Day Trips in Thailand - How to Choose a Tour and What to Book in Each Destination

01First things first: how do we choose a day trip in Thailand?

There are a few things we check before deciding whether a particular trip is right for us.

How much time do you really spend getting there?

A trip advertised as an eight-hour tour doesn't necessarily include eight hours of actual experience.

Sometimes a big chunk of the time goes on collecting travellers from hotels, driving to the pier, waiting for the boat, the boat ride itself and the journey back.

That's why we always look for the detailed schedule.

When is the hotel pick-up? When do you set off? How long is the boat ride? Where do you stop, and for how long?

A trip with four long stops can be far more enjoyable than one that promises eight sights in a single day.

What do you actually do at each stop?

Words like "island visit", "beach stop" or "snorkelling" can describe very different experiences.

Do you get off at the beach and spend an hour there? Do you stop on the boat and look at the bay? Can you swim? Does the snorkelling take place over a coral reef, or is it a short stop in the water?

We want to know what you actually do, not just which names appear on the itinerary.

How many people are on the trip?

The number of people has a big effect on the experience.

A crowded boat, long waits and a feeling that you have to rush at every stop can turn a day that should be relaxing into an exhausting one.

On the other hand, a group trip can be good value, well organised and great fun.

You don't always need to book a private trip. It's more important to know the group size and choose according to your expectations.

Is the trip right for the season?

In Thailand, not every region enjoys the same weather at the same time of year.

On the Andaman Sea, where Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak are, sea conditions are different from those in the Gulf of Thailand, where Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are.

Even within the same season there can be days with strong wind, waves or rain.

So the date of the trip matters just as much as the choice of sight.

02Phuket - island trips, bays and boat rides between limestone cliffs

Phuket is one of the main bases for day trips in southern Thailand.

From here you can set off on island trips in the Andaman Sea, to Phang Nga Bay, to nature reserves and on tours around the island itself.

But there are big differences between the trips.

The Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay

One of the most popular trips from Phuket is the boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands.

Many itineraries combine Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and sometimes Bamboo Island too.

These are some of the most photographed and famous places in Thailand, but be aware that they are also very popular.

A trip like this is especially suited to anyone visiting Phuket for a short time who wants to see the famous islands without moving there to stay.

What to check?

First, whether the trip includes landing on the beach at Maya Bay or just passing through the area.

Second, how much time you get at each stop.

Third, how much of the day is spent on the boat.

It's also important to know that Maya Bay is subject to environmental restrictions, including a ban on swimming at the beach itself and periodic closures. Check the current situation before you book.

Our recommendation: if you're planning to stay on Phi Phi anyway, there isn't always much point in also doing a long day trip there from Phuket. Compare the itineraries and plan the visit around where you're staying.

Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

This is a very different trip from the Phi Phi Islands boat trip.

The main draw here is the scenery: huge limestone cliffs rising out of the water, bays, caves, lagoons and striking rock formations.

Many itineraries include the area known as James Bond Island, and sometimes canoeing through caves and narrow passages.

Here it's especially important to check the exact itinerary.

Some trips focus on viewpoints and photography, while on others the canoeing is a central part of the experience.

It's also worth asking who paddles the canoe, whether there's a local guide and how long the activity lasts.

This isn't a trip centred on long stretches of swimming beach, so we wouldn't choose it if the main aim is to spend a whole day on white sand and swim.

The Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are famous for their beaches, huge boulders, clear water and snorkelling.

But it's also a trip that needs close attention to logistics.

From Phuket you need to factor in the drive to the departure pier, followed by the boat ride to the islands.

If you suffer from seasickness or find it hard to sit on a boat for a long time, check the travel conditions carefully.

In addition, the islands are in a reserve that opens seasonally. The visiting season usually runs from mid-October to mid-May, subject to announcements by the authorities and sea conditions.

If you're also planning to include Khao Lak in your trip, consider going to the Similans from there instead, as it's usually easier logistically.

