I’m not sure why you would want an itinerary—I don’t think beach hopping and bingeing require that sort of planning, do you? Since you ask, Ao Nang and Railey are the go-to beaches in Krabi, somewhat touristy as a consequence. Go on day trips toKo Phi PhiorBamboo Island, rock-climb a limestone cliff or visitTham Phi HueTo, a huge cave with prehistoric rock art. The town itself is more about local flavours — shop, eat or catch performances at the lively night market.Places to stay: Krabi Aquamarine Resort & Spa(from Rs 4,000;krabiaquamarineresort.com) orIslanda Eco Village Resort(from Rs 5,400;islandakrabi.com). Hong Mingon Pruksa Uthit Road is Krabi’s only 100% veg restaurant although their rampant efforts to substitute meat dishes can get icky for vegetarians and veggies themselves are not thick on the ground. Also here isViva Ristorante, a classic Italian restaurant with plenty of veg soups, salads and pizzas.Ruen Maion Maharat Road has loads of Thai veg options, or will make veg versions of anything you want, andSala Buain Ao Nang’s Seafood St has a great veg menu.
Koh Samui’s Grandma and Grandpa statues, Big Buddha and Nu Muang waterfall are touristic must-dos; a day would be very beautifully spent at theAng Thong National Marine Park; you can also try Thai massages, jungle jeep tours, and snorkelling.Places to stay: Pandora Hotel(from Rs 4,900;pandorasamui.com) orHacienda Beach Resort(from Rs 3,700;samui-hacienda beach.com). For good veg, there’s theAmala Vegetarian Resortat the pricey Prana Resort in Bang Rak, the surprisingly affordableRadiance Restaurantat the Spa Samui Resort in Lamai, and theFree House Bungalows Restauranton Bophut beach. At the beaches, try buttery corn on the cob, sticky rice without fish sauce and veggie spring rolls.
InBangkok, Rattanakosin district—the old city—has the main sights: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew are all must-sees. A boat ride on the river is a great way to see the city.Khao San Roadis slightly seedy, but has many cheap places to stay, cafés, bars, clubs, restaurants and markets.Sukhumvithas restaurants, nightlife options and most of the stylish mid-range hotels such asKingston Suites(doubles from THB 1,698;kingstonbangkok.com) orCitadines(apartments from THB 2,347;citadines.com).
In Bangkok, the purely vegetarian 8-stallBaan Suan Pai Food Courtat the Banana Family Park is affordable and fun; don’t leave without trying their vegetable roll and banana muffin. There’s also the super-healthyLiving Food Caféon 57 Soi Prom-Mitr, Sukhumvit, and the saatvikBP Vegetarianat Suan Pluu 8 to the south of Sathorn Road.
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