Sawasdee khrap! (if you are male) or sawasdee kha! (if you are female), meaning hello!
Are you ready to embark on an adventure to the land of smiles?
Thailand is the perfect destination for relaxation, and cultural exploration (and my favorite food!) .
Join me on a journey through some of Thailand’s most beautiful places, breathtaking beaches, and islands.
My 8-day island hopping itinerary is designed to share the best of what this amazing country has to offer.
And don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a handy Thailand packing list you can copy to your phone.
Let’s hop into the magic of Thailand!
Table of Contents
Exploring Bangkok
Bangkok will likely be the first location you will visit since most flights land at the airport of this enormous metropolis, home to more than 10 million people.
Bangkok can be overwhelming because of the many scooters, street food stores, and famous tuc tucs, but it is quite a fascinating location!
You will see all of Bangkok’s stunning temples and the monks that live there, which is amazing.
But I recommend staying in Bangkok only for a bit.
Take two days to experience the city and then move on to the more fun and relaxing part, Thailand’s islands and beaches!
Things to do in Bangkok: Wat Pho
Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a famous cultural and religious area in Bangkok.
The area houses a 46-meter-long golden statue of the Buddha, symbolizing the historical Buddha’s final phase before entering nirvana.
It is a great area to wander around for around 2 hours.
More info can be found at GPS My City.
Btw, “wat” means enclosure, it is used as the term for Thai Buddhist temples.
Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok.
Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan
Wat Traimit is a magnificent Buddhist temple that is worth a visit when you are in Bangkok.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun is a pretty big area to walk around. It feels like a Thai theme park with all the amazing structures and details.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road, which obviously shows a different side of Thailand than the beaches, but! it’s part of the Thai culture.
Drink some ‘buckets’ of sweet lemon-flavored alcoholic drinks, and let’s get wasted! Jokes, please don’t; those drinking buckets are awful! I can know it… but it is a fun and fascinating area to visit in the evening.
Places to stay in Bangkok
Most hostels have private rooms that are really affordable and are just like hotel rooms.
Hostels in Thailand range from basic dormitory-style accommodations to more upscale options with private rooms and modern rooms.
The nice thing about hostels is they are common areas for socializing and meeting fellow travelers. Most hostels have 24-hour security and housekeeping services.
Overall, hostels in Thailand provide an excellent option for budget travelers looking to explore the country.
Some nice hostels to check out are:
Thailand Island Hopping!
Thailand has some of the best beaches and islands in the world. These three islands are my favorite ones, hop on!
Ao Nang Krabi
The first stop after Bangkok is the beautiful area Ao Nang in Krabi.
Ao Nang, Thailand, isn’t just a location; it’s an experience. Tucked away in the landscapes of Krabi Province, this stunning beach town is known for its tranquility, adventure, and Thai authenticity.
Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves crashing on the shore, the cool sea breeze playing with your hair, and a view that takes your breath away. Ao Nang, Thailand, is that place!
It sure is a great start of the Thailand island hopping tour, and it is only getting better.
Koh Lanta
Next stop: Koh Lanta
You can hop on a longtail boat to explore the neighboring islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Ngai or enjoy the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Koh Lanta.
The local food is delicious, with plenty of fresh seafood and traditional Thai dishes.
Try some Tom Yum soup!
With warm weather, friendly locals, and breathtaking landscapes, Koh Lanta is the perfect stop for an island-hopping tour.
What I like about Koh Lanta is the easy way of exploring the island with a scooter. There is basically one long road that goes across the island, which makes it easy to drive, especially if you are not used to driving on the left side.
Nui Beach
One of the most isolated and beautiful beaches in Thailand is Nui Beach on Koh Lanta, which in itself is a stunning and also very quiet island.
When we arrived, there were just three other people. We had the entire beach for ourselves.
We stayed two nights at the Anyavee Krabi Beach Resort. It has chalets that are like gorgeous tree houses right on the beach.
