My Prize Trip to Thailand: Phuket, Elephant Hills & Khao Lak
Thailand has always been one of those places I dreamed of visiting, so when I won a trip with an operator to Phuket, Elephant Hills and Khao Lak, I could hardly believe it. What followed was a whirlwind week of vibrant city sights, emerald jungle, gentle elephants, glassy lakes and golden beaches, with a few unexpected upgrades that made it feel even more special. In this blog I am sharing our full itinerary, honest impressions and practical tips so that if you are planning your own Thai escape, you will know exactly what to expect and how to make the most of every moment.
Last year I was incredibly fortunate to win a trip to Thailand with a tour operator, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable holidays I have ever experienced. Our prize included 2 nights in vibrant Patong at Deevana Plaza Phuket, 2 nights at the magical Elephant Hills, and 3 nights unwinding on the coast at X10 Khao Lak Resort.
From seamless transfers and warm Thai hospitality to jungle adventures and tranquil beach time, it was the perfect combination of discovery and relaxation.
Getting There with Emirates
We flew to Thailand with Emirates in economy class and I was genuinely impressed. The service, comfort and inflight entertainment made the long-haul journey feel easy and enjoyable, and set the tone for the rest of the trip. Even in economy we felt really well looked after, which always makes such a difference when you are starting a long-awaited holiday.
Arrival in Phuket & Private Transfer
We landed at Phuket International Airport and were met by
our local representative, who greeted us with a welcome board and helped us
with our luggage. Our private transfer meant no queues, no sharing and no
stress. It was just the two of us in a comfortable vehicle heading straight to
our hotel in Patong, exactly what you want after a long flight.
Patong: 2 Nights at Deevana Plaza Phuket
Our first base was Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong, where we spent 2 nights in a Deluxe Pool View room on a bed and breakfast basis. We were lucky enough to be upgraded on arrival, which felt like such a treat after the journey.
The hotel is well located for exploring Patong, with easy
access to shops, markets, restaurants and the beach. Waking up to the buzz of
the town, enjoying breakfast at the hotel and then heading out to explore felt
like the perfect way to ease into Thailand.
Patong City Tour & Night Market
One of the highlights of our time in Patong was a city tour that gave us a great overview of the area and some of its cultural highlights. Our stops included:
- Big Buddha: Sadly the Big Buddha was under construction during our visit, so we could not get as close as we would have liked, but it was still impressive to see and worth the trip for the views alone.
- Buddha Temple: A beautiful and peaceful stop, with intricate details and a very spiritual atmosphere. It was lovely to experience a quieter, more reflective side of Phuket.
- Honey Farm & Cashew Factory: These were surprisingly interesting, and of course we got to taste some local products and learn a bit more about how they are made.
- Jewellery Factory Shop: A chance to browse some very sparkly pieces and see local craftsmanship in action.
- Night Market: We finished the day at a local night market, which was a real sensory experience: colourful stalls, sizzling street food, music, and that unmistakable Thai energy. It is a fantastic place to try local snacks, pick up souvenirs and simply people-watch.
Our two nights in Patong gave us a real feel for the destination: lively, colourful and full of things to see and do.
Jungle Adventure: 2 Nights at Elephant Hills
From Patong we were collected and transferred to Elephant Hills, which was a complete change of scenery. We did the 2 nights / 3 days package, which includes 1 night at the Elephant Camp and 1 night at the Lake Camp.
Elephant Camp
At the Elephant Camp we had the opportunity to feed the elephants and watch them up close in a beautiful jungle setting. It felt very special to interact with these gentle giants in such a natural environment.
We also enjoyed a peaceful Canoe Safari down the Sok River, drifting past limestone cliffs and lush green jungle. It is an incredibly calming experience, punctuated only by the sounds of the forest and the gentle splash of paddles in the water.
Lake Camp
The following night we transferred to the Lake Camp, and the journey itself was a highlight. We travelled by longtail boat across a stunning lake, surrounded by towering karst formations and thick jungle. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and really made us feel like we were in the heart of nature.
At the Lake Camp we went canoeing again, and this time we could hear macaques in the trees, which added to the sense of being immersed in the wild. Afterwards we swam in the crystal-clear water of the lake, which was wonderfully warm and incredibly refreshing. Floating in that turquoise water, surrounded by jungle and dramatic cliffs, is a memory I will never forget.
Elephant Hills was a real standout of the trip: a blend of soft adventure, wildlife encounters and peaceful nature that I would recommend to anyone looking for something a bit different from the usual beach stay.
Beach Time: 3 Nights at X10 Khao Lak Resort
After our jungle adventure we were transferred to X10 Khaolak Resort, where we spent 3 nights in a Couple Suite – Beach Wing on a bed and breakfast basis. Again, we were fortunate to be upgraded on arrival, which made our beach stay feel extra special.
The resort is set on the golden sands of the Andaman Sea and has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. With five swimming pools, a spa, fitness facilities, kids club and a choice of dining options, it offered everything we needed to unwind and recharge.
Our suite in the Beach Wing was modern and comfortable, with all the little touches you appreciate: air conditioning, a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, toiletries and a seating area to relax in. Being so close to the beach really enhanced the whole experience and gave us that dreamy “wake up by the sea” feeling.
X10 Khao Lak enjoys a great location between Khao Lak Centre and Bang Niang, so you can easily head out to explore local restaurants, bars and shops or simply stay within the resort and enjoy the beach and facilities.
Slowing Down in Khao Lak
After the busy days in Patong and the activities at Elephant Hills, Khao Lak was all about slowing down. We enjoyed lazy mornings, long walks on the beach, dips in the pool and simply catching up with ourselves. Sometimes the best part of a trip is having space to relax, reflect and appreciate everything you have experienced, and Khao Lak was perfect for that.
Homeward Bound
All too soon it was time to head home. We had a private transfer from X10 Khaolak Resort back to Phuket International Airport, where we checked in for our Emirates flight. Again, the service on board was excellent and made the return journey as comfortable as possible.
My Top Tips for Thailand
From this trip, there are a few practical tips I would share with anyone heading to Thailand:
- Download an eSIM before departure: Having data as soon as you land makes everything easier, from ordering taxis and using maps to keeping in touch with home.
- Pop into 7‑Eleven early in your trip: They are on nearly every corner. Buy a roll of toilet paper and take it with you wherever you go... you will thank me later.
- Be cautious around monkeys: Try to stay away from the macaques and other monkeys. They have no manners and they want your food and drinks, so keep your distance and do not feed them.
- Use 7‑Eleven for snacks and drinks: It is really cost effective for drinks and simple food, perfect for stocking up on water and on-the-go bites without spending a fortune.
- Buy souvenirs before you get to the airport: Airports in Thailand can be expensive for gifts and souvenirs, so do your shopping in town or at local markets where prices are much friendlier.
Final Thoughts
This prize trip combined everything I love about Thailand: vibrant towns, fascinating culture, incredible food, lush jungle landscapes, gentle elephants, crystal-clear lakes and soft sandy beaches.
The mix of:
- 2 nights in lively Patong at Deevana Plaza in a Deluxe Pool View room,
- 2 unforgettable nights at Elephant Hills (Elephant Camp and Lake Camp), and
- 3 relaxing nights at X10 Khao Lak Resort in a Couple Suite – Beach Wing,
created a beautifully balanced itinerary that felt both adventurous and restorative.
If you are dreaming of Thailand and would like to experience a similar combination of city, jungle and beach, I would love to help you design something tailored to you. Whether you want more adventure, more relaxation or a bit of both, there are so many ways to personalise a journey like this.
Contact me to start planning your own Thailand escape.
