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Koh Chang: How to get there, what to see, and where to stay – the best beaches, hotels, and restaurants

Domi & Thomas — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:07:14 +0000

Koh Chang is Thailand’s third largest island, located near the Cambodian border in Trat Province, about 300 km southeast of Bangkok. Despite being one of Thailand’s largest islands, along with the well-known Phuket and Koh Samui, it still retains its tranquility and authenticity.

The inland is covered in dense rainforest, creating a beautiful contrast with the azure blue water. The whole island has a very relaxed atmosphere and, despite the fact that there are already many hotels, restaurants, and bars, it can still be considered a relatively less touristy island where you can forget about crowded beaches and heavy traffic. This island is therefore the ideal compromise between adventure and relaxation, whether you are traveling with a backpack or looking for a romantic getaway in nature.

How to get to Koh Chang?

We recommend traveling to Koh Chang from Bangkok. You have two options to choose from. You can either fly from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat Airport. The entire flight will take approximately 60 minutes. From there, you will need to take a ferry departing from Ao Thammachat Pier or Center Point Pier. The ferry ride to Koh Chang takes about 30-45 minutes. Ferries run several times a day.

The second option for getting to Koh Chang is to take a bus to the aforementioned port, from where you can transfer to a ferry. The ride by minibus or bus from Bangkok takes approximately 6 hours. We booked our tickets on this link.

When to visit Koh Chang

The best time to visit Koh Chang is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. During these months, the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and the water is crystal clear, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. However, most people travel to Thailand in December and January, so if you want to avoid the crowds, November or April may be the ideal time for you. However, as we have already mentioned, Koh Chang Island is not overcrowded with tourists, so you can enjoy it to the fullest even during the peak season.

Where to stay on Koh Chang

On Koh Chang Island, you will find various types of accommodation, from the most luxurious resorts to cheap hostels. However, the location may be decisive for you, depending on what you are looking for. From our own experience, we can recommend the Kai Bae Beach area, which is ideal for both families with children and couples. Here you will find a beautiful beach, excellent amenities, many restaurants, and hotels at various price levels. If you are looking for luxury, we recommend The Chill Resort and Spa, which has a great location, beautiful facilities, and all-day breakfast! If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, then MAM Kaibae Hotel may be the right choice for you.

The Chill Resort.

If you are traveling alone or looking for busier areas full of backpackers and digital nomads, we recommend the Lonely Beach area, which is known for its lively nightlife and bohemian atmosphere. If you like peace and quiet but still want to live in the center of the action, the Whitesand Beach area is a great alternative, where you will find many beautiful resorts.

The most beautiful beaches on Koh Chang Island

Koh Chang is known for its variety of beaches. You will find there busy beaches with bars and music, but also completely quiet coves where you will have no one around. Each has its own character and atmosphere, so there really is something for everyone, whether you are traveling as a couple, a group of friends, or looking for peace and quiet with a coconut in your hand. During our stay, we traveled almost the entire island from north to south, and here are the beaches that impressed us the most.

Whitesand Beach

Whitesand Beach is the most famous and developed beach on Koh Chang Island. It is a long beach with white sand and very calm and shallow water. There are many resorts, restaurants, and bars on the beach, so you can easily spend the whole day here. There are also ideal conditions for paddleboarding, and families with children will also enjoy themselves here, as there is relatively plenty of shade.

Kai Bae Beach

Kai Bae Beach is a popular tourist beach on the island. It has fine white sand and calm waters, so you can enjoy activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. From the beach, you can see the surrounding tiny islands of Koh Man Nai, Koh Man Nok, and Koh Yuak, which you can reach by kayak to go snorkeling. It also offers picturesque views of the sunset. Above the beach is the Kai Bae Viewpoint, which can be reached by car or scooter.

Lonely Beach

Lonely Beach is located on the southwest coast and can be considered the liveliest beach on the island. It is particularly popular among solo travelers and backpackers, as there are many affordable accommodations (hostels) and great nightlife. There are several beach clubs and bars on the beach, where parties and fire shows are held regularly. The most famous bars are Ting Ting Bar and Nature Beach Resort.

Long Beach

On the southern side of the island, you will find a beautiful untouched beach called Long Beach. However, you will need to travel to this beach by motorbike or taxi, and the journey will take approximately 60-80 minutes. It is a less touristy beach, but in our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful on the island. However, there is not much in the surrounding area, only one beach restaurant. It is therefore a suitable place for those who prefer more secluded places without crowds of tourists. Ideally, visit it together with Ko Ngam Island, which we will talk about later.

Wai Chaek Beach

The absolute gem of Koh Chang and, in our opinion, the most beautiful beach is Wai Cheak Beach. This beach is located on the southern side of the island and offers an absolutely authentic experience. It is a beautiful beach in a remote location, lined with dozens of palm trees. There are no shops or restaurants in the area, so if you decide to come here for the whole day, we recommend bringing enough water and
own food. However, you will need your own scooter to get here, as taxis are unlikely to take you there. The last 10 minutes require climbing a steeper rocky path. You need to be very careful when riding, and if you don’t have enough experience riding a scooter, we definitely don’t recommend it.

What to do on Koh Chang Island

However, apart from beautiful beaches, Koh Chang has much more to offer. Whether it’s trips to the surrounding islands, diving and snorkeling in the lagoons, or exploring the inland, which also has a lot to offer.

Trip to Koh Ngam Island

A popular activity on Koh Chang is visiting the neighboring small island of Ko Ngam. The island is located 1.5 km southeast of Koh Chang and is part of Mu Ko Chang National Park. The island is surrounded on both sides by emerald green water and sandy beaches. You can reach this island by water taxi, kayak, or take a day trip that includes visits to Koh Lao Ya and Ko Wai in addition to this island.

We chose the second option and paid 100 THB for a two-way boat taxi from this location. However, you will pay an additional 200 THB per person to enter the island. There are no restaurants or shops on the island, so we recommend bringing your own food. There is a small local shop located right in the harbor where you can buy tickets for the boat, so if you haven’t brought your own food, you can buy some cold drinks or snacks there. The ideal time to spend on the island is 2-3 hours.

Full-day trip to Koh Ngam + Koh Lao Ya + Ko Wai

If a few hours on Koh Ngam Island aren’t enough for you, you can book a full-day trip and explore more. The islands of Koh Lao Ya and Ko Wai offer panoramic views, crystal clear water with colorful corals, and therefore excellent conditions for snorkeling. Such trips usually last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the price ranges from 700 to 1,000 THB per person, depending on the program. Boat trips depart from Bang Bao Pier or Kai Bae Beach, but also from the same place where boat depart for Koh Ngam.

Trip to Koh Mak Island

A popular activity is visiting the nearby island of Koh Mak. This island is known for its beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and, above all, its peaceful atmosphere, as it is much smaller and less crowded than Koh Chang. You can get to Koh Mak by ferry, which runs regularly several times a day from Bang Bao Port. You will pay €16 for the ticket. The journey will take approximately 45 minutes. You can also hire a private motorboat, which will take you there in 30 minutes. You can also take a one-day trip. Tickets can be purchased at local tourist centers. You can also visit Koh Mak for several days, as there are accommodations available on the island. You can view the entire range of accommodation on this page.

Waterfalls on Koh Chang Island

In addition to beautiful beaches, the island also offers beautiful nature and many waterfalls, which can be reached by easy hiking trails that anyone can manage. So if you want to take a break from the sun and swimming and hide from the hot day, visiting one of them can be a great activity for you.

The following are worth mentioning:

Klong Phu – located on the west coast, near Klong Prao Beach. It takes about 15 minutes to get there from the parking lot, and admission is 200 THB per person.
Than Mayom – a cascading waterfall surrounded by dense jungle, where you don’t pay any fees.
Khlong Nonsi – located on the east coast, it can be reached by a short walk through rubber plantations.

Gastronomy on Koh Chang Island

On Koh Chang, you will find many great restaurants, whether you are looking for Thai specialties or restaurants offering international alternatives. Our favorite Thai restaurants included Apple Kitchen, Happy Restaurant Kai Bae Beach, and the neighboring Enjoy Life Restaurant.

If you are looking for international alternatives, be sure to visit the Italian restaurant Little Italy, Poké Bowl Koh Chang, or the Mexican restaurant El Barrio. If you are looking for nightlife, the bars around Lonely Beach are worth mentioning, such as Tingtong Bar or Himmel Bar, Kai Bae Walking Street or Oodies Bar with live oldies music.

E-Book Thailand

Koh Chang is an island full of contrasts, experiences, and colors. A place where you can spend one day discovering hidden beaches, diving among coral reefs, strolling through night markets, and enjoying the sunset over the sea in the evening. These tips are just a small taste of what this island has to offer – and perhaps it is in those unexpected moments that you will find your most beautiful memories.

If you are looking for more inspiration for other areas in Thailand, we recommend checking out our e-book, where you will find practical tips, proven itineraries, recommendations for food, accommodation, and lots of other useful advice from our own travels. It will help you plan your trip so that you can experience the best and completely stress-free. The e-book can be found here.

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations

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Complete guide to Phuket: What to see, where to stay, and the best tips for dining

Domi & Thomas — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:35:20 +0000

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, located in the south of the country in the Andaman Sea. It is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise sea, rich nightlife, and excellent Thai cuisine. Every year, millions of travelers from around the world come here in search of the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, and tropical atmosphere.

How to get to Phuket?

