Thailand Travel Guide – transportation, hotels, tips + itineraries for 8, 10 and 14 days

Internationally known as the “Land of Smiles”, few world destinations are as famous as Thailand. A nation of exotic landscapes, flavors and scents, Thailand stands as the ultimate bastion of Southeast Asia and is very much well-accustomed to mass tourism by now, meaning you will find all the infrastructure and amenities you are used to back at home. However, beyond this, any similarity to Europe is purely coincidental.

In fact, your shock therapy starts as soon as you land in Bangkok, the capital and a bustling metropolis of over 10 million people, where the chaotic traffic, scorching heat and street food probably have you feeling overwhelmed. From there, though, things usually get more serene, since northern cities like Chiang Mai offer a much calmer and friendlier experience amidst the region’s myriad of temples and lush green hills. Further south, in Thailand’s quintessential beach areas, the country is just as idyllic as the tourist brochures, from the famous and touristy Phuket to the increasingly popular Krabi. In this part of the Thai nation, Koh Samui and the Phi Phi Islands are also very much worth seeing. Add in a collection of unique markets, archaeological ruins and one of the world’s most delicious cuisines, and you got yourself one of the best (and most diverse) tourist destinations our planet has to offer.

So, if you’re planning a trip to this stunning destination, our ultimate Thailand travel guide is here to help. In addition to practical information about hotels, restaurants, transportation and local experiences, we’ve also put together three comprehensive itineraries, including all the places you must see and visit in Thailand in 8, 10 or 14 days.

Thailand Travel Guide

How to get to Thailand – Flights from Ireland

Considering this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it comes as no surprise that Thailand is served by several different international airports. However, if you’re coming from Europe, chances are that you’ll end up flying into one of Bangkok’s two major air hubs: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. Alternatively, though a bit less common, international passengers also fly into the country through the Phuket International Airport.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between Ireland and Thailand, so the only way to fly into the country is by having a layover in one of several European and/or Asian cities. Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Etihad usually have the best deals for flights departing from Dublin, offering deals to Bangkok or Phuket starting from €500,00 (return), with layovers in Munich, Istanbul and Abu Dhabi, respectively.

How many days do I need to visit Thailand?

Actually, Thailand is one of those places where you could easily spend months without ever running out of things to do. Besides, distances are deceivingly long, mostly due to the territory’s irregular shape and the fact that much of the country is occupied by protected nature reserves. That said, when it comes to how long one should spend in Thailand – the more, the merrier!

However, for those with limited time and/or budget, a full week would be the bare minimum to experience the essentials in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Krabi. Nonetheless, this will definitely be too short and rushed, and wouldn’t really allow you to experience Thailand in a meaningful manner. Therefore, we highly recommend extending your stay for as long as possible, ideally setting aside enough time and money for a two-week vacation in the “Land of Smiles”.

Thailand Travel Guide – Best time to visit the country

Similar to other destinations across Southeast Asia, Thailand has both a dry season and a rainy season. Given that temperatures are consistently high throughout the year, the key factor in deciding when to visit is the weather. In Thailand, as it happens in most of the region, the best time to visit doesn’t match the Summer months in the northern hemisphere. This means that if you visit between July and October, most (if not all) days will be quite rainy, as you’ll be walking right into the monsoon season. On the polar opposite, April and May aren’t all that pleasant either, as these are known for being the hottest and most humid months of the year.

When you factor in all of this, you’ll come to understand that the best time to visit Thailand is between November and March, during the so-called dry season.

Thailand Travel Guide – Documents needed for your trip

In order to enter Thailand, you’ll need to show your passport. The document should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the country.

Fortunately, British and Irish travelers do not need a visa to visit the country, as they can remain in Thailand for a consecutive period of up to 60 days.

Thailand Travel Guide – Internet and SIM Cards

Since there is no special agreement in place between Ireland and Thailand regarding international communications and roaming fees, using your regular phone plan is a big no-no!

Therefore, our recommendation is that you get a SIM Card when traveling to Thailand, which you can do immediately upon landing. However, keep in mind internet packages at the airport are ridiculously overpriced when compared to local kiosks or official stores in the cities, as these are specifically tailored to tourists. On the other hand, if you prefer to wait until you get to the downtown area, you may simply visit a store, a kiosk or even a convenience store (like 7Eleven or Family Mart) and buy your SIM card there. Currently, there are three major telecom companies in Thailand: AIS, DTAC and TrueMove.

