A Land of Culture, Cuisine, and Adventure

Thailand is a Southeast Asian gem, renowned for its stunning beaches, exciting cities, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming people. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is bordered by Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, with the Gulf of Thailand to its south. Known for its diversity, Thailand offers an incredible variety of experiences — from the bustling city life of Bangkok to the tranquil islands of the Gulf, ancient temples, lush jungles, and peaceful rural villages.

For an overview of our two week trip, click here. Check out the individual links below for more detailed itineraries, including where we stayed, for Bangkok, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

Weather and Best Time to Visit: Thailand has a tropical climate, with three main seasons—hot, cool, and rainy. The best time to visit is typically between November and February when temperatures are cooler and rain is minimal, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, coastal areas like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are better to visit from June to September, as these islands experience a different weather pattern, with less rain during the typical monsoon season. Our trip took place in June as it suited work schedules, allowing us to make the most of the Gulf’s clear weather before the rainy season fully set in.

Culture and People: Thailand is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, with a culture that emphasises respect, humility, and warmth. Thai people are famously friendly, earning the country its nickname, the “Land of Smiles.” This hospitality is felt in every interaction, whether at a luxury resort, a street food stall, or a local market. Thai culture is reflected in the country’s art, dance, and festivals, with intricate temples, colourful festivals like Songkran (Thai New Year), and a love for traditional music and dance. Visitors are expected to show respect, particularly in religious settings, by dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering temples.

Cuisine: Thai food is one of the world’s most beloved cuisines, known for its balance of flavours—spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and umami. From the famous Pad Thai to Green Curry and spicy Som Tum (papaya salad), Thai dishes cater to a wide range of tastes, with options for vegetarians, seafood lovers, and meat enthusiasts alike. Street food is a vital part of the Thai experience, with vast amounts of food stalls offering everything from skewers and noodles to mango sticky rice. Thai cuisine is meant to excite the senses, combining fresh herbs, bold spices, and flavourful sauces that make every meal a memorable experience.

Practical Information:

• Currency: Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht (THB), and the cost of living is relatively low compared to Western countries, making it an affordable destination for all budgets. Cash is widely used, but major cities and tourist areas also accept cards.

• Language: The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making it accessible for international visitors.

Expectations for Visitors: Visitors to Thailand can expect a sensory-rich experience, with vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes around every corner. Part of its charm lies in its contrasts — for example bustling city streets filled with motorbikes and tuk-tuks giving way to serene temples, lush green mountains, and idyllic beaches. From high-end hotels and spas to budget hostels, there’s a stay for every traveler. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, culinary delights, or cultural exploration, Thailand is a country that’s easy to fall in love with and hard to leave.

Before You Go

Traveling to Thailand doesn’t require much prep, but a few essentials make all the difference:

• Hotel Transfers: We found that arranging airport pickups in advance, especially in Bangkok, helps with late arrivals.

• Companion Vouchers: OK, so not essential, but very handy… We booked our flight from the UK to Singapore using a British Airways companion voucher, which saved us a good chunk on the flight and gave us an upgrade in comfort.

• Bug Spray: Essential, especially in more tropical areas like Koh Phangan, as mosquitoes are persistent.

• Reusable Water Bottles: Having a water bottle in Bangkok’s hot climate is a must. Be sure to bring a refillable one if possible, as single-use plastic is discouraged.

• Pocket WiFi/Local SIM Card: Staying connected is important for maps and travel guides. We opted for an e-SIM using Holafly, which was affordable and easy to use throughout Thailand.

Our Trip to Thailand

Time: 2 weeks
Destinations:

• Bangkok: 4 nights

• Koh Samui: 5 nights

• Koh Phangan: 5 nights

• Singapore (stopover): 1 night

This trip marked my fourth time in Thailand and Rom’s first visit, so we planned our itinerary to balance iconic sites with new experiences. We chose to spend several days in Bangkok for a taste of city life, street food, and markets, and then relax on the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan for a beach escape. We then wrapped it up with a city break in Singapore. The trip coincided with Phil’s 43rd birthday, so we definitely milked that for free cake while we were away. We also realised that due to Covid, we’d not actually been on a honeymoon since getting married in 2021. We therefore treated this as a (very) belated honeymoon. So all the celebrations, which will explain some of the room decorations in the posts…

Given our June timing, we opted for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, as the rainy season begins later in the Gulf, while much of Thailand experiences rain from May to October. In Bangkok, since Phil had previously visited landmarks like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace, we planned to focus on exploring the city’s markets, shopping districts, and some less-touristy spots like Song Wat Road in Chinatown, allowing us to experience a new side of Bangkok.

Read on for insights into where we stayed, what we did, and how we traveled through these amazing destinations.