Just a few hours’ drive from the capital, the east-coast resorts attract a mixed crowd of weekending Bangkokians and sybaritic tourists. Transport connections are good and, for overlanders, there are several Cambodian border crossings within reach. Beautiful beaches aren’t the whole picture, however, as the east coast is also crucial to Thailand’s industrial economy, its natural gas fields and deep-sea ports having spawned massive development along the first 200km of coastline, an area dubbed the Eastern Seaboard. The initial landscape of refineries and depots shouldn’t deter you though, as offshore it’s an entirely different story, with beaches as glorious as more celebrated southern retreats and enough peaceful havens to make it worth packing your hammock.
The first worthwhile stop comes 100km east of Bangkok at the town of Si Racha, which is the point of access for tiny Ko Si Chang, whose dramatically rugged coastlines and low-key atmosphere make it a restful retreat. In complete contrast, nearby Pattaya is Thailand’s number one package-tour destination, its customers predominantly middle-aged European men enticed by the resort’s sex-market reputation and undeterred by its lacklustre beach. Things soon look up, though, as the coast veers sharply eastwards towards Ban Phe, revealing the island of Ko Samet, the prettiest of the beach resorts within comfortable bus-ride range of Bangkok.
East of Ban Phe, the landscape becomes lusher and hillier around Chanthaburi, the dynamo of Thailand’s gem trade and one of only two eastern provincial capitals worth visiting. The other is Trat, 68km further along the highway, and an important hub both for transport into Cambodia via Hat Lek – one of this region’s two main border points, the other being Aranyaprathet – and for the forty islands of the Ko Chang archipelago. The most popular of this island group is large, forested Ko Chang itself, whose long, fine beaches have made it Thailand’s latest resort destination. A host of smaller, less-developed islands fill the sea between Ko Chang and the Cambodian coast, most notably temptingly diverse Ko Mak and Ko Kood.
Highway 3 extends almost the entire length of the east coast, beginning in Bangkok as Thanon Sukhumvit, and known as such when it cuts through towns, and hundreds of buses ply the route, connecting all major mainland destinations. It’s also possible to travel between the east coast and the northeast and north without doubling back through the capital: the most direct routes into Isaan start from Pattaya, Rayong and Chanthaburi. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is less than 50km from Si Racha, and there are two domestic airports along the east coast itself: at U-Tapao naval base, southeast of Pattaya, and just west of Trat. Though a rail line connects Bangkok with Si Racha and Pattaya, it is served by just one slow train a day in each direction; a branch line makes two journeys a day to Aranyaprathet near the Cambodian border.
Tailor-made travel itineraries for Thailand, created by local experts

5 days / from1180 USD
Chiang Mai Safari Adventure
The perfect trip for some family fun and adventure, lovely Chiang Mai with its lush valleys and national parks ticks all the boxes. Expect majestic cliff-top temples, sprawling national parks and exciting safari adventures.
customize ⤍
12 days / from2750 USD
Thailand's Islands and Highlands
Experience the best of Thailand as you discover glitzy Bangkok's temples, markets and waterways. Compare the bustling, lively capital with the glorious rolling hills and lush interior of mountainous Chiang Mai before heading south to beach bliss and unexpected cultural delights in hedonistic Phuket.
customize ⤍
12 days / from2450 USD
Thailand Discovery
A great way to discover Thailand, take in the Central Plain and Bangkok, the north with Chiang Mai and the south at the lively resort of Phuket.
customize ⤍
8 days / from1250 USD
Bangkok-Pattaya Explorer
The perfect trip for adventurers, sun seekers and lovers of island life: take in cosmopolitan Bangkok’s wats or temples, street markets and waterways. Witness the excitement of Bangkok before heading to Thailand’s east coast for island-hopping in the sunshine.
customize ⤍
5 days / from950 USD
Pattaya Sun
The sandy beaches and tiny offshore islands, dense forests and hidden waterfalls are a natural draw to Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. Pattaya abounds with activities – from watersports to international-standard golf courses.
customize ⤍
5 days / from680 USD
Chiang Mai Sustainable Trails
Chiang Mai offers a balmy escape from Bangkok’s humidity. Regarded as the cultural heart of the country, come here for nature, lovely Lanna-style temples, museums and the infamous night bazaar.
