Wanderlist
Longtail boats in front of limestone cliffs at Railay Beach
Photo: Sumit Chinchane / Unsplash

Asia · Classic: Bangkok, the north & the islands

Thailand

Temples, night trains, jungle lakes and limestone islands — the easiest long-haul trip without a car.

☀️ Best monthsJan, Feb, Dec
✈️ From Geneva14h30–16h30 · 1 stop · from CHF 650
💰 Mid-range / dayCHF 90–150 pp
🛂 Swiss passportVisa-free for up to 30 days for tourism
Other versions of Thailand: South: Bangkok, jungle & Andaman islands →

Overview

Why Thailand?

Thailand combines three very different trips in one: the energy and food of Bangkok, the temples and mountains of the north around Chiang Mai, and the turquoise water and limestone cliffs of the Andaman coast around Krabi. Tourist infrastructure is excellent, domestic flights are cheap, and almost every transfer can be booked as a shared minivan, boat or train — you never need to drive. The route below goes north by sleeper train, then flies south to the islands.

Highlights

  • Street food in Bangkok's Chinatown and khao soi in Chiang Mai
  • Temple-hopping in Bangkok and the ruined capital of Ayutthaya
  • Overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai
  • Ethical elephant sanctuary in the northern hills
  • Sleeping on a floating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake (Khao Sok)
  • Railay's limestone cliffs, climbing and hidden lagoon
  • Snorkelling around Koh Rok from laid-back Koh Lanta

Scorecard

How it rates

Tap a criterion to see why it got that score.

4.1
★★★★★★★★★★

Average of 19 criteria

Experiences

  • Food ★★★★★★★★★★

    One of the world's great food cultures; excellent street food is everywhere and cheap.

  • Sightseeing & culture ★★★★★★★★★★

    Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Ayutthaya ruins and the temples of Chiang Mai.

  • Nature ★★★★★★★★★★

    Khao Sok rainforest and lake, northern mountains, karst seascapes.

  • Beaches ★★★★★★★★★★

    Railay, Koh Lanta and the Krabi islands are postcard-perfect; calm water in the dry season.

  • Animals ★★★★★★★★★★

    Ethical elephant sanctuaries, gibbons and hornbills in Khao Sok, reef fish at Koh Rok.

  • Sport & adventure ★★★★★★★★★★

    World-class rock climbing at Railay, snorkelling/diving, kayaking, jungle trekking.

  • Nightlife ★★★★★★★★★★

    Bangkok rooftops and bar streets, Chiang Mai's Nimman, beach bars and fire shows in the south.

  • Relaxation ★★★★★★★★★★

    Easy to slow down on Koh Lanta or at a raft house; Bangkok is intense.

  • Variety ★★★★★★★★★★

    Megacity, ancient ruins, mountains, rainforest lake and islands in one trip.

Getting there & around

  • Flight from Geneva ★★★★★★★★★★

    No direct flight from Geneva: one stop via the Gulf or Istanbul, 14–16 h door to door.

  • Transport without a car ★★★★★★★★★★

    Cheap domestic flights, sleeper trains, Grab, minivans and boats cover everything without a car.

  • Ease of travel ★★★★★★★★★★

    Visa-free for Swiss, English widely spoken in tourist areas, everything bookable online.

  • Jet lag ★★★★★★★★★★

    +5 h (summer) / +6 h (winter) from Geneva.

Comfort & practicalities

  • Value for money ★★★★★★★★★★

    Very good value for food and transport; island hotels and tours in peak season get pricier.

  • Weather ★★★★★★★★★★

    Dry, sunny and 28–33°C from December to February; hot in March–April, rainy from May.

  • Safety ★★★★★★★★★★

    Safe for travellers; watch for tourist scams and dangerous roads (don't rent scooters).

  • Health ★★★★★★★★★★

    No mandatory vaccines, good private hospitals; dengue exists, so bring repellent.

  • Accommodation ★★★★★★★★★★

    Huge choice at every price level, from CHF 20 guesthouses to world-class resorts.

  • Crowds ★★★★★★★★★★

    Very popular: Bangkok temples, Phi Phi and Railay get busy in high season.