An advantage of this island is Phuket International Airport (HKT), located in the northern part of the island. The airport handles many domestic flights daily (e.g., from Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Koh Samui), as well as international flights from Asia and Europe. So if you are flying from Budapest or Vienna, for example, you can get here very easily and directly by plane.

However, you can also get to Phuket from the surrounding islands such as Phi Phi Islands or Krabi, from where ferries and speedboats run regularly. They usually arrive at the port of Rassada. You can book boat transfers at this link.

Where to stay in Phuket

The choice of location in Phuket can completely change your overall impression of the island. Phuket is a large island with many completely different areas. There are bustling beaches full of bars and nightlife, but also quiet coves and luxury resorts surrounded by nature. That is why choosing the right location for your accommodation is very important, as each one offers a different holiday experience.

If you are looking for entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere, you will probably love Patong or Kata. If you long for peace, beautiful sunsets, and tranquility, areas such as Nai Thon, Bang Tao, and Kamala are ideal.

From our own experience, we recommend the areas around Kata Beach or Karon Beach. Why? It is a great strategic location from which you can discover the beauty of the entire island. There are great amenities, many restaurants, and night markets. This means that in the evening, you can leave your accommodation and head out onto the streets without having to take a taxi or travel for an hour on a scooter. However, it is still a much quieter area than, for example, Patong, where there are dozens of clubs and bars. For us, it is clearly the best choice among all the areas mentioned.

What to see in Phuket

Phuket is a very diverse island where you will find not only beautiful beaches, but also viewpoints, temples, cities, promenades, and, of course, a vibrant nightlife. Another strong point of the island is its excellent cuisine and night markets, where you can enjoy the best Thai specialties for just a few euros. In this article, we bring you our favorite places that we definitely recommend to include in your itinerary.

Haad Laem Sing

The first place is a beach that not everyone knows about. And that’s why you’ll enjoy beautiful moments just for yourself here. It is a hidden beach that most tourists only admire from the viewpoint along the road. This is mainly because access to the beach is a little more complicated. But it’s nothing that can’t be handled.

The second option is to take a water taxi from Surin Beach, which costs around 200 THB per person. There is one local restaurant on the beach and a few sun loungers that you can rent. For us, it is definitely the most beautiful beach in all of Phuket!

Nui Beach

A very specific beach is Nui Beach, located on the southwest coast. From Karon or Kata, you can get here by scooter in about 25 minutes. This beach is known for its stunning scenery and views, as it is located between rocks. It is a tiny beach that gives the impression of being private because there are not many people there. The main reason for this is that access to the beach is a little more complicated.

The road to the beach is not very well constructed, so we do not recommend traveling here on your own scooter unless you have sufficient experience. However, you can leave your scooter parked up there and travel here by taxi, which will cost you 200 THB for a round trip. Another option is to rent a quad bike or walk, which will take you about 30 minutes. Entrance to the beach costs 100 THB per person. There are restaurants and sun loungers on the beach, so you can easily spend the whole day here.

Phuket Old Town

During your visit to Phuket, you should definitely visit the old town, which is also known as the historic heart of Phuket. It is located inland, about a 40-minute drive from Patong and a 30-minute drive from the international airport. Tourists are particularly attracted by its beautiful combination of Chinese and Portuguese architecture, which is characterized by distinctive facades, wooden shutters, and colorful tiles on the houses. You will also find many colorful shops, temples, street art, and many small cafes and restaurants.

If you visit this place during the weekend, you can enjoy the weekend market. This is the largest street food market in Phuket, where you can taste many Thai specialties and buy beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs. While walking around the market, you will also come across lively street performances, which add to the great atmosphere. The best time to visit is between 6-7 p.m., when it has the best Thai atmosphere.

Bangla Road

Bangla Road, also known as Bangla Walking Street, is the main center of nightlife on the entire island. You will find a huge number of bars, clubs, and restaurants, loud music, and all kinds of street performers. All cars and motorcycles are prohibited from entering this street after 6 p.m., so you can only get here on foot.

The best time to visit is after 9 p.m., when you can enjoy the real atmosphere. The bars on this street are open until around 3 a.m. If you are traveling here from surrounding areas such as Kata Beach, Karon Beach, or Kamala Beach, we recommend arriving by taxi or tuk-tuk to avoid unnecessary complications with parking.

Karon Temple

If you are staying in the Karon or Kata Beach area, Karon Temple is also worth mentioning, where you can soak up the beauty of Thai culture. It is a beautiful Buddhist temple decorated with colorful mosaics and golden statues of Buddha. If you come here on Tuesday or Friday after 4 p.m., you can also enjoy the Karon Temple Night Market, which has a unique atmosphere.

Nai Thon Beach

Nai Thon Beach is located in the north of Phuket Island, just 15 minutes from the airport. So if you are staying in the Kata or Karon Beach area, you will need a car or scooter to get here. The journey will take approximately 60-80 minutes depending on traffic. It is a kilometer-long beach with fine golden sand, offering a relaxed atmosphere. On the far left side of the beach, there is also an iconic wooden staircase where you can take beautiful photos. Location here.

Bannana Beach

Banana Beach was declared the 2nd most beautiful beach in the world in 2025. It is located in the north of the island, just a 5-minute scooter ride from the aforementioned Nai Thon Beach. It is a tiny hidden cove shaped like a crescent moon. Park your scooter right by the road and in about 2 minutes you’ll be in paradise. You will enjoy undisturbed relaxation and an authentic atmosphere there. There is one local restaurant on the beach where you can buy cold drinks or snacks.

Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach is a great choice for those who live in busier areas such as Patong or Karon Beach, but are looking for a quieter atmosphere. This beach is located just 13 minutes from the famous Patong or Karon beaches. However, it is a much quieter beach with white sand and turquoise water. However, you will have to pay 100 THB per person to enter the beach. If you don’t have a car or scooter, you can easily get here by taxi or tuk-tuk.

Mai Khao Beach

If you want a unique experience, don’t miss Mai Khao Beach. From this beach, it is possible to watch planes landing at the nearby airport. From this perspective, you can take really beautiful photos. However, please be aware that flying drones is not permitted on the beach, as it is located in close proximity to the airport.

Karon Viewpoint

If you love sunsets, Phuket is the right place for you. Most beaches face west, so you can enjoy a truly unique atmosphere. However, if you are looking for something a little more special, Karon Viewpoint is worth mentioning, offering stunning panoramic views of the sea and surrounding beaches.

What to see around Phuket

One of Phuket’s greatest strengths is its excellent strategic location. If you are staying here for more than a week, we definitely recommend exploring the surrounding areas.

Trip to the Similan Islands

One of the most beautiful trips you can take from Phuket is definitely a full-day trip to the Similan Islands. These islands offer crystal clear waters and soft sand, and are often compared to the world-famous Seychelles. During the trip, you will also make several stops for snorkeling, and if you are lucky, you will also take home the experience of swimming with turtles. You can read all about the trip to the Similan Islands in this article.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Another beautiful place worth visiting from Phuket is the Samet Nangshe viewpoint. The viewpoint is located near the village of Ban Samet, about 30 km north of Phang Nga and approximately 1.5 hours by car from Phuket. Located on a hill 200 meters above sea level, it offers a beautiful panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay that will definitely take your breath away.

You can travel to the viewpoint directly from Phuket. However, you should be prepared for a journey of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Another option is to find accommodation in Phang Nga, which is only a 30-minute drive or motorbike ride away.

The third option is to stay at the Samet Nangshe Goodview Hotel or the Samenangshe Boutique, which are located right next to the viewpoint and offer equally beautiful views of the bay from the hotels themselves. However, these hotels are usually booked several months in advance and you should also be prepared for high prices.

Trip to Phang Nga Bay – James Bond Island

A beautiful place that we recommend visiting during your stay in Phuket is Phang Nga Bay. This bay is located 30 km northeast of Phuket (approximately 1-1.5 hours by car) and is known for its emerald green waters surrounded by limestone cliffs and beautiful nature.

The easiest way to explore the beauty of this national park is by boat. You can book a group or individual trip at this link.

Looking for the best contacts for trips? In our ebook, you will find direct contacts for private tour operators in Phuket, Koh Yao Yai, and Krabi who will organize the best private tours for you at a fraction of the price. You can find more information about our ebook on this page.

Koh Yao Yai

If you are looking for an island to combine with your vacation in Phuket, but don’t want to travel too far, Koh Yao Yai is a great alternative. It is a tiny local island, only 30 minutes by boat from the famous Phuket. You won’t find crowds of people, nightlife, or many luxury restaurants here. However, you will enjoy undisturbed peace, beautiful beaches, and the local atmosphere. You can read more about Koh Yao Yai in this article.

Cuisine in Phuket

Phuket has dozens of highly rated restaurants and cafés. In addition to local specialties, you will also find international restaurants and establishments offering vegan cuisine. Just open Google and look at the reviews, we guarantee that it will be difficult to choose from such a wide range of restaurants. However, we have been to Phuket several times and have our favorite places that we definitely recommend you visit.

Number 6 – Patong

Our first recommendation is Number 6 in Patong. This is a local restaurant where you will probably have to wait in line for a table. You will then be seated at a table with other people and given a menu featuring local specialties. Even though demand for this restaurant is really high, prices remain low.

One Chun Cafe & Restaurant

If you want to try Pad Thai recommended by the Michelin Guide, you must visit One Chun Restaurant. This restaurant is located in Phuket’s old town. Pad Thai costs around €4 here, but it tastes really great!

