Photo: Thai island beach
Tropical Escapes
Thailand
Beautiful islands, outstanding food, indulgent spas and the warmth of Thai hospitality. The secret is choosing the right coast for when you travel.
Beaches with more going on.
Thailand pairs beautiful beaches with some of the best food in the world, wonderful spas and gracious Thai hospitality. And when you're ready for a break from the sun lounger, there are temples, markets, cooking classes and longtail boats waiting to take you island hopping.
Thailand has two beach coasts with opposite weather. The Andaman coast, with Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak, is at its best from November to April. The Gulf coast, with Koh Samui, is at its best from January to August.
Choosing the right area for your dates is the most important decision you'll make, and it's where I can help most.
Find your place
Which area is best for your holiday?
Four areas compared side by side, each with something different to offer.
Direct flights from Australia
Phuket
Thailand's largest island and its easiest beach escape, with everything from quiet bays in the north to the lively nightlife of Patong. Resorts line the west coast, and boats head out every day to Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands.
Beach and water: Long sandy beaches on the west coast, with warm, calm water in the dry season.
The feel: Something for everyone, from lively to completely secluded.
What's good: Easy to reach, a huge choice of resorts, great food and plenty to do.
Worth knowing: Some beaches are busy and built up, so choosing the right part of the island matters.
Things to do
Cruise among the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay, take a day trip to Phi Phi, explore the shophouses and cafés of Phuket Old Town, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary or join a Thai cooking class.
Best for: Families, first-timers and anyone wanting lots of choice.
Fly to Krabi, or about 2 hours by road from Phuket
Krabi
Dramatic limestone cliffs rising straight out of the sea. Railay, reached only by boat, is one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand, while Ao Nang is relaxed and easygoing, with plenty of places to eat.
Beach and water: Spectacular bays framed by cliffs, with clear water around the islands.
The feel: Scenic, laid-back and a little adventurous.
What's good: The scenery, island hopping by longtail boat, and quieter than Phuket.
Worth knowing: There are fewer luxury resorts, and some beaches are tidal.
Things to do
Island hop by longtail boat, kayak through mangroves and sea caves, try rock climbing at Railay, swim in the Emerald Pool and hot springs, or watch the sunset from Railay Beach.
Best for: Couples, active travellers and scenery lovers.
About an hour's flight from Bangkok
Koh Samui
A palm-covered island in the Gulf of Thailand, with beautiful hillside villas, wellness retreats and quieter beaches in the north. Its weather is the opposite of the Andaman coast, so it's a wonderful choice for a winter escape from June to August.
Beach and water: Soft sand and calm water, especially on the north and west coasts.
The feel: Relaxed and stylish, with excellent villas and spas.
What's good: Lovely resorts, wellness, and sunshine when the Andaman coast is wet.
Worth knowing: Flights are fewer and more expensive, and October to December is the wettest time.
Things to do
Snorkel and kayak in Ang Thong Marine Park, visit the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem, wander Fisherman's Village on a Friday night, book a wellness retreat or take a day trip to Koh Tao.
Best for: Couples, wellness, and holidays in July and August.
About 1.5 hours by road from Phuket Airport
Khao Lak
North of Phuket, Khao Lak is a long, quiet coastline of golden beaches backed by rainforest, with spacious resorts and a much slower pace. It's also the gateway to the Similan Islands, some of the best diving in Thailand.
Beach and water: Long, uncrowded beaches, perfect for walking.
The feel: Peaceful, natural and unhurried.
What's good: Space, quiet, great value and the Similan Islands.
Worth knowing: There's little outside the resorts, and the sea is rough in the wet season.
Things to do
Snorkel or dive the Similan Islands in season, explore the rainforest and lake of Khao Sok National Park, swim beneath waterfalls, or browse the local night markets.
Best for: Families, nature lovers and complete relaxation.
A few ways it could look
Ways to build your Thailand escape
Simple inspiration rather than fixed itineraries. Every trip is shaped around you.
