Bangtao, Elephant Hills Jungle Safari, Khao Lak
Khao Lak, Elephant Hills, Phuket, and Koh Yao together offer a beautifully balanced journey through Thailand’s serene beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant island culture. Khao Lak sets the tone with its peaceful stretches of golden sand, gentle waves, and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal start for unwinding. Nearby, Elephant Hills brings you deep into the heart of the jungle, offering an ethical and immersive safari experience where towering limestone mountains, dense rainforest, and wildlife encounters create unforgettable moments.
After your time in nature, Phuket adds a burst of energy with its lively towns, cultural treasures, and scenic coastline. From bustling markets to quiet coves, the island blends excitement and tranquillity effortlessly. Your journey ends on Koh Yao, a pair of islands known for their authenticity, rustic charm, and calming beauty. Here, time slows down as you kayak through mangroves, explore local villages, or simply relax on untouched beaches overlooking Phang Nga Bay’s dramatic seascapes.
Top Things to Do in Khao Lak, Elephant Hills, Bangtao:
- Unwind on Khao Lak’s peaceful beaches and enjoy gentle coastal sunsets
- Experience an ethical jungle safari at Elephant Hills, including canoe safaris and rainforest walks
- Kayak through mangroves, cycle through villages, or enjoy deserted beaches on Koh Yao
- Heroines Festival, Thalang
- Have a go at watersports on Bang Tao Beach
4* Sunwing Bangtao Beach (3 Nights- B&B)
In Bang Tao, Phuket, Thailand
It’s a tough decision at the Sunwing Bangtao Beach – relax on the sands all day, or join in with the likes of aqua aerobics, petanque and pool games.
The hotel’s a top pick for families. Not only do you get four pools, two kids’ pools and clubs for kids and teens, but there’s also a busy roll call of activities. Think treasure hunts, movie nights and kids’ shows.
You only have to pad through the tropical grounds to reach the beach. It’s a typically Thai affair, with white sands and swaying palms. There are eateries on the sand, and along the street outside the hotel.
All rooms here come complete with a private balcony or terrace, free Wi-Fi, a satellite TV, air-con, hairdryer, fridge, safe and tea and coffee facilities. If you stay in a Family Suite, a Royal Studio or a Royal Swim-up Studio, you'll find a fruit basket and snacks, wine, beer, water and soft drinks.
You’ve got four pools to pick from here – not to mention another two for little ones. There’s a double helping of restaurants by the beach, plus a poolside bar. Kids have their own club with a playground, while teens get a dedicated lounge. And, fitness-wise, there’s a small gym and an aerobics studio.
With so much beachfront to choose from, where should you go? Each section of this beach boasts its own charm and character. The central portion is definitely the most popular, as this is located close to many Bang Tao attractions like the Canal Village shopping centre which is home to more than 40 stores and stalls. Much less development has taken place in the north and south, so the areas of beach here are usually more serene. Layan Beach, up in the north end, is lined with pine trees. It's a very calm beach, sheltered from big waves by Koh Kala island just offshore.
Elephant Hills Jungle Experience (1 Night - Full Board with Activities)
Elephant Hills are Thailand’s first Luxury Tented Jungle Camps, combining the spirit of an African safari with the ancient rainforests of Khao Sok National Park, a wilderness older than the Amazon and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. We offer 2 to 4-day soft adventure tours in and around this extraordinary natural environment, with beautifully appointed tented accommodation included throughout.
The Elephant Camp has welcomed guests for over 20 years and remains one of Thailand’s most loved family destinations. The Lake Camp, one of the world’s only luxury floating tented camps, opened in 2011 on the breathtaking emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake.
Both camps sit within Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand, around two hours apart, and within easy reach of Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, and Koh Samui. All transfers are included in every tour package. For full details, see our Transfer Policy.
Every Elephant Hills tour is fully all-inclusive: luxury tented accommodation, all meals, activities, and the services of an English-speaking, TAT-licensed guide are all taken care of.
We do not offer elephant riding. Instead, our unique, award-winning Ethical Elephant Experience gives you a rare and meaningful connection with Asia’s largest land animal, always on their terms.
We are also proud to support our local community through the Elephant Hills Children’s Project.
4* Mai Holiday Khao Lak
In Khao Lak, Thailand
Mai Holiday Khao Lak is a tropical addition to the Thai beachfront. Modern suites surround a huge pool and a backdrop of greenery sets the scene.
You get access to two hotels at this place – it’s the adults-only section of the TUI BLUE Mai Khao Lak which is fitted with four restaurants* and a top pool scene. Location-wise, you’re right by Pakweeb Beach which offers incredible views of the Andaman Sea. Turn around and you’ll see the sloping green hills which back the resort.
The pool here is quite literally on your doorstep – some suites even have direct access to the water. There’s greenery all along the edge of the pool, too, so you’ll still have your privacy. Just so you know, some of the facilities at the TUI BLUE Mai Khao Lak are only available between 7th November and 30th April.
All rooms are located in an adults-focused area. They include free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, year-round individually controlled air-conditioning which is individually controlled, safety deposit box*, hairdryer, plus tea or coffee-making facilities. You'll have a pool view or limited sea view, and for a little extra, you can opt for a swim-up room for direct access to the pool.
The lagoon-like pool is lined by suites, all of which have direct access to the water. There’s a water park and indoor cinema at the site, too. Sport-wise you can play tennis, go sea-kayaking or head to the beach for volleyball. There’s also a spa offering treatments. It's good to note that some of the hotel's activities are weather-dependent.
On Thailand’s southwest coast, Khao Lak is in the business of recharging batteries. The beaches are completely unfurnished, so all you get is long runways of powdery white sand. And the waters here attract scuba divers from around the world.
