Island Hopping Through Thailand
Our 3-Week Tropical Adventure
After months of planning, we finally set off on a dream adventure through Thailand, from bustling Bangkok to tranquil island shores, lush jungles, and beautiful coastlines. Over three unforgettable weeks, we traveled by plane, ferry, and car, staying in beautiful resorts and discovering some of the country’s most iconic sights and hidden gems. Whether it was feeding elephants, snorkeling crystal-clear waters, or watching the sunset over limestone cliffs, this trip was pure magic.
Our Route: Distances and Travel Summary
Here’s a quick overview of how we moved through Thailand:
Bangkok to Surat Thani (Flight)
Surat Thani to Koh Samui (Ferry)
Koh Samui to Ko Pha Ngan (Short ferry ride)
Ko Pha Ngan to Khao Lak (Ferry + car)
Khao Lak to Krabi (Transfer)
Krabi to Phuket (Transfer)
Phuket to Bangkok (Flight)
Where We Stayed: Our Hotels & Resorts
We were lucky to stay at some truly amazing places across Thailand. Every property brought something unique, whether it was luxury, location, or just unbeatable vibes.
The Park Nine Hotel Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) – A perfect first-night stop near the airport, modern and super comfortable.
The Culture Samui & Deva Beach Resort (Koh Samui) – Both gave us beachy bliss and access to island life.
Khwan Beach Resort (Koh Samui) – A boutique villa-style stay with artistic flair and great service.
Bay Villas (Ko Pha Ngan) – Stunning ocean views and a private, serene atmosphere.
The Leaf Oceanside by Katathani (Khao Lak) – Laid-back charm and a great jumping-off point for island tours.
Bluesotel Smart (Krabi) – Sleek, central, and adult-only. Perfect for relaxing after a long day out.
Ton Sai Tropical (Phi Phi Islands) – Rustic vibes in a gorgeous natural setting.
Rak Elegant Hotel Patong (Phuket) – Stylish and modern, away from the noisy center.
INNSiDE by Meliá (Bangkok Sukhumvit) – Our final night in the capital, with rooftop views and a trendy atmosphere.
Elephant Encounters in Koh Samui
One of the most heartwarming moments of the trip was visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui. We spent the day feeding, washing, and learning about these incredible animals in a natural, humane environment. No riding, just respectful interaction. It was an unforgettable reminder of the importance of animal conservation in tourism.
Similan Islands Day Trip from Khao Lak
If paradise exists, it's probably the Similan Islands. This day trip from Khao Lak was a highlight for sure. Think powdery white sand beaches, turquoise water, and surreal snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs. The boat ride was smooth, and the islands were like stepping into the maldives. Unreal beauty. If you love marine life and scenic views, don’t skip this.
Phi Phi Adventures
While staying on the Phi Phi Islands, we took a day trip to the stunning Maya Bay and the famous Monkey Beach. Maya Bay is absolutely breathtaking, with powder-white sand and turquoise waters, though swimming is no longer allowed to help preserve the delicate ecosystem. Monkey Beach lived up to its name, with plenty of cheeky monkeys roaming around. They may look cute, but it’s important to be cautious as they can be unpredictable. The rest of the day was filled with swimming in hidden lagoons, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and cruising past dramatic limestone cliffs. Ton Sai Bay was the perfect base to explore this incredible island chain.
City Life & Culture in Bangkok
Our trip both began and ended in Bangkok, and the contrast from the islands was striking but welcome. We explored bustling street markets, dined on rooftop terraces, and shopped at mega-malls like Terminal 21. INNSiDE by Meliá Sukhumvit gave us the perfect mix of comfort and style to recharge before the flight home.
