Why Eastern Thailand
Eastern Thailand is the Kingdom’s breezier, island-studded shoulder, tracing the Gulf coast from Pattaya’s buzzing resort strip out to a scatter of forested islands within a few hours of Bangkok. Pattaya’s international airport links and lively energy make it an easy first or last stop, while just offshore, Koh Chang’s jungle-clad hills and waterfalls give way to some of the country’s wildest, least developed beaches. Further along the coast, quieter Koh Kood keeps its bays and coconut groves largely to itself, and breezy Koh Samet packs postcard-white sand within a short hop of the capital. Inland, Chanthaburi’s gem markets, fruit orchards and riverside old town add a slower, cultural counterpoint. Rainforest islands, sleepy fishing towns and some of the Gulf’s calmest waters sit side by side here, making Eastern Thailand equally suited to a quick beach break from Bangkok or a longer island-hopping finale.
Eastern Thailand keeps its pace unhurried – a short run from Bangkok delivers island beaches, fishing villages and gem-trading towns within the same easy loop, ideal as a standalone escape or a relaxed bookend to a longer Thailand journey.
Destinations in Eastern Thailand
Thailand Tours
A 10-day stylish journey pairing Chiang Mai’s temple heritage with Myanmar’s iconic highlights, from Yangon’s colonial charm to Bagan’s ancient pagodas and the villages of Inle Lake.
A 13-day classic Thailand journey from Bangkok’s palaces and floating markets through Chiang Mai’s temples and elephant encounters to the island paradises of Krabi and Phi Phi.
A tropical island getaway spanning Koh Phangan’s beaches and jungle waterfalls to Koh Tao’s world-class diving and snorkelling with reef sharks and turtles.
A 12-day ultra-luxury Thailand journey pairing ancient heritage—from Bangkok to the Golden Triangle—with rejuvenating wellness experiences and private, curated indulgence.
A 9-day overland and river journey from Chiang Mai through the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang, blending northern Thai temple culture, hill-tribe heritage, and a scenic Mekong cruise into Laos.
An 11-day exclusive escape through Thailand’s finest luxury properties, from Bangkok’s temples and Chiang Mai’s Lanna heritage to the wild Golden Triangle and Phuket’s Andaman beaches.
A 5-day private corporate retreat in a luxury Golden Triangle tented camp, blending team meetings with hill-tribe hikes, spa wellness, and immersive Northern Thai culture.
An 8-day beachfront escape to Koh Samui, combining luxury resort relaxation with island adventures like snorkelling, waterfalls, and the iconic Big Buddha temple.
A 3-day private luxury cruise aboard the intimate Mekong Kingdoms Gypsy, sailing from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang through hill-tribe villages, sacred caves, and riverside scenery.
THAILAND JOURNALS
Insights and inspiration for travel designers and discerning travellers planning a journey through the Thailand.
- The November Question: Where in Thailand to Send Clients for the High Season
- The Best Thailand Beach Holidays to Look Forward To
- Best Time to Visit Thailand: A Guide to Weather, Events, and Experiences
- The Mandarin Effect: Bangkok After the Bamboo Bar
- Phuket After the Show: Villas, Chefs, and the Charter Fleet
- Rejuvenate in Paradise: Thailand’s Most Exclusive Wellness Escapes
- Mike White’s Thailand: The Trip the Show Should Have Taken
Ready to Start Planning Your Thailand Journey?
Tell us your travel dates and interests. You’ll receive a personalized itinerary proposal within 48 hours — no commitment required.
Thailand / Essential Information
- Visas and border crossings
- Country facts and figures
- Language and culture
- Security
- Money
- Mobiles and the Internet
- Travel to and around Thailand
- And more
