Thailand

Ko Samui - Ko Tao - Koh Phangan - Krabi - Ko Phi Phi - Phuket - Bangkok



Phuket - Bangkok - Koh Chang - Koh Kood - Bangkok

Thailand, also known as the Land of Smiles, is located in Southeast Asia and shares borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The country boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from tropical beaches and islands in the south to dense forests and mountainous regions in the north. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a vibrant metropolis filled with culture, temples, and markets. Thailand is renowned for its Buddhist temples, delicious cuisine, exotic wildlife, and hospitable locals. Thai culture is rich in traditions, festivals, and a laid-back lifestyle that attracts visitors from around the world.

Currency: Thai Baht (THB)

In October 2022, I finally crossed another destination off my bucket list and embarked on an unforgettable journey to Thailand. Together with my partner, we spent a total of 2.5 weeks exploring Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Koh Phangan, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, and Bangkok, starting from Frankfurt. We made the most of our vacation, immersing ourselves in the beauty of Thailand, from the idyllic beaches of Ko Tao to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Following this initial trip, we returned to Thailand in 2024 to revisit Phuket and Bangkok and explore new destinations, including the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Ko Yao Noi.

Samui

How to get there: The island is easy to get to from Bangkok using a number of options.

1.Flight option

This option is the fastest and easiest.

Only the airline "Bangkok Airlines" flies to Ko Samui, which flies several times a day.

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Price: between 80-150 euros

2. Option bus   ferry

This alternative can be booked, for example, via the website 12go.asia.de.

Duration: approx. 14:30 hours

Costs:  33-47€

We opted for the flight and can only recommend it due to time constraints and convenience.

Accommodation in Koh Samui

Peace Resort Ko Samui

Location: The beachfront location is great.

Costs: We paid a total of 126€ for 2 nights.

Value for money: The price-performance ratio is good.

Pros: The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The hotel itself is beautiful and the breakfast was varied and tasty. We were able to borrow stand up paddling and kayaking equipment for free.

Cons: Unfortunately there was no information from the staff or indications in the room until what time breakfast will be served.

Conclusion: We can highly recommend the Peace Resort in Ko Samui and would come back anytime.

Beaches in Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach

Since we only had limited time on Koh Samui and were only there for two nights, we decided to only visit Chaweng Beach. Located on the east coast of Koh Samui, it is the most popular beach on the island.

How to get there: we opted for a TukTuk as it was the cheapest option.

Other beaches:

• Maenam
• Lamai
• Choengmon
• Bang Por
• ...

Food in Ko Samui

There are numerous street food markets on Koh Samui, with the "Night Market Fishermans Village" being the most famous.

Things to do in Ko Samui

Central Samui

Central Samui is a large shopping mall located in Chaweng that offers a variety of shops and facilities including clothing stores and supermarkets.

Hours of Operation: Mon - Sun 11am - 9pm

Arrival to Koh Tao

Getting there:

Option Laziness vom Na thon Pier

Departure: 12:15pm and 3:30pm

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Costs: €19.48 pp

2. Option Catamaran from Pralarn Pier

Departure: 8am, 12:30pm

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Costs: €19.48 pp

The button below takes you to the provider's website.

Location: The property is a bit far from the city center, so guests have to rely on scooters or expensive shared taxis.

Cost: The price for 3 nights is 252€.

Value for money: Compared to Thai standards, the price-performance ratio is a bit too expensive.

Positive: The Eco Lodge on Ko Tao is a very special accommodation for me, as it is characterized by its environmentally conscious orientation. The accommodation is geared towards sustainability and thus protects the environment. I was also particularly impressed by the quiet and secluded location of the lodge, which created a restful and relaxed atmosphere. The property's staff is extremely friendly and dedicated, always making guests feel welcome.

Negative: That you always had to rely on scooters or expensive shared taxis and the value for money.

Conclusion: For us, staying in this unique accommodation was a special experience and the perfect place to relax.