When to go

Best time of the year

Go from mid-November to February for this route. March is fine if you want to spend more time on the beaches. Avoid September–October for the Krabi/Lanta part.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
BestGoodMixedAvoid

Cool & dry season · Nov – Feb

  • Sunshine and calm seas on the Andaman coast
  • Comfortable temperatures in the north
  • All ferries and island tours running
  • Loy Krathong / Yi Peng lantern festivals (Nov)
  • Peak prices, especially Christmas–New Year
  • Crowded beaches and temples
  • Popular trains and island hotels sell out

Hot season · Mar – Apr

  • Still dry and good for beaches
  • Slightly cheaper than peak season
  • Songkran water festival
  • Very hot (35–40°C) in Bangkok and the north
  • Haze from crop burning in Chiang Mai (poor air quality)

Green (rainy) season · May – Oct

  • 30–50% lower prices
  • Lush landscapes and full waterfalls
  • Far fewer tourists
  • Rough seas and cancelled boats on the Andaman coast
  • Koh Rok and some marine parks closed
  • Some ferries (Ao Nang–Lanta) stop running

Getting there

Flights from Geneva

There is no direct flight from Geneva to Bangkok. The easiest options are one-stop flights via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul (about 14–16 h in total). Swiss also flies nonstop from Zurich (about 11 h), which is 2h45 by train from Geneva.

RoutingAirlineStopsTravel timeReturn, economy
GVA → DXB → BKK
Several daily connections; A380 on many legs.
 Emirates 1 14h30–16h CHF 750–1100
GVA → DOH → BKK
Often the best product in economy.
 Qatar Airways 1 14h30–16h CHF 700–1050
GVA → AUH → BKK
Frequently the cheapest Gulf option.
 Etihad 1 14h30–16h30 CHF 650–950
GVA → IST → BKK
Good fares; long Istanbul airport walks.
 Turkish Airlines 1 14h–16h CHF 650–950
Geneva → Zurich (train) → BKK nonstop
Only nonstop option from Switzerland; include the train in a Swiss 'Fly Rail' ticket.
 Swiss Nonstop ≈11h flight + 2h45 train CHF 850–1300

Itinerary

Day by day, without a car

Pick a trip length. Day 1 is arrival day and the last day is departure day; the overnight flights are extra. Each transfer lists every option, with the recommended one first.

Trip length:
Train / metroPlaneBus / minivanTaxi / driverOrganised tourBoat

Classic + Khao Sok jungle lake

Swaps the direct Railay transfer for two days in the Khao Sok rainforest, with a night on a floating raft house. It's the most memorable addition.

Bangkok · 2 nightsNight train (sleeper berth) · 1 nightChiang Mai · 2 nightsKhao Sok National Park · 1 nightFloating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake · 1 nightRailay · 2 nightsKoh Lanta · 2 nights
  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Bangkok · Chinatown by night

    Land (usually in the morning or afternoon after an overnight flight), check in, rest, and head out for a first street-food evening.

    • Airport → hotel

      Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is 30 km from the centre.

      ⏱ 45–90 min
      How to get there (3 options)
      • Grab / Bolt car from arrivals Recommended
        ⏱ 45–90 min (traffic) CHF 10–16 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Grab or Bolt app, pick-up at the designated floor
        Price is per car, including tolls.
      • Public taxi from the official queue
        ⏱ 45–90 min CHF 9–14 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Ticket machine on level 1; insist on the meter
        +50 THB airport fee plus tolls.
      • Airport Rail Link + BTS/MRT or short Grab
        ⏱ 45–60 min CHF 2–6 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Buy tokens at the station
        Cheapest and traffic-proof, but tiring with big bags.
    • Chao Phraya riverside

      Take it easy after the flight with a riverside drink or a rooftop pool.

    • Street food stall in Yaowarat
      Photo: Kelvin Han / Unsplash
      Yaowarat (Chinatown) street food

      After dark, Yaowarat Road becomes a neon-lit open-air food court: grilled seafood, dim sum, mango sticky rice, and Michelin-listed stalls like Jay Fai (book ahead).

      CHF 10–25
      How to get there (2 options)
      • MRT to Wat Mangkon station Recommended
        ⏱ 10–30 min CHF 1 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Contactless card or token
      • Grab
        ⏱ 15–40 min CHF 3–6 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: App
    • 💡 Go to bed early and set an alarm: day 2 is best started at 8 am before the heat.
    • 💡 Buy a local eSIM or SIM at the airport before exiting.
    🛏️ Night: Bangkok
  2. Day 2

    Bangkok's great temples by river boat

    The classic Bangkok day: Grand Palace, the reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun, all linked by river boats. Rooftop bar at sunset.

