A tour of Thailand is the best and probably most rewarding way to explore this wonderful country. Many travelers book a package holiday and spend two to three weeks in a hotel. But I'm telling you: you're missing out. Thailand is the country of tours and individual holidays. That's why I've put together my Thailand tour tips for you and give you lots of helpful recommendations to make your vacation in the land of smiles even more beautiful.

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On my first trip to Thailand in 2015, I was still young and wild. I booked a flight at home in Hamburg – from Hamburg, via Munich, Abu Dhabi to Phuket. Back then it only cost 630 euros - a price that is almost impossible to achieve today. And that was it. I didn't book anything else. Just a few days before traveling to Phuket, I booked wonderful accommodation for the first two nights - a beach house right on the beach in Rawai.

So I arrived in this strange, distant country where I wanted to spend four weeks - and I had booked accommodation for exactly two weeks. I can reveal this much: it was one of the best decisions of my life. Because if I take a package holiday or a Hotel If I had booked it for four weeks, I would have missed a trip to Thailand that is certainly second to none.

Video – Impressions from a tour of Thailand

If you prefer watching videos to reading, I have picked out a video for you with some helpful Thailand tours Suggestions to be introduced. This will give you an idea of ​​how beautiful Thailand is and what you should definitely see. Don't be surprised: the video is in English - because many readers are on mine Travel Blog come from other European countries and do not understand German. That's why I chose a video in English - almost everyone understands it.

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I have now made several tours

I have now taken several trips to Thailand, all of which were memorable and second to none. However, I focused on the south of the country - because it is just so beautiful islands and the wonderful beaches.

I still miss the north of Thailand a little - but it's definitely high on my list bucket list. I definitely want to go to northern Thailand and central Thailand again. I haven't visited either region yet.

What you should know about Thailand

My experiences about the Land of Smiles

Blog| Travelogue | tour | yachting holiday | diving Safari | beaches | islands | Phuket | Koh Lipe | Koh Phangan | Koh Samui | animals | elephants | Hedge | Best time to travel

A tour through paradise

Get to know the country better on a tour through Thailand

Of course you can visit Thailand and have a package holiday there All-inclusive vacations - that's no problem at all and definitely a worthwhile way to go on holiday if you want to relax and unwind in this paradisiacal country. Chill out in a great resort for two weeks and enjoy life. This is a really nice thing that will definitely give you a lot of rest.

Excellent, cheap accommodation everywhere

There are excellent ones all over the country Hotels and resorts, where you can go on vacation for two to three weeks and let yourself be pampered to the fullest. This is a lot of fun and a completely legitimate way to have a good time in Thailand. You can really pamper yourself and explore the region surrounding your resort. I'm thinking, for example, of the beautiful resorts in Mai Khao right at Phuket airport.

You fly halfway around the world and then check into a five-star hotel ten minutes from the airport where you spend your entire vacation. And that should have been it?

The disadvantage of a package holiday in one place

The disadvantage of such package holiday It's obvious: you miss a lot of this incredibly beautiful country. When I've been in the country, I've always chosen a different way of traveling: the Thailand tour, which I planned myself as an individual trip. In my opinion, Thailand is far too diverse to just stay in one place and not visit several places in the country on one tour.

I'm always amazed at how many people insist on booking a package holiday. You can also book your tour as a package - it's significantly more expensive. Even if you plan on only one during the entire Thailand trip Place To stay, you should probably also read my tips for the Thailand tour to get inspiration for where you want to spend the entire trip.

Thailand is predestined for tours

In my opinion, the best way to travel around Thailand is a form of tour. An individually planned, flexible and spontaneous trip that you can adapt to your needs during the trip.

In hardly any other country is this possible better than in Thailand. I flew here and booked all the accommodation on site. If I particularly liked a place, I simply stayed a few days longer. And on every trip I spent a few days at a time on a ship - mine, for one Thailand liveaboard and on the other hand on my week-long sailing trip.

Because there is an almost endless variety of activities, Activities and attractions you can visit in Thailand. I don't even know which place I would prefer if there was only one to choose from: Probably either Phuket, Railay Beach or Koh Mook - these three travel destinations are really incredibly beautiful.