customize ⤍
3 days / from615 USD
Thailand Luxury Camping
Experience Thailand in a different light, with this unique glamping trip. This trip is the perfect add-on to any trip to Thailand. You'll stay at the Hin Tok River Camp, near Kanchanaburi, one of Thailand's finest tented luxury camps, and explore the surrounding area, including the River Kwai.
customize ⤍
8 days / from1150 USD
From Bangkok to Hua Hin
Ideal for those not wishing to travel too far, this multi-centre trip to Thailand combines exciting Bangkok city with royal-favourite resort Hua Hin, just a few hours from the capital.
customize ⤍
5 days / from1350 USD
Southern Thailand Explored
Discover the best of Southern Thailand: soak in the serenity at a forest temple, experience the opulence of a summer palace fit for a king, marvel at seemingly impossible limestone formations and walk bare-footed along pristine white-sand beaches – all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!
customize ⤍
7 days / from1750 USD
Northern Thailand Explored
Experience the best places to visit in Thailand, from the majestic former capital of Siam at Ayutthaya and the ancient temples and pagodas at Sukhothai, to the beautiful green hills of Chiang Mai and the famous Golden Triangle, all with this unique trip!
customize ⤍
8 days / from1150 USD
Thailand exploration with nature and beach
Dreaming of a trip that allows you to spend time in the jungle and on the beach? You can do both on this 8 day Thailand exploration trip! From Bangkok head down south by overnight train, to explore the jungle in Khao Sok and stunning beaches in Krabi.
customize ⤍
14 days / from2450 USD
Explore Northern Thailand with beach days in Koh Samui
Thailand has a lot to offer and this trip will take you to the best natural and cultural spots in the country! Spend the first part of your trip exploring the cities, national parks and cultural sites of Northern Thailand, then head down to the stunning island of Koh Samui for some relaxation.
customize ⤍
5 days / from829 USD
Krabi Beach Escape
Stretching along Thailand’s spectacular Andaman Coastline, bordered by striking limestone karsts and providing visitors with a relaxing getaway is Krabi. Soft-sand beaches and inviting turquoise waters await, as well as rainforest excursions and boat trips to iconic Ko Phi Phi.
customize ⤍
13 days / from7235 USD
Thai Sojourn
This ultimate luxury multi-centre tour of Thailand combines cosmopolitan Bangkok with the lush valleys, mountains and national parks of Chiang Mai before venturing south to the amazing beach bliss to be found at stunning Khao Lak. A wonderful overview of Thailand in style and complete comfort.
customize ⤍
5 days / from751 USD
Bangkok Sustainable Trails
Visit Thailand’s must-see capital Bangkok with its evocative markets, glitzy malls, Buddhist philosophy and traditional reserve. Discover its fabulously rich culture, great nightlife and have lashings of fun.
customize ⤍
5 days / from990 USD
Bangkok Culture
Visit Thailand’s urban capital for a fabulous cultural experience. Explore Bangkok’s wonderfully ornate wats, learn about history at the stunning Grand Palace, tour the eccentric floating market and get a taste of Siam Thai culture.
customize ⤍
22 days / from4799 USD
The Ultimate Southeast Asia Grand Tour
Explore the highlights of four countries in a bit over 3 weeks: Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta in Vietnam combined with the cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Proceed to Cambodia with Angkor Wat before watching the monks in Luang Prabang/Laos. Your trip ends in Thailand with elephants and Bangkok.
customize ⤍
6 days / from1200 USD
Krabi Discovery
Visually striking, Krabi and its islands make for one of Thailand’s most charming spots. It’s perfect for beach-lovers, sports enthusiasts and those seeking a bit of adventure around the Andaman Coast.
customize ⤍
12 days / from2150 USD
Thailand Explorer
A great way to see Thailand, this multi-centre trip takes you from lively Bangkok to the beach resort of Pattaya before completing your circuit in the fresher climate of verdant Chiang Mai.
customize ⤍
5 days / from1450 USD
Bangkok Gourmet
Enjoy a culinary whirlwind tour of Bangkok. Partake in one-to-one cookery classes, explore the fragrant markets and delight your tastebuds with Michelin-star menus and street food alike. Take some time out to explore the city too and meet monks at Wat Pho and visit the Grand Palace.
