The Ultimate Travel Guide to Thailand

Bangkok
Koh Samui
Phuket
Thailand – General Advice
The Best Beaches in Thailand

Bangkok

Koh Samui

Phuket

Thailand – General Advice

Q. What neighborhood of Bangkok should I stay in?

An overview of the Bangkok’s most popular and interesting neighborhoods for travelers.

  • Siam Square
    Siam Square is a shopping mecca, full of luxury shopping centers and bargain department stores, filled with designer labels and trendy fashion boutiques. The small sois of Siam Square are alive with record stores, bookstores, cafes, and bars. Siam Square has by far the best shopping in Bangkok and is full of amenities, like cinemas, massage parlors, and salons. Siam Square is busy and safe at all hours. Neighborhood Attractions: Siam Center, Siam Discovery, APEX, Siam Vintage, Tokyu, ZEN. Hotels near Siam Square.
  • Sukhumvit
    If you want luxury hotels, top notch restaurants, and lively nightlife, Sukhumvit is the place to go. This is where many expats live and where tourists can find the top facilities in Bangkok. Many cosmopolitan clubs, and restaurants line Sukhumvit while calm and atmospheric cafes are hidden in the sois leading off the main street. The Skytrain runs the length of Sukhumvit making it easy to explore. Also, Sukhumvit is famous for two red-light districts, Nana Plaza on Soi 4 and Soi Cowboy, just off Soi 23. Prostitutes on the streets are a common sight and someone may be put off by the blatant sex industry. Neighborhood Attractions: Benjasiri Park, Khlong Saen Saeb, Soi Arab, WTF Gallery and Café, Cheap Charlie’s. Hotels in Sukhumvit.
  • Silom
    Silom is Bangkok’s Wall Street (through the day). After nightfall, the people and environment changes considerably. The skyline is lined with skyscrapers boasting the names of local and international financial institutions, law firms, and corporations. The small sois between Silom Road and Surawong Road become alive with people, street life, sidewalk stalls, and street food vendors. Tourist and locals come here to see the infamous Patpong red-light district. It’s filled with go-go bars and brothels. Luxury hotels are found along nearby Sathorn street. Neighborhood Attractions: Bangkokian Museum, Indian Hut, Daimasu Izakaya, Patpong Night Market, Sky Bar. Hotels in Silom/Sahtorn area.
  • Khao San/Banglamphu
    Khao San Road is a 1 km stretch of shops, bars, restaurants, and street vendors and is home to the backpacker scene – though it is adding more mid-range hotels and boutiques every year. People either love it or hate it but it is well worth a visit. It’s centrally located and close to many of Bangkok’s top attractions (like the Grand Palace). If you’re arriving late at night and don’t have a hotel reservation it should be your top choice as the neighborhood stays up late and is easy to traverse on foot. The nearby sois are are offbeat arty areas that surprisingly retain a genuine Thai feel. The Skytrain and Metro don’t connect to the area, so you’ll be dependent on buses, taxis, and tutuks to get in and out of the area. However, amenities like ATMs, money exchanges, and internet shops are plentiful. Cheap accommodation and food is a big perk of staying here. Neighborhood Attractions: Soi Rambuttri, Baghdad Café, Gecko Bar, Mr. Yim’s, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Poutine sans Frontieres, Santichai Public Park. Hotels near Khao San Road.
  • Chinatown
    Chinese merchants moved to east bank of the Chao Phraya River in the early 1780’s, making Chinatown the oldest neighborhood in Bangkok. The neighbored was defined by trade then and still is today. These days, Chinatown isn’t set as a tourist attraction. It is a genuine Chinese neighborhood where people work and live. The streets of Chinatown are vivid and hectic – packed full of people, market stalls, and a concentration of gold shops. The only drawback is there isn’t much nightlife or amenities aimed to the typical tourist. Neighborhood Attractions: Yaowarat Road, Wat Traimit, Saphanthawong Museum, Rut and Lek Seafood, Pak-Khlong-Market. Hotels in Chinatown.
  • Rattanakosin
    Rattanakosin is a historical area, bordered by the Chao Phraya and canals which served as moats for the old city. Bangkok’s most revered historical attractions are located in Rattanakosin. The area is home to a plethora of Buddhist temples, palaces, monuments, and museums. Rattanakosin is relatively small and ideal for walking to explore the area. Remember to always dress appropriately for the temples: cover your shoulders and no flip flops. Neighborhood Attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Mahathat, National Gallery, Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall.
  • Dusit
    Dusit is most famous for the Dusit Zoo and for being the political center of Thailand. The neighborhood is home to the National Parliament, The Royal Palace, and wide boulevards shaded by large trees. There isn’t too much to see in Dusit besides political institutions and international organizations. One might want to visit the traditional Thai dance performances at the Dusit Palace. 10 years ago nightlife, shopping, and accommodation were nonexistent in Dusit but things are changing and the area feels like it could be the next trendy Bangkok neighborhood. Neighborhood Attractions: National Library, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Vimanmek Mansion, Ancient Clock Museum, Dusit Zoo. Hotels near the Dusit Zoo.
  • Thonburi
    Thonburi comprises the entire west bank of the Chao Phraya River opposite the cities center. On this side of the river is a slower, more relaxed Bangkok that gives visitors a glimpse into traditional Thai culture. Canals make their way through the relatively isolated neighborhoods. Vendors sell noodles from old Thai long tail boats and locals prefer to bicycle through the sois. The most popular tourist activity is to hire a long tail boat and explore the waterways and floating markets. The Skytrain only reaches to the Southern Khlong San area, so most of the transport in Thonburi comes from tuk-tuks or boats. Neighborhood Attractions: Khlong Bang Luang Artist Village, Taling Chan Floating Market, Princess Mother Memorial Park, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, Wang Lang Market, Arun Ammarin Road. Hotels in Thonburi.

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Q. How do I see Bangkok on a budget?

3 Simple tips will save you a big chunk of money in Bangkok

  • Eat where the locals eat. It’s easy to get a huge lunch or dinner for just a few dollars if you eat street food or at a small non-touristy restaurants. And the food is better too.
  • Bargain when you shop. Making an offer – especially when shopping at one of Bangkok’s wonderful markets – is expected and encouraged. If you look like a tourist you’ll often be quoted an initial price as much as 2 or 3 times what a Thai person would pay so be aggressive as you make a counter offer.
  • Book hotels online and early. Except for the cheapest guesthouses the best deals are found through hotel booking sites like Hotelscombined.com (my favorite), Agoda, or Booking.com. You can also look through this list of good quality budget hotels in Bangkok.

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Q. When is the best time to visit?

November to February offers the best weather – though book hotels well in advance if you’re visiting during the tourist peak of mid-December to mid-January. From March to May is the hot season when the city really bakes. The wet season comes from late May until October, towards the end of which Bangkok can see extensive flooding.

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Q. What are the best attractions in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a traveler’s paradise. No matter what one is interested in, or their budget is, chances are, Bangkok can accommodate and take care of them easily! Bangkokians love “sanuk” (fun), and when any of the following top attractions are mentioned in front of them, they will immediately break into a big grin and say, “sanuk maak!” (lot of fun!)

Like most Asian countries, Thailand too has 2 price slabs for entry fees to popular tourist spots. Local Thais have to pay very low entry charges, while non-Thais are charged a lot more, sometimes even 10 times the Thai entry fee.

When visiting the Grand Palace or any of the Wats (temples), tourists must remember that tank tops, shorts, mini-skirts, sandals and flip-flops (without socks) are frowned upon at sacred sites. Most famous tourist spots do provide clothes to cover up (on paying a deposit) at the entrance, but it is best to keep this in mind before visiting such places to avoid any undue embarrassment.

  • Safari World

    Time: Daily 9am to 6:30pm
    Getting there: Private taxi or rented car

    Situated about a 45-minute drive from Bangkok city, Safari World is Thailand’s famous open zoo and leisure park. You have to drive among the animals in a jungle-setting, before parking the car and entering the park on foot. Highlights of the park include the Dolphin Show, Sea Lion Show, Orangutan Boxing Show, Bird Show, and the Jungle Cruise.

    All shows have fixed times, so grab a map, note the timings, and plan the your route through the park accordingly. Arrive at each show about 15-20 minutes before it starts to get the best seats in the house. Nothing beats sitting right in the first few rows of the Dolphin Show when they do a somersault and drench you in cold water on a hot, baking day!

  • Dream World

    Time: Daily 10am to 5pm (7pm on National Holidays)
    Getting there: Private taxi or tour package.
    Bus: 188 (from Mo-Chit), 538 (from Victory Monument)

    This is a super kid-friendly attraction. Best time to reach is in the morning just when it opens, so that you can enjoy the outdoor rides before the sun makes them unbearably hot.

    Check the various show times within the park, and plan the day accordingly. Snow World can be done in the afternoon, when the outside temperature is over 100F, and inside it is freezing cold! The go-karting right next to Snow World too should not be given a miss.

    Many hotels and tour operators have packages that include pick-up and drop-off, entrance tickets, and lunch. It is best to call up different tour operators and compare rates to get a good deal.

  • Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn or Wat Chaeng)

    Time: Daily 8am to 5:30pm
    Bus: 19, 57
    Ferry: Chao Phraya Express Boat Company (daily pass THB 75)

    The temple is famous for its Khmer-style prang (central tower/spire), surrounded by 4 smaller prangs on every corner, each decorated with sea shells and bits of porcelain and glass.

    Best enjoyed with a local guide, as the history behind the temple is long and very interesting. It looks stunning at night when it’s beautifully lit. Don’t miss walking to the riverfront and looking at the majestically lit Grand Palace and War Phra Kaew either.

  • Grand Palace + Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha)

    Time: Daily 8:30am to 3:30pm
    Bus: 1, 2, 6, 9, 25, 32, 43, 44, 47, 53, 82, 91, 123, 508
    Ferry: Chao Phraya Express Boat Company (daily pass THB 75)

    While the current King Bhumibol resides at another Palace, the Grand Palace is still used for official functions and celebrations. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Bangkok, and thousands of locals and foreigners visit it round the year. The Grand Palace also houses the world-famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Photography is not allowed inside the temple, but taking pictures from the courtyard is not frowned upon.

  • Pa Sak Dam + Sunflower Fields

    Time: Daily 7:30am to 6pm
    Getting there: Hired car or tour bus with guide is highly recommended.
    Bus: 33B (from Lopburi to Wang Moung)

    Pa Sak Cholasit (or Jolasid) Dam is situated about 140km outside of Bangkok, or about a 2-hour drive away. It is a very scenic and popular picnic spot. It’s very popular with Thai tourists but not so much with westerners so if you want to get off the beaten tourist track this is a good outing. The best time to visit this dam is between November and January, when the hundreds of sunflower fields along the highway to the dam are in full bloom. Most fields have guided tractor tours and sunflower themed souvenirs, which make for a camera-friendly outing for the family. The Pa Sak dam itself has a tram that takes tourists from one end of the dam to the other and back.

  • Wat Pho (Sleeping Buddha)

    Time: Daily 8am to 5pm
    Bus: 1, 2, 6, 9, 25, 32, 43, 44, 47, 53, 82, 91, 123, 508
    Ferry: Chao Phraya Express Boat Company (daily pass THB 75)

    Opposite the street from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is the largest temple in Bangkok famous for its 46m long reclining (sleeping) Buddha covered in 24K gold leaf. English-speaking guides are available on-site, as are invigorating traditional Thai massages.

    The temple architecture, murals, 108 bronze bowls, and 150 depictions of the “Glory of Rama” (based on the Hindu epic “Ramayana”) are worth a close inspection.

  • Siam Ocean World (Basement of Siam Paragon)

    Time: Daily 10am to 9pm
    A short walk from famous malls like MBK, Central Chitlom, Siam Discovery and Emporium, all situated in a straight line on Sukhumvit road.
    BTS: Take Exit 5 from Siam Station straight into Siam Paragon Mall.
    Bus: 15, 16, 25, 40, 48, 54, 73, 159, 183, 204, 501, 508

    One of Asia’s largest aquariums, and Asia’s largest panoramic oceanarium. Tickets are expensive, but Siam Ocean World is one of the more kid-friendly attractions in central Bangkok. The petting pool and swimming with the sharks are popular with children. It also hosts Thailand’s first 4D theater called Sanyo 4D-Xventure for a unique marine experience. One of Bangkok’s best malls is just up the escalators.

  • Jim Thompson House

    Time: Daily 9am to 5pm
    BTS: National Stadium Station (Take Exit 1 and walk down Soi Kasemsan 2. The Museum will be on your left at the end of the street.)
    MRT: Sam Yan Station (Take Exit toward Phaya Thai Road, and hail a cab. The museum is a 5-minute taxi ride down Phaya Thai Road.)
    Bus: 11, 15, 47, 48, 73, 204, 508 (Get down at Suppha Chalasai Stadium, turn right onto Soi Kasemsan 2, and the museum will be on the left at the end of the street.)

