Bangkok and island hopping in Phuket & Koh Yao Yai

Today’s the day you finally get to fly to Thailand. There will be connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll arrive in Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok. After passing through immigration and collecting your luggage, you’ll meet your guide in the arrivals hall at Door B, Gate 6. Your guide will be wearing the TourCompass uniform and carrying a TourCompass sign, making it easy for you to spot them. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Bangkok – and even on the way, you’ll get your first glimpse of the city’s grandeur and its bustling, energetic atmosphere.

Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Depending on when you land – and how much energy you have – you might simply want to relax at the hotel or perhaps take a short stroll in the local area. If you’re feeling adventurous, step out into the streets of Bangkok for a first taste of the city. You’ll discover an intoxicating maze of sights and sounds, with food options ranging from tiny street stalls to trendy fusion restaurants. If you fancy, you could visit neon-lit Chinatown, sample the delights of Soi 38 in Sukhumvit, experience the roadside kitchens at Victory Monument, or soak up the lively riverside vibe at Asiatique The Riverfront, where restaurants, shops, and a vibrant evening scene unfold along the water’s edge.

If you still have some energy left, why not round off your day with a drink at one of the city’s sky bars, taking in the stunning views over the illuminated metropolis before retreating for a well-deserved night’s rest.

You’ll wake up in Thailand’s bustling capital — a city of striking contrasts where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside ancient temples, and modern skytrains glide several metres above the streets while traditional river taxis ferry locals and visitors alike between Bangkok’s many attractions.

You’ll have the day at your leisure until late afternoon, when you’ll set off on a tuk-tuk street food tour. Until then, you could, for example, relax by the pool and soak up the sun, explore the city, or join one of our optional tours.

In the afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to MRT Hua Lamphong Station, where your local guide will meet you. From here, you’ll head off on foot into Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods, where narrow alleyways, traditional trading streets, and small roadside kitchens set the scene for an evening brimming with aromas, flavours, and vibrant local life.

Your first tasting is a bowl of “tom yum wonton”, where the classic Thai soup is served with stuffed dumplings — a delightful blend of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavours. You’ll then follow the irresistible scent of the grill to the next stop, where satay skewers of grilled pork are cooked over charcoal and served with a creamy peanut sauce.

You’ll continue on foot through one of Bangkok’s most atmospheric old trading streets, where historic shophouses, street art, and a new wave of creative energy blend together. Along the way, you’ll taste traditional steamed buns – a classic snack rooted in the area’s Chinese culture and considered a symbol of luck and prosperity.

Next, you’ll hop back into a tuk-tuk and whizz through Chinatown, where neon lights and bustling streets create a truly unique atmosphere. A short stop is made at the 27-metre-high Giant Swing, a historic and cultural landmark by the Wat Suthat Thepwararam temple, beautifully illuminated at night and perfect for photos.

Dinner is served at a local restaurant that has been making Pad See Ew for more than 40 years. This popular noodle dish is a wonderful example of how Chinese culinary traditions have shaped Thailand’s vibrant street food culture.

The evening concludes with a scenic drive past the Grand Palace and the City Pillar before you arrive by the riverside opposite Wat Arun. The temple stands beautifully lit on the far side of the Chao Phraya River, providing a stunning backdrop for the final stop of the tour.

Here, you can unwind at a rooftop bar by the river with a drink in hand, soaking up the view and the vibrant atmosphere. Bangkok rarely feels more alive than it does right here.

Afterwards, you’ll be driven back to the hotel unless you choose to stay a little longer and explore on your own.

Today, no excursions are scheduled, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Bangkok boasts a variety of transport options, so you don’t need to worry about the infamous traffic when getting around. Many people opt for tuk-tuks or book rides via the Grab app, while river taxis are also popular and form an integral part of public transport, with stops at many of the city’s major attractions. Additionally, the Sky Train snakes between the city’s skyscrapers, offering a fast, convenient, and affordable way to travel.

Divided by the 372 km long Chao Phraya River, the eastern part is considered central Bangkok. Here, you’ll find lively districts such as Sukhumvit, Silom, and Chinatown, packed with shopping centres, local markets, and excellent eateries. The east side also hosts Bangkok’s historical sites, including the city’s Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew.

After roaming Bangkok amidst its tropical heat and noisy traffic, you might find yourself yearning for greener, quieter spots. Consider visiting the Lumpini or Benjakiti Parks. Alternatively, cross to the western side of the river to discover a different world without skyscrapers and honking tuk-tuks. Here, you can encounter traditional Bangkok and a maze of canals, where houses perch on stilts and postmen deliver by boat.

There’s also the option to join one of our exciting optional tours, detailed below.

Whatever you decide to do, we assure you that ‘boredom’ isn’t a word you’ll associate with Bangkok.

Today, you’ll be heading down to southern Thailand. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport, from where you’ll catch your flight to Thailand’s number one beach destination: Phuket.

Upon arrival, you’ll go through immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign so you can spot them easily. From here, you’ll be driven to your hotel, which is about an hour and a half away.

