The Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide for Couples in Their 30’s

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Your ultimate guide for a 4-5 week 30+ couple’s trip to Thailand, including a 34-day itinerary and many tips & tricks.

In July-August 2024 my boyfriend, Ze’ev and I took our first long-term trip together to Thailand. It was exactly what we needed, and came out even better than we thought. Of course, we also learned a lot during this trip, and it certainly helped us grow much closer together.

In this article, I will share with you our 34-day itinerary + tips and tricks we learned along the way. Feel free to change it up and play around with the days/activities to fit your schedule. And also leave space to explore and discover things for yourself. Some activities are not just about the specific thing or place… But more a general recommendation (spa, rooftop bar, beach/pool time, etc.). And you can fill that slot with your own choice.

This is a general itinerary based on our trip. Which is basically a summary of all the articles we read and videos we watched – and of course, the things we discovered along the way. So it will be great for those of you who are struggling to decide what to do and create your own trip schedule.

In this article, I will share with you as follows:

Where We Stayed
Things We Did
Places We Ate or Had Drinks
Getting Around
Special Tips & Tricks

So, will our itinerary suit you, too? Here’s a bit about us to help you decide:

This section is to help you understand who we are, and our vibes… If they match your own, and subsequently, if our Thailand Travel Guide would be good for you. In general, we had a more layback approach, with a good (and not exaggerated) does of being active.

Age: I’m 34 and Ze’ev is 35, so we didn’t want a backpacker trip. We’ve already been there, and now we wanted to elevate our trip to match our means and where we are in life, without over-splurging or spending on high-class.

Budget: Mid-range – We didn’t want (nor could we afford) fancy resorts and over-the-top spending. But as I mentioned, we didn’t want to sleep just anywhere or ‘slum it’. On average, we spent $65 per night on hotels and in total: $10,700 – including flights and extra shopping. We preferred to stay in boutique, and special places, rather than huge hotels. Also, we didn’t eat in fancy restaurants, because we LOVE Thai food. Especially their local restaurants, so that’s where we usually ate – and it was delicious and cheap. That said, we did splurge every so often on a Western restaurant or a higher-scale Thai restaurant.

Trip-Goals: We had a very rough year on many levels, and we both had some trips cancelled. So we really needed this one. Our main goal was to let go, and just go with the flow. Neither of us wanted to chase attractions and activities… We wanted to take it at our own pace and enjoy each activity to its fullest. Of course, we came prepared, but we also left room to explore and discover alone. Just being in Thailand was amazing for us, and we wanted a chill, drama/stress-free trip. Enjoy what we can, and not dwell on what we didn’t or couldn’t do.

Mindset: To achieve our goals, we needed to be laid back and open-minded. Not be in a rush to do as much as we can, and jump from one thing to the next. You need to be okay with not doing everything. Yes, you may miss out on things, but you’ll gain so much more… Not only in experiencing more of each thing you do but also be less stressed, which impacts your dynamics. It also helped us enjoy what is. No matter what it was (stay tuned for some examples in this article), and have fun.

Season: Jul-Aug 2024, which is the rainy season, but it’s also so much cheaper and less crowded. Yes, it was cloudy a lot of the time. But it didn’t bother us, and again, we just enjoyed what is. There’s also a beauty to Thailand in this season, and it meant it wasn’t as boiling. It didn’t rain often, and even when it did, it very quickly passed.

Now that we’re on the same page… Let’s dive into our Thailand Travel Guide because there’s a lot to get through (feel free to skip parts that are irrelevant to you)

Table of Contents

BANGKOK 2-3 nights

Whether you want to rush to see all Bangkok has to offer, or wisk off to the next stop ASAP… Give yourself at least a day or two before you do. While I understand not wanting to waste a single, precious day… I believe you’d be able to make the most of your trip if you give yourself a couple of days to acclimate and soften your landing. If it’s a long trip, you can afford to take these days.

For us, it gave us time to recover from the long (and horrendous) flight. And also register where we are, how we’re feeling, etc. Especially if you’re planning a packed trip – you need this time to prepare yourself on all aspects.

All that said, you can still do things, of course, just on a low tempo. If you jump in too much, too fast… You’ll just overwhelm yourself, and cause more stress and friction between you and your partner. This mindset opens your trip on good vibes and sets the tone for the rest of it.

+ Where we stayed: Hotel Indigo

Not a cheap hotel, but we wanted to splurge for the beginning of our trip. Especially since we both had birthdays in July. It’s beautiful, nice rooftop pool and bar, the location (Sukuhmvit area, walking distance from Lumphinni Park) and service are amazing. Plus they have a yummy breakfast. Highly recommended if you can afford it, even for one night.

Day 1 – Arrival + Chill evening

Ze’ev and I arrived in Bangkok with a good level of energy, despite the terrible and long flight. With the excitement of the long-awaited trip, I wanted to jump right into it. But this can also be deceiving, and I suggest proceeding with caution. Often, you’ll feel the adrenaline and wanna start your trip with a bang. But very quickly your energy levels will crash. Which will only make it worse. So, to prevent this from happening, we had a chill and very slow-paced evening.

We grabbed a coffee at Vistacafé, explored the area of our hotel and went for a stroll at the local mall – centralwOrld. Which is not as overwhelming as the other malls in Bangkok, so it’s great to start with. We also ate at the ‘Kub Kao Kub Pla’. It isn’t the cheapest, but is super delicious and a great starting point for your stomach to get used to the food. You have to try the pandan juice and Tom Yum!

Day 2 – Pool + Spa/Relaxation Day

Chill Morning at the Pool – With the theme of starting our trip with a soft landing, we began our day at the cool rooftop pool of our hotel. This is a great way to start any trip. Then we went to the centralwOrld Mall again while we waited for the spa treatments we booked. It’s a great place for shopping, as they have everything you could possibly need.

‘Let’s Relax Spa Ploenchit’ – Ze’ev got the 4 hands Thai Massage, and I got the facial massage. There are so many great spas in Bangkok. I suggest taking advantage of them – as the islands mainly just have the off-the-road small spas. Which are nice, but nowhere near this level. This one was near our hotel, which was convenient, and why we chose it. It’s not the fanciest or the best… But it was excellent service, and we even got tea and sticky rice after our treatments.

Benchakitti Park – After resting in our room, we explored this park in the evening. It’s huge, and there’s so much to explore, but I recommend doing what you can. We got a bit lost trying to find the paths but ended up just walking along the bridges (which is the best option, and has street lights) and then along the pond. It’s especially beautiful and special at night.

Day 3 – Park & River

Lumphini Park – We walked to the park, where we strolled around and saw HUGE lizards. It’s a big park, so you can spend here as much time as you want, and even have a picnic. Though considering the heat, it may be a bit difficult. We were also fine with just exploring for an hour or so. You can get the train here and back from Silom or Lumphini. Just buy a ticket from one of the machines in the station.

