Thailand Part II: Flights, Hotels, Lounges, Food, Shopping & Travel Tips 🇹🇭
Thailand Part II: Flights, Hotels, Ferries, Food, Costs, Cash & Essential Travel Tips
In Part I of this Thailand series, I shared the heart of our adventure — Koh Tao scuba diving, whale shark encounters, certifications, community, and unforgettable moments underwater.
Part II is about the logistics and real-life details that make a long international dive trip feel smooth instead of stressful: flights, hotels, ferries, airport lounges, food, shopping, costs, cash, safety, culture, and the practical tips I would absolutely use again.
If you’re planning a Koh Tao scuba diving trip, traveling to Thailand for the first time, or considering joining a future Seaira Dives adventure, this guide is meant to be honest, detailed, and experience-based.
Flying to Thailand: BWI → Minneapolis → Incheon→Bangkok
We started our journey flying out of Baltimore/Washington International Airport, connecting through Minneapolis before crossing the Pacific.
Delta One on the Airbus A350-900 (First Time Ever)
On the Minneapolis → Incheon leg, we were upgraded to Delta One, and it was my first time ever flying Delta One.
The aircraft was an Airbus A350-900, and it completely changed what long-haul travel can feel like.
Delta One highlights:
Fully lie-flat seat with direct aisle access
Spacious, private-feeling suite layout
High-quality bedding and pillows
Thoughtful, attentive service
The ability to truly sleep, not just survive
Missoni Amenity Kit
Taittinger Champagne
A Reality Check (and Why Points Matter)
Let’s be very real — Delta One cash fares often run $4,000–$8,000, which simply isn’t realistic on a scuba instructor’s salary.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and upgrading with points made it attainable. Being able to arrive rested, functional, and excited instead of completely wrecked was absolutely worth it.
Would I pay cash? No.
Would I do it again with points? In a heartbeat.
From Incheon International Airport, we continued on to Thailand.
What I Always Pack for Long-Haul Flights
Traveling to Koh Tao is a true long-haul odyssey — multiple flights, airport connections, time zones, and a final ferry across the Gulf of Thailand — so my carry-on becomes my survival kit. It’s a marathon of dry cabin air, stiff legs, lost sleep, and endless gate changes, but this trip I absolutely dialed it in.
I packed everything in my Away Everywhere Tote, with all my in-flight hygiene essentials organized neatly inside the Away Small Toiletry Bag.
In my personal bag, I packed everything I needed to stay hydrated, refreshed, and comfortable:
Yes To Cucumber face wipes for a quick cleanse mid-flight (I have sensitive skin, these are the ones that work best for me)!
Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes because airports
Hypochlorous acid face mist to keep my skin from breaking out
Moisturizer + lip balm for that cabin-air dehydration
Beekeeper’s Naturals Liposomal Propolis with Vitamin C — my go-to immune support in my carry-on. Easy to pack, shelf-stable, and perfect for long travel days or flights when you need a quick wellness boost.
My Manta eye mask is perfect for true blackout sleep, but if you’re a side sleeper, I recommend this silk eye mask instead — it’s designed to stay comfortable without pressing against your face.
Earbuds are a must — perfect for movies, meditation, or drowning out engine noise. My Apple AirPods are lifesavers for blocking out screaming children and those determined to chat even when the cabin lights are dimmed. I also bring a Bluetooth airplane adapter so I can connect wirelessly and watch the seat-back TV without fuss.
Hand lotion to fight dry skin
I swear by the Zestt Organic Travel Scarf in Dreamsoft Organic Cotton — it’s unbelievably soft and doubles as a lightweight blanket or wrap in chilly lounges and on long flights.
Pill organizer with melatonin, probiotics, Tums, Advil, etc.
Flushable wipes, just trust me
And the true MVP: a Biodance sheet mask — you genuinely wake up looking hydrated instead of zombie-fied. I cannot recommend this sheet mask enough.
These small essentials kept me comfortable, refreshed, and human during the journey — and they all fit neatly into my carry-on organizer.
You can shop my exact travel must-haves in my Amazon storefront here:
Arrival in Bangkok: The Nicest Airport Hotel I’ve Ever Stayed In
We landed in Bangkok late due to delays, so this stop was entirely about rest and recovery.
We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, and I can confidently say:
👉 This is the nicest airport hotel I have ever stayed in.
