Tips for Thailand
- Get travel insurance, I recommend Safety Wing (link)
- Buy a cheap e-SIM before arrival (link)
- To book ferries, buses, flights, etc. use 12go.asia (link)
- Visit Thailand November to April
- For taxis use Grab (check discounts)
- Avoid North Thailand ~February to ~April during burning season
Phuket
The Best Tours
Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch
Experience the beauty of the Phi Phi Islands on a speedboat cruise from Phuket. Discover Maya Bay, view the Viking Cave, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and snorkel on the heart-shaped Bamboo Island.
Elephant Sanctuary Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch
Learn the stories and daily routines of rescued elephants on a tour from Phuket to the Elephant Sanctuary. Enjoy a jungle walk, a mud bath, a cooking class, and a meal.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury: The Nai Harn, Phuket
Close to Star Casino and White Bay Cruise Terminal, Terminus Pyrmont provides a bar, a restaurant, and more. All rooms at Terminus Pyrmont include amenities such as free WiFi, desk chairs, and safes.
Mid-Range Hotel: Navatara Phuket Resort
This resort provides a terrace, a bar, a garden, a children’s pool and a library. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The onsite restaurant, Tara Cafe, features international cuisine.
Hostel: Selina
Experience a laid-back atmosphere with planned activities, a pool, and bar, along with optional breakfast. Retreat to air-conditioned rooms featuring beds with privacy curtains and take advantage of the coworking space available.
Or find your own accommodation
Bangkok
The Best Tours
Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market
Visit the Maeklong Railway Market and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market on either a private or group tour from Bangkok. Interact with friendly local market vendors.
Ayutthaya & Ayothaya Floating Market Day Trip
Visit the main highlights of Ayutthaya on a full-day tour from Bangkok. You will have the chance to visit the ancient ruins of the temples and learn about the city’s history.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
This hotel provides a poolside bar, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe. Be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the 3 onsite restaurants, which feature international cuisine and more. Guests can find other amenities such as an outdoor pool, a children’s pool, a garden and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Mid-Range: Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel
Phranakorn Nornlen Hotel is located close to Thewet Flower Market and Thewet Pier, and provides dry cleaning/laundry services and a restaurant.
Hostel: Mad Monkey Bangkok
Stay at a vibrant party hostel offering daily activities, a lively pool and bar scene, optional breakfast, and air-conditioned rooms.
Or find your own accommodation
Chiang Mai
The Best Tours
Waterfall, Elephant Sanctuary, and Rafting Tour
Explore the beauty of Chiang Mai with a waterfall trekking experience and an elephant sanctuary in one day. Interact with rescued elephants, eat a Thai lunch, and enjoy bamboo rafting in the jungle.
From Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park Day Trip
Visit Thailand’s highest point at Doi Inthanon National Park, above the mountains of Chiang Mai. Find tranquility at the beautiful Sirithan and Wachiratharn waterfalls on a guided excursion.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: The Inside House
The Inside House provides a terrace, a garden, and a library. Treat yourself to a Thai massage at Inside House Spa, the onsite spa. The onsite restaurant, The Kitchen, features Thai cuisine. Guests can find other amenities such as an outdoor pool, a children’s pool, dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.
Mid-Range: Villa Thai Orchid
This hotel provides a garden, laundry facilities, and more. Other perks include luggage storage, air conditioning and tour/ticket assistance.
Hostel: Hidden Garden Hostel
Enjoy a sociable atmosphere with planned activities, a refreshing swimming pool, and comfortable, air-conditioned rooms in a great location. Although breakfast is not provided, guests can unwind in beds with privacy curtains for added comfort.
Or find your own accommodation
Koh Samui
The Best Tours
Coral & Pig Island Longtail Boat Small-Group Tour
Go on an island hopping adventure and discover beautiful coral reefs in a small group or solo. Swim with colorful marine life and meet the friendly pigs of Pig Island Koh Madsum.
4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour with Lunch
Enjoy a half-day tour to see the highlights of Koh Samui such as Grandfathers/Grandmother rocks, Mummified Monk, Namuang Waterfall, and Buddha’s Magic Garden. Enjoy the fun experience up to the mountain and see some lovely viewpoints by a 4X4 army jeep.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Bo Phut Resort
This resort provides a terrace, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services. With a white sand beach, sun loungers, and kayaking, this resort is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Indulge in aromatherapy, a body treatment, and a body wrap at Bo Phut Spa, the onsite spa. Enjoy a meal at the two onsite restaurants. In addition to car rentals on site and a bar, guests enjoy the outdoor pool and children’s pool.
