Experience 48 hours of excitement and exploration in Bangkok before you head to Thailand's Islands for some of the world's finest beaches, swimming with bio-luminescent algae and star gazing.
1. Visit The Temples
Start your day by getting your bearings with a bird's eye view of the city.
Wat Saket Buddhist Temple - is also known as the Golden Mount. The 344 steps to the top of Wat Saket are worth the climb as from there you can see Bangkok's skyscrapers, many temples and the interweaving canals. The nearest MTR is Hua Lamphong 35 min walk.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew - See the Emerald Buddha said to be carved from one emerald his robes are changed with the seasons. Intricate architectural detail will awe. From the Phonm Phong Sky Train it is 9 min walk.
2. Eat with the locals
Try the street markets of Khlong Toei Pier 10 10-minute walk from Khlong Toei MRT station - Open 07.00 - 21.00 and the street vendors on Rama IV road in Sathorn walking distance from Sam Yan MRT or Sala Daeng Sky Train.
Here you will find fresh ingredients the street vendors prepare and cook in front of you so the sounds and smells will tempt you before you tuck in! There is always lots of choice too, with vendors specialising in one delicious dish. Watch where the locals dine as this is the best recommendation.
3. Explore Chao Phraya River and Canals
During the 19th century, Bangkok was known as the Venice of the East and some of the original waterways still crisscross the city. The canals known as Khlongs are a great way to experience Bangkok as thousands travel this way daily.
Take the Sky Train to Saphan Taksin which links to the riverside.
Long Tail Boats are like the Tuk Tuks of the canal and can be rented privately and Destinology recommend this for a tour - remember to negotiate with the driver for the best deal.
Explore Khlong Saen Saeb in the centre of the city, Khlong Phadung Krung Dasem around the Grand Palace and Thornburi west of the city - where you can photograph Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn, ironically most beautiful at sunset.
Exploring Thailand's Islands
Koh Pha Ngan
On Koh Pha Ngan you immerse yourself in the beauty of tropical, rainforests and long white sandy beaches.
At Malibu Beach you can board boats and enjoy a sight-seeing trip; Haad Yao is a well-known snorkelling and diving spot with a coral reef just beyond the shoreline and Haad Salad, one of the quieter beaches on the island, is within walking distance of a Yoga retreat and a local cooking school.
Party animals can boogie away to Haad Rin which celebrates the New Moon every month with all-night dancing and music.
Total travel time from Bangkok to Koh Pha Ngan = 2.5 to 3 hrs
- Flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui: 1hr 10mins
- Car Transfer to Pier: 10mins
- Speedboat from Pier to Koh Pha Ngan: 30 mins
Koh-Racha
Thailand's two islands are Koh Raya Yai and Koh Raya Noi (big and little).
Visit Ao Tawan Tok a bay where the sands are snow-white. Although busy during the day at night the lack of bright lights means that star gazing on the beach is a breath-taking experience.
Total travel time from Bangkok to Koh Racha = 4 to 4.5 hrs
- Flight from Bangkok to Phuket: 1hr 25mins
- Car Transfer to Pier: 1hr
- Speedboat from Pier to Koh Racha: 40mins
Koh Phi Phi
Sheer cliffs give way to a beach-fronted jungle. Phi Phi has a laidback attitude and there is no hustle or bustle. Eco-tourism - preventing the destruction of the incredible natural habitats is an integral part of life in Phi Phi.
At Maya Bay, you can swim with bio-luminescent plankton which give an incredible underwater light show and glow as you move amongst them. A magical experience.
Total travel time from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi = 4 to 4.5 hrs
- Flight from Bangkok to Phuket: 1hr 25mins
- Car Transfer to Pier: 50mins
- Speedboat from Pier to Koh Phi Phi: 1hr 15mins