DTAC’s Tourist SIM Card

• Happy Infinite SIM
  • Unlimited mobile data and local phone calls for 8 days: 449 baht
  • Unlimited mobile data and local phone calls for 15 days: 699 baht
  • Unlimited mobile data and local phone calls for 30 days: 1199 baht

AIS’ Tourist SIM Card

• Thailand Tourist SIM
  • 15 GB and unlimited social media for 8 days: 299 baht
  • 30 GB and unlimited social media for 8 days: 599 baht
  • 300 GB and unlimited social media for 8 days: 1250 baht

Now that we’ve shared the rates for tourist SIM cards, let’s have a look at a more cost-effective alternative. In fact, if you choose to visit a store in the city center, you will spend only a fraction of those prices. What you have to do is choose a basic SIM card without any mobile data plan. Then, download the official app of the service provider (DTAC, AIS or TrueMove), link your new service number and buy any package you want through the platform. If you struggle with this or have any questions, the store staff will be happy to assist with the setup. Additionally, if you visit a convenience store instead, you can find SIM cards pre-loaded with monthly plans at much better prices (especially from TrueMove) than those you’d find at the airport. Plus, in this case you won’t have to navigate the apps and buy the bundle packages yourself. Either way, by choosing one of these options, you can easily subscribe to a monthly (30-day) unlimited internet plan for around 250-400 baht.

Thailand Travel Guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

With the Thai Baht (THB) as the country’s official currency, any withdrawal using an Irish bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some Irish banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside Ireland. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.

On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.

Although each have their own limitations and fees, they allow you to withdraw a certain amount in foreign currency without any fees involved. And even after that threshold is reached, costs are much smaller when compared to traditional banks. Keep in mind, though, this does not apply to fees issued by local banks for withdrawals made with foreign cards, which is something that unfortunately applies to all ATMs in Thailand. In most of them, you may even pay up to 300 baht per withdrawal, meaning you should try to at least withdraw as much cash as possible when visiting an ATM. Be that as it may, a message will always pop up every time there is a fee per withdrawal, so you will never be caught unaware. In Thailand, we recommend using ATMs from either Aeon Bank, where you’ll be charged “only” 150 baht per movement, or Krungsri Bank, which allow to get as much as 30.000 baht per withdrawal despite its 220-baht fee. Sign up for Revolut for free >> to get 3 months of Premium.

Regarding payments, more and more businesses have started taking card over the last few years, especially around the main tourist areas. However, outside those clusters, Thailand is still very much a cash-based society, so always make sure to have some baht on you.

On the other hand, if you prefer to take cash and exchange your money in Thailand, here are four exchange offices we can recommend in Bangkok:

• DeeMoney
• X-One
• Bangkok Exchange
• UC Currency Exchange

Thailand Travel Guide – Safety and travel scams

Unsurprisingly, considering its status one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Thailand is an extremely safe place with low crime rates and a relaxed atmosphere. However, and much like you would do in any other city, using your common-sense is key. That means no taxis whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas. To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing anywhere else! Also regarding money, if you plan to exchange currency when you get there, compare rates from several offices to ensure you’re getting a fair deal (and don’t even think about exchanging money from strangers on the streets). Regarding the most well-known travel scams, do not fall for the old trick where a guy tells you the tourist attraction you’re trying to visit is closed but that he can show you some alternative cool place, nor for the chatty tuk-tuk driver that will convince you to let him take your group to a super-exclusive local shop that sells high-quality [insert random item]. The goal is always the same: lead you to a place, try to get you to buy something and collect their commission.

That being said, the biggest risk tourists often encounter in Thailand comes from road traffic.  Whether it’s due to drivers being overly relaxed about rules or the poor state of roads in certain regions of the country, accidents are worryingly common. This is also true within city limits, so it’s important to exercise caution (well, as much as you can) when relying on tuk-tuks or motorcycles for transportation. Speaking of motorcycles, if you decide to rent a scooter during your travels, make sure you have the experience (or responsibility) needed to navigate the country’s terrain and traffic safely.

While not a direct danger, Southeast Asia’s famous street food can also pose health risks. Once again, you just have to use common sense. If meat or fish is left out in the open, dishes were already prepared when you got there or a specific stall isn’t particularly popular with locals… well, you better skip it, even if the food smells and looks good. Also, avoid eating raw/uncooked foods (except for fruit, preferably unpeeled) and never drink tap water or ice made from it.