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My round trip route 1: Tour to the deep south of the Andaman Sea

Travel duration: 7 to 14 days

If you want to start a Thailand tour, you have different options: Either you start in Bangkok or Phuket, as both destinations are particularly good Europe can be reached by plane. From both regions you can travel by plane, speedboat or overland to discover the other areas of Thailand.

So far I have chosen the trip from Phuket every time because the island is beautiful and diverse and because the flights from Europe to Phuket were particularly cheap. But you basically have all the options - simply because you can fly on from Bangkok with a cheap domestic flight to Phuket, Koh Samui or Krabi.

If you are starting in Phuket and may be your first time in Thailand, I would definitely recommend the tour to the deep south, as there are some wonderful treasures among the travel destinations in Thailand - including Railay Beach (Rai Leh). near Krabi and the islands of Koh Muk (Koh Mook), Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai and Koh Lipe in the far south.

I can tell you: one of them is more beautiful than the other! Paradisiacal places and one dream beach after another await you. Depending on the destination, however, it can be quite busy as there are sometimes quite a few tourists there. You have to accept that if you want to visit the tropical paradise on earth.

1. Phuket

Phuket is the large island in the Andaman Sea, which you can perfectly choose as a starting point for all tours in the south of Thailand, as it is optimally connected to its airport and, due to the well-developed tourist infrastructure, is also ideal for all Thailand first-time travelers Get used to Southeast Asia. In this respect, my tour through the south of Thailand begins right here.

I recommend booking a flight here from Europe, staying on the island for a few days to get used to the climate in Southeast Asia and then going exploring. This basically happens all by itself. You will quickly notice that things are incredibly relaxed and informal in Thailand and you will quickly come into contact with locals who will give you a lot of valuable information Travel Tips and tell you where it is particularly beautiful.

If you have been to numerous other places later and return to Phuket, you can spend a few days on the island before your return flight and relax in one of the many great hotels and resorts or just explore the island in a relaxed manner.

If you're in Phuket, you should rent a scooter (at your own risk of course!) and explore the island a bit on your own. For your stay, I recommend the extreme south of the island - such as the small holiday resorts of Rawai or Nai Harn - as they have wonderful beaches and are generally a little quieter there than in Phuket Town or Patong.

When you're on the island, you should visit the beautiful temples, take a trip to the Big Buddha, visit a food market, go stand-up paddling and of course enjoy the numerous beautiful beaches. There is also an outlet on Phuket - so the island is also good for shopping.

Once you have acclimatized after a few days, your Thailand vacation can continue and you can head to the next station. As I said: Since a trip to Thailand isn't necessarily entirely unexciting and long journeys, all-day excursions and missed rides can cause a bit of stress, you can plan a few days to relax at the end of your stay and then go on in detail Check out the island's sights before heading back home.

2. Koh phi phi

From Phuket you can take a speedboat or ferry to Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of southern Thailand - consisting of the main island of Phi Phi Don and the smaller island of Phi Phi Le. The rather hyped little main island of Don is more for everyone who likes a bit of hustle and bustle and partying, as it is quite busy there and there are a lot of tourists around.

If you feel like partying and going out, Koh Phi Phi is the place for you. There are also some nice restaurants where you can eat really delicious. Partying a bit on Koh Phi Phi during your Thailand tour is definitely a nice change. For those who like it a little quieter and more authentic, a short stay on Koh Phi Phi Don with a visit to the View Point, a visit to Monkey Beach and maybe a round of snorkeling is enough.

The world-famous Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh was temporarily closed - you'll have to check daily to see if you can go there. On my Thailand tour I only spent a few days on Koh Phi Phi - and of course I had a lot of partying during that time, which is a must. Since Koh Phi Phi is practically halfway between Phuket and Krabi, it makes sense to make at least one stop here.