Shark Bay

Shark Bay - section at Haad Tien Beach Resort

How to get there: Taxi/TukTuk, scooter

Admission: €2.70 pp

This beach is definitely worth a visit and for us it was the most beautiful on Ko Tao.

To get there we had to go to the reception of the adjacent resort, fill out a registration form and pay a fee of €2.70.

Note: the hotel gave us permission to film the beach with a drone.

Freedom Beach

Essen in Ko Tao

Activities in Koh Tao

Ko Nang Yuan

Ko Nang Yuan is a small island next to Koh Tao.

Getting there:

The longtail boat departs from Sairee beach in Koh Tao.

Costs: approx. €8 pp

Tip: It is best to take your bathing suit and snorkeling equipment with you!

To get to the viewpoint, you have to climb a little bit, so it is best to wear good shoes.

John Suwan Viewpoint

Sun Suwan 360 View - Viewpoint

The 360 degree platform offers breathtaking views of the beautiful bays of Shark Bay, Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Beach. The ascent was much smoother than the one up to the John Suwan viewpoint and we enjoyed every moment on the platform.

Cost: €1.50 per person

Koh Phangan

Arrival to Koh Phangan

Getting there:

Accommodation Koh Phangan

Mayara Pool Villa:

Location: The location of this property is average, however there is a bus stop nearby and the city center is easily accessible with a scooter.

Cost: 125€ per night.

Value for money: good

Pros: The host of this property is extremely accommodating and helpful, and the Airbnb not only offers a beautiful view, but also many amenities for a comfortable stay. The in-house scooter rental is particularly practical, making it easier for guests to explore the surrounding area.

Cons: There weren't any negative points - everything was great!

Conclusion: We highly recommend this accommodation for the excellent service and great facilities!

Note: Feel free to watch our video of the Mayara Pool Villa by clicking on the "Video" button.

Eat in Koh Phangan

Beaches in Koh Phangan

Beach Haad Yao

Haad Yao Beach is a beautiful beach that although touristy, has retained its natural beauty. Here you can make yourself comfortable on a comfortable lounger and enjoy the view of the crystal clear water. There are fresh fruit at the stalls and you can get delicious food and refreshing drinks in the bars. A place where you can just relax and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

How to get there: scooter, tuktuk

On the stretch of beach there are a lot of cozy restaurants and bars offering delicious food and refreshing drinks. You should definitely try the fresh coconuts - perfect for a hot day at the beach! Here you can sit back and enjoy the day.

How to get there: scooter, tuktuk

Mae Haad Beach

This beach was really beautiful, but the water at the other beaches was even more impressive.

If you're looking for a bit of quiet and a stunning backdrop, then I recommend going left. There is less hustle and bustle and you can take great photos - I took some great snaps myself.

However, if you prefer to sit on a comfortable beach chair and enjoy a cold drink, then you should stick to the right side of the beach. There you will find a beach bar.

How to get there: scooter, tuktuk

Things to do in Koh Phangan

Pure Relax Spa

Looking back, this was my favorite spa of our trip to Thailand.

The spa looked more upscale and the foot and full body massage was the best so far.

Adresse: Adresse: 145/7 moo1, thong sala koh phangan Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

Opening hours: Mon.-Sun. 10am-11pm

Info: The spa is only about a 2-minute walk from the Food Market.

The Pavilions Anana

Location: Although the hotel is not centrally located, it offers a free shuttle service to and from the beach, which is a convenient option for guests.

Cost: €44.50 per night.

Value for money: good

Pros: The hotel offers a free shuttle service to the beach, food market and downtown Ao Nang. The staff is very friendly and the price-performance ratio is right. The hotel impresses with its extremely appealing design and offers its guests a breathtaking view of the surrounding nature. Of particular note are the impressive pool, comfortable private villas and on-site gym, allowing guests to stay fit and active throughout their stay. The breakfast in the hotel offers a wide selection of different dishes and therefore something suitable for every taste.

Negative: The shuttle service could be offered more regularly and over a longer period of time.

