Avatar Spa Tour to Phang Nga from Phuket

What the Avatar Spa day includes

Both versions share the same backbone. You leave early and start with photos at Ma Doo Bua café, famous for its pond of giant water lilies, then stroll around the new White Temple. Next is time with elephants — bathing and feeding them — followed by the Samet Nangshe viewpoint, whose rock-studded panorama is often compared to Halong Bay or the landscapes of Pandora. The finale is Hotspring Beach Resort, where thermal pools sit right on the shore, so you can alternate hot water with a swim in the sea and stay for sunset on Natai Beach.

Longtail boat or bamboo rafts: how to choose

Avatar Spa + Longtail Boat is the more cultural option. It adds a visit to the village of the long-necked Karen, where the guide explains the origins of the tradition and answers questions, plus the Avatar waterfall, lunch at the Samet Nangshe viewpoint and a longtail ride through mangroves and the bay with a landing on an island (which one depends on the tide). An ATV ride through jungle and palm plantations is optional and paid when booking.

Avatar Spa + Bamboo Rafts leans towards light adventure. The elephant stop is on a beach, with swimming and a baby elephant show, and the afternoon brings rafting on a jungle river, an ATV ride that is already included, and Phu Pha Sawan waterfall before the hot springs. It returns a little later in the evening.

Tips before you go

From 16 May to 30 September the Karen village is not visited on the longtail program. Guests staying at Layan and further north should note that the transfer to the lily café and White Temple is not included for their area on that program. Pack swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes for the hot springs, plus sunscreen and insect repellent. Pregnant travellers should avoid elephant riding. Timings are approximate and may change at the guide's discretion; any questions during the day are best raised with the guide right away.