Thailand

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Bangkok

Bangkok embraces the weird, the wonderful and the whacky. Its happy essence and vibrant nature is owed to the every day hustle and daily grind of the local people. Enriched with culture and many delights that go way beyond a plate of Pad Thai, this city is a must see for any traveller visiting Thailand.

Getting Around

Bangkok is brimming with transport options. Choosing the right mode that is fit for your journey is vital.

  • Train

    The BTS Skytrain is likely the most convenient way for you to reach your destination in the shortest time possible. There are 61 stations along three main lines. This mode of transport is cheaper than taxis and covers all the major Bangkok neighbourhoods.

  • Taxi

    Bangkok taxis are everywhere and come in an array of funky colours. Although taxis may appear to be the fastest option, the traffic in Bangkok is notoriously busy, so depending on the time of day, be prepared for a 10-minute trip to take up to an hour!

  • Tuk-Tuk

    A cultural emblem and still a somewhat reliable mode of transport in the heart of Bangkok. Flagging one down shouldn't be too difficult, especially around the tourist area of Siam. Prices will vary wildly and a 10-minute spin could set you back around 300baht.

Top Attractions

  • The Grand Palace

    The Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace is a must see. Give yourself at least 90 minutes to enjoy the grounds and the stunning shrines. There’s a 500 baht entry fee and a strict dress code, so be sure to cover your legs and shoulders at all times.

  • Ancient City

    The Ancient City is a large outdoor museum shaped to reflect the map of Thailand and dedicated to bringing lifelike, (with some smaller scale) representations of the country’s oldest and most sacred buildings. A full day is necessary to cover the grounds, as is hiring a bicycle (or a cart buggy) on arrival - and don’t forget to look out for buffaloes on your travels!

  • Koah San Road

    Koah San Road, which now represents a series of streets, is a place in downtown Bangkok where backpackers and tourists are immediately drawn to from when they first touch down in the airport. It’s a great place to meet people, to grab a cheap bite and to have a fun party!

The absolute best location in Bangkok for those who love to shop, love to explore, and be in the heart of one of the busiest districts in Bangkok! When visiting Bangkok, you’ll feel right at home at Lub d Bangkok Siam Hostel, which offers quality accommodation and great service. They are right at the National Stadium Skytrain so getting around Bangkok or to the airport, markets and temples could not be easier.

Travellers will find the spacious common area where The Right Bar is there to serve light breakfast, snacks and a variety of cool beverages. Guests can sit on bean bags and watch movies in the communal lounge room or hangout in the lobby area, or large outdoor area to do some people watching. They have a great bar in reception called District service, the best street food that Bangkok has to offer, paired with a fantastic drinks menu. Get yourself a cocktail or a beer tower! Need a pick me up in the morning? Try their world famous coffee at their very own coffee shop, Rodken. Locally sourced coffee beans, great pastry snacks and their signature cloud coffee. What’s a cloud coffee? Great question, but it’s best if you try one to find out!

Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is Thailand’s 5th biggest island and one of the most beautiful and wild. Located 70 km from the mainland and just 12 km from Koh Samui, Phangan does not have an airport and relies heavily on ferries from the mainland and Koh Samui to transport visitors. The island is renowned for its lush tropical jungle interior, many idyllic, long, white-sand beaches and over 20 nearby dive sites. Koh Phangan’s main claim to fame is its legendary Full Moon Party, Black Moon Party with the Full Moon celebrations attracting between 10,000 and 30,000 revellers during New Year’s Eve.

Top Attractions

  • Haad Rin Beach

    Although Haad Run Beach is best known for its Full Moon Party, this stunning spot has a lot more to offer than just drinks and beachfront clubbing. A mix of natural beauty and convenience, with a great selection of restaurants, bars and shops close by can be found at Haan Rin Beach.

  • Ban Tai Beach

    Stretching along much of Koh Phangan’s southeastern coast, Ban Tai Beach is a long beach that offers fantastic views of the sunset. Many of the island’s most popular resorts, hotels and restaurants are located along the beach, making it a convenient place to stay.

  • Haad Yao Beach

    Located on Koh Phangan’s quiet eastern coastline, Haad Yao Beach is a naturally beautiful beach that’s well known for its great snorkelling. Clear water and a reef situated just off the beach make Haad Yao one of the best beaches in Koh Phangan for snorkellers and water lovers alike.

