Having Fun In Phuket is a Shore Thing: A Week of Island Exploration in Thailand with Dylan

duration
7 days · 6 nights
travel date
Jan 24 – 30, 2026
activity level
Moderate
group size
6 - 10
transportation
Group airport & activity transfers
Your TourHero
tourhero
Dylan
bio

Hey there, I'm Dylan, a professional fashion photographer & also an ex-professional ski instructor/guide & adventure lover. I'm a huge nature lover & love the outdoors, this trip reflects my passions for creativity & our incredible planet.

Now If there's one thing I love to do more than shoot photos it's travel & being able to capture great memories & have cool cultural experiences along the way is something I have always valued.

Over recent years I have fallen inlove with Thailand's amazing culture, food & people & this trip I have curated will blend the best parts of what the coastal city of Phuket has to offer. Phuket's rich mix of modernity, heritage & natural wonders will make for lots of excellent photo opportunities that you really don't want to miss out on. By coming on my trip you'll not only have a blast as I love a laugh but you'll get hands on advice as I share my professional photography knowledge with you & give you the skills to take photos you love, everytime.

This trip is for people who love travelling & photography, who love experiencing the depth + culture of a country & want their photos to match their memories.

Come join me in exploring the land of smiles :)

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Thailand > Having Fun In Phuket is a Shore Thing: A Week of Island Exploration in Thailand with Dylan

Grab your camera and get ready to fill it with countless island memories, from vibrant street scenes to turquoise waves, on this unforgettable weeklong adventure in Phuket. Every day brings a new perspective to the island - from the colorful buildings in Old Town to the underwater world of the Phi Phi Islands. The art of capturing each moment won’t be hard when you come face-to-face with some of Thailand’s most cherished natural landscapes and creatures - think the secluded expanse of Freedom Beach, the towering grandeur of the Big Buddha, and the majestic elephants that walk the land. This trip promises a portfolio of island snapshots where you’re the main character. Phuket will be your most photogenic subject.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · January 24, 2026 · Phuket
Arrive at Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Private group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check-in at hotel
Free time
Welcome dinner at a Thai restaurant
Day 2 · January 25, 2026 · Phuket
Breakfast at hotel
Temple tour of Big Buddha
Lunch at Tu Krab Khao (not included in price)
Wander through Phuket Old Town
Free time
Dinner at a Thai restaurant (not included in price)
Day 3 · January 26, 2026 · Phuket
Breakfast at hotel
Freedom Beach hike
Lunch at local restaurant (not included in price)
Return to hotel
Thai cooking class (includes dinner)
Return to hotel
Day 4 · January 27, 2026 · Phuket
Breakfast at hotel
Elephant sanctuary visit
Lunch at the sanctuary
Return to hotel
Dinner (not included in price)
Day 5 · January 28, 2026 · Phuket
Breakfast at hotel
Island excursion day trip: Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon
Lunch on an island (not included in price)
Water and beach activities on an island
Return to hotel
Dinner (not included in price)
Day 6 · January 29, 2026 · Phuket
Breakfast at hotel
Free time
Lunch (not included in price)
Free time or 90-min Thai massage
Farewell dinner at Blue Elephant
Day 7 · January 30, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast and checkout of hotel
Private group transfer from accommodation to Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · January 24, 2026
Welcoming in the island’s light

You’ve arrived in Thailand! After you land at Phuket International Airport (HKT) hop in a group transfer to your hotel, where the adventure begins. After checking into your hotel, take some free time to explore Patong Beach—just steps from your door—or unwind by the pool. Once the evening rolls around, gather with your group for a welcome dinner at a restaurant specializing in southern Thai cuisine, where bold flavors and local hospitality set the tone for a week. Share some laughs and get ready for some incredible moments to come.

Day 2 · January 25, 2026
Temples and the textures of Old Town

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a temple tour to the iconic Big Buddha, a large marble statue perched atop Nakkerd Hill. Get your cameras ready, as the panoramic views from the summit will allow you to capture Phuket’s coastline and lush hills in every direction. After lunch at Tu Kab Khao—a Michelin restaurant known for its high-quality local ingredients—wander through Phuket Old Town. Here, pastel Sino-Portuguese buildings, vibrant street art, and markets buzzing with activity offer endless inspiration for your lens. Free time in the afternoon lets you chase golden hour, before you head out to experience Thai cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 3 · January 26, 2026
Feeling free at Freedom Beach

In the morning, wake up and eat some breakfast before lacing up your shoes for a morning hike to Freedom Beach, a secluded stretch of sand that offers a stair hike through lush greenery. The reward: powdery white sand, turquoise water, and a peaceful escape perfect for capturing those classic island shots. After lunch at a local spot, return to your hotel to refresh before diving into a hands-on Thai cooking class. Learn the secrets behind your favorite dishes in a small group setting, then savor your creations for dinner—an experience sure to add flavor to your travel memories.