    • Golden spires of the Grand Palace in Bangkok
      Photo: Wally Yang / Unsplash
      Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

      The former royal residence and the Emerald Buddha temple. It is the most spectacular site in the country, so arrive at opening (8:30) to beat crowds and heat. Covered shoulders and knees are required.

      ⏱ 2–3 h CHF 13
      How to get there (2 options)
      • Chao Phraya Express boat (orange flag) to Tha Chang pier Recommended
        ⏱ 15–40 min CHF 1 🔁 Every 10–20 min Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Pay on board or at the pier
        Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin, then the boat. It's the most scenic way around.
      • Grab to the palace gate
        ⏱ 15–45 min CHF 3–7 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: App
    • Wat Pho – Reclining Buddha

      A 46 m golden reclining Buddha, and the birthplace of Thai massage. Get a 30-min massage at the temple's school.

      ⏱ 1–1.5 h CHF 8
      How to get there (1 option)
      • 10-minute walk south of the palace Recommended
        ⏱ 10 min Included / free Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: —
    • Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn

      Porcelain-covered spire just across the river; climb the steep steps for the view. It's magical at sunset from the opposite bank.

      ⏱ 1 h CHF 5
      How to get there (1 option)
      • Cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier Recommended
        ⏱ 3 min CHF 0.2 🔁 Every few minutes Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Pay at the pier
    • Sunset rooftop bar

      Choose between the riverside rooftops facing Wat Arun, or the famous skyscraper bars (Sky Bar, Octave, Tichuca) in the evening.

      CHF 10–25
      How to get there (1 option)
      • Grab / BTS Skytrain Recommended
        ⏱ 15–40 min CHF 1–6 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: App
    • 💡 Ignore anyone outside the palace saying 'it's closed today'. It's a classic scam leading to a gem shop.
    • 💡 Weekend alternative for the afternoon: Chatuchak market (15,000 stalls).
    🛏️ Night: Bangkok
  3. Day 3

    Ayutthaya ruins · night train north

    Take the train with your bags to the old capital, explore the ruins by bicycle or tuk-tuk, then board the overnight sleeper to Chiang Mai directly from Ayutthaya station.

    🧭 Bangkok → Ayutthaya: your options
    • Morning train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Recommended
      ⏱ 1h–1h30 CHF 1–10 🔁 Many departures each morning Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Station ticket office or D-Ticket (dticket.railway.co.th)
      Leave big bags at Ayutthaya station's left-luggage and pick them up for the night train.
    • Minivan from Mo Chit / Bangkok Bus Terminal
      ⏱ 1h30 CHF 2–4 🔁 Every 20–30 min Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: At the terminal
    • Private car for the day with luggage
      ⏱ 1h15 CHF 60–90 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Hotel desk, Klook or GetYourGuide
      Price per car. The driver waits while you visit and drops you at the station. Ideal for a group of 4.
    🧭 Ayutthaya → Chiang Mai: your options
    • Special Express #9 (boards Ayutthaya ≈ 20:00, arrives Chiang Mai ≈ 07:15) Recommended
      ⏱ ≈11h CHF 25–80 🔁 Daily (also #13, later departure) Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: D-Ticket (official, opens 30 days ahead) or 12Go
      2nd class A/C berth CHF 25–40 (choose the lower bunk); 1st class 2-bed cabin CHF 60–80. Sells out in high season, so book as soon as sales open.
    • Flight Bangkok (DMK/BKK) → Chiang Mai
      ⏱ 1h15 flight (+ return to Bangkok) CHF 30–90 🔁 20+ flights a day Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: AirAsia, Thai Lion, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways
      Fastest, but you have to go back to Bangkok first and you pay for a hotel night.
    • VIP overnight bus from Bangkok Mo Chit
      ⏱ 9–10h CHF 20–30 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: 12Go or at the terminal (Nakhonchai Air, Sombat Tour)
      Reclining seats and a snack. Less charming than the train.
    • Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat
      Photo: Rutpratheep Nilpechr / Unsplash
      Ayutthaya Historical Park

      Wat Mahathat (the Buddha head in the tree roots), Wat Phra Si Sanphet's three chedis, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram at sunset. Most sites cost 50 THB each; a combined ticket is available.

