Thailand with Emily Eats and Explores

Dates

Aug 20–26, 2023

Group Size

8–24 Travelers

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

Activity Level

Exploration

About This Trip

White sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters and feasts of world-class cuisine. The Southern Thai islands can be described as paradise. Whether you’re looking for adventure, wellness, or an old-fashioned beach party, you've come to the right place.
$1,495USD
$1,695USD
Aug 20–26, 2023
7 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Emily Eats and Explores
Emily Eats and Explores

Hi, I'm Emily! I'm a full-time traveler and the content creator behind Emily Eats and Explores. I started my blog and social media platforms to teach people how accessible travel can truly be, through budgeting, volunteering, and solo travel. I am so thankful that I now get to share my travels with YOU, my amazing community.

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Trip Activities

  • Phuket Secret Viewpoints Tour

  • Pa Hin Dam Cliff Walk

  • Nai Harn Beach Walk

  • Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Experience

  • Boat trip from Phuket to Phi Phi

  • Phi Phi Island Hopping Tour

  • Loh Moo Dee Bay Snorkel

  • Pileh Lagoon Visit

  • Bamboo Island Chill

  • Boat Trip: Phi Phi to Phuket

Optional Activities*

  • Muay Thai Kickboxing Class

  • Phuket Street Eats Tour

  • Cooking Class

*Add-ons available at checkout for an additional fee.

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 4-star hotels

  • Local Guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

  • Arrival airport transfer (until 5 pm on first day)

  • Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas and travel insurance

  • Airport transfers outside of designated times

  • Tips for Guides

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome to Thailand - The Land of Smiles! Settle in and get ready for an incredible week.

Airport Transfer

35 Mins

TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers from Phuket International Airport (HKT), between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.

dinner

7:00 P.M.: Enjoy an included welcome dinner at Kaneang 2 (shared family style).

Nap Patong (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/3

Overnight in Phuket.

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Day 2

Info

After a relaxing morning on the beach, join a local Guide for the Phuket secret viewpoints tour. Meander through the jungle to Pa Han Dim Cliff for spectacular views, then enjoy a coastal walk to Nai Harn Beach.

breakfast

6:30 A.M.: Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Phuket Secret Viewpoints Tour

4 Hours

2:00 P.M.: Your local Guide will take you to some of the most amazing viewpoints on the island. Get your hiking shoes ready as you will be led through the jungle and across beaches and rocks, to reveal breathtaking views. This trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route. The route has a steep ascent at the beginning with an equally steep descent down an uneven coastal trail. (~4 hours)

Pa Hin Dam Cliff Walk

2 Hours

3:00 P.M.: You’ll continue through the jungle to Pa Hin Dam Cliff, also known as Black Rock Viewpoint. This viewpoint is fairly challenging to get to but well worth the effort. Unknown to the public before 2016, this site is located high up in the rainforest above Ao Sane and offers stunning views to the south of Phuket, including Nai Harn Beach, Promthep Cape and Koh Man. (~1.5 hours)

Nai Harn Beach Walk

2 Hours

5:00 P.M.: Finally, your Guide will take you across secluded beaches and majestic rock formations to the stunning Nai Harn Beach. Set in a small bay and flanked on both sides by jungle and palm-covered mountains, Nai Harn is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. (~1 hours)

Nap Patong (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/3

Overnight in Phuket.

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Day 3

Info

Today you'll have the option to take a Muay Thai kickboxing class and learn the fundamentals of Thailand’s national sport. You'll join your travel buddies for an unforgettable visit to the elephant sanctuary and later, experience the tastes of Thailand on the Phuket street eats tour.

breakfast

6:30 A.M.: Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Experience

2 Hours

8:00 A.M.: Visit Phuket's first ethical elephant sanctuary, endorsed by National Geographic and World Animal Protection. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a final home where rehabilitated elephants have the freedom to roam, bathe, forage and socialize freely. (~4 hours)

Muay Thai Kickboxing Class (optional)

1 Hour

2:00 P.M.: If you're feeling up to it, there is an optional Muay Thai kickboxing class at the world class Tiger Muay Thai gym. After a brief orientation, your trainer will teach you stance, footwork, punches, kicks, knees and elbows and the basic defensive and offensive techniques. Each student wears protective equipment and is supervised by the trainers. (~1 hour)

lunch

12:00 P.M.: Lunch at the elephant sanctuary is included.

