Planning a Trip to Thailand: How to get started!
Thailand is a country that keeps calling us back. With its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, rich culture, and tasty food, it’s no wonder we’ve visited three times – in 2017, 2019, and 2023. Planning a trip here from scratch can feel a bit overwhelming, so let’s break it down and make it easier to get started.
The first thing to figure out is what kind of trip you want. Do you prefer to stay in one place and relax, or do you want to move around and see as much of the country as possible? Are you okay with busy tourist areas, or would you rather seek out quieter, off-the-beaten-path spots? These are important questions to answer before booking anything.
Most international travellers fly into one of Thailand’s two major airports: Bangkok or Phuket. Both have their advantages. Flying into Phuket puts you right in the heart of the action – within ten minutes of the airport, you can be at a beautiful resort on a white sand beach. From here, you can also explore the surrounding areas and islands. Bangkok, on the other hand, offers a bustling city experience and makes it easy to travel further afield to other regions of Thailand.
If You Fly to Phuket – where to stay:
Phuket
Phuket is the hub of southern Thailand, offering white sandy beaches, luxury resorts, shopping, and a variety of restaurants. While some areas are very touristy, you can still find quieter beaches if you explore beyond Patong or Kata.
Khao Lak
A quieter option north of Phuket, with long, wide beaches and peaceful resorts. Ideal for families or those wanting a more relaxed pace. Nearby, Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is perfect for short treks and nature walks.
Railay Beach
Accessible only by boat, Railay Beach is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s popular with climbers and adventure travellers, but still feels peaceful compared to Phuket’s main resorts.
Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi
Two tranquil islands situated between Phuket and Krabi. Perfect for those seeking calm beaches, small resorts, and authentic Thai village life. Great for cycling, kayaking, or just unwinding.
Koh Phi Phi
Famous and very touristy, especially Phi Phi Don. Stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife are highlights, but it is crowded. For a quieter experience, stay a little away from the main town.
Koh Lanta
Much quieter than Phi Phi, with long beaches, boutique resorts, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Opportunities for snorkeling and boat trips to nearby islands make it a good balance between relaxation and activity.
Koh Ngai
A small, peaceful island ideal for unwinding completely. Clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and a few charming resorts make this a great option for a low-key getaway.
If you fly to Bangkok: where to stay:
Bangkok
The bustling capital offers markets, temples, shopping, and vibrant street life. Ideal for a few days in the city before heading to the coast or islands.
Hua Hin
A seaside town south-east of Bangkok with long sandy beaches and relaxed resorts. Popular with Thai families, it’s a quieter alternative to Pattaya.
Pattaya
Known for nightlife, but also has family-friendly beaches and resorts further from the centre. Easily accessible from Bangkok.
Koh Chang
A large island with jungle, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. Less developed than Samui or Phuket, offering a good mix of nature and relaxation.
Koh Kood
Very peaceful and relatively undeveloped. Ideal for a quiet retreat with beautiful beaches and a chance to truly unwind.
Koh Mak
Even smaller and more secluded than Koh Kood. Perfect for absolute relaxation, snorkeling, and small, boutique-style resorts.
Koh Samui
A larger island with a mix of lively areas like Chaweng and quieter spots like Lamai or the northern beaches. Direct flights from Bangkok make it convenient. Plenty of restaurants, activities, and beautiful beaches.
Koh Phangan & Koh Tao
Koh Phangan is famous for full moon parties but also has quiet beaches and family-friendly resorts. Koh Tao is small and well-known for diving and snorkeling – perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
Getting Started
The first step is deciding where you want to go and which airport makes the most sense for your plans. Flights to Thailand have unfortunately become more expensive, so try to book well in advance. We usually buy our tickets 5–6 months ahead to get the best deals.
Once flights are sorted, it’s time to research the areas you want to visit. We always book accommodation ahead of time, but it’s also possible to go with a looser plan and see where the adventure takes you.
I hope this guide has given you some inspiration and a starting point for planning your own Thai adventure. Thailand is a country that rewards both careful planning and spontaneous exploration, so whatever you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
