thailand travel review

TRAVEL to THAILAND – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Edition)

Everything you need to know about travel to Thailand in our comprehensive 2024 Thailand Travel Guide.

Having spent almost 12 months exploring and living in the ‘Land of Smiles’, we’ve become pretty knowledgable when it comes to information on travel to Thailand, which is why we’ve put together this epic Thailand travel guide for you!

Travelling to Thailand, a place proud in heritage and Buddhism offers an insight into the fight to sustain its past while a booming economy beckons.

From the Grand Palace to the rice paddies of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s diversity of adventure and culture combine to be the perfect mix for a first-timers country or those who want to delve deeper.

Maybe a trip to remote Northeastern Thailand to visit 13th-century temples or why not head to Phangnga Bay home to a multitude of limestone islands.

Thailand along with its expanding cities, natural landscapes never cease to amaze from the Northern jungles of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai where waterfalls become an ideal swimming spot as lush forests dominate the mountainous horizon all while golden beaches and oceans sustain some of Thailand’s most pristine and unique sea life.

Travelling in Thailand has it all from exotic cuisines, endless opportunity for adventure and some of the friendliest people in the world. What more could you ask for?

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Here are the basics of travel to Australia.

Thai Baht (See  current exchange rates ). $1 USD equals roughly 31 Thai Baht. You can often find cheap local meals for about 30-50 Baht ($1-2 USD), and an average beer at a bar can cost between 70-100 Baht ($2-3 USD). 

OTHER MAIN CITIES:

Chiang Mai, Phuket

ENTRY / VISA:

People travelling to Thailand must obtain a visa unless they come from a visa-exempt country, or a country that can obtain a visa on arrival. For information about the visa process click  here.

Thai (In touristy areas, many locals speak English. So you don’t have to be fluent in Thai to navigate the country!)

Thailand in general is a very safe country for tourists, but just like everywhere else you need to be street smart. The most common issues tourists will encounter in Thailand comes in the form of petty theft and robberies, usually in busy markets or out on the streets late at night.

ELECTRICITY:

220 Volt at 50Hz. If you have 110-volt appliances, you need a voltage adaptor otherwise you’ll burn out the item you are using. Plug type A (two-prong round socket) or C (two-prong flat sockets).Be sure to get your  universal travel adapter  before you leave.

TRANSPORTATION:

Getting around Thailand is super easy. Thailand has some wonderful public transport infrastructure in place, and you can get just about anywhere in the country without too much of an issue.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

Top 5 Travel Experiences in Thailand

With so much to see and do in Thailand, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Thailand you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Go Scuba Diving

Thailand is the place to get scuba certified. The courses are among the cheapest in the world and the trainers are highly qualified. If you are already certified, dives are cheap.

Go  diving from Phuket .

Find peace at a meditation/yoga retreat

Thailand caters to those of us who are looking for a place to recharge our minds and bodies. With lots of affordable options, a retreat should be on your must-do list.

Book your  wellness stay in Koh Samui .

Take a Thai cooking class

Thai food is so delicious, so why not learn to cook it yourself? There are many cooking classes available throughout the country.

Book a  cooking class in Bangkok .

Island hop the most picturesque beaches

Thailand offers some of the most spectacular beaches in all of the world. Most of these are on islands only accessible by boat. Fortunately, transport is cheap and easy so get out and find your favourite beach!

Pay your respects at the many temples

Buddhism is an essential and vibrant part of Thai life and temples are all over the country. To learn more, respectfully engage in conversation with monks. And at some of the temples, you can learn meditation for the day or have a meal for a small donation.

Tour the famous  temples of Chiang Mai .

Other Things to do in Thailand

Rock climb . Krabi is known for many things, rock climbing among them.  Railay Beach  is the most popular place to give the sport a try.

Get a Sak Yant tattoo . Sak Tant tattoos are  sacred and blessed tattoos  inscribed by monks using traditional bamboo tattoo methods. Definitely a permanent memory from your time in Thailand.