      ⏱ 5–6 h CHF 5–10
      How to get there (2 options)
      • Hire a tuk-tuk by the hour from the station Recommended
        ⏱ Half or full day CHF 7–8 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: At the station; ≈ 300 THB/hour per vehicle
        Agree the route and number of hours first.
      • Rent a bicycle opposite the ferry pier
        ⏱ Your pace CHF 1–2 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Rental shops near the station ferry
        Flat, but hot. Best in the morning.
    • Dinner at the night market

      Grab boat noodles and roti sai mai (candy-floss wraps, a local speciality) before the train.

      CHF 3–8
    • 💡 Bring a light jacket: train air-conditioning is cold.
    • 💡 Bring snacks, water and toiletries. The dining car closes early.
    🛏️ Night: Night train (sleeper berth)
  4. Day 4

    Chiang Mai old city & Doi Suthep

    Arrive in the morning, walk the temples of the old city, ride up to the golden mountain temple, and end at the night market.

    • Old City temples

      Wat Chedi Luang (huge ruined chedi, and a 'monk chat' where you can ask monks questions), Wat Phra Singh and dozens of smaller temples, all within the square moat.

      ⏱ 3 h CHF 0–3
      How to get there (2 options)
      • Grab from the train station to the hotel Recommended
        ⏱ 10–15 min CHF 2–4 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: App
      • Walk around inside the moat
        ⏱ — Included / free Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: —
    • Golden chedi at Doi Suthep
      Photo: Jesse Le / Unsplash
      Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

      Golden hilltop temple with a view over the city, reached by 306 naga steps. Go in the late afternoon for sunset.

      ⏱ 2–3 h CHF 1
      How to get there (2 options)
      • Red shared songthaew from Chiang Mai University / Chang Phueak gate Recommended
        ⏱ 30–40 min CHF 2–4 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Leaves when full (8–10 people)
        Cheap and fun; winding road.
      • Grab up and back
        ⏱ 30 min CHF 8–12 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: App (fewer cars available up the hill for the return)
    • Night market & khao soi

      Try khao soi, the curry noodle soup of the north. On Sunday the whole old city becomes the Walking Street market; other days, go to the Night Bazaar.

      CHF 3–10
    • 💡 If you arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, don't miss the Walking Street markets (from ~17:00).
    🛏️ Night: Chiang Mai
  5. Day 5

    Elephant sanctuary or cooking class

    A day in the hills with rescued elephants (no riding), or a hands-on Thai cooking class at a farm. Evening in trendy Nimman.

    • Elephants at a sanctuary in northern Thailand
      Photo: Craig McKay / Unsplash
      Ethical elephant sanctuary

      Observe, feed and walk with rescued elephants at a no-riding sanctuary such as Elephant Nature Park. Book directly with the sanctuary; be wary of 'sanctuaries' that offer bathing or riding.

      ⏱ Full day (8:00–17:00) CHF 60–80
      How to get there (1 option)
      • Hotel pickup included in the sanctuary program Recommended
        ⏱ 1h15 each way Included / free Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Sanctuary website, 2–4 weeks ahead in high season
    • Thai cooking class (alternative)

      Local market tour, then cook 5–7 dishes (curry paste from scratch) at an organic farm outside town.

      ⏱ Half day CHF 25–40
      How to get there (1 option)
      • Hotel pickup included Recommended
        ⏱ 30 min Included / free Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Online or at any agency
    • Nimmanhaemin evening

      Chiang Mai's hip area: craft beer, cocktail bars, cafés and the One Nimman complex.

      How to get there (1 option)
      • Grab from the old city Recommended
        ⏱ 10 min CHF 2–4 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: App
    🛏️ Night: Chiang Mai
  6. Day 6

    Fly south, into the rainforest

    Fly Chiang Mai → Krabi, then transfer by road to Khao Sok's jungle. Evening jungle walk.

    🧭 Chiang Mai → Krabi (airport): your options
    • Direct flight Chiang Mai → Krabi Recommended
      ⏱ ≈2h CHF 40–110 🔁 1–3 a day (AirAsia, Thai Lion) Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Airline website
    🧭 Krabi (airport) → Khao Sok National Park: your options
    • Private transfer from Krabi airport Recommended
      ⏱ ≈2h30 CHF 65–90 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Lodge, 12Go or Klook
      Price per car. It's the easiest option after a flight.
    • Shared minivan via Krabi town
      ⏱ 3–4h CHF 10–16 🔁 2–4 a day Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: 12Go or Krabi town agencies
    • Guided night jungle walk

      Spot tarantulas, stick insects, frogs and maybe a slow loris with a guide.

