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Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Young travellers are drawn to the excitement and reasonable prices on offer whereas more seasoned explorers seek out authentic cultural experiences and relaxation. As a first-time visitor, Cassam Looch was on the hunt for a little bit of everything. Did his journey from the beaches of Krabi to the sprawling city of Bangkok fulfil his dreams?

I’ve been planning my first trip to Thailand for years now. Its always been near the top of my list for places to visit but for various reasons I have ended up waiting until now. I think it might have been the sheer size of the place that I previously found intimidating. Just how do you pick where to go and how much can you squeeze in on a short trip to the country?

I opted for a tight itinerary that would focus on two popular destinations. Both Krabi and Bangkok are well known, with a dreamy coastal getaway and bustling city vibe respectively on offer at each. My plan was to pack in as much as possible in each destination on my first trip to Thailand, hopefully allowing myself the chance to travel to different areas on my return. The question is, did I enjoy myself enough to want to come back?

Travelling to Thailand

Flights from London to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport take about 12 hours if you go direct. You can opt for a stopover route but this sort of distance feels better done in one go. That’s my preference but it can be tough if you don’t get some of the creature comforts that come with an upgraded seat.

EVA Air is based out of Taiwan and has grown into its status as one of Asia’s premier airlines. The award-winning brand was first established in 1989 and now flies to around 60 international destinations. My flight with EVA Air was departing from Heathrow and terminating in Taipei, with Bangkok actually serving as a stopover (albeit a lengthy one).

I flew Premium Economy and my personal excitement didn’t peak with the comfortable seats, excellent meal selection or lounge access. No, I was beside myself with the Hunter branded amenity kits… something genuinely unique and coincidentally targeted to my tastes! That aside, I found the end-to-end experience such a joy that I am very tempted to try this route again and fly all the way through to Taiwan in the near future.

The practical side once landing is straightforward. You should fill in your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in advance, using this portal. It’s straightforward and can be done from 72 hours before your scheduled arrival. If you have any further questions, this comprehensive guide covers everything.

Thailand genuinely welcomes tourists warmly, so the immigration process is done with smiles and pleasantries. I found this happy attitude everywhere I went on my trip, which started with a quick internal flight onwards to Krabi.

Film locations and natural wonders in Krabi

There are dozens of daily flights to Krabi from Bangkok. It takes around 90 minutes with pre-booked flights costing as little as $30 one-way. Overnight buses are also an option but you’ll usually need an onward taxi or private car to get to your resort. I was staying at one of the most popular beach properties in the province, so an additional boat ride was part of the journey.

All this effort was absolutely worth it as I woke up at Rayavadee on a clear morning with views of emerald seas off the Andaman coast, framed by limestone cliffs, and jungle canopies served up before breakfast!

Railay Beach is a spot everyone wants to visit in Krabi. Day trippers make this a must-see part of their itineraries but I was lucking enough to be staying right here on the Phranang Peninsula. Of around 130 islands that make up the destination, Phi Phi is arguably the best known thanks to the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach (2000) although older moviegoers might also recognise Phang Nga Bay from James Bond’s 1974 adventure The Man with the Golden Gun.

Rayavadee has three beaches which also offer adventurous activities like rock climbing and wild hikes. There is an excellent spa that lets you relax if thats more to your usual pace, but the rooms themselves are like remote treehouses that transport to a different time and place.

The pavilions are two storey and are set against a jaw dropping backdrop of cliffs and trees. I love places like this as you can still enjoy all the facilities and amenities you expect but can also stay in your room all day without feeling guilty. The restaurants are excellent with a mix of international dishes as well as local favourites. Unlike most places I visit, I never missed a breakfast here.

Surrounding the property you’ll find a trail dedicated to Jurassic World Rebirth (2025). The film was shot in various locations in and around Krabi, and as it happens my schedule included a number of spots that featured on screen. For a self-confessed set jetter, I was obviously excited!

If you have seen the latest Jurassic film you’ll instantly recognise Khlong Root. I went on a gentle kayak through the area also known as Crystal Lake, where the waters are surrounded by lush mangroves and impressive rocks. There are designated spots for swimming, although I was on the lookout for specific spots from the film.

I found what I was looking for in the form of a distinctive tree root which saw Jonathan Bailey’s paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis leaning on top for a scene. On the way you will also pass a small bar, which is where Scarlett Johansson and her crew of hired help first meet in the movie.

The food was exceptional everywhere I went. Bold Thai flavours are something we are used to in the UK, but even so the fresh versions made here by locals are impossible to beat. From small independent spots to high-end restaurants, the dishes are prepared with real care and attention. There’s a pride in presenting the best to visitors, so I always felt like I was getting something prepared with authenticity. Of course, the likes of pad thai and sticky rice are available everywhere, but don’t shy away from regional specialities either.

Phra Nang Beach and Phra Nang Cave are a short walk from Railay Beach. The latter was another film location I wanted to visit and just like everywhere else here the limestone rocks light up at sunset. The natural brilliance of it was breathtaking and it’s easy to see why visitors flock to these spots at the end of every day.

In search of the other side of Krabi, I was keen to move away from the beaches and head into the inland areas. I also had another film location in mind when I found myself at Khao Phanom Bencha National Park. This is something of a hidden gem in Thailand, a tropical rainforest with ancient trees and cascading waterfalls.

One of its highlights is Huay To Waterfall, a stunning 11-tier falls with natural pools perfect for swimming. Another gem is Huai Sa Khe Waterfall, plunging from a steep cliff in three tiers into crystal-clear basins. For trekking enthusiasts, conquering the peak of Khao Phanom Bencha is a coveted goal.