The surroundings were excellent, but you will get the whole Thailand experience… We had a huge flying (I had no idea they could do that!) cockroach in our room!
During the night, I heard this strange sound that woke me up. I turned on the lights and didn’t see anything. Then suddenly, it flew from under the bed to the ceiling!
Luckily, one of the staff members helped us catch it and release it somewhere far away. The following day, we told our story to another couple, and they told us a huge lizard spent the night in their room on the ceiling. Yikes! But that’s part of Thailand, so ensure you are up for that.
Also, the toilet is just outside your sleeping room so if you must go at night… you might run into some friendly bugs or bats.
If you’ve survived the night, you’ll forget about it quickly while drinking your cocktail on this super lovely and noiseless beach.
Hopping on the ferry for the next stop!
Koh Phi Phi
This tiny island in Thailand is famous for its gorgeous white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
It’s like the ultimate stop on any island-hopping adventure and is often called one of Thailand’s coolest island to check out.
It’s two islands – Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh (Where you can find Maya Bay).
Many folks start their journey in Phuket and head to Koh Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay.
Koh Phi Phi was more busy than I thought, but there are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy the island.
Phi Phi Lee – Pi Leh Bay (Maya Beach)
This place is close to Koh Phi Phi and definitely worth a visit! I would advise to take a private boat with one of the locals to go there. It’s a more fun experience than taking a commercial ride.
When we went back to Koh Phi Phi, we say a lot of beautiful fish at a spot, we asked if we could stop there for a dive which was no problem!
This is one of the benefits of taking the boat with a local and not a commercial one.
Phuket
Next, head to the stunning island of Phuket, where you can take a flight back to Bangkok.
Phuket isn’t my favorite island, but it is one of the few options for returning to Bangkok. The beaches are great tho.
Things to keep in mind when visiting Thailand
- Vaccinations
This depends on your schedule. If you are only staying two nights at a hotel for a business trip it will not be necessary to take vaccinations. If you are planning to go outside more and explore the area it is advised to do so. Although you have likely previously been immunized against COVID-19, most medical professionals advise getting shots for tetanus and hepatitis A.
You may also want to be vaccinated against rabies, since many animals, including dogs, cats, and also monkeys, can be carriers of the virus. Border areas at Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Malaysia are risk areas of malaria. Check with your local doctor or hospital for accurate info about vaccinations for Thailand. More info.
- Passport
Most people use their hotel room safe to store their passports and other sensitive papers. To travel freely in Thailand, however, you must always have your passport with you.
But, things might be more relaxed in practice than many people think. Read a local’s experiences here.
- Keep your shirt on
Always wear a T-shirt or at least something to cover your upper body if you want to ride a vehicle or motorbike in Thailand. Driving while undressed is not allowed.
- Smoking is bad for you
Certain beaches have strict no-smoking policies, and violators can face a fine. Smoking has been prohibited on various beaches.
- No alcohol between two and five o’clock?
The ban on no alcohol in the afternoon has been lifted in 2022! So enjoy some drinks all day around. Cheers! Or how they say it in Thailand, chok dee! (But don’t drink too much .)
- Everything all together at once
At a Thai restaurant, all of the dishes will be brought out at once and put in the center of the table so that everyone may help themselves.
In the nineteenth century, Thailand stopped using chopsticks. You’ll have a spoon and fork but no knife, but luckily most of the food here is served in small enough portions that you won’t need it.
What should I pack?: Thailand packing list
Backpacking or traveling through Thailand is an experience that will leave you filled with so much beautiful memories.
But before you take-off on this epic journey, you must have all the essentials on your Thailand packing list.
So pack your bags, double-check that Thailand packing list!
Thailand Island Hopping Packing List
Clothing:
- Lightweight and breathable shirts and tops (short and long sleeves)
- Shorts and skirts (for hot weather)
- Light trousers or pants (for evenings and to protect from mosquitoes)
- Swimwear (for the beaches and pools)
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses!