customize ⤍
15 days / from5250 USD
Family Time in Thailand
Explore incredible Bangkok city before heading to the verdant Chiang Mai area to meet elephants in their natural habitat. From here, it’s down to the spectacular beach resort of Khao Lak for complete family relaxation. The perfect trip for the whole family to enjoy.
customize ⤍
3 days / from680 USD
River Kwai Discovery
Discover the stunning River Kwai and its surroundings with this unique, compact trip, which would make the perfect add-on to an existing trip to Thailand. Experience unforgettable scenery, walk along the spot where the infamous Thailand-Burma Railway once stood and canoe down the River Kwai!
customize ⤍
4 days / from730 USD
Hua Hin Getaway
Thailand’s Northern Gulf Coast is home to attractive sandy beaches, good weather, interesting towns and two national parks. Come stay in chic Hua Hin, a popular getaway spot with Thai royalty.
customize ⤍
12 days / from1750 USD
Bangkok-Pattaya Safari Adventure
Visit Thailand’s exciting capital Bangkok where you can explore the city by bike and see giant Buddhas and extravagant temples. Then head east to the coastal resort of Pattaya for some watersports and beach time.
customize ⤍
5 days / from1400 USD
Thailand's Golden Triangle
Tour Thailand's glorious Golden Triangle. An almost untouched region, come here for a sense of romance and adventure as you travel through the verdant hills and river valleys of Thailand's lush north taking in both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai's markets, temples and mouthwatering northern cuisine.
customize ⤍
9 days / from1850 USD
Off the beaten track in Thailand
Are you ready to explore the lesser-known destinations in Thailand? From busy Bangkok to relaxing Chiang Mai, along the way, you will explore off the beaten path cities, such as Uthai Thani, Phitsanulok and Lampang, where temples, rivers, mountains and local markets are waiting to be discovered!
customize ⤍
12 days / from1980 USD
Unique Thailand
Discover the hidden treasures of Bangkok, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai. A unique multi-centre trip around Thailand, this is the perfect package for those seeking adventure, culture and an off-the-beaten-track experience.
customize ⤍
10 days / from1850 USD
Best of Thailand with Phuket
Discover Thailand's busy capital Bangkok with its unique markets and temples before heading north to Chiang Mai - the cultural center of Thailand offers authentic family experiences as well as elephants up close. End your trip with beach days in beautiful Phuket.
customize ⤍
13 days / from2050 USD
Olde Thailand – North & South
This is a trip to Thailand for the adventurer. It takes in must-see Bangkok, exploring the city’s waterways by boat and delving into its lively and unique markets. From here you will head to Chiang Mai to admire awe-inspiring temples and then on to Hua Hin, just a few hour’s drive from Bangkok.
customize ⤍
15 days / from3715 USD
Signature Vietnam & Thailand
Discover 3 main areas in each country: Vietnam with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and the Halong Bay. Thailand with Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Discover authentic food experiences, historic city tours with knowledgeable guides and much more on this two week itinerary.
customize ⤍Crossing the Cambodian border via Aranyaprathet
The most commonly used overland crossing into Cambodia from Thailand is at Poipet, which lies just across the border from the Thai town of Aranyaprathet, 210km due east of Bangkok. It’s best to arm yourself in advance with an e-visa for Cambodia and to make the journey by regular public transport, but it’s also possible to buy a package all the way through to Siem Reap and to get a thirty-day visa on arrival at the border, though both of the latter options are more likely to open you up to possible scams, including a fake “Cambodian Consulate” in Aranyaprathet and rip-off currency exchange (it’s not compulsory to buy riel before entering Cambodia, despite what some touts may say). For further details, see wthaivisa.com for its visa-run forum; and wtalesofasia.com/cambodia-overland.htm for a very detailed description of the crossing and for advice on onward transport into Cambodia. Once you’ve walked across the border and entered Cambodia, it’s about two hours in a taxi or bus to reach Siem Reap, 150km away. If you have the deep misfortune of getting stuck in dusty, dirty Aranyaprathet, where local transport comes in the form of tuk-tuks, try the comfortable fan and a/c rooms at Inter Hotel at 108/7 Thanon Chatasingh.
