Planning a trip to Thailand? Before you book your flights or reserve your first hotel, there are six decisions that will shape every part of your vacation.

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, Bill shares the six questions every traveler should answer before leaving home. These aren't packing tips or travel hacks. They're the big-picture decisions that determine whether you come home saying, "That was the trip of a lifetime," or wondering what you missed.

Whether this is your first visit to Thailand or your fifth, these six decisions will help you build a vacation that matches your travel style, your budget, and the memories you want to create.

Want some help thinking through these important decisions?

I'd be happy to jump on a Zoom call and talk through these six decisions with you. There's no charge. Just email me with the subject line "Itinerary or Zoom," and we'll find a time to chat about your Thailand adventure.

Email: [email protected]

Special Podcast - Book Pre-Order Bonus:

My new book, Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand: Island-Hopping Down the Siam Spice Route, officially releases on September 8th.

If you pre-order the paperback through the special link here in the show notes, I'll send you the full-color eBook immediately, so you can start reading right away. Simply email me your order number, and I'll personally send you your eBook.

Podcast Special Bonus Link: https://www.thailandadventurenetwork.com/ebook-promotion

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's planning their first trip to Thailand. It's like paying it forward, and it really helps more travelers discover the podcast.

Until next time... Travel Far, Connect Deeply, Live Fully!

Sawasdee,

Bill Mullen

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Victor Chen - actor, stunt performer, fight choreographer, Muay Thai instructor, and what I like to call the "Martial Arts Yoda." Victor has spent years returning to Thailand to train, learn from Thai masters, and immerse himself in the country's rich martial arts culture.

We also talk about his latest independent action film, the philosophy that guides both his teaching and his life, and why Thailand continues to be a place that calls him back again and again.

If you've ever thought about training Muay Thai in Thailand - or you've wondered what keeps so many martial artists coming back year after year - you'll enjoy this conversation.

Also, I'd love to hear from you...

Email me your number one question about visiting Thailand. Whether it's about planning your first trip, choosing where to go, learning Muay Thai, or discovering places most tourists miss, send me your question, and I may answer it in a future project I'm currently working on.

Email: [email protected]

Until I see you in the land of Smiles... Travel Far, Connect Deeply and Live Fully.

#travelThailand #ThailandItinerary #Thailandtour #tourThailand #MuayThai

Koh Chang is home to one of Thailand's most spectacular dive sites - the HTMS Chang, the largest intentionally sunk shipwreck in the country. It's also one of the few places where divers occasionally have the unforgettable experience of swimming alongside a whale shark.

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, I sit down with Kristel from BB Divers to hear the stories behind Koh Chang's incredible underwater world. We talk about what it's like to descend onto a 100-meter naval ship resting upright on the seabed, how the wreck has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, and what really happens when a whale shark suddenly appears during a dive.

Whether you're a certified diver, thinking about earning your Open Water certification, or simply fascinated by marine life and adventure travel, this conversation offers a unique look beneath the surface of one of Thailand's most underrated destinations.

If you'd like help planning your own Thailand adventure—whether it's a diving holiday, island-hopping itinerary, or one of my hosted expeditions—I'd love to help.

Email me at [email protected].

Want to see the photos from this episode? Join my free Podcast Insiders list by emailing me with the word "Insider." It's the only place I share the behind-the-scenes photos, and additional resources that accompany many of these episodes.

Sawasdee,

Bill Mullen

This week, we're dropping anchor off the quiet island of Koh Lon in Chalong Bay, just south of Phuket, as the Cruising Guide Expedition continues aboard the Southern Star.

While most visitors race past this corner of Phuket, we're taking our time to explore one of the area's best protected anchorages during the southwest monsoon. Along the way, we take in views of the Big Buddha, discover a forgotten shipwreck, peek over toward Koh He's famous snorkeling reefs, and share what life is really like aboard a cruising sailboat when you're living on Fruit Loops and instant ramen instead of five-star resort buffets.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to sail the Andaman Sea one anchorage at a time, this episode gives you a front-row seat.

Whether you'd like to charter a sailboat for a week, join one of our future expeditions, or simply want help planning an unforgettable island-hopping itinerary, I'd be happy to help.

Email me at [email protected] and put "Itinerary" in the subject line. I'll personally point you in the right direction and answer any questions you have.

Until then... Sawasdee Krup,

Bill Mullen

P.S. - Travel Far, Connect Deeply and Live Fully

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets - the Cruising Guide Expedition Series - we sail to one of my favorite overnight anchorages in all of Thailand... the peaceful northern cove of Koh Yao Noi.

After a quick maintenance stop that got Southern Star back into perfect cruising condition, we drop anchor in a secluded bay surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, emerald water, and swaying coconut palms. I take you ashore to explore two remarkable resorts: Paradise Koh Yao and the adults-only, TreeHouse Villas, one of the most unique luxury resorts I've found anywhere in Southeast Asia.

