In 2026, Thailand is revealing itself in a new way. The tourism market has clearly shifted toward more thoughtfully designed experiences, where the focus is not on moving quickly between locations, but on the quality of impressions. More and more travelers are choosing routes that allow them to experience the country more deeply, at the right pace, without rush, and with the feeling of a true journey rather than a mass экскурсионный conveyor. This trend is especially noticeable in Phuket, where classic programs have long been familiar to most visitors.
New formats are taking center stage: small group tours, curated itineraries, well-planned logistics, and a thoughtful balance between activities and comfort. Experiences that help avoid crowds, showcase nature at the right time of day, offer meaningful interaction with experienced guides, and leave travelers inspired rather than exhausted are becoming the new standard.
In this article, we’ve selected 7 new and updated excursions for 2026 that have not yet gone mainstream but are already being actively booked, discussed, and highly sought after. This guide is especially useful for those traveling to Phuket who want to see more than the «must-see checklist» experiencing the destination in a deeper, calmer, and more refined way.
How We Selected the Top 7 Excursions
This list is not a random selection and not a promotion of everything available. It includes only those excursions that truly meet the expectations of travelers in 2025–2026 and showcase Thailand from a fresh perspective.
When making our selection, we relied on several key criteria:
- New or updated routes for 2025–2026, adapted to current travel demand and seasonality
- Author-designed formats with well-planned logistics, where experiences matter more than distance
- Minimal crowds and maximum emotions: early departures, off-peak visiting times, and small groups
- Proven traveler interest, based on bookings, reviews, and repeat requests
- Versatile formats suitable both for first-time visitors to Thailand and for returning travelers seeking something new
That is why this TOP list features not the “most popular” excursions of last year, but the ones people will be talking about in 2026.
The Andaman Glow — bioluminescent plankton, sunset canoeing, and Phang Nga panoramas
Andaman Lights - Glowing plankton, sunset canoeing and Phang Nga panoramas
«The Andaman Glow» is one of the most atmospheric new experiences of the season, created for those who want to see Phang Nga Bay at a different time of day and from a new perspective. This is not a daytime rush between landmarks, but a carefully designed route built around light, silence, and perfectly timed moments. During the day, the journey includes temples, panoramic viewpoints, and a sea gypsy village; closer to evening, it shifts to the sea, the sunset, and a rare natural phenomenon that is the main reason travelers come here.
The essence of this excursion lies in the gradual unfolding of the scenery. The landscapes do not overwhelm you all at once, they reveal themselves step by step: mirror-like reflections across the bay, wide-open views from the lookout points, and limestone cliffs free from tourist crowds. The finale is pure magic. A canoe glides across warm water at dusk, and with every movement of the paddle, the water begins to glow. Bioluminescent plankton creates an effect that words cannot fully describe and that stays in your memory far longer than any photograph.
This tour is an ideal choice for couples, unhurried travelers, and those who have already visited Phang Nga during the day and are looking for a different format. The pace is comfortable, making it suitable for families with children and for anyone who values atmosphere more than simply ticking locations off a list.
More details about the evening route, the glowing plankton, and the tour format can be found on the excursion page.
Similan 7 – an excursion to the Similan Islands with an early departure
Similan 7 - Excursion to the Similan Islands with an early departure
The main advantage of this program is its perfectly timed schedule.
While most tourist boats are only just setting off, the group has already arrived at the islands. This makes it possible to visit the most iconic spots, Island No. 8 with Sail Rock, scenic bays, and white-sand beaches, without the heavy crowds that usually spoil the experience.
The Similan Islands remain one of the most beautiful places in Thailand, but each year expectations for how the trip is organized continue to rise. In 2026, it’s not just the route that matters, but the quality of the experience itself. An early start allows you to reach viewpoints without rush, enjoy the vibrant water colors, and go snorkeling while the reefs are still undisturbed. This is one of those rare cases when a famous destination truly looks exactly like the photos.
This tour is ideal for travelers who come to Thailand for nature, love crystal-clear water and snorkeling, and want to experience the Similan Islands without the feeling of a “tourist swarm.” It’s well suited for active travelers, couples, and anyone willing to wake up early for a truly rewarding experience.
You can find full details about the early departure, itinerary, and tour conditions on the excursion page.
Fishing in Phuket – Traditional Thai Fishing
Fishing in Phuket - National Thai Fishing
This excursion is fundamentally different from the typical “photo-friendly fishing tours.”
There are no large boats, loud music, or staged entertainment. The fishing takes place on a traditional wooden boat together with sea gypsies, people for whom the sea and fishing are not a pastime, but a way of life. They know the waters, the gear, and the rhythm of the sea, and they willingly share this knowledge and experience.
The group is small, creating a sense of genuine involvement rather than a mass-market outing. Fishing is done properly, using spinning rods or hand lines, without rush or unnecessary fuss. There is no “scripted” guarantee of a catch, but in practice fish are truly caught here, because the route and the time at sea are chosen with care and experience.
The return to shore at sunset is followed by a dinner prepared from the fresh catch. Simple, natural ingredients, honest flavors, and the sea close by create a warm feeling of a day well lived, calm, authentic, and shared with loved ones. This is exactly the kind of experience that attracts travelers and couples.
You can learn more about the fishing format and the participation of the sea gypsies on the excursion page.
James Bond Islands Tour with Eco SPA Experience
Excursions to the James Bond Islands with a stay at an eco-spa
This itinerary is built on contrast — and that is exactly its strength.
The first part of the day is dynamic and full of movement: Phang Nga Bay, dramatic limestone cliffs, canoeing, and open seascapes. The second part unfolds in silence and relaxation. After an intense start, the body doesn’t just rest, it truly resets.