Kata Night Market

If you are staying near Kata Beach or Karon Beach, Kata Walking Street is a must-see. This market is open every day from 4 p.m. You can enjoy great street food here for just a few euros.

Soul Vegan

If you are vegan or looking for a place to have breakfast, brunch, or great coffee, we recommend visiting Soul Vegan. The restaurant is located just a few minutes from the famous Karon Beach, and in addition to its excellent food and drink offerings, you will also be enchanted by its beautiful surroundings.

E-Book Thailand

Phuket is an island full of contrasts, experiences, and colors. A place where you can spend one day discovering hidden beaches, diving among coral reefs, strolling through night markets, and enjoying the sunset over the sea in the evening. These tips are just a small taste of what this island has to offer – and perhaps it is in those unexpected moments that you will find your most beautiful memories.

If you are looking for more inspiration on Phuket or other areas in Thailand, we recommend checking out our e-book, where you will find practical tips, proven itineraries, recommendations for food, accommodation, and lots of other useful advice from our own travels. It will help you plan your trip so that you can experience the best and completely stress-free. The e-book can be found here.

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations

TOP 10 beaches in Phuket you must visit

Domi & Thomas — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 17:43:32 +0000

How to get to Phuket?

Where to stay in Phuket

Beaches in Phuket

One of the main reasons tourists travel to Thailand is for its beautiful beaches with turquoise water, white sand, and vibrant atmosphere. It is no different on the island of Phuket, where you will find many great beaches.

We would divide Phuket’s beaches into three categories:

City beaches with a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities
Beaches with the perfect balance – neither too busy nor too quiet
Hidden coves without crowds of tourists

City beaches with a lively atmosphere

Patong Beach

Phuket’s city beaches are buzzing with energy from morning till night. You will find here bustling promenades, numerous bars, restaurants, and water activities. They are the ideal choice for those seeking a combination of sun, fun, and social life right on the beach. Among these beaches is Patong Beach, which is undoubtedly the wildest beach in all of Phuket. It is an ideal choice for young people who appreciate beach bars, music, and a variety of water sports and adrenaline-fueled activities. If you are coming to Phuket for rest and relaxation, we recommend skipping this beach.

Kata Beach & Karon Beach

Even though these beaches are a little quieter than Patong Beach, you will still find plenty of activities, restaurants, and bars here. As many tourists live in this area, these beaches tend to be very crowded during the day, and you will also find a large number of sun loungers that take up a large part of the beach.

All three of the mentioned beaches are, in our opinion, very average in terms of the cleanliness of the beach, water, and surroundings, so we definitely recommend exploring other places. However, city beaches can be the perfect place to watch the sunset, when the atmosphere is truly wonderful.

Beaches with the perfect balance – neither too busy nor too quiet

If you are looking for a place that combines peace and quiet with easy access to amenities, and you want to avoid crowded resorts, these beaches are the ideal choice for you. They offer beautiful nature, clean sea, but also plenty of restaurants and bars to relax throughout the day.

Freedom Beach

This category includes, for example, the beautiful Freedom Beach, located just 13 minutes from the famous Patong or Karon beaches. However, it is a much quieter beach with white sand and turquoise water. However, you will have to pay 100 THB per person to enter the beach.

Kamala Beach

Kamala Beach is a quiet, family-friendly beach with a pleasant atmosphere, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet but who don’t want to be completely isolated from the outside world. In the surrounding area, you will find cozy cafes, massage saloons, and local markets.

Surin Beach

Surin Beach is often referred to as the millionaires’ beach, as there are many beautiful luxury resorts in the surrounding area. The sea here is calm and clean, providing ideal conditions for swimming. We especially liked the right side of the beach, which felt very natural and authentic, as there were no sun loungers all over the beach and there was also a beautiful view of the sunset.

Nai Thon Beach

Hidden coves without crowds of tourists

If you love secluded beaches that you want to have all to yourself, we have alternatives for you! Many people don’t know this, but Phuket also offers hidden beaches where you can completely forget about the crowds of tourists and beaches crowded with sun loungers.

Bannana Beach

One of them is definitely Banana Beach, which was named the second most beautiful beach in the world in 2025. It is located in the north of the island, just a 5-minute scooter ride from the aforementioned Nai Thon Beach. It is a tiny hidden cove shaped like a crescent moon. Park your scooter right by the road and in about 2 minutes you’ll be in paradise. You will enjoy undisturbed relaxation and an authentic atmosphere there. There is one local restaurant on the beach where you can buy cold drinks or snacks.

Haad Laem Sing Beach

Well, our favorite beach in Phuket is definitely Haad Laem Sing Beach. It is a hidden beach that most tourists only admire from the viewpoint along the road. This is mainly because access to the beach is a little more complicated. But it’s nothing that can’t be handled.

There are two ways to get to the beach. The first ine is be foot through the forest, which takes about 10 minutes. The route starts on the far left side of Surin Beach, from where there are very good signs leading to the beach itself. The second option is to take a water taxi from Surin Beach, which costs around 200 THB per person. There is one local restaurant on the beach and a few sun loungers that you can rent. For us, it is definitely the most beautiful beach in all of Phuket!

Nui Beach

It is a tiny beach that gives the impression of being private because there are not many people there. The main reason for this is that access to the beach is a little more complicated. The road leading directly to the beach is not very well constructed, so we do not recommend traveling here on your own scooter unless you have sufficient experience. However, you can leave your scooter parked up there and travel here by taxi, which will cost you 200 THB for a round trip. Another option is to rent a quad bike or walk, which will take you about 30 minutes. Entrance to the beach costs 100 THB per person.

There are restaurants and sun loungers on the beach, so you can easily spend the whole day here. It is not as remote as Leam Sing or Banana Beach, but it is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches Phuket has to offer.

However, Phuket’s beaches are not the only thing worth visiting. If you want to know about other beautiful places, viewpoints, and gastronomy in Phuket, you can read about them in this article.

Similan Islands

Phuket is also known for its excellent strategic location for excursions in the surrounding area. One of the best trips you can take is a full-day trip to the Similan Islands. You can read more about the entire trip at this link.

E-Book Thailand

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations

Internet in Thailand: eSIM solution for convenient connection

Advantages of eSIM:

instant connection, no roaming,
no need to search for stores selling traditional SIM cards,
easy installation and data management directly on your phone,
flexible data plans,
coverage in hundreds of countries.

Get your eSIM and internet instantly with Simify – use the discount code “TROUBLE15” to get 15% off. Activate now and be connected as soon as you land!

Get eSim

TOP 10 things you must see in Bangkok

Domi & Thomas — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 19:13:08 +0000

Bangkok is exactly the kind of city that you either love or need to give it a second chance. It is noisy, hot, chaotic… but also full of colors, flavors, and experiences you will never forget.

Modern shopping centers mix with traditional temples, luxurious rooftop bars with stalls where you can get Pad Thai for a few euros. If you’re heading to Bangkok and don’t know where to start, here are 10 places that we think are definitely worth visiting.

Our list of places combines culture, entertainment, shopping, and gastronomy.

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and is considered one of the most important monuments in Thailand. It is a large complex, which also includes the famous Wat Phra Kaew, located along the Chao Phraya River. It is currently used for various ceremonial events, as the Dusit Palace is home to the Thai royal family. The complex includes an emerald Buddha, whose clothing is changed three times a year to represent the changing seasons (summer, winter, and rainy season).

You will find many golden decorations, murals, and sculptures, as well as gardens with beautifully trimmed trees. Admission is the most expensive of all the temples in Bangkok at 500 THB, but it is definitely worth it. We recommend arriving early in the morning, both because of the crowds of tourists and because of the heat. And don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing, as entry is only permitted with your shoulders and knees covered.

Chinatown

Bangkok’s Chinatown is a completely different world in the middle of the city. If you love food, the atmosphere of night markets, and a healthy dose of chaos, then you have to experience this place for yourself. The narrow streets are lined with street stalls selling everything from legendary dim sum to exotic delicacies that you might not even want to know what they are. The air is filled with the aroma of spices, grilled meat, and sweet tea, while red lanterns, golden signs, and traditional Chinese temples flash before your eyes.

Chinatown isn’t just about food, it’s an experience for all the senses that will show you a different side of Bangkok. We recommend coming in the evening after dark, when the whole neighborhood is beautifully lit up.

Tichuca Rooftop Bar

There are so many rooftop bars in Bangkok that it’s really hard to find the best one. The selection factors may include, for example, location, entrance fee, or whether it is necessary to reserve a table in advance. Since we were staying in the Sukhumvit area and looking for something last minute without reservations or admission fees, we decided to visit Tichuca Rooftop Bar.

It is a bar with a unique design, reminiscent of a colorful octopus. at 46th floor, which offers a 360-degree view of the entire city of Bangkok. The bar is open every day from 5 p.m., and we recommend arriving as early as possible to secure a spot and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is one of the most iconic temples in Bangkok and a place you definitely shouldn’t miss. The main attraction is a huge statue of a reclining Buddha, which is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. However, the temple complex is much larger and less crowded than other tourist spots in the city, which is another reason why we liked it so much. Another advantage is that the entrance fee is lower here – 300 THB.

To visit it, you need to have your knees and shoulders covered. If you don’t have one, you’ll find many street vendors selling sarongs or iconic elephant pants before you enter. The temple is located near the aforementioned Grand Palace, so you can easily visit both in one day.

