Tour Overview
Tour Overview
The Doing Life Differently in Thailand – Southern Experience Tour is a bespoke, relaxed, small-group adventure for women. It's filled with culture, connection, and incredible food — with plenty of room for those spontaneous moments that make travel truly special.
Sharing my local knowledge and genuine love for Thailand, I’ll introduce you to the warm-hearted locals who I write about in my book ‘Doing Life Differently in Thailand’. For those who’ve read it, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped right into its pages.
We begin in Phuket — alive with energy and colour! A private poolside dinner will welcome you to Thailand— relaxed, full of fantastic food, and sprinkled with a little surprise to set the tone for the days ahead.
I will be your host and with you throughout the tour. When we’re out and about if I see something interesting, you can expect that we will go exploring. Mixing it up with these spontaneous moments will make this tour fun. Local guides will be used for the organised tours.
There’s a combination of unique and interesting adventures, time for relaxation and of course beach and shopping time. We visit some tourist hot spots like Phuket Old Town and Wat Chalong but there will be times where we might be the only foreigners around.
I’m excited to introduce you to the local food and you’ll learn to cook Thai-style. Expect to visit many of the places I loved to eat at, they’re not fancy but gosh the food is good. The back streets, laneways and local markets are where you find the best food so that’s where we will be. You’ll become familiar with sticky rice and mango early on, and I will be listening out for the distinct sound of the bell that the local homemade coconut ice cream seller rings!
Exploring Phuket Old Town, Kata, Karon and my old stomping ground, Khoktanode Road will give you a wonderful insight into not only the history of this island but the beautiful beaches that Phuket is renowned for. We will visit local Buddhist temples and you have the opportunity to participate in Buddhist rituals if you wish. You can test your haggling skills at the markets or with street vendors if something catches your eye.
The magnificent Phang Nga Bay where the limestone cliffs jut out from the emerald tropical waters and provide a breathtaking sight is part of the tour. Kayaking into sunlit hidden lagoons makes for an unforgettable day.
On day 6 we leave the hustle of Phuket behind and head north to Khao Lak. Experiencing the Thai countryside, you will see plantations full of pineapples, rubber trees, coconut palms and durian trees. Small villages are dotted along the way, you’ll be humbled at just how simply some Thai people live.
Some very special time with elephants is sure to be one of the highlight of your Khao Lak stay. One evening we will walk them back into the jungle and tuck them into bed! Turtle lovers will enjoy seeing and learning about the conservation program that’s well underway. Wait until you see the hatchlings!
You might remember the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami back in 2004. Khao Lak bore the brunt of this. We’ll visit the Tsunami Museum, a deeply moving place that honours the lives lost during the tsunami.
And my favourite part – is all about YOU. Throughout the tour, there’ll be time just for you as you choose how you spend the day. I’ll provide the suggestions and you get to pick your perfect day.
Maybe you feel like...
- a day trip on a speedboat to Phi Phi island for swimming and snorkelling.
- or a spa, pool and cocktails day at the hotel.
- or a floating beach club afternoon might be your style.
- or to rent a $4 beach lounge, with your book and a cup of ice cream curls for company.
- or pretending you can fly as you zip line your way through the Phuket jungle.
- or a peaceful trip down the river on a bamboo raft spotting wildlife in Khao Lak.
- or snorkelling at the world-famous Similan Islands where the water is crystal clear and the fish so vibrant.
Your holiday, your way!
Our final night brings us together right on the beach — barefoot, cocktail in hand, sharing stories and toasting to new friendships and unforgettable memories.
I’ve personally selected the accommodation, prioritising comfort, warm friendly Thai hospitality and a little bit of WOW. It’s important after a full day out exploring in a hot climate that you have somewhere comfortable to rest. The Mandarava Resort & Spa is located in Karon, Phuket. It’s a short walk or ride in the hotel shuttle to the beach or town.
In Khao Lak you will be staying at the sister property to the Mandarava – Morecea Khao Lak Resort. Located on the beach I’m sure you’ll find yourself heading there often. Both properties have stunning swimming pools, swim up bars, lush tropical gardens, onsite spa, delicious food and drinks and most of all, wonderful staff. We stay long enough in each spot so you can unpack and relax.
An air-conditioned private minivan will transport us in comfort. This means there is a maximum of 8 people per tour. No squashy seating arrangements on my tour! It will feel like you’re travelling with a like-minded group of friends.
This tour isn’t about rushing from place to place. You’ll have time to linger over breakfast, enjoy a morning walk, or simply sleep in — after all, you’re on holiday. We’ll keep the days flowing with just the right balance of activity and downtime, mindful of the pace in a warm tropical environment.
I’m so excited to share my ‘happy place’ with you.
If this sounds like something you'd love and your heart is already saying ‘yes please’, I’d love you to be part of the adventure!
If you have questions, don’t be shy I’m only too happy to answer them.
mel@melpike.com
Current tour availability:
Tour#1 - 4 November to 13 November 2026- FULLY BOOKED
Tour#2 - 13 November to 22 November 2026 - 3 spots available
Tour#3 - 25 November to 4 December 2026 - 3 spots available
Doing Life Differently - Together