Phuket Street Eats Tour (optional)

1 Hour

4:30 P.M.: Join a local food expert who will take you to their favorite food stalls on a Phuket street eats tour. Embark on a whirlwind culinary journey tasting the flavors of Southern Thailand on this evening quest. Before the food, you'll stop by a local barbershop and also visit Kio Thian Keng Saphan Hin Shrine - a beautiful, multi-coloured temple. On the first food stop, you will taste Khanom Chin - a must-try southern Thai dish. These thin rice noodles come recommended by Chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri, owner-chef of Sorn (Two Local people enjoy eating Khanom chin with their curry of choice, accompanied by the fresh condiments and spices. You'll then head to the viewpoint on Khao Rang Hill to enjoy the city’s magnificent vistas Next, head to the second stop in the centre of Phuket Old Town to try Oh Aew, a shaved ice dessert. Introduced by Hokkien Chinese settlers, it is named after its main ingredient - a jelly made from seeds of the o-aew plant. Finally, enjoy the bustling night market on the hunt for more delicious local treats; from sticky mango rice to spicy satay skewers. (~5 hours)

Nap Patong (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/3

Overnight in Phuket.

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Day 4

Info

Board a boat for the short trip to Phi Phi and have some free time on the beach.

breakfast

6:30 A.M.: Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Boat trip from Phuket to Phi Phi

2 Hours

12:00 P.M.: Depart the hotel and board a local boat at 1:45 P.M. to wave goodbye to Phuket and say ‘hello’ to Phi Phi. (~3 hours) On arrival, you will have a beach day at leisure.

Phi Phi Natural (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Phi Phi.

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Day 5

Info

Today you will board a longtail boat and embark on an island-hopping adventure around Phi Phi. Go snorkeling in Loh Moo Dee Bay, swim and relax on Bamboo Island and visit the Pileh Lagoon.

breakfast

6:30 A.M.: Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Phi Phi Island Hopping Tour

4 Hours

10:00 A.M.: Exploring the two main islands of Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, you’ll discover hidden coves and beaches. Enjoy the day snorkeling, swimming and taking in the breathtaking scenery. (~6 hours)

Loh Moo Dee Bay Snorkel

2 Hours

11:00 A.M.: On your island hopping tour, you will pull in at Loh Moo Dee Bay, the ideal location to explore under the sea!

Pileh Lagoon Visit

1 Hour

12:00 P.M.: Visit Pileh Lagoon, an emerald green inlet surrounded by limestone cliffs and one of the most stunning views in all of Thailand.

lunch

1:30 P.M.: Lunch is included on the island hopping tour.

Bamboo Island Chill

1 Hour

3:00 P.M.: On the picturesque Bamboo Island, you can swim in the clear blue water or just chill on the white sand.

Phi Phi Natural (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Phi Phi.

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Day 6

Info

This morning you will board a boat for the trip back to Phuket. The afternoon is free for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing, before joining the group for a farewell dinner.

breakfast

6:30 A.M.: Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Boat Trip: Phi Phi to Phuket

2 Hours

9:00 A.M.: Depart your hotel and hop on a local boat 10:00 A.M. to cruise back to Phuket island. One of the world’s most beautiful beach destinations, Phuket has much to offer: fine white sand, waving palm trees, clear turquoise seas, breathtaking scenery and vibrant nightlife. (~3 hours)

Cooking Class (optional)

1 Hour

3:00 P.M.: Try your hand at making some delicious local favorites at a cooking class in Phuket. Lunch after the class is included. (~1.5 hours)

dinner

7:00 P.M.: Enjoy an included farewell dinner at Meg Khram.

Nap Patong (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in Phuket.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 7

Info

All good things must come to an end! You'll transfer to the airport and bid farewell for now.

breakfast

6:30 A.M.: Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Airport Transfer

35 Mins

TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers to Phuket International Airport (HKT), between 8:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.

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Physical Activity Level:Exploration

These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Join 30,000 Travelers Who've Booked With TrovaTrip

Explore the world with confidence. You're in great company!

Flexible Payment Options

Reserve your spot with just 25% down, pay in full, or apply for a payment plan at booking. Your dream trip, your way.

Trusted Local Experiences

We partner with 50 handpicked Trip Operators worldwide to give you authentic, unforgettable adventures.

Thousands of Reviews

Don't just take our word for it, read what real Travelers are saying on Trova, Trustpilot, and Google.

Here When You Need Us

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FAQ

Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
  • The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
  • TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
    • Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
    • Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.