Pattaya & the Islands — 9-day beach escape from Sakhalin

Winter in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk runs long and cold. Nine days on the Gulf of Thailand is the antidote AMIST has been arranging for Sakhalin residents since our first charter series in the 2000s. No layovers, no herding crowds — warm water, a reliable 4-star hotel, and three island excursions at a pace you set yourself.

Day-by-day

Day 1 — Departure and arrival. Charter flight from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Meet-and-greet at U-Tapao Airport, private transfer to the hotel. Check-in, seafront dinner at leisure.

Day 2 — Pattaya orientation. Morning at your own pace on the hotel beach. Afternoon optional walk: Naklua fish market, Sanctuary of Truth, North Pattaya promenade at sundown. Evening on Walking Street — your choice.

Day 3 — Koh Larn. Speedboat 45 minutes offshore. Tawaen Beach for snorkelling, lunch at a beachside restaurant, Nual Bay in the afternoon. Return by 17:00.

Day 4 — Leisure day. Full free day. AMIST concierge can arrange: Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Thai cooking class, spa day, golf, or Jomtien Beach. We suggest — you decide.

Day 5 — Koh Samet. Minivan to Ban Phe pier (2.5 hrs), ferry into Koh Samet National Park. White sand at Haad Sai Kaew, snorkelling at Ao Wai, sunset at Ao Prao. Overnight at an island boutique resort.

Day 6 — Return to Pattaya. Morning swim at the island's quietest bay, Ao Kiu Na Nai. Ferry and transfer back to the Pattaya hotel by afternoon.

Day 7 — Cultural half-day. Morning at Wat Yansangwararam monastery and the Chinese Garden. Afternoon free — pool, beach, or a boat ride to the floating market.

Day 8 — Final full day. Open day: ethical Elephant Sanctuary, a full-day snorkelling cruise, or hotel pool and sunbeds.

Day 9 — Departure. Late checkout where possible, transfer to U-Tapao, charter home.

What's included

Charter flights Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk ↔ Pattaya (U-Tapao) and all airport transfers. 7 nights 4-star beachfront hotel, double occupancy. 1 night boutique resort on Koh Samet. Koh Larn speedboat excursion with lunch. Koh Samet ferry and national park entry. AMIST group leader throughout. Russian travel insurance. 20 kg checked baggage.

Practical notes

• Duration: 9 days / 8 nights.
• Departures: November–December and February–March windows; exact dates confirmed at booking.
• From price: ₽95 000 per person (≈ $1 050) double occupancy. Single supplement ₽12 000.
• Group size: 20–40 AMIST guests within the charter.
• Visas: Russian passport holders enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days.
• Climate: November–March is dry and cool; sea 27–29 °C, air 28–32 °C.
• What to bring: lightweight clothing, SPF 50+, reef-safe swimwear, sandals, one smart-casual outfit.
• Not included: meals outside the itinerary, personal activities, tips, alcohol.

Why we run it

Pattaya was AMIST's first international charter destination and remains among our most-requested. Sakhalin's time-zone proximity to Bangkok — just two hours' difference — means negligible jet-lag. The charter format removes transit misery: no Moscow layover, no connection stress. After two decades on this route, the logistics are seamless — and the warm water is guaranteed.