    The house is a fascinating compound comprising of 6 traditional teak houses, each containing his exquisite collection of Asian objets d’art. There is a museum, art center, souvenir shop, restaurant, café, and a banquet hall within the complex. It is a great place to visit if you want to step away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

  • Suan Pakkad Palace Museum

    Time: Daily 9am to 4pm
    BTS: Phaya Thai Station (Take Exit 4 onto Sri Ayuthaya Road and walk for 5 minutes.)
    Bus: 14, 17, 38, 72, 74, 77, 159, 164, 183, 204, 513, 536, 537, 547 (Sri Ayuthaya School stop)

    Suan Pakkad Palace Museum is usually covered under a half-day tour along with Jim Thompson’s house. A 5-minute drive separates the two. The complex houses 8 traditional Thai houses amidst a serene garden dotted with ponds. The houses are filled with fine arts and antiques belonging to Prince and Princess Chumbhot, as well as prehistoric antiquities, oddities, fossils and minerals.

  • Bangkok National Museum

    Time: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm
    Bus: 6, 15, 32, 33, 43, 53, 82, 503 (Tha Rot Sai Sanamluang stop)
    Ferry: Chao Phraya Express Boat Company (daily pass THB 75)

    This is the main branch of the National Museums, and houses the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country. Volunteers give free English tours, while German (Thursdays), French and Japanese (Wednesdays) tours are also given. It is a must visit for anyone interested in Thai history and culture as it has an amazing collection of paintings, Chinese war weapons, treasures, coins, masks, puppets, cutlery, clothes, among other things. Can be combined in a guided day tour with Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.

  • Ayutthaya

    Time: Visit through the day, best to start early in the morning.
    Bus: Buses leave every half hour from near Mo-Chit BTS Station. Mini-buses leave from Victory Monument.
    Boat: Grand Pearl Cruises offers day trips to Ayutthaya aboard large dining boats.

    It’s recommended to visit with a tour-bus with an English-speaking guide.The 1-day Ayutthaya Tour is deservedly popular with tourists. The tour starts at Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, and then moves on to Ayutthaya. The city is a historical paradise, with many temples, historical gardens, and the majestic palace ruins. You can visit the temples with one of the local tuk-tuks after bargaining with the driver, or even walk to most of the temples (though be warned if you’re visiting during the mid-day heat). There are many local boats and tour boats that make their way back to Bangkok down the Chao Phraya River, if you feel like taking the waterway back.

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Q. What are the best markets in Bangkok?

  • Chatuchak Weekend Market

    Time: Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 6pm
    BTS: Mo Chit Station (Exit 1)
    MRT: Kamphaeng Phet (Exit 1), Chatuchak Park (Exit 1)
    Bus: 36 (from Sukhumvit) / 524 (from Si Lom)

    Chatuchak is Thailand’s biggest market, and Asia’s largest weekend market. In its tiny lanes (sois) and bye-lanes, one can find a plethora of items like clothes, accessories, knick-knacks, household items, decorative items, antiques (real and fake), Thai handicrafts, and live animals (including endangered species!).The best time to visit the market is 9am, when it opens, as the musty sois get hot, muggy, and crowded in the afternoon. The majority of shops will not accept credit cards, so keep cash handy. The best way to navigate the market is to enter from one end, and tackle it in a grid-like fashion, keeping track of important landmarks like entrances, exits, and banks. Bottled water, backpacks/foldable carry bags, and comfortable walking shoes are a must, as is keeping an eye out for pickpockets. There are small oases throughout the market that serve chilled soft drinks and beer, light snacks, ice-cream, and piping hot Thai food. In 2008, a blanket smoking ban was enforced on the entire market, with a THB 2,000 fine for offenders.

  • Phat Pong Night Market – Silom

    Time: Everyday 6pm to 1am
    BTS: Sala Daeng Station (Exit 1. 2nd lane on your right called Thanon Phat Pong.)
    MRT: Si Lom (Take the Si Lom exit, follow the overhead BTS tracks and cross the road. Thanon Phat Pong will be a small lane chock-full of tourists, after the Burger King.)
    Bus: 4, 45, 46, 47, 109, 524

    The best time to visit Phat Pong is after 9pm. It is world-famous (or infamous) as Bangkok’s red light district with its numerous “Go-Go Bars”, “Ladyboy” shows, strip clubs, and pornographic and pirated DVD-vendors. It has recently cleaned up its act to some extent, but visitors are still bombarded with skimpily clad ladyboys screaming, “Can you help me?” and touts waving pictures of naked women in your face, all the while asking you, “Sex DVD? Massage?” If genuinely not interested in buying a product, do not haggle with a vendor, as it might lead to a tirade of the choicest words.Phat Pong is also famous for its fake goods – from Patek Philippe watches, to Mont Blanc pens, to Louis Vuitton bags. Vendors will show you catalogs of the brand you wish to buy, and when you point to a model and agree on the price, someone will scurry into some alley and come back 5 minutes later with the replica. You can also find vendors selling local Thai handicrafts, rude t-shirts, clothes, shoes, accessories, and most notably, beautiful hand-crafted soap ornaments which the vendors make on the spot.

  • Pratunam Market

    Time: General market open 24 hours, retail stores from 10am to 9pm
    BTS: Chit Lom Station (Exit 1. Walk toward Central World, take right on Phloen Chit Road, and walk straight toward the tall Baiyoke Tower – about 10 minutes.)
    Bus: 140, 183, 513

    Pratunam Market is arguably Bangkok’s best and cheapest retail clothes market. The logic here is simple – the more you buy, the cheaper it gets. Situated right under Thailand’s tallest building, the Baiyoke Tower II, it is a 24-hour market, though the dynamics change throughout the day. The retail shops within the market usually operate between 10am to 9pm. Apart from clothes, you can find lots of Thai souvenirs and handicrafts too. It is very common to see foreigners buying in bulk from vendors here to sell in their own countries. Buying 3 or more units of the same item constitutes bulk buying here which entitles you to ‘wholesale’ rates, and friendly bargaining is acceptable. The only rules in this market are, no trying-on, no refunds, and no exchanges.If it gets too hot, step into the Baiyoke Tower mall for air-conditioned coolness.

  • Khlong Toei Market

    Time: Everyday 6am to 2am
    MRT: Khlong Toei Station (Take the Rama IV exit, walk for 10 minutes on Rama IV till you come to the big intersection with Narong.)
    Bus: 45, 46, 72, 102, 107

    Khlong Toei is Bangkok’s biggest wet market. It’s a fascinating little hidden village amidst the concrete and glass jungle of the city. This is not a touristy spot, and you will not see many westerners here. But a walk through this market, especially after 11pm, will open your eyes to how the markets work in Bangkok. You can find everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to butchers selling all kinds of meat.Many small vendors and shops buy from Khlong Toei at wholesale rates and resell the products in business and residential districts at higher prices. Be warned though, it is not the most hygienic or picturesque place to walk through. One needs a strong stomach to see the freshly butchered meat being sorted into different cuts for different customers. The smell and sight of blood can be overwhelming.If you are really adventurous, check out the vendors selling dead rats, and all sorts of roasted or grilled critters like cockroaches, bugs, scorpions, and grasshoppers.

  • Amphawa Floating Market

    Time: Fri-Sun 12 noon to 8pm
    Getting there: A taxi or tour is the best way to visit the market.

    Amphawa is the second biggest floating market in Thailand after Damnoen Saduak, but is located at half the distance (50 km) from the city. Even though the market starts early in the morning, the real action begins in the afternoon. It is not as crowded or photogenic as Damnoen Saduak, but at the same time, it is a bit more authentic. One will not find Europeans buying souvenirs here, but instead see Thai tourists enjoying the day with their families and friends, hence the ‘authentic’ tag.There are private residences within the market, many of which advertise homestay. Many of the boats have pulley systems hooked up with the bank, which is at a height compared to the river, and they use this system to send up their wares in baskets and collect the money from customers. There are innumerable Thai food options available, and one can never come back hungry from the Amphawa Floating Market. About 100m from the river is a temple completely engulfed by the bark of an immense tree. The scene is straight out of an Indian Jones movie.

  • Bangkok Flower Market (Pak Klong Talad)

    Time: Open 24 hours, but more popular at night
    MRT: Hua Lamphong Station (Take taxi or tuk-tuk from here).

    It is Bangkok’s largest wholesale and retail flower market, located near the Memorial Bridge. You can find innumerable varieties of flowers and flora-related goods (flower pots, garlands, decorative arrangements, etc.), usually sold in packs of 50 and 100 each at very cheap prices.You need very little time to explore the market. It attracts tourists mainly due to the exotic and colorful nature of its products, which are extremely photogenic. It is best to stand back and observe if you visit during peak times like pre-dawn (4am!), as vendors doing brisk business have very little patience then. Prices of products fluctuate throughout the year, depending on the demand or particular varieties during festivals and important holidays like Valentine’s Days and Songkran.

  • MBK Center

    Time: Everyday 10am to 10pm
    BTS: National Stadium Station (Exit 4 goes straight into MBK)
    MRT: Sam Yan Station (Take the Thanon Phaya Thai exit, and catch a tuk-tuk or taxi for a short 5-minute ride to MBK.)
    Bus: 15, 47, 48, 73, 204, 508

    MBK is arguably Bangkok’s favorite shopping destination. It is a cross between a mall and a market, as its 8 floors of air-conditioned retail, dining and entertainment scream “mall”, while its tiny shops and over-crowded passages and alleyways make one feel like they are in a market. In MBK, you can spend an entire day without leaving – there is even a movie theater and a bowling alley on the top floor with many well-known restaurants and fast-food joints (Pizza Hut, McD, Aunti Anne’s, Dairy Queen, etc.)The rest of the floors are filled with thousands of vendors selling bags, shoes, accessories, clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs, perfumes, electronics, food, and even furniture and bathroom fittings. Bargaining is allowed, unless mentioned otherwise, even though prices are already very low.The hidden gem of MBK is the 4th floor, which is entirely covered in hundreds of shops, counters and kiosks selling, buying, trading, repairing, and even manufacturing mobile phones of every make and brand. It is an adventure to walk the entire floor and see the workers in action.

    There are forex counters where you can exchange foreign currency into Thai Bahts, as well as ATMs all over the mall.

  • Talad Bo Bae (Bo Bae Market)

    Time: Everyday 6am to 6pm
    BTS: National Stadium Station (Exit onto the road and take a tuk-tuk or taxi across the canal or “klong” – about 10 minutes away.)
    Bus: 53

    Bo Bae market is one of Bangkok’s oldest wholesale clothing markets. You know you are close to Bo Bae when you see tuk-tuks stuffed with huge sacks of clothing forcing their way through traffic, almost doing wheelies.Vendors from all over the world come here to place bulk orders for clothes. The stall owners at this market even provide all the facilities to export the goods, including local companies to export from. Buying just 3 pieces of the same clothing will get you wholesale rates. Apart from branded western and traditional Thai clothing, you can also find fresh fruits and vegetables, Muslim (halal) food, and fashion/costume jewelry at very cheap rates.

  • Pantip Plaza

    Time: Everyday 10am to 9pm
    BTS: Chit Lom Station (Same directions as Pratunam Market. Take a left at the junction of Pratunam onto Soi Petchaburi and walk for 5 minutes. Pantip will be on your left.), or Ratchathewi Station (Exit 4. Turn right toward Soi Petchaburi and walk for 10 minutes toward Baiyoke Tower. Pantip will be on your right). It would be a better idea to take a taxi or tuk-tuk from either of these stations.
    Bus: 113, 512

    Pantip Plaza is a non-descript white building that faintly resembles a mall. Inside this building is Thailand’s biggest electronics market which sells everything from computers, laptops, accessories, electronics, cameras, software, CDs, DVDs, movies, and more at wholesale prices. The entire 5 floors are littered with small and big shops buying, selling, trading, building and dismantling computers. There are only Two large retail outlets are here, IT City and Hardware House.You can find deals, sales, and discounts on almost everything in Pantip. The dark side of the market is that a lot of counterfeit goods and pirated software and movies are also sold, not to mention touts pulling male foreigners into corners and trying to sell them “naughty DVDs”. This is a great place to find $10-$100 bargains, but you would need to think twice before spending $700 on a laptop or camera from a shop here.

