Both coasts: Bangkok, Krabi & Koh Samui · 11 days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Bangkok

• Wat Arun by Chao Phraya cross-river ferry · 1.5 h. Ferry from Tha Tien pier costs a few baht; late-afternoon light is best and the steps are steep.
• Chao Phraya river dinner cruise · 2.5 h. Most depart from ICONSIAM or Asiatique piers around 7–8pm; vegetarian menus on request when booking.

Local tip: Ferry from Tha Tien pier costs a few baht; late-afternoon light is best and the steps are steep.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Bangkok

Bangkok

• Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) · 2.5 h. Opens 8:30am; shoulders and knees covered, no ripped jeans. Ignore touts who say it is closed today.
• Wat Pho & the Reclining Buddha · 1.5 h. A 5-minute walk from the Grand Palace; the massage school inside takes walk-ins.
• Yaowarat (Chinatown) street-food night · 2.5 h. Stalls open after 6pm; many close on Mondays. Guided food walks cost roughly double.

Local tip: Opens 8:30am; shoulders and knees covered, no ripped jeans. Ignore touts who say it is closed today.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Safari World & Marine Park

Bangkok

• Safari World & Marine Park · 7 h. About 1h north of the centre; book a ticket that includes hotel transfer and lunch.

Local tip: About 1h north of the centre; book a ticket that includes hotel transfer and lunch.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Bangkok → Krabi

Krabi · Bangkok to Krabi, Flight ~1h20m

• Ao Nang beach sunset · 2 h

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Krabi

Krabi

• Railay Beach & Phra Nang Cave by longtail · 5 h. Longtails from Ao Nang leave when about 8 seats fill; last boats back around sunset.
• Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) climb · 3 h. 1,260 steep steps; start by 7am, carry water, cover shoulders and knees, and watch for monkeys.

Local tip: Longtails from Ao Nang leave when about 8 seats fill; last boats back around sunset.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Hong Islands lagoon tour

Krabi

• Hong Islands lagoon tour · 6 h

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Krabi → Koh Samui

Koh Samui · Krabi to Koh Samui, Bus + ferry via Donsak ~5–6h

• Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) & Wat Plai Laem · 2 h

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Ang Thong National Marine Park day trip

Koh Samui

• Ang Thong National Marine Park day trip · 9 h. Includes kayaking and the climb to the Emerald Lake viewpoint; trips are often cancelled in Nov–Dec seas.

Local tip: Includes kayaking and the climb to the Emerald Lake viewpoint; trips are often cancelled in Nov–Dec seas.

Open day 8 route in Google Maps

Day 9: Explore Koh Samui

Koh Samui

• Hin Ta & Hin Yai rocks and Lamai beach · 1.5 h
• Fisherman's Village walking street, Bophut · 2.5 h. The Friday walking street is the busiest night.
• Chaweng beach day · 3 h

Local tip: The Friday walking street is the busiest night.

Open day 9 route in Google Maps

Day 10: Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan snorkel day trip

Koh Samui

• Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan snorkel day trip · 9 h. Speedboat days start ~7am; Nang Yuan charges a small entry fee and bans plastic bottles.

Local tip: Speedboat days start ~7am; Nang Yuan charges a small entry fee and bans plastic bottles.

Open day 10 route in Google Maps

Day 11: Depart from Koh Samui

Koh Samui

• Na Muang waterfalls · 2 h

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 11 route in Google Maps