The TUI bucket list destination with the ‘only direct UK flights’ – with sandy beaches and hotel floating breakfasts
THE elephant moves its trunk towards my outstretched arm.
I’m shaking slightly as she carefully retrieves the pineapple wedge from my quivering fingertips.
The piece of fruit vanishes into her mouth.
Before I can grab a small banana from the woven basket placed at my feet, the trunk is back, eagerly pointing towards me.
She is asking for more and I’m happy to oblige until every banana, sugar cane and pineapple wedge has been polished off.
I’m at Elephant Hills, a luxury tented jungle camp in Thailand’s Khao Sok National Park, which has its own elephant sanctuary.
My guide, Pond, explains there are 14 female elephants that have all been rescued, along with their mahouts — elephant keeper.
After every morsel of food has been eaten, the elephants return to relaxing in the large, open paddock.
Visitors can then watch the animals rest under the shade of a tree or bathe in the pond.
Bucket-list moment
I am astonished at just how close I have come to one of these remarkable creatures. It is a true bucket-list moment and one that will stay with me for ever.
A visit to the sanctuary is one of the excursions offered to guests at Elephant Hills.
Other activities include a trek through the jungle, kayak tour along the Sok River and an excursion to Cheow Larn Lake to visit the Lake Camp, where you can paddleboard, kayak and swim.
After days packed with activities, I am easily able to unwind in my glamping tent, which has an outside porch with wicker armchairs and a hammock.
Other on-site amenities include a small pool, as well as a large dining area where all meals are eaten.
In the evening, small groups of local schoolchildren perform traditional dances and chefs put on cooking demonstrations.
I had booked the trip through travel giant Tui. Its airline is the only one in the UK currently operating direct flights to Phuket from both Gatwick and Manchester in the winter. A three-day break in Elephant Hills can be booked as part of a package holiday, with the tour operator running multi-centre breaks that encourage travellers to visit more than one destination in a single trip.
My break had been added on to a getaway in Khao Lak, which is a two-hour drive away and known for its breathtaking beaches and resorts.
That does not mean sunbathing is the only option here, though, especially when excursions can be booked so easily through Tui.
Upon arrival, I opted for a speedboat tour of the Similan Islands, which is a tiny archipelago consisting of 11 picture-perfect islands that are often referred to by their corresponding number.
I hopped aboard with my tour group and whizzed along blue waters until reaching Island Eight, where we climbed up to Sail Rock for a panoramic view of Donald Duck Bay.
Exotic marine life
It is named that because, from below, the rock formation resembles the Disney cartoon character.
The white sandy beach on this impressive little island was breathtakingly beautiful.
But as I sunk my toes into the soft sand, little did I know the best was yet to come. In between island visits, the boat would drop its anchor at well-known snorkelling spots.
Plunging into the cool water, I didn’t have much hope of spotting exotic marine life.
But just as I was about to retreat to the boat, several giant sea turtles suddenly appeared, swimming peacefully ahead of me.
It was certainly a “pinch me” moment.
After a long day spent swimming, the Robinson Resort in Khao Lak was the perfect place to recharge my batteries.
Nestled between the thick greenery of Khao Lak National Park and Pak Weep Beach, the beachside resort offers double and family bedrooms, suites, villas and bungalows.
In addition to a large, comfortable bed and huge en suite with a tub, my bungalow had its own pool, where guests can enjoy a floating breakfast delivered straight to their pool.
The tiny island is a warren of huts, restaurants, shacks, souvenir shops, market stalls and the world’s only floating football pitch
Other food options include the main buffet restaurant, which sits at the heart of the hotel, as well as Baan Thai, a gourmet restaurant where guests can dine on authentic Thai cuisine.
My favourite place had to be Bamboo Bar. Be sure to try the mango daiquiri.
There are five outdoor pools, football courts, tennis courts and even an on-site spa, where I can wholeheartedly recommend the full-body massage.
Limbs massaged and rested, I had just enough time to pack in one more stop on my southern Thailand adventure: A long-tail boat tour and visit to James Bond Island.
Floating village
Officially named Khao Phing Kan, this island is known for featuring in the 1974 James Bond film The Man With The Golden Gun.
Its limestone towers, rising out of the sea, were instantly recognisable.
It felt as if we were following in Roger Moore’s footsteps as we floated past. Despite this thrill, it was the second stop on my boat excursion that I will remember most — a wander around Koh Panyee.
This famous floating village in Phang Nga Bay is actually built on wooden stilts.
They have been reinforced by blocks of concrete in recent years.
The tiny island is a warren of huts, restaurants, shacks, souvenir shops, market stalls and the world’s only floating football pitch.
I overheard other tourists likening it to Venice, although this comparison does neither justice.
And Venice certainly isn’t home to any elephant sanctuaries.
That’s a memory I will never forget.
GO: THAILAND
GETTING THERE/STAYING THERE: A 14-night package with two nights at Elephant Hills and 12 nights at Robinson Khao Lak is from £2,008pp. Price includes return flights, 23kg luggage and transfers. See tui.co.uk.
OUT & ABOUT: A Similan Islands Boat Tour costs from £97pp including refreshments, lunch, entrance fees and snorkelling equipment.
A long-tail boat tour to James Bond Island and Koh Panyee costs £97. See tui.co.uk.