Where to Stay

From inexpensive beachside bungalows to luxury resorts, a wide range of hostels, hotels and resorts are available on Koh Phangan, making it a great choice for luxury and budget travellers alike.

Phangan Arena is one of the most complete hostels in Koh Phangan, famous for some of the best pool parties on the island and their surprisingly cheap drink deals. The hostel is located only 100 meters away from the beach and 5 minutes drive from the walking street and night food market, located at the main pier.

The facilities at Phangan Arena are unmatched with any other hostel on the island, not only is there a swimming pool, free gym and multiple ping pong and pool tables, the hostel has a beautiful 7 v 7 soccer field, where multiple games are organised almost every night, a fantastic way to make friends.

Phangan Arena also offers extra services to make your trip even more enjoyable and easier. The additional services provided are: motorbike, car and jetski rental, laundry, travel agency, tours and day trips, scuba diving tips and so much more.

The hostel’s slogan is “come as a guest, leave as a friend”, and this really does sit true. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and they are always looking to help. You won’t regret staying at Phangan Arena, so what are you waiting for? Let’s party!

Koh Samui

With an international airport and frequent ferry services, Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s easiest islands to access. From the crowded bars and restaurants of Chaweng to beautiful, undeveloped beaches on the island’s southern coastline, Koh Samui offers a range of experiences for people seeking warm weather, stunning beaches and unforgettable memories.

Top Attractions

  • Chaweng Beach

    The most developed and touristy beach is Chaweng on the east side of the island. The atmosphere of an evening can be electric, so if you’re looking for a party Chaweng is the place to be.

  • Big Buddha Temple

    A visit to Koh Samui is not complete without visiting the graceful, golden Big Buddha. The 12-metre tall statue is located in the northern part of the island, close to the airport. Arrive early to avoid queues and give yourself at least 60 minutes to take in its magnificence.

  • Fisherman’s Village

    Once a village for fisherman (surprise), this area is now magnet for tourists. The original shops have been transformed into some of the island’s most popular restaurants, souvenir shops, galleries and accommodation.

Lub d Koh Samui is situated right in the heart of Chaweng Beach. Here the trusted Lub d brand has brought the social hotel concept to the beautiful Island of Koh Samui, hitting that sweet spot between high-end hotels and social connections.

This beachfront hotel has all the high end finishings you would expect from a luxury resort but with an affordable price tag. Lub d Koh Samui is so much more than a bed. Home to Chaweng’s newest world-class beach club, The Tropics, featuring a beachfront infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand (set be the most Instagrammable venue in Koh Samui)

Lub d further promotes their vision of overall guest experience through their excellent facilities. Despite being only meters from the sea, Lub d boosts a swim-up pool bar, a games hub, a floating DJ booth & beachside restaurant.

Lub d not only offers deluxe en-suite rooms with sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding tropics but also family and friends room. Lub d has also pioneered first of their kind high-end female and mixed shared accommodation. Lub d guarantees comfort, style and exceptional service with any room and provides an accommodation experience like no other in Thailand.

Koh Tao

Located on the east side of the Surat Thani coastline with neighbouring Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, Koh Tao is famous for its diving and diverse marine wildlife. True to its English translation ‘Turtle Island’, Koh Tao is destination boasting natural beauty above and below the water. With stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life, thousands of water lovers and adventurers travel to Koh Tao to enjoy an unforgettable dive experience.

Top Attractions

  • Sairee Beach

    Sairee Beach is the place to be if you want to meet people, enjoy parties and explore the plethora of bars and restaurants situated along the beach. At Sairee Beach you’ll find several events on each night, lots of places to eat, and the best dive centres and schools.

  • Koh Nang Yuan

    Koh Nang Yuan is a small island - well, technically three islands, connected by a sandy isthmus. Located just a short distance from Koh Tao’s northwest coast, a breathtakingly beautiful view awaits anyone who reaches the top of the famous viewpoint.

  • Mae Haad

    Koh Tao’s busiest area, Mae Haad is where you’ll step of the ferry from Chumphon or Koh Samui. A mix of restaurants, bars and convenience stores make Mae Haad a fun place to go out at night, although most of the island’s nightlife is in nearby Sairee Beach.

Where to Stay

Situated just an eight minute walk from Sairee Beach, Summer Guesthouse and Hostel features accommodation with a shared lounge, free high speed WiFi, and free parking for guests who drive. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen and a rooftop sun terrace.