Additionally, since Thailand is located in an area with high seismic and volcanic activity, adhere to authorities’ instructions in the event of a natural disaster – after all, they’re the experts! And speaking of authorities, and though it should go unsaid, drug possession and use in Thailand may carry extremely severe penalties. Not really worth the risk, is it?

Where to sleep in Thailand – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Thailand travel guide, then we got you covered!

Much like the rest of Southeast Asia, Thailand is also quite the budget-friendly destination, allowing you to enjoy meals, hotel stays and tourist experiences that could easily cost triple (or more) in the West. And when it comes to accommodations, you will certainly feel spoilt for choice! From modern apartments with shared amenities (like a gym or a pool) to iconic Thai hostels, chain hotels, family-owned places, guesthouses or beachfront bungalows, you can be sure that your money will stretch further than you might expect here!

That being said, here are some options based on the cities we recommend you to stay at:

Thailand travel guide – Hotels in Bangkok

• Hostel – Here We Go Bangkok
• € – Thana Wisut Hotel
• €€ – Nanda Heritage Hotel
• €€€ – Hua Chang Heritage Hotel
• €€€€ – Riva Arun Bangkok

Thailand travel guide – Hotels in Chiang Mai

• Hostel – T2B Hostel
• € – Le Canal Boutique House
• €€ – Villa Thapae
• €€€ – The Craft Nimman
• €€€€ – The Empress Premier Chiang Mai

Thailand travel guide – Hotels in Phuket

• Hostel – The Neighbors Hostel
• € – Cool Residence
• €€ – HOMA Phuket Town
• €€€ – Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Chao Fah Phuket
• €€€€ – Royal Phuket City Hotel

Thailand travel guide – Hotels in Krabi

• Hostel – Sleeper Hostel
• € – Hop Inn Krabi
• €€ – Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Krabi Town
• €€€ – Deevana Plaza Krabi Aonang
• €€€€ – The Tama Hotel

Thailand travel guide – Hotels in Koh Samui

• Hostel – Rastahostel by Little Boat
• € – Arina Boutique Residence
• €€ – LOVE beach club Koh Samui
• €€€ – Aura Samui Best Beach Hotel
• €€€€ – Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club

Thailand Travel Guide – Transportation between the airports and Bangkok’s city center

From Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center

Located almost 40 km away from the downtown area, the best way to travel between the Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok’s city center is through the Airport Rail Link, a railway line that connects the country’s main airport to the Phaya Thai Station in about 30 minutes. However, in order to get to the heart of the city, you’ll have to get out at Makkasan Station, where you can then transfer to the metro system (the most central metro stations are Sam Yot and Sanam Chai). The total journey might take about 1 hour. You can buy your ticket to Makkasan directly at the airport’s station for 35 baht, but you’ll then need to buy a separate metro ticket to your final destination, which may cost you between 35 and 40 baht (depending on where you’ll get out). The ARL runs every day between 05h30 and midnight, with a new vehicle leaving every 15 minutes.

Alternatively, you may always rely on one of the official taxi stands inside the arrivals’ terminal. These are always metered services, so you know you’ll be paying a fair price without the hassle of haggling the rate. Evidently, the total cost will depend on your destination, though you can expect to pay anywhere between 400 to 500 bahts if you’re staying in the city center. As for the ride-sharing apps, you may also use Grab to try to find a ride from the airport.

From Don Mueang Airport to the city center

Smaller and older than its main counterpart further west, the Don Mueang Airport is located about 25 km away from the city center, with most passengers relying on the Airport Red Line for transportation. Inaugurated in 2022, this railway line links Bangkok’s secondary airport to the Krungthep Apiwat Station, where you can then transfer to the metro and reach the aforementioned metro stops (if you’re heading downtown). Tickets cost 33 baht, but you’ll still need to get a separate metro ticket (about 45 baht) for the second leg of the trip. In total, the journey may well take about 1h30 of your time. This rail service runs every day between 05h30 and midnight, with waiting times ranging from 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of the day.

As for taxis, make sure to always get a vehicle through one of the official stands located inside the arrivals’ terminal. Once again, all rides are metered so you won’t risk any scams or unpleasant surprises. In this case, a one-way trip to the city center might hover around 300-400 baht. Alternatively, you may also use Grab.

Thailand Travel Guide – Transportation and how to move around in the country

Considering the insane amount of visitors and the way Thailand stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s most developed nations, it’s really not that surprising to learn that the “Land of Smiles” boasts a pretty diverse and reliable transportation network, including trains, buses, ferries and internal flights.

As such, and for those heading to Thailand soon, here’s a little overview of how you can move around in the country!