From Bangkok, you can travel to Aranyaprathet Station, 4km from the border post, by train; you’ll need to catch the 5.55am if you want to get across the border the same day. Return trains depart Aranyaprathet at 6.35am and 1.35pm. Alternatively, take a bus from Bangkok’s Northern (Mo Chit) Bus Terminal to Aranyaprathet, or a faster, more expensive a/c minibus from Victory Monument. To reach Aranyaprathet from east-coast towns, the easiest route is to take a bus from Chanthaburi to the town of Sa Kaew, 130km to the northeast, and then change to one of the frequent buses for the 55km ride east to Aranyaprathet.
It’s also possible to buy a through ticket to Siem Reap from Trat and Ko Chang, or from Thanon Khao San in Bangkok, but this option is dogged by scams (including a visa “service charge”), takes much longer than doing it independently, and nearly always uses clapped-out buses or even pick-ups on the Cambodian side, despite the promised “luxury bus”.
Si Racha
The eastbound journey out of Bangkok is not at all scenic, dominated initially by traffic-choked suburban sprawl and then by the industrial landscape of the petrochemical and shipping industries that power Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. The first major population centre is the provincial capital of Chonburi, whose only notable attraction is its annual October bout of buffalo-racing. Twenty kilometres on, you reach the fast-growing town of SI RACHA, a prosperous residential and administrative hub for the Eastern Seaboard’s industries and home to a sizeable population of expat families. The town is best known though as the source of nam phrik Si Racha, the chilli-laced ketchup found on every kitchen table in Thailand, and as the departure point for the island of Ko Si Chang. Si Racha’s only sight is the Sino–Thai “island temple” of Wat Ko Loy, a gaudy hexagon presided over by a statue of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Im, and located on an islet at the end of a 1500m causeway, adjacent to the pier for boats to Ko Si Chang.
Ko Si Chang
The unhurried pace and absence of consumer pressures make small, dry, rocky KO SI CHANG an engaging place to get away from it all for a day or two. Unlike most other east-coast destinations, it offers no real beach life – it’s a populous, working island with a deep-sea port, rather than a tropical idyll – and there’s little to do here but explore the craggy coastline by kayak or ramble up and down its steep, scrubby contours on foot or by motorbike. The island is famous as the location of one of Rama V’s summer palaces, a few parts of which have been restored, and of a popular Chinese pilgrimage temple, as well as for its rare white squirrels, which live in the wooded patches inland.
Ko Si Chang festivals
Ko Si Chang celebrates three particularly interesting festivals. Songkhran is marked from April 17 to 19 with sandcastle-building, greasy-pole-climbing and an exorcism ritual for any islanders who have suffered unpleasant deaths over the previous year. At Visakha Puja, the full-moon day in May when Buddha’s birth, death and enlightenment are honoured, islanders process to the old palace with hand-crafted Chinese lanterns. And on September 20, Ko Si Chang honours its royal patron King Chulalongkorn’s birthday with a son et lumière in the palace grounds and a beauty contest staged entirely in costumes from the Chulalongkorn era.
Ko Mak
Small, slow-paced, peaceful KO MAK (sometimes spelt “Maak”) makes an idyllic, low-key alternative to Ko Chang, 20km to the northwest. Measuring just sixteen square kilometres, it’s home to little more than four hundred people, divided into five main clans, who work together to keep the island free of hostess bars, jet skis, banana boats and the like, and on initiatives such as mountain-bike trails. A couple of narrow concrete roads traverse the island, which is dominated by coconut and rubber plantations; elsewhere a network of red-earth tracks cuts through the trees. Ko Mak is shaped like a star, with fine white-sand beaches along the northwest coast at Ao Suan Yai and the southwest coast at Ao Kao, where most of the island’s (predominantly mid-range and upper-bracket) tourist accommodation is concentrated; the principal village, Ban Ao Nid, is on the southeast coast and there’s another village at Ban Laem Son on the east coast. The main beaches are just about within walking distance of each other, and other parts of the island are also fairly easy to explore on foot, or by mountain bike, motorbike or kayak – the best way to discover the empty undeveloped beaches hidden along the north and eastern coasts. The reefs of Ko Rang are also less than an hour’s boat ride away so snorkelling and diving trips are quite popular. There is as yet no major commercial development on the island and no bank or ATM, but bungalows on both beaches will change money. There’s a small clinic off the Ao Nid road, though for anything serious a speedboat will whisk you back to the mainland.