Day trips around Phuket

You don't have to get on a boat to enjoy a day out in Phuket.

You can put together a route taking in viewpoints, beaches, temples and Phuket Old Town.

A trip like this can work well on days when the sea isn't calm, or for anyone who wants to get to know the island beyond its beaches.

We recommend not cramming too many viewpoints into the same day.

It's better to choose a few places that genuinely interest you and leave time to wander, eat and enjoy them.

03Krabi and Ao Nang - where to set off from, and which islands?

The Krabi area is one of the places where your choice of day trip has a particularly big effect on the experience.

Most travellers who take a boat trip in the area use Ao Nang as a base, but you can also join trips from other points, depending on the operator and where you're staying.

The Four Islands trip

This is one of Krabi's classic routes.

It usually combines Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tup or nearby islands, and sometimes the Phra Nang area at Railay too.

The islands are relatively close to the shore, so this route can suit anyone who prefers a boat day that isn't too long.

One of the famous sights is a strip of sand that appears at low tide and links small islands together.

But remember that this depends on the tides, so it won't necessarily look the same at every hour.

Check the exact list of stops, because trips sold under the same name don't always include the same places.

The Hong Islands

If what draws you is dramatic scenery of limestone cliffs, lagoons and green and turquoise water, the Hong Islands are a particularly interesting option.

Some itineraries include a boat ride into the Hong Lagoon, a beach stop and a climb to a viewpoint.

But not every trip gives you the same amount of time on the beach, and not every itinerary includes all the sights.

If reaching the viewpoint matters to you, make sure it's included and that there's enough time to climb up and back down.

Railay Beach - do you even need an organised trip?

Railay is one of the places where we'd first check whether we could get there independently.

From Ao Nang you can reach Railay by longtail boat, depending on sea conditions and whether the boats are running.

That way you can decide how long to spend on the beach, explore the area and not depend on a tour group's schedule.

That doesn't mean an organised trip to Railay isn't worthwhile.

But if the main aim is to spend time on the beach itself, rather than visiting several islands in one day, it's sometimes better to go independently.

A trip to Phi Phi from Krabi

You can also reach Phi Phi from Krabi.

Before you book, ask yourself whether you want to see the islands in a single day or give them time with an overnight stay.

A day trip lets you fit in the main sights, but it can feel rushed, especially when there are lots of short stops.

If Phi Phi is one of the main destinations on your trip, it's worth considering staying on the islands themselves.

04The Phi Phi Islands - when is a day trip better, and when should you stay over?

Phi Phi is a great example of a destination you can visit both on a day trip and as part of a longer stay.

If you're already staying on Koh Phi Phi Don, you can look at shorter trips to Koh Phi Phi Leh, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay or nearby islands.

The advantage is that you don't need to spend the whole day getting there from another area.

On the other hand, it's important to check the itinerary carefully even when you're on the island.

Different boats leave at different times, and some trips follow very crowded routes.

If you're looking for a calmer atmosphere, ask about an early departure, the group size and how long the stops last.

Don't assume that booking a private boat guarantees you'll be alone at the natural sites themselves. Private boats go to the same popular bays too.

05Khao Lak - a good starting point for the Similan and Surin Islands

Khao Lak particularly suits travellers who want to combine a beach holiday with nature trips and snorkelling.

One of its advantages is that it's relatively close to the departure points for some of the Andaman Sea islands.

Similan or Surin - what's the difference?

The Similan Islands are especially associated with striking scenery, pale beaches, large granite boulders and clear sea water.

The Surin Islands are especially interesting if you're after a snorkelling experience and rich marine life.

In both cases, check the boat's route, the number of stops, how long you spend in the water and the sea conditions.

The usual season for visiting these reserves is generally mid-October to mid-May, but check official opening and closing announcements before you travel.

There's no point booking a hotel in Khao Lak specifically for an island trip before you've made sure the reserve is open on your holiday dates.