Lunch at Terminal 21 Mall – You can take the underground train (easily navigated via Google Maps, to/from Asok or Robinson) and eat lunch in the food court… There are a lot of yummy options, for great prices. Malls are a great place for meals, especially in Bangkok… They have fair prices, lots of seating areas, many options and the perfect escape from the heat. It’s also a cute mall to explore. But I wasn’t a huge fan of it, as I don’t like market-like malls.

Chinatown – We hopped on the train again and went to explore Chinatown and Yaowarat Road. It’s certainly a beautiful area to explore, and worth the visit, but we didn’t understand the big hype around it.

Wat Pho – Hop on a TukTuk to Wat Pho, which is like a small, picturesque village with many small structures, statues, and mini-temples. This is also where you will find the Big Buddha. You do need to cover your knees and shoulders here. But they provide you with cover-up options. (Though you should bring your own if you don’t want to wear what they offer [see pic]).

Eagle Nest Bar – A walking distance from Wat Pho, this is a great place to give your legs a break and grab a drink. It took us a while to find it, as you need to walk through Sala Arun Hotel / The ROOF to get to it and climb the stairs all the way up. The bar overlooks Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun. We didn’t try their food, but they do have some nice cocktails.

Taxi Boat Ride – From Tah Tian Ferry terminal we took a taxi boat back in the direction of our hotel. In general, this is a great attraction in itself, and another good option to get around the city. It’s quite a bumpy ride and is usually very crowded, so you may even need to stand. But certainly worth the experience, at least once.

Rooftop Bar – We went to the CHAR Rooftop Bar because it was in our hotel and we didn’t wanna go out again. But there are so many cool rooftop bars, and it’s certainly worth it, and a must-do when you’re in Bangkok. We didn’t need to pre-book, as it was low-season. But keep in mind that you might need to book a seat.

NORTHERN THAILAND – 10 days/nights

Day 4.1 – Travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Main to Pai

Flight to Chiang Mai – We booked a taxi with the hotel. A staff member told us we don’t need to pre-book. But in the morning another told us it will take longer than usual – so I think it’s best to pre-book anyway.

We pre-booked our flight from Don-Mueang Airport to Chiang Mai, via Nok-Air. You can also book with AirAsia, as they have similar prices/services. I check all flights on Skyscanner, then book our chosen flight via the airline itself.

+ They may not seat you together (if you didn’t select in advance). For all our internal flights I had to pay to move one seat next to the other, but it was cheap.

Car Rental – We chose a Nissan Navar King Cab (automatic, but it’s also available in manual). What can we say, we wanted to ride in style. When in Thailand, right? Booking was cheaper than the car-rental company (DRIVE Car Rental), so we booked with the basic coverage, then added the full insurance when we picked up the car. It’s easy and convenient to rent a car, especially if you want to explore more freely. Both the pick-up and drop-off were quick and went smoothly. We rented a car because we wanted to get to Pai, but not by bus, and it’s too windy and long by scooter (it can be dangerous with the rain + wet roads). Just make sure you have an international driver’s licence.

Drive to Pai – As I mentioned, this is a long and windy road… So drive with caution and prepare to get a bit nauseous. I picked up some motion-sickness pills at Boots. There are so many cute spots to stop on the way. Take some time to explore Google Maps to find things you like. There are also long sections of the road with nowhere to stop, so consider that.

Pankled Coffee – I found this spot while exploring the map. It was such a cute, pastoral place for a lunch break. The food was cheap and delicious, and they also had amazing coffee and cookies.

PAI – 3 nights

+ Where we stayed: Pai Nam Now Hotel

The location is so pastoral and beautiful. The cabins are unique, it’s also secluded and quiet – I couldn’t find anything like it in the centre. It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the centre (depends where you’re going). And is also easily accessible by car and has good parking spots (and you don’t have to drive through or into the centre.) The only downside is that you can’t flush toilet paper at all… But it’s not a big deal and didn’t bother us much.

Day 4.2 – Arrival + Chill

Exploring the Town – This is something I like to do at every destination when I arrive. Before I rush into the next activity, I take a stroll around the area and explore a bit on foot… To get the lay of the land, and also discover things on my own. It also gave us a chance to wind down from our long drive.

Lazy Evening – Firstly, I suggest you have regular ‘lazy evenings’ throughout your trip, especially if it’s a long one. It prevents burnout and gives you a chance to rest and take it all in. We often enjoyed getting some beer from 7-11 and hanging out on the porch. So after we ate a delicious burger at ‘LE Burger Shack’, we enjoyed each other’s company in the calm and quiet confines of our balcony/room.

Day 5 – Exploring by car

Here’s a great example of just going with it – we woke up much later than we planned. And at first, I was bummed, and it took me a moment longer than I’d like to get over it. We also couldn’t decide what we wanted to do… So instead of arguing or freaking out about it – we went to a local cafe and took the time we needed to recoup. In the end, we made the most of the day and learned a lot from this – especially that it’s never the end of the world. After we reset, we grabbed some food from 7-11 and headed out to explore by car.

Lalamal Cafe – A quaint, family-owned cafe with a breathtaking view. The coffee is really good, and the vibes are just so calming. You can also get food here, but we didn’t try it. Just keep in mind that things are slow-paced here… So it’s not the spot to grab a coffee and go quickly.

Pam Bok Waterfall – We met another couple on the way up who was bummed about this waterfall, as it was “nothing special”. Yet, we enjoyed every single second of it. Sure, it wasn’t the best waterfall, but we had fun nonetheless. It’s all a matter of mindset, and enjoying things no matter what. It’s a beautiful waterfall, with pastoral surroundings, and an easy climb up. It’s great if you’re feeling lazy or not at your peak, but still wanna do something fun.

Love Strawberry Pai – A great pit-stop to rest a bit or refuel with a cold juice or shake. It’s also one of many spots with breathtaking views for amazing pics. I know it’s hard to pick and choose between these places… But really you can’t go wrong with any one of them, just don’t drive yourself wild trying to see them all. Pick one or two and that’s more than enough.

Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge – You could easily spend one to two hours in this charming place. Besides walking along the bridge, there are some cute benches, swings, a ladder, and a unique wooden deck/temple. You can even feed the catfish in the pond. There’s also a sweet Thai man who made arrows, and let Ze’ev shoot it for 30THB (so look out for him!). We also ate lunch at their restaurant, and it was delicious and fairly priced.

White Buddha – Not much to do here, but it’s pretty cool to see a huge Buddha in what felt like the middle of the road, nowhere. After we stopped for a coffee at Coffee in Love, with yet another breathtaking view.