During the rainy season (early June–Sept), choppy seas mean that boat services to Ko Mak are much reduced. Most Ko Mak accommodation stays open – and offers tempting discounts – but the smaller places often don’t bother to staff their restaurants. Islanders say that it can be very pleasant during this “green season”, though you may be unlucky and hit a relentlessly wet few days.
Activities on Ko Mak
The mediocre reefs of Ko Rang, part of the Ko Chang National Marine Park, are less than an hour’s boat ride west of Ko Mak and are the island’s main diving and snorkelling destination; they’re the main focus of Ko Chang dive and snorkel boats too, so you won’t be alone. You can also join a cookery class.
Ko Kood
The fourth-largest island in Thailand, forested KO KOOD (also spelt Ko Kut and Ko Kud) is still a wild and largely uncommercialized island. Though it’s known for its sparkling white sand and exceptionally clear turquoise water, particularly along the west coast, Ko Kood is as much a nature-lover’s destination as a beach-bum’s. Swathes of its shoreline are fringed by scrub and mangrove rather than broad sandy beaches and those parts of the island not still covered in virgin tropical rainforest are filled with palm groves and rubber plantations. Most of the 25km-long island is penetrated only by sandy tracks and, in places, by navigable khlongs, if at all. All of this makes Ko Kood a surprisingly pleasant place to explore on foot (or kayak), especially as the cool season brings refreshing breezes most days. The interior is also graced with several waterfalls, the most famous of which is Nam Tok Khlong Chao, inland from Ao Khlong Chao and the focus of occasional day-trips from Ko Chang and Ko Mak.
Because of its lack of roads, Ko Kood has to date been the almost exclusive province of package-tourists, but things are becoming much easier for independent travellers, with a choice of scheduled boat services from the mainland, as well as from Ko Chang and Ko Mak, and the emergence of some budget-minded guesthouses. The island is still pretty much a one-season destination, though, as rough seas mean that nearly all the boat services only operate from November through May. An increasing number of places are staying open year-round, however, and offer tempting discounts to those willing to chance the rains and the off-season quiet. There is some malaria on the island so be especially assiduous with repellent and nets if you are not taking prophylactics; there’s a malaria-testing station in Ban Khlong Hin Dam.
Most of Ko Kood’s fifteen hundred residents make their living from fishing and growing coconut palms and rubber trees. Many have Khmer blood in them, as the island population mushroomed at the turn of the twentieth century when Thais and Cambodians resident in nearby Cambodian territory fled French control.
The main settlements are Ban Khlong Hin Dam, just inland from the main Nam Leuk (Hin Dam) pier, Ban Khlong Mat, a natural harbour-inlet a few kilometres further north up the coast, the stilted fishing village of Ban Ao Salat across on the northeast coast and the fishing community of Ban Ao Yai on the southeast coast. On the southwest coast, several of the main beaches also have small villages. Of these, the obvious choices for budget travellers are Ao Khlong Chao and Ao Ngamkho, which both have a choice of accommodation and eating options and are within walking distance of each other; Ao Bang Bao also has cheapish bungalows and is the longer and arguably better beach but has no village and is more isolated. Seclusion is the thing on all the other west-coast beaches, most of which are the province of just one or two upmarket resorts.
Diving and snorkelling off Ko Kood
Ko Kood’s three dive operators charge around B3000 for two dives, with snorkellers paying B1000, and B14,500 for the four-day Openwater Diver course. You might prefer to opt for a local Ko Kood dive as the usual sites around Ko Rang are always packed with dive boats from Ko Chang and Ko Mak.
BB Divers
Opposite Away Resort at the north end of Ao Khlong Chao t082 220 6002, wbbdivers.com.
Koh Kood Divers
Next to Siam Beach Resort at Ao Bang Bao t085 698 4122, wkohkooddivers.com.
Paradise Divers
Headquarters at Ko Kood Beach Resort at Ao Khlong Mat, with another desk at Happy Days on Ao Ngamkho t087 144 5945, wkohkood-paradisedivers.com.
Top image © Punnawit Suwattananun/Shutterstock
-
Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert
-
Book securely with money-back guarantee
-
Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support
Monica
We had a great trip and thoroughly enjoyed our time in Thailand! Really appreciate all your coordination. All the guides were wonderful, they were both gre...
Read all reviews ⤍