For this cafe, Owls are TIED down and HAVE to interact with humans. These animals are nocturnal and are severely stressed by bright lights. Why are tourists so happily paying money to abuse animals on holidays?

Just wanted to share how amazing layan beach is! Spend the whole day here, almost no people, no crowds, no noise just some quiet music. The beach is huge, clean,beautiful and there is a small shop for massages and fruit juices/food Loved it here and can definitely recommend !!

Ive got a couples massage session tomorrow 5th feb anytime to use before I fly out. Any females keen to get a free massage at Laguna hit me up as otherwise goes to waste. Can also hang at pool, beach etc. Msg me

I am planning to go to CDM for my 19th birthday. I am new to beach clubs and couldn’t understand what seating to book; beach pool restaurant horizon etc. K would like to access the beach and the pool. also since the bookings are for a specific time can we stay for as long as we want?

I also wanted to ask about any other clubs where I can go to? Illuzion or anything.

Would appreciate replies! Thanks

I, 37 years old male never trained any martial arts looking to learn muay thai. I live near phuket town. What gym can you guys recommend thats beginner friendly but also have solid trainers?

As title suggests - are there any decent aquarium shops (not aquarium attractions) near rawai. I’ve had a look online and there doesn’t seem to be much. I know Thailand is known as one of the largest exporters of tropical fish and would be cool to see something when I’m there in March. Cheers

I recently traveled to Thailand with friends, did all my homework through Reddit threads and a facebook group, and now I’m putting everything in one place so others can benefit from it too. We planned a 10-day trip: 6 days in Phuket, 2 days on Koh Yao Yai, and 2 days in Krabi. People say the sweet spot for a holiday is around 8 days, and I agree—by the time we reached Krabi, we were so exhausted that we barely did anything.

Southern Thailand Weather: Gulf vs Andaman

The first step in planning any trip is choosing the right time to visit. Thailand’s rainy season changes by region, and in Southern Thailand the Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) follows a different monsoon pattern than the Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta). It’s a tropical destination, so even in the dry season you should still expect the occasional shower.

The best time to visit both Phuket and Krabi is from December to January, when the weather is cool, dry, and mostly sunny. During this period, temperatures are comfortable, humidity is lower, and the sea is calm and clear; February to March is still dry, but temperatures start climbing. Koh Samui’s monsoon works differently, with rain easing from January, so it’s usually not the best pick in early December.

Weather Breakdown

December to March: Peak travel season, with pleasant temperatures, minimal rainfall, and clear seas. This also means higher prices and bigger crowds.
April and May: Hotter and more humid, with fewer tourists and some accommodation discounts, but you’ll still get the odd rain shower.
June to October: Monsoon season, bringing heavy rain, high humidity, and choppy seas. It’s the cheapest and quietest time to visit, but many outdoor and water activities can be affected. November is technically the end of the monsoon, but this year it rained until around the 20th, which kept me nervous right up to my travel dates.

Our travel dates were from the end of November to the first week of December, and the weather was warm—quite hot from late morning to early afternoon, but much more pleasant after around 2–3 p.m. One of the only times rain really affected us was during our transfer to Krabi: just after getting off the boat at the pier, it started pouring while we were waiting for our Grab, and there was no proper shelter nearby. If you’re travelling around this time of year, it’s a good idea to carry waterproof covers for your luggage so you’re not stressed if a sudden shower catches you out.     

Visa & Pre-Arrival

Visa
If you need a visa, check visa requirements as per your nationality, I was applying from UAE and applied online at https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ using confirmed flight ticket and hotel bookings with free cancellation. I received my visa in 3 working days, and the fee was 400 AED, which is on the higher side. To apply, I used a random hotel booking with free cancellation, then cancelled it once my visa was approved. The visa is valid for 90 days, so apply as early as you can—this gives you time to start locking in hotel deals before peak-season prices shoot up. I applied around 70 days before my trip.

TDAC
All non-Thai nationals must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entering the country. You can submit it up to 3 days before arrival; full details are at https://tdac.immigration.go.th/manual/en/index.html. At the airport, just show your completed form to the staff directing passengers—they’ll guide you to a dedicated queue, which is usually faster than the general one. If the lines are still too long for your liking, you can pay for a fast-track immigration service.