- Light rain jacket or poncho (in case of rain during the wet season)
Travel Documents:
- Passport (with at least six months validity from your departure date)
- Visa (if required, check the latest visa regulations before traveling)
- Travel insurance documents
- Flight tickets and itinerary
- Hotel reservations and contact information
Electronics:
- Universal travel adapter
- Mobile phone and charger
- Camera or smartphone (Sony a7c review)
- Power bank to keep your devices charged on-the-go
Health and Personal Care:
- Prescription medications and a copy of the prescription
- Personal toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.)
- Sustainable sunscreen with high SPF.
- Protect yourself from the sun with high-quality sunscreen! It’s more expensive there, so it’s smart to bring some protection for your skin. Furthermore, you will get burned much more quickly than in the city due to the clean air. Try to get a sustainable sunscreen.
- Insect repellent with DEET
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, etc.) This sounds unnecessary, but the traffic in Thailand is quite chaotic.
Miscellaneous:
- Backpack or day bag for day trips
- Water bottle (stay hydrated)
- Travel towel (quick-drying and lightweight)
- Ziplock bags (for storing snacks or protecting electronics from rain)
- A small padlock for securing your belongings in lockers
Optional Items:
- Snorkeling gear (if you plan to do some snorkeling)
- Reusable shopping bag (to reduce plastic waste)
- Phrasebook or language app to help with local communication.
What to pack for a visit to temples in Thailand?
When visiting temples, it’s important to dress modestly.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Remember to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders.
At most temples they will provide the necessary clothes in case you forgot to bring them.
When To Visit Thailand
The best season of the year to visit the beautiful country Thailand is from November to January, when the country’s northern temperature makes for cooler and less humid weather, making exploring its stunning natural surroundings much more pleasant.
You don’t want to sweat all the time like you’re jet skiing on flip-flops.
There is a downside to this particular season.
There has been significant air pollution in Thailand in recent years, and it isn’t good during Thailand’s winter (December to January).
So even though the temperature is more pleasant, the air quality might be worse in the city. However, it will not be an issue on the islands.
Unlike Europe, where the summer months are the most pleasant, Thailand’s summer is hot and humid. One step out of the door, and bam! You’re wet.
So, only travel during this time if you don’t have trouble with the heat. The air might be slightly better during this period in Bangkok, but there’s no assurance that it will be.
The rest of the year is part of the rainy season. The temperature will be warm, but there will be a lot of showers which may make it difficult to enjoy the outdoors.
The upside, the air will be a lot better because the rain will clean it. The downside is that riding a scooter is more dangerous if you are planning to rent one.
So “wintertime” is the best season to visit Thailand. And perhaps it’s the perfect time to skip the real winter in your own country! How about celebrating the holidays with a palm tree instead of a Christmas tree?
Have an amazing trip!
F.A.Q.
How do I get from Bangkok to the islands?
From Bangkok, you can take a cheap domestic flight to Phuket or Krabi. Buses and trains are also available, but flying is the quickest and most convenient option.
What can I do in Bangkok on Day 1?
On Day 1 in Bangkok, you can visit popular attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho with the famous reclining Buddha. You can also take a boat tour on the Chao Phraya River and explore the street markets.
What are the must-visit places in Phuket or Krabi?
Some must-visit places in Phuket or Krabi include the Big Buddha, Tiger Cave Temple, and Railay Beach. These places offer stunning views and unique experiences.
Can you recommend any unique experiences in Thailand?
Some unique experiences in Thailand include taking a Thai cooking class, enjoying a pool party in Phuket, and trying mango sticky rice, a popular Thai dessert.
How can you explore the islands in Thailand?
To really get into island life, grab a scooter or motorbike rental, hook up with a local guide for some insider tips, or jump on an organized island tour.
Remember that they drive on the left side in Thailand (!)
