A few people have asked for trip planning resources. I’ll try to begin consolidating some things here.
Our Trips
I am simply placing old information here. The way I planned three years ago is different than I plan today. The things we would enjoy have changed. Some places close, new ones open. Prices change. The right lodging for our family might not be the right lodging for your family. All that said, feel free to use any of the material below as a resource:
Bangkok to Kui Buri
October Break 2023
Who: Our family of 4 (kids aged 10 and 9) + 2 adult guests
Where: Bangkok to Hua Hin to Sam Roi Yot to Kui Buri
When: Oct 15–19
Blog Entries: October Break 2023
Planning Document: Shared draft of possibilities
Southern Thailand
Winter Break 2023–24
Who: Our family of 4 (kids aged 10 and 9)
Where: Cheow Lan Lake, Ko Lanta, Ao Nang, Ko Samui
When: Dec 26–Jan 11
Blog Entries: Winter Break 2023-2024
No Planning Document Available.
Isaan
Songkran Break 2024
Who: Our family of 4 (kids aged 11 and 9)
Where: Northeastern Thailand (Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram)
When: April 12–21
Blog Entries: Songkran Break 2024
Planning Documents: Overview Spreadsheet, Supporting Doc
Eastern Thailand
October Break 2024
Who: Our family of 4 (kids aged 11 and 10) and 1 Grandparent
Where: From Bangkok to Koh Chang and back
When: October 18–27
Blog Entries: October Break 2024
Planning Document: Spreadsheet summary
Vietnam
Winter Break 2024–25
Who: Our family of 4 (kids aged 11 and 10)
Where: Vietnam (North to South)
When: December 26–January 10
Blog Entries: Winter Break 2024-2025
Planning Document: Spreadsheet summary
Ayuthaya & Ko Tao
Songkran Break 2025
Who: Our family of 4 (kids aged 12 and 10), Guests (2 adults, 2 kids)
Where: Ayuthaya and Ko Tao
When: April 12–April 21
Blog Entries: My Blog (under documented), Visitor’s Blog
Planning Document: Spreadsheet summary
Bangkok to Ko Tao & Back Again
October Break 2025
Who: Our family of 4 (kids aged 12 and 11), Guests (2 adults, 3 kids, 1 grandparent)
Where: Bangkok, Ko Tao, and in between
When: October 16–26
Blog Entries: October Break 2025
Planning Document: Spreadsheet summary
Laos
Winter Break 2025–26
Who: Our family of 4 (kids aged 12 and 11)
Where: Vientien, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang
When: December 25–January 8
Blog Entries: Winter Break 2025-2026
Planning Document: Spreadsheet summary
Indonesia
Songkran Break 2026
Who: Our family of 4 (kids aged 13 and 11)
Where: Bali and Komodo National Park
When: April 10–19
Blog Entries: Songkran Break 2026
Planning Document: Spreadsheet summary
Chiang Mai
October 2026
Who: Our family of 4 (kids aged 13 and 12)
Where: Chiang Mai
When: October 12–18
Blog Entries: October Break 2026
Planning Document: Spreadsheet summary
Helpful Links
Train Travel Guide for Thailand
Direct sales of train tickets in Thailand
12go.asia (Note: I have never booked through them, just used them to see consolidated transportation options)
Drive Car Rental I like that they’ll bring the car to me, or pick it up from me. (Note: prices are lower if you sign in first)
Helpful Apps
- Grab (food delivery and ride shares)
- Google Maps
- ViaBus (Bangkok bus routes)
- TSB Go Plus (Thai Smile busses)
- LINE (preferred communication app of Thailand)
- WhatsApp (preferred communication app of many tourist and therefore of some tourist focused Thai companies)