Wat Phra That Mae Yen – If you only have time for one big Buddha, this should be your pick. Yes, it’s quite the climb of stairs, but it’s worth it. Not only is the Buddha magnificent, there’s also a unique view of Pai and the village. On the way back to Pai, we stopped off at the infamous Two Huts. Which is a great place for a break. Just keep in mind that it gets super busy, especially during the sunset.

Night Market – For supper, we explored the different food stalls and picked up some dishes from the ones that appealed to us most. There’s a nice mix of local and Western food, and there’s absolutely something for everyone. While some vendors have stools to sit on, keep in mind that you may need to stand/walk and eat. Which is just part of the experience.

Day 6 – Cooking Class + Exploring

Wok ‘N Roll Thai Cooking Course – There are so many classes to pick from. It can get quite overwhelming and confusing. We had no idea which one to choose, and discovered Thom and her cooking class via a YouTube video. At that moment we just knew.

If you’re the first to arrive or don’t see anyone in the restaurant out front… Don’t be shy, head to the back area where the class is held. If you’re still feeling awkward and no one else is there yet, you can grab a place at the large table and skim through Thom’s book. The cooking class is experiential, but Thom is the highlight and the true star of it all. The class was personable, and filled with humour, fun, and lots of useful info.

In the evening we came back to eat the leftover food for supper because there was so much. So you get two meals out of it! Make sure not to eat a huge breakfast before. And keep in mind that the class may end later than expected. (Especially considering you’re also dependent on others who are also participating in the class). If you’re coming in a pair, then you will cook the same dishes together (and not one each).

Pai Canyon – The perfect place to enjoy the sunset; There’s a shortish, slightly uphill walk to the Canyon. And while there you can explore the ridges. So I suggest bringing comfortable shoes/sandals that are sturdy, and good for balance. At the entrance, there’s a bathroom and vendors to get cold drinks and snacks. There’s no fee, but it is acceptable to leave a donation.

Day 7.1 – Hot Spring

Sai Ngam Natural Mineral Spring – There’s a long, windy, and hilly road leading up to the springs. So please avoid coming here with a poor scooter. We met someone who got stuck in the middle, and it wasn’t great. The springs are pastoral and very relaxing. We didn’t go super early as everyone suggested, so it wasn’t empty, but also wasn’t packed. Either way, it was still nice. There’s a bathroom and changing rooms, but no vendors, so if you need water or food – get your supply before.

Chai Lai Orchid – 1 night

We booked directly through their site, as it was cheaper than booking.com and had all the room options. You can pay at the front desk by cash or card. We booked the A-frame 5 room by the river, which is a short drive away. It was beautiful, clean and well-maintained. There’s also a staff member who’s always there to help. They have drivers that can drop you off near the river, just know there’s a steep hill to walk down/up to get to and from the river. But it’s worth it! There’s also no reception or wifi by the river, but we enjoyed being disconnected for a bit. There’s a happy hour with the elephants between 3 pm-5 pm, but we just missed it, unfortunately.

Day 7.2 – Travelling to Chai Lai Orchid

Drive to Chai Lai Orchid – There are two main options for getting here: Either rent a car or take a taxi (best to book it through Chai Lai, so you get the best price and guarantee a driver that knows where to go). If you drive, like we did, make sure to watch out for the signs and drive carefully. I downloaded instructions through their site, which were super helpful. There are not many places to stop on the way, so make sure to stock up before you leave. Also, some of the roads can get dangerous – either slippery from the rain, constructions, or broken asphalt. So please drive safely.

Arrival & Chill Evening – Because our room wasn’t easily accessible, we enjoyed a drink at the restaurant before we went to our room. Once we chilled out for a bit and wound down from our long drive, we headed to our room. Then we dipped in the river, which was cold, but refreshing. Ze’ev even played with some local kids that were also there. Then we took a shower and had supper and drinks at the restaurant.

Day 8 – Chai Lai Orchid & Travelling to Chiang Mai

Breakfast with the Elephants – When you check-in, you can pick a time for breakfast + feeding the elephants (which is included in the price of the room). In the morning, they will bring you breakfast and a huge basket of sugarcane for the elephant to your room/balcony. Then a guide will come with an elephant for you to feed. The night may offer you to purchase another basket (leftovers from the happy hour). Which isn’t necessary as one is plenty (especially if you have an activity booked after). But it’s also fun to feed them, it’s not expensive, and the money goes to a great cause, so why not?

Half-Day Activity – Before our trip, I contacted the front desk and they recommended booking in advance through their site. Though you can also book it upon arrival. We went for the half day, as it fit better with our schedule and we needed to get back to Chiang Mai on that day. After breakfast, our guide picked us up from our room (the staff took our luggage back up). And there was another couple with us on the tour. It’s very low-key and an easy trail. We fed the elephants, went for a 15-20 minute walk through the forest with two of them, fed a baby elephant, and bathed them in the river. The whole tour was about 2-2.5 hours and included water and lunch.

Drive back to Chiang Mai – Again, you can either rent a car or book a taxi. It’s about an hour’s drive back to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai – 5 nights

+ Where we stayed: Pao Come Boutique House

You can get lost in the number of hotels in Chiang Mai. But we chose Pai Come because it was so different, and I wanted something unique & more authentic. We stayed in the deluxe double room, and it was very cosy and spacious. There was a nice seating area in the room and right outside it. The location is great, a walking distance from the night bazaar & old town. It’s close to almost everything, but also very quiet & peaceful. The staff are super friendly and helpful and made the stay even better. The only issue is that you can hear the people in the room next door. But we were lucky and they were fairly quiet.

Day 9 – Shopping at the Mall

Central Chiangmai – Thailand is perfect for shopping, and there are plenty of malls to choose from. This one, however, was my favourite; It wasn’t as overwhelming as the huge ones in Bangkok and has everything you need. We spent a chill day just strolling around the mall, and taking our time purchasing the things we wanted and needed. The best way to get here is by red-truck or TukTuk.

Khaomao-Khaofang Imaginary Jungle – In the evening, we went out for a special meal to celebrate my birthday. This is such a magical restaurant, with cool vibes and great food. There’s a huge menu, but we decided to go for unique dishes that we didn’t see on any other menu.

+ We asked someone from our hotel to book us a table, but they told us we didn’t need to. But it’s worth checking anyway. Make sure to ask for a table by the small pond. It’s a bit far out of the city centre, and you can get your hotel to book you a taxi/grab. But I suggest downloading Grab yourself, as it’s harder to find a ride back. There was one taxi there that wanted to charge us a fortune, so we just downloaded Grab on the spot.

