A 10-Day Southern Thailand Itinerary from Bangkok
Beaches, Scuba Diving, and Nightlife
Thinking of mapping out an incredible journey around Southern Thailand? If you're feeling a bit lost on the starting point, the must-visit spots, the budget, or the ideal timeframe, then this itinerary is for you. This trip will let you experience the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food along the way. Consider this guide your compass and roadmap for your upcoming adventure, providing all the details to craft an extraordinary 10-day trip in the region.
Along the way, you'll discover exotic beaches, history, scuba diving and snorkeling, delicious food, active nightlife, and vibrant culture. We'll start with some of the many reasons to visit this fantastic region. Then, we'll cover travel details such as the route, the estimated costs, things to do along the way, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Bangkok (2 days)
- Chumphon (2 days)
- Koh Tao (2 days)
- Koh Pha Ngan (2 days)
- Koh Samui (2 days)
The Marble Palace, Bangkok
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Delicious Food
- Beautiful Locations
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Big City Activities
- Historic Sites
- Hiking
Prepare to be captivated by the region's breathtaking beaches. You really can't miss spending some time indulging in the soothing waters for a fun and relaxing experience. When it comes to Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan, the beaches are fantastic.
Brace yourself for a vibrant nightlife experience in Southern Thailand, complete with numerous hotspots that are totally worth checking out. Specifically, don't miss the nightlife in Bangkok, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan.
It's no secret that amazing food is a major draw for travelers, and Southern Thailand holds its own with fantastic cuisine. Your journey promises an abundance of remarkable restaurants and local dishes that deserve your attention. Dining opportunities in Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.
The mesmerizing landscapes of Southern Thailand are a major draw for visitors, defining the essence of the region. Grab your camera because the real-life view is far superior to anything you've seen in photos. You don't want to miss Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, and Bangkok for the beautiful scenery.
If you're in Southern Thailand, mark scuba diving and snorkeling as must-do activities. The waters here are known for their clarity and abundant marine life. It's truly an experience you can't pass up. Take a break and hit the water for some unforgettable moments. If you're into diving, you're in for a treat around Koh Samui and Koh Tao – the opportunities are simply terrific.
You'll want to make sure you set aside enough time to visit the larger cities with their sights, attractions, vibrant nightlife, delectable restaurants, shopping, and more. The cities of Southern Thailand are a great way to immerse yourself in its distinctive culture and dynamic urban allure. Make sure you specifically visit Bangkok if you love urban vibes.
Southern Thailand is a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered. Make sure to soak in the richness of the area through its historic architecture, museums, and charming atmosphere. It's an experience you can't miss.
You can't pass up the stellar hiking opportunities in Southern Thailand, so make it a priority. Ensure you carve out some time to explore the local trails for breathtaking views, crisp fresh air, and a healthy dose of exercise. Some of the most amazing scenery is found around Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, and Bangkok.
The Grande Palace of Bangkok, Thailand
When is the best time to visit?
If you're looking to escape the cold weather for a warmer destination, then Southern Thailand is for you. It's a popular getaway with travelers not just because of the great weather, but also for the many activities and attractions. It can get quite popular in the winter, so plan ahead.
Who is this itinerary for?
Traveling as a couple? Let's dig into the romance in Southern Thailand. It's renowned for being an ideal destination for couples, offering an enchanting atmosphere. If you're journeying with your significant other, get ready for a treat. Especially visit Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao for the enchanting atmosphere.
The region is a gem for families, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities that promise to turn your trip into an unforgettable and joy-filled experience. We'll get into some of the details later. In particular, make a point to visit Koh Samui and Bangkok.
Traveling on a shoestring budget or backpacking in the area? No worries, as there are abundant options for you. From budget-friendly hostels and economical hotels to cost-free activities, affordable dining, and an inviting social environment, your trip is sure to be fabulous without burning a hole in your pocket. Spending more time in Koh Pha Ngan, Bangkok, and Koh Tao can especially help your budget.
Bangkok, Thailand
Transportation
Traveling between these destinations in Southern Thailand should be fairly easy for you, considering that most are around 4 hours apart on average.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Koh Samui instead of Bangkok. To get to Bangkok, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Ferry boats play a prominent role in getting from place to place in Southern Thailand. Make sure you check out the schedules and ticket prices before embarking on your journey, though. Many trips fill up, so you'll need to book ahead. The potentially breathtaking views from the water along with the relaxing journey of a large ship make for a nice way to travel.
Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through Southern Thailand is a breeze, swiftly linking major cities while smaller destinations may require a bit more time, possibly involving transfers to local buses. Stick to the primary routes, and you'll find it easy to navigate, offering ample opportunities to sit back and appreciate the picturesque scenery outside your window. Don't forget to check ticket prices and schedules ahead of your trip.
Traveling around with this itinerary is easy if you have a car. If you didn't bring your own wheels, go ahead and reserve a rental car. Having your own set of wheels gives you total freedom and flexibility in Southern Thailand since you can roll on your own time and pull over whenever the mood strikes.
While generally more expensive, flying is usually the quickest way to get from place to place with this itinerary. For the longest routes, it's especially fast. As with any flight, you'll want to plan and book in advance, so check out the airfare prices and schedules beforehand.
As a general rule, buses present a highly effective way to navigate the area. Known for their affordability, efficiency, and comfort, it's an easy way to get around on a tight budget. Check out the prices and compare for yourself.
Is 10 days enough time in Southern Thailand?
To see all of the highlights, 10 days will give you a comfortable amount of time to explore the highlights in Southern Thailand. This detailed itinerary will make sure that you see the best parts of each place. You'll be able to plan a trip that's fun, relaxing, and efficient. If you find yourself wanting to see more, you can always extend your stay or schedule more time in a specific place, as it's entirely up to you. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. However, if you're short on time, consider adjusting this schedule for a shorter yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around 10 days to truly take it all in.
Chumphon, Thailand
How much does a 10-day trip to Southern Thailand cost?
Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting 10-day journey across Southern Thailand. Our cost estimates are based on the average daily expenses of real travelers, coupled with data from major companies. Keep in mind, these costs are per person and exclude transportation between destinations. Consider this a helpful guide, because opting for mid-level hotels, regular dining, and covering main attractions will keep you on par with these averages. For those on a tighter budget, hostels and budget hotels, along with more affordable dining options, can keep you below these estimates. Conversely, indulging in luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and private tours might push you well above this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | $76 | 2 | $152 |
| Chumphon | $36 | 2 | $72 |
| Koh Tao | $37 | 2 | $74 |
| Koh Pha Ngan | $45 | 2 | $91 |
| Koh Samui | $55 | 2 | $110 |
| Total per person | $498 | ||
| for 2 People | $996 | ||
The anticipated expenses for this 10-day journey in Southern Thailand tallies up to $498 per person. Keep in mind that this figure excludes the cost of moving between destinations, as that will depend on the transportation option you use.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Southern Thailand based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Calculated from Kayak's hotel data, please note that taxes and fees are not factored into these figures. Consider these prices as a gauge for mid-range hotel experiences. Yet, keep in mind that it's easy to spend more or less, especially if you opt for budget-friendly stays or treat yourself to high-end luxury hotels. During peak travel season, these prices will also be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | $25 | 2 | $50 |
| Chumphon | $20 | 2 | $40 |
| Koh Tao | $50 | 2 | $100 |
| Koh Pha Ngan | $33 | 2 | $66 |
| Koh Samui | $109 | 2 | $218 |
| Total expected hotel cost* | $474 | ||
Hostel Prices
Looking to be budget-savvy on your journey? Hostels are an excellent choice, especially for the younger crowd or solo adventurers. The prices provided below outline the average costs for a dorm bed in a hostel in each destination. Yes, you might sacrifice a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, but the lively atmosphere often turns these shared spaces into social hubs, offering fantastic opportunities to forge new connections. Keep in mind that many hostels also provide private rooms, albeit at a higher cost than dorms, coupled with additional amenities such as kitchens, social activities, and strategic locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data thoughtfully provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | $12 | 2 days | $23 |
| Chumphon | $8 | 2 days | $17 |
| Koh Tao | $11 | 2 days | $22 |
| Koh Pha Ngan | $9 | 2 days | $18 |
| Koh Samui | $11 | 2 days | $23 |
| Total expected hostel cost* | $103 | ||
Southern Thailand Itinerary
1. Bangkok
2 Days
Bangkok is the colorful capital city of Thailand. It is filled with temples and religious sights as well as shopping centers and markets. There is a network of canals and the Chao Phraya River is filled with boats. The city has many high end hotels as well as backpacker meccas and everything in between.
