Thailand: From the River to the Islands

Edition No. 2: Our Monthly Travel Notes

Thailand is one of the easiest countries to fall for, especially if you appreciate incredible hospitality, vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and exceptional food. Between the two of us, we experienced Thailand in very different ways, giving us an even greater appreciation for just how much this country has to offer.

MJ, a travel coordinator at LMN Travel, spent over a month exploring the country, beginning in the bustling streets of Bangkok before heading north to the cultural hubs of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and eventually making her way south to the tropical islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui.

Lenni spent 10 days discovering Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, one of Thailand's largest and most popular islands. Set along the Andaman Sea, Phuket is known for its dramatic limestone scenery, turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, and impressive collection of luxury resorts. Beyond its idyllic coastline, the island offers a fascinating mix of experiences, from exploring the colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture of Old Phuket Town to discovering hidden beaches, taking boat trips to nearby islands, and enjoying some of the country's best coastal dining.

Together, our travels took us from energetic cities and centuries-old temples to lush mountains and idyllic islands. While our itineraries looked different, we both returned with a long list of favorite experiences, memorable meals, and standout hotels we'd happily recommend to our clients.Koh Tao, Krabi, and Phuket: Three Coastal Escapes, Three Different Moods

Thailand has hundreds of islands and coastal destinations, each with its own personality. From the laid-back charm of Koh Tao to the dramatic limestone cliffs of Krabi and the luxurious beachfront resorts of Phuket, each offers a completely different experience. The best part? There's something for nearly every type of traveler.

What stood out:

Koh Tao. Warm, calm, startlingly clear water, with reefs minutes from shore. Arrive by private boat in the morning at Koh Nang Yuan, three small islets joined by a ribbon of white sand, before the day-trippers.

Krabi. Sheer limestone cliffs, golden beaches, and longtail boats in emerald bays. Island-hop to the Hong Islands or settle into Railay, where every arrival is by boat.

Phuket. Thailand's largest island offers a beautiful mix of luxury, culture, and adventure. Spend your days relaxing at a secluded beachfront resort, exploring the colorful streets and local markets of Old Phuket Town, or taking a private boat to the nearby Phi Phi Islands or Phang Nga Bay, famous for its towering limestone formations. Phuket also has an impressive dining scene, from authentic Thai street food to elevated restaurants overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Where to stay. A small boutique resort on Koh Tao. In Krabi, Rayavadee among the cliffs of Railay or the quiet, spacious Phulay Bay. In Phuket, Amanpuri for its timeless luxury and private beach, Rosewood Phuket for its contemporary design and intimate setting, or Trisara for its secluded pool villas and sweeping ocean views.

Best for: Koh Tao suits divers, snorkelers, and anyone who likes a simpler, laid-back island. Krabi is ideal for dramatic scenery, polished resorts, and easy beach days. Phuket is perfect for travelers seeking a balance of luxury accommodations, cultural experiences, excellent dining, and access to some of Thailand's most beautiful surrounding islands.

The short version: Choose Bangkok and Chiang Mai for food and culture. Choose Koh Tao for crystal-clear water and a laid-back pace. Choose Krabi for dramatic scenery and beautiful resorts. Choose Phuket for luxury, variety, and a little bit of everything. If time allows, combine a cultural stay in Bangkok and Chiang Mai with a few days along the coast for the perfect introduction to Thailand.for the when to go: Thailand's two coasts have different weather patterns, so there's almost always a sunny beach destination to explore, depending on the time of year.

Bangkok and the north (November–February): The coolest, driest weather, ideal for sightseeing, temple visits, and exploring the cities.

Phuket, Krabi, and the Andaman coast (November–April): The best beach weather on this side, with sunny skies, calmer seas, and ideal conditions for island-hopping, boat excursions, and relaxing at luxury beachfront resorts.

Koh Tao and the Gulf (about January–August): Generally favorable conditions for beach days, diving, and snorkeling, with some of the clearest, calmest water typically from spring through summer.