Lumphini Park

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Lumphini Park is the perfect place to relax. This spacious city park offers peaceful lakes, jogging trails, and picnic areas. The biggest surprise, however, are the huge lizards that roam freely here. They are not dangerous, but their size will definitely surprise you!

Lumphini is great for walking, boating, or just taking a break and soaking up the calmer atmosphere of Bangkok. The park is open daily from early morning until evening (usually from 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.), admission is free, and the best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature is more pleasant. The easiest way to get here is by subway (MRT). The Lumphini stop is right at the park entrance.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

If you want to experience the true atmosphere of Bangkok and pick up some interesting souvenirs, clothing, or local specialties, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a place you shouldn’t miss. This market is one of the largest markets in the world, with more than 15,000 stalls. From vintage items, handmade decorations, clothing, and furniture to live animals (yes, they have those too!). Be prepared for crowds, a lively atmosphere, and bargaining, as prices are often negotiable.

There are also great food stalls here. We recommend stopping here to try the Peking duck soup. The market is only open on weekends, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., so plan your visit for these days. There is no fee for entering the market. The easiest way to get here is by subway (MRT) or train; the Chatuchak Park or Mo Chit stops are right at the market entrance.

Terminal 21

Modern shopping centers are another dominant feature of Bangkok. We fell in love with the Terminal 21 shopping center, which is completely different from the others, as it literally makes you feel like you are traveling around the world. Each floor belongs to a specific country, which is reflected not only in the design of the floor, but also in the shops and restaurants you will find there. Among other things, the transitions between floors are designed in the style of airport terminals. You will find floors such as Tokyo, Istanbul, San Francisco, along with an iconic bridge in the center of the shopping mall, and Hollywood.

Khao San Road

Khao San Road is a place you will either love or is enough to see once in your lifetime. It is one of the most famous streets in Bangkok and has been attracting travelers from all over the world for years. You can expect a mix of bars, street food, shops selling everything imaginable (and unimaginable), cheap massages, and a wild atmosphere that really comes alive after dark.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, Rambuttri Road is just a few steps away and offers a similar vibe, but without the noise and crowds. It is ideal for an evening dinner by lantern light or a drink in a bar with pleasant music.

Khao San Road is easily accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus, but the nearest metro/MRT station is a little further away, so we recommend planning your trip in advance (e.g., by combining a river boat ride with a short walk).

Jodd Fairs

As we mentioned earlier, Bangkok offers a wide variety of street food, where you can enjoy the best Thai specialties for just a few euros. However, if you are looking for a more modern market, we have a solution for you. Jodd’s Fair will win you over with its great atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. There are also outdoor bars with live music, and its location among skyscrapers gives it a completely different atmosphere.

The market is open from 5 p.m. to midnight. During your visit, you will see many restaurants offering huge pork bones or ribs with meat that people eat with their hands. We recommend trying it, it’s completely different from the meat we’re used to at home.

% Arabica Empire Tower

And the cherry on top is Bangkok’s greatest hidden gem. We probably don’t need to tell you that there are many unique cafés offering excellent coffee selections. Whether you are looking for a café with a garden or a place where you can play with four-legged friends while enjoying your coffee, you will find everything here.

However, we were looking for a place where we could enjoy great coffee with a beautiful view. Many people visit Mahanakhon Skywalk, located on the 78th floor, which attracts hundreds of tourists every day. However, be prepared for high admission fees (approx. €30 per person) and crowds of people. But we have an alternative for you! Right across from this famous viewpoint is the Empire Tower, where you will find a café called %Arabica on the 55th floor. It is a well-known chain of cafés with several locations throughout Thailand. There is no entrance fee, so you can enjoy the same beautiful views of the entire city with a great cup of coffee in your hand. You simply must visit this place!

E-Book Thailand

Bangkok is a city of contrasts, experiences, and surprises. A place where you can spend a day wandering through markets, discovering ancient temples, sampling street food, and enjoying an evening drink with a view of the skyscrapers. These 10 tips are just a fraction of what this city has to offer, and perhaps it is in those unplanned moments that you will find your most beautiful memories.

If you are looking for more inspiration for Bangkok or other areas in Thailand, we recommend checking out our e-book, where you will find practical tips, proven itineraries, recommendations for food, accommodation, and lots of other useful advice from our own travels. It will help you plan your trip so that you can experience the best and completely stress-free. The e-book can be found here.

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations

Complete Guide to Chiang Mai: Where to Stay, What to See, and Where to Eat!

Domi & Thomas — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:00:42 +0000

Thailand is a huge and diverse country and when planning your holiday you will probably want to have something other than beautiful islands and beaches on your itinerary. Therefore, many people include the city of Chiang Mai, located in the north of Thailand, in their holidays. It is a vibrant city that is especially famous for its magnificent temples and location in the mountainous region of Thailand. So let’s talk a little bit more about it. Is it worth a visit?

How to get to Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has an international airport that serves both domestic and international flights. You can fly here for example from Bangkok or Phuket. However, if you don’t want to take a domestic flight and you like adventure, you can also arrive here by train from Bangkok. Trains usually depart from Hua Lamphong Station and your journey will take 11-15 hours. This is a very nice experience ride through the inland of Thailand, during which you can enjoy the magnificent views of nature and picturesque Thai villages. Tickets can be viewed and purchased at this link.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

The city of Chiang Mai is divided into several areas. Some areas are touristic, others are for digital nomads who live in Chiang Mai for the long term, and some are for locals. However, if you’re only travelling to Chiang Mai for a few days, you’ll probably want to have everything near you.

We therefore recommend staying in the old historical centre (old quarter). There is an incredibly wide range of accommodation in the area, from cheaper hostels and hotels to the more luxurious ones. So it’s up to you which option you choose.

For us, the most important thing was the location of the accommodation and we were looking for a hotel in the middle price category. We stayed specifically in the hotel Roseate Hotel Chiang Mai which met all our requirements. We paid 17€ per night for two people without breakfast, which you don’t really need in Thailand. The rooms were spacious, clean and air conditioned. The hotel was close to the night market, and we also had some great restaurants and cafes and beautiful temples nearby. The full list of accommodation in Chiang Mai can be found at this link.

Rooms are spacious and clean.

Rules for entering temples

To visit the temples and enjoy the beautiful Thai culture to the fullest, you need to follow a few rules. One of them is an appropriate dresscode, which applies especially to women. To enter the temple, you must have your shoulders and knees covered. Guys can wear short pants.

If you want to explore the interior of the temples, you need to take off your hat, cap or any other headcover. They prohibit flying drones around temples without permission. Usually, admission to the temples is free or by voluntary contribution.

It is mandatory to have shoulders and knees covered in all temples, especially women.

The most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai and its surroundings

There are an incredible number of temples in and around Chiang Mai, each one of them is unique. You probably won’t be able to visit all of them during your visit, so we’ve added some tips on our favourites here.

Some of them are located in the historical centre of the city, others are several kilometres away and you will need a scooter, a car, a taxi or a group tour to visit them. Chiang Mai also has a very well-functioning online taxi service, Grab, which you can use for transfers.

Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan)

For us, the most beautiful temple in the whole Chiang Mai was the Silver Temple. The temple is open every day from 7am to 7pm, but as one of the few temples there is an entrance fee of 50THB. Water is also included. An interesting feature of this temple is that only men are allowed to enter the interior, women can only admire the temple from the outside.

Wat Suan Dok

A very nice complex is also Wat Suan Dok, which is also located in the historical centre of the city. There is no charge for this temple and it is open every day from 6am to 6pm.

Wat Umong

This temple is located about 10 minutes by scooter from the historic centre. The beautiful atmosphere is given by the park in the middle of which this complex is situated. There is no entrance fee to the temple, but if you want to see the ancient tunnels, you pay a symbolic entrance fee. You can also feed the fish in the pond at this place.

Wat Pha Lat

Located approximately 17 minutes from Chiang Mai city centre. This is one of our favourite temples as it is located in the mountains, you can also enjoy a beautiful waterfall in the surrounding area and overall it is a nice escape from the hot days in the city centre. Admission is free and the temple is open every day from 6am to 6pm.

Wat Phra That Doi Southep

Among the most famous temples in this region is definitely Wat Phra That Doi Southep. You will have to climb dozens of stairs to reach it. We therefore recommend you bring plenty of water and visit in the early morning hours to avoid the heat and crowds. Entrance fee is 30 THB. There are also plenty of souvenir stands in the area where you can buy drinks and other refreshments.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham

Nearby is a huge Buddha statue, which is also worth a visit. Again, there is no charge for entry. The complex can be visited from 6am to 6pm and you can buy some souvenirs in the area as a souvenir or ice cream to refresh yourself.

Other temples in downtown Chiang Mai that are worth mentioning:

Wat Lok Moli
Wat Rajamontean
Wat Pa Prao Nai
Wat Chang Taem
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Mahawan

Want to know about other activities and unique places in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai? Read more in our ebook Thailand: Ultimate guide to paradise.

Wat Rajamontean.

Gastronomy in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is not just about beautiful culture. If you are a lover of good Thai food or great coffee, you will find it here. What even surprised us was that the prices in restaurants were even lower than in other parts of Thailand. For such a classic main meal in a local restaurant like Pad Thai you will pay about 60-70 THB. And there are plenty of good local restaurants! In some, you may even have to queue up to get a free table.