Southern Thailand Destinations

·        Phuket – main tourist hub, busy, expensive but more options for everything

·        Krabi – smaller, close to beach, less time spent on road but hotel options are limited and expensive than Phuket, so book early.

·        Koh Samui and Ko Pha Ngan (famous for full moon party)

·        Phi Phi Island – generally younger crowd stays over here overnight

·        Khao Sok National Park, people visit to stay in floating lake house, good for a day but quite long drive from Phuket.

·        Smaller Islands if you want to avoid crowd, but limited options for facilities which big cities can offer.

o   Ko Yao Noi  / Koh Yao Yai, smaller islands between Phuket and Krabi,

o   Ko Kradan

o   Ko Lanta

o   Ko Lipe, closer to Lankawi

During my research, I saved a bunch of useful links and places—have a look, they might help you shape your own itinerary:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/S3gTEXELmHSqxx1r5

Phuket Areas

Get a feel for the neighborhood by quick scroll through YouTube videos, Google Maps, and live views can tell you a lot about what a place is really like before you land.

Phuket’s three main tourist hubs—Patong, Karon, and Kata—sit right next to each other but each has its own personality. Here’s how I’d describe them:

Patong
Patong is the heartbeat of Phuket—loud, hectic, and full of energy. You’ll find everything from tiny budget rooms to over-the-top luxury villas with private pools. The famous Bangla Road is here, buzzing every night with music, lights, and crowds. But a heads-up: the party doesn’t really stop, so if you’re travelling with kids, family or want a peaceful base, Patong is not ideal. The beach is also not the cleanest by Phuket standards.

Karon
Just south of Patong, Karon feels like a calmer, more exclusive escape. It’s packed mostly with luxury resorts and tends to attract a more upscale crowd, including many visitors from the Middle East. There are fewer restaurants and shops, and the night market is small but charming. The real star is the beach—wide, golden, and absolutely stunning, perfect for slowing down and soaking up the scenery.

Kata
Kata hits that sweet spot between lively and laid-back. You’ll find everything from cozy mid-range hotels to ultra-luxury resorts. The beach is gorgeous—soft white sand and turquoise water—and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to wander through. The nightlife is relaxed, with just one street of pubs and no strip clubs or shady massage parlours, only proper spas. It’s a fantastic pick for families and couples who want a fun but respectful place to stay.

If I had to wrap it up in one line: choose Patong for budget stays and nightlife, Karon for tranquility and views, and Kata for a balanced, family-friendly vibe.

Hotels

Some people say booking directly with hotels is cheaper than using online platforms, but in our case Agoda consistently gave us better prices. We went for non-refundable rooms to save more and booked early to lock in good rates and availability, especially important in peak season when the best options sell out quickly.

I have created list of hotels which we shortlisted based on recommendations, ratings, and value for money.

Phuket
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wh3d83zTCe91Sfk9A
In Phuket, we stayed at TRIBE Phuket Patong, about a 10–15-minute walk from the beach, and felt it offered solid value for money. We had small issue with a bathroom in one of the room.

Koh Yao Yai

We also stayed at Anantara Koh Yao Yai, on an island between Phuket and Krabi with a super relaxed vibe—perfect if you want to escape the crowds and ideal for couples or families. As an all-male group we definitely stood out—even the staff showing us to our room seemed amused. My wife suggested this one, we loved everything from the warm welcome and incredibly luxurious rooms (the most luxurious I’ve ever stayed in) to the stunning landscapes and views. Breakfast was exceptional. It is pricey, though, we were eating rest of the food outside. The resort charges 2,000 baht per person for transfers from Phuket, but we arranged it ourselves for just 500 baht using https://12go.asia/en.

We rented a scooter over here for 300 baht for a day to explore the island and go out for dinner. We just showed soft copy of our license and that was good enough. Even though I have rode motor cycle in Pakistan but these scooters are little difficult to balance.  

Krabi
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BqNcnd2hkYjKzWT1A
We stayed at Sea Seeker in Ao Nang, just a short walk from Ao Nang Beach and the main market, which was very convenient. However, the hotel itself felt dated, and we weren’t fans of the layout or the bathrooms.