Land-based trips from Khao Lak

If you want some variety, you can also look at trips to nature areas, waterfalls, villages and local markets.

Trips like these can be a good alternative to another day on a boat, especially if you've already visited several islands.

You can also consider a trip towards Khao Sok, but check the distances and how much time you'll actually spend inside the national park.

06Khao Sok - the rainforest or Cheow Lan Lake?

Khao Sok is one of the places where choosing between a day trip and staying over makes a huge difference to the experience.

There are two areas here that you need to tell apart: the national park and its forest, and Cheow Lan Lake, which is a drive away from it.

Trips in Khao Sok National Park

In the park area you'll find guided jungle walks, nature hikes, river activities and night tours, depending on the route and conditions.

Before you book, check the difficulty, the length of the walk, the state of the trails and whether you need a guide.

Don't choose a route just because of a photo of a waterfall or green forest.

If it's a long walk in high humidity, your fitness level and the gear you bring can make a big difference to how much you enjoy it.

A day trip to Cheow Lan Lake

The lake is one of the area's best-known sights, thanks to its wide expanse of water, towering cliffs and floating guesthouses.

You can visit on a day trip, take a boat between the cliffs and stop for activities depending on the itinerary.

But remember that it's a separate area from the main entrance to Khao Sok National Park.

Before you book, check how much time goes on the drive, how long you spend on the boat and exactly what the stops include.

A day trip or a night on the lake?

This decision changes the whole experience.

A day trip lets you see the scenery and get a feel for the lake.

Staying on the lake gives you a completely different experience: you can enjoy the quiet of the evening and the morning on the water without heading straight back to land.

We ourselves chose to spend our time in Khao Sok both staying in the national park area and spending a night on the lake, because we wanted to experience both.

In our view, if you're coming especially for the lake, you should at least look into staying overnight and not assume a day trip is the only way to visit.

07Koh Samui - which day trip suits you best?

From Koh Samui you can go on several day trips that are very different from one another.

Some trips focus on snorkelling, some are mainly about the scenery, and there are shorter trips to nearby islands.

Ang Thong Marine Park

Ang Thong Marine Park is made up of a group of islands with cliffs, bays and striking viewpoints.

Some trips include a boat ride between the islands, kayaking, a visit to the lagoon and a climb to viewpoints.

Here it's really important to understand what kind of day it will be.

If the viewpoint is what excites you most, check whether it's included in the itinerary and how hard the climb is.

If you're looking for a relaxed day of swimming, check how much time is set aside for beaches and swimming.

Not every Ang Thong trip offers the same experience.

Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan

This is one of the best-known trips from Koh Samui, especially for anyone who wants to combine beautiful scenery with snorkelling.

Koh Nang Yuan is known for the sandbars linking its small islands and for its famous viewpoint.

But there's one detail here that's worth knowing in advance.

The climb to the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint can be long, steep and tiring.

On our visit there were a great many steps, and on the last part of the climb the path became particularly steep and crowded.

When we got to the top, we found that the time you can spend at the viewpoint is also limited, so there wasn't really a chance to recover calmly after the climb.

The view was stunning, but the physical experience was far less relaxed than the photos might suggest.

So before you book a trip that includes Koh Nang Yuan, check how much time is set aside for the island and whether you actually want to climb to the viewpoint.

If the trip only includes a short stop, you may find yourself rushing between the climb, the photos and the way back down.

The full guide to Koh Nang Yuan →

Koh Tan and Koh Madsum - a shorter trip

If you prefer a relatively short boat trip, look at trips to Koh Tan and Koh Madsum, also known as Pig Island.

Trips like these can suit anyone who doesn't want to give a whole day to a long boat trip.

The itineraries vary, and sometimes combine snorkelling, a beach stop and another activity.

Check in advance exactly what's included, especially if you're travelling with children or looking for a relaxed day.

A land-based trip on Koh Samui

You can also spend a day on viewpoints, waterfalls, temples and beaches around the island.