Why it stood out:
Top-notch room — spacious, modern, quiet, and beautifully designed
Exceptional service from check-in through departure
Pool views that felt resort-level, not airport-adjacent
A calm, polished atmosphere that felt genuinely restorative
Our room was upgraded thanks to Marriott status, which elevated the stay even further.
Breakfast Worth Waking Up For ☕🍲
Breakfast the next morning was excellent:
Thai tea
Fresh fruit and pastries
And a Tom Yum soup I still dream about — fragrant, rich, and perfectly balanced
If you’re landing late in Bangkok and flying onward, this hotel is absolutely worth booking.
Bangkok Airways to Koh Samui
From Bangkok, we flew Bangkok Airways to Koh Samui.
Smooth, calm, and efficient — exactly what you want after a long international journey.
Koh Samui: One Perfect Beach Reset
We spent one night at King’s Garden Resort, located right on the beach.
This stop was intentionally slow:
Lounging by the ocean
Drinking fresh coconuts
Letting nervous systems reset
Watching the tide roll in and out
Petting all the dogs
That single night made a huge difference before continuing to Koh Tao.
Ferry Day: Koh Samui → Koh Tao
For island transfers, we used Lomprayah high-speed catamaran ferries.
The Honest Reality
👉 Lomprayah is not well organized, but not really their fault. I swear standing in line like a nice normal person is a lost art.
Expect:
Hectic shuffling during boarding
Minimal line structure
People moving in all directions
Bags being loaded quickly with little instruction
Important tips:
Make sure your bags get placed inside the ferry
Keep eyes on your luggage until it’s loaded
Expect chaos — not order
👉 Breathe. Be patient. It will all be fine.
It may feel chaotic at first, but it works — somehow everyone and their bags make it exactly where they need to go. Once you’re onboard, the ferry ride is surprisingly smooth and beautifully scenic, with views of the gulf and distant islands drifting by. When we arrived on Koh Tao, the Ban’s team was waiting right at the pier to greet us and transport us directly to the resort, which made the transition effortless. Just note that you’ll need to pay a small 20 THB entry fee (about 67 cents USD) upon arrival.
Breakfast at Ban’s Dive Resort: Surprisingly Fantastic
One detail that deserves real praise: the breakfast included at Ban’s Dive Resort was fantastic.
Each morning offered:
Thai breakfast options
Omelets made to order
Fresh fruit and coffee
And pancakes that everyone weirdly agreed were FANTASTIC
Perfect fuel for busy dive days.
Safety, Friendliness & Overall Vibe in Thailand
I felt safe the entire time in Thailand — from airports to ferries to walking around Koh Tao at night.
People were:
Genuinely kind
Patient and helpful
Used to travelers and very welcoming
Thailand truly lives up to its reputation as “The Land of Smiles.” Whether it was hotel staff, restaurant servers, ferry workers, or locals on Koh Tao, interactions consistently felt positive and respectful.
Learning Basic Thai: It Goes a Long Way 🇹🇭
Before traveling, I took some basic Thai lessons, and it made a huge difference.
Knowing how to:
Say hello
Say thank you
Ask simple questions
Went a long way in building genuine connections. Even small efforts were met with big smiles and appreciation. You don’t need to be fluent — just willing.
You all know that before any trip, I always brush up on basic phrases. I use the Pimsleur app and subscription, and I honestly can’t rave about it enough — it’s simple, effective, and perfect for quick language refreshers on the go.
I can’t recommend enough how helpful it is to learn a few simple phrases before you go — anywhere!
Cash Is King in Thailand
Even though Thailand is modern and traveler-friendly, cash is absolutely king, especially on the islands.
What You’ll Need Cash For:
Small restaurants and cafés
Street food
Taxis and tuk-tuks
Ferries & luggage handlers
Shopping and tips
Currency Tips:
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Exchange rate during our trip: ~35–37 THB = $1 USD
Best bills: 20, 50, and 100 THB
Avoid using 1,000 THB bills — change can be hard to make
ATMs are widely available, but charge a flat fee — fewer, larger withdrawals are best.
Important Health Tip: Don’t Drink the Tap Water
👉 Do not drink the faucet (tap) water in Thailand.
Plan to:
Buy bottled water
Order bottled water at restaurants
Use bottled water for brushing teeth if sensitive
Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available everywhere.
