We are back to that familiar question: where to spend a long, slightly indulgent summer.

I know it probably wasn’t top of mind over the past week — and, honestly, I can’t blame you. The wind and rain very much had their moment. But that little pause is now over. According to the forecast, this softer, more forgiving weather isn’t sticking around for long — which means that, sooner or later, you will find yourself scrolling, searching, and quietly planning an escape.

And that is where this series comes in. We have already covered Bali and Georgia — two very different, but equally tempting directions. This time, we are heading to Thailand — or, more precisely, to its islands: Phuket and Koh Samui.

How much does it actually cost to spend the summer there?

Let’s get into it.

I won’t pretend to be too original here — Thailand, especially its islands, sits quite close to Bali in terms of lifestyle. The main difference? Bali leans more polished and curated, with a well-developed scene of stylish cafés and co-working spaces, while Thailand feels slightly more raw and “wild” — in a good way — though it still has plenty of great spots if you know where to look.

In short, here is what makes it work:

Mornings here just feel different. Slower, quieter, with a few extra hours before the day properly begins — and somehow routines stop feeling like a chore.

It is that slightly cinematic feeling — like you have stepped into your own coming-of-age summer. Morning swims, sunset walks, cafés by the water. Not quite a holiday, but something softer — a rhythm you slowly fall into.

Good Wi-Fi, still quite a lot of cafés, and co-working spots when you need them — which, realistically, is all you need to make it work.

Our usual disclaimer — not the most exciting part, but necessary. All the prices you are about to see below are averages, so if your plans lean slightly more indulgent, it is worth allowing a bit of extra budget.

Thailand is, thankfully, a very visa-friendly country — and in most cases, the process is quite straightforward.

If you are staying for under 30 days, you usually won’t need to arrange a visa in advance, as long as your passport is eligible for visa-free entry. Some nationalities are required to obtain a visa on arrival — also relatively straightforward, though it costs around 200 AED. There is also a smaller group of countries — including parts of Africa and countries such as Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Yemen — that will need to apply for a visa before travelling.

However, once you move beyond the 30-day mark, the rules change.

If you are planning to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a tourist visa in advance, regardless of your country of origin. This typically allows you to stay for 60 days and can be extended once you are in Thailand.

Tourist visa (60 days): around 150–220 AED if you apply yourself (agencies usually charge extra).

Extension (additional 30 days): around 200 AED.

When it comes to Asian countries (and Thailand is no exception), the biggest tip is to avoid large platforms like Booking or Airbnb. The reason is simple — these platforms tend to add a noticeable commission, which quietly pushes prices up. So instead, the better options — especially in terms of pricing — are:

Insider tip: while scams aren’t everywhere in Thailand, they do come up often enough to be worth keeping in mind. It is generally best not to send money in advance — instead, try to view the property in person and pay the deposit there.

The same goes for photos: if a place looks unrealistically perfect, especially in an older building, it is worth being a bit cautious. With the humidity, properties tend to age quickly, so the reality can often look quite different from the listing.

When it comes to pricing, it largely depends on the level of comfort you are looking for:

As a general rule, Koh Samui tends to be around 20–30% cheaper than Phuket.

Phuket: Area guide

The biggest insider tip is to avoid the most tourist-heavy areas — especially Patong, and, to some extent, Karon and Kata. They are convenient and right by the sea, but tend to be very crowded.

Kathu is a great alternative. It is more central, far less touristy, and makes getting around easy — most beaches are within a 20-minute bike ride, and Old Town is just nearby.

If you are after something more high-end, Bang Tao is the obvious choice — polished, expensive, and home to some seriously impressive villas. Just south of it, Surin feels a little calmer, with a particularly beautiful and clean beach. Further down, Rawai and Nai Harn offer a more balanced option — generally more affordable than the north, with a slightly more liveable, day-to-day feel.

Koh Samui: Area guide

Chaweng is the obvious starting point — best suited for shorter stays or those prioritising nightlife. It is lively and right by the beach, but can start to feel overwhelming quite quickly.

If you are after something more balanced, Bophut — particularly around Fisherman’s Village — works well. It is walkable, with a good mix of cafés and restaurants.