Day 10 – Nimman & Old Town

Nimmanahaeminda Road – We walked along the long road until we reached the park at the end of it, and explored it and the university for a bit. Then we walked back along the road to the coffee shop. There are many different shops, cafes and restaurants, and is more modern than the old town.

Ristr8to Original – Local speciality coffee, not as bitter as boutique coffees usually are, and has retro vibes. It’s great for those who don’t like Starbucks, and want more than just a simple coffee at any local place. So if you’re exploring the area and want a pit-stop, this is the perfect place.

One Nimman – A European-style market, which we came across by chance as we were walking by. There’s a nice food court for a lunch break, a bunch of stalls with unique souvenirs to explore, and it has handmade, local and high-end brands all in one place. If you’re looking for good cosmetics with fair prices, you can also check out the ‘Win Cosmetics’ shop.

MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center Chiangmai – A smallish mall with a bunch of local brands, a great place for cheap shopping. We mainly just needed a break from the heat.

Old Town – In the evening we explored the old town, with no destination in mind. It’s the perfect place to just explore and “get lost” for a bit. There are also many places to get some cold coffee or ice cream to help you cool off as you walk. If you’re looking for more vibrant and party vibes, there’s an area with a bunch of cool bars, with music, lights and plenty of people (you pass it on the way to Lana Square).

Lana Square – As we explored the old town, we came across this square where they had a small, but varied food market. There were small tables to sit at, and they also had some cute, local shows/musical acts. The atmosphere is super special (much more low-key than the Night Baazar) and is perfect if you get easily overwhelmed by crowds and huge markets.

Day 11 – Wat Pha Lat & Night Bazzar

Wat Pha Lat – We booked a Grab to take us, but you could also hop on a red truck or TukTuk. The driver wanted to drop us off at the top, but we asked him to drive us down, as it was a steep road with no pavement. Make sure to bring cover-ups for your shoulders and knees – we were told they provide them there, but they didn’t; so we had to purchase an over-priced shawl. It was worth it though, as it’s one of the most beautiful temples we’ve been to. There’s so much to see and explore here. If you’re up for it, you can also do the trail up or down.

Night Bazaar – A great place to buy souvenirs and gifts, but keep in mind that it’s all much of the same. Sadly, it doesn’t seem much of it is local craft, and so many sell the exact products, but there are some great gems. It’s also just a fun place to explore, and get lost and is part of the Chiang Mai experience. The highlight for me was the foodcourts, and we enjoyed tasting dishes from the different vendors. The main food market has a bunch of options and a bathroom (for a small fee). There was also a smaller food market with more options, but fewer seating places.

Day 12 – Zip-Line with ‘Jungle Flight’

Similar to the cooking classes, there are many options. What helped us decide was checking the programs, and seeing what stood out in each one and what was most appealing to us in it. Jungle Flight has a roller-coaster style zip-line, which is what made us pick them. We booked the F2 program, but they also have the F1 (which is slightly shorter and doesn’t include the roller-coaster. It was amazing, and we had the best guide. Keep in mind though, that the roller-coaster is painful on the hands, as you have to hold on very hard and it jerks you around. I wouldn’t do it again, but I’m glad I did it at least once.

They pick you up from the hotel and the drive there is about an hour and a half (not including the time it takes to pick everyone up), and the whole experience is about 3 hours including coffee/tea at the beginning and lunch at the end.

Getting from Northern to Southern Thailand

Day 13 – Travelling from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani

There are several options, but the fastest is flying. We decided to fly via Surat Thani and not directly to Koh Samui because it’s a much cheaper option (as only Bangkok Airways flies to Samui). We got a bit of a culture shock when we landed, as it’s much more chaotic than Bangkok or Chiang Mai, and very different vibes.

Night Market – A great place to get some supper, and try a bunch of different foods. It was pretty big, had a lot of options, and was certainly a different experience. It’s much more local and authentic than the touristy markets we went to in the north, and very cheap.

+ Where We Stayed: Rajthani Hotel

It was okay for the night, and the location was great and quiet. The hotel itself is affordable, nice and clean, and there’s a good cafe right next door. The bed is EXTREMELY hard, to the point where I could barely sleep on it. The rooms are bland and the walls are quite dirty. There’s also something a bit creepy and has very long corridors.

Day 14.1 – Travelling from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan

We booked our trip to Koh Phangan online via LOMPRAYAH, it was easy and convenient. There’s an option to take a Catamaran directly from Lomprayah Tapi Pier to Phangan. But we booked the option with a bus (to a pier further away) + Catamaran, as it left earlier.

Southern Thailand – 15-20 nights

Koh Pha Ngan – 5-7 nights

It’s important to preface this by saying that Ze’ev’s cousin and his wife live here. And we spent most of our time with them. So this means we skipped some touristy things and focused mainly on being with our family.

+ Where we Stayed:

1) The Willow – For the first three nights we stayed here, as it’s close to where our family lives. It’s freshly renovated, everything is new & good quality. There’s a nice restaurant ‘Seed to Feed’ next door and a 7-Eleven a few minutes walk away. If you’re looking to be in the centre of things or by the beach, this place isn’t for you. But it’s great if you want something more secluded and quiet.

2) Tommy Resort – For the next four nights, we stayed here with our family; it’s right on Haad Rin Beach, but still very affordable. They have simple but cute bungalows, which are cosy and quite quiet considering the location. Bayshore Resort is right next door and is also great (and probably more popular), but it’s much more crowded and louder (and is on the same level). The breakfast is nice and even has an omelette station.

Day 14.2 – Arriving at Koh Phangan

Chilling – As per usual, we started the new leg with a chill day and evening. We had brunch at Bubba’s Coffee Baan Tai and then explored the city a bit by car, and Ze’ev’s cousin showed us around. Then, we got some nice meat and had a barbecue.

Day 15 – Malibu Beach + Cocktails

Malibu Beach – This is where you can get a boat to Coconut Beach. But we decided to just stay at this beach. Mainly because I don’t like getting on their tiny boats, but also because it was nice enough there. There’s a restaurant (nothing special, but still nice), so we also ordered some snacks and coconuts.

Cocktails at Summer Salts – Along the island’s West Coast, there are many nice bars and restaurants. You must check out at least one, as they’re all right on the beach and have great views and vibes. Summer Salts had great service, good music, and some unique cocktails.

Day 16 – Cafe + Zen Beach

Cafe & Chill Morning – We had a slow morning, as Ze’ev had food poisoning and I had heartburn (#funtimes). After a brunch and coffee at Indigo Specialty Coffee & Bakery, we went back to our hotel to rest.

Zen Beach – After we recuperated a bit, we headed to the beach and spent the whole late afternoon/evening there. There’s also a restaurant here, but we only ordered coconuts, though they had a full menu to order from.