I break the rule a little in this episode, and share with you my top recommended resort in Southern Thailand.

Planning your own Thailand sailing adventure or looking for the perfect luxury island escape? Email me at [email protected] and I'll help you build an itinerary that's tailored to your travel style. If you're interested in TreeHouse Villas, be sure to mention it in your email, and I'll help you secure a special deal.

Thanks for listening to Thailand Adventure Secrets. I truly appreciate this entire community of intrepid travelers! - Thank you so much for being here.

If you're enjoying the Cruising Guide Expedition Series, please follow the podcast and leave a review. It helps more travelers discover the Thailand most visitors never see.

Sawasdee,

Bill

P.S. Travel Far, Connect Deeply, Live Fully

#treehouseresort #kohyaonoi #travelthailand #thailandadventure #thailanditinerary

In this episode of the Cruising Guide Expedition Series, what was supposed to be a simple maintenance stop turned into a memorable and pleasant anchorage.

After leaving Koh Yang, just south of James Bond Island, we diverted to Koh Chong Lat to replace a temperamental outboard motor and a failed anchor light aboard Southern Star. That unexpected stop led us to a quiet fishing village, a fantastic local seafood restaurant, a hidden anchorage with spectacular views of Wat Laem Sak, and another magical night surrounded by glowing bioluminescent plankton.

Join me as I take you behind the scenes of life aboard a charter catamaran, where changing plans often lead to the best discoveries.

If you're planning a sailing holiday, yacht charter, or island-hopping adventure in Thailand and would like help building an unforgettable itinerary, I'd love to help. Zoom calls are free of charge for Podcast Insiders.

Email me at [email protected] and let's start planning your Thailand adventure.

#Thailandtravel #phukettravel #thailandintinerary

In this episode of the Cruising Guide Expedition Series, we leave the hidden hong at Koh Phanak and make our way toward one of Thailand's most famous landmarks—James Bond Island. But as often happens on this expedition, the biggest surprise isn't the place everyone comes to see. It's the tiny, uninhabited island nearby that almost everyone sails right past.

Join me as I paddle a stand-up paddleboard to James Bond Island, collect another stamp in my Thailand National Parks Passport, and discover a secluded jungle cove on Koh Yang that turns into one of my favorite overnight anchorages of the entire voyage.

This episode is part of the Cruising Guide Expedition Series, where I'm documenting our research voyage through Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Coast as we update the Island Spirit cruising guide for future sailors and adventure travelers.

If you'd like to see the photos from James Bond Island, Koh Yang, and the hidden anchorages featured in this episode, send me an email at [email protected] with the subject line "Insider," and I'll send them to you when I get back with a reliable internet connection.

If you're dreaming of experiencing this side of Thailand by yacht, I'd also be happy to help you plan your own adventure. - simply send an email to the same address and I will get right back to you.

Sawasdee,

Bill

P.S. - Travel Far, Connect Deeply & Live Fully

#Thailandtravel #travelThailand #Thailandadventure

Today marks the third episode of my Cruising Guide Expedition Series, where I'm documenting every anchorage, hidden island, and unforgettable stop as we cruise through Thailand's spectacular Phang Nga Bay and beyond.

This stop takes us to Koh Phanak, an uninhabited island of towering limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and an anchorage that feels like a secret world just a few hours from Phuket. Over the next two weeks, you'll come aboard with me as I share the journey exactly as we're experiencing it, one destination at a time. If you've ever dreamed of exploring Thailand by yacht instead of following the crowds, I'd love for you to join me for the adventure.

If you would like the pictures from the expedition to build your own itinerary, just email me at [email protected]. If you are already a podcast insider, fear not. I'll send the emails as soon as I get back to Bangkok.

Sawasdee,

Bill Mullen - Author of "Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand: Island Hopping Down the Siam Spice Route."

P.S. Travel Far, Connect Deeply & Live Fully

A second, very quick installment of the "cruising guide expedition" series.

We are about to depart from Phuket Yacht Haven for the island of Koh Phanak, in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. I will be describing each island as we explore it. - so join me every day for the next couple weeks as we find the more of the best of Thailand.

If you are dreaming of exploring Thailand, than this podcast series was meant just for you.

If you would like help finding some of these amazing, non-tourist zone, locations, simply reach out to me at [email protected] - I would love to help. All planning calls are free to podcast insiders and listeners.

Travel Far, Connect Deeply, Live Fully,

Bill

Whatsapp= +66 063 221 4321

Day One of the expedition to update Island Spirit's Cruising Guidebook aboard the 48 foot Bavaria Sailboat.

The 2.5 hour sail down from Phuket to Ko Nakha Yai and what was supposed to be a tropical paradise resort beach.

It was indeed a beautiful beach... but it has been found. Find out what we did instead.

Sawasdee,

Bill

Author of the book "Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand; Island Hopping Down the Siam Spice Route"

#islandspiritcharters #konakhayai