With big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food, Bangkok offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
You shouldn't miss the world-famous museums, monuments, and landmarks in Bangkok. Make at least some time in your schedule to see the main sights, and plan for more if you want to see everything.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bangkok is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.
After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.
Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.
What to See in Bangkok
How to Spend 2 Days in Bangkok
Day 1:
When visiting Bangkok, you can't miss the Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
The delicious food of Bangkok is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this capital city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.
Public transit in Bangkok is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the capital city quite easily. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.
Day 2:
Bangkok is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.
This capital city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.
Day Trips from Bangkok
Several terrific day trip options are available from Bangkok to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.
- Private Tour: Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok ($206)
- Nakhon Nayok adventure full day trip with lunch ($106)
- Chachoengsao Day Trip Including Bang Pakong River Cruise from Bangkok ($114)
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Bangkok. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Bangkok, see The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Bangkok, The Best Floating Market Tours in Bangkok, The Best Wat and Temple Tours in Bangkok, and The Best Boat and Cruise Tours in Bangkok.
Bangkok Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Bangkok hovers around a reasonable $76 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Bangkok here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $2 | $6 | $19 |
| Food2 | $7 | $18 | $48 |
| Entertainment1 | $6 | $16 | $45 |
| Alcohol2 | $2 | $6 | $17 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Bangkok have an average price of $25 based on the average from 1212 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Bangkok here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Bangkok, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $12. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Bangkok here.
Transportation
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Bangkok to Chumphon. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Bangkok to Chumphon are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
2. Chumphon
2 Days
Sometimes tourism has a tendency to spoil the natural beauty of a place. This is not the case in the magical city of Chumphon, Thailand. As the gateway to the Chumphon Archipelago, this city has maintained natural, untouched beauty. Its miles of coastline are full of fine beaches with fishing, swimming and a number of other activities.
Day Trips from Chumphon
Several terrific day trip options are available from Chumphon to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.
Chumphon Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Chumphon hovers around a reasonable $36 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Chumphon here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $3 | $6 | $13 |
| Food2 | $6 | $13 | $26 |
| Entertainment1 | $4 | $10 | $20 |
| Alcohol2 | $5 | $11 | $22 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Chumphon have an average price of $20 based on the average from 33 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Chumphon here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Chumphon, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $8. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Chumphon here.
Transportation
To get to Koh Tao, you'll need to take a combination of the bus and ferry boat. You can check bus schedules here and ferry schedules here.
Getting to Koh Tao will require a combination of driving and taking a ferry boat. You can see driving directions here and ferry schedules here.
To get to Koh Tao, the trip will require a combination of the train and a ferry boat. You can check train schedules here and ferry schedules here.
3. Koh Tao
2 Days
A true island paradise, Koh Tao brings backpackers and scuba divers from around the globe. The island has cheap scuba certification courses, but because of its popularity, the reef and sea life are starting to struggle. The island itself is strikingly beautiful with stunning beaches and many dramatic viewpoints. Hiking and exploring by motorbike are popular activities.
With beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking, and beautiful locations, Koh Tao offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples and backpackers because of everything available.
Scuba diving and snorkeling in the waters around Koh Tao are some of main activities for visitors. This is one of the top scuba diving locations in the world.
You'll find some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world here, so don't miss out.
What to See in Koh Tao
How to Spend 2 Days in Koh Tao
Day 1:
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Koh Tao is world-class, and is one of the main reasons why so many visitors come here. Spend a day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.
Koh Tao is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.
Koh Tao is a very walkable city. With only a day in the island, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.
Day 2:
The beautiful beaches await you in Koh Tao, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this island, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.
Day Trips from Koh Tao
Several terrific day trip options are available from Koh Tao to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.
- From Ko Tao: Snorkeling Day Trip Ko Tao & Ko Nang Yuan with Meals ($56)
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Koh Tao. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Koh Tao, see The Best Nang Yuan Island Tours in Koh Tao, The Best Snorkeling Tours in Koh Tao, The Best Scuba Diving Courses in Koh Tao, Thailand, and Scuba Diving.
Koh Tao Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Koh Tao hovers around a reasonable $37 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Koh Tao here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $4 | $9 | $18 |
| Food2 | $4 | $9 | $19 |
| Entertainment1 | $10 | $26 | $71 |
| Alcohol2 | $3 | $7 | $13 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Koh Tao have an average price of $50 based on the average from 128 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Koh Tao here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Koh Tao, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $11. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Koh Tao here.