Our favorite restaurant was Aroy Dee and Its Good Kitchen. Both are located in the old town. Also worth mentioning is the Khao Soi Maesai restaurant, which was recommended by the Michelin Guide. It’s a great place to sample Khao Soi soup, a typical dish of northern Thailand. You will pay about 60 THB for it here. However, you will have to wait in line for 20-30 minutes to get in. However, this restaurant is only open until 4pm, so if you head here for dinner, you’ll be disappointed.

The kitchen at Khao Soi Maesai is located right inside the restaurant.

You will pay about 1,3 Eur for one meal.

There are also many great cafes in Chiang Mai. Worth mentioning for example are:

Mars Cafe
Good Shot Coffee Bar
Caramellow Cafe
Green Roasters
Chom Cafe & Restaurant

In this cafe you will feel like you are on a completely different planet.

Such a paradise was located in the garden of this cafe.

E-Book Thailand

If you are a lover of culture and great food, the north of Thailand may be the perfect place to include in your Thai itinerary. Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? In our ebook you will find more than 400 locations and many practical tips on how to travel around Thailand and save money. You can find more information in the “e–books” section or on this page.

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations

Koh Samui – Complete guide: where to stay, what to see, tips on restaurants and hidden gems!

Domi & Thomas — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:47:43 +0000

The island of Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of Thailand. It is the second largest island of Thailand, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations and we know why. You will find here everything you can expect from a holiday in Thailand. Beautiful beaches with clear water, great views, temples that will introduce you to Thai culture, but also plenty of opportunities for excursions and activities in the area. Among other things, here you will find all price categories of accommodation and food. It’s up to you whether you choose to visit the night street food markets every night or prefer the classy restaurants. So let’s talk a little more about this island.

How to get there?

The advantage of Koh Samui is that there is an international airport (USM) on the island, which serves domestic flights from Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, but also international flights e.g. from Singapore. The other option is to take a ferry from Donsak Pier in Surat Thani, which will take you about 1.5 hours. Ferry tickets can be booked through the 12goasia platform.

When is the best season on Koh Samui?

Koh Samui and its surroundings are a bit different than other parts of Thailand. Even though the high season (dry season) starts in well-known parts like Phuket, Krabi or Phi Phi Islands in early November, it’s a bit different on Koh Samui.

The island experiences a monsoon season from mid-November to mid-December, which is accompanied by heavy rains. Of course, this is not a rule, but if you want to avoid disappointment and enjoy the sunny days, we recommend arriving after December 15th. During the monsoon season, some activities may also be restricted, such as. trips to Ang Thong National Park. The best time to visit Koh Samui is mid-December to the end of April.

Where to stay

As we have already mentioned, the island of Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand. The choice of accommodation can therefore be crucial. There are areas of the island that are great for nightlife, but also areas where you can enjoy undisturbed peace on the beach at sunset. As a rule, however, the following areas can be considered the best parts:

Fisherman’s Village

A great location for lovers of Thailand’s bustling atmosphere and for those who want to have everything close at hand. There is the most famous night street food market, many restaurants, cafes and beautiful beaches nearby. If you are looking for luxury accommodation, we definitely recommend Karma Resort.

Karma Resort was among the top 100 luxury hotels in the world in 2024!

Chaweng Beach

For those looking for nightlife and active holidays, we recommend living in the Chaweng Beach area. Accommodation offers can be found here.

West Coast (Noi Beach/Taling Ngam)

If you come to Koh Samui for relaxation and want to stay away from the crowds, the west coast may be the place for you. However, you should be prepared for the fact that you will not find well-known night markets in the area, nor as good amenities as in the other mentioned areas. However, the beautiful sunsets on the beach will be a bonus for you. An affordable hotel is the TUI Passage, located right on the beach.

TUI Passage Resort.

What to see on Koh Samui?

Koh Samui has something for everyone. We would divide the main tourist places and attractions into the following four groups:

Beaches on Koh Samui
Temples on Koh Samui
Viewpoints in Koh Samui
Excursions around Koh Samui

Beaches on Koh Samui

One of the main reasons why people travel to Thailand is its beautiful coastline. The beaches on Koh Samui are a testament to this, and you’re sure to love them. You will find ones that have a great atmosphere and you can do various water and other activities there. Another group of beaches are those located on the west coast of the island, offering views of beautiful sunsets on the sea. The third and our favourite group of beaches are the ones that are a bit less developed, but they will make you feel like you’re in paradise! Here you will enjoy undisturbed relaxation and calm waters that are suitable for swimming or snorkeling.

Chaweng Beach

If you’re looking for water and beach sports and a lively atmosphere, we recommend visiting Chaweng Beach. There are many restaurants and bars, massage salons and even beach clubs nearby.

Lamai Beach

A similar beach popular among young people is Lamai Beach, which is surrounded by many shops, markets and restaurants.

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay, also known as Silver Beach, is also a popular beach. This is a slightly quieter beach than the previous two, but you’ll still find there great amenities and atmosphere.

Crystal Bay.

Coral Bay

Right next to Crystal Bay is the smaller and less crowded Coral Bay beach. It is a smaller beach where you can enjoy more privacy. It has a slightly steeper entrance to the sea and does not have as soft sand as Crystal Bay. There is also a beach restaurant, so you can spend the whole day here relaxing.

Coral Bay Beach.

Ban Tai Beach

If you are a lover of less developed beaches, we have a solution for you. We found the most beautiful ones on the northern part of Koh Samui. Our favourite was Ban Tai Beach, which is not so well known among tourists and can be considered a hidden paradise! Beautiful white sand, clear water with ideal conditions for swimming or paddleboarding and a beach lined with dozens of palm trees. There are also a few restaurants and hotels on the beach, but not as many as the aforementioned beaches.

Ban Tai Beach.

Maenam Beach and Bang Po Beach

Maenam Beach and Bang Po Beach are also nearby – both very nice and quiet beaches suitable for relaxing and escaping the crowds, especially during the peak season.

Bang Po Beach.

Maenam Beach.

Lipa Noi Beach and Nathon Beach

The third group are the aforementioned beaches on the west coast of the island. They are a bit more out of the way, so unless you live in this area, be prepared for a longer journey by car or scooter. The most famous beaches are Lipa Noi Beach and Nathon Beach. We recommend visiting these beaches at sunset to enjoy the most beautiful atmosphere.

Temples on Koh Samui

During your holiday in Thailand, you will definitely want to enjoy something other than beach days. Koh Samui is a great place to explore Thai culture. There are many beautiful temples and complexes that will literally take your breath away. However, care must be taken when visiting their culture, especially by dressing appropriately. You should keep your shoulders and knees covered, and it is forbidden to fly a drone around the temples unless you have the correct permit. Admission to temples is usually free or in the form of a voluntary contribution. Our favourite temples are:

Big Buddha Temple – a 12-meter high statue that you will probably see from the window of the plane.
Wat Plai Laem – located approximately 4 minutes from Big Buddha. It is a large complex where you will enjoy the varied architecture that combines Chinese and Thai influences.
Red Temple – also known as Wat Ratchathammaram is a place worth visiting during your holiday on Koh Samui. Admission is free.
Magic Garden – a great rest stop in the middle of the forest is the secret garden of Buddha. It is a mystical place where you will find statues of warriors, shrines and other figures from Thai mythology.

Wat Plai Laem.

Magic Garden.

Viewpoints in Koh Samui

Our favourite activity on every holiday is visiting places with beautiful views. If you’re the same way, you’ll find your way here too. However, we recommend that you visit the viewpoints either early in the morning or before sunset to save yourself the unnecessary climb in the middle of the day in the heat.

Overlap Stone 1

Our favorite viewpoint was Overlap Stone 1. It is an iconic stone located on a hilltop, and from which you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Koh Samui. There is no heavy hiking involved, the whole climb takes about 5 minutes and is on a concrete path and stairs. However, the entrance fee to the viewpoint is up to 200 THB and also includes parking and one cold drink, which you will receive on departure. If you don’t want to pay such a high entrance fee, we have an alternative for you.

Overlap Stone 1.

Overlap Stone 2

If you continue on your scooter a little higher (about 5 minutes ride), you will reach the parking lot for another viewpoint called Overlap Stone 2, which many people have no idea about yet. This viewpoint can be reached on foot in about 15-20 minutes from the car park and you need to bring suitable footwear. The entrance fee is only a symbolic 20 THB. There is also an iconic hand on the top, from which you can see the island like the palm of your hand. The stone on the lookout is a bit smaller, but overall the lookout is set at an even higher elevation than Overlap Stone 1, so it offers majestic views. There is also a small local buffet at the top where you can buy snacks.

Hneď vedľa kameňa sa nachádza takáto ruka.

Samui Viewpoint

The third viewpoint worth mentioning is Samui Viewpoint. Located in the central part of the island, it offers panoramic views on every side. The summit itself can be reached by motorbike or jeep. However, the last stretch of the road is on a dirt road, so you need to be careful. There is no entrance fee, but you can have a drink or a meal in the restaurant.

Excursions around Koh Samui

If you’re travelling to Koh Samui for a few weeks, you’ll probably get tired of visiting beaches and temples. But the adventure doesn’t end there! You can still go exploring the surrounding places and islands.

Ang Thong National Park

The most famous trip is a day trip to Ang Thong National Park. This particular park is closed from mid-October to mid-December. So if you are travelling here mainly for that, you should avoid this date. Trips usually start in the early morning and end before sunset. During them you will enjoy beautiful views, beaches and snorkeling. The national park is reminiscent of the famous Raja Ampat in Indonesia and is definitely worth a visit. You can find the offer of trips on this link.

National Park Ang Thong.