Seed to Feed – Seeing as were both still a bit unwell, we went to a restaurant right by our hotel. Which happened to be very good. The vibes are nice and the service was over-the-top and very friendly.

Day 17 – Haad Rin

This is where the Full Moon parties take place, but we’re not fans, so we deliberately avoided it. This is probably the most beautiful beach on the island and is a must-visit (and stay) while in Koh Phangan.

Foxxy’s Restaurant & Café – If you’re craving a good Western breakfast with delicious coffee, this is the spot for you. We hung out here for a while before heading south to the Haad Rin Beach.

Chilling by the pool & beach – The Haad Rin is a bit far off, and the only things within walking distance are the beach (and the South-West beaches, but they aren’t great for swimming) and the tiny town. You need a scooter or car to get around… But we also just enjoyed exploring the area and taking it in for a bit. This is also the perfect place for a vacation from your vacation. To just hang out by the pool or the beach. Which also has a closed-off area (by net), so it’s safer to swim.

Local Restaurant: Auntie Pon Thai Food – Ze’ev and I love eating at the local restaurants, and not only because of the prices. The food is delicious and fresh, and it’s just part of the experience (and let’s face it, the Western food can be sub-par). There are a few others on this road and around the block, but this one was my favourite. Though, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Cocktails on the Beach – At night, the bars open seating right on the beach, and again, you can’t go wrong with either one. We sat at the Tommy Bar right by our resort, with more romantic vibes, and far from the crowds and noise. They also had the best, most comfortable seating.

Day 18 – Pool + Exploring

Walking St. & One Love Market – We explored more of the main road and walking street, with no destination in mind. There are many shops of all kinds, vendors, restaurants and smoking shops. The Haad Rin Walking street has an upper level, and a bottom one – the latter also has a small food court.

Sand & Tan Restaurant – This is right by Bayshore, so if your hotel doesn’t have a pool or is far away, you can pay 100 THB to use it before/after you eat (or while you wait). The food is delicious, and you have to try the Crispy Chicken Panang Curry.

Day 19 – Beach + Exploring

Sunset Beach – We walked along the road and tried to find the best access to this beach. But you have to walk through the resorts to do so. It isn’t one long strip of beach, like the others, stones separate it and each resort has its own section. They’re nice to explore, but not so great for a beach day or swimming.

The rest of the day, we spent time with our family by the pool, went out for supper, and enjoyed some drinks.

Day 20 – Spa Day + Pool

Rin Nai Beach – Not the greatest beach for swimming and it’s not as clean as Haad Rin, but it’s beautiful, quiet and secluded. We ordered drinks from the Cocohut Beach Resort and enjoyed the relaxed vibes.

Navana Water Healing Center – If you’re in the mood for a spa day, but don’t necessarily want a massage (or don’t like being touched), this is a great place to spend a couple of relaxing hours. They have pools at different temperatures, including an Onsen pool, and a dry sauna. There’s also a nice sitting area, a locker room with showers, and a water/tea station. Keep in mind that there’s quite a climb of stairs up. But it’s worth it and of course, means you’ll be treated to some great views.

L’Alcove – Nothing quite like a good cocktail after a relaxing spa day. Another cool bar, with very unique vibes, on the West Coast of the island. There’s also a nice view of the Hin Kong Sandb ank.

Wasabi Haad Son – A great sushi place; we ordered huge platters for the table. Which is a great way to taste more variations. They also have some nice, refreshing and unique cocktails.

Day 21.1 – Travelling from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui

Indigo Cafe & Eatery Thongsala – A great place for coffee, Kombucha and a light meal or pastries. The food is light and healthy, with very Western chic and boutique vibes.

Travelling from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui – Once again I booked through LOMPRAYAH, from Thongsala Pier (you’ll need to get your tickets at their Lomprayah Ticket Office) to Bangrak Pier. From there we were picked up by a van that took us to our hotel (you need to pay extra, but it will be much cheaper than picking up a taxi on the spot).

Koh Samui – 3-5 nights

We weren’t planning on going to Koh Samui… As we’ve both been before (separately) and didn’t feel like it was our vibe. While in Phangan, we decided to spend a few nights in Samui as we needed to extend our visa (and it’s the best place to do so in the area). And we also wanted to add some spontaneity to the trip, and give Samui another chance.

+ Where we Stayed: #LOVE Beach Club

I was searching for a place at Chaweng, so we were in the main area and had the best access while there, as it was just a short stay. So this is the best I could find for a decent price. The pool is nice, has a great bar area, and beach access and the location is perfect. It can get quite noisy – you can hear loud music well into the night from parties in the area. The room balcony is nice to sit in, but not private at all. Also, it’s near the airport, so planes are flying overhead all day (but not at night). I found it quite cool.

Day 21.2 – Arriving at Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach Rd – This was a bit of a culture shock coming from Phangan, as it’s much louder and more packed. But it’s a nice long road, with many shops, restaurants and bars – most of them are much of the same, so if you wanna find something different, you may need to do some homework or head off the main road.

Day 22 – Chaweng

Ze’ev, Phish the cat & Phoom, the owner of Rooster Cafe

Rooster Coffee House – As a coffee snob – this is by far the best option in the area. Such an adorable & cosy cafe, and the coffee is delicious! The prices are fair, especially considering it’s manually pressed. Phoom, the owner, is kind and we had a great time chatting with him and he even showed Ze’ev his roosters that the cafe is named after.

Central Samui – An ‘open-air’ mall with many different shops, cafes and even a food court. I prefer these kinds of malls, to the huge closed ones, so if you’re like me, this is the perfect place for you to shop.

Split Plans – Ze’ev rented a motorbike and drove it along the East Coast of the island… While I chilled by the beach/pool with a book and a juice. It’s not that we didn’t want to do what the other did, or that we wanted time apart (though it is healthy to do so). But more of allowing each other time to just do what they wanted.

Day 23 – Exploring by Motorbike

Visa Extension – If, like us, you need to extend your visa (we arrived before they extended the tourist visas to 60 days), then the Samui Immigration Offices is a great place to do so. We were gonna go early morning but discovered Ze’evs passport was at the bike rental shop (so keep that in mind, so you don’t make the same mistake). Even though we went later than we planned, it wasn’t as packed as we thought it would be and we were in and out of there in about an hour/hour and a half. You need to fill out a form and can get your passport copies + pictures taken there (for a small fee).

Mae Nam Viewpoint + Beach – We found this spot on the map. It’s such a cute and quiet place to explore, with a beautiful beach and view. There was no one else there at the time, so it was a pretty unique experience. I didn’t bring my bathing suit, but it’s a great beach to swim. So if you’d like – make sure to come prepared.

