Urban nomads traveling to South East Asia often find themselves jumping on the bandwagon to Thailand. A round-the-year favorite with trippers, Thailand also identifies as a globally loved destination for young travelers looking to celebrate pre-wedding bachelor parties and is an absolute hit with all-girl gangs. So if you’re a bridesmaid or a bride-to-be and got a gang that’s planning on visiting Thailand, look no further than this detailed roadmap here, taking you on a road far less traveled.
Day 1 – Bangkok
Fly to the Thai capital and spend a day soaking in Bangkok’s vibrance or simply check into a hotel to get some of that beauty sleep. Wake up fresh as a primrose before your trip to the south begins. A table of essentials in Bangkok includes its many palaces and temples, a night-time food tour and perhaps even a brush with luxury if you’re not on a strict budget. In case you do choose to step out, here’s what the day should look like.
1. Go Take a Look At the Reclining Buddha
Take a while to appreciate Wat Pho, Bangkok’s top-drawer. At 46 meters, the larger than life Reclining Buddha is the star of Wat Pho temple, complete with gold leafing. On your way out, sneak in a Thai Massage at the adjoining school in the premise, rumored to be the origin of this tradition.
Wat Pho Entrance Fee: 50 Baht (approximately $1.50)
How To Get There: Grab is South East Asia’s version of our Uber. So either Grab it or hire a private car at the hotel.
2. Go For The Wat Arun Temple Next
Another stunning temple; Wat Arun is perched along the Banks of the Chao Phraya River, almost bang opposite Wat Pho. Wat Arun, an epitome of age old Siamese architecture, beautifully exhibits the intricacy of traditional Thai craftsmanship.
Wat Arun Entrance Fee: 100 baht (approximately $3)
How To Get There: Walk up to this temple from Wat Pho.
3. Visit The Grand Palace
Another attraction right up the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is the majestic Grand Palace, home to residents of the Royal Family since the year 1782. Part Museum-part Government corridor, its courtyards and pavilions make for an incredible view. The famed Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew housed in the complex silently retells stories from over two centuries ago.
Grand Palace Entrance Fee: 500 Baht
How To Get There: Walking is the way to go as these three spots are next to one another.
4. Get A Sak Yant Tattoo Or Shop It Out
Debate over whether to go down the well-beaten shopping route or to make the most of an undetermined afternoon by getting a time-honored Sak Yant Tattoo, an ancient art practiced by ajarns (Tattoo Masters). Legend has it that these tattoos extend protection. If you’re iffy about getting inked just go take a tour of Wat Bang Phra to watch master artist Luang Pi Nunn work his magic. Alternatively, head straight to the Chatuchak Weekend Market or the Siam Paragon Mall to satisfy the shopping-junkie in you.
How To Get There: Try Thailand’s version of the tempo, the Tuktuk but don’t forget to bargain and fix the price before hopping in.
How To Reach Wat Bang Phra: Wat Bang Phra is located off Wat Lamut-Nara Phirom Road, Bang Kaeo Fa Subdistrict and can be reached in an hour from Bangkok. It has great reviews online.
5. Call It A Night At Khao San Road
Often dubbed as the ‘center of the backpacking universe’, Khao San Road will give you a glimpse of what nightlife in Thailand can look like. Lined with eating-joints and food stalls, cheap, zany bars, and budget shopping stops, this is Bangkok’s kilometer-long party street. Alternatively, if the gang’s not into party scenes, book yourself a midnight food-tour for some tasty Pad-Thai with crispy noodles. If you’re in the mood for some luxurious indulgence, head straight to the Sky Bar for a cocktail that’s one too many.
Day 2 – Surat Thani
Wake up to begin a trip across Southern Thailand, one that’ll take you away from Bangkok’s starry horizons. Surat Thani offers a sneak peek into Thailand’s Gulf Coast and the beautifully laid back pace of the Thai country.
6. Spend The Day Cruising On A Longtail Boat
After an active day exploring Bangkok, chill out in Surat Thani and go for a mood-lifting boat ride with the girls. Longtail boats can be hired from the nearby pier and literally row you to wherever you fancy. Opt for the route leading to Wat Thong for a calming ride through winding waterways walled by thick, naturally occurring mangrove trees.
7. A Halt At Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong National Marine Park is massive, to say the least. Stretching over some 250 square kilometers, Ang Thong envelops nearly 40 protected islands within. If you’re a group that loves adventure, we’d recommend you hike up the woodlands, take a boat ride up the winding canals or even consider kayaking or snorkeling perhaps.
Ang Thong National Marine Park Entrance Fee: 300 bahts per person (approximately 10$)
How To get There: They have their own private boat service from Donsak in Surat Thani costing 200 bahts per person (approximately 6.5$).
8. Chill Out At The Khanom Beach Or Take A Ride Up To Tham Khao Wang Thong Caves
Spend an evening lazing on the beach with your tribe. There are many virgin beaches around the Khanom Bay with the Khanom Beach being the most spectacular one. A quiet visit to the beach and a relaxing catch-up with the girls will go a long way in defining your trip. If you’re an adventure enthusiast hike up to the Tham Khao Wang Thong Cave, known for its iron and copper laden walls.
Tham Khao Wang Thong Caves Entrance Fee: Free
How To Get There: It can take a little over an hour to reach by road from Surat Thani city center.
9. Visit The Night Market
A visit to the Night Market is a great way to call it a night. Reaching up to a hundred and fifty meters, this street is lined on both of its sides by shops selling colorful wares, food and beverages. Everything here is fairly priced, ensuring it’s not too much on the pocket either.