  • Yaowarat and Phahurat (Sampeng Market)

    Time: Everyday 10am to 9pm
    MRT: Hua Lamphong (It’s a 15-minute walk to Chinatown, or a 5-minute taxi-ride from here.)
    Bus: 48, 204

    Yaowarat (Chinatown) and Phahurat (Little India) stand side-by-side in this part of old Bangkok, with the famous Sampeng Market right in the middle. The area is famous as the textile and gold hub of Bangkok. It is one of the most exciting and chaotic parts of the city. Bright red-colored Chinese shops selling gold by the pound dot the main road as you enter Chinatown. Phahurat, on the other hand, is composed mostly of the Indian Sikh community dealing in wholesale textile imports and exports. The grand Sikh Gurudwara (place of worship) is a must-see.Sampeng Market is famous for trinkets, souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, accessories and costume jewelry. The entire area is filled with roadside foodstalls selling Thai, Chinese, and Indian food, as well as fresh fruits and desserts.One dessert you shouldn’t miss is “Thap Thim”, which is basically crushed ice in a bowl, covered in sweet condensed milk, with a huge choice of toppings like coconut, water chestnuts, fresh fruits, jelly, and beancurd. It is the best refreshment on a sweltering hot shopping spree.

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Q. What are the best shopping malls in Bangkok?

All of these malls have huge food courts and cinemas, and are so large they could easily fuel several hours of shopping.

  • Siam Paragon – Bangkok’s luxury mall. Fashion and high end shopping with shops including Gucci, Chanel, Zara, Shanghai Tang, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Emporio Armani, Hugo Boss, and Prada. Linked to the smaller malls Siam Centre and Siam Discovery. Siam Ocean World aquarium, Kidzania, and a 15 theater cineplex are great for the kids. Linked to Siam BTS station.
  • MBK Center – A cross between a shopping mall and market. Lots of small vendors good for budget items and imitation goods as well as the discount Tokyu Department Store. Linked to National Stadium BTS station.
  • Central World – Stores include Isetan, Zen, Toys R Us, SuperSports (athletic equipment), PowerBuy (electronics), and coming soon H&M. For amusement there are 15 movie theaters and an ice rink with skates for rent. Linked to Siam and Chitlom BTS stations but both are a bit of a walk.

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Q. What are the best hotels for shopping?

All of these hotels have connected access to the Siam Square malls and a BTS station.

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Q. What are the best beaches near Bangkok?

Bangkok is only 15 miles from the Gulf of Thailand but this stretch of coastline holds little appeal to travelers in search of a beach. To find any decent sand you’ll have to go southwest to Hua Hin and Cha-Am (3 to 4 hours by bus, train, or car), or southeast to Pattaya (1.5 hours), Jomtien (1.5 hours), or Koh Samet (4 hours).

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Q. What are the best day trips from Bangkok?

  • Ayutthaya – This UNESCO World Heritage site is only an hour and a half north of Bangkok by bus. Ayutthaya was the old capital of Thailand until the Burmese burned it down in 1767. Ayutthaya is also home to Wat Phra Mahathat where you can see the famous Buddha head statue with a tree growing around it. After exploring the old city, be sure to eat at Chao Phrom Market. This is market for locals and lacks touristy anything and offers authentic Thai dishes. The cheapest way of reaching Ayutthaya is by train and it is also the most scenic. The train departs daily from Hualamphong Train Station and the trip takes about 2 and a half hours. Second class seats with air-con cost 245 baht and third class is just 15 baht. By bus, head to Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal where buses depart every 20 minutes until 8:00pm. The First class air-con ticket is 56 baht.
  • Kanchanaburi – Kanchanaburi is famous for the Bridge over the River Kwai and is also home to elephant camps, the Tiger Temple, and the waterfalls of Erawan National Park. JEATH War Museum is on the old grounds of a tiny Thai temple that’s run down, but it gives visitors a sense of how the prisoners of war lived. The Thailand-Burma Railway Museum pays homage to the prisoners of war who built the Death Railway. Buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal daily, every 15-30 minutes depending on class. The ride takes about two hours and costs between 95- 110 baht.
  • Amphawa Floating Market – This isn’t a floating market for tourists but for Thais. Amphawa Floating Market is located next to the river with hundreds of shops and stalls built next to the river bank. The atmosphere is relaxed and many locals come here to relax and eat. Don’t miss any of the boats selling noodle dishes. From the Southern Bus Terminal take a bus to Smoot Songkhrama and once there, switch to a bus heading for Amphawa. You must ask locals because all the buses are in Thai. The ride only takes 15 minutes and it is obvious where to stop.
  • The Bat Temple – 90 minutes from Bangkok by train and the ticket is only 20 baht – and you won’t see any backpackers. Wat Pho Bang Khla has been dubbed The Bat Temple due to the thousands of fruit bats that inhabit the Way. Besides the bats, Wat Pho Bang Khla is an interesting place. It dates back to 1767 and is lined with beautiful images of Buddha. The Bat Temple runs alongside the Bang Pakong River and through Chachoengsao city, both are lovely places for a stroll.
  • Koh Kred – A tiny island in the Chao Praya River, a few miles north of Bangkok. Only a few hundred people live on the islands, who are descendents from the Mon tribe. Koh Kred is famous for its pottery, Mon Culture and architecture. The island is quite busy on the weekends, best to get there early or on a week day. Take an Express Boat (with the green flag) on the Chao Praya River, north to Pah Kret pier. The boats run between 6:15 am and 8am and 3:30pm and 6pm, every 20 minutes. The boat ride takes about an hour. At the Pah Kret pier, take another ferry boat across to Koh Kred. The total ride will cost 15 baht.

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Q. What are the best restaurants in Bangkok?

  • Issaya- – The flagship home for Chef Ian Kittichai. It’s location in an historical colonial 1920’s Thai home in the center of Bangkok. The atmosphere has amazing ambiance and serves exceptional, modern Thai dishes with a twist.
  • Water Library Chamchuri – Located in Chamchuri Square on Rama 4 Road, next to Chulalongkorn University, Water Library is led by German Chef, Mirco Keller. Water Library offers fine cuisine with the stiffness and formality. The kitchen serves a set lunch and tasty dinner menu, as well as a wine list with over 370 labels; premium bottled mineral water from around the world, and an extensive drink list.
  • Sala Rim Raam – This outstanding Thai restaurant is part of the Mandarin Oriental but located across the river from the hotel with stunning views of the Chao Praya River. The cuisine is traditional Thai dishes and every night there is a well-regarded dance performance.
  • Vertigo and Moon Bar – Located 61 floors above Bangkok, atop the Banyan Tree hotel, this rooftop lounge offers some of the best views of Bangkok. It’s one of the highest bars in the Asia Pacific and a must-visit destination. Extensive drink list and contemporary dishes.

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Q. What are the best cooking schools in Bangkok?

All of these schools allow you to make your own dishes (you’ll usually pick 3 or 4 from a list) and cook them from scratch (including the curry paste). You’ll eat whatever you made at the end of the class.

  • Blue Elephant – The morning class includes a tour of a local Thai market. One of the oldest cooking schools around and a bit on the expensive side.
  • Khao San Cooking School – Good for both basic Thai cooking and more in-depth cooking and recipes. Convenient location on Khao San Road.
  • May Kaidee’s – One of the few vegetarian cooking schools in Bangkok. Hard to find so give a little extra time to get there.

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Q. What are the best tours in Bangkok?

  • Bangkok Food Tours – Food is the crux of all cultures and exploring Bangkok by food is one of the best ways to experience authentic Thai culture. Bangkok Food Tours takes participants to a variety of eateries and markets to truly experience this foodie paradise. Bangkok tours started its mission in 2011, to educate the world to eat like a Thai. The owners are Thailand born and raised, and pride themselves for knowing the story behind each menu. All tours highlight culture, as well as delicious dishes.
  • Spice Roads Bicycle Tours have been running bicycle tours for over 10 years and offer an array of tours, including overnight and mountain biking tours. Bangkok is full of hidden gems and Spice Roads knows them. Day trip tour-routes include visits to floating markets, the countryside, canals, and jungle around Bangkok. If you have an extra day to spare, you can escape Bangkok. The tours reach the coastal village of Hua Hin, the jungle of Kanchanaburi’s, and the River Kwai. There is very little riding done within Bangkok proper so most rides are through quiet suburbs and countryside.
  • Tours with Tong is a popular tour among tourists. Tong is a very passionate, enthusiastic lady who goes above and beyond (though there are other guides as well). She modifies every tour to be personal, so never hesitate to make your preferences heard. Besides doing the regular sights, she pulls away from large groups and gives you a local experience. A small drawback is that Tong is very busy and emailing and planning can take a backseat to the everyday demands of leading a tour. Be patient when waiting for an email response – and start the booking process well in advance to avoid being disappointed.

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Q. Bangkok Hotels – What do you recommend?

Best Luxury Hotel

lebua at State Tower

Best Boutique Hotel

Chakrabongse Villas Bangkok

Best Hotel for Shopping

Pathumwan Princess Hotel

Best Family Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok

Best Budget Hotel

Viengtai Hotel

Best Resort

Anantara Riverside Spa & Resort

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Q. What are the best luxury hotels in Bangkok?

Bangkok is blessed with great luxury hotels – and at incredibly affordable rates compared with the five star hotels in Europe and North America. Bangkok is a great place to splurge on luxury hotel.

  • lebua at State Tower – Home to some of the largest rooms (2 or 3 bedroom suites), best restaurants, and best views of any hotel in Bangkok. Great pool, sauna, health club, and service, as well as a location that makes it perfect for business or pleasure (though there is some pretty intense traffic around the hotel).
  • Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok – A fantastic pool area, large and beautiful rooms, and exemplary service. High end and modern shopping malls within easy walking distanceand Ratchadamri Sky Train station is one block away. The hotel features 2 top notch restaurants: Shintaro and Biscotti.
  • Mandarin Oriental – Bangkok’s most famous hotel with a storied history dating to 1876. The most formal and classy of any hotel in Bangkok. The hotel has a wonderful spa and several gourmet restaurants with Le Normandie considered the best French restaurant in Bangkok.
  • Anantara Riverside Spa & Resort Bangkok (formerly the Marriott) – The most family-friendly of the luxury hotels. Stunning grounds (the best in Bangkok) make it an oasis of calm just outside the city. An amazing swimming pool is one of many recreation options. There’s a free shuttle boat across the river to a Sky Train station. There’s also great dining at your choice of 10 restaurants and bars.
  • Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit – Great location in the heart of Sukhumvit with covered overpass to the Asok Sky Train station. Professional amenities make it very popular with business travelers. The swimming pool has a jungle landscape that feels miles away from Bangkok. There’s nightly jazz at the Living Room bar.
  • The Sukhothai Bangkok – Fantastic hotel, service, and swimming pool.

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Q. What are the best boutique hotels in Bangkok?

Bangkok has some wonderful boutique hotels. These are 3 of the most charming.

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Q. What are the best mid-range hotels in Bangkok?

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Q. What are the best budget hotels and hostels in Bangkok?

These are all good value and good quality budget hotels. For more info on budget hotels in Bangkok go to cheapzebra.com/Bangkok.

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Q. What are the best hotels for families in Bangkok?

All of these hotels have nice swimming pools (a must if you’re in Bangkok with kids). For a more thorough guide to family hotels read Samkip.com/Bangkok.

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Q. What are the best hotels near the airport?

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Q. What hotels in Bangkok have swimming pools?

Most mid-range and above hotels in Bangkok have pools. For recommended ones read this guide to the best hotel pools in Bangkok.

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Q. How can I rent an apartment in Bangkok?

If you’re staying in Bangkok for longer than a week then a apartment can be an easy and convenient way to save money. AirBnB and VRBO are good places to start a general search for rentals.

Since eating out (usually street food) is so common for Thais many apartments will not have full kitchens but these listed below do having at least basic kitchenettes with a fridge. Most apartments will have in-suite laundry.

These are 3 good apartment rentals well located for tourists.

Fraser Suites Sukhumvit
Somerset Lake Point
Siri Sathorn Serviced Residence Bangkok

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Q. What airlines fly to Bangkok?

Bangkok is an important international hub and most major airlines have flights to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. To find the best fares to Bangkok use Kayak or Travelocity.com.

For flights around Southeast Asia and between cities within Thailand the following budget airlines offer the best fares.

  • Air Asia (route map) — Asia’s biggest budget airline and my favorite for getting around SE Asia on a budget. Destinations include cities in: Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Australia, China, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and London, England.
  • Nok Air (route map) — Flights to many destinations within Thailand including Phuket, Surat Thani, Pai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Sakhon Nakhon, Buri Ram, Khon Kaen and Mae Hong Son.
  • IndiGo (route map) — Flights from Bangkok to Delhi and Kolkata. Also flights between Singapore and Chennai.
  • Cebu Pacific (route map) — Based in Manilla with flights within the Philippines and from Manilla and Clark to Bangkok.
  • Tiger Airways (route map) — Flights from Bangkok to Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Clark, Philippines. Also flights from Krabi and Phuket to Kuala Lumpur.
  • Orient Thai Airlines (route map) — Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou.
  • Bangkok Airways (route map) — Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui, Krabi, Phuket, Pattaya, Lampang, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Rangoon, Singapore, Dhaka, Mumbai, Bangalore, the Maldives, Abu dhabi, Muscat, and Hong Kong.
  • Jin Air — Flights between Seoul and Bangkok.
  • SEAIR — Flights between Bangkok and Manilla.