Their friendly staff can organise everything for guests including tours, scuba diving, motorbike rentals, ferry/bus tickets and other activities. With shared dorms, deluxe private rooms and standalone bungalows, Summer caters for all travellers.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a piece of Asian paradise boasting aqua waters, golden sands and idyllic seascapes. The stunning location for Danny Boyle’s critically acclaimed movie The Beach, Phi Phi’s tropical scenery and infectious island vibe have made it one of the biggest tourist attractions in Thailand.

Top Attractions

  • Phi Phi Leh & Maya Bay

    Most boat tours in Phi Phi island will take you to the best spots such as Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Loh Samah Bay, Nui Bay and Long Beach. Swim, snorkel and watch cute monkeys run around on the white sand while you lay back and enjoy an unforgettable spot.

  • Phi Phi Viewpoint

    One of the best and easiest ways to experience Phi Phi is by hiking the island, a popular route being the comfortable 30-minute hike to a viewpoint at the southern end of Ao Lo Dalam. Expect a quiet, pretty bay with a curve of white sand, skimming the crystal blue water. It’s the perfect setting for a swim after a sweaty walk

  • Monkey Beach

    Monkey Beach is a stunning 150-metre-long strip of white powdery sand fringed by emerald waters. Not to be confused with Monkey Bay (a similar spot located on the other side of Phi Phi Don Island) Monkey Beach is also famous for its top-notch snorkelling spots.

Where to Stay

Before you book this awesome hostel, please be aware that it is a party hostel located on the beach front. While that means amazingly spectacular views and great parties right at your door step, it also means loud music until 1am and sand can get in your room. They do more than their best to keep it out, but if you’re looking for somewhere with more chilled vibes, we recommend staying at their other hostel located a few minutes from the beach, Rehab Hostel.

Dorm rooms all have air-con, are cleaned each day, and guests are given a free towel at check in. They have free WiFi, safety lockers (you need to bring your own lock), CCTV and 24/7 security guards. There’s also an onsite travel information office from which you can book ferries or day tours. They have hot showers (located upstairs) and their facilities are cleaned multiple times a day, but please be aware that this is a party hostel on the beach front.

Phuket

Phuket is arguably one of the most popular and scenic destinations in Thailand, if not South-East Asia. It is an island surrounded by natural beauty; lush, green jungle afoot pristine blue waters and sandy beaches. With so many unique experiences such as bamboo rafting and jungle trekking, to island hopping and scuba diving, on offer, there’s something for everyone in Phuket.

Top Attractions

  • Big Buddha

    Located on a large hill between Chalong and Kata Beach, Phuket’s 45 metre Big Buddha is a great place to appreciate views of the island’s western coastline. While this deeply religious site is free to visit, funds for the construction and maintenance of Big Buddha are entirely derived from the donations left by tourists.

  • Freedom Beach

    A 300-metre-long strip of some of the finest white sand in Phuket, Freedom Beach has all the isolation of a pristine desert island but also with a restaurant and beach chairs available. It has none of the usual jet skis, parasailing and wandering vendors to pester you while you’re chilling out (as are common on some of the busier beaches), making it the best balance of peaceful and quiet without sacrificing convenience.

  • Bangla Road

    Phuket's Bangla Road really comes to life after sunset, when the road is closed to traffic and becomes a 400-metre festival of neon lights, loud music and cheap beer. Jammed most nights of the year, it's quite a friendly and lively place to walk around, with dozens of bars and clubs competing with each other for customers.

Without any doubt there is only one hostel to stay at in Phuket and that’s Lub d Phuket Patong. Voted in 2017 as the Best New Hostel in the world, it has to be seen to be believed. Showcasing an outdoor see-through swimming pool and large terrace to enjoy the sun, where you can enjoy a few cocktails & beers, while hanging out with other travellers. Lub d Phuket Patong is located in Patong with just a casual 2 minute walk to the beach. Hit the nightclubs & bars on Bangla road in the evenings with a 5 minute walk as well.

Lub d Patong is an ultra modern, cool, hip, Instagrammable destination with a huge lobby/common area that provides everything from a games area, pool table, foosball, air hockey, and to top it off the only known property to have a full Muay Thai Boxing Ring and training area smack in the middle of the lobby! See it, to believe it! Put your feet up and hang out with like-minded travellers in Splash Bar & Bite which has a large bar that provides food and beverages from the coolest chefs, barista and mixologists. If that is not enough, they also have a co-working space for those who want to mix a little business with pleasure while travelling, and last but not least a dedicated activity team who set up activities all day and into the evening including our famous pool party.