In standard programs, the tour usually ends with a return to the hotel when energy levels are already depleted. Here, the day is designed differently: the active part transitions smoothly into an eco SPA, set naturally within its surroundings and free from crowds. This is not an “add-on for the sake of it,” but a meaningful finale that completely changes the overall impression of the excursion.
After boats, water, and constant motion, the body becomes especially sensitive to a change of pace. The eco SPA turns into a space for deep restoration: alternating hot and cool natural baths, herbal pools with lemongrass and turmeric, mud baths, and natural showers help release muscle tension, restore breathing, and bring back a sense of balance. There is no rush or external noise, only natural aromas, warm stone, and water working with the body in a gentle, organic way.
Many travelers note that this contrast is what makes the day feel complete and memorable rather than overwhelming. The itinerary is ideal for couples, independent travelers, and anyone who doesn’t want to choose between activity and relaxation. It’s an excellent option for those who have already visited Phang Nga Bay and are looking for a more refined and engaging tour format.
Full program details and information about the eco SPA are available on the excursion page
Emeralds of Krabi with Overnight Stay — a Tour to Krabi from Phuket
Overnight Krabi Emeralds - Krabi Tour from Phuket
Krabi is often seen as a secondary destination, but this impression usually comes from one-day tours.
In reality, the region deserves dedicated attention: dramatic cliffs, islands, wide beaches, and a completely different rhythm compared to Phuket. This itinerary reveals Krabi the way it is meant to be experienced.
An overnight stay changes everything. There is no rush, no pressure of return times, and time finally opens up for unhurried walks and simply enjoying the atmosphere. An evening by the sea, mornings without crowds, and relaxed transitions between locations — this is what creates the feeling of a real journey rather than a quick sightseeing stop.
The route includes the region’s best natural highlights, but the focus is not on the number of stops, rather on the flow of the journey. Transfers are comfortable, landscapes change gradually, and each day feels like a natural continuation of the previous one.
You can find the full itinerary with the overnight stay and logistical details on the excursion page.
Nature and Nirvana — the White Temple, Elephants, a Karen Village, and Spa Relaxation
Nature and Nirvana - White Temple, elephants, Karen village, and spa relaxation
This itinerary is designed for calm and comfortable travel, without rush or sensory overload.
The program flows gently and consistently, with no abrupt transitions. Temples, green spaces, and natural locations complement one another, creating a well-balanced day filled with harmony, ease, and a genuine sense of relaxation.
The tour follows only ethical interaction practices: no riding, no shows. Guests observe the animals in a natural environment and learn about their lives and care. For many travelers, this becomes one of the most touching and meaningful moments of the journey.
A safe, relaxed format, a clear and easy-to-follow route, and strong emotional depth make this excursion truly universal. It is well suited for families with children, couples, and anyone seeking mental relaxation rather than physical exertion.
You can view the itinerary, photos, and reviews on the excursion page.
James Bond Island — an Eco Tour of Phang Nga Bay with Canoeing and Lunch
James Bond Island – Phang Nga Bay Eco Tour with Canoeing and Lunch
This tour focuses on quality of experience rather than speed.
The itinerary is designed to minimize encounters with large tour groups and to let you experience the bay without rush or crowds. Canoeing, walks through mangrove forests, and relaxed transitions form the core of the journey.
Traveling by canoe allows you to get closer to the cliffs and lagoons than by boat. The water, the shade of the mangroves, and the quiet create a feeling of being inside the landscape rather than observing it from afar.
If Phang Nga Bay is your first introduction to the nature of southern Thailand, this format is ideal. It offers a well-rounded impression of the region and leaves you with the desire to return, not a sense of exhaustion.
All up-to-date information and tour booking are available on the excursion page.
How to Choose the Right Excursion for You
Every traveler is different, and choosing the right tour is what turns a trip into an unforgettable experience. We’ve put together a short guide to help you find the option that suits you best:
- If you’re looking for romance and a secluded sunset, choose No. 1, featuring glowing plankton and evening canoeing.
- If you dream of «Pinterest-worthy views» No. 2 offers crystal-clear water, white-sand beaches, and breathtaking scenery without the crowds.
- If you’re seeking a unique and authentic experience, No. 3 lets you immerse yourself in the life of sea gypsies, catch fish with your own hands, and enjoy dinner at sunset.
- If relaxation and harmony are your priority, No. 4 and No. 6 combine an active day with peaceful rest, where time slows down and impressions linger.
- If you want a true journey without rushing, No. 5 offers a relaxed pace, an overnight stay on the islands, and full immersion in nature.
- If this is your first time in Thailand, No. 7 is the perfect introduction to the region, a beautiful, calm, and natural way to discover Phang Nga Bay.
Once you choose the tour that suits you, you’ll immediately feel that the journey becomes truly yours, not just a checklist of locations on a map. Each excursion is thoughtfully designed to deliver a unique experience, leave you with a sense of calm and freedom, and fill the day with emotions that stay with you long after the trip ends. Planning ahead allows you to choose the best time to travel and get the most out of your selected route.
Why It’s Better to Book These Excursions in Advance
These excursions are best booked ahead of time because the itineraries are custom-designed and cannot be scaled up. Group sizes are always limited, and the best dates and natural highlights are taken first. By planning in advance, you secure the opportunity to enjoy bays, beaches, and islands without tourist crowds. This allows you to truly feel the atmosphere and experience each location at the perfect time of day. This approach ensures comfort, tranquility, and a genuinely unique experience. Every moment becomes part of a real journey, not just another item on an itinerary.
This year is the perfect opportunity to discover Thailand from a new perspective. Book the excursion that suits you in advance, and the Treasure Island team will take care of all the organizational details, transfers, meals, and logistics. All that’s left for you to do is get ready and set off on a paradise journey filled with vivid memories and positive emotions.