3. Railay Beach (Rai Leh)

I used to think Rai Leh (Railay Beach) was an island. But that's not true. The destination is a spectacular peninsula in the Krabi region that you should definitely visit on your tour. Instead of on Koh Phi Phi, plan more time here and stay a few days longer. In Rai Leh you will find a small town and two beach sections (west and east), which you can either explore on foot or simply take a boat.

Visually, the towering limestone cliffs and the caves are of course the absolute highlight. The peninsula is a bit winding and confusing, you have to look at that on the map. Between the Rai Leh beach sections there is a third beach - Phra Nang Beach, which is simply fantastic.

As I said: If you are in the Krabi region and at Railay Beach, you should definitely plan a few days there. You can also choose the place as a starting point for some excursions in the region - for example to Krabi town, the surrounding beaches, the paradise island of Thale Waek or Koh Pu.

But when staying at Railay Beach (Rai Leh) you don't have to look far away - the ultimate dream beach is right there. Phra Nang Beach is on the opposite side of Railay Beach and is one of the absolute dream beaches in Thailand. There is a small resort and a cave temple there.

You can also climb around a bit between the limestone cliffs. If you want a completely relaxed beach holiday, I would recommend you to go directly to this beach Languor Villa to quarter Expensive but great! Otherwise there are numerous other great resorts on Rai Leh West and East that are worth a look - such as this Rayavadee.

4. Koh lanta

If you take the ferry from Railay Beach further south, you will inevitably end up on the large island of Koh Lanta, which is much quieter than Phuket and where tourists get lost a lot more. You can also go directly from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta, but then you'll miss Rai Leh. The large and pristine island of Koh Lanta consists of two parts separated by a strait: Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai.

The northern island of Noi is much more touristy - but things are much quieter in the south. In the interior of the islands there is sometimes dense jungle. In general, there is significantly less going on here than on Phuket, for example. For some, Koh Lanta is still a real insider tip.

Koh Lanta is ideal for those who like it a little quieter. You can have an excellent beach holiday on the islands, but also experience adventures in the jungle. And of course take a trip to the old town of Koh Lanta. I found the mangrove forests incredibly beautiful. If you love nature, Koh Lanta is the place for you.

5. Koh Mook (Koh Muk), Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai

The three small islands were my absolute highlight in Thailand's southeast. Located south of Koh Lanta, the islands of Koh Mook (Koh Muk), Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai are definitely a trio straight from paradise. Few hotels, few tourists and a lot of untouched nature - there is definitely a Robinson feeling.

The small islands are ideal for everyone who is looking for a real retreat to switch off and really want to let go. I was particularly taken with Koh Muk (Koh Mook), as there is the so-called Sapphire Beach on the island, which is a completely lonely dream beach where very few people really get lost. On Koh Muk you also have a spectacular pirate cave with an open space inside, a small lake and jungle.

But the other two dream islands Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai are simply wonderful and invite you to linger. Big adventure isn't waiting here though - they're more suited to a relaxing beach holiday for those who really want to unwind. There are also very few resorts and little to do, so ideal for Detox. If you just want to get a taste of the ambience of these picturesque islands, you can simply go on a day trip.

6. Koh lipe

If you've been island hopping in the south of Thailand for a while now, the ultimate dream island awaits you at the very end, which is simply ideal for staying longer: Koh Lipe. The archipelago in Tarutao National Park is the southernmost archipelago in Thailand bordering Malaysia and also one of the most beautiful and spectacular. The archipelago is also known as the Maldives of Thailand.

Koh Lipe is also not particularly large and largely free of cars. Nevertheless, there is a lot going on here: Many great restaurants and bars as well as original and authentic resorts await you. On Koh Lipe you still get your bungalow right on the beach and can still experience Thailand as it was a few decades ago. However, the island is developing rapidly - and more and more tourists are coming from all over the world.

7. Phang Nga Bay

The Phang Nga Bay with several islands and chalk cliffs is a 400 square kilometer bay, which consists to a large extent of the Ao Phang Nga National Park. Also within the bay, which is located between Phuket and Krabi, is the infamous Koh Tapu Island, also known as James Bond Island. On the way back from Koh Lipe you can make a detour to the bay.