Conclusion: We were very impressed with the hotel overall and would definitely choose it again on our next visit to Krabi.

Food in Krabi

Beaches in Krabi

During our stay in Krabi we mainly stayed at Ao Nang Beach due to the bad weather. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed it there!

Info: From there the longtail boats leave for Railay beach.

Activities in Krabi

Wat Tam Sua

The Tiger Cave Temple, also known as Wat Tam Sua, is a Buddhist temple in the northeastern part of Krabi. To reach the 278 meter high summit of the Tiger Cave Temple, 1237 steep steps have to be mastered.

Directions:

We took a grave taxi to get to the Tiger Cave Temple and agreed with the driver that he would also drive us back. We only paid the total price of about €20 on the return trip.

Tip: you can always negotiate well with the Grabfahrern and they are significantly cheaper and more trustworthy than the TukTuk's and private drivers/taxis.

Koh Phi Phi

Accommodation in Koh Phi Phi

Island Tour Monkey Beach - Snorkeling - Maya Beach

We booked this tour through our hotel.

Costs: approx. 30€ pro Person

Departure: from the jetty where the ferries depart

Monkey Beach

The Monkey Beach is quite small and we found the events to be rather sad. Some tourists didn't accept the retreat of some monkeys and instead pursued them to take close-up photos, selfies and videos with their cellphones and selfie sticks.

Please remember: If you visit Monkey Beach, please keep your distance and respect the retreat of the animals.

snorkel - swim

This place was just a dream and corresponded exactly to our ideas of Thailand. We had the option of either using our own snorkel gear or getting one from the supplier for free. While snorkeling we could see a lot of amazing and colorful fish and the atmosphere on board was just great!

Maya Beach

Biolumineszenz

At the end of the tour we spontaneously stopped at the cliffs just before the port, as you could see bioluminescence there in the dark.

The bioluminescence at the sea surface is mainly produced by small, unicellular algae and looks blue-glowing.

There was very little of this on the day, but despite everything it was a beautiful and unforgettable experience.

Phuket

Phuket, one of Thailand's largest islands, is located in the Andaman Sea off the country's west coast. The island spans an area of approximately 576 square kilometers and impresses with its diverse geography. From picturesque coastlines and white sandy beaches to dense rainforests and limestone karst formations, Phuket offers a varied landscape. Along the west coast, there are well-known beaches such as Patong, Karon, and Kata, while inland, hilly landscapes and fertile valleys await exploration. Phuket's location makes it an ideal starting point for boat trips to the surrounding islands and diving spots in the Andaman Sea.

Arrival from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket

Getting there:

Provider: Andaman Wave Master (booked via 12go.asia)

Cost: €16.50 per person

Duration: approx. 2 hours

After arriving in Phuket by ferry, we used a "grab" (a type of taxi) to get to our hotel in Patong.

Our accommodations in Phuket

Indigo Phuket Patong

Location: The hotel is centrally located in Patong

Costs: 81€

Value for money: great

Pros: The location was perfect and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. We really felt very comfortable.

Especially the breakfast buffet was absolutely perfect and left nothing to be desired. Every day there was a new vegetarian buffet with varied dishes. The gym and infinity pool were fantastic and gave us the opportunity to relax and work out. Our room was beautifully and uniquely designed.

Negative: nothing at all.

Conclusion: During our trip to Thailand, the Indigo Phuket Patong was our favorite hotel and we plan to visit it again on our next trip to Thailand.

Food in Phuket

Activities in Phuket

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Although James Bond Island is nice to look at, we were rather disappointed and thought Thailand had even more beautiful places to offer. The place is very touristy and a bit stressful because of the many people.

A little adventure awaited us as we climbed a steep set of stairs into the dark cave - be careful, it was very slippery! Inside there was a fascinating landscape of stones and rock formations to discover.

Arrived, we went to the buffet of a restaurant for lunch.

There was a special buffet for vegetarians, the food was mediocre.