      ⏱ 2 h CHF 15–25
    • 💡 Some lodges can also arrange river tubing or canoeing on the Sok river for the next morning.
    🛏️ Night: Khao Sok National Park
  7. Day 7

    Cheow Lan Lake · night on a floating raft house

    The highlight of Khao Sok: cross the lake by longtail between giant limestone cliffs, swim, explore a cave, and sleep on the water.

    🧭 Khao Sok National Park → Cheow Lan Lake: your options
    • Included in 2-day lake tour (minivan to Ratchaprapha dam + longtail) Recommended
      ⏱ 1h + 1h boat Included / free Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Lodge or park-village agencies
    • Floating raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake
      Photo: Polina Kocheva / Unsplash
      Cheow Lan Lake 2-day tour

      Longtail boat across the lake, kayaking, jungle hike to a cave, and a sunrise safari looking for gibbons and hornbills. All meals and the raft-house night are included.

      ⏱ 2 days / 1 night CHF 100–200
    • 💡 Choose a raft house with private rooms and a toilet if comfort matters (mid-range tours).
    🛏️ Night: Floating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake
  8. Day 8

    Lake sunrise · on to Railay

    Early morning wildlife boat safari, then back to land and transfer to the coast and the boat to Railay.

    🧭 Cheow Lan Lake → Railay: your options
    • Shared minivan to Ao Nang (tour drop-off) + longtail Recommended
      ⏱ 3h + 15 min boat CHF 12–20 🔁 Daily after the tour Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Book with the lake tour
    • Private car to Ao Nang + longtail
      ⏱ 2h30 + 15 min boat CHF 70–95 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Lodge / 12Go
      Price per car.
    • Beach afternoon on Railay West

      Recover with a swim and a sunset shake.

    🛏️ Night: Railay
  9. Day 9

    Railay: lagoon hike, climbing & Phra Nang

    A full day on the peninsula: an adventurous viewpoint scramble, a climbing or kayaking session, and Phra Nang cave beach.

    • Railay viewpoint & hidden lagoon

      A steep scramble using ropes over red clay leads to a view over both bays. Going further down to the lagoon is harder. Wear shoes with grip and go early.

      ⏱ 1–2 h Free
    • Climber on a limestone cliff above the sea
      Photo: Hu Chen / Unsplash
      Rock climbing (half day) or sea kayaking

      Railay is one of the world's climbing hotspots: half-day beginner courses on sea cliffs, with all gear included. Or kayak around the karsts to hidden beaches.

      ⏱ 3–4 h CHF 25–50
    • Phra Nang beach and cliffs
      Photo: set.sj / Unsplash
      Phra Nang Cave Beach

      Perhaps Thailand's most beautiful beach, with the Princess Cave shrine and longtail food boats.

    • Fire shows on Railay East

      Relaxed reggae bars with fire-dancing shows after dark.

    • 💡 Everything on Railay is walkable; there are no roads or cars at all.
    🛏️ Night: Railay
  10. Day 10

    Boat to Koh Lanta

    A scenic morning ferry through the karst seascape to Koh Lanta, then an afternoon on Long Beach or Kantiang Bay.

    🧭 Railay → Koh Lanta: your options
    • Ferry / speedboat Railay (or Ao Nang) → Koh Lanta Saladan pier Recommended
      ⏱ 1h30–2h15 CHF 17–30 🔁 1–3 a day, roughly Nov–Apr only Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Ferryhopper, 12Go or hotel desk (includes pier transfer on Lanta)
      From Railay you board from a longtail at sea, so pack light.
    • Longtail to Ao Nang + shared minivan (car ferry included)
      ⏱ 3h CHF 14–20 🔁 Several a day, year-round Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: 12Go or any travel desk; hotel drop-off on Lanta
    • Longtail + private car to your Lanta hotel
      ⏱ 2h30 CHF 70–95 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Hotel desk / 12Go
      Price per car, year-round.
    • Afternoon on Long Beach

      Four kilometres of sand with beach bars; sunset is the event of the day.