Mid-Range: Samui Zenity
This hotel provides a terrace, a garden, and a library. Guests can find other amenities such as an outdoor pool with a waterslide, laundry facilities and a bar.
Hostel: Chill Inn Lamai Hostel and Beach Cafe
Get ready for a fantastic vibe with epic pool parties, fun activities, and a buzzing bar. No breakfast, but enjoy the awesome location and cool A/C rooms.
Or find your own accommodation
Khao Lak
The Best Tours
From Phuket Or Khao Lak: Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour
Have an early start with the least crowded Phi Phi Island tour. Get the extra advantage of leaving early to avoid many of the crowds and experience more time around the Phi Phi Islands.
Rafting, Elephant Bathing & Sea Turtle Center Tour
Enjoy a day of river rafting, bathing and feeding elephants, and exploring a tropical rainforest by bamboo raft on this tour from Khao Lak. Learn about sea turtles at a conservation center.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: The Anda Mani
Look forward to a terrace, an outdoor pool, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location and beachfront dining. The onsite Asian cuisine restaurant, The Kitchen, features ocean views and brunch.
Mid-Range: The Mouth Resort
Take advantage of a grocery/convenience store, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe. Guests can find other amenities such as an outdoor pool, a garden and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Or find your own accommodation
Krabi
The Best Tours
Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Half-Day Tour
Spend quality time feeding and bathing rescued elephants at an ethically-run sanctuary on this half-day tour in Krabi. Gain insight into the history and behavior of these majestic creatures.
Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour
Marvel at the crystalline waters of Krabi’s Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon on a full-day guided tour. Take a refreshing dip in the hot springs and explore the awe-inspiring Tiger Cave Temple.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Pimann Buri Luxury Pool Villa
Concierge services, dry cleaning, free area shuttle, and laundry facilities are available at this villa. Other amenities include tour/ticket assistance and a garden. All 8 villas boast private pools and deep soaking tubs, plus kitchenettes and TVs with satellite channels.
Mid-Range: @Aonang Guesthouse
A terrace, a garden, an outdoor pool, and dry cleaning/laundry services are just a few of the amenities provided at Aonang Guesthouse. All guestrooms at Aonang Guesthouse include perks such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi.
Hostel: K-Bunk Hostel
Indulge in a lively social ambiance with daily activities, a pool, pool table, and bar. Enjoy optional breakfast and retreat to air-conditioned rooms with beds featuring privacy curtains for a comfortable stay.
Or find your own accommodation
Phi Phi Islands
The Best Tours
Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay with Snorkeling
Explore the highlights of Phi Phi islands by private longtail boat, stopping to snorkel at the best spots. Stop at Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Bay, and Viking Cave on a flexible boat tour.
Beat the Crowds Island Hopping Tour
Enjoy a special Early-Bird program designed to avoid the crowds at the most beautiful snorkeling spots and white sandy beaches the Phi Phi archipelago has to offer. Escape into paradise and relax in the azure waters in complete serenity.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort
This resort provides a swim-up bar, a poolside bar, a tennis court , a gym and a terrace. It’s a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location, beachfront dining, and sun loungers. Indulge in a sports massage, a facial, and a body treatment at the onsite spa.
Mid-Range: Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort
You can look forward to a rooftop terrace, an outdoor pool, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services at Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort. With amenities like a beachfront location and sun loungers, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up the sun. Be sure to enjoy a meal at the onsite Thai cuisine restaurant.
Hostel: Voyagers Hostel
Enjoy a fantastic atmosphere complemented by free breakfast, air-conditioned rooms, and beds with privacy curtains.
Or find your own accommodation
Pattaya
The Best Tours
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Interactive Tour
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience at the Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary. Interact with these majestic creatures in an ethical environment, learning about their conservation and well-being.