Ride a tuk-tuk . These three-wheeled vehicles are the most common way to navigate the busy streets in most Thai cities. You’d be hard-pressed not to find them convenient and affordable during your travels.

Visit a floating market . Bangkok has  the most famous floating markets . But you can tour others throughout the country for a uniquely Thai feel.

Eat Pad Thai . Sure you’ve probably had Pad Thai at your favourite Thai restaurant back home. But you’ve never had it as you will in Thailand itself.

Watch a Ladyboy show . Seemingly peculiar yet incredibly popular and well respected in Thai culture, the  Ladyboy Cabaret’s  will leave you entertained for sure.

Walk on the Bridge Over the River Kwai . Famous in its own right, the bridge is worth a stroll when you are  visiting Kanchanaburi .

Visit the Golden Triangle . Thailand, Laos and Myanmar come together at what is called the Golden Triangle.  Visit here  to take in all 3 countries at once.

Visit the Bangkok Airplane Graveyard . It’s never good to think of planes and graveyards in the same thought. Unless you can explore the ruins of  massive and historic planes .

Catch a sunset at the Phi Phi viewpoint . Sure there are plenty of amazing places to end your day in Thailand. But  Koh Phi Phi  boasts just about the best sunsets as anywhere else in the country.

Watch Muay Thai fight . You can watch Muay Thai at any number of venues around Thailand. Or  take a lesson in Bangkok  if you’re up for the challenge.

See the Big Buddha . Buddhism is big in Thailand. And nothing demonstrates this more than the Big Buddha in Phuket.

Be Sure to Check Out These Other Amazing Things to do in Thailand !

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Best Places to Visit in Thailand

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Thailand. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

The capital of Thailand has become one of the most popular gateways to Asia. No trip to Thailand is complete without  a few days in Bangkok .

For the best introduction to the stunning scenery and warm culture of Thailand,  visit Phuket , the country’s largest island.

With the best restaurant and cafe scene in the country, excellent nightlife, a strong Buddhist presence and enough activities to fill a calendar year, there is definitely no shortage of  things to do in Chiang Mai !

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a huge island covered in forest and fringed with pristine beaches. As the second-largest Thai island, you absolutely must plan to  visit Koh Samui .

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Thailand, reference our following city travel guides: 

*  Bangkok City Guide *  Bangkok Itinerary *  Day Trips From Bangkok

Chiang Mai:

*  Chiang Mai City Guide *  Chiang Mai Itinerary * Day Trips From Chiang Mai

*  Phuket City Guide *  Phuket Itinerary * Day Trips from Phuket

*  Koh Samui City Guide *  Koh Samui Itinerary

Krabi Pai Koh Phi Phi Chiang Rai Ao Nang Koh Mook Trang Kanchanaburi

Kamphaeng Phet Koh Lanta Pattaya Hua Hin Koh Phangan Koh Yao Noi Koh Tao Tonsai Beach

Be Sure to Check Out These Other Awesome Places to Visit in Thailand.

Best Thailand Travel Itinerary

Depending on whether you are starting from scratch or have a general idea of what kind of things you would like to see and do, we’ve put together a  few Thailand itineraries  that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Thailand that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to Thailand these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

There is so much to see and do in Thailand, and you honestly could spend years here (lots of people to in fact).

Here is an overview of how you might consider spending between 1 to 3 weeks in Thailand.

Whether you love adventure, relaxation, health and wellness, luxury, food or culture, every type of travel is possible in Thailand!

Southern Thailand is more about beach life, luxury, partying and relaxing, whereas Northern Thailand is more about culture, food and adventure.

Here are some  2-week Thailand itinerary  suggestions that will help you plan your trip to Thailand.