Here we'd recommend choosing a route that makes geographical sense, rather than crossing from one side of Koh Samui to the other again and again.

A trip with a private driver can be convenient if you want to choose your own stops, but an organised group tour can work well too.

08Koh Phangan - do you even need an organised trip?

Koh Phangan is an island where much of the magic lies in its beaches, villages and different areas.

So before you book a day trip, ask yourself whether it's somewhere you could get to independently.

Beach trips

Beach tours can suit anyone who wants to see several areas in one day, especially if they don't have their own transport.

But if you want to spend hours on a particular beach, it may be better to go there separately.

There's a big difference between a half-hour photo stop and a whole afternoon on a beautiful beach.

Boat trips to secluded beaches

Koh Phangan has beaches you can reach by boat, or where access by land is less convenient.

Before you book, check whether it's a return trip, whether there are fixed pick-up times and what happens when the sea isn't calm.

Make sure of your options for getting back in advance, especially if you choose to get to the beach independently.

Nature and waterfall trips

On Koh Phangan you'll also find nature trails, waterfalls and viewpoints.

Remember that waterfalls change a great deal depending on the rainfall and the season.

An impressive photo taken after a rainy spell doesn't necessarily reflect what the waterfall will look like in the month you visit.

In addition, some of the trails can be steep or slippery.

So check the current state of the trail rather than assuming every nature trip suits every traveller.

09Koh Tao - snorkelling, round-the-island trips and viewpoints

Koh Tao is especially associated with diving and snorkelling, but you'll also find beach trips, boat trips and viewpoints there.

A snorkelling trip around the island

One of the popular trips is a boat ride that takes in several bays and snorkelling spots.

Different itineraries can include stops at places such as Shark Bay, Aow Leuk, Tanote Bay and other bays.

Ask how long you spend in the water at each spot and how big the group is.

It's also worth knowing that marine life doesn't keep to a timetable. If a trip advertises the chance to see turtles or sharks, that doesn't mean an encounter is guaranteed.

Koh Nang Yuan

You can also visit Koh Nang Yuan on a trip from Koh Tao.

The advantage is that you're closer to the island, so you can sometimes choose a more focused visit instead of fitting it into a long boat day that starts on another island.

If you want to climb to the viewpoint, factor in the number of steps, how steep it is and the crowds.

Beaches and viewpoints on your own

Not every place on Koh Tao needs an organised trip.

You can visit some of the beaches and viewpoints independently, but check how to get there.

Some roads are steep, and some of the paths down to the beaches involve a fair amount of walking.

If you're not an experienced rider, don't assume that renting a scooter is right for you just because it's common among travellers on the island.

10Chiang Mai - nature, mountains, temples and trips in northern Thailand

In Chiang Mai, day trips are very different in character from those in the south.

Here the focus is on mountains, nature reserves, waterfalls, temples, villages and cultural experiences.

Doi Suthep - a trip relatively close to the city

Doi Suthep temple is one of the best-known places in the area.

You can visit on a tour or independently with suitable transport.

The advantage is that you can combine the visit with viewpoints and other places on the mountain.

On our visit we went to the temple itself and also stopped at a viewpoint on the way up.

It's the kind of place where it's worth leaving time to wander and take it in, not just turning up for a quick photo.

Doi Inthanon - a day of nature in the mountains

Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain area in Thailand.

Trips there can combine waterfalls, nature trails, viewpoints and other sites, depending on the itinerary.

It's usually a longer day than a trip to Doi Suthep.

Check the driving times, the weather and how much walking is involved.

In the mountains it can be considerably cooler than in Chiang Mai itself, so dress accordingly.

Elephant sanctuaries - how to choose a responsible visit

Trips to elephant centres are among the most popular activities in northern Thailand, but not every place that presents itself as a sanctuary or rehabilitation centre works to the same standards.

We recommend looking carefully at the nature of the encounter.