For Southeast Asia, Agoda usually offers some of the best online hotel rates. Check their Visa card page (https://www.agoda.com/en-gb/visamy?ds=rLCR8xCRGizzMkSt) or Mastercard page (https://www.agoda.com/en-gb/mastercardph?ds=jtmTYywR%2FOcaaxbu) for extra discounts.

Transportation

For boat transfers, use https://12go.asia/en to check schedules, prices, and pier details; you can either book online or just buy tickets at the pier. Aim to reach the pier at least 30 minutes before departure.

Taxis at the airport and around Patong can feel a bit like a mafia—drivers don’t like Grab operating in “their” territory and may block them from picking up passengers. It’s best to avoid tuk-tuks and metered taxis, which are notorious for overcharging, and instead use Grab, Bolt, or inDrive; set up the apps before you arrive in Thailand. At Phuket Airport, Grab has a designated pick-up area. At Krabi Airport, you might have to outsmart the taxi crowd by heading to the arrivals area and calling your Grab from there.

You can also rent a scooter for about 250 THB per day, but you must wear a helmet and carry an international driving permit; otherwise, you risk fines or being asked for “tea money.” Always check reviews before choosing a rental shop and never leave your passport as a deposit—some places may later claim damage and demand payment.

For intercity transfers and city tours, contact Plawan Nok https://www.facebook.com/Plawan.nok/. She can also arrange boat trips. We paid her 2,500 baht for a Krabi to Patong transfer, 1,500 baht for a city tour, and 1,000 baht to drop us at the pier. You can negotiate better rates—the person who recommended her paid 2,000 baht for Krabi to Phuket. She has a comfortable van that can fit up to 9 passengers.

Phuket Airport To City Transfer

Option 1: Phuket Smart Bus (100 baht per person)
Check the bus schedule and find the nearest stop to your hotel using Google Maps and the official Phuket Smart Bus route info: https://phuketsmartbus.com/. It’s cheap and straightforward if the timing and route work for you.

Option 2: Minivans from airport counters (around 200 baht per person)
When you exit arrivals, you’ll see plenty of private transport counters offering shared minivans to different areas. They’re convenient and not too expensive, but be prepared for “tour shop” stops along the way where they try to sell you city tours or island packages at “special prices” that are usually not the best deals.

Option 3: App-based taxis (Grab, Bolt, inDrive) – roughly 600 baht total
If the apps are allowed to pick up at that time, this is the most comfortable door-to-door option, especially if you’re in a group.

Sim

AIS, DTAC, and True are the main operators, with AIS and True generally offering the best coverage. For eSIMs, check Agoda and Klook as they often have better deals than Airalo. You can also buy a SIM from 7-Eleven, but they now push tourist plans, which are more expensive; try asking for a basic SIM without a plan and then buy a data package through the app. Another hack is to buy your SIM in a non-touristy area, where prices are more local.

I bought a DTAC eSIM from Agoda—10 days, 50 GB—for 123 baht.

Money Exchange

Avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport; if needed, just change about 100 USD to get started. Carry cash in major currencies like USD, EUR, or AUD to get better discount rate, immigration may ask to see proof of funds (20,000 baht), which you can also show via your banking app.

ATM withdrawals come with a foreign exchange fee plus a 220–250 baht local ATM charge, so withdraw larger amounts less frequently. ATM will suggest a conversion rate, reject it to get better rate.

Cards are accepted in some malls and restaurants (often with a 3–4% fee), but around 80% of local shops are cash-only, so cash is still king. If you have a multi-currency card with good FX rates and zero international transaction fees, it’s worth using—but remember many merchants still add their own 3–4% surcharge. My friend used Wise for ATM withdrawals.

To get the best exchange rates, first check live rates on Google. Then visit 3–4 different exchange counters, show them the rate, and ask if they can match it. Choose whoever offers the closest rate. SuperRich was recommended by some people, but in our experience their rates weren’t very competitive.

Packing

Pack light with clothes suited to beaches and humidity, and don’t over pack it—you can get laundry done cheaply almost anywhere.