Southern Thailand – Beach Life

• Fly into Phuket
• 2 days in Phuket
• 2 days in  Khao Sok National Park
• 3 days in Ao Nang – There are a lot of  things to do in Ao Nang , and you can island hop from here.
• 3 days in Koh Lanta
• 4 days in Koh Lipe
• Fly back to  Phuket  to fly out

Northern Thailand – Culture

• Fly into Bangkok
• 3 days in Bangkok – Check out our guide on the  best things to do in Bangkok.
• 2 days in Ayutthaya – Travel back in time and visit this historical park. Well preserved ruins and massive stupas.
• Fly up to Chiang Mai
• 3 days in Chiang Mai – There are so many  things to do in Chiang Mai.
• 3 days in Pai – Relax on the river bed or ride a motorbike and explore the surrounding area. Read our awesome  Pai travel guide.
• 2 days in Chiang Rai – Visit the White Temple.
• Fly back to Bangkok and head out on the next adventure.

Best of Both Worlds – North and South

• 2 days in Bangkok
• Day trip to Ayuthaya
• Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• 2 days in Chiang Mai
• 2 days in Chiang Rai
• Fly from Chiang Rai to Krabi
• 2 nights in Ao Nang / Railay Beach
• 2 nights in Koh Lanta
• Fly back to Bangkok and fly out

READ MORE: CHECK OUT THIS POST FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE  BEST THAILAND ITINERARIES .

Thailand Trip Planning

Best time to visit thailand.

If you are travelling the whole country from south to north, we would recommend travelling between the months of December and February for beautiful clear blue skies and nice temperatures.

January to February sees much less rain across the country, and temperatures remain constant throughout the year. The humidity is also very manageable.

If you’re in the north of the country at this time of year it may get a bit chilly at night so bring a sweater with you.

If you wanted to avoid the busy times, which are from November to March, consider travelling around from March to October when it is low season. There are way fewer tourists and hotels and flights are cheaper.

The one downside is that it does rain a lot in the afternoons and it can be very humid, but if you don’t mind getting a bit wet then this is a brilliant time to travel to Thailand.

Avoid Chiang Mai around April, as this is the burning season. It is not a pleasant time to be there as the air quality is not very good and hard to breathe at times.

If you have asthma, avoid this area completely during the burning season.

Thailand Travel Budget Guideline

Thailand is a very cheap country compared to most Western destinations, but it is on the high side compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.

A Thailand travel budget really comes down to your style and how much you’re willing to spend on things.

It’s entirely possible to travel on $20 a day, and you could also live on $2000 a day if you want.

For the most part, the north is around 30-50% cheaper than the south, so keep that in mind when you’re trying to figure out how much to spend and where you want to hang out the most.

The prices below are a general budget guide to travel in Thailand. All prices are in USD per day.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

• Single Traveller:  $20-$40
• Couple Travellers:  $50-$80

Backpacking in Thailand is a wonderful experience for people of all ages and in our opinion the most authentic and enjoyable way to explore the country.

If you are on a backpacker budget and planning on staying in dorm rooms, getting street food, and either not drinking or only having a few beers a week, then you can go as low as $25 a day, a bit more if you are in the south.

A single hostel bed can be $8-$15 per person. A budget basic private room is $15-$30. A street food meal can be $1-$2. A bottle of beer is about $1- $2 from 7/11.

You can rent scooters for as low as $5 a day if you’re renting long-term, and fuel is very cheap, making it an excellent way to explore towns.

Flashpacker

• Single Traveller:  $50-$100
• Couple Travellers:  $80-$150

If you can afford to fit into a flashpacker budget, you’re going to have an incredibly epic time in Thailand.

You’ll be spoilt with nice private rooms, great food, cocktails on the beach and quite a few awesome activities like scuba diving in Koh Tao.

You’ll get excellent private rooms for $20-30 in the north, $40-50 in the south.

You can eat off the street when you want, and a lot of good, delicious meals can be found for $5-10.

Visit a few temples, do a cooking course, get a private guided tour, the world really is your oyster as a flashpacker in Thailand.

• Single Traveller:  $200-$400+
• Couple Travellers:  $250-$500+

Thailand has some of the best luxury resorts in the world, and this is where the majority of your budget will go when you travel to Thailand as a luxury visitor.