Is there elephant riding? Are there shows or tricks? Are the elephants made to have prolonged contact with visitors? Can you watch them from a distance and learn about their natural behaviour?

A place that allows respectful observation, with no riding and no shows, is usually a more responsible choice than an attraction based on animal entertainment.

Don't settle for the words "Ethical Sanctuary" in the advert. Check what actually happens there and the place's policy.

Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai

You can do a day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, which sometimes includes famous temples such as the White Temple and the Blue Temple.

But it's a route with long drives.

If you have limited time and mainly want to see the famous sights, a day trip may suit you.

If you'd also like to get to know the region, its nature and its local atmosphere, consider staying overnight in Chiang Rai rather than spending much of the day on the road.

11Pai - waterfalls, viewpoints and Pai Canyon

Pai suits anyone who loves nature, mountains and a relaxed atmosphere.

The sights in the area include viewpoints, waterfalls, hot springs and natural sites.

Pai Canyon

Pai Canyon is one of the best-known viewpoints in the area.

Be aware that some of its paths are narrow and exposed, so not every route suits anyone nervous of heights or unsteady on rough ground.

You don't have to go along every part of the trail to enjoy the view.

Day tours in Pai

You can hire a driver, join a tour or visit selected places independently.

We'd recommend not squeezing too many sights into one day.

In Pai, much of the experience is actually the relaxed atmosphere, so an over-packed itinerary may miss what makes the place special.

And if you're planning to travel to Pai from Chiang Mai, factor in the winding mountain road. In our view it's better to treat Pai as a place to stay in its own right rather than a quick day trip from Chiang Mai.

12Bangkok - not every day trip has to leave the city

Bangkok offers a whole world of sights within the city, but it's also a base for trips beyond it.

The floating markets

Trips to floating markets are among the best-known options around Bangkok.

But there are significant differences between the markets.

Some are active mainly at weekends, some are very tourist-oriented, and others offer a more local experience.

Before you book, check which days the market operates, whether there's really any activity on the water, and how long the journey is.

Not every floating market needs a guided tour.

Ayutthaya - a day of history and temples

Ayutthaya, the historic capital of the Kingdom of Siam, is one of the most interesting day trips from Bangkok.

You can visit ancient temple complexes and archaeological sites on a tour or using your own transport.

A trip like this particularly suits anyone interested in history, architecture and Thai culture.

Factor in the heat and the distances between the sites.

Kanchanaburi - nature and history

Kanchanaburi is another destination you can visit on a day trip from Bangkok.

Some itineraries combine the Bridge on the River Kwai, museums and historic sites, and sometimes waterfalls or nature reserves too.

But it's a large area, and not every sight is close to the next.

If you want to combine remote natural sites with historic ones, staying in the area may be a more comfortable choice than a packed day trip.

13Private or group trip - which is better?

This is one of the decisions that most affects the character of the day.

Group trips

The main advantage is usually price and convenience.

There's a set itinerary, a guide, transport and sometimes a meal and equipment too.

The drawback is less flexibility.

You can't always stay another hour on a beach you loved, or skip a stop that doesn't interest you.

Private trips

On a private trip you can sometimes set the order of the stops, choose a departure time and adjust the pace to suit you.

This can be a real advantage for couples, families or anyone who prefers to avoid large groups.

But be aware that a "private trip" doesn't always mean a fully tailored itinerary.

Sometimes it's the same standard programme, just with a private car or boat.

Before you book, ask which changes can really be made.

14Longtail, speedboat or a large boat?

On sea trips, the type of boat can affect the experience almost as much as the route.

Longtail boats

The Thai longtail boat is an integral part of the scenery.

It's especially suited to short routes and nearby islands, and you can sometimes hire one privately.

The advantage is the local experience and a relatively gentle ride when the sea is calm.

However, the boats are usually more open, so there's less protection from sun, rain and waves.

Speedboats

A fast motorboat lets you reach more distant destinations in a relatively short time.

But in choppy seas the ride can be bumpy and unpleasant.