Alcazar Cabaret Discounted Admission Ticket
Be amazed at the Alcazar Cabaret show, one of Pattaya’s most famous transgender performances. Discover a variety of songs and cultures combined in the show such as Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, American, Chinese, and many more.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya
This hotel provides free water park access, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and a playground. Indulge in aromatherapy, a manicure/pedicure, and a Thai massage at the onsite spa. Enjoy a meal at the two onsite restaurants. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a children’s pool with a waterslide, an arcade/game room and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Mid-Range: Amethyst Hotel Pattaya
This hotel provides a poolside bar, a rooftop terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe. Be sure to enjoy a meal at zircon restaurant, the onsite restaurant. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and a children’s pool, rooms with laptop-friendly workspaces, dry cleaning/laundry services and 2 bars.
Hostel: Nonze Pattaya
Immerse yourself in a lively social atmosphere with complimentary breakfast and convenient access to a great location. Relax in air-conditioned rooms with private capsule beds, offering ample space to work online.
Or find your own accommodation
Ko Tao
The Best Tours
Snorkeling Day Trip to Koh Nang Yuan with Meals
Sail to Nang Yuan Island in a vintage wooden boat on this group tour from Ko Tao that includes lunch, sunset views, and a BBQ dinner. Explore with the snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding gear.
Try Scuba Diving 1-Day Experience
Try out scuba diving and tick it off your bucket list. Drop beneath the waves to marvel at the amazing variety of marine life that Ko Tao has to offer. No experience is required for this full-day experience.
The Finest Accommodation
Hostel: ISLANDER Hostel Bar & Restaurant Koh Tao
Get into the social groove with daily activities, a pool table, and a bar in a great location. While breakfast isn’t included, enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned rooms.
Or find your own accommodation
Koh Chang
The Best Tours
Full-Day Reefs or Wreck Sites Snorkeling Trip
Enjoy a day trip to the beautiful reefs or wreck sites around Koh Chang or Koh Rang National Park. Cruise to 3 spots where you can snorkel and enjoy the under water world. See schools of fish, coral and, on some days, a shipwreck.
Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners with 2 Dives
Learn the basics of scuba diving without certification in the presence of an expert diving instructor. See beautiful coral reefs in 2 dives, intended for beginners.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: The Chill Koh Chang
A poolside bar, a children’s pool, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe are just a few of the amenities provided at this resort. It is a great place to bask in the sun with a private beach, sun loungers, and kayaking. Indulge in a manicure/pedicure, a body scrub, and a body wrap at the onsite spa. The onsite restaurant, Chill out cafe, features ocean views and happy hour.
Mid-Range: Annika Koh Chang
You can look forward to an airport shuttle, a poolside bar, and a terrace. Treat yourself to a manicure/pedicure, aromatherapy, or a facial at Sita Spa and Fitness, the onsite spa. Enjoy garden views and more at the two onsite restaurants. Other amenities include a coffee shop/cafe, an outdoor pool and a children’s pool, and a garden,
Hostel: Pajamas Koh Chang
Enjoy a sociable atmosphere with organized activities, a pool, and a bar, along with optional breakfast. Rest in air-conditioned rooms featuring beds with privacy curtains for added comfort.
Or find your own accommodation
Koh Lanta
The Best Tours
4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Long Tail Boat
Hop on a longtail boat and discover the unique beauty of Morakot Cave, Koh Ngai, Koh Ma, and Koh Chueak on a trip from Ko Lanta. Spend a full day snorkeling and admiring coral reefs and colroful fish.
Phi Phi Day Trip by Speed Boat
Enjoy a full-day island hopping trip from Ko Lanta to Ko Phi Phi. Snorkel in crystal clear waters to see a variety of marine life, stroll along the beach at Maya Bay, and explore Phi Phi Don.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Alanta Villa
Guests at this beach villa will appreciate convenient onsite amenities such as barbecue grills and a picnic area. All 11 villas have 2 bedrooms and feature free WiFi. Guests can enjoy private pools, and other standard amenities include kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops.
Mid-Range: Lanta Castaway Beach Resort
This resort provides free cooked-to-order breakfast, a beach bar, and a terrace. With a beachfront location, beach massages, and sun loungers, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Indulge in a manicure/pedicure, reflexology, and a massage at Jaidee, the onsite spa. The onsite restaurant, Beachcomber, features local and international cuisine and light fare.
Hostel: Hub Of Joys Hostel
Experience a welcoming social atmosphere with complimentary breakfast and a prime location. Relax in air-conditioned rooms with beds featuring privacy curtains for added comfort.