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Q. How do I get to and from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport?

Suvarnabhumi International Airport is 25km east of the city and well connected to downtown Bangkok and other nearby towns and beach resorts.

  • Airport Rail Link – The Airport Rail Link is the cheapest and fastest way into Bangkok. You buy tickets and board the train in the basement of the airport. The Rail Link (express service) costs 150 baht and takes 15 minutes to central Bangkok. It stops at Makkasan station (transfer to the metro blue line Phetchaburi station) and Phaya Thai station (transfer to the BTS Skytrain station Phaya Thai). The slower city link (commuter service) costs 15 to 45 baht and takes 35 minutes into the city. It stops at 8 stations along the route including both Makkasan and Phaya Thai. Both lines run from 6am to 11:55pm.
  • Taxi – Metered taxis are the easiest way to Bangkok. Once you clear customs and immigration, walk downstairs to the first level and you will see a taxi line outside. Tell the clerk at the taxi desk your destination and the clerk will assign you to the next available taxi driver. Trips into the city cost between 250-400 baht, depending on your location. However, you must pay an additional 50 baht meter fare plus tolls. It’s nice to have small change to pay the tolls but if you don’t the taxi driver will usually pay and then add the charge to your fare. The expressway toll costs 70 baht and any other highway tolls cost between 25 and 45 baht. The ride takes between 45-75 minutes depending on traffic and location.
  • Bus – Express buses no longer run from the airport to the city. There is a shuttle that runs to a bus station 3km’s from the airport with service to the city from there, but there’s little need and buses aren’t any cheaper than the rail link.
  • To Hua Hin – Buses to Hua Hin from Suvarnabhumi Airport take 3 hours and cost 305 baht (schedule here). Buses arrive and depart from the Hua Hin bus station at soi 96 and from level 1, gate 8 of Suvarnabhumi Airport (down the escalators from arrivals). For hired cars Oriental Escape are reliable and offer luxury sedans, suv’s, and large vans (can fit up to 12 passengers) for between B2,700 and B3,900. There are touts in the airport that you can bargain down to about B1,500 but these people are not licensed so you’re opening yourself up to scams – or worse. A taxi to Hua Hin from the airport will run around B2,000. From Hua Hin to the airport by taxi should be about B1,200.
  • To Pattaya – Buses to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi Airport take 2 hours and cost 250 baht (schedule here). Buses arrive and depart from the Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya Road and from level 1, gate 8 of Suvarnabhumi Airport (down the escalators from arrivals). For hired cars Oriental Escape offer luxury sedans, suv’s, and large vans (can fit up to 12 passengers) for between B2,000 and B2,700. Walking out the door of the airport and getting a taxi will cost about B1,500. From Pattaya back to the airport it will be closer to B800.

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Q. How do I get to and from Don Muang Airport?

Don Muang Airport is 25km north of Bangkok. It serves all flights for the budget airlines Air Asia, Nok Air, and One-Two-Go.

  • Taxi – Get a metered, licensed taxis from the taxi desk outside arrivals. Ignore touts and limousine drivers who approach you inside the airport. Taxis will cost 300 to 400 baht including the tolls and the B50 airport fee.
  • Skytrain and taxi – A little cheaper (and if traffic is bad also quicker) than taking a taxi the entire route is to take a taxi from the airport to Mo Chit Skytrain station on the Sukhumvit line – then Skytrain into the city. It works fine going to the airport as well.
  • Rail – There is a train station a 15 minute walk (across an overpass) from the airport. Follow signs for Rail or the Amari Hotel. There are regular, though erratic, trains from here to Hualamphong Station in Bangkok and to cities of northern Thailand. Travel time to Hualamphong is about an hour.
  • To Suvarnabhumi Airport – There is a free shuttle bus between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang for travelers with onward ticket. Show your boarding pass or ticket to dispatcher at level 2, door 3.
  • To Hua Hin – A taxi from Don Muang to Hua Hin B2,500. A hired car from Don Muang to Hua Hin with Oriental Escape will be about B3,000 to B4,000.
  • To Pattaya – A taxi from Don Muang to Pattaya will run about B1,700. hired car from Don Muang to Hua Hin with Oriental Escape will be about B2,200 to B3,000. Or you can take a taxi to Morchit Bus Station, costs about 100 baht, and then a bus to Pattaya for about 140 baht (schedule here).

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Q. How do I buy train tickets in Bangkok?

Bangkok’s main train station is Hualamphong Station. The ticket office is located on the main concourse and is well-organized. A TV screen is stationed above each window to indicate what to tickets each window sells. It’s fairly easy to find a seat available on the day or even the day before. But trains do get fully booked at peak Thai holiday periods.

Ticket windows 15-22 are open for advance ticket sales while the other windows are for travel in the same day. All long-distance express trains require a reservation. It can be made on the day of travel or up to 60 days in advance. Local trains to Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi don’t require a reservation. You can book with the State Railways of Thailand by emailing them at least 15 days in advance but be patient. There have been several complaints of no response before.

There are three different classes on Thai trains. 1st class is an air-conditioned sleeping-car. 2nd class has seats and sleeper cars available, but no air-con. 3rd class has seats only and only enjoyable for shorter trips.

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Q. How do I get around Bangkok?

  • The Skytrain operates from 6:00am to midnight daily. There’s not a schedule but the Skytrain frequency is less than 5 minutes during peak hours (06.00 – 09.00 am. and 04.30 – 07.30 pm) and less than 10 minutes during off-peak hours.The ticket fare costs between 15 baht and 40 baht per person depending on the distance. Tickets are dispensed from ticket vending machines at all stations (most of which require change). Alternatively ticket booths are staffed during operating hours if you need to talk to a person. Both the ticket machines and booths can long lineups.

    It is highly recommended to buy a rabbit card which is a magnetic card with stored value. It’s main advantage is that it allows you to bypass the queues at the vending machines and ticket booths. It costs 300 Baht, which includes 150 Baht issuing fee, 50 baht deposit and 100 Baht stored value for spending. As you use the stored value on the card you’ll need to top it up at a ticket booth. The deposit and any unused value is refundable if you return the card to a BTS station.

    The train and stations are elevated above ground and all stations feature lifts and ramps for disabled people. A glassed door separates the platform and track, and opens only when the trains pull in and stop. Doors open and close automatically and a beeping sound warns passengers when the doors are about to close. All signs and announcements are in English and Thai.

    The only drawbacks to the Skytrain is that it doesn’t go anywhere near the airport, railway station, or Khao San Road area.

  • The Bangkok bus system is quite intense and intimidating. It has 108 lines and is the most complicated to take as a foreigner, but it is also the cheapest transportation in Bangkok. There isn’t a set bus map, drivers rarely speak English, and the stops aren’t clearly marked. If one can figure out the bus system, fares will range from 7 baht to 24 baht. Most buses run from 5am to 11pm. The night bus charges an extra 15 baht.
  • The MRT/Subway mainly covers the suburbs and isn’t as useful for tourists unless they’re going to the train station (which isn’t served by the BTS). The subway uses tokens or stored value cards but these do not work on the BTS. There are interchange stations at Silom and at Asoke which connect with the BTS.

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Q. Where and how do I rent a car?

Avis and Budget both have offices in downtown Bangkok and at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

But unless you really know what you’re doing you’re much better off hiring a car and driver. Oriental Escape is a reliable company with service to pretty much everywhere.

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Q. What are the best beaches on Koh Samui?

The best beaches on Samui are found on the stretch of coast from Mae Nam (in the north) around the northeast corner of the island and down the east coast to Lamai. The south coast and west coast beaches are good for seclusion and quiet but are rocky and can turn to mudflats during low tide. Here’s the best map of Koh Samui beaches.

Note: Many beaches on Samui get quite shallow from May to October which can make swimming impractical in places.

  • Bophut – One of my favorite beaches on Koh Samui. The water is not always crystal clear here and the sand is a little on the coarse side but the scenery is beautiful, the vibe relaxed, and the water calm and great for swimming. The gentle slope of the of the seabed makes for a shallow entrance to the water that is great for kids. There is a nice selection of boutique hotels and upscale resorts right on the beach. Nearby Fisherman’s Village is a low key collection of shops, restaurants, and bars that are fun to wander around.
  • Mae Nam – The current favorite of backpackers, Mae Nam has a nice beach which is great for swimming (though the sea can be a little rough at times as it’s less protected than Bophut, Chaweng, or Choeng Mon). Lots of fun and relaxed places to eat both on the beach and on the streets back from the shore. Mae Nam is popular with longer term travelers that rent a place for a few months (enquire at the cafes or restaurants around town if you’re looking for a house to rent).
  • Chaweng– The best beach on Koh Samui though not for everyone. It’s very busy, has a bit of a party atmosphere (but not hardcore by any means) and has the most hawkers of any beach on Samui. The beach in Chaweng is a 7KM stretch of sand and can roughly be broken into 3 sections.
      North Chaweng: The beach is more of a lagoon and at low tide is very shallow and rocky. It’s quieter here and it’s where you’ll find a few of the budget accommodations in Chaweng – alongside some top end resorts.
      Central Chaweng: A lively and fun party area. I’d still consider it family-friendly (until 10pm anyways) but don’t be expecting peace and quiet. Restaurants spill out onto the beach and as the sun sets tables appear on the sand for dinner and the music goes up a couple notches.
      South Chaweng (Chaweng Noi): The nicest stretch of beach in Chaweng. The sand is perfect and the calm waters protected by a reef which makes it perfect for kids.
  • Lamai – A nice option to Chaweng with good swimming year round. The sand is slightly coarser than Chaweng but the beach is quieter and doesn’t have as many hawkers. The main strip in Lamai is filled with girly bars – not overly lude or offensive, but enough to give Lamai an ugly touristy feel that most other beach towns don’t have.
  • Choeng Mon – Many visitors think this is Samui’s best beach. A beautiful crescent of soft sand and calm waters. The beach is lined with restaurants and hotels but remains much quieter than Chaweng or Lamai. Chaweng and Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village are 10 minute taxi rides in either direction if you need more dining or nightlife choices.
  • Bangrak (Big Buddha) Beach – Definitely not the best of the Samui beaches but it has good budget options, a decent beach, is very close to the airport, and is the easiest place to catch a boat to Koh Pha Ngan (scheduled departures 4 times per day). Koh Faan island, with it’s huge seated Buddha, is just offshore and worth a visit.
  • Emerald Cove and Lipa Noi – These 2 beaches are the nicest on the west coast of Samui. Both become unswimmable during low tide but if you’re really looking to get away from the crowds they’re good choices and have some very affordable accommodations.

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Q. Where should I stay on Koh Samui?

Here’s how I would summarize the choices:

  • Best nightlife: Chaweng
  • Best beach: Choeng Mon, Chaweng, or Bophut
  • Food and restaurants: Chaweng or Bophut
  • Solitude and quiet: Choeng Mon or Emerald Cove
  • Best budget choices: Mae Nam, Big Buddha, or the west coast beaches

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Q. When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?

The best weather on Koh Samui is from December to March when there is little rain and lots of sun. But the rainy season (roughly May through November) can be a great time to visit. Hotel rates are slashed, the beaches are quieter, and the whole island moves at a more relaxed pace. Even during the rainy season the sun will come out on most days.

The weather on the west coast of Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, and Ko Phi Phi) is more erratic and tends to get more rain and storms. The weather on the Samui side is more vacation-friendly with even the rainy season being a reasonable option for a beach holiday.

That said, there can be violent storms that tend to strike from September until November. They might not stick around for long but they will deposit lots of trash on the beach and make the water rough, dirty, and unswimmable for at least a few days.

Weather Summary for Koh Samui

  • December to March: Dry and hot with the sun shining almost every day. December and January are the busiest months on the island, however, and hotel rates are at their highest especially over the week of Christmas and New Years.
  • April to August: Hot with some precipitation. Light rains start occurring (usually in the afternoons) in May but most days are still sunny. April is typically the hottest month of the year.
  • September to November: Wet and hot. October and November are usually the wettest months on Samui. Two different monsoons hit the island over these 3 months so be prepared for at least the possibility of rough seas and stormy weather. Though many people report visiting the island for 2 weeks and not seeing a drop of rain. Hotels and resorts often have big discounts from September until early December.

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Q. How do I get to Koh Samui?

Flying to Koh Samui is, of course, the fastest way to get here if you are coming from Bangkok. There are direct flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore to Koh Samui.

A bus and ferry combination is the least expensive way to get to Koh Samui. Next will be either train (and ferry) or a flight on Bangkok Airlines, Air Asia, or Nok Air depending on how early you book the flight, what type of ticket you buy (web fare, flexible, or non-changeable), and whether you fly into Koh Samui directly or Surat Thani on the mainland (and then take a connecting ferry). If you’re paying full fare on the air ticket then the train will be cheaper but a “web deal” or discount flight can be nearly as cheap as the train.

