Spend your first day in Bangkok exploring the city’s landmark attraction, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The intricate gold details and stunning architecture will leave you in awe. Get there early as the site can become quite crowded later in the day.
Shop till you drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the biggest markets in the world. You can find everything from clothing to souvenirs to snacks. Afterward, head over to Wat Arun, the temple of dawn, and catch the sunset from the temple's top.
Kick back and relax on the beautiful beaches of Koh Samui. Start your day off at Chaweng Beach for a morning swim and continue to other beaches like Lamai and Bophut. In the evening, enjoy the delicious and fresh Thai cuisine at local restaurants.
Take a tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park, a group of 42 islands known for their pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, and amazing snorkeling opportunities. Visitors can choose to go kayaking, hiking or relax by the beach.
Visit two of the most famous temples on Koh Samui, Wat Plai Laem, and Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple. Stop at the scenic Na Muang waterfall for a refreshing dip and enjoy the picturesque views of the island.
Wrap up your trip by wandering through the charming Fisherman Village, where you can get a taste of local life and culture. Browse through the traditional Thai-style houses turned boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Consider taking a domestic flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui to save on time and long bus rides. Alternatively, a train or bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani followed by a ferry to Koh Samui is another option, but it takes significantly longer. Hiring a scooter or motorcycle is a popular and convenient way to explore Koh Samui, but be sure to factor in travel costs such as gas and insurance.
For a more leisurely trip, add an extra day to your beach itinerary on Koh Samui or include a day trip to Koh Tao, known for its diving and snorkeling spots. Alternatively, subtract a day from Bangkok and Koh Samui for a more condensed trip. Remember that conservative dress is appreciated in visiting temples and it's better to doublecheck the dress codes before going.
Bangkok International Airport (BKK), also known as Suvarnabhumi Airport, is the biggest airport in Thailand, located around 30 minutes from central Bangkok. Samui International Airport (USM) is on Koh Samui, about 15 minutes from the popular Chaweng Beach.