One Month in Thailand (February Edition)

The beginning of this year felt like it needed something more. More sun, more excitement, more life. February in Northern Europe can feel never-ending—dark mornings, cold winds, and that constant craving for warmth. So we did what many dream about and finally booked that long-awaited escape: one full month in Thailand.

We flew out from Helsinki, full of excitement and honestly just ready to feel the sun on our skin again. This time, we treated ourselves and flew the long-haul with Finnair business class—and it made a huge difference. Having space to properly stretch out, lie flat, enjoy good meals, and actually get some rest turned what is usually a tiring journey into part of the experience. Compared to economy, it felt calmer, more comfortable, and far less exhausting when arriving. The flight itself was still long, but in a completely different way—and knowing what was waiting for us on the other side made it all worth it.

Our plan was simple: explore, relax, and not rush too much. We ended up splitting our time between Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui—with a little Bangkok moment again before heading home.

Here’s how it all went.

Bangkok (First Half Week)

Landing in Bangkok felt like stepping into a completely different world. The heat hit us immediately, along with the smells, the sounds, the chaos—it was overwhelming, but in the best way possible.

I loved how alive everything felt. Street food everywhere, little stalls selling fresh fruit, people rushing around, tuk-tuks zooming past. It felt like there was always something happening.

We spent our days exploring: walking around different neighborhoods, and just soaking in the energy of the city. The temples were absolutely breathtaking—so detailed and grand that it almost didn’t feel real.

One thing we definitely got right—we stayed in hotels with pools both times in Bangkok. And honestly, that made all the difference. The heat combined with the busy city atmosphere can be intense, so having a pool to escape to felt essential.

Phuket (1 Week)

After the city chaos, Phuket felt like a breath of fresh air.

Straight away, we noticed how friendly and welcoming everyone was. It’s something that stayed consistent throughout the whole trip—Thai hospitality is truly on another level.

I loved how easy everything was. You didn’t have to search for food—smoothie stands, fruit stalls, and little restaurants were literally everywhere. Life felt simple and enjoyable.

We spent our days exploring beaches, relaxing, and occasionally getting massages (which quickly became part of our routine). The water was warm, the sunsets were beautiful, and everything just felt… easy.

Koh Phangan (1 Week)

Koh Phangan had a completely different vibe—much more laid-back, slower, and peaceful.

This was the place where time really started to blur together. Days were filled with doing very little, and somehow that felt perfect. Beach, food, maybe a massage, repeat.

It felt like the kind of place where you could truly switch off and just exist without thinking about schedules or plans.

However… leaving there came with a bit of drama.

The speedboat trip between Koh Phangan and Koh Samui was rough. The sea was not calm, and my husband got extremely seasick during the journey. It was one of those situations where you just have to sit through it and hope it ends soon. Definitely not the highlight of the trip.

Lesson learned: always be prepared for unpredictable sea conditions.

Koh Samui (1 Week)

Koh Samui felt like a mix of everything—relaxation, a bit of luxury, and more developed nightlife.

There were so many beach clubs, restaurants, and different beaches to choose from. It felt slightly more “polished” compared to other places, and you could really tailor your experience depending on your mood.

We also did some really fun activities here—like playing football golf, which turned out to be such a random but memorable experience. We even visited the beautiful Santiburi Golf Club, which had incredible views and added a slightly more “luxury” feel to our time on the island.

One thing that definitely added a bit of adrenaline—getting to our hotel involved some crazy steep hills. At times it honestly felt a bit scary, especially with the winding roads. But the views at the top made it worth it.

One moment that really stuck with me—we saw a green snake. Just casually. In nature. That was both fascinating and slightly terrifying at the same time. It’s one of those reminders that you’re definitely far from home.

Also, a quick mention—the Samui Airport was so cool. It didn’t feel like a typical airport at all—more like an open-air tropical space, relaxed and unique, and honestly one of the nicest airport experiences we’ve had.

Another thing that surprised us: flying domestically with Bangkok Airways. Even on short one-hour flights, they served free food and drinks, which felt almost unreal compared to what you usually get on short flights in Europe.

Bangkok (Last Half Week)

Returning to Bangkok at the end of the trip felt completely different compared to the first time.

This time, it didn’t feel overwhelming—it felt familiar.

We already knew what to expect, so we could enjoy it more. We revisited some places, did some last nightmarket shopping, and tried to soak in the final moments of Thailand before heading back to cold Estonia.

And once again, having a hotel with a pool made those last hot days in the city so much more enjoyable.

There’s something about ending a trip where you started—it kind of brings everything full circle.

Final Thoughts

Spending one month in Thailand felt like the perfect amount of time. We didn’t feel rushed, but we also didn’t get bored. Each place had its own personality, and I genuinely wouldn’t remove any of them from the itinerary.

If anything, I’d say this kind of trip is about balance—mixing busy cities with calm islands, adventure with rest.

Would I change anything? Maybe just prepare better for boat trips…but overall, this trip was exactly what we needed—a reset, an adventure, and a reminder of how big and beautiful the world really is.