Buses in Thailand

Perhaps the most popular form of public transport among locals, Thailand boasts an extensive bus network served by numerous private and state-owned operators. These buses connect the entire country, linking the busiest cities to remote villages, located both along the coastline and high up in the mountains. Naturally, buses aren’t exactly known for their utmost comfort, especially when it comes to longer journeys that can stretch up to 10 or 11 hours. However, they certainly make up for that with their affordable prices, making them one of the best ways to travel across Thailand for those flying be the seed of their pants. Plus, buses are generally very safe.

In Thailand, each city features at least one major terminal, where you can buy your tickets in person and board the bus. However, for those who prefer to plan ahead and secure their seats in advance, there are several platforms where you can purchase your ticket online, such as 12GoAsia, RedBus or BusOnlineTicket.co.th. However, prices on these platforms may be slightly higher due to service fees.

As we usually do in all other travel guides, here is a brief overview of some of the most popular bus routes in Thailand:

• Bangkok – Ayutthaya: 1h30; 120 baht
• Bangkok – Chiang Mai: 10h30; 600 baht
• Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai: 3h45; 250 baht
• Bangkok – Phuket: 12h00; 750 baht
• Bangkok – Krabi: 15h00; 650 baht
• Phuket – Krabi: 3h00; 250 baht

Trains in Thailand

There’s no match to train travel when it comes to romanticism. Especially in Thailand, where the train tracks meander through lush and exotic landscapes, taking the train is a particularly charming experience. However, unlike buses, Thailand’s railway network is far from reaching every nook and cranny of the country, primarily serving the major cities in the north. Still, and unless you’re planning on venturing too far off the tourist trail, you can still take the train when traveling through Thailand (except for the main beach areas in the south). Besides, trains are usually even cheaper than the bus! On the downside, journeys are longer, since the max speed is considerably lower.

Regarding services, it’s important to distinguish “Ordinary Trains“, the slower connections that stop at every single station, from “Rapid Trains“, that make fewer stops. However, for long distances, you are the most likely to board an “Express Train“, a faster service with less stops and amenities like dining cars, reclining seats and AC. Within the same category you may also book a seat in a “Special Express Train“, a premium service with sleeper cabins (it’s also called a ”sleeper train”), ideal for overnight journeys. Be that as it may, additional amenities will always depend on your ticket class, and not so much on the type of service. Therefore, depending on whether you travel in first, second or third class, your seat may (or may not) include to beds, air conditioning and reclining seats.

Tickets are usually very easy to get, unless you happen to be traveling during some sort of local holiday. That said, visiting the train station a day or two in advance is generally enough for you to be able to get a ticket. Nonetheless, if you’d rather buy your ticket in advance or get a better understanding of departure times, you can purchase your tickets online through the State Railway of Thailand’s official website. If the platform isn’t working or you’re required to type in a Thai phone number to complete your reservation, you may simply use a third-party service like 12GoAsia.

Either way, here are the details for some of the most popular train routes in Thailand:

• Bangkok – Ayutthaya: 00h45; 40 baht
• Bangkok – Maeklong: 00h30; 40 baht
• Bangkok – Chiang Mai: 13h30; 350 to 1100 baht, depending on ticket class

Ferries in Thailand

Given the unbelievable number of islands and the distinctive, jagged coastline of southern Thailand, it comes as no surprise that some areas are only accessible by sea. Therefore, ferry travel is a daily routine for many locals and tourists alike, especially in the south. Unlike our previous transportation options, booking your ferry trip in advance is highly recommended, otherwise you may not find an available seat. You can do this through specialty websites such as Direct Ferries or Thai Ferry Tickets, or you can use good-old  12GoAsia. You have the choice between regular ferries and speedboats, with the latter being faster but more expensive.

Here are some of the most popular ferry routes in Thailand for tourists:

• Phuket – Ko Phi Phi: 2h00; 450 baht
• Phuket – Krabi: 2h00; 700 baht
• Phuket – Ko Lanta: 4h00; 700 baht
• Krabi – Ko Phi Phi: 2h00; 450 baht
• Krabi – Ko Lanta: 2h00; 550 baht
• Koh Samui – Don Sak: 1h30; 200 baht
• Koh Samui – Surat Thani: 1h30; 650 baht

Internal flights in Thailand

Given the size of Thailand, it’s easy to see why so many travel itineraries include (at least) one domestic flight. While trains and buses are fairly decent, the time you’ll have to waste on the road can take up quite a big chunk of your 1 or 2-week vacation. Therefore, making the most of your time is essential! Fortunately, Thailand is served by many domestic airports, and airlines like Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, Lion Air and Nok Air help connect most destinations across the country. This is especially useful for those wishing to travel between the north and south (without stopping in Bangkok), as taking an internal flight can save you a day or two. Plus, the tickets are quite affordable!

