local by smiling albino
why phatthalung & trang?
This 5-day itinerary packs a strong punch. Experiential adventures in lesser-known areas of Thailand’s South are loaded into this all-inclusive itinerary that is chock full with meals, experiences and also plenty of time for some good ol’ rest and relaxation.
A focus on eco experiences take us to Phatthalung’s red lotus lake and to see the endangered dugongs in Trang. Longtail boats, light hiking, swimming, lagoons and wow-worthy scenery are key highlights.
why you must go!
day 1
This morning, travel from your home to Hat Yai (HDY). On arrival, you guide will be waiting for you at the airport with a signboard with your name on it. Get ready for your adventure to begin!Â
We make the 2-hour journey from Hat Yai to Phatthalung. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch at Lad Tainod’s Green Market.Â
On arrival in Phatthalung, you’ll get checked into your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner at your resort is included.
day 2
A natural gem of Phattalung is the Thale Noi Waterfowl Park, part of an extensive area of wetland covering almost 500 square kilometers. The sensory excitement of the wetlands is best appreciated in the early hours of the morning when there is a high chance of catching a glimpse of many species of resident and migratory birds that call Thale Noi home.
Cruising on a longtail boat we will also see red lotus fields, rice paddies with wallowing water buffaloes, and the ebb and flow of local life based on fishing and gathering edible lotus stems. We will then head back to the resort for a hearty breakfast. A bit of chill time and then we continue the day’s activities.
A mere 20 kilometers from the resort is Phattalung’s most famous landmark: Khao Ok Thalu. Featuring on the province’s official seal, this giant limestone massif protruding out of the jungle-clad and rural environment is a sight to behold.
A steep trail leads up to the top of the cliff and makes for a great morning workout, rewarded by stunning views over Phattalung. Hindu and Buddhist iconography is scattered around the mountain and a sizeable crevasse at the peak of the mountain (which gives it its name) are also interesting features enriching the experience.
We will then head back to the resort for some well-deserved R&R and another delicious dinner with sunset views over the wetlands to match. This evening, you’ll enjoy a traditional style performance of shadow puppetry known as nang talung.
day 3
After an early breakfast we’ll waste no time in departing for a beach break. A private van will take us the 2-hour distance to Kuan Tung Ku Pier on the coast of Trang Province where a private longtail boat will complete the journey to the island paradise of Koh Mook.
After checking in, having lunch, and getting situated we’ll board a private boat for an afternoon of relishing in some of Thailand’s most sought-after seascapes!
We will begin (or end, depending on the times that day) with the Emerald Cave, just around the cape from the resort. We’ll enter through a small entrance only 10 meters wide and depending on the tides, we can swim or wade 80 metres through a dark tunnel. The reward when you reach the center is breathtaking. You’ll find yourself in a secret lagoon surrounded by high cliffs of lush greenery and a pure white sandy beach under the open skies. The sunlight filters through the sea water creating a stunning emerald colour.
After time well spent at Emerald Cave we’ll cruise around Koh Mook and nearby Koh Waen, stopping at a series of spots for some casual snorkelling. These are some of finest crystal clear waters in Thailand and you’ll be rewarded with a lovely experience in this fascinating underwater world!
After getting back to the resort we’ll enjoy some downtime and dinner at the resort.
day 4
Today, a remarkable morning learning all about the curious animals, Dugongs, awaits! We will have an early start and head to the neighbouring island of Koh Libong. Dugongs are medium-sized marine mammals, closely related to manatees and the extinct sea cow. They are considered to be close to extinction in the Andaman Sea. We work with local conservationists and sustainability consultants to provide an eco-friendly experience that helps support the local community’s preservation efforts.
This morning, we’ll head to Ban Phrao, one of the two villages on Koh Libong, where we’ll meet our expert dugong tracker. Private longtail boats will take us on a scenic tour around the island, checking out favorite seagrass beds the dugong like to hang out in along the way. It is believed 200 of the 250 dugongs left in Thai waters live around Koh Libong. There is one spot where we can most likely see some feeding amongst the seagrass in shallow water. Our dugong tracker has pioneered the best way to find dugongs by cutting the motor and poling us along like a gondolier.
In addition to the spotting, we’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on with some seagrass planting to provide habitat for
fish and small marine life, in addition to a charming local outreach project supporting local communities creating products using nipa palm leaves. This is a unique morning where you will gain insights into local ecological and conservation issues. We’ll have a local lunch at Koh Libong and then head back to our base at Koh Mook for an afternoon at leisure at the beach. For those who would prefer an active afternoon we will arrange for some kayaking near Koh Mook at an additional cost.Â
Ending our island sojourn in style, we’ll arrange for a beach BBQ for the final dinner on Koh Mook.
day 5
Plan your afternoon flight out of Trang so that we can still enjoy the morning on the island and then, slowly, make our way to the airport while still being able to check out some cool digs on the mainland.
In the late morning, we’ll catch a private boat to the mainland where our private van and driver will be waiting for us. From there we’ll head to Trang town where we’ll swap the van for Trang’s funky so-called frog tuk tuks and embark on an adventure hunting down local eats (such as famous Trang cake, pork roast, and steamed dumplings – not necessarily in that order!) and street art scattered around town. A great and fun way to wrap up our adventure with lots of charming photo ops in this little visited town!
We’ll jump back into the van and head to the airport for our flight to Bangkok.
want to see where you’re staying?
phatthalung
Hideaway, relax and enjoy nature without having to sacrifice comfort at Sri Pakpra Boutique Resort Phatthalung. The family owned resort, provides a great get away from the city. Relax surrounded by nature and enjoy the hospitality and delicious cuisine of Phatthalung. Spacious rooms and villas offer comfort while on-site restaurants, a gorgeous pool and a spa make for a well-rounded stay. The views over wetlands just at the doorsteps of the resort are simply incredible and offer picture-perfect moments around the clock.
koh mook
Your dream holiday awaits you at the exotic Sivalai Beach Resort set on a stunning cape of palm fringed white sand at tranquil Koh Mook. The pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters rich in marine life are visible from both sides of the resort surrounding guests in awe-inspiring natural beauty. This gorgeous getaway island just off the Trang coastline in Southern Thailand has all the ingredients for a back-to-nature experience with the peace of mind of modern day comforts at Sivalai Beach Resort. Cares drift away while staying in the quaint beach villas. Kick back, relax and enjoy the friendly service and chilled out ambiance at Sivalai Beach Resort.
Is this the right itinerary for you? Looking for something different? Let us plan your perfect itinerary! Or keep exploring!
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