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Bangkok, Thailand
Use Bangkok as your gateway to the south. Explore the riverside Rattanakosin district, eat pad kra pao at a street stall, and book your onward train or flight to the Gulf islands. Stay near Silom or Sukhumvit for easy transport connections.
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Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui is the largest Gulf island with beautiful beaches like Chaweng and Lamai. Don't miss the quirky Big Buddha temple and fresh seafood along the Fisherman's Village in Bophut. Rent a scooter to circle the island and find hidden coves.
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Koh Phangan, Thailand
Famous for the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin beach, but the northern and western shores offer serene jungle retreats and quiet bays like Thong Nai Pan. Catch a ferry from Koh Samui in under an hour. Yoga retreats and wellness centers are popular here.
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Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao is one of the world's best and most affordable places to get PADI dive certified. Snorkeling at Shark Bay and Mango Bay is excellent even for non-divers. The island is small enough to explore on foot — base yourself at Mae Haad or Sairee Beach.
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Krabi, Thailand
Krabi town is the hub for Andaman Sea adventures including the iconic Railay Beach, only accessible by longtail boat. Rock climbing on the limestone karsts is world-class and the Tiger Cave Temple offers panoramic views. Take a four-island tour by speedboat.
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Koh Lanta, Thailand
Koh Lanta is a laid-back Andaman island with long sandy beaches like Long Beach and Klong Dao, ideal for sunset watching. The Old Town on the east coast has charming wooden stilted houses and great seafood restaurants. Snorkeling day trips to Koh Rok are stunning.
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Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Koh Phi Phi Don is one of Thailand's most photogenic islands, with Maya Bay (from The Beach) nearby on Phi Phi Leh. The viewpoint hike at sunset is unmissable. The island is car-free so everything is walkable — stay near Loh Dalum Bay for the best views.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
End your trip in buzzing Ho Chi Minh City, flying in from Phu Quoc in under an hour. Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace for history, then explore the street food scene in District 1 and the hip Bui Vien walking street. Ben Thanh Market is great for last-minute souvenirs.
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Nha Trang, Vietnam
Nha Trang is Vietnam's beach resort capital with a long crescent bay lined with resorts. Take a boat trip to the outer islands for snorkeling and visit the ancient Cham Towers at Po Nagar. The mud baths at Thap Ba Hot Springs are a unique local experience.
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Hoi An, Vietnam
Fly into Da Nang and head straight to Hoi An's magical lantern-lit Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get custom clothes tailored overnight on Tran Phu Street and eat white rose dumplings and cao lau noodles. An Bang and Cua Dai beaches are a short bike ride away.
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Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is a modern coastal city with the famous golden-handed Ba Na Hills cable car and the marble mountains. My Khe Beach stretches for miles and is great for swimming. Use the city as a transit hub between Hoi An and further north or south.
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Hanoi, Vietnam