7–10 nights · Phuket or Koh Samui
One perfect resort
Settle into one beautiful place and properly unwind. Ideal when the resort itself is the holiday.
10–12 nights · Bangkok → Koh Samui
City and island
A few days of food, temples and markets in Bangkok, followed by proper beach time on Samui.
10 nights · Phuket → Krabi
Two beaches
Start with Phuket's restaurants and beaches, then cross Phang Nga Bay to Krabi's limestone cliffs.
12–14 nights · Chiang Mai → Khao Lak
Culture and coast
Temples, markets and elephant sanctuaries in the north, then finish with a week by the sea.
Where you might stay
Some gorgeous places to stay in Thailand
From family-friendly resorts to secluded hideaways, Thailand offers accommodation for different budgets and styles of holiday. Here are eight worth considering.
Phuket · Couples · $$$$
Trisara
Private pool villas on a secluded bay in the north of Phuket, with outstanding food and a calm, grown-up feel.
Phuket · Families · $$$
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
On a long, quiet beach in the north of the island, with big pools, a kids' club and plenty of space for families to spread out.
Krabi · Couples · $$$$
Rayavadee
Set among the cliffs of Railay and reached only by boat, with pavilions in tropical gardens and three beautiful beaches on the doorstep.
Krabi · Families · $$$
Centara Grand Beach Resort Krabi
Tucked into its own private bay near Ao Nang, with large pools, a kids' club and plenty to keep families busy.
Koh Samui · Couples and families · $$$$
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Hillside pool villas overlooking a private beach, with a beautiful spa and wonderful sunsets.
Koh Samui · Families and couples · $$$
Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Relaxed and stylish on a quiet stretch of the northeast coast, with spacious rooms and pool villas that suit families and couples alike.
Khao Lak · Adults only · $$$
The Sarojin
An intimate adults-only retreat on a long, quiet beach, with excellent food and warm, personal service.
Khao Lak · Families · $$
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
A big beachfront resort with lagoon-style pools, a kids' club and lots of space, offering great value for families.
Indicative price positioning only: $$ comfortable, $$$ premium, $$$$ luxury. Actual rates vary by season, room category, inclusions and transfers.
Practical tips
Planning your Thailand escape
When to go
November to April
The Andaman coast
Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak are dry, sunny and calm. From May to October expect heavy showers and rougher seas.
January to August
Koh Samui
The Gulf coast is at its best, including our winter months. October to December is the wettest time.
Peak times
Book early
Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Australian school holidays are the busiest and most expensive times.
A guide to costs
Thailand suits every budget. Here's a simple guide to what you can expect at each level.
Comfortable
Good four-star beachfront resorts, often with kids' clubs and family rooms. Thailand offers excellent value at this level.
Luxury
Five-star resorts and pool villas, with beautiful spas and several restaurants to choose from.
Ultimate
Secluded hideaways and private pool villas, with personal service and exceptional dining.
Prices change with the season, the room and how you get there, so these are a starting point only. My planning fee is $250, and I'll compare resorts and packages to find you the best value for your dates.
Getting there
Direct flights from Australia land in Bangkok and Phuket. Krabi and Koh Samui are a short connecting flight. Thailand is three to four hours behind Sydney, so there's little jet lag.
Which coast?
Because the two coasts have opposite weather, there's somewhere sunny almost all year. I'll match the coast to your dates, so you arrive to sunshine rather than storms.
Is a meal plan worth it?
Usually not. Thai food is one of the highlights of the holiday, and eating out is easy and excellent value. Breakfast included is often all you need, unless you're staying somewhere secluded.
Adults-only or family resort?
Thailand has wonderful family resorts and some beautifully peaceful adults-only retreats. Knowing which is which, and which family resorts still feel calm, is exactly where I can help.
Made for you
Your Thailand escape. Your way.
I'll help you choose the right coast, the right resort and the right room for your dates, with flights and transfers that get you there smoothly.
Tell me your dates, who's coming and the kind of holiday you have in mind, and I'll find the place to match.
All you need to do is pack.
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