Attention! In Ang Thong National Park it is forbidden to fly a drone without a permit. If you want to get a permit, you need to follow certain steps and get all the necessary paperwork. You can read about how to proceed in our step-by-stepguide “How to legally fly a drone in Thailand in 2025“.

Koh Mat Sum – Pig Island

Another option is to visit the so-called Pig Island (Koh Mat Sum). It is a tiny island inhabited by dozens of pigs. You can go here as part of group trips, which you can book, for example, on this link.

The other option is to arrive individually from Thong Krut Pier. The price for a private longtail boat for two people is 2400 THB. However, if you share it with other tourists, you will pay THB 600 per person (both ways).

There is no need to book such a boat in advance, as there are many of them. The boat trip takes about 30 minutes. There is a symbolic entrance fee of 50 THB. On the island you can play with the big and small pigs, feed them or enjoy a sunny day on the beach. It is definitely a unique experience that families with children will enjoy. However, you should be prepared for a big crowd of tourists and also for the fact that there is a big smell of pigs on the island and the beach looked a bit dirty to us. So it’s up to you if you want to include this trip in your itinerary.

There are many small and larger pigs on the island.

Pig island.

Gastronomy on Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a well-developed island where you can find everything. Whether you want to dine at night markets, local restaurants or are more into Western and European cuisine. But of course, the prices of the meals depend on this. While in a local restaurant or market you will pay 2-3€ for a main meal, brunch in a café or dinner in a luxury restaurant can cost you 20-30€. Here’s a list of our favourite places:

Night markets – Fisherman’s Village Market, Chaweng Night Market, Lamai Night Market
Local restaurants – Mr. Kai Kitchen, Thai Kitchen (near Lamai Beach), Lop Mum Thai Food
Kaviarne – Sweet and Salty, To be Sweet, The cott 149

Výber jedál na trhoch je veľmi široký.

Nájdete tam dokonca aj rôzne chrobáky.

E-Book Thailand

We absolutely loved Koh Samui and if you are going there too, we have no doubt that you will enjoy your holiday to the fullest. If you’re looking for more inspiration and information for your holiday, you’ll find it in our e-book that helps dozens of people every day plan their dream holiday in Thailand! The e-book can be found here.

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations

Similan Islands – All you need to know before your dream trip to paradise!

Domi & Thomas — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:07:38 +0000

There are viewpoints on the islands from which you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views.

The archipelago of the Similan Islands consists of 11 islands and is located in the Andaman Sea. This is the Similan National Park, which is characterised by its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Among other things, you will find here abundant underwater life, so many people travel here mainly for snorkelling or diving. You can see here different kinds of corals, fish and even swim with turtles. Sounds like paradise doesn’t it? So let’s talk about how you can enjoy it during your holiday in Thailand.

If you are lucky, you can even see turtles.

What you should know before a trip to the Similan Islands

If you decide to include a visit to these islands in your itinerary, we recommend booking your trip as soon as possible, as only 3,325 people a day can visit this national park, including 525 divers.

However, the national park is not open all year round. It is closed from 15 May to 15 October.

In the national park, the entrance fee is THB 500 per person(THB 250 per child). However, this fee is usually already included in the price of the trip.

There are showers and toilets on the islands.

It is not allowed to fly a drone in the national park without a permit. There are rangers on the island who are watching if everyone follows the rules. If you want to know how to get a permit to fly with a drone in Thailand and in national parks such as Similan Islands can be found in our e-book on this link.

There are "rangers" on the islands who, among other things, are check if anyone is flying a drone. If you have a permit, just show it to them.

How to get to Similan Islands?

Most people travel to the Similan Islands on day trips by boat. You can go here from two places – Phuket or Khao Lak. If you go from Phuket, you should prepare for about 2 hours by minibus to the port in Khao Lak and then 80 minutes by boat. If you leave from Khao Lak, you will drive for a 15-20 minute by minibus to the port, so you can save a lot of travel time.

Many companies organize trips to the islands and they have almost the same itinerary. It usually involves a visit to Donald Duck Bay and Koh Miang Island, and the trip also includes a few stops for snorkelling. In addition to English tours you will also find offers in other languages such as German, Italian or Russian. You can see the full range of trips on this link.

Early morning departure from the port.

Our tip: If you want to avoid crowds of tourists, we recommend booking a so-called “Early Bird Trip”, with which you will leave the port as early as 7 am and arrive at some places earlier than other cruise ships. You can book your tour at this location.

The most famous viewpoint and stone in the entire Similan Islands.

What is included in the price of the trip?

The whole trip starts in the early morning (depending on where you live, you will be given information about the pick-up time) and ends around 16:30-17:30. If you decide to take an early morning trip, the following will be included:

Transfer from the hotel to the port and back
Buffet breakfast in the marina
Drinking and snacks throughout the trip (includes water, soft drinks, coffee or tea, fruit and a snack)
Buffet lunch on one of the islands
Snorkel and fin rental
Guide services
Entrance fee to the national park
Transfer by boat (one trip from the port from Khao Lak takes 80 minutes)

Breakfast is buffet style. Eggs, sausages, fruit and drinks were on the menu.

Lunch is also buffet style. There was a choice of rice, noodles, vegetables, meat and fish.

During snorkeling it can also look like this if several boats happen to arrive at the same place.

Where to stay in Thailand

As we have already mentioned, the best starting point is Khao Lak or Phuket. We recommend visiting these islands from Khao Lak, as it is the closest and saves you about 4 hours by minivan from Phuket.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a very nice area that offers tourists beautiful beaches, waterfalls and many activities suitable for families with children. This is a quieter and less crowded area than Phuket, so if you want to avoid the crowds, definitely include it in your itinerary. We stayed at the Srichada Hotel and if you are looking for something simpler at a good price and in a great location, this hotel is the right choice. All accommodation offers in Khao Lak can be found on this page.

Phuket

Most people live on Phuket, as it is one of the most visited islands in the whole of Thailand. There is a wide range of accommodation on offer, which is why it can be harder to choose the right location. We have checked out Casa de Coral Boutique Hotel in the Kata Beach area, which we really recommend. It had spacious air-conditioned rooms that were cleaned regularly and the hotel was about a 5 minute walk from the night market and all the shops and restaurants. It was about 300 meters to the beach. If you want a classy accommodation, we recommend Hotel IKON near Karon Beach. Even it is a bit further away from the beach, but has beautiful rooms, great breakfast and a pool. You can find the full range of accommodation in Phuket on this link.

E-Book Thailand

You can read about what to see in Khao Lak or Phuket, where to stay and where the best restaurants are in our e-book Thailand: Ultimate guide to paradise.

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations

The beaches on these islands are beautiful and we have never seen such clear blue water anywhere.

Discover a hidden paradise in Thailand: the Khao Sok National Park!

Domi & Thomas — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:27:54 +0000

When you say Thailand, many people think of islands, beautiful beaches, great food, or the world-famous metropolis of Bangkok. Of course, all this is one of the pros of this Asian country, but Thailand offers much more.

During our stay in Thailand, we switched from well-known beach destinations like Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui to lesser-known places, which paradoxically became our favourite parts of this exotic country. And one of them is Khao Sok National Park, which literally took our breath away.

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is one of the most famous and diverse national parks in Thailand, located in the southern part of the country, namely in the province of Surat Thani. This national park covers an area of 739 square kilometres and was established in 1980. The national park is especially famous for its rainforests and limestone cliffs around the famous Cheow Lan Lake.

You may find it hard to believe, but this lake was made by people in the 20th century. During this period, they created the Ratchaprapha Dam, which serves as a source of hydroelectric power for the entire region. Surrounding the lake, however, is the oldest rainforest, which is part of a rare ecosystem, along with a variety of wildlife. There are both natural and man-made features in the national park, and the limestone karsts around it all add a beautiful dramatic atmosphere.

How to get to Khao Sok

Khao Sok National Park is very easy to get to. You can arrive here from Phuket, Krabi or Surat Thani port. Getting from point A to point B in Thailand has always been handled through the Bookaway or 12go.asia platform, where you can select routes according to your needs and find a wide range of companies. We recommend bookaway, where you can find better prices, plus with our code 2Trouble5 you can take advantage of a 5% discount.

We traveled to the national park from Surat Thani by minibus and the trip took us about 3 hours and we paid 6€ per person. From the above-mentioned destinations, you can also arrive in the national park as part of organized trips of varying lengths of stay. You can find a selection of such trips on this page, for example.

What to bring with you

For this type of trip, we definitely recommend a raincoat, as you never know what kind of weather you will encounter. In addition, water may splash on you while you’re on the boat, so you’ll definitely need protection. Another thing you have to bring is a local repellent. You can find it in every 7eleven. The sun in Thailand is also very strong, so we recommend you bring sunscreen. Another recommendation is water shoes, as the itinerary may include trekking in the nature (ours was through a waterfall). Last but not least, we had a waterproof backpack with us in which we had all our equipment and of course the camera and gopro! If you want to fly a drone, you will need a permit.

Drones

It is not allowed to fly a drone in the national park without a permit. There are inspectors, called rangers, who make sure that the rules are followed. How to get a permit to fly a drone in Thailand in national parks such as Khao Sok can be found in our e-book on this link.

Accommodation in Khao Sok

If you arrive in the national park as part of a tour, e.g. directly from Phuket or Krabi, you will probably have everything arranged – accommodation, transfers, guide and so on. If you decide to arrive on your own, most of the accommodation is in the village of Khao Sok.

