SOUTHERN N A T N U S TWO WEEKS IN THAILAND Day 1 Check into the Carlton Hotel in Bangkok. Book it on booking.com or visit their website here - https://www.carltonhotel.co.th After check in and a relaxing few hours, enjoy a swim and a cocktail by the pool, then get ready and have a sunset drink on the hotel rooftop bar, listen to great music and enjoy the views of this huge city. After sunset head out for dinner and drinks down by Khao San Road, just jump in a taxi and you'll be there in 25 mins. If you don't fancy Khao San Road and you want something a little less in your face, head to Jodd's Fair, it's a night market with a great atmosphere plenty of food and live music, my favourite place inside the market is La Rumba Cafe (latin music, steaks, and cocktails). Jodds Fair is here - https://goo.gl/maps/3AqbXBqsvy6Lqmas8 Khao San Road is here - https://goo.gl/maps/MeDRXKtYfQsAcTDE7 Day 2 Take the full morning to lie in, catch up on sleep and recover fully from last nights adventures. Make sure not to miss the Carlton buffet breakfast (an optional extra when booking). For the rest of the day just take it easy, there is a fun activity this afternoon so just explore the local area around the hotel called Phrom Phong. There is a fantastic mall with amazing shopping and food called M-Quartier, and a cute little park across the street called Benjasiri Park, perfect for stretching your legs and exploring the city. Then around 4pm take a taxi across the river to the starting point of the Hidden Bangkok Tour on the canals of Bangkok. Here you will meet other like minded travelers (or you can book a private tour) and sail peacefully through the canal neighborhoods of Bangkok. You'll see amazing sights along the way, enjoy a beer or two, and witness a magnificent Bangkok sunset on the Chao Phraya River! Then after the tour take a taxi back home, or head out for one last night on the town! Book the Hidden Bangkok Tour here - https://www.hiddenbangkoktours.com Or contact them via Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/hiddenbangkoktours/ Highlights from my favorite tour in Bangkok that opens your eyes to an unseen area. Day 3 This morning you are leaving Bangkok fully rested and ready to experience tropical paradise. Wake up and eat one more delicious Carlton buffet breakfast and catch a taxi to the airport. To book your flight to Koh Samui make sure to book ahead via Bangkok Airways because they are the only airline that fly to the island, so you will need to book a few weeks in advance to avoid disappointment. Arriving on Koh Samui catch a taxi to Lanna Samui Hotel here https://goo.gl/maps/31Vp21Nhvv7vBGte6 This place is fantastic for many reasons, the main ones are the staff are really friendly and caring, the food options are awesome, the spa is relaxing, the gym well equipped, and the pool is bliss. PLUS Lanna is in a great location too! I would rent a motorbike or scooter here, the roads in Samui are easy to drive on and the traffic in this area is limited. Lanna is also situated near some amazing beaches, if I were you once you are settled in at Lanna head to the Fisherman’s Village area for dinner and a fire show. The best restaurant is 2 Fishes here - https://goo.gl/maps/CGhLqWLEKqcf7aNh6 Coco Tam’s for cocktails and fire show at 8pm here - https://goo.gl/maps/Y8n1MnXc88HrJA6K7 The stunning Lanna Samui Hotel - Day 4 Today you have the privilege of enjoying tropical paradise here on Koh Samui so if you want to relax and soak it all in, or head off for a mad adventure, this page has you covered. If you want to spend the day by the pool grazing on Lanna’s amazing food options then do NOT feel guilty and just relax. If you want to relax by the beach then here are the best ones on the island… #1 - Crystal Bay (small but idyllic) - https://goo.gl/maps/uNS9tmQsSMWQRVNM7 #2 - Lamai Beach at this cafe - https://g.page/baobab-restaurant-koh-samui?share #3 - Chaweng Beach is long and gorgeous - https://goo.gl/maps/ZYUVPy4vd661b4kQ8 If you want a little more adventure then head out to a few beautiful temples of interest such as #1 - The Red Temple here - https://goo.gl/maps/VNXndme1ATcYJpZx7 #2 - The Big Buddha here - https://goo.gl/maps/L3G89TM3w9uYyCap8 #3 - This Goddess - https://goo.gl/maps/8CDMwovhmjyqa3CV8 Alternatively if you are interested in a real adventure then book a Jet Ski Adventure here https://goo.gl/maps/iFE4JEyKENEXdNk47 Watch my Jet Ski Safari video to get an idea of the fun you can have! