So, you’re finally heading out to South East Asia. Stopping in Thailand, as most good backpackers do, but with so many provinces and Koh, so many awesome recommendations and not so many savings, how will you choose the perfect stops for you. I am going to break it down for you, well, the southern parts at least!
Phuket
Phuket is bigger than you think with lots of opportunities to relax or party! Each night gleams with mesmerising sunsets of rich yellows and pinks. With restaurants, street food and malls you will not go hungry.
Party:
– Cafe del Mar- Kamala Beach
– Patong Beach
Shanni’s top tips
-Beaches and sea are not the cleanest
Koh Phi Phi
As Phi Phi is a small island, you can pretty much walk from one end to the other. This is great as no cars are allowed due to small streets, but this is what makes it feel magic. In the main area, streets are Packed with restaurants, bars and stalls. Everything feels so close and quaint. 7/11 has 3 shops but prices are higher due to importing. But, surprisingly, restaurant food is not. Go to cosmos for 100 baht pizza and free garlic bread or try Pirate House for 250 baht curry that will serve 2. Read more about the paradise, party and views HERE!
Best activities to do:
- Hike the view points
- Boat tour
- Bamboo tattoo
Party:
- Reggae Reggae Bar (Muay Thai Boxing Bar)
- Slinkys (Fire and rodeo bull)
- Backpackers Bar (Free shots and open atmosphere)
Where I stayed; Phi Phi Pagarang house
Shanni’s top tips
– McDonalds is super super expensive here, try local food
Read more about the paradise, party and views HERE!
Koh Samui
Known for its luscious beaches and coastal stone formations, Samui offers peace and tranquillity. A great place to catch your breath and soak in the sun.
Best activities to do
- Overlapping stone
Where I stayed: Baan Hin Sai
Shanni’s top tips
– No taxi apps (Grab/Bolt) but some luck on ‘InDriver’
Koh Phangan
The infamous full moon party destination is packed with party hostels for travellers to dump their bags and get to the fiesta. Getting around the island is quite difficult, so try to stay in the main areas.
If you’re starting to miss home foods or just need a break from the rice, try La Casa. With excellent taco Tuesday deals and mood lighting with a view, it is sure to spice up your evening.
Food:
- Breakfast at Koh Phangan Hundred Islands Coffee Bar
- Tacos at Koh Phangan “La Casa Tropicana” (also an Office Space: Coworking La Casa)
Best activities to do:
- Full moon Party
- Wipeout Water park
Where I stayed: Leo Hostel
Shanni’s top tips
-No taxi apps (Grab/Bolt), have to flag down a tuktuk on the street
-La casa is not on google maps, but is left from Leo Hostel
Koh Matsum
A slice of the Maldives, off the coast of Samui, where you can feed and interact with pigs. It is a very small island with the only activities listed below, but worth adding to the bucket list.
Best activities to do
- Hike the view point
- Feed the piggies
Shanni’s top tips
– It is not compulsory to buy pig food, they will still interact with you
– You need to book a tour or private boat to get here as there are no public ferries.
Krabi
Krabi is a bustling province in the south of Thailand filled with lights, markets and breath-taking beaches. Although it is a very tourist populated area, the Thai vibe bursts through and meant that even in low season, it was thriving with excitement. I visited Krabi on a whim and I’m so glad I did, as it turned out to be one of the memorable places I stayed.
Best activities to do
- Blue lagoon
- Hot springs
- Market
- Railay Beach
- Tiger Cave Temple
Where I stayed: Timber House Resort
Shanni’s top tips
-Tour prices- shop around and ask a few before booking
-Ao Nang area is a great to stay as there are lots of eateries, markets and boats to Railay beach
In case you didn’t notice, I loved Thailand and have written so much about my travels there. Thailand has 1430 islands which makes my list seem trivial, but you have to start somewhere! Naturally, I have my favourites which would be Phi Phi and Krabi which you can read in more detail below. Get Hopping!