Thailand has always been on my bucket list, but nothing could have prepared me for the incredible month (and a couple extra days!) I spent exploring this beautiful country. From pristine beaches to ethical elephant sanctuaries, from floating bungalows to the crazy Full Moon Party, here’s my complete guide to spending 32 unforgettable days in Thailand.

Koh Lipe: The Maldives of Thailand (3 Days)

After arriving via ferry from Langkawi, I quickly discovered why Koh Lipe is called “the Maldives of Thailand.” The island’s crystal-clear waters and powdery white beaches immediately captured my heart. Walking Street, the island’s main market, became my go-to spot for everything from fresh açai bowls to traditional Thai cuisine.

Pro tip: Don’t miss Sunrise Beach, but watch out for jellyfish! And if someone offers you “cheese roti,” maybe skip it unless you’re a fan of American cheese in your Thai pancakes (trust me on this one).

Koh Lanta: Laid-Back Island Vibes (3 Days)

Koh Lanta brought a completely different energy. Staying at Slackline Hostel, a charming bungalow in the forest, I spent days exploring the island by scooter. The highlight? A four-island snorkeling tour that took us to the magical Emerald Cave on Koh Mook – swimming through a dark cave to emerge at a secret beach felt like something out of a movie.

Phuket: City Lights and Night Markets (3 Days)

Phuket was a mix of luxury and local experiences. I stayed at Lub D, explored the famous Old Town night markets, and even checked out Illuzion nightclub (ranked #13 in the world!). The Big Buddha was impressive, though the sight of an unethical elephant park nearby was a sobering reminder of why it’s crucial to research animal attractions carefully.

Khao Lak: Beach Paradise (2 Days)

This laid-back coastal town offered a perfect break from the more touristy areas. The highlight was definitely spending a day at The Sands resort, reading for hours while overlooking the ocean. Don’t miss trying Tom Kha Kai here – it was one of my favorite dishes of the entire trip!

Khao Sok National Park: Floating Paradise (3 Days)

If you do one thing in Thailand, make it this. Staying in floating bungalows on the lake was surreal. From sunrise safaris spotting monkeys to swimming through caves (yes, really!), every moment here was magical. The experience of falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle while literally floating on water is something I’ll never forget.

Koh Samui: Island Adventures (3 Days)

Koh Samui offered a perfect blend of luxury and local experiences. The Overlap Stone provided breathtaking views (though that steep scooter ride up was an adventure in itself!). Pro tip: Watch out for those red/white curbs when parking your scooter – learned that one the hard way with a 500 baht fine!

Koh Tao: Underwater Paradise (3 Days)

Known for its diving spots, Koh Tao surprised me with its stunning viewpoints and beaches. The trip to Koh Nang Yuan was a highlight – that viewpoint is worth every step of the climb! The Queens Cabaret show was unexpectedly amazing and definitely worth the 200 baht entrance fee, one of the highlights of the entire trip.

Koh Phangan: Full Moon Party and Beyond (4 Days)

The Full Moon Party was exactly as crazy as you’d expect – imagine 30,000 people on a beach, covered in neon paint, dancing until sunrise. But Koh Phangan is so much more than just parties. Thong Nai Pan beach was insanely beautiful, and the local food markets offered some of the best meals of my trip.

Chiang Mai: Cultural Capital (6 Days)

Despite the burning season (heads up: avoid Northern Thailand between February and April if possible), Chiang Mai felt the most cultural. The cooking class at Zabb-E-Lee was a highlight – learning to make authentic Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice was incredible. But the absolute pinnacle was visiting the Elephant Nature Park. Seeing these magnificent creatures in an ethical sanctuary, without riding or bathing them, was the perfect way to end my Thai adventure.

Travel Tips and Lessons Learned

• Always count your visa days carefully (learned this the hard way with an overstay fine!)
• Carry ear plugs everywhere – Thai cities never sleep
• Don’t skip the 7-11 runs – their selection is amazing and those Yakults will save you
• Research ethical animal experiences thoroughly
• Try the local specialties in each region (Khao Soi in Chiang Mai is a must!)
• Don’t be afraid to mix luxury experiences with budget stays

Thailand offered everything I could have wanted on a trip: adventure, relaxation, culture, and some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or looking for luxury, Thailand truly has something for everyone. Just remember to count those visa days correctly! 😉

Have you been to Thailand? What was your favorite part? Let me know! 🌍💙