Phang Nga Bay and its islands are more of a day trip destination that can be accessed from Phuket or Krabi. Many day boats offer tours of the vast bay. For my travelogue Thailand I drove through the bay with a sailing boat and was able to discover the numerous dream beaches and remote islands. However, it must be said that the bay is rather flat and the bottom is turbulent. So you won't have crystal clear water for swimming and diving here, but rather slightly milky-green water. Other areas are more suitable for beach holidays.

But that doesn't make Phang Nga Bay any less attractive: there are also numerous caves in the limestone cliffs that you can discover during a tour. If you want to stay in Phang Nga Bay, you are more likely to choose a resort on the mainland as most of the islands in the bay are uninhabited. We anchored the sailboat off an uninhabited island for the night. If you want to stay overnight in the national park, you can, for example, Ao Luek Panoramic Pool Villa choose.

My round trip route 2: Gulf of Thailand and southwest

Travel duration: 7 to 14 days

I also set off from Phuket north to the southwest coast of Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. On the one hand, I was in Khao Lak and from there took a boat trip lasting several days to the Similan Islands and Surin Islands. You can easily take a taxi from Phuket to Khao Lak.

And secondly, I flew from Phuket to Koh Samui and also visited the neighboring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. You can also drive directly from Khao Lak to the Gulf of Thailand and take the ferry there to Koh Samui. Below I would like to introduce you to these great tour destinations that I experienced on my Route 2.

1. Khao Lak

Khao Lak is located in southwest Thailand north of Phuket on the Andaman Sea coast. The region is an excellent region to combine a relaxed beach holiday with a package holiday in the hotel and a touch of adventure, as the region is home to exciting excursion destinations such as the Khao Sok National Park, numerous waterfalls and dream beaches.

While there are many dream islands to relax in deep in the south, you can experience much better adventures and do more in the Khao Lak region. If you are traveling in the area, you should definitely make a detour to the Khao Sok National Park, as a lot of untouched nature awaits you there.

2. Similan Islands and Surin Islands

From Khao Lak I started on a liveaboard to the Similan Islands and Surin Islands. There you can experience wonderful, deserted islands and at the same time visit some of the most beautiful dive sites in the Andaman Sea.

On the small island of Koh Bon, for example, you will find a small and beautiful dream beach. At the same time you can go diving around the island. The situation is similar a few kilometers further on the island of Koh Tachai. There you will find a dream beach and dense jungle full of exotic animals. However, all of these small islands are not suitable for overnight stays and are more likely to be accessed by day boats. There are also no overnight accommodations on the islands – they are in the middle of a nature reserve.

3. Koh Samui

In my opinion, Koh Samui is the big and wild island in the Gulf of Thailand. On the island you will find hotels and resorts for every taste and budget, many lively tourist spots and numerous attractions such as waterfalls, temples and of course beautiful beaches. A wonderful, varied island, which is also very touristy and overcrowded.

If you want to experience something, you are on the spacious island Koh Samui precisely. Going out and nightlife, Thai food, shopping centers, luxury resorts – everything is available in sufficient quantities. The island can also be easily reached by plane from Bangkok and Phuket as it has its own small airport.

A real boutique airport that is a sight in itself. Koh Samui is ideal especially for anyone who wants to experience something on their Thailand vacation and is looking for a combination of beach vacation, adventure vacation, party and relaxation. What is particularly appealing is the diversity of the island, which can only be found on Phuket in the south of Thailand.

Koh Samui is the ideal starting point on the Gulf of Thailand and the busiest destination of the islands in the region, where I spent a few days for my Thailand travelogue. If you want it a little quieter, after a few days on the island you can simply continue by ferry to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.

4. Koh phangan

In my opinion, Koh Phangan is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand and an absolute must-visit in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is significantly less touristy and much more sleepy than the neighboring island of Koh Samui. Koh Phangan has some heavenly corners and dream beaches, small, remote resorts and many small restaurants and bars that you should definitely visit.

I extended my stay on Koh Phangan because I liked the island so much. There you can really switch off and, in contrast to many other touristy places in Thailand, find peace and quiet without getting bored. Once a month things really get going on Koh Phangan - when the infamous Full Moon Party takes place.