    • 💡 On Lanta, use Grab or hotel-arranged tuk-tuks. Don't rent a scooter.
    🛏️ Night: Koh Lanta
  11. Day 11

    Snorkelling at Koh Rok & Koh Haa

    Speedboat day trip to the best reefs of the region: coral gardens, turtles and white-sand beaches in a marine national park.

    • Turquoise water and white sand at Koh Rok
      Photo: Prashant / Unsplash
      Koh Rok & Koh Haa snorkelling trip

      4–5 snorkel stops with clear water, reef fish, often turtles, and lunch on Koh Rok's beach. The national park fee (≈ 400 THB) is often extra. The park is closed roughly mid-May to mid-October.

      ⏱ Full day (8:00–17:00) CHF 50–80
      How to get there (1 option)
      • Speedboat tour with hotel pickup Recommended
        ⏱ 1h boat each way Included / free Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Hotel desk or Klook; small-group operators are nicer
    • 4 Islands tour with Emerald Cave (alternative)

      Swim through a dark cave into a hidden emerald lagoon (Koh Muk). It's cheaper and closer, and runs in more seasons.

      CHF 25–40
    • 💡 Certified divers: Koh Haa and Hin Daeng are among Thailand's best dive sites.
    🛏️ Night: Koh Lanta
  12. Day 12

    Last swim · fly home via Bangkok

    Morning swim, then transfer to Krabi airport and fly to Bangkok to connect to the evening flight to Europe.

    🧭 Koh Lanta → Krabi (airport): your options
    • Shared minivan to Krabi airport (includes car ferry) Recommended
      ⏱ 2h–2h30 CHF 10–16 🔁 Hourly in the morning Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Hotel desk / 12Go (hotel pickup)
    • Private taxi to Krabi airport
      ⏱ 1h45–2h CHF 50–75 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Hotel desk or Grab
      Price per car; best for 3–4 people.
    🧭 Krabi (airport) → Bangkok: your options
    • Krabi → Bangkok (BKK) to connect to the long-haul flight Recommended
      ⏱ 1h20 CHF 35–90 🔁 15+ flights a day Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Ideally on the same ticket as the international flight
      Evening long-haul departures to Europe typically leave BKK between 23:00 and 02:00.
    • Morning swim and beach breakfast

      One last dip before the transfer.

    🛏️ Night: Overnight flight home
Want it a bit different?

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Getting around

Transport without a car

Thailand is one of the easiest countries to travel without a car. Long distances are cheap domestic flights (CHF 30–100) or the excellent sleeper trains. Shorter hops use shared minivans or boats with combined tickets, which you can book online (12Go) or at any travel desk. In cities, Grab and Bolt apps give fixed-price rides, so you never need to haggle.

✈️ Flight ★★★★★★★★★★

AirAsia, Thai Lion, Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways link all major towns; ~1–2 h, cheap if booked a few weeks ahead.

🛏️ Sleeper train ★★★★★★★★★★

Bangkok–Chiang Mai overnight train is clean, safe and an experience in itself; book 2nd class A/C berths early.

📱 Ride-hailing app ★★★★★★★★★★

Grab and Bolt work in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Koh Lanta; fixed prices, no haggling.

🚐 Shared minivan ★★★★★★★★★★

Shared minivans connect everything in the south with hotel pickup; fast and cheap but cramped, with fast driving.

⛴️ Ferry ★★★★★★★★★★

Big ferries and speedboats between Krabi, Railay, Phi Phi and Lanta; reliable in the dry season, reduced May–Oct.

🛶 Longtail boat ★★★★★★★★★★

The classic wooden boat for short hops (e.g. Ao Nang ↔ Railay); fun, a bit wet, fixed prices.

🚘 Private driver ★★★★★★★★★★

Affordable (CHF 60–100/day); great for day trips like Doi Inthanon or for groups of 3–4.

🛺 Tuk-tuk ★★★★★★★★★★

Fun for short rides; agree the price first. Grab is usually cheaper.

Where to stay & budget

Three budget levels

Per person per day, excluding international flights. Assumes two people sharing a double room, three meals, local transport and one paid activity per day.

Budget CHF 40–60 per person / day
Mid-range CHF 90–150 per person / day
Comfort CHF 220–400 per person / day
Wat Arun temple at sunset on the Chao Phraya river
Photo: Waranont (Joe) / Unsplash

Bangkok

Thailand's megacity: gilded temples along the Chao Phraya river, legendary street food, rooftop bars and giant markets.