Generally, the overnight train is fun and enjoyable while the bus is a long miserable ride. (More info below.)

Getting from Phuket or Krabi to Koh Samui can be done by bus or hired car and then ferry (about 4 hours in total), or by a 50 minute flight on Bangkok Airways.

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Q. What airlines fly to Koh Samui?

Here are the flight Options for Koh Samui:

Bangkok to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airways has up to 16 direct flights a day from the capital to Koh Samui on with fares starting at 3200 Baht and a flight time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Chiang Mai to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has direct flights from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui with fares from $5300 Baht and a flight time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Phuket to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has one direct flight daily from Phuket to Koh Samui that takes 50 minutes and costs from 2750 Baht.

Krabi to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines flies four times daily from Krabi. The flight takes 55 minutes and fares start at 2750 Baht.

Pattaya to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has 2 flights daily from Pattaya to Samui taking 1 hour and 10 minutes and costing from 3690 Baht.

Kuala Lumpur to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines flies once daily from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The flight takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs from 220 MYR.

Malaysia Airlines might also have flights from KL to Samui though their website gives conflicting information about routes and availability.

Firefly has one flight daily from Subang (near Kuala Lumpur) to Koh Samui. The flight takes 2 hours and fares start at 107 MYR.

Singapore to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has one daily flight from Singapore to Koh Samui (flight time 1 hour and 50 minutes and fares starting at 160 Singapore dollars.)

Silk Air has 2 daily flight from Singapore to Koh Samui.

Hong Kong to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has 2 flights daily from Hong Kong to Samui. The flight takes 3 hours and 15 minutes and fares start at 2700 HKD.

Flights to Surat Thani
Surat Thani is a city on the mainland that is 50 miles and 1.5 hours by ferry or catamaran from Koh Samui. Flights to Surat Thani are usually cheaper than flights directly to Koh Samui making it an appealing option – especially when the cheapest fares to Koh Samui are sold out.

But getting from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is not as effortless as it may appear. To get to Koh Samui from the Surat Thani airport requires a 90 minutes bus ride to the ferry terminal, a wait of up to 2 hours for the ferry, and then the ferry ride itself. So even with leaving Bangkok on a 10am flight you won’t get you to Samui until 3 or 4 pm. And then another 30 or 40 minutes to get to Chaweng or the east side beaches.

If you can’t afford to fly to Koh Samui directly or are unable to find a seat then I’d recommend taking the overnight train. But it’s a toss up to Surat Thani.

Flights to Surat Thani are offered by Air Asia(from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur) and Nok Air (from Bangkok)

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Q. How do I get to Koh Samui by train?

Getting to Koh Samui by train from Bangkok involves taking a train from Bangkok’s Hualamphong station. The train portion takes between 8.5 hours and 12 hours depending on the train. From the Surat Thani you board a bus that takes you to the Don Sak ferry terminal and then the 1.5 hour trip over to Samui. The bus and ferry take about 3 hours in total. Overnight sleepers are highly recommended and should be booked at least a 3 days in advance.

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Q. How do I get to Koh Samui by bus?

(If you can, take the train. It’s funner, easier, and less of a hassle.)

With bus travel you can depart Bangkok almost immediately. If you arrive into Bangkok and don’t feel like spending the night or worrying about booking a seat on the train you can go directly to the bus station and be heading south within an hour or two.

The buses go to Don Sak ferry terminal in Surat Thani. From there a 1.5 hour boat takes you across to Koh Samui (the same ferry used by the train combination ticket).

Buses take 10 to 12 hours for the ride from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then 2 to 4 more hours (depending on how long you wait for the ferry) to get across to Koh Samui.

There are 2 types of buses that travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui. The best, cheapest, and most reliable are the public buses that leave from Sai Tai Mai terminal in the south of Bangkok. There are VIP, air conditioned, and non-air-conditioned buses. They leave between 5am and 8pm.

There are also buses that leave from Khao San Road that are only used by tourists. They are typically small, cramped, and rife with theft. They’ll typical leave only when they’re full or nearly full. The only good thing to say about them is that they are convenient if you’re staying near Khao San Road. Ask at any Khao San travel agency and they’ll sell you a  bus/ferry combination ticket to Koh Samui.

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Q. What’s the best website for hotels in Koh Samui?

Hotelscombined.com/koh-samui consistently has the best rates for almost all Samui hotels.

For Chaweng use this link: Hotels in Chaweng

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Q. Should I book hotels on Koh Samui in advance?

For the December and January high seasons, yes. Mid-range and luxury hotels can be filled months in advance. But for other times of the year arriving without a reservation should be fine as long as you don’t mind spending some time looking for a place to stay.

For budget hotels good deals can be found by walking from one hotel to the next (without your luggage, leave it a cafe) and enquiring about their best rates. Be assertive and clear when asking for their lowest price but also try to appear like you’re not desperate and willing to leave and look for another hotel.

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Q. Koh Samui Hotels – What do you recommend?

Best Luxury Hotel

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Best Boutique Hotel

Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort

Best Hotel for Honeymooners

Six Senses Samui

Best Family Hotel

Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui

Best Hotel in Chaweng

Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

Best Hotel in Lamai

Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort

Best Hotel in Bophut

Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa

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Q. What are the best luxury hotels on Koh Samui?

  • Banyan Tree Samui, Lamai – Great views, fantastic pools, private beach, good restaurants. The perfect marriage of luxury and seclusion. The restaurants and nightlife of Lamai are within a short drive. Facilities: 3 restaurants; 2 bars; outdoor pool; yoga room; spa; kids’ club; gymasium.
  • Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, Chaweng – Near “the strip” in Chaweng so it’s perfect for exploring the clubs and restaurants. Top notch everything makes it many peoples reason for coming to Samui. Facilities: 5 restaurants; 2 bars; fitness center; outdoor pool and children’s pool; kids’ club; children’s playroom and playground; spa; tennis courts; watersports rentals. Facilities: 2 restaurants; bar; health club; outdoor pool; kids’ club; spa; 2 tennis court; private cruises; tropical drink and cocktail classes at the beach bar (sign me up).
  • Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui – The Four Seasons is always great and the Samui resort comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the island it leaves the crowds far behind.

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Q. What are the best mid-range hotels on Koh Samui?

  • Coral Bay Resort, North Chaweng – In a quieter section of Chaweng with great views the Coral Bay is great if you’re looking for a bit of seclusion while still keeping Chaweng within walking distance.
  • World Resort Koh Samui, Bophut – Located on the best stretch of beach in Bophut. Quiet, great breakfasts, walking distance to Fisherman’s Village (shops and restaurants) in Bophut, and very friendly staff.

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Q. What are the best budget hotels on Koh Samui?

The beach huts of 30 years ago have been disappearing since the mid-’90s. There are still many cheap accommodations but they don’t lend themselves to booking in advance. In most cases you’ll need to do some walking to find them and see if they have rooms available. It’s good to see the rooms too as quality can vary dramatically in this price range. Mae Nam, North Chaweng, and Big Buddha Beach have the highest concentration of cheap accommodations. In the offseason mid-range hotels will have some phenomenal rates that don’t differ much from budget hotels. (Search here for hotel discounts.)

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Q. What are the best family hotels on Koh Samui?

Most hotels on Koh Samui have a kid-friendly vibe, so I wouldn’t stress about finding resorts that had a family focus. That said, these 6 hotels are great for families.

For more on family hotels in Koh Samui see Samkip.com/KohSamui

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Q. What are the best websites for planning a trip to Koh Samui?

These are my favorites:

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Q. What’s the best way to get around the island?

Sawngthaews (photo) and taxis are the most common way to get around the island. Sawngthaews (basically, the back of a pickup with seats) do a loop around the island’s main road or go back and forth between a couple of the most popular beaches (the Chaweng-Lamai route is popular). Fares for both depend on the distance. A very rough rule would put the fare for a sawngthaew about 1/3 of what a taxi will charge. So if you have 4 people you’re likely better off with a taxi.

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Q. Is there a hospital or medical clinic on Koh Samui?

For anything really serious patients will be air evacuated to the top notch hospitals in Bangkok. (Be sure your travel insurance offers medical evacuation coverage.)

The Bangkok Samui Hospital provides the best medical service on the island. It’s also expensive – another reason to have travel insurance.

The Samui International Hospital is not as fully equipped as the Bangkok Samui but is much cheaper and more than adequate for cuts, bites, colds, and anything not life threatening.

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Q. What are the dates for the full moon party on Koh Phangan?

Koh Phangan is easy to get to from Koh Samui by special boats that run on the evening of the full moon party and return the next morning. For more money you can hire a private speed boat that will go and return whenever you like. Both are easy to arrange in person a day or two before the party so no need to pre-book before arrival.

  • Wednesday 24 July 2013
  • Wednesday 21 August 2013
  • Thursday 19 September 2013
  • Saturday 19 October 2013
  • Sunday 17 November 2013
  • Tuesday 17 December 2013
  • Wednesday 25 December 2013 – not a true full moon party but a huge party all the same
  • Tuesday 31 December 2013 – New Years is a big party too
  • Wednesday 15 January 2014
  • Saturday 15 February 2014
  • Saturday 15 March 2014
  • Monday 14 April 2014
  • Wednesday 14 May 2014
  • Thursday 12 June 2014
  • Sunday 13 July 2014
  • Sunday 10 August 2014
  • Monday 08 September 2014
  • Friday 10 October 2014
  • Thursday 06 November 2014
  • Saturday 06 December 2014

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Q. What are the best beaches in Phuket?

Many beaches are beautiful but are not good swimming beaches (e.g. Rawai beach). And the monsoon season (June to October) can change even the most tranquil of beaches into a rough, windswept, and uninviting terrain.

