Thailand with Dude Abroad during “Songkran” the Thai New Years!

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will be a set menu shared family style with water included. Additional food and drinks will be at your own expense. Restaurants are subject to change based on availability.

Given it’s our first night together, we’ll head out after dinner to explore the infamous “Bangla Road” Phuket’s epicenter for night life! We’ll hop between a few of the coolest bars and immerse in the wildness that is Bangla Road. Even if you don’t drink (which is totally cool!) this spectacle is a sight to be seen! The perfect experience to get our crew into Thailand mode 😎

Overnight in Phuket.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Nap Patong offers a buffet with a combination of Thai, American, and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Embark on the Secret Viewpoints trail, situated on Phuket's southeast side, spanning from the Pa Hin Damn Viewpoint to the Laem Krating Viewpoint. A 45-minute transfer from the hotel brings you to the trailhead, starting at the Pa Hin Damn Viewpoint, where a brief 15-minute walk unveils panoramic vistas of Nai Harn, Ya Nui, Windmill Viewpoint, Promthep Cape, and the surrounding islands. The trek then continues to Laem Krating, a trail through jungle sections and coastal prairies, offering captivating views of the Andaman Sea. Along the way, a stop at a local shop with a breathtaking ocean view provides a refreshing break, and notable features like the "horn-shaped" rock offer ample photo opportunities. 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. Hiking boots or shoes with good grip are essential. Distance: ~ 3.3 mi (5.3km) | Hike time: ~2.5 hours | Elevation gain: ~ 985 ft. (300m)

Following the breathtaking vistas from Pa Hin Dam and Laem Krating, descend approximately 1.5 miles to reach Nai Harn Beach. Traverse secluded beaches and impressive rock formations on your way to the picturesque Nai Harn Beach, where you can either take a refreshing dip in the azure waters or unwind on the sandy shores. Nai Harn Beach in Phuket is renowned for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters, providing a tranquil escape along the island's southern coast. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the beach offers a serene setting for relaxation and water activities. From Nai Harn Beach is a 30 minute private transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Phuket.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Nap Patong offers a buffet with a combination of Thai, American, and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

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. You’ll take a 35 minute transfer to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary from the hotel, and enjoy a scenic drive to the Tree Top Reception at the sanctuary. You’ll first watch an educational video to learn about the importance of why elephants require more protection, and the role of the Sanctuary, the first of its kind on the island. Then it’s time to venture into the sanctuary to locate the elephants. Several natural paths and a new canopy walkway take you along freshwater ponds, across open fields, and into the tropical jungle where you will find elephants foraging and bathing freely while your tour guides give you a detailed background of each elephant. You will also have an opportunity to get up close with the elephants and to feed them their daily baskets of bananas, watermelons and cucumbers. Afterwards, tuck into a fabulous vegetarian Thai buffet at the Tree Top Reception. For this activity, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and pack some sunscreen! [Trovatrip works in tandem with the local operator to vet and ensure all animals are treated humanely and respectfully.]

Lunch at the Tree Top Restaurant at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is included. Lunch is typically buffet style Thai vegetarian cuisine. Water and soft drinks are included. Then take a 30 minute private transfer back to the hotel.

Early in the morning, you’ll take a 1 hour transfer to the Muay Thai gym from the hotel. Muay Thai, also known as the "Art of Eight Limbs," is a traditional Thai martial art characterized by its dynamic strikes using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. With a rich history and cultural significance, Muay Thai has evolved into a popular sport and fitness discipline, celebrated for its intense training techniques and emphasis on both physical and mental conditioning. This 1 hour session with a trainer includes stretching, warm-ups, hand wrap, and a beginners kickboxing training plan. Note that boxing gloves and knee protectors are not included, but are available for rent. After your session, you’ll take a 1 hour transfer back to the hotel.

