7 Days of Wild Sri Lanka and Island Thailand: Galle Fort, Yala Safari, and Phuket Seas
Two countries, one week, and three distinct moods: colonial ramparts, wild savannah, and turquoise seas. Begin in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, where Galle’s Dutch-era fort walls face the Indian Ocean and cinnamon-scented breezes drift through tea salons. Then trade the ramparts for wildlife: Yala National Park’s scrub forest is renowned for one of the world’s highest densities of wild leopards.
Next, hop to Thailand for the Andaman—karst towers, coral coves, and limpid lagoons. Use Phuket as your launchpad for Phi Phi’s cinematic beaches, Phang Nga’s sea caves, and a mindful morning among rescued elephants. You’ll feast along the way: curries and hoppers in Galle, then southern Thai classics in Phuket Old Town.
Practical note: You listed “Yala, Thailand.” Yala Province (Thailand) has intermittent security advisories and limited tourism infrastructure. To capture the southern Thailand vibe safely and efficiently in a 7-day window, this plan bases you in Phuket with day trips to top sights. Always check current advisories, carry reef-safe sunscreen, and book reputable guides in national parks and on the water.
Galle
Galle Fort is a living museum: 17th-century bastions, pastel shophouses, and mosque minarets share space with ateliers and cafés. Sunrise on the ramparts and sunset over the lighthouse are daily rituals; between, get lost down Pedlar Street and Leyn Baan as cinnamon, lace, and sapphires beckon.
- Top sights: Ramparts walk from Flag Rock to the Lighthouse; Dutch Reformed Church; National Maritime Museum; Meera Mosque; Old Gate and VOC emblem.
- Nearby beaches: Unawatuna’s crescent bay, Dalawella (Wijaya Beach) with its reef pool and photogenic swing, and Jungle Beach for sheltered snorkeling.
- Food and coffee: Breakfast at Isle of Gelato (great espresso and croissants) or Hoppa (egg hoppers + sambols). Lunch at Lucky Fort Restaurant (beloved 10-curry sampler) or Elder’s Place for crab curry. Dinner at Church Street Social (modern Sri Lankan), The Heritage Café (lamb kottu and cocktails), or A Minute by Tuk Tuk at Dutch Hospital (sea views, prawn curry).
Where to stay (Galle): Boutique hotels and heritage homes inside the fort or beachside villas nearby.
Getting there: Fly into Colombo (CMB) with Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. Then take the coastal train (2–2.5 hours, ~$2–8) via Trip.com Trains or a highway car (2–2.5 hours, ~$60–90).
Phuket
Phuket is more than beaches: Sino-Portuguese shophouses, buzzy night markets, and a food scene rich in southern Thai spice. Base in Old Town for heritage and dining, or in Kata/Karon for sand and sunsets; excursions whisk you to Phi Phi and Phang Nga.
- Top sights: Phuket Old Town murals and mansions (Thalang & Dibuk roads), Karon viewpoint, Big Buddha, Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, and day trips by speedboat or yacht.
- Food and coffee: Start at The Feelsion Café (Thai pastries) or Campus Coffee Roasters (specialty brews). Try One Chun (Michelin Bib; crab curry), Tu Kab Khao (moo hong pork, Phuket-style), Raya Restaurant (blue crab curry), and Kan Eang@Pier (grilled seafood on the water). Night bites at Sunday Walking Street “Lard Yai” or Chillva Market (Thu–Sat).
Where to stay (Phuket): Old Town boutiques, Kata family resorts, or a sea-view villa.
Getting there from Sri Lanka: Morning ride Galle→CMB (2–2.5 hours). Fly CMB→HKT (often 1 stop via Bangkok; 6–8 hours total, ~$160–320) with Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. In Phuket, use Grab/Bolt taxis or hotel shuttles.
Day 1: Arrival in Sri Lanka → Galle Fort at Sunset
Afternoon: Land at Colombo (CMB). Ride the coastal train (2–2.5 hours) or pre-book a car to Galle. Check in, freshen up, and stretch your legs along the fort walls from Flag Rock to the lighthouse.
