Wanderlist
View over the twin bays of Koh Phi Phi
Photo: Jonny Clow / Unsplash

Asia · South: Bangkok, jungle & Andaman islands

Thailand

Skip the north and go all-in on the south: Bangkok, a rainforest lake, then island-hopping between Railay, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.

☀️ Best monthsJan, Feb, Mar, Dec
✈️ From Geneva14h30–16h30 · 1 stop · from CHF 650
💰 Mid-range / dayCHF 100–160 pp
🛂 Swiss passportVisa-free for up to 30 days for tourism
Other versions of Thailand: Classic: Bangkok, the north & the islands →

Overview

Why Thailand?

This version skips the north and spends more time on what the south does best: limestone cliffs, turquoise water and slow island days. You start with two days of temples and street food in Bangkok. Then you fly south to the Khao Sok rainforest and sleep on a floating raft house. From there, you hop by boat from Railay to Koh Phi Phi and on to Koh Lanta. There are fewer long transfers than in the classic route, which makes it the more relaxing choice, and it works best from November to April.

Highlights

  • Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Chinatown street food in Bangkok
  • Night on a floating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake (Khao Sok)
  • Railay's cliffs, climbing and Phra Nang cave beach
  • Sunset from the Phi Phi viewpoint and a boat day to Maya Bay & Pileh lagoon
  • Snorkelling at Koh Rok and swimming through the Emerald Cave
  • Unhurried beach days on Koh Lanta

Scorecard

How it rates

Tap a criterion to see why it got that score.

3.9
★★★★★★★★★★

Average of 19 criteria

Experiences

  • Food ★★★★★★★★★★

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

  • Sightseeing & culture ★★★★★★★★★★

    Bangkok's temples (and optionally Ayutthaya); after that it's mostly nature and beaches.

  • Nature ★★★★★★★★★★

    Khao Sok rainforest and lake, karst seascapes, marine parks.

  • Beaches ★★★★★★★★★★

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

  • Animals ★★★★★★★★★★

    Gibbons and hornbills in Khao Sok, turtles and reef fish at Koh Rok; no elephants on this route.

  • Sport & adventure ★★★★★★★★★★

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

  • Nightlife ★★★★★★★★★★

    Bangkok rooftops and Phi Phi beach parties; Lanta and Railay are quiet at night.

  • Relaxation ★★★★★★★★★★

    Short transfers and many beach days; Koh Lanta is very laid-back.

  • Variety ★★★★★★★★★★

    City, rainforest and islands, but you miss the mountains and culture of the north.

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 ★★★★★★★★★★

    Phi Phi and Railay are among Thailand's busiest spots in high season.

When to go

Best time of the year

Go between November and April. December to March has the calmest sea. From May to October, the island part of this route loses much of its appeal.

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

Dry season · Nov – Apr

  • Calm, clear sea on the Andaman coast
  • All ferries, marine parks and island tours running
  • Hot and sunny beach weather
  • Peak prices around Christmas–New Year and February
  • Phi Phi and Railay are crowded
  • Very hot in Bangkok in April

Green (rainy) season · May – Oct

  • 30–50% lower hotel prices
  • Lush jungle in Khao Sok, full waterfalls
  • Far fewer tourists
  • Rough seas and cancelled boats
  • Koh Rok closed mid-May – mid-Oct, Maya Bay closed Aug–Sep
  • Fewer ferries (some routes only once a day)

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 / metroPlaneTaxi / driverOrganised tourBus / minivanBoat

Island-hopping via Koh Phi Phi

Adds two nights on Koh Phi Phi between Railay and Lanta: viewpoint sunset, Maya Bay and Pileh lagoon.

Bangkok · 2 nightsKhao Sok National Park · 1 nightFloating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake · 1 nightRailay · 2 nightsKoh Phi Phi · 2 nightsKoh Lanta · 3 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

    Fly south into the rainforest

    Short flight to Krabi, then a road transfer to the Khao Sok jungle. Evening jungle walk.

    🧭 Bangkok → Krabi (airport): your options
    • Bangkok (BKK or DMK) → Krabi Recommended
      ⏱ 1h20 CHF 30–90 🔁 15+ flights a day Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, Thai Lion
      Alternative: fly to Surat Thani (similar price), which is 2 h from Khao Sok instead of 2h30.
    • Night train Bangkok → Surat Thani + minivan to Khao Sok
      ⏱ ≈11h + 2h CHF 25–60 🔁 Several nightly Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: D-Ticket or 12Go
      Saves a hotel night, but you arrive tired.
    🧭 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
  4. Day 4

    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
  5. Day 5

    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
  6. Day 6

    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
  7. Day 7

    Ferry to Koh Phi Phi · viewpoint sunset

    A scenic ferry ride to Phi Phi, then the classic sunset hike to the viewpoint over the twin bays.