You will find accommodation in different price ranges, so it’s up to you what your preferences are. We stayed at the Chillax Khao Sok Hostel, but we paid for a private room. For one night for two we paid 29€. You can then choose the services of various companies that offer trips directly to Cheow Lan Lake. It is located about 60 km from the village.

All accommodation options in Khao Sok can be found on this page.

The hostel accommodation is simpler but clean and quite sufficient.

Khao Sok Riverside Cottages

We opted for Khao Sok Riverside Cottages. Since we had paid for a 3-day trip and wanted to be there a bit early, we arrived in Khao Sok village a day earlier. We spent one night in the aforementioned hostel and the next day we moved to Khao Sok Riverside Cottages, where we were in for quite an adventure.

The company offers different types of trips – 2-day, 3-day or 4-day trip. All of them include a visit to the famous Cheow Lan Lake, which can be considered the highlight of the whole trip. Since we just did a 3 day trip, this article will be more focused on the itinerary for this length of stay.

The accommodation is located directly in the forest.

3 day trip Khao Sok National Park

For a 3 day trip with Khao Sok Riverside Cottages we paid 120€ per person. The price included accommodation for two nights – one night in a jungle bungalow, one night in a water house on Cheow Lan Lake. We also had full board, so breakfast, lunch and dinner, drinking and some snacks during the day. As part of the price of the trip we also had transportation, a guide and various activities such as. canoeing on the lake, renting a kayak, hiking in the jungle, etc. We chose a group tour and there were 20 of us in total. But of course you also have the choice of smaller groups, for which you pay more.

During the tour you will definitely enjoy kayaking in the national park.

Day 1

On the first day we were picked up at the agreed time directly in the Khao Sok village. From there we took a jeep to Khao Sok Riverside Cottages, where we were greeted by very friendly staff. We were given the keys to our cabin, which was in the middle of the jungle. It was raining at the time, so it had an even better atmosphere. The bungalow was very simple but spacious with a private bathroom and also a terrace that offered a wonderful view.

The rooms were clean, nice and spacious.

On the terrace you can enjoy the surrounding nature.

On the first afternoon we could choose between two activities – canoeing on the river or an hour-long massage. As we are more adventurous, we opted for the first option. Together with a guide we went rafting down the river and it was quite an experience. We saw different species of birds, snakes and enjoyed local coffee in the middle of the jungle. The whole thing took about 1.5 hours. After a delicious dinner, we had a beautiful ceremony, as November 27th was an important day in Thailand called Loy Krathong. All together we symbolically lit small wreaths (in Thailand they are called krathongs) and released them on the lake. It was a truly magical experience.

Loy Krathong is a Thai festival during which people float water baskets in honour of the goddess of water.

Day 2

On the second day we had a very early morning wake-up call, breakfast and the biggest adventure. The big advantage was that we could leave our big suitcases and backpacks at the resort and we went on our next trip with only small backpacks, which contained everything we needed. We took two minibuses directly to Cheow Lan Lake. The journey took about 1.5 hours.

After arriving at the parking lot by the lake, we already met several smaller and larger groups of tourists who came from different parts of Thailand. The whole time we were looked after by our guide Yaya, who was absolutely awesome. It was obvious that he loved his job, he really knew everything about the national park, and he was extremely fun to work with!

At the port we paid a fee of 6-7€ per person to enter the national park. This entrance fee was not included in the tour price. After a few minutes of waiting in the harbor, we took a small boat to our second accommodation. The boat ride took about 1 hour and we enjoyed the beautiful views during the boat ride. But when we arrived at the place, we were absolutely enchanted. There were 16 water bugalows, literally in the middle of nowhere.

This is what classic water bungalows look like in Khao Sok National Park.

Water Bungalows

The houses are very simply furnished, but there was even a window in the middle of the floor through which one could see the fish below. The house also had a terrace from which you could jump directly into the water. Amazing! You cannot book this accommodation individually, it works on a partnership with Khao Sok Riverside Cottages.

The houses are clean and spacious on the inside and you also have a transparent glass for watching the fish in the water.

Overall, there are several such resorts on Cheow Lan Lake, but they can be accessed through group tours like the one we took. These resorts are usually not just open to the general public, as it requires arranging not only the accommodation itself, but also the transport from the port and also the food, as there is absolutely nothing in the area.

The food was buffet style and was very tasty.

After a quick lunch, the first activity was waiting for us. We took the boats deeper into the national park and the scenery around was really beautiful. We also had several stops, such as cave or a lookout. The last point of the program was a trek right in the jungle, where we crossed the waterfall to the top. It was truly an experience, and we recommend bringing water shoes to avoid any injuries. After a busy day, we went back to our accommodation, where a great buffet dinner awaited us.

One of the most famous places in the national park: Khao Sam Kler

There are many caves in the national park that you may not visit.

Day 3

On the last day we started before 7 am, as we had a morning “safari”. At a time when nature is waking up, we took a boat out to the middle of nowhere and watched monkeys, different kinds of birds and reptiles around. If you are lucky, you may see elephants.

After our morning adventure, we made our way back to our accommodation where a hearty breakfast awaited us. After breakfast, we took our kayaks and went exploring. It was quite cloudy and the clouds were very low, so it gave the whole thing a very mystical atmosphere.

Just before lunch we packed up all our stuff and headed back to the marina. We had a lunch there and then back to the resort near the village of Khao Sok, where we picked up our stuff and our adventure was over. If you decide to take a longer trip, your itinerary will include 2 nights on the lake along with other activities right in the national park.

Kayaking in the jungle is an experience of a lifetime.

E-Book Thailand

You can read about what to see, where to stay and where the best restaurants are not only in Khao Sok, but also other parts of Thailand such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Rai, or lesser-known islands such as Koh Chang or Koh Kood in our e-book Thailand: Ultimate guide to paradise.

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations

Island Hopping in Krabi, Thailand – top destinations, handy tips and hidden beaches!

Domi & Thomas — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 13:20:34 +0000

One of our favorite parts of Thailand was Krabi.

Krabi province is located on the southern coast of Thailand and is especially famous for its beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs, clear water and great atmosphere. The Krabi area alternates between a dry season and a rainy season. It is because of this that the peak season can be considered to be between November and April.

Krabi is a great place for people who like to relax on beautiful beaches, but also for those who prefer more active holidays or great nightlife. In this area it is possible to discover the beauty of the surrounding islands, kayak, snorkel or even rock climb. So let’s talk a little bit more about that.

How to get to Krabi

Krabi Province is home to Krabi International Airport (KBV), which serves several domestic and international flights daily. However, people mostly come here from Bangkok.

Krabi province can be also reached very easily by land transport. For example, from Phuket it will take you about 2 hours to get here and you will pay about 6 € for the trip. Of course, it depends whether you go by boat or by bus. We always searched for bus, minibus and boat tickets via bookaway, where we could choose between different companies.

Where to stay

If you decide to spend your holiday in Krabi, the accommodation you choose may be the key factor. As a rule, it can be said that among the most popular and most common areas to live for tourists is Ao Nang or Railay Beach. So let’s talk a little more about them.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is the most popular and developed tourist area in Krabi. It offers a really wide range of accommodation, from cheap hostels to luxury resorts. So it depends on your preferences and budget which version you opt for.

We stayed at the Ao Nang Miti Resort during our stay in Krabi. We paid about 22€ per night, the rooms were air conditioned, clean and spacious and we even had a shared outdoor pool.

The downside could be that the hotel does not offer breakfast, but that was not a priority for us. This hotel is approximately 5 minutes by scooter from the main street in town, where you will find many clubs, restaurants and shops.

However, there are also good amenities in the area itself, 7 eleven and many other shops and cafes. The advantage of Ao Nang is also that from this place you can book trips to the surrounding islands.

For such a room you will pay approximately EUR 20.

Railay Beach

Another popular place to live is Railay Beach. This beach stretches between limestone cliffs and offers its visitors spectacular scenery. People who prefer a quieter atmosphere will definitely find their place here.

There are also a few restaurants, shops and cafes, but it’s not as dynamic as Ao Nang itself. This place can only be reached by boat. Here you can see the complete list of accommodation.

Island Hopping Krabi

One of the main reasons why Krabi is a great starting point for your holiday in Thailand is the many surrounding islands and beaches that can be visited from there – known as Island Hopping.

These are usually half-day or day trips during which you visit several places. You can choose from group tours, which are of course cheaper and can be booked on getyouguide, for example. Of course, you can also book these tours on the spot.

However, if you want a bit more privacy or to go on trips early in the morning to avoid the crowds, a private hire of a longtail boat with a skipper can also be a great option. So let’s talk more about which places are worth visiting.

These typical Thai longtail boats will take you to Railey or Tonsai beaches.

Railay Beach

If you don’t choose to live directly on Railay Beach, we definitely recommend visiting it at least as part of a day trip. From Ao Nang you can get there in about 15-20 minutes by boat, which runs really regularly. No need to book tickets in advance, just arrive at Ao Nang Beach, where boats leave every few minutes.

At Railay Beach you can spend the whole day, relax, snorkel and enjoy a really great relaxing atmosphere. Railay Beach is also known for its great rock climbing conditions. However, as Railay Beach is gaining popularity, you should be prepared for quite a lot of people and a lot of boat engine noise in high season. If you want to enjoy more privacy we have alternatives for you! Keep reading!

Railey beach is located midway between Tonsai and Phra Nang beach.