The island that was built on the water was very impressive, but looking at it from the outside would have been enough. Because the island was very dirty between houses on closer exploration.

You have some time to explore the island, locals waiting for the tourists to sell you souvenirs etc. and call after them.

We got in a canoe from our boat to a canoeist and he guided us through caves. The experience was impressive, however it was very crowded due to the large number of canoes going into the caves at the same time (as can be seen in the picture).

Panya Beach is a secluded beach in southern Thailand.

Surrounded by green forests, it conveys a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere. The sand is fine and the water does not quite live up to the clear and beautiful standards of other beaches. On the beach there are some restaurants with a selection of Thai dishes and drinks.

Caution: Our guide had advised us against jet skis, which we were constantly offered, as accidents happen more frequently there.

Bangkok

Getting there:

• flight

Airline: Air Asia

Costs: €43 pp incl. checked baggage

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Bus

Cost: 20-35€ pp

Duration: 12:45-14:30 hrs

We personally recommend flying as a mode of transportation due to the time savings and convenience.

Our accommodations in Bangkok

Hotel Lancaster

Location: The location of the Lancaster Hotel in Bangkok is quite satisfactory.

Cost: 81€ per night

Value for money: Value for money is not good as there are better hotels in Bangkok for the same money.

Pros: The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. They do their best to make your stay as pleasant as possible and are always available for questions and concerns. The hotel offers a beautiful view of Bangkok.

Cons: The hotel seems dated and the gym and breakfast are not included in the rate.

Conclusion: The Hotel Lancaster in Bangkok is quite satisfactory for one night. We would choose a different accommodation on our next visit to Bangkok.

The Ember Hotel

Location: The hotel is centrally located in Bangkok, close to the party bar street. Nevertheless, it is very quiet and pleasant inside the hotel.

Cost: €69 per night.

Value for Money: Good.

Positive: The relaxed atmosphere, perfect location, and great value for money made our stay particularly enjoyable.

Negative: The breakfast could be more varied and of higher quality.

Conclusion: We can recommend the hotel.

The Quarter Ladprao Hotel

Location: The hotel is centrally located in Bangkok.

Cost: €71 per night.

Value for Money: Good.

Positive: The relaxed atmosphere, perfect location, varied breakfast, and great value for money made our stay particularly enjoyable.

Negative: None.

Conclusion: We can recommend the hotel.

Things to do in Bangkok

We only had limited time in Bangkok as we arrived in the morning and had to fly back the next morning. For this reason we limited ourselves to visiting the Train Market and shopping malls

Koh Chang is a true paradise in the Gulf of Thailand. The island captivates with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and laid-back island vibe. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find tranquility amidst nature. During my stay, I explored the diversity of the beaches, from secluded coves to lively stretches with bars and restaurants. The island also offers numerous activities such as trekking through the jungle, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and exploring picturesque waterfalls.

Arrival from  Bangkok to Koh Chang

1. Option Van + Ferry

Duration: Approximately 7 hours

Cost: €24 per person

     2. Option Flight to Trat + Van + Ferry

Duration: 1-hour flight, 3-hour van + ferry

Cost: Approximately €140

We opted for the first option as it was the more budget-friendly choice.

Accommodation on Koh Chang

Kai Bae Beach Resort

Location: The hotel is situated directly on the beach, and within a 3-minute walk, you can reach the main street with many restaurants, cafes, shops, a 7-Eleven, and other facilities.

Cost: €94 per night.

Value for Money: Okay.

Positive: The beachfront location and proximity to the bustling main street are excellent.

Negative: The reception and hotel staff were not as welcoming as expected. Upon check-in, we were simply handed a sheet with the names of hotel guests and asked to check ourselves off the list, which we found unprofessional. The breakfast lacked variety and quality, and the room was not tastefully decorated, making us feel uncomfortable in both the room and the hotel. Additionally, there were no sun loungers or seating available on the hotel beach, despite being advertised in the pictures.

Conclusion: If we were to visit Koh Chang again, we would choose a different hotel.