The trips to the Emerald cave and Koh Mook were both excelled. The group also hiked over part of the island to Paradise Beach, which was well worth it. On the way we came across a huge monitor lizard that looked as though it had been dropped in from the Galapagos Isles. One of our group were also visited by a scorpion in their room. Didn’t see that in the guidebook! The accommodation in Koh Lanta was disappointing after Koh Ngai. Nakara wasn’t a pleasant hotel, its redeeming feature was it was on the beach, the room floorboards cracked every time you stepped on them, disappointing! The trip to Walking with Giants was truly amazing! Plus the night visit to Koh Lanta old town was a gem! Koh Yao Noi dispersed first impressions. The Bangmeehomestay was in a beautiful location and the hosts did everything they could to help us enjoy our stay. A few of us hired bikes and ride around the coast, truly stunning little island! And then there was Ao Nang! Not a lot to be said about it, the Holiday Style is fronted by an enormous car park with no flora whatsoever, in the hotel was OK. AO Nang is OK if you just want bars and restaurants and hustle and bustle, I don’t think it was the right location for this tour! Having said that three of us did a day trip to Railay Beach, now that was awesome! Plus the trip to Hong Islands was enjoyable, especially the climb to the viewpoint!

A really great relaxing holiday, with a good mix of activities and free time. The three islands we visited were all subtly different and it was good to experience those differences. Our leader Mhor was very good, sharing his culture and knowledge. His recommendations for trips in our free time were much appreciated. The only small negative, there was perhaps one too many days in Krabi. It seemed any option for our free day was not as good as things we had already done. Overall a great trip.

It’s New Years Eve. I haven’t finished my holiday yet having remained in Krabi for a further six nights after the Explore holiday. I have done this holiday twice in the past three years and will probably do it again. It isn’t full on touring with long travel days…….even transferring between island by speedboat is nice. Sometimes you need a more relaxing holiday at this time of year. Thailand and the Andaman Sea is the perfect place for this. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was being allocated a top bunk on the overnight train journey from Bangkok to Trang as this was enforced lying down for eleven hours on a narrower bed because of the curvature of the train roof. The wider, more headroom, able to sit up bottom bunks cost 150 Baht ( about £2.50) more which I would have willingly paid for.

Overall, the explore elements of the trip were great, the Elephant walking was wonderful and interesting (could write more but I don't want to give any spoilers) and the kayaking through the mangroves were highlights. Some of the optional trips were less good - mainly the bio luminescent trip. I wouldn't recommend this trip to people as it isn't what was advertised in the local trip notes. It was commercialised travel on a speed boat with only 30 minutes of snorkelling at one destination (we were told several sights of snorkelling) and the swim with the bio luminesence was good but that was only for 10 minutes. Additionally the organisation of the trip (after the explore guide had booked) was horrendous. We were on and off buses/taxis and no clue where we were heading. We did eventually get the right boat, but I wouldn't recommend this optional extra to others. We were lucky with the time of year we went and were able to experience a couple of night markets which are well worth visiting for the local food. Our guide Por, was kind and caring and ensured we got to the right pier at the right time. Some of the speed boat people are a little hap hazard with your luggage, so you will need a strong piece of luggage. Overall though, a great trip to see many islands, see the sun, sea and sand (though we did have a lot of thunder and rain through out the trip too). There is a good mix of activities and relax time though I think my favourite island was Koh Hai - the first island.

It wasn't the best one of your tours but I am sure I will travel with you again in the near future.