  • Patong – Located on the white-sanded western coast, Patong is the most famous and most commercial resort. With a broad 3km (2 miles) stretch of sandy beach there is plenty of opportunity for natural shade from trees as well as having parasol-protected sunbeds sited along the entire length. Its sheltered location makes it ideal for all water sports and swimming and so it is popular with families and package holidaymakers. As with all the beaches on the western side, there can be a strong undertow and any red warning flags should be heeded. Patong is also home to tourist shops, an enormous shopping mall, cinemas and a bowling alley. A plethora of day trips and activities can be found, from taking a banana boat ride, snorkelling to renting a jet ski. It can be difficult to escape away from the notorious adult themed night-life with neon lit clubs and bars advertising stripper or transvestite shows. You can find scantily clad transvestites posing for photographs with tourists in many of the side streets in Patong.
  • Freedom – If you are staying in Patong and want to get away from the hustle and bustle then Freedom Beach is a good choice. Even if you did feel like trekking through the kilometre of thick jungle to get there you would not be allowed, as the land surrounding this beach is all privately owned. The only way to access Freedom Beach is by a ten minute boat ride – most leave from from Patong beach. Freedom, undoubtedly, has the best snorkelling on the island and swimming areas are clearly marked and separated from the area where longtail boats arrive and depart. There are also beach volleyball nets and small restaurants along the south end of the beach but with no jet skis or banana boats to disturb the peace, probably the best thing to do is to find a lounger, sit back and relax.
  • Karon – Far less lively and busy than Patong, Karon beach is yet another long expanse of sand, which at its northern end is likened to powder snow. There is little natural shade but there are plenty of sun beds and parasols available. Hotels and restaurants are located on the opposite side of a busy adjacent road; however there are plenty of small stalls selling drinks and snacks. The road is shielded from most of the beach by a bank of sand but it can still be easily heard. All the usual water sports activities are available with some reasonable snorkelling at the southern end. Surfboards are always available although Karon is not renowned for its breakers. It does though have the reputation of being the most dangerous beach.
    If you feel the need to get away from sand, Karon Park is an area a short walk away which provides jogging and cycling paths as well as a large lake with pedalos. For children and ‘young at heart’ adults, Dino Park offers a chance to play crazy golf in a prehistoric atmosphere. Away from the beach, the side streets are home to a small artisan community where you can see painters and craftsmen at work. Karon can be located 5 km south of Patong on the coastal road between Kata and Patong beaches. There are regular bus and songthaew services from Phuket town.
  • Kata – The attractive twin beaches of Kata Yai (Big Kata) and Kata Noi (Little Kata) are situated to the south of Karon Beach. Protected by rocky promontories, swimming and snorkeling is relatively safe here and strong swimmers often head out to Boo Island to the coral reefs. Reputably this is also the best scuba diving area on the island. Set away from the road, both beaches are very peaceful. Kata Yai can feel a little overlooked by two major resorts but the beaches are not private and the sun loungers are available for all to use. It can be difficult to see how to get onto the beach at Kata Noi but access is down to the right and just beyond the Thani wing of the Katathani Hotel. Buses and songthaews terminate on the headland between the two beaches where, if you don’t feel like the 10-minute walk into either resort, tuk-tuks will happily transport you to your destination. You won’t find a busy nightlife or extensive shopping here but If you are missing the hustle and bustle of Patong or Karon, both are within easy reach, less than 8 km away. Three Beaches Hill (sometimes called Kata or Karon viewpoint) is often busy as it is on many tour itineraries. Located a little south of Kata Noi, it affords an impressive eight-kilometer vista (4.5 miles) of the three south west coast beaches.
  • Maio Khao – On the northwest coast, 39 km from Patong, this 11km beach is set within the Sirinat National Park. The sand here is fairly coarse, but you can walk along it for hours and not see another soul. There are no beach activities on offer here but swimming is allowed. However it is wise to be careful as there is a sharp drop in the ocean floor close to the shore and you can easily get out of your depth. If your idea of fun is plane spotting then this is a good place to be as the proximity of Phuket airport makes it feel as if their landing on the beach is an imminent possibility. Between November and February, turtles arrive to lay their eggs in the warm sands. Numbers have been dwindling over recent years and care has to be taken during this time not to disturb any such activity. The northern side of the beach can be reached from Thepkrassatri Road, just before the Sarasin Bridge. The southern end is best reached from Nai Yang and through the national park (fee payable).
  • Nai Thon – Nai Thon Beach has some of the squeakiest sand on Phuket. It is within the Sirinat National Park and has thus far escaped over-development. The gently sloped beach is ideal for swimming and casuarina trees abound for shelter from the sun. The beach itself is not developed but there are a few restaurants and shops just across the street. There are no organized beach activities and no equipment for hire, but people snorkel and dive among the coral at the both ends of the beach (long tail boats with take you farther offshore for even better snorkeling). Nai Thon is 28 km from Patong, on the road that connects Bang Tao beach and Nai Yan Beach. There is only one road that runs directly along this part of the coast so it is fairly easy to find.
  • Surin – This 1km stretch of beach is famous for its crystal clear water, which makes it a wonderful place to swim. It’s a shame that the snorkeling here is not great although that does not stop people from having a go. With all the major water sports on offer it’s surprising that this beach is as quiet as it is. It feels like it has embraced all that is good about Patong and left behind the bits that are less pleasing. The views are fantastic with plenty of local restaurants. Surin Beach is situated south of Bang Tao and north of Kamala Beach – 14 km from Patong – and is well signposted.
  • Laem Singh – Laem Singh, 7 km north of Patong, on the Patong Surim Road is not easily found. The beach is accessed down a steep, stepped path, fairly comfortable to go down but excruciatingly difficult to climb back up. However it is worth all the effort for this beach is absolutely stunning and one of Phuket’s best for swimming. Many seem to agree as, once a secret cove, it is now one of the best used beaches in the area. Foot massagers ply the beach, jet skis resound along with all the usual paraphernalia associated with a busy beach. When the sun is not shining it returns to it’s natural quiet beauty. Once a month an early evening disco is held, best suited to those who are not looking for peace and tranquility. The restaurants are a little more expensive here but understandable when you consider that their supplies also have to be brought from the hillside above. Parking at the top of the paths is available but scarce so an early arrival at this beach is recommended. 1km to the south is Hat Kamala which is more developed.
  • Nai Harn – On the southernmost tip of Phuket, the waters around Nai Harn are usually calm and crystal clear, except in monsoon season when the waves become huge and thus a haven for surfers. The Samnak Song Buddhist Monastery owns most of its central and southern area and has left it pleasantly underdeveloped. Upscale beachfront and family-friendly resorts dot the area. Nai Harn is divided into three segments, the beach and park, a small village with a few shops, and Nai Harn town. Bike hire and other services can be found in the town and as it is about a twenty-minute walk to and from the beach, many people take that option. Nai Harn is 20km (12.5miles) south of Patong.

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Q. Phuket Hotels – What do you recommend?

Best Luxury Hotel

Six Senses Yao Noi

Best Boutique Hotel

The Sarojin Hotel Phang Nga (in Khao Lak)

Best Hotel for Honeymooners

The Pavilions Hotel Phuket

Best Hotel for Shopping

Millennium Resort Patong Phuket

Best Family Hotel

Centara Kata Resort Phuket

Best Hotel on Karon Beach

Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

Best Hotel in Kata Beach

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort

Best Hotel in Patong

Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa

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Q. What are the best family hotels on Phuket?

Most of Phuket’s hotels are kid-friendly but for a detailed list of some of the island’s best hotels for families go to samkip.com/phuket.

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Q. How do I get to Phuket?

  • Flights – Flying to Phuket from Bangkok is the fastest and best way to get there. Booking early can get you tickets that aren’t much more expensive than the train. Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, and Nok Air have the most flights. There are also a few direct flights from Chiang Mai to Phuket.
  • Bus – From Bangkok, you depart from the Southern Bus Terminal. You can book from travel agencies or hotels, but the cheapest is from the station. It’s highly advised to not take one of the private buses from Khao San Road. It’s best to reserve your seat in advance if you want to travel on weekends or during festivals. Buses run day and night to Phuket. After an 11- 12 hour journey, you will arrive at Phuket’s Bus Station neat the Mission Hospital. A bus ticket will cost between 630-730 baht.
  • Train – Getting to Phuket by train from Bangkok involves taking a train from Bangkok’s Hualamphong station to Surat Thani. From there you take a bus or hired car to Phuket. The train portion takes between 8.5 hours and 12 hours depending on the train. The drive is an additional 2 to 3 hours. Overnight sleepers are highly recommended and should be booked at least 3 days in advance.
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Q. Should I go to Thailand?

Yes! Thailand is one of my favorite countries in the world. It has an incredible mix of great culture, wonderful beaches, lively cities, and fantastic food.

If this is your first trip to Asia then Thailand makes a great introduction to the region. It’s easy to get around with a good tourist infrastructure. The trains run on time, the flights are safe, the hotels are clean, and the people are friendly and helpful. Other countries in Southeast Asia can be challenging to the first time visitor (I’m thinking here of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Indonesia) but Thailand’s rough edges have been softened by millions of previous Westerner’s who’ve paved some well worn tracks across the country.

That said, Thailand offers an incredible array of wonders. If you want to get away from the tourist crowds and see the “real Thailand” it’s easy to do.

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Q. What’s the best way to get around Thailand?

Thailand is a long narrow country. So getting from the Bangkok or Chiang Mia to the southern islands is a good distance. Getting from one coast to the other can be done in a 2 hour drive.

  • Air – Thailand is well served by several budget airlines. Air Asia has the most flights but NOK Air, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and Orient Thai have multiple routes as well.
  • Train – My favorite way of getting around the country. Overnight trains from Bangkok north to Chiang Mai and south to gulf coast are convenient and authentic ways to get where you’re going. Getting to the islands and beach resorts will almost alway require a bus and/or ferry trip after you get off the ferry. These are (in theory) timed with the arrival of the train so the extra hassle and planning is usually minimal.
  • Bus – Buses go everywhere around the country. The good news is you can usually jump on a bus within a few hours and be on your way with no need to book tickets days or weeks in advance like air or rail tickets. The bad news is the bus rides can be long and boring without the benefit of walking about as you can on a train. A bus to an island will typically take you right to the ferry terminal and get you on your way.
  • Hired Car – These are practical and not as expensive as you might think – especially for Bangkok to Hua Hin or Pattaya or between popular tourists destinations like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui. You can approach any taxi (pick the newer, nicer, and larger ones) and ask how much to get where you’re heading.

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Q. What are the trains like and how do I buy tickets?

Trains can be booked up to 60 days in advance. Except for Thai holidays and the period around Christmas and New Years, trains only occasionally sell out so it’s possible to get a sleeper right up to the day of travel and very possible to get a seat anytime (as long as you’re not picky about where you sit or what class of ticket you buy).

There are multiple ways to book your ticket: in person at Hualamphong station; through a travel agent in Bangkok; in advance through thairailticket.com (this is the official Thai Railways website but it’s not terribly user friendly so be patient); or book through ThailandTrainTicket.com (an online booking agency that will charge a small fee).

It’s easiest to book in person in Bangkok. You’ll get the most choices for train times and be able to stipulate the exact setup you want (e.g. for booking multiple sleepers) – but you run the risk of trains being sold out.

Thus, booking in advance might be required – especially if you’re on a tight schedule – but be prepared to make some compromises. Some online agencies only sell tickets for the overnight train that departs Bangkok at 19:30. (This is my favorite train for getting to Samui and has a great connection for getting on the ferry so it’s no great ordeal. But as I said above, if you want more choice then booking in person at a Thai travel agency or at the train station is best.)

In summary: if you have some flexibility wait until you’re in Thailand to book your train tickets. On your first morning walk into a travel agency and ask about booking your onward train ticket to Samui. They’ll lay out all your options and book your tickets for you. You’ll be able to stop back later that day or the next morning to grab your tickets. You should be able to get tickets that leave Bangkok within 1 day to 3 days.

If you need tickets in advance book the overnight train through ThailandTrainTicket.com. They’ll be delivered to your hotel and be waiting for you upon your arrival.

Both options are great and very reliable.

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Q.What are the best months to visit Thailand?

December, January, and February are the months with the best weather throughout most of the country. If your plan is to tour the entire country then these are the best months to visit. Regional difference can be large however. Below are the best months for different parts of the country.

March, April, and May get increasingly hot. The skies are still clear but the heat can be hard to take especially in northern Thailand and anywhere not near the beach.

The rains come from June through November in most of southern Thailand (where most of the islands and beaches are). Phuket, in particular, gets rough seas and dangerous undertows from July to October. Koh Samui and the eastern coast tends to have more hospitable weather through the rainy months (though it can still get some big storms.) Often the rains won’t last for long (just a few hours a day) followed by sun – but the water will be murky and the beaches can be littered by debris during the monsoon season.

September and October are the least attractive months to visit – though you’ll find some remarkable discounts on accommodations.

If you’re in Thailand from July through October and need some beach time Koh Samet is a great choice as it doesn’t get the heavy rain like the rest of the country.

  • Bangkok – December and January are the coolest driest months. The weather gets warmer through March and April when the rains start. The wet weather continues until October with the rainiest month being September. September, October and November can see flooding throughout the city.
  • Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand – January and February are the best months here – especially if you’re trekking (any earlier and paths will be muddy and flooded, any later and you’ll be in the burning season and then the hot season). Farmers start burning their fields in March and by April the air can be smokey and unhealthy. The hot and then rainy season start soon after with the rains stretching into November.
  • Phuket, Krabi, and the Andaman Coast – The best months to visit for a beach holiday stretch from late November until April. The weather is wet, humid, and hot from May through October. During these months the sea is often too rough to swim and visibility for snorkeling and diving is not good. Even in the rainy season you can get wonderful stretches of sun that are great for sitting by the pool.
  • Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao – The best months are December to April. The rains start in May but are never intense as on the west coast so Samui makes a better choice for July and August.
  • Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Koh Samet – The best year-round weather of any region of Thailand. If you’re visiting from July to October and want to avoid the rains then this is the place to be.

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Q. What are the best places in Thailand for kids?

Thailand is a very family-friendly country. My top 5 destinations in Thailand for families are Phuket, Railay, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai.

Bangkok is more challenging than these 5 places but it has so much to offer kids and so many great attractions that if you have a little patience you and your kids will love it as much as my family.

  • Family Hotels: These are my favorite hotels for families in Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, Railay, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai.
  • Best beaches for kids: Railay, Kata Beach (Phuket), Choeng Mon (Koh Samui), Haad Salad (Koh Pha Ngan), Jomtien (much better than nearby Pattay)
  • Rainy Season: No one likes the rain when on holidays but it can be a bigger disappointment to kids. Phuket, in particular, gets rough seas that make swimming unsafe for kids from July to October.
  • Car Seats: Some car rental companies will have them but if it’s a necessity bring your own. Most cars (and taxis) only have seat belts in the front seats (where car seats should never be placed). So even when you have a car seat finding a car that will allow its use is an effort.
  • Kid-friendly Food: Western food, from pasta to hamburgers, is widely available at all the beach resorts and in the larger cities. Fried rice and pad thai are 2 thai dishes that kids usually love.

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Q. Do I need a visa for Thailand? And how long should my passport be valid for?

Citizens of these countries (which includes Canada, U.S., U.K, Australia, and most of Western Europe) can get a 30 day visa on arrival – so you needn’t do anything in advance. Citizens of other countries will need to apply in advance for the 30 day entry visa.

If you want 60 day visa (regardless of your citizenship) you’ll need to apply in advance or get the 30 day visa (as above) and then extend it once inside the country. This can be done at immigration offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket.