Here are the most commonly used domestic routes by tourists visiting the “Land of Smiles”:

• Bangkok – Chiang Mai: 1h15; €25-€35
• Bangkok – Phuket: 1h30; €20-€30
• Bangkok – Krabi: 1h20; €20-€35
• Bangkok – Koh Samui: 1h05; €55
• Chiang Mai – Phuket: 2h00; €50-€90
• Chiang Mai – Krabi: 1h55; €50-€80

Public transportation in Bangkok

Bangkok is definitely a cut from a different cloth when it comes to the Thai landscape. The bustling metropolis is so vast and populous that no other place comes close, with the second-largest city – Chiang Mai – having less than 20% of the capital’s population. Therefore, it is fundamental to understand Bangkok’s transportation system, especially since you’re likely to spend the first few days of your trip there and will need to use it. Fortunately, and despite the apparent chaos, Bangkok’s public transport is quite intuitive and easy to navigate.

When visiting the Thai capital, the most practical and useful public transportation options are the MRT and the BTS. The former, composed of 4 lines, acts like a subway of sorts, though only some of its sections are underground. As for the BTS, also known as the Sky Train, it operates on elevated tracks and consists of just 3 lines. Unfortunately, these two systems are not fully integrated, so you’ll need to buy new tickets when transferring between the MRT and the BTS. As for prices, these vary according to the distance traveled. When using the ticket machines, you’ll type in your destination station and the system will calculate the fare for your trip. Typically, expect to pay between 15 and 70 baht per journey, depending on the number of stops and transfers required. Both systems operate from 05h30 to midnight, with average wait times of 5 to 10 minutes.

While these transportation options are extremely useful, central Bangkok is served by only 2 metro (MRT) stops. Therefore, if you need to move around the historic core, you’ll need to use a taxi or a tuk-tuk. For taxis, don’t even bother flagging a street cab. Instead, download the Grab app (similar to Uber in Europe) and request a car from point A to point B. This way, you’ll know exactly how much to pay without any needless chicanery. As for tuk-tuks, and while they are the most iconic form of transportation in Bangkok, you’ll have to negotiate the fare for every single trip. Obviously, the drivers will try to overcharge the living s*** out of you (it’s part of the game). Regardless, fares should be similar to a regular taxi, so you can simulate a trip on Grab to get an estimate of the fair price for a tuk-tuk ride (and take the haggling from there). Be particularly cautious if drivers try to convince you to stop at other places, visit a local shop or tell you that the place you’re trying to get to is closed – a well-known travel scam in Bangkok!

Finally, it’s also worth mentioning the ferries. Especially if you’re staying outside the center but near the river, the services provided by Chao Phraya Express Boat are an excellent way to reach the downtown area. Plus, taking a boat is actually easier and cheaper than any of the other options. That said, if you’re near a pier served by this public ferry service (just check Google Maps), you can take any boat from the Orange, Red and Gold lines and disembark at the Tah Tian pier, right next to the Grand Palace. Additionally, you’ll also need to use the boat to travel between the same Tah Tian pier and the opposite side of the river, from where you can access Wat Arun, one of the most famous temples in all of Thailand. Fares for each trip are absurdly low, ranging from 14 to 33 baht, depending on the line. Just note that these boats do not operate at night, with the first service departing at 06h00 and the last one at 19h05.

Thailand Travel Guide – Local food and traditional dishes

Justifiably so, Southeast Asian cuisine enjoys a very positive reputation among travelers. Drawn by the perfect mix of sweet, savory, spicy and umami, many visitors make a point of exploring the legendary street markets that pop up all over the place in the region. Naturally, Thailand is no exception, with Pad Thai standing out as the most iconic local dish. Found on almost every menu across the country, this delicacy is made with rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts and a protein of your choice, all coated in a marinade of oyster sauce, tamarind paste, fish sauce and sugar. Before serving, it’s usually garnished with peanuts, lime wedges and chili flakes. It might sound unusual at first to our uneducated Western palates, but it’s absolutely delicious!

