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I don’t know about you, but I’m always trying to squeeze the absolute most out of every trip.
It’s that cycle of over planning and overthinking, which often leads to sky-high expectations.
And sometimes the results don’t quite match the vision.
Thailand always seems to offer so much that it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
A $20 flight from Bangkok to Phuket, then a $10 ferry from Phuket to Krabi?
With so many affordable and convenient options like this available, how do you even begin to choose?
In a moment of what I could only describe as travel paralysis, I turned to the one travel guru that never sleeps—ChatGPT.
“Where should I go for a quick 3-night trip from Bangkok?” I asked.
What could possibly go wrong?
How AI Picked My Travel Spot
AI gave me 7 solid options, grouped into three categories:
- Beach & Chill
- Nature & Adventure
- Cultural & Scenic
One destination stood out the most., Koh Samet.
“The closest island to Bangkok (3–4 hrs by car + boat). Quiet beaches and a laid-back vibe.”
I was sold.
Getting There: What AI Missed
Did I get picked up by an AI-powered tuk tuk?
Sadly, no.
Instead, I used the 12GO Asia website—my go-to for traveling around Thailand. It’s super convenient and always has great prices.
I highly recommend downloading their app if you’re planning on bouncing around Southeast Asia.
I booked a $20 minivan + ferry combo return from Bangkok. Absolute steal.
And the journey itself?
Classic Thailand: easy peasy.
Once I arrived at the island, I hopped on one of those famous red trucks (called Seangtaews), which were all lined up waiting and ready to go.
20 baht later, I was dropped at my hotel.
Simple, cheap, efficient.
First Impressions: AI vs. Reality
Koh Samet surprised me more than I had expected it would.
Although, AI seemed to had skipped some of the island’s key features, for example:
- The Crystal-clear turquoise water
- It’s Amazing white sand beaches
- That always classic Thai island energy—laid-back, sun-soaked, dreamy vibes.
I stayed at the Sirin Villa Samed, equipped with it’s own private beach.
In my opinion, it was honestly one of the better beach areas on the island, if you’re into a more quieter more local feel.
Bonus? The island is tiny—you can go from one end to the other in under an hour.
And unlike Phuket or Samui, it didn’t feel overrun with tourists.
That balance of convenience and calm is hard to beat.
What I Wish AI Had Told Me
These are things you must know before you go:
- Bring cash – No ATMs on the island! I brought 5,000 baht ($140) and it covered 3 nights just fine. But it all depends on your personal spending habits.
- Island entry fee – Tourists pay 200 baht ($6 USD) upon arrival.
- Book a boat tour – You won’t regret it! I booked mine here through Agoda, but you can usually book one with your hotel on arrival.
- Scooter optional – The island’s small. Just wave down a Seangtaew, and you’re golden.
- Stock up early – If you’re not near Sai Kaew Beach, 7-Elevens are rare. Grab snacks from local Mom & Pop shops during the day.
If you have your own Koh Samet tips, please drop them in the comments below!
Final Thoughts: Would I Let AI Plan My Trip Again?
Are robots taking over?
Are we soon going to be sipping AI-generated cocktails on a virtual reality beach where the sun always shines?
Maybe.
But for now, AI is a great assistant—not a decision-maker.
It pointed me in the right direction, but my instincts made the trip memorable.
Bottom line is trust your gut, travel smart, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself.
You earned this adventure.
Here are some links for my go-to apps and services that will help you navigate Thailand:
- 📱BNESIM – The future of mobile data roaming is here.
- 🚗 12Go Asia – My fave for booking travel across Thailand.
- 🔒 Surfshark – Stay protected online when travelling abroad.
- 🏥 SafetyWing – Top-Notch Travel Insurance Provider.
- 🏦 Wise – Fee free overseas transactions at great rates.
- 🏞️ Klook – Some of the best prices on tours, tickets and excursions.
- ✈️ Google Flights – Compare flights. Absolute game changer.
- 🏨 Agoda – Book hotels with free cancellation and watch for better deals.
- 🗺️ Google Maps – Keeps you in the know on where to go.
- 🛵 Bolt & Grab – The Uber of Thailand (availability varies by city)
- 🌐 Google Translate – Download the app and avoid the awkward silences.
- 🍜 Eatigo – Up to 50% off restaurant bookings.