It’s a fairly steep climb to the upper reaches of Huay To but as long as you have sensible footwear you’ll be able to get to the falls without any issues. There are various natural pools you can swim in here, so its best to have your swimwear already on underneath your clothing.

This region feels like stepping back in time and it’s obvious why visitors are drawn to Krabi. There’s a great dose of beach life on offer, just the sort you might picture when thinking of Thailand, but the more adventurous traveller will also have plenty to do.

Some of my other expeditions included sunset boat trips to the smaller islands and a great selection of small restaurants for lunch and dinner. The hotel is an excellent base and you can organise day trips with the helpful team there once you arrive, or book in advance.

Krabi exceeded my expectations, and for an area I knew little about before planning my trip to Thailand it felt like a pleasant surprise. My next stop, the bustling capital, was somewhere I thought I knew really well, but writing about a place is no substitute for actually being there.

Exploring the Magical Highlights of Bangkok

The flight back to Bangkok left me with mixed emotions. I was excited to see the sprawling city properly, having landed here a few days ago and leaving immediately for Krabi without setting foot outside of the airport, but I was also worried it might taint my experience of Thailand. Krabi had been such a pleasure, was the urban noise and clamour of Bangkok going to leave me cold?

As a city boy myself, the sheer bluster of Bangkok felt strangely comforting. This is the sort of break I prefer, something involving full immersion into a new culture. The city is huge, with 9 million people living in the central part of Bangkok and a further 10 million in the greater suburbs. Getting around can be tricky if you stick to the roads, but the metro network here is excellent. I found it straightforward to plan trips around the city, and in the evenings taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available.

The first wise choice, and in retrospect it really was a fantastic decision, was to pick a hotel within walking distance of some of the main attractions. I’d still have to travel on public transport at some point, but I might as well eliminate some unnecessary journeys.

Park Hyatt Bangkok boasts a glamorous rooftop, hip bar and exceptional restaurant – as well as all the luxury you expect with the brand. The ground floor is attached to Central Embassy, a high-end mall which itself is connected to the BTS Skytrain. This is the main shopping area and both sides of the main street are full of additional malls that have designer brands and local boutique goods. It was very handy to have all the shopping I needed right on my doorstep. Trips to 7-Eleven were part of my daily routine, and the franchise is popular across Asia, serving all manner of treats.

The views from the rooms of the hotel give you a good sense of the size of the city. This is one part of Thailand that has been featured in various films and TV shows, and it lives up to the hype in person too.

In every direction there are high-rise buildings but you also know there is a wealth of authentic Thailand on the ground just below. I saw covered markets, food stalls and golden temples all calling my name. I could not wait to start exploring but was also desperate to spend a few more hours in my spectacular suite.

There were two aspects to my Bangkok trip I was keen to experience. Local culture and relaxing nature.

Hawker centres are a recurring sight in the heart of the city. The cheap meals from small vendors are essentially traditional fast food, and its a fantastic way to eat like the locals do. Don’t expect porcelain plates or metal utensils, its folding tables, plastic seats and paper cups but the dishes are just as good as anywhere else. This is probably the one time in Bangkok when I felt like the help of someone who spoke the language and knew their way around made for a more enjoyable experience, but its perfectly safe to go it alone too.

From one of these spots we went onwards to the old trading quarters. The Charoenkrung area is full of narrow alleys, street art and all roads lead to the river. On the way there are trendy coffee shops and excellent opportunities to buy meaningful souvenirs.

This area felt like the Thailand I was expecting to see. A blur of colour, aromas, noise and energy. If you can, time your visit to coincide with sunset as it will be a little cooler and you can experience just how vibrant the city is at night. If you think the waking hours are special, wait till you see nocturnal Bangkok!

Restaurants and street food vendors are plentiful. You can opt for a fancy spot (as I did, purely for the view!) or pick up something on the go if you want to see more of what happens after dark. Songwat district leads to the riverside and is perfect for light shopping and meeting friends before a night out.

I found getting around at any time of day or night really safe and easy to do. The temptation to extend an evening out is hard to resist here and if the smart rooftops aren’t to your liking then the intimate, cozy bars scattered across Bangkok will tick all the right boxes.

It wasn’t a particularly late night for me as I had something very exciting to do in the morning, and it required me to be at least semi-functional.

Bang Krachao is known as the ‘Green Lung’ of the city. Its a dense, tree-lined peninsular in the Chao Phraya River. Wooden pathways cut through lush mangroves with homes, coffee shops and even a few rental properties operating here. The best way to experience it all is by renting a bike and following a designated loop on two wheels.

This is a part of the city I think is still relatively unknown to visitors. It’s a great way of feeling in tune with nature even when you are still in Bangkok. The route is well signposted and you can easily stop whenever you want to take pictures or enjoy a few minutes of peace. Renting a bike is straightforward with thousands available when you arrive. You can get here by ferry or taxi, and morning is a great time to visit.

And with that, after a farewell dinner at the stunning Penthouse Bar + Grill back at the hotel, it was back home to London.

It’s worth noting that I travelled in what is traditionally considered the rainy season in Thailand. We had one night of heavy storms on Krabi and a cloudy afternoon in Bangkok, but as you can see it was otherwise clear blue skies everywhere we went. Krabi was less busy than it is in peak season and this made a big difference as we were able to enjoy quiet beaches and avoid crowds in general. With cheaper flights, hotel prices and fewer tourists, I’d pick this time to travel to Thailand again.

The question is, can I wait that long? I’m already planning a return visit before the year is out.