Transportation
You'll likely want to take a ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Pha Ngan, so check out the ferry schedules and costs here. Prices often vary by date and company, and are usually cheaper when booked ahead.
4. Koh Pha Ngan
2 Days
Koh Phangan is located on the southeastern side of Thailand. Every month it attracts a crowd of backpackers and party-goers with its world-renowned Full Moon Party. The event's dates coincide with the lunar calendar and the festivities are mostly concentrated around Haad Rin on Sunrise Beach. The beach has many cheap bungalows where backpackers crash for a few nights of drinking and partying. There are some quieter parts to the island along the norther coast if you're looking for a more relaxing setting.
With beaches, hiking, and nightlife, Koh Pha Ngan offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.
After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.
You'll find some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world here, so don't miss out.
What to See in Koh Pha Ngan
How to Spend 2 Days in Koh Pha Ngan
Day 1:
When visiting Koh Pha Ngan, you absolutely can't miss the Full Moon Parties as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.
Day 2:
The beautiful beaches await you in Koh Pha Ngan, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.
Koh Pha Ngan is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.
Day Trips from Koh Pha Ngan
Several terrific day trip options are available from Koh Pha Ngan to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Koh Pha Ngan, see The Best Ferry Transfers to Koh Pha Ngan, The Best Snorkeling Tours in Koh Pha Ngan, The Best ATV Tours in Koh Pha Ngan, and The Full Moon Party.
Koh Pha Ngan Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Koh Pha Ngan hovers around a reasonable $45 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Koh Pha Ngan here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $5 | $13 | $38 |
| Food2 | $4 | $10 | $23 |
| Entertainment1 | $6 | $17 | $48 |
| Alcohol2 | $4 | $10 | $18 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Koh Pha Ngan have an average price of $33 based on the average from 111 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Koh Pha Ngan here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Koh Pha Ngan, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $9. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Koh Pha Ngan here.
Transportation
You'll likely want to take a ferry from Koh Pha Ngan to Koh Samui, so check out the ferry schedules and costs here. Prices often vary by date and company, and are usually cheaper when booked ahead.
5. Koh Samui
2 Days
Ko Samui is the second largest island in Thailand. It's off the east coast of the country and it has beautiful beaches, nice diving, lush rainforest, and a beautiful culture. There are many resorts on the island that range from luxury to backpacker-friendly with everything in between.
With beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking, nightlife, and beautiful locations, Koh Samui offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples and families because of everything available.
After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.
Luxury resorts in the area are especially popular. If you can swing it, stay at one while you're here for relaxation, pampering, and fun.
You'll find some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world here, so don't miss out.
What to See in Koh Samui
How to Spend 2 Days in Koh Samui
Day 1:
The beautiful beaches await you in Koh Samui, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.
This resort island is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.
Public transit in Koh Samui is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the resort island quite easily. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.
Day 2:
Don't miss the Big Buddha Temple during your trip to Koh Samui, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Koh Samui is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's laid back vibe and quintessential beach setting make this a wonderful holiday destination. It's the second largest island in Thailand and there are resorts, hotels, and restaurants for everyone.
Day Trips from Koh Samui
Several terrific day trip options are available from Koh Samui to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.
- Koh Tao 2-Dive Day Trip from Koh Samui for certified divers ($161)
- Mr. Tu Day Trip to Angthong Marine Park by Speed Boat from Koh Samui ($55)
- Private Half Day Trip to Pig Island and Koh Tan by Long Tail Boat ($111)
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Koh Samui. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Koh Samui, see The Best Snorkeling Trips in Koh Samui, The Best Angthong Marine Park Tours in Koh Samui, The Best Jungle Tours in Koh Samui, and The Best Airport Transfers in Koh Samui.
Koh Samui Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Koh Samui hovers around a reasonable $55 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Koh Samui here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $7 | $17 | $41 |
| Food2 | $8 | $19 | $46 |
| Entertainment1 | $4 | $10 | $24 |
| Alcohol2 | $2 | $5 | $10 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Koh Samui have an average price of $109 based on the average from 367 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Koh Samui here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Koh Samui, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $11. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Koh Samui here.
Final Transportation
As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your 10-day trip in Southern Thailand, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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