THE COCOON – SAMUI VIEWPOINT – Beware the steep uphill road to the entrance. This is a great spot for a break with a refreshing drink, and a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the bay and island. We were gonna get some lunch, but they only served breakfast until 2 pm. Which was for the best, as the food was expensive and while we can afford it, we’re not huge fans of splurging on restaurants.

Fi Greek Restaurant & Deli – We had the whole restaurant to ourselves… And normally I would hate this, but it was worth the awkwardness. There’s a huge menu, and it was hard to pick, but everything we got was delicious. Especially the chickpea salad.

69slam bophut – I searched high and low for good quality bathing suits, for a good price. Not just anything from the markets, and not the overly priced branded ones. When I was in Samui 8 years ago I also purchased here a bikini and it held well. They have some unique designs, for fair prices and good quality.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – Located in a charming area, which is also nice to stroll, and the road here is very cool and unique. There’s a stair-climb up to the Big Buddha at the top, where you get a panoramic view of the ocean and the island. There’s no entrance fee, but you can leave a donation.

KRUAPEESOON Restaurant – Not only is the food delicious and better than any other restaurant we tried… But it’s also family owned & they’re super nice and friendly. It’s also not on the main road, so it’s much quieter and nicer. The restaurant is more authentic than any of the copy-paste ones on the main road.

Cocktails by the Pool – This is a great way to spend the evening. Especially if you don’t wanna go out to a packed bar. You can come here even if you’re not staying at the hotel, and sit by the pool, on the beach and watch a fire show.

Getting from the Eastern to the Western Islands

You could also fly from Samui to Krabi, but again it’s much more expensive. There’s also an option to fly from Surat Thani to Krabi. But we felt it wasn’t worth the hassle, and would just take longer. The only thing I would change is that I would take a private taxi from Donsak Pier, as we ended up waiting way too long for the bus in the heat, and it was just a waste of time. They only had one stop just 30 minutes in. It may be more expensive, but it’s still much cheaper than a flight and way more convenient.

Day 24 – Travelling to Krabi + Night Market

+ Where we Stayed in Krabi: The Brown Hotel Krabi

A cute, small boutique hotel, very well located. It was close to everything we needed. Just keep in mind that many places (like cafes) close pretty early. It was clean, simple and good for the night. The staff is friendly and helpful, and you can book your trips through them.

Travelling from Koh Samui to Krabi – We booked our trip with the agency right by our hotel. But again, there are many all along the main road. In the morning we got picked up by a van that took us to the pier and from there a ferry to Donsak. We ended up waiting 2 hours for the bus, out in the heat – not knowing when it would come. The bus then took us to the Krabi Bus Terminal, where we ordered a Grab. Just note that there’s a small fee for a car to stop there and pick you up (I think it was something like 20 THB).

Night Markets – There are several to pick from, or even explore them all. We got a map from our hotel and they marked them on it for us. And they were all within walking distance. Poo Dam Night Market is the main market, with many food vendors, of all kinds. Then there’s also Krabi Night Street Food by the river, and we were already full by then. But there are some nice food trucks, and it’s a great area to explore. It’s also nice to walk along the river.

Day 25.1 – Travelling from Krabi to Koh Lanta

This was the easiest leg of the travel to Lanta… We just booked a van through the hotel, and it took us straight to our hotel in Lanta – Twin Bay Resort. The van ride includes the ferry to the island.

Koh Lanta – 5-7 nights

+ Where we Stayed:

1) Twin Bay Resort- SHA Extra Plus – As part of our trip to the North of the island, we stayed here for the first two nights. Of all the hotels we stayed at in Thailand, this would be the first one I’d return to. We stayed in the Deluxe Beach-Front Bungalow. The pool is nice and super cool – an infinity pool right on the beach. The breakfast is basic, but good and worth it (especially since there’s not much within walking distance). While there’s not much nearby, the town is just a few minutes away by scooter. And the location is really nice between the two bays. Also, the construction wasn’t felt at all.

2) Alama Sea Village Resort – We stayed here for 3 nights while exploring the south of the island. The village itself is beautiful and very pastoral, and it was a cool feeling like being in the jungle. But still a walk away from the town and beach. The rooms are also very cool, have a nice vibe, and are super unique and different from any other hotel we stayed at.

Our original room (Superior Double Room) had a strong smell of mould (to the point that I could barely breathe in the room). And we had to pay for an upgrade to another room (villa), even though we didn’t really want to move. That said, both room types are good options, and each has its benefits.

The pool area, while beautiful – and definitely the highlight of the hotel, wasn’t very maintained. The restaurant had limited hours, though I understand it’s low season.

Day 25.2 – Exploring by Scooter

After checking in and winding down from the long drive to Lanta, we rented a scooter through the hotel. They gave us a great price, it was convenient and the whole process was super easy.

Relaxing by the Pool – We started by relaxing with some cold coffee by our pool (an infinity pool on the beach). If you have this option, it’s a good way to give yourself some time to recharge from the trip, while also adjusting to the change of location and views.

NoNG Mai Restaurant – Recommended to us by the receptionist at the resort, and it was absolutely delicious. The food was affordable and delicious, and the place was clean and had such great vibes. You have to try their Tom-Yum Fried Rice!

Beach Hopping – There are so many beaches to pick from, and you can’t go wrong with either one of them. They’re all accessible via the resorts along the coastline. (Just note that many are closed during the low season, though you can still walk through some of them). And they’re all beautiful. We drove to Klong Nin first. (Not passing it, as we stayed in the south of the island later on in the week), then worked our way back north.

+ Klong Nin – There are several points of access. We first tried through this place, but it was blocked, so we ended up going through Lanta Paradise Beach Resort. The beach is a nice mix of sand and stones.

+ Klong Khong – Again, you can access through several roads/resorts, and no one gave us any trouble. We drove in through Lanta Family Resort. It’s pretty similar to Klong Nin (just slightly stonier), so in retrospect, I would just pick one and spend more time there. But it’s still nice to see more.

+ Long Beach – Accessible through the Long Beach Chalet, with a cool bar, Lym’s Bar & Restaurant, right on the beach. It’s a beautiful white sand beach, and the water’s nice – but there are big, strong waves. This was the busiest beach of them all, so if you want something more ‘lively’, this is for you. You can also wash your feet by the resort’s pool.

+ Khlong Dao Beach – This was the beach our hotel had access to. And while it wasn’t very clean (due to low season, similar to the other beaches), it was a beautiful white sand beach. The hotel is pretty secluded, so it’s tranquil.

El Greco – Greek Taverna – As soon as we walked in, I felt like we were somehow transported to Santorini. The owner Maria is very friendly and welcoming, and she gave us some great recommendations. It’s not the cheapest, and the portions aren’t very big… But is still worth it in my opinion, if you love Greek food.