How To Get There: It’s an easy ride depending on what part of town you’re putting up at.
Day 3 – Koh Samui
Early next morning, catch a ferry to Koh Samui. Ferries leave hourly from Surat Thani to nearby tropical islands like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Sterling beaches, beach-life shenanigans, restful spots to practice yoga or meditate at, marine-life (that the local ecosystem lovingly sustains) and chances to get certified at water sports are just some of the things you can look forward to in Koh Samui. Gear up for a perfect day spent in the tropics ‘cause perks of being in the South of Thailand just happen to be such’!
10. Check Out The Famed Fisherman Village
Fisherman Village gives you some solid country-road meets urban-nomad vibes with its traditional wooden shops selling varied local produce and artistic handicrafts. Add to that its sprawling landscapes and contrasting modern buildings. Indie cafes and boutique restaurants are sure to catch your fancy.
11. Go To Chaweng Next
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island is part of the Chumphon archipelago. It’s here that you’ll find Chaweng – a cosmopolitan bustling town, blessed with some of the prettiest beaches. Lounge on the beach or go flirt with the waves. Take a long walk around town discovering its vibrant markets and get a taste of its yummy food or simply opt for a massage at one of its many spas. Come nightfall, go explore the Walking Street Market or head over to the Night Market and if the girls want to party it right, check out the beachside bars.
12. Go For A Dive
A lesser known but well established fact about Koh Samui? Well, despite its neighbor Koh Tao being the star of diving schools, Koh Samui is not far behind. Diving Schools here are top-notch, combining services worth the hype with thoroughly trained professionals conducting them. Chumporn, Samaran, and Southwest pinnacles are some of the most raved-about dive sites and you can hope to spot reef sharks, groupers, sea turtles, snappers and an opulence of marine life.
11. Bonus : Drop By At A Thai Style Oktoberfest
If you’re traveling in the month of October, A Thai-style Oktoberfest is as fun as it can get in South Asia. This Bavarian tradition is the most recent addition to Koh Samui’s cultural fabric. Classic Teutonic style music and a truly multicultural chatter of happy trippers, coupled with beer make the Oktoberfest perhaps one of the most happening sites in Koh Samui, an otherwise laidback island-city.
Day 4 – Koh Phangan
Keeping true to its tropical character, Koh Phangan is ideal for the self-acclaimed beach bums. This island offers a lot of sights and experiences from the Haad Rin beach to the near-celestial night time beach parties that quite literally refuse to get over. Add a dash of the surreal Full-Moon celebration to your itinerary and you will have successfully created an album to go back to every now and then.
12. Start Your Day With A Ban Thai Herb
Now this is what you call a made-to-order morning for an epic bachelorette in the making! If the girls and you haven’t surrendered yourself to a rejuvenating Ban Horn Tai or Ban Thai massage yet, then do it now. Pamper your senses and a well worn-out body with the world-class services.
Ban Thai Herbal Sauna Pricing: Only 100 Bahts per person (Approximately 3.5$).
13. Go For A Beach Hop In The Afternoon
It’s a great idea to hop beaches while in Koh Phangan, Mae Haad beach being one of Phangan’s dearest. It’s an absolute delight to look at its waters, two separate currents mingling to create a magical confluence of colors with a narrow strip of land dividing. During high tide, this strip transforms itself into a natural bridge.
14. Save The Best For The Last: Full Moon Party
So what exactly is the famed ‘Full Moon Party’? A once-a-month occurrence that has trippers waiting in breathless anticipation, the Full Moon party hosts over 30,000 party goers. Travelers usually plan their trips to Koh Phangan around the full moon night and there’s a monthly schedule available online. Hosted on Haad Rin beach, the evening offers everything from free flowing alcohol to neon/UV body painting to dancing until daybreak.
Find a detailed events Calendar, here.
Day 5 – Koh Tao
Did you know that Koh Tao is Thai for Turtle Island? In fact, this island is known for its coral reefs and its aquatic life. No wonder, it’s a paradise for scuba diving and deep-sea activities.
15. Choose A Water Sport
Go scuba diving or snorkeling and if that’s not for you girls then opt for the slightly less intimidating kayaks. Koh Tao ranks on top for its schools and training centers offering all kinds of diving oriented training. However, a one-time experience is also offered to beginners. Fret not, you’d be trained and fitted with a harness and accompanied by very professional instructors throughout.
16. Go For An Evening Pub Crawl Or Party On The Beach
Every travel brochure for Koh Tao will list a Pub-Crawl on top of its nighttime itinerary and believe you me, it’s a legit crowd-puller. Join happy trippers on this unforgettable hop and stop journey from one pub to another. From Live Band performances to madcap fire-dancing sprees and oodles of drinking, this crawl is what a lit nightlife is made of. The beach parties attract just as many party animals.
Pub Crawl Pricing: Typically under 500 Bahts per person
Where To Book It: This is where you can book it.
17. Bonus – Go For The Koh Tao Underwater International Festival
If you’re traveling in the month of June, here’s something that you absolutely must do! The Koh Tao Underwater International festival takes place every year on the 18th and 19th of June with a lineup of really cool activities (for groups too). From beach cleanup drives to booths offering more on the subject of conservation, there’s lots to do. End it with underwater turtle releasing and Live stage performances.
For a bachelorette, the South of Thailand with its quaint islands, spectacular bays and lush greens, gives you a vibe that’s quite in contrast of its glamorous poster-child, Bangkok. A super chilled-out vacation with your best buds and amazing pictures to look back at are sure to prepare you the right way, for D-day.
