After the buzz and colour of Bangkok it was time to slow the pace and discover a very different side to Thailand.

We left Bangkok and flew south to Surat Thani, ready to start the next chapter of our adventure.

From Surat Thani we were met at the airport and driven deep into the lush landscapes of Koh Sok National Park. The scenery changed quickly from urban sprawl to dense jungle, soaring limestone cliffs and emerald-green hillsides. It already felt like we were stepping into another world.

At the pier, we boarded a longtail boat for the one-hour journey across the lake to 500 Rai Floating Resort. The boat trip itself was absolutely fabulous: dramatic landscapes rising straight out of the water, mist hanging over the rainforest and the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature.  Our home for the next two nights was a floating room right on the lake. When we opened the front door, we stepped straight out onto our own little deck with direct access to the water. We had two kayaks tied up outside, ready for us to hop in and explore.

The kids were in their element. They kayaked to breakfast in the morning, paddled up and down the line of floating bungalows and loved the novelty of being able to swim right out from our bedroom. The water was calm and inviting, and there was something incredibly peaceful about an early-morning dip with only the sounds of the jungle around us.

With limited Wi-Fi at the resort, it was a total digital detox. Those two nights forced us all to properly switch off: no scrolling, no emails, just card games, chats on the deck, watching the light change over the cliffs and listening to the night-time sounds of the rainforest. It was one of the most memorable parts of the whole trip.

Leaving 500 Rai, we took the boat back to the pier and were met by our driver for the transfer to Khao Lak, a relaxed coastal area on the Andaman Sea. The journey itself was scenic, passing through small villages, forests and plantations before we reached the coast.

In Khao Lak we checked into the Merlin Khao Lak for a six-night stay. This was very much our relaxing part of the holiday: days spent between the sea and the pool, slow mornings, and evenings wandering out to explore.

We enjoyed regular sea swims and plenty of pool time, which was perfect for the children. We pottered around the local shops, picked up bits and pieces, and generally settled into the slower rhythm that Khao Lak is known for.

One of the highlights was a day trip that combined a turtle sanctuary with an ethical elephant sanctuary. Another hit with the children was the Khao Lak night market. This was the place to go for souvenirs: colourful stalls packed with clothes, trinkets and gifts. While we were not overly adventurous with the more unusual food stalls, there was no shortage of local produce and snacks to taste and enjoy, and the atmosphere was brilliant.

From Khao Lak we booked a day trip out to the famous Koh Phi Phi islands. It was a long day but absolutely worth it.We visited Monkey Beach, where we could see monkeys on the rocks and shoreline, and we had time to snorkel in the crystal-clear blue waters. The underwater world here is beautiful, with colourful fish and coral, and the children loved the feeling of swimming in water this clear.We also visited Maya Bay, made famous by the film “The Beach”. Even though it is carefully managed now, it is still a stunningly beautiful place, with sheer cliffs, powdery sand and the most incredible turquoise water. It felt like stepping into a postcard.

We ended our Thailand adventure with three nights in Phuket. After the calm of Khao Lak, Phuket felt busy and full-on: lively streets, lots of traffic, markets, shops and a much faster pace.  It was interesting to experience the contrast, and there is certainly plenty going on, but for us it was not as relaxing as our time in Khao Lak. The children enjoyed the buzz and the variety, but as adults we definitely preferred the more laid-back feel of Khao Lak and the total escape of Khao Sok National Park.

If you are planning a family trip, honeymoon or couples holiday to Thailand and would like a mix of adventure, relaxation and a touch of island-hopping, this route worked brilliantly for us.  Get in touch to start exploring your tailored Thailand itinerary.