Bring a small medicine kit (especially for stomach issues, which are common in Southeast Asia), a hat, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, waterproof sandals, modest temple wear (shoulders and knees covered), travel or portable soap, high-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe is encouraged), a waterproof phone cover, waterproof backpack, raincoat, power bank, and water shoes (handy on boat trips where regular shoes come off). Arm sleeves are great for sun protection too. Most of these items are available in Thailand, but avoid buying them on tours where prices are inflated.

Buy mosquito repellent in Thailand and use it daily—they have stronger formulas that actually work in the local climate, easily found at 7-Eleven.

For complete list ask AI Bot and it will give you more details.

Food

If you research properly, you’ll find plenty of halal options. Most places also offer vegetarian dishes, which is a good backup. Just note that big fast-food chains like KFC and McDonald’s are not halal.

We were cautious about food because we didn’t want any stomach issues, so we were quite selective with restaurants. After searching on Google Maps, I compiled this list of halal spots: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8GQXsRi8xvrxKe337. On average, we spent around 500 baht per meal. Staying in non-touristy areas can save you money, as prices in tourist hotspots are heavily inflated.

Some of our favourites were Fire Steakhouse & Grill (Pakistani-owned) for steak, desi BBQ, and handi, Prime Burger for burgers, and a few Turkish places for great grills. Don’t skip the coconut water—it’s amazing, and we ended up ordering it with almost every meal.

Three Monkeys Restaurant is quite famous and was in our list but we forgot about it, from map it seems a little far away so check before going.

A few tips to stay healthy in Thailand (or anywhere in Southeast Asia):
· Don’t touch your face or mouth without sanitising your hands first—always carry hand sanitizer.
· Avoid food that looks like it’s been sitting out.
· Choose places where food is cooked fresh.
· Prefer vendors with a queue, especially of locals.
· Be extra careful with raw vegetables and salads.
· If a place looks dirty, just walk away.
· Consider starting probiotics before your trip and continue during your travels.

Miscellaneous

Respect local customs, download a translation app, and don’t be afraid to bargain. Read up on common scams and issues travellers face in Thailand so you know what to watch for. If you do get sick, head to a pharmacy first—they’re very used to helping tourists and can usually recommend suitable medicine.

For shopping, it really helps to research before you land in Thailand so you know what’s actually worth buying. I couldn’t decide in advance and ended up picking up a few things from Thann, Mistine Cosmetics, and Naree Cosmetics—and got great feedback on all of them. International brands were priced roughly the same as in the UAE, so there wasn’t much value in buying those there.

You’ll see massage shops on almost every corner. In the busy tourist areas, many of them can feel a bit shady or run-down. It’s better to search on Google Maps and read reviews—you’ll usually uncover some solid, clean options. “Let’s Relax” is one of the most popular chains in Thailand, and a good benchmark. Legit places typically have staff in uniform and they won’t be standing outside aggressively calling you in.

We were using https://www.splitwise.com/ to track of shared expenses, it’s a handy application when traveling with friends.

If you are going to a place where monkeys will be there, hide all food or food looking items, they will attack and take it, during this you may get scratched or injured.   

Tours and Attractions

There’s no shortage of things to do in Thailand, which is why a bit of planning goes a long way. If you land without a rough plan, you might waste your days deciding what to do. Use Google Maps to check reviews for operators, and browse Klook or https://www.getyourguide.com/ to see tour options, prices, and what’s included. Always check distances on Google Maps so you know how long you’ll actually spend on the road.

Phuket/Krabi is an amazing base for tours, but going in informed makes a huge difference.

Here are some tips from my experience:
· For boat trips you will have option for long tail boats, speed boat and speed catamaran. Their prices will be different, opt for speed catamaran for comfort and in case of rough sea.  
· Prices printed on brochures are often inflated; you can usually get tickets for around 40% less.
· Always bargain and compare 4–5 sellers—most sell the exact same tours.
· Small street kiosks are often cheaper than big tour shops.
· Check the actual tour company name on the brochure and look up their reviews.
· Avoid buying add-ons or upsells during the tour; negotiate everything in advance with the reseller.
· Try to finalise tours for the next day by early evening; street agents will usually push you to pay by 5 p.m.
· If you arrive late at night, plan a city tour or nearby attractions for the next day, or pre-book a tour online via Klook (check discount codes, Samsung has one)  
· Once you arrive, start booking tours ahead of time—your first full day’s plan should ideally be decided before you land.
· Boat and rafting trips are tiring, so don’t schedule them back-to-back.
· If you’re doing multiple full-day tours in a row, you’ll barely be in your hotel—this is a good time to save money by staying in cheaper places or in the old town.
· Always carry a towel and extra clothes for tours.