If you suffer from seasickness or back problems, take this into account.

Large boats

On some routes you can choose a larger, slower boat.

It can suit anyone who prefers more seating space, toilets or covered areas, though the journey may take longer.

We wouldn't choose a boat purely on which one gets there fastest.

Check the comfort level, the sea conditions, the equipment and the number of passengers too.

15Should you book trips in advance or in Thailand?

There's no single answer that fits every trip.

Especially popular trips, small groups, private boats or activities with limited places may need booking in advance, mainly at busy times.

On the other hand, for common day trips sold by lots of agencies, it's sometimes better to arrive, check the weather and compare several operators.

We like to compare not only the price, but also what's included in it.

Two offers that look identical can come with completely different terms.

Before we book a trip, we check:

• Does the price include hotel pick-up and drop-off?

• Are national park entrance fees included?

• Is there lunch, drinks and snorkelling gear?

• What type of boat is it, and how many people will be on it?

• How long do you spend at each stop?

• What happens if the weather doesn't allow the trip to go ahead?

• Can you cancel and get a refund, and on what terms?

We also recommend keeping a screenshot of the booking details, so it's clear exactly what was promised.

16How do we check whether a trip is really recommended?

When we compare trips and operators, we don't settle for the overall rating.

We read detailed reviews and look for patterns that come up again and again among different travellers.

If several people mention that the boat was overcrowded, the stops were short or the guide was rushing the whole time, those are significant details.

Conversely, when many visitors describe a professional crew, well-maintained equipment, a small group and sticking to the schedule, those are positive signs.

We also look at when the reviews were written.

A trip that got great reviews three years ago isn't necessarily run the same way today.

Remember that travellers' reviews have their limits too. You can't always verify who wrote them or the circumstances of the visit, so it's better to cross-check several sources than to rely on a single recommendation.

17What do we always take on a day trip in Thailand?

Alongside what the operator provides, it's worth coming prepared.

On sea trips we'd make sure to have a waterproof bag, sun protection, a hat, water and shoes suitable for getting off the boat and walking on the beach.

On nature trips, match your shoes to the terrain and bring water and suitable clothing.

And if the route involves climbs, steps or viewpoints, find out in advance how much effort is needed.

There's a big difference between arriving at a beautiful beach and climbing tens or hundreds of steps to see it from above.

These details can make a big difference to the experience, especially in the heat and humidity.

18When would we skip a day trip?

Not every famous trip has to make it onto your itinerary.

Sometimes a relaxed day at the beach, in a café or by the pool can be more enjoyable than another day of pick-ups, drives and boat rides.

We'd consider skipping a trip when most of the day is spent travelling, when the itinerary has too many short stops, or when the main sight is very similar to places already planned for the trip.

The weather is also an important consideration.

If the forecast points to rough seas, listen to the operators and the authorities, and don't insist on going just because you've already paid.

A good holiday isn't measured by how many sights you managed to tick off.

19The bottom line - how do you choose the right day trip in Thailand?

We don't believe there's one day trip that's the best in Thailand.

Some people will fall in love with a boat trip around the islands of Krabi, some will prefer the lagoons of Ang Thong, some will be after snorkelling on Koh Tao, and some will most enjoy a day of temples and waterfalls in the north.

What matters is matching the trip to the kind of experience you're looking for.

If you love nature and viewpoints, choose routes that give you enough time to walk and take in the views.

If you want a day of sea and swimming, don't book a trip that spends most of its time moving between islands.

If you're looking for privacy and calm, look at a private trip or a small group.

And if you're travelling on a tight budget, compare the routes carefully. The most expensive trip isn't always the best one.

Our most important piece of advice is not to choose a day trip by the prettiest photo in the advert, but by what will happen from the moment you're picked up at your hotel until you get back to it.

Because in the end, what stays with you isn't the number of islands you visited, but the experiences you actually had time to enjoy.

20Frequently asked questions about day trips in Thailand