Crystal clear water, tropical temperatures and delicious food at penny prices – these are the images that come to mind when you think of Thailand. I wanted to find out for myself whether they were true and went to the Asian paradise for two weeks in February last year. But as usual, I just crammed too much into this trip and the transport connections in Thailand, well, let's say, take some getting used to. That's why I've put together a slightly more relaxed route for you that gives you a great insight into the country with its wonderful sandy beaches.
Starting point: Bangkok
Once again I took off from Munich, this time with Emirates and the airline can really do something: everything is clean, good food, lots of entertainment and a view of the Burj Khalifa is included for free. The flights were also quite affordable, so you don't have to spend 35 hours on a low-cost airline.
When you arrive in Bangkok, you are initially overwhelmed by the heat, the many people, the food stalls on the street and yes, the dirt. Nevertheless, it is worth exploring Bangkok and its beautiful palaces, numerous high-rise buildings, markets and districts. If you want to treat yourself to a little luxury, go to the Lebua State Tower: There you can eat at expensive prices and enjoy a fantastic view - which is probably not least because scenes for Hangover 2 were filmed here. If you want to save your hard-earned money, you can also look over Bangkok from the tower while sipping a drink. But don't forget to wear long pants, otherwise you won't be allowed in the elevator. If you still forget them, you can borrow a pair of trousers from the nice Thai lady in front of the entrance (the deposit is your own trousers).
Small, beautiful island: Koh Tao
After Bangkok I took a minivan to a national park, but that was more stress than pleasure, so I recommend you travel directly to Koh Tao. To do this you have to take the ferry, but that shouldn't be a problem. Koh Tao is the smallest of the three well-known island destinations of Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, which are notorious for their full moon parties.
Koh Tao is a real little pearl: Chilling and relaxing is very important here for both residents and holidaymakers. You don't need a car there, you can usually rent a scooter. I also recommend renting a bamboo bungalow, ideally at the top so you can look over the cliffs. The small neighboring island of Koh Nag Yuan with the Japanese Garden snorkeling paradise is also very beautiful. The only big, fat drawback: There are around 150 Chinese people milling about on the small strip of sand, so there isn't much room for that holiday feeling.
Krabi
If you really want to relax, skip my following stops - Khao Lak, Surin Islands and Koh Phi Phi Leh - and visit them another time. Sitting for hours in ferries, buses and taxis stole a lot of my vacation time, even if the destinations were cool, but everything together was just too stressful. I therefore recommend sailing directly from Koh Tao to Krabi.
Climbers will particularly enjoy Krabi, as the steep limestone cliffs are ideal for this sport. Even beginners can take courses here and look out over the turquoise sea while climbing - there is hardly a more beautiful location. If you also want to dine in a particularly unusual place, you should book a table at The Grotto: The restaurant is part of the luxury hotel Rayavadee and is particularly interesting for romantics - but it's not exactly cheap either. If you don't want to afford the hotel or restaurant, you can simply enjoy the beautiful sea and breathtaking sunset on the beach in front of it - both are completely free.
From Krabi I finally took a domestic flight back to Bangkok and then traveled home to cold Germany. Longing for my trip to Thailand arose almost as soon as I sat on the plane.
Do you also want to get to know other countries, ideally as a backpacker? Then read our article How to travel cheaply during the semester break: Through the world with a backpack !
Vacation is often not enough, because there are some arguments in favor of working directly in Thailand . You can find out what in our article on the topic.
Do you want white beaches and turquoise water? Then off to Thailand!