Buy travel literature and travel insider tips

On my travel blog you will find many inspiring articles about different travel destinations around the world. But sometimes just reading articles isn't enough to prepare for a trip. That's why we've listed some travel books for you that will help you plan your trip even better and make you aware of undiscovered local treasures.

What do you have to consider on a tour of Thailand?

What should you plan for when preparing for your trip?

Thailand may be an ideal travel destination for a tour - and comparatively easy to travel through. That doesn't mean there aren't a few things you should keep in mind to have a safe trip in the Land of Smiles. On the contrary, Thailand does pose some dangers. It starts with taxi drivers who would like to cheat you out of a few euros, goes through the travel insurance that is supposed to protect your trip and ends with the vaccinations that you should definitely have done before your trip to Thailand.

If you prepare well for your Thailand tour, you will have the time of your life. But considering the fact that Thailand is a foreign, distant and at the same time very lively country, you should definitely prepare well so that your round trip is truly unforgettable.

1. Travel documents and visa

Before you start your trip to Thailand, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your planned trip. As a German citizen, you can stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days if you enter by plane. If you want to stay longer or plan to take up work, you must apply for a corresponding visa.

This can be either a tourist visa, a non-immigrant visa or a volunteer visa, depending on your project. Also find out about the possibilities of extending your stay on site with the Thai immigration authorities.

2. Health and vaccinations

Consult a travel doctor or a tropical institute in good time, ideally a few weeks before departure. Standard vaccinations such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio are recommended, supplemented by travel vaccinations against hepatitis A, and for long-term stays or special exposure also against hepatitis B, typhus, rabies and Japanese encephalitis.

The risk of malaria varies by region; Prophylaxis is advisable in some areas. There is no risk of yellow fever in Thailand, so vaccinations against it are not necessary unless you are traveling from an infected area.

3. Safety and behavior

Always be wary of pickpockets, especially in busy places such as markets, bus stations or train stations. Avoid traveling alone at night and use reputable taxis or apps like Graveto get around. There is an increased risk of unrest in some southern provinces such as Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla. Here you should find out about the current situation beforehand - for example at Foreign Office – and avoid these areas if necessary. Also note that the use and possession of drugs in Thailand is strictly prohibited and carries harsh penalties.

Thailand tour – the only way to discover the country?

My conclusion

Is a Thailand tour the only way to discover the breathtakingly beautiful country in Southeast Asia? I would say yes. If you only stay in one place and one hotel for the entire duration of your vacation, you will most likely have a fairly small catchment area in which to move. If you travel on a scooter and explore everything, you can cover a maximum radius of 50 kilometers - and that's quite sporty. Then you would have to drive around 100 kilometers a day.

That's why it makes sense to change location every now and then on a Thailand tour so that you can move within a certain radius. A tour of Thailand is definitely one of the most sensible ways to discover the country and see as much as possible.

The alternative: Travel again and again to different places in Thailand

What would be the alternative to a tour? You could always discover a new region of Thailand on a package holiday - i.e. on every holiday. But that is of course time-consuming. And you would really have to spend several vacations in Thailand over and over again for years. This is time-consuming - if only because you would have to fly the long distance again and again. If you really do it, it's good. If you just plan to do it - and don't do it - it would have been better to go on a tour.

Probably the best way to discover Thailand

So I would say that a round trip is the best Beach is to discover Thailand. You can see and experience so much and have variety in your choice of location and accommodation. If you like somewhere, you'll stay longer, and if you don't like an area, you'll move on sooner. That's how it was for me on my memorable first trip to Thailand.

I traveled around for three weeks, saw a lot of different places, went on tour with different diving centers, visited countless beaches - until I landed on Koh Phangan. I stayed there - because that's where I arrived in the truest sense of the word. Without a tour I would never have found this wonderful place.

Have you already been to Thailand or are you planning your first trip to the land of smiles? Would you rather stay in one hotel for the entire vacation or change locations more often? Share your experiences in the comments.

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