Tonsai Beach

About a 15-minute walk from the famous Railay Beach, there is literally a hidden treasure. It is a beach called Tonsai Beach. This beach quickly became one of our favourite beaches not only in Thailand.

It is a less developed beach than the aforementioned Railay Beach, but you will find an oasis of beauty and tranquility. There is also a hotel and a few small restaurants where you can refresh yourself. This beach is also a great place for adrenaline lovers in the form of climbing. If you don’t feel like walking the trail from Railay Beach, you can also take a longtail boat here and get there in a few minutes. From this beach you can also get back to Ao Nang.

Tonsai was for us one of the most beautiful beaches ever and there were minimal people.

You'll go through a short forest like this.

Phra Nang Beach

On the other side of Railay Beach is another beautiful beach that offers spectacular views of the cliffs. The ideal way to explore it all is to rent a kayak at Railay Beach, or take a boat to Railay Beach, which will take about 10 minutes.

Here you will find crystal clear water, orange rocks and beautiful underwater life. It’s just paradise! The Phra Nang Cave, also known as the Princess Cave, is also worth mentioning. There are a few small local shops on Phra Nang beach, but you won’t find any hotels here.

The easiest way to get to this beach is by kayak or boat.

Phi Phi Island + Maya Bay

A very well-known trip from the Krabi area is a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands. They are located approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Krabi. The local ferry takes 1.5-2 hours to get here.

If you decide to take a speedboat, the trip will take about 1 hour. Such trips usually include a visit to the famous Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo Di Caprio. You can read about what to prepare for in our article: Discover Maya Bay beach! An iconic beach in Thailand reopens with new eco-friendly measures.

Swimming is forbidden on this beach, you can only go into the water up to your knees.

Also worth mentioning are nearby places such as Bamboo Island, Pileh Lagoon (great conditions for snorkeling), Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, where you will also find many restaurants, bars and great nightlife.

We didn’t take this trip from Krabi because we decided to spend 2 nights on Phi Phi Island. You can read about what to see and do on Phi Phi Island and its surroundings in our article: Phi Phi Island in Thailand – the most beautiful beaches, top attractions and hidden treasures!

Phi Phi Island also has many beautiful beaches and coves.

Hong Island and Hong Lagoon

One place that is definitely worth a visit is Hong Island. The island offers visitors beautiful lagoons, beaches with white sand and crystal clear water.

You can get to Hong Island from Ao Nang Beach, for example, where you will find many companies offering this type of trip. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and we recommend you choose an early morning departure time to avoid the masses of tourists that arrive after 11:00.

Hong Island will make you feel like you're in paradise.

If you visit the island at high tide, you can also enjoy the beautiful lagoon, which is located near the beach. On the island, in addition to the beautiful beach, you will also find a 360-degree viewpoint that offers truly breathtaking views of the surrounding islets. However, you will have to climb dozens of steps, so be sure to bring plenty of water.

Above the island there is a platform with a beautiful view of the surrounding islands.

There are toilets and small local shops on the island where you can buy a drink and a snack. However, it is important to note that you will pay an entrance fee of 300 THB to visit the island (you need to bring cash). However, if you are travelling with a group tour, this entrance fee is usually already included in the price.

If you go to Hong Island in the early morning, you can enjoy the lagoon all to yourself.

Lao Lading Island

Lao Lading Island is also referred to as Paradise Island and we know why! It is truly the jewel of the Thai province of Krabi. In fact, it’s part of the Hong Islands group we wrote about above, so if you’re going to explore Hong Island and its surroundings, this is definitely a place you can’t miss.

The island, like most of the others mentioned, is only accessible by boat. It offers a beautiful tiny beach among the rocks, clear water and perfect conditions for snorkelling. We visited this island in the morning at 9:00 and we were almost alone. But as we were leaving during lunch, the crowds started to arrive. So if you want privacy, we definitely recommend an early morning arrival

In the middle of the island there is a beautiful beach with turquoise water.

Fours Islands Tour

Another great excursion in the Krabi area is a visit to the Four Islands, a group of islands located in close proximity, so it is possible to explore them all in one trip. These islands include: Koh Poda, Koh Gai (also referred to as Chicken Island), Koh Tub and Koh Mor.

All these islands offer ideal conditions for swimming and snorkelling. During low tide, it is possible to walk between Koh Tub and Koh Mor. Koh Gai is referred to as Chicken Island precisely because it features a rock formation that resembles a chicken.

Trips to the aforementioned islands usually start at Ao Nang Beach, Railay Beach or Krabi Town. From all locations it will take you about 20-30 minutes by boat. The entrance fee to the national park to which these islands belong is 200 TBH for adults and 100 TBH for children. However, if you travel with a company that offers these tours, this is usually already included in the price of the tour.

Looking for another hidden paradise in Thailand? Read about the island of Koh Yao Yai, located just 30 minutes from the famous Phuket.

E-Book Thailand

You can read about what to see, where to stay and where the best restaurants are not only in Krabi, but also in other parts of Thailand such as Phuket, Similan Islands, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Rai, or lesser known islands such as Koh Chang or Koh Kood in our e-book Thailand: Ultimate guide to paradise.

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations

Koh Yao Yai – a hidden paradise just minutes from Phuket!

Domi & Thomas — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:52:04 +0000

Laem Haad

We spent four wonderful weeks in Thailand. Our adventurous journey through this country began in Phuket. Phuket offers its visitors a number of beautiful beaches, sights, activities, as well as night markets that are definitely worth a visit. Among other things, there is the famous “Patong Beach”, which is one of the most visited party places in Thailand. And it’s really crazy out there!

However, there are also people who visit Phuket, but do not look for crowded places and more enjoy local islands, where there is authentic Thai life, nice beaches and peace and quiet to relax. We have found such a place! And it is located just 30 minutes from the famous Phuket. Have you heard about Koh Yao Yai?

Koh Yao Yai island

Approximately 25 km from Phuket, in the middle of Phang Nga Bay is located Koh Yao archipelago, which consists of two islands – Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. Koh Yao Yai translates to Big Long Island, which makes it clear to you that it is the larger of the two islands. Even though there are several hotels and resorts on the island, it’s still a relatively quiet place that seems like a good alternative for people who want to escape the crowds on Phuket.

How to get to Koh Yao Yai

This island can be reached by boat from several places on Phuket. The most famous are Thiensin Pier, Rassada Pier or Bang Rong Pier. We travelled to the island from Bang Rong Pier and we paid 9€ for one ticket. The journey took about 30 minutes.

Even though boats run regularly between Phuket and Koh Yao Yai, we recommend buying tickets online in advance to save yourself an unnecessary wait at the port. You can buy tickets at this link.

What to do on Koh Yao Yai

The island offers many beautiful beaches, a few local shops, but also activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, or day boat trips to nearby islands. Here’s a list of our tips:

1. Walk along Laem Haad Bech – definitely the most beautiful beach on the whole island. It’s a long sandbank that is truly magical at high tide.

Sandbank Laem Haad

Tip: Always check the tide times beforehand, because if you visit the beach at low tide you may be very disappointed.

2. Renting a scooter and exploring the island – our favourite activity in Thailand. A scooter ride, during which we always discover beautiful places. Renting a scooter on the island cost us about 7€ per day. Since the island is quite large, you will definitely need a scooter to explore it. As it is a local island, don’t expect any regular public transport or tuk-tuks.

3. Sunset at Loh Had Beach – definitely the most beautiful spot on the island to watch the sunset. There is also a marina and a few small shops.

4. Lunch or dinner at Laem Laan Restaurant – this restaurant offers great food and spectacular views. What more could you ask for?

Laem Laan Restaurant

5. Hire a private boat and explore the surrounding area – definitely the best and cheapest way to visit the surrounding islands, which most people visit from Krabi or Phuket. On Koh Yao Yai you will find several companies that offer group tours or rent private boats. We definitely recommend this one.

The sweetest owner we have met in the whole of Thailand.

Our tip: Hire a private boat and visit the famous islands of Krabi without the crowds.

Private boat

A private boat for 6 hours with a driver and lunch cost us a whopping 60€. In Krabi or Phuket we would pay at least double for it. Koh Yao Yai has a great location and gets you to famous places in the Krabi region in minutes. We visited Hong Island, Koh Lao Lading and Monkey Beach and since we left early in the morning we were almost alone!

All alone in Hong Lagoon.

To find out about other places to visit, read more about them in our article Island Hopping in Krabi, Thailand – top destinations, handy tips and hidden beaches!

E-Book Thailand

You can read about what to see, where to stay and where the best restaurants are not only on Koh Yao Yai, but also other parts of Thailand such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Rai, or lesser-known islands such as Koh Chang or Koh Kood in our e-book Thailand: the complete guide to paradise.

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations

Archívy Thailand - 2troubletravelers

Koh Chang: How to get there, what to see, and where to stay – the best beaches, hotels, and restaurants

How to get to Koh Chang?

When to visit Koh Chang

Where to stay on Koh Chang

The most beautiful beaches on Koh Chang Island

Whitesand Beach

Kai Bae Beach

Lonely Beach

Long Beach

Wai Chaek Beach

What to do on Koh Chang Island

Trip to Koh Ngam Island

Full-day trip to Koh Ngam + Koh Lao Ya + Ko Wai

Trip to Koh Mak Island

Waterfalls on Koh Chang Island

Gastronomy on Koh Chang Island

E-Book Thailand

Internet in Thailand: eSIM solution for convenient connection

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Phuket Old Town

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E-Book Thailand

Internet in Thailand: eSIM solution for convenient connection

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