Climate Reality & What to Pack
Even during Thailand’s “cooler” season, it is still hot and humid.
Pack Accordingly:
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Quick-dry fabrics
Comfortable sandals
Bug spray (especially evenings)
Reef-safe sunscreen (protect your skin and the ocean)
You’ll be much more comfortable embracing light layers and natural fabrics.
Koh Tao Beyond Diving: Shopping, Wandering & Island Finds
Koh Tao has plenty of shopping — beachwear, souvenirs, dive gear, clothing, jewelry, and essentials.
👉 Turn down the side streets.
That’s where I found:
My favorite dress of the trip
A pair of flowy beach pants I lived in (wrap pants and yes, I bought elephant pants)
Wooden Mask to add to the collection
Silver Whale Shark Necklace, a gift from the Thailand Crew!
Some of the best finds aren’t on the main road — they’re tucked into quieter corners.
Vegetarian-Friendly Travel in Thailand
One thing that truly impressed me was how easy it was to find vegetarian-friendly options, even on Koh Tao.
Restaurants were happy to:
Swap proteins for tofu or vegetables
Adjust spice levels
Clearly identify vegetarian dishes
Thailand is an incredibly accommodating destination for vegetarian travelers.
Where We Ate on Koh Tao (With Price Ranges)
⭐ Absolute Standouts
Nanya Bar & Restaurant
Best Thai food on the island
We had Panag Curry, Green Curry, Spring Rolls, Papay Salad, and Crispy Spicy Pork - ALL AMAZING
The Nanya Special cocktail and passionfruit mojitos were incredible
Mains: ~120–250 THB
Mango sticky rice standout!
Desserts: ~80–150 THB
Alternative milk options
Elevated food & cocktails
The food and cocktails here are incredible
Mains: ~250–400 THB
Cocktails: ~180–300 THB
👍 Solid Options
Charcoal Bay — ~200–350 THB
Sairee Cottage Restaurant — similar range
😐 Just Okay
Whitening
Ibiza (good cocktails, pricey)
Missed but Highly Recommended
Family Kitchen
The Journey Home: Koh Tao → Koh Samui → Bangkok
We backtracked the same route:
Lomprayah ferry back to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airways flight to Bangkok
Koh Samui Airport Lounge
Before our flight out of Koh Samui Airport, we enjoyed a relaxing stop in the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge— a perfect oasis tucked between Gates 2 and 3 in the domestic terminal. The lounge has comfortable seating, A/C, Wi-Fi, flight monitors, and a nice selection of snacks and drinks, making it an easy place to unwind before boarding. We accessed it with Priority Pass (a great perk that comes with cards like the AMEX Platinum), which turned what might have been a hectic airport wait into a calm, comfortable break
Beer and wine
Made-to-order food
Quiet seating
Five steps from lounge exit to gate
Bangkok Airport: Lounges Last-Minute Shopping
Lounge Access
Air France Lounge (and Korean Air)— thanks to Delta status
This lounge was a game-changer on a long travel day, with excellent Korean food and hot showers. Being able to rinse off, brush my teeth, and change clothes before the next long-haul flight made all the difference — it felt like hitting a reset button mid-journey.
Last-Minute Shopping
Bangkok airport is excellent for souvenirs.
Top shops:
Memories of Thailand
Taste of Thailand
What we bought:
Dried mango
Dried durian
Coconut cookies
Tamarind candies
Thai tea
Cashew treats
Thai tiger-balm-style ointments
Korean Air: Bangkok → Incheon → Detroit → Baltimore
We flew Korean Air, used the Korean Air Lounge in Incheon (which was packed), then continued home.
Travel Tip: Pack Light — You Will Shop
👉 Pack lighter than you think you need to.
Between Koh Tao shopping and Bangkok airport goodies, you will come home with more than you left with.
Final Thoughts: Why the Details Matter ✨
Part I was about the heart of the adventure — diving, whale sharks, and community.
Part II is about the planning and logistics that allowed the trip to feel smooth, comfortable, and supported.
From feeling safe and welcomed, to learning basic Thai, planning for heat, managing cash, ferry patience, and incredible food — the details matter.
If you’re planning a Koh Tao dive trip, I hope this gives you a realistic blueprint. And if you’re thinking about joining a future Seaira Dives adventure, just know:
The details are always taken care of.
See you in the water 🌊🤿
Dive safe, explore passionately, and remember…
