Before visiting, so many people told me they didn’t like Bangkok — too busy, too chaotic, too overwhelming. But honestly? I couldn’t disagree more. I ended up loving it. I found the city full of contrast and character: a mix of buzzing street life and peaceful temples, gritty alleys and glossy malls, ancient history and modern comforts.

I spent around four days exploring and never got bored. Bangkok has everything you’d expect from a massive city — endless cafés and restaurants (with options for every cuisine and dietary need), a vibrant nightlife, fascinating cultural spots, and shopping that ranges from luxe boutiques to wild night markets. And of course, there’s the iconic Thai charm: golden temples, cheap mango shakes, and that intoxicating energy you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are some of the best things to do while you’re in Bangkok.

VISITING BANGKOK: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / Bangkok is one of the easiest places to get to in Southeast Asia, with two major airports — Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) — connecting the city to the rest of Thailand and the world. Both airports are about 30–45 minutes from the city depending on traffic (and yes, Bangkok traffic is real). You can hop on the airport rail link, grab a taxi, or book a private transfer — I always use WelcomePickups for smooth and stress-free airport arrivals. Once in the city, the BTS Skytrain and MRT are your best friends for getting around quickly, especially during rush hour. Taxis and tuk-tuks are everywhere, but make sure to agree on a price or ask for the meter.

Tours / There are countless tours across Krabi but these are the most popular ones:
Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market
Bangkok: Muay Thai Boxing Tickets at Rajadamnern Stadium
Bangkok: White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise free Beer
From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour with Lunch
Bangkok: Hands-on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour

Stay / There are tons of hotels in Bangkok to choose from, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Bangkok, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

After a great time in the town of Pai in North Thailand, it was time to go explore the Andaman Sea. Krabi is one of the most visited places in Thailand due to its proximity to many of the famous islands that feature on most tourists’ Thailand itineraries. Many people visit Krabi purely as a stop-off point before heading on to Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta — but I’m here to tell you that Krabi is a fantastic destination in its own right.

When I started planning my Thailand trip, I quickly realised that Krabi would make an ideal base to explore the region. With each Google search, the list of the best things to do in Krabi just kept growing — jungle treks, limestone cliffs, temples, island-hopping tours, and some of the most stunning beaches in the country.

It can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what’s worth your time and what to skip, so I’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re here for a few days or a longer stay, these are the best and most unique things to do in Krabi.

VISITING KRABI: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / Krabi is easily accessible by air, land, and sea, making it a perfect gateway to the southern Thai islands. Krabi International Airport (KBV) connects to major cities in Thailand and some international hubs, with plenty of budget airlines flying in daily. From the airport, you can grab a shuttle, taxi, or private transfer to Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or your resort — most rides take 30–45 minutes. I always use WelcomePickups for airport transfers. If you’re coming from Phuket, Koh Lanta, or other nearby destinations, ferries and minivans run regularly. You can pre-book your ferry tickets here.

Tours / There are countless tours across Krabi but these are the most popular ones:
Krabi: Phi Phi & 4 Islands Sunset Boat Tour
Krabi: 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Snorkeling
Krabi: Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour
Krabi: Hong Islands Day Trip by Speedboat with Lunch

Stay / There are tons of hotels in Krabi to choose from, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:
Rayavadee $$$
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort $$
Ban Sainai Resort $$
Bluesotel Smart Krabi Aonang Beach (Adults Only) $$
Wake Up Aonang Hotel $
Family Tree Hotel $$

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Krabi, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Koh Tao was my favourite island in Thailand. I loved all of them, but Koh Tao has a perfect size, beautiful beaches, outstanding diving and snorkeling, as well as the perfect amount of partying – there is some but it’s not at the crazy annoying level. These are my favourite things to do in the island, as well as where to stay, and more!

VISITING KOH TAO: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / The only way to get to Koh Tao is by ferry from Surat Thani or Koh Samui. Once on the island, walking is the main mode of transport as well as scooters and boats. Pre-book your ferry tickets here.

Tours / Snorkelling and diving are the top activities in Koh Tao, as such these are the best tours:
PADI Open Water Course
Islands Snorkeling Highlights Day Tour & Lunch
Try Scuba Diving 1-Day Experience
Koh Nangyuan & Hidden Bays Snorkeling Tour w/ Lunch

Stay / These are my hotel recommendations in Koh Tao:
Jamahkiri Resort & Spa $$$
Koh Tao Coral Grand Resort $$$
The Beach Club Koh Tao $$
Sensi Paradise Beach Resort $$
The Tarna Resort $$
Ban’s Diving Resort $$
Seashell Resort & Spa $$

Eat / My top recommendations for each meal:
Breakfast/Brunch: Blue Water Café
Lunch: Coconut Monkey
Dinner: Barracuda

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Thailand, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!) – here’s some eSIM options for Thailand.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN KOH TAO

Explore the Underwater World

This is probably the number one reason people come to Koh Tao, and that’s because Koh Tao has a the perfect combination: amazing snorkel, and really low prices. So a lot of people will come here just to do the PADI Certification. I didn’t do mine because I had already done it somewhere else, but wether Sign up for a PADI Open Water Course or simply snorkel in shallow reefs teeming with marine life. You can book your course here otherwise here are some more relaxed tours and diving experiences:

• Islands Snorkeling Highlights Day Tour & Lunch
• Try Scuba Diving 1-Day Experience
• Koh Nangyuan & Hidden Bays Snorkeling Tour w/ Lunch
  

Koh Phi Phi is an absolute must of Thailand. It’s most well known for being the gateway to Maya Bay. My top reason to visit Koh Phi Phi though, is the color of the sea. I’ve never seen such a beautiful range of turquoises and greens in the sea water all within the same area. Most people complain that it’s too touristy and so busy that it’s not worth going. If you go in late April like I did, I assure you that you won’t have that problem. In fact I was a bit like, where’s everyone at?

See below my bucket list items for the island of Koh Phi Phi, plus transport and accommodation tips!

VISITING KOH PHI PHI: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / The only way to get to Koh Phi Phi is by ferry or speedboat, as there are no airports on the island. You can catch ferries from Krabi, Phuket, or other nearby islands. Once on the island, no cars are allowed, so you’ll get around by walking or using longtail boats. Pre-book your ferry tickets here.

Tours / There are countless tours across Koh Phi Phi but these are the most popular ones:
Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay with Snorkeling
7 Island Tour by Longtail Boat
From Phuket: Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands: Premium Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch
Avoid The Crowds Speedboat to Maya Bay at Sunrise
Speedboat Day Trip with Shark Snorkeling

Stay / Although it’s a tiny island there are a few hotels in Koh Phi Phi to choose from, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

Zeavola Resort $$$
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort $$$
Phi Phi The Beach Resort $$
Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort $$
ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort $$
Casa Maya House $

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Costa Rica, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.