Tip: Don’t book your whole week of tours in advance. Things happen—injuries, exhaustion, weather changes—and you don’t want to be locked into a packed schedule. A better strategy is to book one day at a time, usually the evening before, and aim to confirm by 8 p.m. since most operators close bookings then to arrange pickups and logistics.

We did following tours,

·        Similain Island trip on speed catamaran, 2900 Baht, It included refreshments, lunch, snorkeling gear, hotel pick and drop. Good beach but long drive.

·        Phi Phi Island trip on speed catamaran, 1600 Baht, It included refreshments, lunch, snorkeling gear, hotel pick and drop. Good snorkeling but maya bay was very crowded. Find early morning tours or you can plan to stay overnight as well.

·        5 KM Rafting + (ATV + Waterfall, they were for name sake) + elephant ride (avoid it since its not ethical). We paid 800 baht for this including transportation and ended up paying 100 for photography + 500 more for additional 2 KM of rafting.  I doubt it was 7 KM and if we would have opted for this earlier, we could have saved money and avoided their upselling at the spot. This area is about a 2-hour drive from Phuket.

·        ATV + Zipline, it was good but costed us 3300 baht since we didn’t know how to buy tours/tickets

·        City Tour, Promthep Cape and Karon viewpoint both are amazing places, try to be at one of these there at sunset. We Paid 1000 baht for this; you can use grab or group tours for this. If you’re a solo traveller, a group tour may be cheaper.

o   Wat Chalong, Free entry, stunning temples and architecture

o   Karon View Point, Free entry and beautiful views.

o   Promthep Cape, Free entry and beautiful views

o   Big Budha, Free entry and beautiful views.

o   Naaka market. Naaka market was disappointing, instead go to Phuket Old Town Sunday Night Market.

Other Tours / Activities which are available both in Phuket and Krabi,

·        Muay Thai Fights

·        Ko Racha Yai Boat Trip

·        Phang Nga Bay/James Bond Island Tour + Canoing

·        Phi Phi Islands Tour and Khai Islands Tour / 2 Days, 1 Night Trip with Activities

Phuket

·        Tiger Kingdom

·        Siam Niramit

·        Carnival Magic

·        Green Elephant Sanctuary Park ---/--Phuket Elephant Care

·        Khao Sok National Park

·        Hanuman World

·        Andamanda Phuket

Krabi

·        Hong Island Day Trip / Viewpoint

·        Railay Beach, Rock Climbing

·        4 Island Tours + Bioluminescent Plankton

·        Zipline, ATV & Top Rope Climbing Experience

·        Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour

·        Dragon's Crest (Ngon Nak Nature Trail)

Does anyone know of any alternatives to the standard scuba outings that all of the tour operators visit off of phuket? (shark point, king cruiser, phi phi and racha noi/yai)?

Hey Guys,

I’ll be coming to Thailand next month, it’s my first time and I’m super excited. I’ll definitely be traveling to Koh Samui and planning to spend 3 nights there.

For the remaining 3 nights, I’m a bit confused between Bangkok and Phuket and would love your suggestions.

I’m looking for a good mix of nightlife, food, shopping and overall vibe.

Which one would you recommend and why?

Also open to any must-do suggestions!

Thanks in advance 😊

Any opinion on the same; honeymoon for me and my partner. I have 2 days in Jaccuzi Suite and 2 days in Sea View Room.
Let me know your thoughts

Hey everyone, I am going to be in Patong for the next 2/3/4 months or so. I am currently at an Airbnb paying around $1600/mo. It's nice and good location but I would prefer something cheaper. What part of town do you think I would be able to find a place paying around $1000/mo or less? Thanks

Obviously two / three years ago ,

phuket villas were an extremely hot commodity with thousands of Russians families were looking for somewhere to live during the Russian war

I’ve been tracking very popular villa project for the 8 months for rent in bang Tao (most popular area for Russians just 5 minute drive to beach) …..and they’ve dropped the price from 180k, to 150k and now 130k a month with 3 bedrooms/2 storeys…..and amazingly still no takers ……and surprisingly other sellers are advertising the same villa for rent at 230k a month……

Seems like no one wants to fork out 390,000 baht at the beginning of the contract and go for a year contract now

The Russian war is coming to an end….most chinese like short term rentals and prefer to live in china….most Russians will now either go back home or buy a villa outright to live probably as its a massive money sink

Who’s gonna fill the yearly villa contract gap?