However, Thai cuisine is much more than just this one legendary dish, which is why you should also try Khao Pad, a rice version of Pad Thai; Khao Soi, a creamy coconut-based chicken curry soup, served with egg noodles and topped with crispy noodles; Pad Kra Pao, a stir-fry of minced pork with soy sauce and basil, served with rice and a fried egg on top; and the duo of Gaeng Keow Wan Gai and Gaeng Deng, better known worldwide as Thai Green Curry and Red Curry, respectively. The differences between these two curries lie in the types of chilies used, which, when turned into a paste, produce different colors. Still in the “realm” of curries – and there are loads of variations in Thailand – we also recommend trying Gaeng Massaman, a dish created by local Muslim communities that is made with spices that are otherwise uncommon in Thai cuisine, like cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon. On the other hand, when it comes to light snacks or quick street food bites, it’s always a good idea to try Som Tam, the famous Thai green papaya salad; Gai Satay, chicken skewers with peanut sauce; or Tom Kha Gai, a chicken and coconut soup.

Finally, let’s talk about desserts – where there’s no dish more famous than Mango Sticky Rice! Made with glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and served with mango, this is probably the most well-known Thai dish after Pad Thai. Other noteworthy desserts include Thai Roti, a type of bread/pancake served with banana, chocolate and a drizzle of condensed milk; and Tub Tim Grob, pieces of water chestnuts glazed in a soft, chewy gel made of tapioca starch and served in a coconut milk syrup with ice.

Best Beaches in Thailand

Railay Beach: Arguably the most famous of all the beaches in Krabi, the only way to get there is by taking a boat from the nearest town. Unfortunately, overtourism has somewhat hindered this beach’s once-hidden charm. Nonetheless, the breathtaking scenery couldn’t be more beautiful! Nearby, you can also explore the likes of Phra Nang Cave Beach or Tonsai Beach.

North Point Beach: Dubbed the “Maldives of Thailand”, the island of Koh Lipe is a true paradise of turquoise waters and idyllic beaches. Choosing the best one is actually the only real challenge here, as Sunrise Beach and Pattaya Beach are just equally as stunning.

Nai Han Beach: Phuket may no longer retain the original appeal of its golden era, but some of its beaches still do! Although incredibly busy, there is a reason why Nai Han Beach is still the most popular on the island – and now you can see why! For quainter, less crowded options, consider a detour to Freedom Beach or Ao Sane Beach.

Maya Bay: While it may be sort of controversial to include an entry where swimming isn’t allowed, we couldn’t simply ignore what is perhaps Thailand’s most famous beach. Just thank DiCaprio, as the famous actor starred in the film “The Beach” (2000) that was shot here. The flick ended up attracting such large crowds that authorities had to implement strict measures to preserve the ecosystem.

Long Beach: Still in the Phi Phi Islands, and this time for a place where you can actually swim, we recommend paying a visit to the longest stretch of sand in the entire archipelago. The classic combo of white sand, turquoise water and palm trees. Doesn’t get any better than this!

Haad Rin: Often overshadowed by the more famous Koh Samui, the neighboring island of Koh Phangan also offers an extraordinary collection of idyllic beaches. This one might be the most popular, but there are over three dozen other beaches to discover, including the magnificent Bottle Beach.

Pattaya Beach: Is this the prettiest beach in Thailand? Not really! But being located so close to the oppressive atmosphere of Bangkok – just 150 km away – this place can feel almost surreal. That said, it’s a worthwhile stop for those focusing on northern Thailand and not planning to visit the beaches in the south of the country.

Lipa Noi Beach: Since we’ve included some seriously touristy spots so far, we’ve decided to highlight a lesser-known beach for the fabulous island of Koh Samui. While most resorts (and tourists) are usually concentrated on the eastern coast, Lipa Noi Beach can be found across the island. For easier-to-access places in Koh Samui, you can go for a swim at Chaweng Beach or Thongson Beach.

Kantiang Bay: Finally, we wrap up this list in Koh Lanta. Though close to Krabi and to the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Lanta is quieter and with a way more local vibe than its counterparts. Besides this mesmerizing bay, don’t miss out on Pra-Ae Beach, also known as Long Beach (easier for tourists to say).

Thailand Travel Guide – Full itineraries for 8, 10 and 14 days

So that this blog post doesn’t turn into an encyclopedia, we’ve decided to create separate articles for each itinerary.

You can check them through the following links:

• Thailand 8-Day Itinerary – What to See and Do in One Week
• Thailand 10-Day Itinerary – Best Places to Visit in the Land of Smiles
• Thailand 14-Day Itinerary – Highlights of Two Weeks in Thailand