Two weeks of traveling through southern Thailand
Impressive nature, paradise beaches and special temples: Thailand has it all. You now know that you want to go south, but which route do you choose? Skyscanner drew up a route from his own experience that you can do in two weeks; by Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi and back again.
Starting point: Bangkok
It is possible to fly from Schiphol to Krabi in the south in one go, but those who go to Thailand for the first time should not skip Bangkok. Be sure to take a few days to discover all the historic temples, modern shopping malls, chaotic neighborhoods and the special nightlife.
Also set aside one day to take a bike tour and get to places you would otherwise never have visited. An absolute must! Hotel tip: Villa Cha-Cha Praathit, right in the old center where you will find the best restaurants.
Day trip: Ayutthaya
A few days in Bangkok go well with a day trip to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand and 'city of temples'. You can discover Ayutthaya on your own (by boat, with your own car and even with a bicycle), but a tour with a van is so relaxed. Within three hours you have seen the highlights of the city and you often also get a nice Thai lunch. You can book this tour anywhere in Bangkok for 800 baht per person.
Ao Nang
You can choose from two ways to go south: by train or by plane. A plane ticket for a domestic flight to Krabi costs about €25 and can be reached within an hour. A cheaper option is the train, but count on about 12 hours travel time. In Krabi, take a taxi to Ao Nang, a small town on a beautiful bay west of Krabi Town. The center is somewhat touristy, so for some quieter restaurants (right on the beach) head to Soi Sunset, followed by live music at Reggae Roots Bar. Hotel Tip: Ben's House.
Day Trip: Ralay Beach, Poda Beach, Chicken & Tub Island
Traditional Long Tail Boats depart daily from the pier in Ao Nang to the surrounding islands – a must do while here! If you are traveling with a large group, you are in luck: the boats only leave when there are at least 5 to 6 people on board. Ralay Beach is the closest to Ao Nang (10 minutes by boat), an amazingly beautiful beach and home to young backpackers. Even more spectacular are Poda Beach, Chicken Island & Tub Island: when the tide is out, a sand strip is created between the two islands. You have a return ticket from 100 baht.
Koh Phi Phi
Together with Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi is the place that was hit hardest during the devastating tsunami of 2004. Koh Phi Phi is located east of Phuket and has become just as popular as its well-known neighbour. From Ao Nang you sail to Koh Phi Phi Don within 1,5 hours and from there you have to walk to your accommodation; motorized transport is not allowed on Koh Phi Phi. Have a cocktail at Reggae Bar and relax under the swaying palm trees with Bob Marley on repeat. Also spend a day walking up and down Long Beach; the 20 minute walking tour is totally worth it! Hotel tip: Andaman Beach Resort.
Day Trip: Maya Bay
Do you like snorkeling? Then a visit to Maya Bay is a must. Maya Bay is a protected natural area that became known to the general public through the movie The Beach (with Leonardo di Caprio) that was filmed here. The snow-white sand and turquoise clear water are perfect for an afternoon of sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming. Just make sure you're back at the boat by 16.00pm, otherwise it won't be able to sail away due to low tide. A ticket for a half-day tour costs about 800 baht, including the entrance to Maya Bay itself.
End point: Khao Sok
Cycled in Bangkok, relaxed on the islands… time for a journey of discovery in Thai nature! Khao Sok is a beautiful National Park in Surat Thani province, about three hours by bus or taxi from Krabi. Sleep in one of the idyllic huts of The Royal Bamboo Lodge and book a day tour to Lake Khao Sok here. Not only do you sail for an hour with a traditional bamboo boat, but you also visit caves, go kayaking and make impressive hiking trips.
From Kao Sok you can reach Surat Thani airport within an hour, where you can take the train or plane back to Bangkok.