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wobjcw52Wfo In the evening I recommend another night in Fishermans Village and try a new restaurant and enjoy more cocktails and entertainment. Fisherman’s Village - https://goo.gl/maps/KPJD8bJsapB9vbxZ7 Chilling out at BaoBab in Lamai Beach Day 5 Today you should think about leaving Samui and visit the next island Koh Phangan. To book your ferry simply speak to the hotel staff, it should cost around 600 - 800 THB and take an hour to get there. Koh Phangan has two reasons to visit which are both very different as this island has two very different sides to it. The first and most popular side is the party scene on Haad Rin beach, so if you want to dance the night away on the sands at the full moon party then you will need to be around this area https://goo.gl/maps/cPD3R4Ztobr278ZS9 Alternatively if you are here to see the more relaxing ‘hippie’ side of the island then you should head west to the area of Zen Beach here - https://goo.gl/maps/SSoRsVKLqCRh472W8 Both beaches are fantastically beautiful, but both offer very different versions of Thailand. The island of Koh Phangan itself is stunning and somewhere you could easily get stuck on. If you need recommendations for places to stay, I would suggest staying somewhere a little more central and avoid the majority of the crowds. Here are three options with different budgets. $ - Seaside Backpackers - https://goo.gl/maps/7sHHMKTmkxvE4VZEA $$ - BlueRama - https://g.page/blueramakohphangan?share $$$ - The Cabin - https://g.page/thecabin-kohphangan?share Please bear in mind that during the full moon party (the days leading up and after) the island will be packed regardless of where you stay. To truly get away from the crowds head north and stay at Mae Haad Resort https://goo.gl/maps/hUGqXZAyiAhEYaS67 Enjoying a sunset on Koh Phangan Day 6 Wake up and dust yourself off because you got a ferry to catch towards Koh Tao. I know, I know!!! You don’t want to leave Koh Phangan but trust me you are going to love Koh Tao even more. The vibe here is awesome and it is the perfect place to unwind and relax after the parties on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Upon arriving at the pier jump in a truck taxi to the Saree beach area, if you stay at a hotel with free pick up then that is much better because it can be a little tricky to get on your way. Book into a hotel in the Saree beach area (here are 3 recommendations) $ - Ban’s Resort - https://g.page/bansdiving?share $$ - Blue Tao - https://g.page/Bluetao?share $$$ - Palm Reef - https://goo.gl/maps/p68VNFQamxYJmM2Z7 Not much else to do today other than head down to the beach and enjoy the sunset with a Pina Colada. Then for a fantastic dinner head to Charcoal - https://goo.gl/maps/mW6vDXTXH3cA1dpB9 Then wrap up the night and catch the cabaret show at 10pm here https://goo.gl/maps/mrhpZwxhrvCyXdWeA The incredible sunsets on Koh Tao Day 7 Good morning from Koh Tao and it’s time to rise and shine because you are going scuba diving today! Don’t worry if you have never been diving before because the diving school I am going to recommend will take care of you regardless. Check out a diving discover course if you have never tried it before, but if you have dove in the past, then book 1 or 2 fun dives with La Bombona Diving here (using this link gets you 10% off) - https://shop.labombonadiving.com/a/Jj6953yywABe After a fun day out spotting turtles and sharks, it’s time to head back to the hotel and enjoy another fun evening in this tropical paradise! The crystal clear waters of Koh Tao Day 8 Today is going to be a great day so don’t feel too sad about leaving the islands, you are on your way to pure heaven. Wake up early and get on the first ferry to Chumphon (the nearest point on the mainland) and catch your connecting minivan to Khao Sok National Park (you can get this ticket on Koh Tao from any travel agency). Three hours later around 1-2pm you will be getting aboard your complementary longtail taxi boat to your hotel the Panvaree The Greenery (book here https://goo.gl/maps/UtsRPDmcC7vJBg6u9) To book your hotel room please book in as much time ahead as possible to avoid disappointment. If Panvaree is fully booked, check out 500Rai Floating Resort instead https://goo.gl/maps/EaH6tSv9VdBZ4uoL9 This is a 5 star hotel that floats on the water in its own corner of the lake and national park. You will have an unforgettable experience I promise you, and if budgeting is tight then I would suggest that this is the place to blow it off. Khao Sok National Park is the jewel of Southern Thailand and is strangely still quite undiscovered, so strap in because this is going to be a highlight for sure. Please note that the room price includes the transfer there and back (about 45mins each way), all your food, and two excursions into the lake itself. You can watch my video on my experience here - https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=GDkCBA6xI7o&t=641s Day 9 Today you’ll awake on the lake in pure paradise and watch the long hornbill birds making their way into the jungles, what a start of the day. Sadly you need to leave this place but never fear you are now on your way to another idyllic paradise. From the pier, organize a minivan to Ao Nang in Krabi, here you will take a day off and recharge a little bit. Stay at the Avani, a 4 star hotel with fantastic rooms and decent buffet breakfast too. Just go for a walk around the beach, relax at the hotel's infinity pool and enjoy 2 for 1 cocktails, and then head down to the promenade for cheap drinks and a relaxing sunset. There are plenty of bars and venues for fun on Ao Nang or alternatively you can just relax back at the