Thai Island Hopper East

Hey there travellers! How's the wonderful whiff of the tropical sea? Let's hope you're ready for 9 days of Thai island thrills. We'll drop our bags off at a hotel and guess what? You're free to spend today however you please. We highly recommend catching up on the best of Bangkok's food scene with our lunch tour of Chinatown. Oh, and don't worry if you happen to arrive before the rest of your crew today. You'll have the option to book pre-accommodation and get some rest before we get started. It's been a long first day, folks! But it's time for our next stop. We'll make our way to Surat Thani on an overnight train. Stay: Overnight Train

Are you ready? Today's the day we hop on our first island. We'll arrive at Surat Thani at the crack of dawn, and head straight to Koh Pha Ngan. (Already getting some insane ocean views too!) Welcome to the land of flawless beaches and perfect aquamarine water. Get some rest and grab your cameras. Head to Haad Yao Beach (one of our absolute favourites), and hit the seas for some fun in the sun. Hungry after all that travel? Fear not. We'll gorge on a satisfying island buffet with some must-try Thai food. We'll end the evening with some well-deserved drinks, watching the sunset over an impressive infinity pool. (D)Stay: Shiralea Backpackers Resort (or similar)

Mornin' travellers! We're exploring the island today. You can greet the morning sun with some yoga (talk about starting the day right) and then head to the quaint, secluded beaches. Or you could visit a elephant sanctuary for trunk-loads of fun and to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Afterwards, you could grab your sliders (or trainers) to end the day with a hike down the lush green cliffs. Keep your camera at the ready for some scenic views too. (B)

Will we be sad to leave Koh Pha Ngan today? Maybe slightly. But with another swaying palm tree destination calling our names, we're hardly sobbing into our backpacks. Today, we'll take a ferry to Koh Tao. And the island vibes are just getting better! Drop your bags off at the hotel on Sairee Beach (the longest beach on the west of Koh Tao) and roam the streets of this ‘Koh' (Thai for ‘island'). If you need someone to point out the best spots, your Trip Manager is there to help! You can also take a dip in our hotel's beach-front swimming pool.

In the evening, unwind with a gorgeous sunset dinner with the crew. Either way - you'll shore-ly have a good time! (B/D) Stay: Sairee Hut Resort Koh Tao (or similar)

Getting under water should be a high priority today. Abounding in coral beauty and (wait for it) sea turtles, Koh Tao's diving reputation makes even the aquaphobes jump right in! Grab a snorkel for an island cruise and adventure, right under the waves! Above land, the island's hilly landscapes offer many pretty hiking trails and bubbling waterfalls, depending on the season. (B)

Explore the narrow streets. Chill in the pool. Or dive deep into the ocean. Today you're free to explore however you like. But if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could do some Koh Tao Diving! Explore the Gulf of Thailand, and get a guided tour of the vibrant corals and wrecks underwater. We'll then head back to the hotel to get some well-deserved rest. (B)

Today we swap one ocean paradise for another, departing Koh Tao and cruising the turquoise waters to reach Koh Samui. Can snorkelling, swimming, soaking up the rays and sipping on fresh coconuts ever get boring? Hmm...no. Our first night in Koh Samui will see us taking in the buzzy nightlife of Chaweng Beach (if you can drag yourself away from the luxe hotel we've all checked-in to, that is.) Shop your heart out at the local markets of Samui's busiest town (not forgetting that souvenir for your mum!) End the day with a drink and a hearty Thai meal at one of the area's many legendary beach clubs. (B)Stay: Nora Chaweng Hotel (or similar)

If you've got a taste for adventure, this glorious island offers plenty to keep hungry explorers enthralled. Take a tour on a Jeep Safari to visit the highlights of Samui. Admire the mighty Wat Phra Yai temple with its 15-metre golden Buddha statue, or see the super on-trend mummified monk at Wat Khunaram. Finally, dance the night away at one of the clubs in this party island and breathe in those last waves of Koh Samui. (B)

Armed with a totally zen outlook and a backpack full of incredible new memories,it's time to say your teary goodbyes to your new wolf-pack. Don't forget to exchange deets. There's another collection of Thai islands just waiting to be explored. But if you're not ready to bid farewell yet - you have the option to get post-accommodation and take some more time to explore the island with your new besties! (B)