Experience the flavors of Southern Thailand on a Phuket street food tour with five stops: Kio Thian Keng Saphan Hin, a colorful temple; Kanom Chin restaurant; Kaorang Hill viewpoint; Phuket Old Town; and the night market. In the late afternoon, get picked up from your hotel and take a 40-minute private transfer to the first stop, Kio Thian Keng Saphan Hin Shrine, known for its enchanting sunset views. Learn about its significance, especially during the Vegetarian festival. Afterward, head to Khao Rang Hill viewpoint for stunning city vistas, followed by a visit to Phuket Old Town to try Oh Aew, a refreshing shaved ice dessert. Explore Thalang Road's unique architecture and finish the evening at the lively night market, sampling local treats amid a celebratory atmosphere with live music. At the end of the tour, take a 30 minute private transfer back to the hotel. Remember to bring extra cash for any additional food or beverages you may want to purchase at the market!

After all of our day time activities, we’ll get together in the evening to find a laidback spot where we can all hang out and chat! This is the perfect time to pick my brain about traveling, content creation, and living life as a digital nomad. Really we can talk about anything, and at any point during the trip, just needed to stick this in somewhere so that you know I’m here for you guys!

Overnight in Phuket.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Nap Patong offers a buffet with a combination of Thai, American, and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

From the hotel, take a 40 minute private transfer to the pier. Then hop on a shared speedboat from Phuket to Phi Phi Island. Upon arriving on Phi Phi, take a 30 minute transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Phi Phi.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Phi Phi Natural offers a la carte breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a 10 minute transfer to Laemtong pier to board a classic Thai long-tail boat expedition exploring the hidden coves and beaches of Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh islands. Revel in a day of snorkeling, swimming, and soaking in the breathtaking scenery, beginning at Bamboo Island for sunbathing and exploration, followed by Nui Bay for snorkeling with tropical fish. Cruise to Monkey Beach for distant wildlife viewing, respecting regulations against close interaction, and continue to the exhilarating Shark Point for boat-based snorkeling, providing glimpses of marine life, including sharks. Navigate through crystal-clear waters to Pileh Lagoon, a picturesque spot for snorkeling and swimming amidst stunning limestone cliffs. Explore Maya Bay, famous for "The Beach" film, with a walk and photos (no swimming due to national park regulations), and conclude the day at Loh Moo Dee Bay for coral reef snorkeling and an abundance of marine life. A mask and snorkel will be provided for stops that allow snorkeling. The maximum capacity for each long tail boat is 8-10, so larger groups will be divided accordingly. Note that Visits are subject to change depending on weather/sea conditions each day.

A lunch box will be provided as a part of the Phi Phi Island Hopping Tour. The lunch box typically includes chicken and rice, seasonal fruit, and water (subject to change).

Overnight in Phi Phi.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Phi Phi Natural offers a la carte breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

From the hotel, take a 10 minute private transfer to the pier. Then hop on a shared speedboat from Phi Phi Island back to Phuket. Upon arriving in Phuket, take a 40 minute transfer to the hotel.

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will be a set menu shared family style with water included. Additional food and drinks will be at your own expense. Restaurants are subject to change based on availability.

This is the BIG day. The most celebrated holiday in the Thai calendar! After returning from Phi Phi Island, we’ll take a breather, then gear up in the latter part of the afternoon to dive into the Songkran festivities! Having experienced Songkran myself in 2024, I know exactly what to expect, and will personally guide you! Bathing suits are a must because you WILL get wet! Not a single person in Thailand remains dry during Songkran 😅 First we’ll secure a water gun for each of us (if we hadn’t already done so), then head out to walk around on foot. In Phuket, Bangla Road will surely be the epicenter for water gun fights, so you know we’ll be there. Along the way we’ll be sure to make stops for snacks, a beer or two, or anything else you like. Heck, part of the fun, is posting up in a street bar shooting folks as they walk by! Note though, they will shoot back 😅 I can’t emphasize enough how incredible of an experience this is. Local Thai folks and tourists from around the world all convene on this day to participate in what’s been dubbed “the largest water fight in the world”! I promise you, this will be a blast!

Overnight in Phuket,

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Nap Patong offers a buffet with a combination of Thai, American, and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.