hotel. Book Avani here - https://g.page/avaniaonangkrabi?share The beautiful taxi boats of Ao Nang (this will be your transport tomorrow) Day 10 Today is a good day to be alive, so wake up and get that buffet breakfast down you, check out, and head down to the beach to catch a long tail boat over to Railay. Railay is a beautiful spot with lots to see and do, or a great place to have a beach day. Check into The Avatar Resort - https://goo.gl/maps/gWM8BWHji5HUEUAP8 As this is probably the best bang for your buck here in Railay. This area has three beaches so go explore all of them, go kayaking at sunset, go rock climbing, take a longtail tour, or simply find some shade under the limestone cliffs and relax. This area of Thailand is unbelievably beautiful so relax and enjoy yourself. Watch the video from my recent time here - https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=9do_RamljHE&t=471s The view from my shaded area on Railay beach. Day 11 Wake up it’s time for another island and this time it’s the world famous Koh Phi Phi home to one of the most picture perfect paradise beaches in the world. The ferry (which you can book in Railay super easily) will pick you up about 11am from the main beach so don't miss it! 1.5 hours later you will disembark onto Koh Phi Phi itself and it’s time to walk to your hotel. As you will see upon arrival, Koh Phi Phi has no roads and is a little bit of a cluster fuck around the town. This is because the Tsunami wiped this place off the map killing most of the tourists and locals who were sadly not able to escape in time, and therefore the rebuilding process was a little unorganized and the whole island still looks and feels like a bit of a bombsite. HOWEVER, don’t let this put you off, Phi Phi is still one of my favorite places, after all the locals here are the most friendly in Thailand and so that more than makes up for the clutter. Book a night here to be as central to everything as possible https://goo.gl/maps/WYCyMvC87zcaMJ539 Then don’t miss out on booking a longtail tour of Maya Bay (you can book this anywhere on the island in minutes). You will need cash on you as they now charge extra to walk onto the beach, but this is not to be missed, and if you can organize it around sunset even better. That evening head down to the beach and let your hair down. I also recommend watching the drunk backpackers fighting at the Reggae Boxing Bar (very entertaining), and sing Karaoke at The Rolling Stones Bar. Koh Phi Phi is a wild night out so be prepared! Check out my Maya Bay Review here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFj8z3w6pek&t=287s And yes this is the color of the water in Maya Bay Day 12 Wake up, it's time to head to one last paradise, the largest island in Thailand, Phuket! The fast ferry will leave from Phi Phi around 8am - 11am - 1pm and - 3pm but try to catch the earliest one you can to have more time on Phuket (you can catch an hour's nap on the ferry). Take a taxi to your hotel (it’s going to be expensive because there is a taxi maffia on Phuket), I recommend the area of Nai Harn and so here are a few options for you $ - Cheap and clean - https://goo.gl/maps/PEFVyysKmyPh3p3u8 $$ - Quiet and peaceful - https://goo.gl/maps/wM7M4LmwhYkdBJYz7 $$$ - Incredible but expensive - https://g.page/thenaiharnphuket?share The reason why I recommend Nai Harn (Phuket is so huge and has many more popular areas than this) is because to me it is the most beautiful area of the island. Yes Patong has more activity, yes Karon is more popular, but for me nothing beats the Nai Harn area! Beaches you must visit that are all within 5 min scooter ride are Nai Harn - https://goo.gl/maps/7gFMMDfFqtFCLnL86 Ao Sane - https://goo.gl/maps/2QT8d6sTP7FhuCRJ9 Yanui Beach - https://goo.gl/maps/qsFXkJKychJn9Y769 I also recommend heading over to the Cape lookout point for sunset here https://goo.gl/maps/HLq96UD6bU1DQCnKA Here is why I love this area of Phuket the most - https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=fLeccDvJO_I&t=23s There is fantastic kayaking available at Yanui Beach Day 13Ok you deserved this….it’s a day off! No traveling, no ferries to worry about, just relax in paradise. For those looking to see more than just the beaches at your doorstep try heading into Phuket Old Town for some delicious Thai food. Check out the best food in the Old Town here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69gASbCnHZY Or relax all day and then in the afternoon catch a sunset cruise on a million dollar catamaran around the Nai Harn cape area (book here https://goo.gl/maps/PRCPnFfS168kPxv57) Enjoy your last day in paradise. Day 14 Wake up because today you fly home. You may fly from Phuket directly back home because certain airlines fly direct to Phuket (such as Emirates to London Gatwick), or catch a quick flight up to Bangkok to connect to your flight home. Make sure to check before you book your return flights to Thailand, you may be able to fly into Bangkok and then home from Phuket, this will save you half a day travel! Safe Travels and I hope you enjoyed the trip!