    🧭 Railay → Koh Phi Phi: your options
    • Ao Nang Princess ferry (boards off Railay by longtail) Recommended
      ⏱ 1h–1h30 CHF 16–22 🔁 2 a day Nov–May, 1 in low season Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Ferryhopper, 12Go or hotel desk
      Phi Phi charges a small island entry fee (≈ 20 THB) at the pier.
    • Private or shared speedboat
      ⏱ 40 min CHF 35–60 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Railay travel desks
      Faster but bumpy; worthwhile only if the ferry times don't suit you.
    • Sunset over the twin bays from the Phi Phi viewpoint
      Photo: Artur Kornakov / Unsplash
      Phi Phi Viewpoint

      A 30-minute climb up steps above Tonsai village to the famous view of the two bays. Go 1 h before sunset and bring water.

      ⏱ 2 h CHF 1–2
      How to get there (1 option)
      • Walk from Tonsai village Recommended
        ⏱ 30 min uphill Included / free Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: —
    • Loh Dalum beach bars

      Fire shows and buckets on the beach; lively until late. Skip it if you want quiet.

    • 💡 There are no cars on Phi Phi: porters with carts take your bags from the pier, and longtail taxis serve the other beaches.
    🛏️ Night: Koh Phi Phi
  8. Day 8

    Maya Bay, Pileh lagoon & snorkelling

    A boat day around Phi Phi Leh: the bay from 'The Beach', an emerald lagoon enclosed by cliffs, and snorkel stops.

    • Maya Bay's cliffs and turquoise water
      Photo: M o e / Unsplash
      Phi Phi Leh boat tour

      Maya Bay (walk in from the back side; swimming isn't allowed in the bay), Pileh lagoon, Viking Cave and snorkelling at Loh Samah. Go early (7 am) or at sunset to avoid the crowds. The national park fee is ≈ 400 THB. Maya Bay is closed every year from 1 August to 30 September.

      ⏱ Half day CHF 20–45
      How to get there (2 options)
      • Private longtail boat (shared by your group) Recommended
        ⏱ 4–6 h CHF 60–90 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Boat stands on Tonsai / Loh Dalum beach
        Price per boat. It's the most flexible option and fits up to 6 people.
      • Shared speedboat tour
        ⏱ Half day CHF 20–35 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
        Book: Any travel desk in the village
    • Bamboo Island (optional)

      Fine white sand and clear water, 30 min north of Phi Phi; often combined in full-day tours.

    • Afternoon at Long Beach

      Quieter beach with good snorkelling right off the shore (Shark Point nearby).

    • 💡 Certified divers: Phi Phi has some of the most accessible dive sites in Thailand (Bida Nok, Hin Daeng on trips from Lanta).
    🛏️ Night: Koh Phi Phi
  9. Day 9

    Ferry to Koh Lanta

    A short ferry ride to Koh Lanta, then the afternoon on Long Beach or Kantiang Bay.

    🧭 Koh Phi Phi → Koh Lanta: your options
    • Ferry Phi Phi (Tonsai) → Lanta (Saladan) Recommended
      ⏱ 1h–1h30 CHF 16–25 🔁 2 a day Nov–Apr, 1 in low season Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Ferryhopper, 12Go or hotel desk; often includes a transfer to your Lanta hotel
    • Shared speedboat
      ⏱ 45 min CHF 30–45 Comfort ★★★★★★★★★★
      Book: Travel desks in Tonsai village
    • 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
  10. Day 10

    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
  11. Day 11

    Slow day on Lanta: Old Town & mangroves

    Explore the quiet east coast: the wooden stilt houses of Lanta Old Town, mangrove kayaking and a seafood lunch over the water.

    • Lanta Old Town

      Century-old Chinese stilt houses, a sea-gypsy community, and seafood restaurants on piers.

    • Mangrove kayaking

      Guided kayak through the mangroves; look for monitor lizards and monkeys.

      ⏱ 3 h CHF 20–35
    • Mu Ko Lanta National Park lighthouse

      At the southern tip of the island: a lighthouse, a short jungle trail and monkeys.

      CHF 5
    • 💡 Getting around Lanta without driving: book a tuk-tuk or taxi for a half day (CHF 20–35 per vehicle) or use Grab. Scooters are the local habit, but not for us.
    🛏️ 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
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Getting around

Transport without a car

Without a car, the south is easy: one domestic flight from Bangkok, then shared minivans and ferries, with most tickets including hotel pickup. Book island ferries through Ferryhopper or 12Go, or at any travel desk. On the islands, you walk or take tuk-tuks, longtail boats and Grab.

✈️ Flight ★★★★★★★★★★

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

📱 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. Island prices (Phi Phi especially) are higher than on the mainland.

Budget CHF 45–65 per person / day
Mid-range CHF 100–160 per person / day
Comfort CHF 250–450 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)
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)
View over the twin bays of Koh Phi Phi
Photo: Romi Kalathiya / Unsplash

Koh Phi Phi

Famous twin-bay island with no cars. It has a lively village, a spectacular viewpoint, and boat trips to Maya Bay and the Pileh lagoon on neighbouring Phi Phi Leh.

Where: Stay away from the party beach (Loh Dalum) if you want sleep; Long Beach or the northern bays are quieter (longtail taxi from the pier).

Budget
CHF 30–55 / room / night
Fan/AC bungalow in Tonsai village
Mid-range
CHF 100–200 / room / night
Beach resort on Long Beach or Loh Bagao
Comfort
CHF 300–600 / room / night
Luxury resort on a private northern bay
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.