Day 26 – Koh Lanta Noy

Laem Ngu Viewpoint – It’s very hot, and there’s no shade here, so we couldn’t stay for long; But it’s a good spot for a quick pit-stop to stretch your legs, drink and take in the views.

Saychon Lanta Batik – If I buy anything while travelling, I always prefer local, family-owned shops – especially when they’re handmade. This is such a great place to buy some unique gifts and special clothes that you won’t see in every single shop on the street. Chon, the owner, is also super friendly and nice, is very community-oriented, and is doing so much to help the locals. It was such a special stop along the way, and he even gave us some great recs of where to visit and eat next. We didn’t have the time, but Chon says he also does workshops at his place.

Baan Tae-Leng – Slightly creepy, but a super cool place to stop and explore. You can’t really get in the water here, but it’s nice to walk along the stones and dip your feet (just be careful as it’s slippery).

Ban Lo Yai fishing pier – Recommended to us by Chon, this was such a unique stop. There’s a nice cafe overlooking the pier and sea, where we got delicious Thai Tea. Then we rode onto the pier with the scooter and watched some local fishermen at work.

Sea and Soul – Also recommended by Chon, this restaurant has a nice deck that floats over the sea. There’s also a fun swing, just keep in mind you may get wet as it’s in the water. But at least you’ll have a laugh and get some great pics. There’s some delicious local food and great service.

Day 27 – Old Town + Going to the South of the Island

Hidden Hut Cafe & Eatery – This is such a unique and breathtaking place. Especially for a pit stop on the way to the old town. It’s not just a place to drink and eat, but also to explore and relax. It feels like you’re in the middle of the jungle (especially with the road leading to it… you’ll see ;). We didn’t get to eat here, but they had great coffee and desserts (we will be back for food though!).

Lanta Old Town – Similar to the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai, there are many shops with much of the same. If you wanna buy just a bunch of souvenirs or little trinkets – this is the place to do so. There are some unique places and items, but you might need to dig deeper to find them. I wouldn’t recommend any of the teas or spices as we bought some and found small bugs in them. (It was low season, so it may have been sitting there for a long time). In one of the shops we found a woman hand-painting the items, and I knew I had to have them, as they’re more special.

Khao Yai Restaurant – There’s no shortage of hill-top restaurants with unreal views in Thailand. But this one was definitely one of my favourites. It’s a great spot for lunch on the way to/from the old town. While it’s hard to take your eyes off the view, make sure to also look up while here.

Taxi to the South of the island – You can’t order a grab here, so we just got a taxi via the hotel, which isn’t the cheapest, but was the best (and basically only) option. If you choose to take a scooter or car, note that the road is broken in some areas and there’s construction in others.

Kantiang Bay Beach – A small, but beautiful bay to explore, both day and night. It’s very peaceful, despite being busier than some of the other beaches. (Or as busy as it could get during low season). It was such a unique and different area to stay at, especially for couples. Which is why we picked the second hotel here, to begin with.

Why Not Bar – Right on the beach; there are tables on the sand, a deck, and another deck area with cushions for lounging around. They have good cocktails and food, and it’s a great place to just hang out. They also have a great fire show every night (at around 7 pm) by local boys who are super talented.

Day 28 – National Park + Exploring by Motorbike

Relaxed morning on our balcony – We had a rough night, so we wanted to take this morning slow. But it’s something I would recommend even if you wake up energised. Take at least one morning to just sit in your balcony, with a coffee and a bite to eat. Just take it all in. It’s easy to be so consumed by the trip, having fun and doing as much as you can… That you forget to pause, and take a moment to be fully present, breathe it in. It was also raining, so instead of being bumbed about it, we took advantage of it to enjoy the stillness of the moment.

Pool Time – Before running off once the rain stopped, we took some time to relax by the pool and freshen up in the water. The great thing about the amazing pools found in Thailand is that they remind you to pause and take breaks to relax before you rush off to the next attraction.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park – There’s a 200 THB entrance fee, a huge parking lot and toilet + shower facilities. There’s a short trail between the two bays and up to the Lighthouse, and you need to walk back the same way. We tried to walk back from the opposite direction, but there were too many bushes. It was still nice to explore down in that direction. We then dipped in the beach, which was really nice and refreshing, so make sure to come prepared.

Fire Show on the Beach – In the evening we went back to Why Not Bar for supper and the fire show. It was one of the best we’ve seen in Thailand, and they’re interactive with the crowd. Ze’ev even volunteered to be part of the show, which was great fun. To make it extra fun, make sure to grab a table on the sand (but get there early enough so they’re not all taken), and order one of their yummy cocktails.

Day 29 – Exploring the South of the Island

View Point Restaurant – We were actually intending to stop at Khao Yai Restaurant again, but we confused the two. It turned out to be a happy accident, as they’re just as nice, and the view is just as breathtaking. The food is slightly better at Khao Yai, but you can’t go wrong with either one of them.

Pirates Bay – When we went here, it was under construction, as the place was just recently purchased by a local family. This place is so magical, even the steps up to the toilets feels like walking through a fairytale. They were super sweet and welcoming and made us some really good coffee at their Pirates Bay Bar. They were so excited to host us, they even showed us around and let us into one of the Pirate Beach Hotel rooms to check it out. It’s a beautiful and unique bay to explore, but not so much for swimming.

Old Town + coffee at Tuesday Morning Small Talk Cafe and Chill Out – On the way back we stopped off at the old town again to explore some more, and buy a few more gifts. We stopped off for coffee at Tuesday Morning, which was the best I had on the island, and we fell in love with the place – so we came back for breakfast the next day. Perhaps we were too pumped for it, as we built it up in our heads (they looked so good on the menu), but it was disappointing. I got avocado on toast (not sure what it’s called on the menu), and the avocado wasn’t edible. It’s definitely still worth the visit though.

Chill Grill House – Such a charming, and unique restaurant. The access path is a bit rocky and muddy, but totally worth it. It feels like you’re eating in a tree house in the middle of the forest (especially when it’s raining). Made in a stone oven, the pizza was delicious (I had the 4 cheese one), and Ze’ev had the ribs, which he said were very good as well.

Railay Beach – 2-3 nights

+ Where we Stayed: Avatar Railay Resort

This one had the most accurate pics of all the hotels we stayed at. The room actually looked like it did online! We stayed in a Villa, which was spacious, clean, and unique. There’s a nice wrap-around balcony, with big windows- though you might wanna keep the curtains closed when you’re changing. The location is far from all the noise but still within walking distance of everything. The breakfast was poor and not worth it, we only had coffee.