After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Perhaps you fancy a dip in the waves? Or how about a stroll along the beach, where you can enjoy the sun’s rays and the sound of the gentle waves?

You’ll be based at Kata Beach, which is on the south-western coast of Phuket and one of the most famous beaches on the whole island. Kata Beach actually consists of two beaches: Kata Yai, the “big” beach, and Kata Noi, the “small” beach. Both beaches have fine, golden sand. The water is clear, calm and relatively shallow – ideal beach for children and adults alike. Kata Beach also offers a good selection of restaurants, bars, and shops.

The day is yours to do as you please until the afternoon, when you’ll be going on an exciting guided tour of the island. Phuket has been nicknamed the “Pearl of the Andeman”, and for good reason.

You will be picked up at the hotel by your guide and driver. The first stop is Phuket’s most significant temple, Wat Chalong. Wat Chalong is known for its magnificent architecture with beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.

From here, you will be driven to the cosy and charming Phuket Old Town. In the early days, the town was an important hub for trade between China, India and Europe, and the Chinese and Portuguese in particular have left their mark on the town. Discover the fascinating architecture with its colourful Sino-Portuguese houses and learn more about the town and the exciting history of the island. Phuket Old Town also offers trendy shops and art galleries alongside cosy cafés and restaurants.

Dinner is served at the hip Chillva Market, a short drive away, where, you can taste the market’s delicious local specialities, such as juicy satay skewers, grilled lobster, sushi, and the dessert sticky rice with mango. Sit yourself down on a plastic stool and enjoy the atmosphere, often with live music to complete the mood.

You’ll then be driven back to your hotel after an exciting, adventure-filled day.

There are no excursions planned for today, so you can enjoy Phuket at your own pace.

Thailand’s largest island, Phuket has more than 30 wonderful beaches. So you might be tempted to spend the days just lazing on the golden beaches and swimming in the warm water. But if you feel like heading out in search of adventure, Phuket actually has a lot to offer in the way of nature and cultural experiences.

We also recommend a snorkelling trip to one of the stunning coral reefs off the coast of Phuket, where you’ll see the most beautiful colourful fish?

East of Phuket is Phang Nga Bay, which is famous for its many islands and impressive limestone cliffs. Among other things, this is the bay where you can find the legendary “James Bond Island”, where some of the scenes in The Man with the Golden Gun were filmed in 1974.

Even further east are the heavenly Phi Phi Islands, which you can experience on a full-day excursion, giving you time to swim, snorkel, and relax on the white sandy beaches.

Be sure to spend at least one evening on a sunset excursion to Khao Rang Hill, one of Phuket’s most famous lookout points. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city, nearby islands, and the undulating landscape.

After breakfast and check-out, you’ll meet your driver in the lobby. He’ll drive you to Bang Rong pier, where you’ll take a speedboat to Koh Yao Yai, located off the coast of Phuket in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, along with the neighbouring island of Koh Yao Noi. After just 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at the beautiful, peaceful island, where a driver will be waiting to drive you to your hotel, which takes around 40 minutes.

Koh Yao Yai is the largest of the two Koh Yao islands, but despite being the largest, it’s the least developed and thus also the quietest. There are fewer local residents, but more visitors than on Koh Yao Noi. The infrastructure is not especially well developed, which is why you’ll not find many cars on the island. Scooters and bicycles are the most common means of transport here – and are easy to hire.

You’ll soon find that Koh Yao Yai possesses an authentic charm. It’s a tranquil and scenic gem – an idyllic retreat. Life is lived at a slow pace here. The local fishermen set out to sea at dawn to harvest the catch of the day, while farmers work in the fields under the baking sun. The local people are known for their kindness, and here on the island, you get right up close to Thai culture and traditions.

Koh Yao Yai also offers impressive landscapes with lush forests and rolling hills providing a scenic contrast to the long stretches of pristine sandy beaches. The best beaches are to be found on the west coast, while the beaches on the east coast are heavily influenced by the tides.

After check-in, you can pull on your swimwear and find your favourite new spot on the beach or by the hotel pool, where you can soak up the sun and the gentle breeze.

When hunger strikes, you should be aware that there are not oceans of dining options, but there are a good handful of family-run restaurants located around the island. Seafood is an integral part of the menu, which is dominated by noodle dishes and curry dishes.

In the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset over Phang Nga Bay, which paints the sky in shades of red, orange and sometimes almost violet.

There are no excursions planned, so you can enjoy the next few days at your own pace. Laze on the beach with a view of the bay’s picturesque limestone karsts or stroll along the soft sand. While Koh Yao Yai is synonymous with peace and quiet and a laid-back atmosphere, there’s still plenty to do: snorkelling among tropical fish, walks and bike rides through the scenic countryside, as well as boat trips to nearby islands such as Koh Hong and the Phi Phi Islands.

Check out our exciting selection of optional excursions below.

Today, the time has come to say goodbye to Thailand. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the pier, from which you’ll sail back to Phuket. A driver will be waiting to drive you to the airport, which takes about 30 minutes, and you’ll fly back to Europe with connecting flights(s) along the way.

You land at the airport of your choice after an adventure-filled holiday with city life and island vibes.