Evening: Dinner with ocean views at A Minute by Tuk Tuk (prawn curry, kottu; lively terrace). For a quieter setting, Church Street Social’s black pork curry pairs well with a local arrack sour. Gelato nightcap at Isle of Gelato on Pedlar Street.
Day 2: Galle Heritage and Beach Time
Morning: Hoppers and chutneys at Hoppa, then dip into history: Dutch Reformed Church, National Maritime Museum, and the Old Gate’s VOC emblem. Pause for espresso at Elder’s Place.
Afternoon: Tuk-tuk 15 minutes to Unawatuna. Swim, then continue to Dalawella’s reef pool by Wijaya Beach—safe paddling and great pizza if you linger. Optional short jungle path to Jungle Beach for easy snorkeling.
Evening: Try Lucky Fort Restaurant’s famous 10-curry tasting (reservations help). For drinks, the Taphouse at Dutch Hospital pours local beers with fort views.
Day 3: Full-Day Yala National Park Safari (from Galle/Unawatuna)
Rise before dawn for a big day of wildlife. Your driver guides you inland (about 4 hours) for a 4x4 game drive in Sri Lanka’s marquee park—home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and the star attraction: leopards.
Yala Safari Private Day Trip with Return Transport -All Inclusive
Bring binoculars, a hat, and a light scarf for dust. Your all-inclusive tour typically covers hotel pickup, park tickets, jeep, a ranger/driver, and meals. Expect a late return—have a light supper in Galle or call it an early night.
Day 4: Galle to Phuket, Thailand
Morning: Private car to CMB (2–2.5 hours). Fly to Phuket (usually 1 stop via Bangkok; 6–8 hours). Compare options on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights.
Afternoon: Check in at your Phuket base (Old Town for food and culture, or Kata for beach access). Stroll Thalang Road’s pastel shophouses and Peranakan mansions.
Evening: Southern Thai dinner at One Chun (try crab curry with fresh rice noodles) or Tu Kab Khao (signature moo hong braised pork). If it’s Sunday, browse the “Lard Yai” night market for roti pancakes and coconut ice cream.
Day 5: Phi Phi Islands Day Trip
Beat the crowds with an early-bird speedboat to Maya Bay viewpoints, Pileh Lagoon’s emerald bowl, and snorkeling reefs alive with anthias and parrotfish. Small-group boats mean quicker hops and more water time.
Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket
Most tours include hotel pickup, snorkel gear, breakfast, lunch, soft drinks, and national park fees. Back mid-afternoon to relax. Dinner at Kan Eang@Pier for grilled squid, tamarind prawns, and sea breeze.
Day 6: Phang Nga Bay—James Bond Island, Sea Caves, and Sunset
Trade speed for comfort on a stylish day cruiser. Glide past needle-like karsts, kayak into hong (hidden lagoons), and step onto Ko Tapu—“James Bond Island”—before toasting sunset on deck.
Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner
Expect hotel transfers, buffet lunch, sunset dinner, and guided kayaking. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes. Late return; if you still have energy, stroll Old Town’s Dibuk Road for a nightcap at a speakeasy.
Day 7: Ethical Elephants and Departure
Morning: Spend a mindful half-day among rescued elephants—observe, prepare food, and watch them roam and bathe (no riding). It’s educational and moving, perfect before your flight.
A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Afternoon: Quick lunch—Raya Restaurant’s blue crab curry or a casual bowl of Hokkien noodles—then head to HKT. Book your onward flight via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
Optional/Alternative Sri Lanka Activities (if you add a day)
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa
Combine with a beach brunch in Mirissa (smoothie bowls, coconut roti) and a sunset at Parrot Rock.
Summary: In one purposeful week, you’ll trace Ceylon’s maritime past, scan Yala’s scrub for spotted cats, then trade boots for boat decks as limestone spires rise from the Andaman. It’s a compact, high-reward itinerary—rich in wildlife, history, and sea air.