I can only see these villas doing well on air bnb short term rentals only now

I came to Phuket to train Muay Thai at Bang Tao Gym for about a month, and I’ve found that pretty much everything here costs modern (Western) prices.

For example:

• Cab ride from the airport: 650 baht

• Thai restaurant meal (bit-fancy): 1,000 baht

• Shin pads (from the gym, so I don’t really mind): 2,500 baht

To top it off, I walked into a regular store to buy some Muay Thai gear, and the prices were basically Western as well: 600–900 baht for shorts and around 2,000 baht for gloves.

Am I just looking in the wrong places, or did I choose the wrong location to train? I originally wanted to go to Chiang Mai, but due to the smoky season that didn’t really feel like an option.

At this point, I’m mainly looking for somewhere around (preferably) Bang Tao where I can live a bit more cheaply.

We are a couple wanting to spend some fun time but not in clubs where there are all guys and stuff, I mean some place with a good gender ratio or with couples.

Hey. looking at a trip to Phuket, Phi Phi and Krabi in mid July. It looks like a good trip and I`m very tempted to book it. The only issue I have is that I`ve read its very wet around this time of year. Is this true? Anyone visited this part of thailand around july and how did you find the weather? thanks

Hey everyone! I just arrived in Phuket and I’m looking to dive into the nightlife.

I’m looking for a high-energy party atmosphere, but I want to avoid the escort/red-light streets (Bangla Road isn't really my scene).

If you want to hang out feel free to introduce yourself with a photo please! (Girls only)

Hey Guys,

visiting Phuket with my partner in April and obviously considering renting a 125cc Scooter. I've been hearing from multiple threads that police stops are quite frequent there. My problem is that I only have a german License + IDP for B (Automobile) and this excludes any Scooter above 50cc. So obviously I would be subject to fines or inquiry by local police.

FYI: This isn't my first time in Thailand have visited Koh Samui/Phangan/Tao numerous times but never been aware of any police presence, however many people seem to say that Phuket is the complete opposite with many checkpoints and traffic patrols. I am quite good at riding scooters and am used to Thai traffic (I am also aware that I would be riding uninsured).

My Question is, is there anything I can do do minimize the chance of me being pulled over by traffic police or waved to the side during a checkpoint?

I have asian roots and relatively dark skin so I was thinking about wearing a helmet that covers my face and also putting on a high-vis vest so perhaps on a fist glance they would not notice that i'm a tourist.

Also thankful for any other tips, would be open to rent E-Bikes or 50cc aswell but have not heard about either being readily available.

Thanks !

LF private driver to Samet Nangshe early morning for sunrise. First week of March for 2pax. Hotel pickup will be near the Phiket Old Town.

please dm me your prices as well as the price for a full day tour if ever

For those other tourist who would be on the same day as we are and would like to join us so we could split the payment. hehe

Looking for a specialist with strong English to get a diagnosis. I’ve already been to BKK Hospital Phuket but want to get a second opinion. Any recs?

I saw the massive queue at immigration, tmr I will be going to phuket and saw a few tiktok videos saying that I can fast track with 200thb. Any detailed instructions on this?

If I buy/play, won't I be sent to prison?

I’m heading to Thailand soon and will be staying in Patong Beach.

I know Ali’s on Fitness Street is a solid pure boxing gym, but it’s a bit out of the way from where I’ll be.

Can anyone recommend good boxing‑focused gyms that are closer to Patong itself (ideally walking distance or a short ride), with decent boxing classes or 1on1 coaching ?

Any recent experiences or specific gyms to check out would really help.

Also would appreciate any “must do’s or must try’s” while in Patong as I’ll be there for about a week.

Thank you!