Day 4 · January 27, 2026
Candid moments at the elephant sanctuary

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, today brings you up close with Thailand’s most beloved residents at an ethical elephant sanctuary. Observe, feed, and even join the elephants as they cool down in an outdoor shower, all while learning about the sanctuary’s mission to provide lifelong care for retired or rescued elephants. Lunch at the sanctuary offers time to reflect on the experience before heading back to the hotel for a relaxed evening and more opportunities to edit or share your favorite shots. End the day with a freestyle dinner where you can indulge in more of Thailand’s flavors.

Day 5 · January 28, 2026
Today we’re island icons in the Phi Phi Islands

Start the day with some breakfast before setting out for a full day of island hopping by speedboat. On your Phi Phi Island excursion, cruise to Maya Bay’s dramatic cliffs and Pileh Lagoon’s emerald waters, which provide a stunning backdrop for both action shots and serene landscapes. After fueling up with lunch on the sand, dive into snorkeling and other water activities, capturing the vibrant energy of tropical island life before returning to Phuket. You’ll enjoy a dinner of your choice as you watch the sun set along Patong Beach.

Day 6 · January 29, 2026
Thai massages & Blue Elephants

Wake up to enjoy breakfast at the hotel, where you’ll then enjoy some free time - perhaps you’ll revisit favorite photo spots or simply relax by the pool. After lunch, unwind with a 90-minute traditional Thai massage, a restorative experience after days of adventure. As night falls, gather for a farewell dinner at Blue Elephant, a Michelin-rated restaurant celebrated for its classic Thai and Peranakan cuisine—a fitting finale to a week of exploration, creativity, and camaraderie.

Day 7 · January 30, 2026
Thai memories in focus

After your final breakfast at the hotel, check out and enjoy a private group transfer to Phuket International Airport (HKT) with your new friends. You’ll travel home with memory cards full and a week’s worth of stories to tell. This portfolio of images and experiences capture the true spirit of island adventure.

Tour Price
USD 2,250
per person
Flexible payment plans available
10 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Beach time, island exploration, cooking classes, relaxation
Your local guide
Nicha Exploration was established in 2022 by Bo Srivalwat with a passion to make vacationing to Southeast Asia, her home region, special to everyone. Bo was born and raised in Thailand. Growing up, she found joy and peace through traveling and exploring different cultures and activities. During her time at business school, Bo also led the Thailand Cultural Trek for the Wharton Southeast Asia Club, utilizing her expertise as a local, as well as her understanding about traveling as an active traveler herself. She was overwhelmed by the positive feedback she received from the trek members and decided to start Nicha Exploration. With local expertise and the love of their country and culture, the Nicha team crafts vacation experiences that provide not only ultimate leisure but also personal growth and unique experiences for travelers.
Fantastic experience I had a fantastic time traveling with the Nicha team to Vietnam and Thailand. They planned a series of thoughtful, authentic, and fun excursions for us. The tour guides were informative, kind, and engaging. Highly recommend traveling with them if you’re interested in exploring a new place in a fun and authentic way. As an MBA grad, founder Bo knows how to strike the right balance of high quality stays, enjoyable cultural and educational outings, delicious meals, and energetic nights out.
Hannah
This was the best trip I’ve taken abroad and could not have asked for more. Em and Bo were rockstars and we loved every minute of the trip.
Dru Chavez
High quality of services From planning, execution to finish of the retreat, I have been fully supported by Bo from Nicha Exploration. All of my opinions were heard and adjustments were made accordingly. Bo did really great on meeting expectations from me and every participants. Her responses were always prompt. There is literally nothing I can complain about Nicha Exploration's services.
Chu Cherry
Accommodation
Phuket: Ibis Phuket Patong (or similar according to availability)

Ibis Phuket Patong is a modern, budget-friendly hotel perfectly positioned just a five-minute walk from Patong Beach and within easy reach of the vibrant nightlife on Bangla Road—close enough for convenience, but far enough for a peaceful night’s sleep. With 258 clean, air-conditioned rooms—including family options with bunk beds—each space features a private balcony, mini-fridge, LCD TV, and blackout curtains for comfort and relaxation. The hotel’s amenities include a palm-shaded outdoor pool with a dedicated kids’ area, a poolside bar, a 24-hour restaurant serving Thai-style tapas, and free WiFi throughout the property. Room type: Double. Room configuration: 2 Twin Beds or 1 Double.

Included
  • 6 nights accommodation in Phuket

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on day 4

  • Dinner on days 1 and 6

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • Entrance fees for included activities

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • Private tour guide

  • Private van transfer from hotel to activity venues

Not included
  • Flights

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Oct 24, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +7), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Oct 25, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +7) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Oct 24, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +7), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Single room upgrade

Upgrade to a private room for the duration of your trip.

USD 432
2 spots left