Pre-applied-for visa’s will (sometimes) begin on the date when your plane takes off for Thailand – so you can lose a day in the math and you’ll be left with 29 days and 28 nights from arrival.

Passports should have 6 months of validity remaining after your departure day. You will hear of exceptions to this rule, but to be safe have a full six months extra. For example, if you’re in Thailand from June 1 to June 15 you’d want your passport to be valid until at least December 15. Failure to have this cushion could result you not be allowed into the country. (Actually you probably wouldn’t even be able to board your flight that is heading to Thailand.)

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Q. How much does it cost to travel in Thailand?

Costs vary hugely depending on your travel style, modes of transport, hotel preferences, and how much shopping you do (and where you do it).

Regardless of your budget the more you move around the more you spend. The longer you stay in one spot the more your costs will drop. Not only do you save money on transportation but you tend to find cheaper places to eat and shop and get a better deal on hotels. You can also seek out less touristy accommodations options (e.g. an apartment that rents by the week or month) that can drastically reduce your expenses.

A bare bones budget that include low-end hotels, buses or 2nd class trains without a sleeper, and street food would be about $30/person/day.

A mid-range budget that involved over-night sleeper cabins on the train, the occasional flight, restaurants for most meals, and hotels with western-style standards and maybe a swimming pool, would be in the $80 to $100 per day.

At the top-end it’s skies the limit as Thailand is home to some of Asia’s best restaurants, best hotels, and best shopping. That said, a budget of $500 day would expose you to some of the country’s best food and hotels.

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Q. Do I need vaccinations to travel to Thailand?

Depending where and when you’re traveling you may need some shots. Check with your doctor and take a look at the health, vaccine, and malaria recommendations from the CDC.

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Q. Is the water safe to drink in Thailand?

Generally, no. Bottle water is available pretty much everywhere. Better hotels and restaurants will often provide previously boiled drinking water that is fine to drink – but you need to ask to be sure.

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Q. Should I get travel insurance for Thailand?

Yes, but check to see what your current insurance covers – sometimes it’s more than you think. A big concern is emergency evacuation (typically to Bangkok) as most insurance does not cover this and if you’re seriously hurt or sick regional hospitals will not have the resources to treat you – so a trip to Bangkok is a necessity.

World Nomads is recommended by everyone from the NY Times to Lonely Planet and has been around for years.

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Q. What’s the best website for booking hotels in Thailand?

Hotelscombined.com consistently finds the best deals and is very reliable.

Booking on the web is the easiest way to book hotels in Thailand – and you usually get the best rates online too.

These are the best links for finding hotels (and discounts):

Hotelscombined.com/Bangkok
Hotelscombined.com/Phuket
Hotelscombined.com/Krabi
Hotelscombined.com/KohSamui
Hotelscombined.com/KohPhangan
Hotelscombined.com/Pattaya
Hotelscombined.com/HuaHin
Hotelscombined.com/ChiangMai

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53 thoughts on “The Ultimate Travel Guide to Thailand”

  1. Anni said:

    Where would you recommend in Chiang Mai? A swimming pool is a must. We’ll be flying to Chiang Mai from Hong Kong via Bangkok and I imagine will be hot, sweaty, and ready to relax. Our budget is around $150 to $200. Our daughter is 4 years old. Thank you.

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      Hi Anni. The Chedi is great and seems to be what you’re looking for. Its official rate is probably over your stated budget – but use this link to hotelscombined and I bet you’ll find your dates for below $200. Good luck.

      Reply ↓
  2. Ethn said:

    Looking for a nice (boutiquish) place in Patong. We’re a little worried that Patong might be too touristy and wild for us so something a little removed and quiet would be nice. We’re a couple with no kids. We’ll be there for 5 to 7 nights. Budget isn’t a big concern, just want something nice. ideas?

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      Sounds like the Baan Yin Dee Boutique Resort would be the place. Probably not the best for kids – as it’s up the hill from the beach and has a calm quiet vibe – but perfect in your case. I hope that helps.

      Reply ↓
  3. MK said:

    Hi Dave, Need your help with hotels in Thailand. It’s my first holiday there with my wife and my 4 year old girl, this May (May 1-7 2013).
    It’ll help if you could recommend:
    a) A budget hotel for a night in a central location (for sight seeing) in Bangkok
    b) A boutique or 4*/5* resort in Krabi for 4 nights-5 days. We could do two different hotels in two different parts of Krabi two night each. Would that be possible ? We would like to be in hotels that are quiet with easy access to the restaurants and cafes.
    Many thanks.

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      The Viengtai Hotel in Bangkok is great. Cheap, nice pool, great location. I suppose I wouldn’t call it quiet, but without paying for a 5 star hotel it’s hard to get quiet in Bangkok.

      In Krabi The Sunrise Tropical Resort is one of my favorites. It’s in Railay (not sure if you had a specific destination in mind but Railay is awesome). One thing to note: In Railay there are 2 beaches that are a 3 minute walk from each other. The Sunrise is located at the not-so-great beach that isn’t fit for swimming. On the plus side it makes it much cheaper (for a really nice place) than the hotels on the “nice beach”. It’s also much quieter. It’s a very short walk down a sort-of golf-cart path to the other beach.

      If you had to have the beach right at your door then the Railay Bay Resort & Spa is very nice.

      Good luck.

      Reply ↓
  4. MG said:

    Hi Dave
    Thanks for your advice in your blog – great work.
    I have a challenging request for you now:
    Need your help with hotels in Thailand.
    My girlfriend and I finish our 6 month world tour in Thailand
    We want to finish it with two distinct weeks. One at a fitness, possibly Thai boxing camp and the final at a relaxing spa resort (to recover from the camp mainly)
    It’d be great to get your ideas on where you’d recommend:
    We’re not too fussed where we go, however we would like luxury on our final week.
    We fly out of Bangkok
    Many thanks.

    Reply ↓
  5. Heather said:

    We’ll be arriving in Koh Samui from Chiang Mai and going directly to Lamai to be near friends that are staying there. What’s the nicest resort in Lamai? We have only 3 nights there so are willing to pay more and have something truly luxurious. How far in advance should I reserve? Thanks, Heather.

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      The Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort is fantastic. (Search here for the best rates.)

      It’s hard to generalize (there will always be exceptions for finding the best rates) but I’d book as soon as you’ve confirmed the dates of your visit.

      Good luck.

      Reply ↓
  6. blakery family said:

    Is Koh Pha Ngan worth a day trip visit? We’re not interested in the Full Moon Parties but would consider a trip over for the day. Is it easy to arrange?

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      Scheduled boats to Koh Pha Ngan leave from Mae Nam, Bophut, Big Buddha Beach (Bang Rak) and Nathon. There are more than 10 a day so it’s easy to find some departure (and return) that works. There are also speed boats that will take you over from Chaweng or Lamai though these will be much more expensive than the ferries/scheduled boats.

      Is it worth it? I love Koh Pha Ngan but I’m not sure I’d recommend just a day trip. Go for a few days or a week and explore the island but for only 5 or 6 hours I think that time would be better used touring Samui which has more “attractions”. Koh Pha Ngan has more of a vibe which eludes the daytripper. The ride over is beautiful on a calm day though.

      Hope that helps.

      Reply ↓
  7. mark said:

    hi david, i’ll be in chiang mai mid-late november and wish to go to ko samui afterwards from roughly 2nd december for a week or so. i’m just concerned it might be too wet still. Would you suggest heading somewhere else? I’m 21, male and travelling by myself. cheers.

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      The west coast (Phuket, Krabi, etc) recovers from the monsoon a little sooner than the east coast so you might want to consider that. The rains should be ending by early December in Samui though so you should be OK.

      Reply ↓
  8. Karen Stuart said:

    Hi Dave
    My husband and I both in our early 60′s would like to escape Melbourne’s winter for 2 weeks in July 2013.
    We have not been to any Asian countries before. We like playing golf and thought 2-3 games each of the 2 weeks, relaxing by the pool and the option also to enjoy a lovely beach, some sightseeing and also some shopping.
    My initial thoughts were to stay at Koh Samui – though it appears there is not much choice for golf, whereas Phuket does have a number of courses.
    On the other hand golf does not have to be the main priority and I believe there is a 9 hole golf course called The Royal Samui Golf Club in Koh Samui.
    Where would you suggest we could stay that could meet our needs and also be a good introduction to enjoying Thailand without being overwhelmed?
    Your suggestions/advice would be very much appreciated.
    Thank you
    Karen

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      Hi Karen. I don’t play much golf but I think you’re right, you would find more courses on Phuket. I think Koh Samui would be a great choice too though. Lots to do and not as touristy as Phuket while stilling have a good tourist infrastructure, great hotels, and a good quality hospital on the island. Also, the weather in July will likely be nicer in Koh Samui than in Phuket.

      Hope that helps a little. Good luck.

      Reply ↓
  9. Sandeep said:

    Hi Dave,

    We are planning to go to phuket on October end (Oct 25-29). From there i want to go to either Koh samui or Koh yao nai. Need your advice as which part will be good to visit during this time.

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      There is a possibility the boats to Koh Yao Nai could be canceled due to rough seas at that time of year. The weather on either coast can be lousy in October. But it can also vary a lot on each side of the country – so you might want to hedge your bets and split your time between Phuket and Samui. Good luck.

      Reply ↓
  10. Justin from Bhutan said:

    Fantasic Site! I’ve been told by the boss that I have a month in Thailand to plan for our family. Talk about overwhelmed when looking at all the options & places to stay.
    I do have one question/concern, since my 2 boys are between 2&4 years old. Do you know whether Koh Samui has medical facilities, in case they are needed?
    Thanks

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      Hi Justin. If you look above you’ll see 2 suggestions for medical treatment in Samui (under Essential Info). They’re pretty good but anything serious and you’ll be airlifted out to Bangkok (where there’s top notch care).

      Reply ↓
  11. Pockets said:

    G’day Dave! Congratulations and many thanks for a hugely entertaining and informative site!! We’ve never travelled OS, so it’s great to get a fresh & down-to-earth perspective on the experience :)

    We’re looking at a trip to Thailand in mid-late March 2013 with our 3 kids (aged 8/6/4) for a friend’s wedding on Lamai Beach and then a bit of an explore. At this stage, we have a VERY rough idea of a plan, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on how practical this will be with the aim of not arriving home exhausted and wishing we’d tried to stuff a bit less into our time. Our budget in the end will determine duration of trip (we certainly won’t be staying in 5-star digs), but hopefully 18-20 days. From your comments around the place I’m planning on roughly max $200/day including accommodation (excl long transport trips) when we get there…

    So, a rough plan is…arrive Bangkok, have a couple of nights there, fly or train to Koh Samui and stay 4-5 nights around the wedding, then somehow head up to Chiang Mai for a good week or so, back to Bangkok for a night or 2, then home to NZ.

    Online accommodation options seem to be a shade limited for families with more than 2 kids and we’re hoping to be able to find places where we can all squeeze into one room rather than have to split up nightly – so suggestions from yourself or other would be welcomed on this front too! Also on how much we should pre-book and how much to “wing it” in terms of travel & accommodation while we’re there.

    Sorry, big post, but fizzing to get locked in and underway!
    Thanks lots,
    Pockets

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      The first thing I’d do is book your tickets for Samui to Chiang Mia (http://www.bangkokair.com) as even now the cheapest tickets for March are selling out.

      I’ve never had to find rooms for 5, but in my experience most places should be able to accommodate you just fine. This is one advantage of “winging it”. You’ll be able to walk around the town and find the hotel that best suites your family. Pay a little more for the first night in a place (and book the largest room they have) then search about and find a cheaper place after you arrive. (Though, admittedly, this does eat up some time.)

      The outline of your plan sounds good though. It’s very easy to get around Samui so don’t feel you have to stay in Lamai to be near the wedding.

      Good luck.

      Reply ↓
  12. Leigh said:

    Hi Dave

    LOVE your blog its been the most helpful by far!

    Myself and my boyfriend are planning our first trip to Thailand end March beginning April 2013. As first timers we’re a little stumped.

    We’re looking to spend: 3 days on Chaweng, 2 days on Koh Phangan for the full moon party, 2 days on KOh PHi PHi, 4 days on Phuket and 4 days in Bangkok.

    Should we book our flights now or wait until we arrive in Thailand.
    Since our time in each place is limited should we book our accomodation now? (especially for the full moon party?Can you reccomend any 3-4 star hotels, close enough to walk to the party but far enough from the noise)
    Is Koh Phi Phi worth spending 2 days on or should we extend our stay on one of the other islands and only do a day visit to Phi Phi?
    Any interesting tours,sites,restaurants,shows,,bars etc you can reccomend? (we would also like to do a rural village tour of some sort).