For longer stays, Maenam is often the stronger choice. It is quieter, more local, and more affordable, with a long, less crowded beach — though you will usually need a bike to get around.

And if you are after a complete switch-off, head to the west side — Taling Ngam or Lipa Noi. It is calm, but almost to a fault — there is very little happening.

Getting around Thailand is generally quite easy. In places like Samui and Phuket, you will mostly rely on two main options: scooters (the go-to choice for both tourists and longer-term residents) and songthaews, which are the main form of shared local transport

Renting a scooter or motorbike for a month typically costs around 200–400 AED. However, if you are staying in a more central or busy area — or simply don’t feel confident riding — it is safer to budget around 500 AED for transport overall.

As for alternatives, a single ride on a songthaew usually costs between 5–15 AED, while a standard taxi ride over a medium distance will be around 30–50 AED.

Thailand is a bit of a perfect match when it comes to food. There are plenty of cafés to spend time in — both local spots and more European-style ones — and the prices are, honestly, very reasonable.

In more casual places, a dish will usually cost around 20–30 AED. In slightly nicer cafés, you are looking at 35–45 AED for something more substantial. Which means that even in more upscale, sit-down spots, a meal will rarely go over 100 AED per person, while everyday meals tend to sit closer to 30–50 AED.

If you are staying longer, you will probably end up cooking from time to time — nothing complicated, just simple things like rice, fish or eggs.

Insider tip: coconuts are kind of essential to try — and, believe us, you will likely end up having them more often than you expect. Fruit is great too, just worth keeping in mind it is quite high in sugar, so best not to go completely overboard.

Life on the Thai islands tends to revolve around three main things: sport, beaches, and tourist attractions — which, conveniently, means you can save on everyday spending like food and shopping. And then, of course, there is nightlife — which very much exists, if you are in the mood for it.

Sport

When it comes to sport, there is one thing Thailand is known for worldwide: boxing. Not trying it almost feels like a missed opportunity — especially considering that some people come here specifically for it.

A single class usually costs around 40–60 AED, while a monthly membership comes to roughly 1,300 AED.

Beach

What else is there to do on an island with near-perfect weather? Even during the summer months — technically the rainy season — it is still warm, and the showers tend to pass quickly.

And for those leaning towards something more active, there is good news: surfing season in Thailand runs from May to October. So whether you prefer lying under the sun or catching waves, both options are very much on the table.

Tourist attractions

A few insider-approved musts.

In Phuket, there are two you shouldn’t miss: visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary (around 200 AED for a 1,5-hour programme) and evening walks through Old Town.

In Koh Samui, the highlights are a little more hidden. The Secret Buddha Garden — a jungle filled with moss-covered statues, small waterfalls, and quiet viewpoints — and Wat Ratchathammaram, a striking terracotta-coloured structure that feels far removed from the usual tourist trail.

If you are thinking of saving a few hundred dirhams here — this probably isn’t the place to do it.

That said, insiders also strongly recommend bringing a small first-aid kit with essentials you personally rely on — especially for anything stomach-related. It will save you both time and stress once you are there.

In terms of cost, insurance usually comes in at around 600 to 900 AED per month, and can be noticeably cheaper for shorter trips. But it is always worth checking first — sometimes your existing insurance already includes Thailand in the coverage.

I know my friends can roughly be divided into two groups: those who prefer to go all in and enjoy their perfect summer stay to the fullest — and those who would rather keep things on the safer, more budget-conscious side. So, for both of you, here we go.

Option 1 — keeping things on the safe side

Apartment — ~1,500 AED

Transportation (bike rental) — ~300 AED

Food (mix of cafés and home cooking) — ~2,000 AED

Hobbies — ~1,500 AED

Insurance — 0 AED

Visa (visa on arrival) — ~200 AED

Total: ~5,500 AED per month

Option 2 — settling in comfortably (with no existing insurance)

Apartment — ~3,500 AED

Transportation — ~1,000 AED

Food — ~2,500 AED

Hobbies — ~2,500 AED

Insurance — ~700 AED

Visa (tourist visa with travel agency support) — ~400 AED

Total: ~10,600 AED per month