Day 30 – Travelling to Railay Beach + Sunset

Travelling from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach – Again, there are several agencies on the main road. But we just booked at the reception of our hotel, as it was the easiest. You may need to buy a ticket for the longtail boat to Railay yourself once you get to the pier. But they managed to book it for us over the phone. We were picked up by a van that took us to Ao Nam Mao Pier, and then a longtail boat from there to Railay East. Alternatively, you can also make your way to Ao Nang and get longtail to Railay West.

Exploring the area – As per us., we started by exploring and getting the lay of the land. I visited Railay Beach 8 years prior, and it changed a lot. There were also so many more tourists than there used to be. (And it felt especially packed because it’s such a small area, and even more so coming from Lanta, which is much quieter). We walked from our hotel (on the East Bay), along the walking street and to Railay Beach on the West Bay.

Monkey Cafe – Far from all the main area and noise, but still within walking distance… This restaurant is a gem. There are many to pick from, but this was our favourite and had the best food. It’s family-run, and the service is friendly and nice, and they were just so welcoming. Everything came out quickly and was super clean and fresh.

Relaxing in our room – We were pretty exhausted, especially considering it was the last leg of our trip. So we allowed ourselves time to just do nothing in the room. At first, I felt guilty for “wasting” our precious time, as it was one of our last days. But it was exactly what I needed, and trying to do as much as I could, just because we were nearing the end, isn’t necessarily the best move. There’s also not much to do at Railay Beach… So it’s also the perfect destination for slowing the pace and recharging a bit.

Chill Evening – We took an evening stroll through the streets and the beach, then had a beer as we watched the Sunset and ended the evening with supper at Kohinoor Indian Restaurant.

Split evening – Ze’ev went out to a Reggae bar and watched some live music, while I stayed back in our room to rest.

Day 31 – Phra Nang Beach + Exploring

Phra Nang Beach – The walk to this beach is easy, mostly shaded and not too long. (About 10-15 minutes from the main walking street and 20 from Railay Beach, and less if you’re already on the East side). This is a much smaller beach (especially the shady areas). So it’s much more crowded, but it’s also beautiful and worth the visit. There’s only one restaurant (and I’m not even sure it was open), so come prepared with food and drinks. You can also check out Princess Cave at the end of the beach (turn left if you’re facing the ocean).

Lek’s Sushi – Probably one of the best sushi restaurants I’ve ever eaten at, definitely the best in the area. We had a great time sitting on the bar with Lek, and watching him in action (we were lucky enough to be there alone)… Such a professional and the whole experience was nice. The rolls & fish are such great quality, and super delicious. The prices are also really good considering.

Drinks & Fruit on the Beach – After resting a bit, we headed back to Railay Beach to see the sunset again. We bought some fruit from a nearby stand on the main walking street, and beer from the next-door shop. This is also the quietest time as it’s when most people start to head back to Ao Nang.

Day 32 – Tonsai Beach + Exploring

Tonsai Beach – If you’re lucky enough, and it’s low tide, you can just walk along the beach. If not, you can access it via the Tonsai Beach Trailhead… Just walk to the end of the West Side of Railay Beach, and climb the rocks. Then walk along the path (mostly marked by the rope). It should take you about 10 minutes. Tonsai Beach is much calmer and quieter, so it’s a great place to get away from the crowds in Railay. There’s a restaurant there, but we just got some coconuts and sat by the water, swam and walked around a bit.
Choop Coffee Break – Definitely a great place for both a break and coffee. Such a sweet, small space with delicious coffee – definitely the best one in Railay. The service was very good and friendly, and they were very welcoming.
Massage – You can’t go wrong with either one of the massage places, they’re all much of the same. I got a pedicure and foot massage, and Ze’ev got a Thai massage. The pedicure was okay and not the best job (but still fun to get), and the massage was great. We went for one on the East Bay, so it was much quieter and less packed than the ones on the main road.
Swasdee Railay 65 – We came here for Happy Hour, sat a the bar on the second floor, which overlooks the main street, and had some nice cocktails.
Railay Family Restaurant – Most of the restaurants are much of the same. But we picked this one as it looked the best to us. It was also one of the smaller ones, so it didn’t feel as industrial. Good vibes, very clean and good service – they were super friendly and welcoming. We had a whole Tuna Fish, and it was delicious. They let us pick out the one we wanted, and cooked it for us on the grill on the spot.
Relaxed Evening on our Balcony – By now you already know we love our chill evenings on our own, in our room balcony. Especially after a long day of walking around and being surrounded by people. It was nice to take some time away from it all, and just be in our own little, quiet bubble.

Day 33.1 – Travelling to Bangkok

Summer Fresh @ Railay Beach – A great place to fuel up before our travels. We got the Criossant and Full Breakfasts, and they were delicious. There are many options to pick from, and it’s a great place if you want a good Western-style meal.

Back to Bangkok – 1-3 nights

+ Where we Stayed: Hi Life Sukhumvit 65

We picked this place as it was cheap and close to Ze’evs cousin’s place. It was cosy, spacious, clean and was very affordable. The bed was super comfortable – from the mattress to the pillows & blanket. We also didn’t need to bother with check-in/out like a normal hotel, and could just let ourselves in. The location is perfect, on a quiet road right off the main road. A walking distance from the train station, 7-11, cafes, restaurants & even a small mall. The only thing is that the bathroom is outside the room. But it was the only room on the floor and no one else was there. They don’t have such a great rating on Booking, as they’re new and I don’t think people understood it’s not a hotel. (It’s not quite clear on the listing, but I could tell from the pictures).

Day 33.2 – Travelling to Bangkok

Travelling from Railay Beach to Bangkok – We booked our tickets for the Longtail Boat + private taxi to the Krabi airport via a travel agent near our hotel (and there are many all along the street). We flew with Air Asia from Krabi airport to Don Mueang airport in Bangkok (you can easily book flights via their app). From there we booked a grab (there’s a designated pick-up area).

Day 34 – Last Minute Shopping + Winding Down

Starbucks – Normally I’m not much of a Starbucks fan. But it was the nicest place nearby, and it was actually a quiet and cosy branch.

Gateway Ekamai Mall – A nice small mall to stroll, and pick up some last bits and pieces you may need. We also got some delicious Thai Tea at Cha Tra Meu (and even bought some capsules to take home). There’s also a food court if you want a nice place to eat indoors.

Massage + Exploring – The perfect way to end your trip, especially in Bangkok, as they have some really good massage parlours. We wanted to go to the Onsen Spa, but they were fully booked. So we just explored Sukhumvit and found one along the way. You can’t really go wrong with either one of them.

Day 35 – Travelling Home

This was our last day in Thailand, and while our flight was in the evening, we didn’t schedule anything for the morning. We took the time to enjoy our last morning leisurely, pack our things and grabbed a last Thai Tea. We also like to arrive at the airport with enough time to spare and not add unnecessary stress to this day.