    Looking forward to your advice and suggestions:)

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      Hi Leigh. Sounds like a great trip. I’d definitely book the flights as soon as possible as they can fill up quickly and once the cheapest seats are gone they’re not coming back. I’d book hotels in advance for Bangkok but the other spots you can get away with finding something after you arrive. (Though you do end up wasting some time hunting for hotels when you could be doing something else.)

      Three good mid-range places near the Full Moon Party on KPN are:
      Best Western Phanganburi Resort Koh Phangan
      Palita Lodge Koh Phangan
      Delight Resort Koh Phangan

      Another option, if you’re already in Chaweng and only interested in the party then you can take a motorboat over from Samui to Haad Rin in the early evening. Then the next morning take a return boat (http://www.samuispeedboat.com/fullmoonpartycharter.html gets good reviews). Just an idea.

      The best place to see rural villages is in Northern Thailand. Not much to see on the touristy islands like Samui, Phuket, or Phi Phi.

      Good luck.

      Reply ↓
      • Leigh said:

        Thanks so much David really appreciate your feedback and suggestions! :)

        Reply ↓
  13. MAX said:

    Hi Dave,
    Really like your blog. My wife and I are planning to travel to samui on 6th Dec for a week. We have read that this is monsoons and not good time to visit. Just wanted to ask you if the sea is yet swimmable or will it be impossible to swim. Also will we be able to do any kayaking/snorkelling etc. I am worried that we may not be able to do any typical beachy activities. Is that true, or should not reallly be a problem. Also we planning to stay in sala samui or zazen, which do you think will be better keeping weather in mind.
    Thank you very much for the help.

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      It should be good weather by early December though there are no guarantees and some years it can be well into December before the seas are calm and the cloudy days have passed (though the big storms should subside by November).

      Reply ↓
  14. Alex said:

    Hi Dave,
    Thanks for the informative site. We are planning to spend a few days in mid-May on Koh Samui and were thinking of heading to Bophut and/or Mae Nam. Would you be able to advise if these beaches are OK for swimming in May or do they suffer from the low tides making swimming impractical?
    Thanks!
    Alex

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      I’ve been in early April and late June and July and both were fine so I’m thinking/hoping you’ll be ok.

      Reply ↓
  15. Sherri said:

    Hi, My husband and I are going to Thailand from 2/14-3/3. Our route is Bangkok-Beachy ( not sure where yet)- Chiang Mai. I think…. Bc Im not 100% sure, most people that had experience Thailand told me not to book anything except the first few nights of hotel at Bangkok. Is that a good idea? Most people told me just book any hotels, trips, and excursion when I get there.

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      Hi Sherri. Yes, I’d generally agree with that. It’s fairly easy to book hotels after you arrive and it also allows you to see the place you’re booking. The one downside is that you do “waste” some time looking for your hotels. When they’re booked in advance you can devote more of your time to sightseeing, relaxing, eating, sitting on the beach. Myself, I sort-of enjoy hotel hunting but can see how many would wish they’d done all that in advance. But definitely on tours and excursions, book after you arrive. Hope that helps.

      Reply ↓
  16. sarah said:

    Hi David, Thanks so much for sharing your wealth of information– it’s fantastic!
    We’re spending 10 days in Thailand in February with our 5 year old son. We have 2 days in Bangkok, 3 days in Chaing Mai and then 5 days left for beaches.

    I’m considering 3 days in Koh Samui and 2 in Krabi, but it may end up just being a lot of travelling. Any recommendations for a “base”?

    We’re very active and big foodies, so I’m inclined to pick somewhere with beautiful beaches and lots of activities (some at least appropriate for a 5 year old!).

    Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
    Thanks,
    Sarah

    PS I briefly considered Phuket, but we’ve been there before and didn’t love it. It was a little too touristy.

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      With that amount of time I would do Koh Samui or Krabi but not both. I tend to think of Krabi and the west coast as more activity-oriented that Koh Samui. I think Koh Samui has better food. The beaches are great on both. Railay is a good base in the Krabi area. Bophut, Choeng Mon, or Chaweng are good bases in Koh Samui. Hope that helps.

      Reply ↓
  17. Andy said:

    Great site with plenty of useful tips. On the subject of swimming pools I don’t usually recommend people “Splash out” the extra cash on booking into a hotel with a swimming pool unless they are traveling in a group or with a young family. This is purely for safety reasons as Pattaya beach (My favorite resort) can be a little dangerous at times with the number of jet ski operators working there. As a single guy I like the beach as its a great place to meet and make new friends.

    Reply ↓
  18. Evan said:

    We’re taking the train from Bangkok to Koh Samui. Is it best to buy the ferry ticket in Surat Thani or to purchase the train/ferry combo ticket from the train station in Bangkok?

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      It’s easier (and a little cheaper) to buy the combo ticket. When you get off the train in Surat Thani there’ll be people directing you to the appropriate bus (to take you to the ferry port). Flash your bus/ferry ticket at them and they’ll point you in the right direction. It all happens quite quickly so there isn’t a lot of waiting about – hardly time to go to the toilet or grab any snacks – it’s just bang bang you’re off the train, onto the bus and rolling to the ferry. Once you get to the ferry there usually is a bit of a wait. Good luck.

      Reply ↓
  19. Cristina Harman said:

    Hi Dave,
    What a great site. Very informative. My husband and I are planning to travel to Thailand for two weeks in December. What do you recommend as far as flying into Bangkok and departures from Los Angeles. We only plan on being in Bangkok for 3-4 days and going to different islands so I am not sure if we fly out of Bangkok as well or fly back home from the last island that we will visit? Which tours do you recommend as far as the tiger tours, elephant tours,the James Bond tour, etc?
    Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide us.

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      Wildlife tours are best done in Northern Thailand. There are lots of snorkeling and island tours (mainly on the west coast around Krabi and Phuket, not so many around Koh Samui) that visit different beaches, islands, and national parks. So many that it depends what you’re looking for. In general it’s best to spend more and go with a smaller group than a cheaper one with lots of people. The extra money spent is almost always worth it. There are no guarantees but most tour operators are reliable. If you’re on a budget and have enough flexibility (and patience to search them out) use kayak to look for tickets to Hong Kong or Seoul, then use Air Asia to fly into Bangkok but fly out from Phuket or Koh Samui back to HK or Seoul. If you can get a direct flight across the Pacific this make your trip home much faster than having to go back through Bangkok – and you might save some money. Good luck.

      Reply ↓
  20. Patton said:

    Dave,

    Thank you for this blog and your expertise. I am 46, business executive travel to Tokyo from USA for a week, and was thinking about bringing my wife along since she has never been to Asia. After Tokyo, I wanted to fly to either Bali or Thailand to get some relaxation and do some scuba diving. We are looking for a nice clean beach with luxury (money no object) resort with great food and no kids/singles looking to party all night. The big wild card is that we will be there Nov 11-16 and not sure of the weather and the rain??? Based on your previous recommendations, would you recommend Koh Phi Phi or Krabi “Rai Leh West on Railay Beach”???? which resorts are the most luxurious… Thank you Dave!!

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      If your priority is a luxurious resort then Rayavadee on Railay is fantastic and one of the best in Thailand. But … Railay is pretty mellow so if you’re wanting to party you might be disappointed.

      Koh Phi Phi is very lively by late November. The Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel is the nicest hotel near the action. Far nicer is the Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort & Spa (which has its own in-house scuba school) – but it’s a 30 minute boat ride from the main area. So you might want to do a few days at each.

      The weather should be good (possibly great) by November but it’s still, technically, the tail end of the rainy season so don’t be surprised if you see a (brief) downpour or two.

      Hope that helps. Good luck.

      Reply ↓
  21. Christine Filipski said:

    Great info here! My husband and I are planning 3 months in SE Asia. He is a scuba diver so thinking March 14, 2014 fly from Bangkok to Phuket. Rent a car and drive north a bit to Khao Lak. Stay there from March 14th until March 20th when we will drive down to Phuket to meet daughter and grandson. Husband will want to have some time diving in Phuket also. We will be in Phuket until March 30th when we head back to Bangkok. At this time of year is the western coast better than the east coast? I read some posts that said Koh Samui is nice until end April so now I’m confused. Will the weather be nice in KL and Phuket? We are coming from the cold and snow of western New York, US.

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      Hi Christine. The weather should be great on both coasts in March. Most years, the storms don’t arrive until May or June – and even then the weather can still be beach-friendly.

      Reply ↓
  22. Jennifer H said:

    Hi Dave, Thank you for all the useful info!! Its Great! My Husband and I are looking to travel to Thailand Dec 15th ish to maybe Jan 20th 2013. We are both in our early 30′S and are looking to formulate the itinerary loosely. Prob booking major flights and hotel around New Years in advance but kind of winging the exact days spent in each spot. We will be flying into Bangkok of course and would like to go north first, then make it to the beaches by the middle and end of trip. We are looking for fun, somewhat lively and unique spots while trying to avoid some of the overly touristy spots. We love reggae bars, beautiful scenery, decent amenities, spas etc.. Do you have any specific suggestions of places to visit along those lines? how many places do you suggest visiting in this timeframe? Are there any really cool places to spend New Years that aren’t rave like but still lively? Thanks so much for all your advice!!

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      Two places I love that fit what you’re looking for are Koh Pha Ngan and the Ao Nang/Railay area. Koh Pha Ngan is more lively in terms of nightlife (though it’s easy to get away from the real party scene to the quieter north part of the island). Ao Nang has more to do (cliff climbing, island hopping, sea kayaking) but not as much partying (slightly older crowd too). Your general itinerary sounds good but I would mention that I quite like arriving at an island (especially Koh Pha Ngan) about a week before Christmas, scout the island looking for a cool place to stay that suits my vibe, then take it for a 10 day or 2 week period. For one it’s good to secure a place before Christmas and New Years. And two, with a little luck you’ll get to know everyone at the hotel (assuming it’s not a big resort, the cheaper the place the more people you’ll meet). If you ask (and I always do) the hotel will put together a dinner party for the whole gang (or as many as want to join in). It’s a great way to meet people and it’s something you only get if you’ve had a week or so to get to know people and plan it. It’s fun to hunker down in one spot over Christmas and New Years and it’s pretty common so there’ll be lots of people that have similar itineraries. (Which is why you don’t want to show up on Dec. 24 looking for a room.) Just an idea – the way you’re doing it sounds fine too. And admittedly the weather does tend to be better on the islands the farther into January you get, so that’s a small tradeoff. Good luck.

      Reply ↓
      • Jennifer H said:

        You are awesome! I love the idea of staying in Koh Pha Ngan longer and have heard amazing things about Railay area too. Do you have any recs of specific fun little bars or places to stay that you love? Would it be rediculous to try to see Bali too?

        Reply ↓
      • Dave said:

        There are no direct flights from Koh Samui to Bali so you would need to go through either Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. A combination of Bangkok Airways and Air Asia would probably work best. You’re looking at a full day of travel each way but it’s doable if you have the time. For cool bars and places to stay I like exploring the area north of Thong Sala up towards and around the northwest corner of the island. Good luck.

        Reply ↓
  23. Amy said:

    Hi Dave,

    What a fantastic blog you have here! I’ve just spent a lot of time reading through.
    My partner and I (Newcastle, Australia) are considering a visit to Thailand for our honeymoon in Sept/Oct (I know – not a great time) for 2-3 weeks. Neither of us have been before.
    We are after a relaxing time, hopefully near the beach somewhere. Can you offer any suggestions for us, as we are in two minds about going due to the time of year.
    We’d love somewhere with great food, not too touristy and reasonably private.
    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanking you. :)

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      The north Gulf Coast doesn’t get the rain that south Thailand gets. Two good places Hua Hin and Koh Samet would probably be good. Koh Samet, in particular, has great weather all year round. It can get busy mind you, especially on the weekend, as it’s a short trip from Bangkok, but there are always quiet corners to be found if you’re looking.

      Reply ↓
  24. Al said:

    Great site! Meeting our son & his family (w/3 year old) in Thailand for Christmas holiday. (They are teachers in Bangladesh.) Looking for kid-& grandparent-friendly beach, walkable to local food & shopping, with interesting day-trips possible. Would love a house/villa where we could all relax together. Flying in/out pf Bangkok, with a day or two there before hitting the beach. Any ideas?

    Reply ↓
    • Dave said:

      I would search on VRBO and AirBnB. As for location, Koh Samui and Phuket are both kid-friendly places that are great at Christmas with nice beaches and a nearby airport. Hope that helps.

      Reply ↓
  25. Anna said:

    Hi Dave – Great site!
    Wanted your opinion on a great in between island during my 3 week solo trip this July 2-24th.
    I am arriving in Bangkok then heading north to Chiang Mai for around 5 days. I have 4 days to play with then going to a yoga retreat on Koh Samui.
    I have heard great things about Railey but would like to know where (southern island, 4 days, guesthouse accommodations) you reccomend to spend some time, don’t like to party party but would still like to meet fellow travellers!
    Thanks! Anna

    Reply ↓

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