Where: Riverside (Old Town / Chinatown) for temples, or Sukhumvit near a BTS station for nightlife and easy transport.

Budget
CHF 20–40 / room / night
Private room in a hostel or guesthouse near Khao San / Banglamphu
Mid-range
CHF 60–120 / room / night
Boutique hotel with rooftop pool on the river or in Sukhumvit
Comfort
CHF 200–450 / room / night
Iconic riverside hotels (e.g. The Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, Capella)
Golden temple in Chiang Mai
Photo: Peter Borter / Unsplash

Chiang Mai

Laid-back capital of the north, with more than 300 temples inside and around its old moat. The mountains, night markets and khao soi noodles are the highlights.

Where: Inside the Old City moat (walkable temples) or Nimmanhaemin (cafés, bars).

Budget
CHF 15–35 / room / night
Guesthouse in the Old City
Mid-range
CHF 50–100 / room / night
Lanna-style boutique hotel with pool
Comfort
CHF 150–350 / room / night
Luxury riverside resort or Lanna villa hotel
Rainforest and limestone peaks in Khao Sok
Photo: Polina Kocheva / Unsplash

Khao Sok National Park

One of the oldest rainforests on Earth, with jungle treks, river tubing and a small village of treehouse bungalows at the park entrance.

Where: Near the park headquarters; the lake night is included in the tour.

Budget
CHF 15–30 / room / night
Simple jungle bungalow
Mid-range
CHF 50–110 / room / night
Treehouse lodge with pool facing the cliffs
Comfort
CHF 150–300 / room / night
Luxury tented camp / eco-resort
Railay West beach with limestone cliffs
Photo: Antonio Araujo / Unsplash

Railay

A peninsula cut off by cliffs and reachable only by boat. It has some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches and is a rock-climbing mecca.

Where: Railay West or Phra Nang for the beach; Railay East is cheaper and 5 min walk away.

Budget
CHF 30–55 / room / night
Bungalow on Railay East / Tonsai
Mid-range
CHF 90–180 / room / night
Resort with pool on Railay West
Comfort
CHF 400–900 / room / night
Rayavadee (villas on Phra Nang beach)
Sunset over a beach on Koh Lanta
Photo: Humphrey M / Unsplash

Koh Lanta

Relaxed island with long sandy beaches, sunsets, a wooden stilt Old Town, and the best base for snorkelling at Koh Rok and Koh Haa.

Where: Long Beach / Klong Khong for bars and restaurants; Kantiang Bay for quiet.

Budget
CHF 20–40 / room / night
Beach bungalow
Mid-range
CHF 70–150 / room / night
Beachfront resort with pool
Comfort
CHF 250–600 / room / night
Luxury resort with private pool villa on Kantiang Bay

Practical

Good to know

🛂 Visa (Swiss passport)
Swiss passport: visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. This was reduced from 60 days on 15 September 2026. Your passport must be valid for 6 months and you need proof of onward travel. You can extend by 30 days once at an immigration office.
📝 Entry formalities
Fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online in the 3 days before arrival. It is free on the official site tdac.immigration.go.th; avoid paid copycat sites.
💉 Health
No mandatory vaccines. Recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus. Ask a travel clinic about Japanese encephalitis and rabies. Malaria risk is minimal on this route, but dengue is present, so use repellent. Drink bottled or filtered water. There are excellent private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Krabi.
🛡️ Safety
Generally very safe. Watch for classic scams, such as 'the Grand Palace is closed today' and gem shops. Don't rent scooters: road accidents are the main risk for tourists. Respect the strict laws about the monarchy.
💱 Money
Thai baht (THB), roughly 40 THB per CHF. Cards are accepted in hotels and malls; bring cash for markets, boats and street food. Thai ATMs charge about 220 THB per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts.
🗣️ Language
Thai. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas.
🕒 Time zone
UTC+7: 6 h ahead of Geneva in winter, 5 h in summer.
🔌 Plugs
220 V. Euro 2-pin plugs (type C) usually fit; Swiss 3-pin (type J) plugs don't, so bring an adapter.
📶 Phone & apps
Buy an eSIM or a tourist SIM (AIS, TrueMove) at the airport: about CHF 10–20 for 15 days of data. Install Grab and Bolt before you arrive.

Information last checked: September 2026. Visa rules, prices and timetables change, so always check before booking.