The truth is even if you eat at very nice restaurants, you’ll still struggle to pay more than $20-$30 a meal (there are of course exceptions to this rule in award-winning restaurants), but you’ll probably find your budget will get blown out on alcohol.

Fancy cocktails in luxury resorts can cost up to $20 for one drink.

CHECK OUT OUR  THAILAND BUDGETING GUIDE  TO HELP MAKE YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER.

Getting to and Around Thailand

Visa requirements for thailand.

People travelling to Thailand must obtain a visa unless they come from a visa-exempt country or a country that can obtain a visa on arrival.

There are 57 countries that are visa-free and 21 countries that can obtain a visa on arrival. The rest need a visa and can obtain them from your local Thai embassy.

Visa-on-arrivals (VOA) are usually given for up to 30 days when arriving by air, or 15 days when entering by land.

These can be extended once at an immigration office in Thailand.

Make sure you look up the visa requirements for your country. Airlines have the list of visas required for different countries and may refuse you to board if you don’t have the visa.

Check out whether you need a visa or not  here .

How to Get to Thailand

There are a number of airlines that fly to Thailand from all over the world.

The main international airports that you will likely fly into are Bangkok Suvamabhumi Airport (BKK) or Phuket International Airport (HKT). Bangkok is a major transport hub and many countries offer direct flights.

There is public transport from both of these airports into the cities, or you can catch a taxi or shuttle bus.

You can sometimes get a great deal with a budget airline too. Luggage and food will not be included, and you will have to pay this on top of the fare.

But if you are only travelling with a carry-on and don’t mind bringing your own food, you can get some awesome prices.

We look for our flights through Skyscanner and Google Flights.

Transport in Thailand

If you’re more inclined to stick to tourist-focused transport you’ll find no shortage of companies willing to get you to every main tourist destination. Caveats apply though, so read on…

You can get some great deals with the local airline carriers within the country. Sometimes flying is cheaper than train or bus travel too. 

The airline carriers are usually budget and luggage may not be included in the price. Food and drinks will probably cost extra onboard.

Vietjet, Lion Air, Thai Smile, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Orient Thai, Thai Airways and Air Asia are all good carriers in Thailand.

Buses are the most common way to travel in Thailand, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single town that isn’t serviced by at least one bus company.

The tourists’ options are nice “VIP” buses that offer comfortable seating, a small meal and a (mostly) reliable bus. Unless you are on a tight budget, we recommend booking on the VIP buses where possible.

Something to keep in mind is that just because you’re paying more for a tourist bus, doesn’t mean your valuables will be safe, and unfortunately, there is a lot of theft common on these trips.

But chances are you’ll find yourself on a bus at some point in your travel to Thailand.

Getting out to the famous Thai islands often means you’ll need to take a boat or a ferry. You can buy your ticket at legit travel agents, or at the boat company’s office at the pier.

The boats aren’t anything fancy and range from small speed boats to large ferries with open decks and beds for sleeping on the overnight journeys.

You can sit inside or outside, but if you sit outside make sure you wear sunscreen and be prepared to get a bit wet if it’s a speedboat.

Thailand has a few major cities that are connected via a decent train network, and this is an excellent way to travel around the country.

From Bangkok, you can get to destinations like Chiang Mai and Chumphon on an overnight trip, or you can get a train to Ayutthaya which is 50km out of Bangkok.

If you are on a tight time frame, the train is not the best way to travel in Thailand, as they do run late a lot of the time.

Just like anywhere else in the world, Thailand is full of taxis. And just like anywhere else in the world, these taxi drivers may try and scam you or rip you off.

If you grab a taxi on the street make sure they use the meter or negotiate a price beforehand.

Songthaews are red pick-up trucks with benches on the back ( songthaew  literally means ‘two benches’ in Thai), which you will find all throughout Thailand.

They are shared transport for getting around towns or between villages. You simply flag down a Songthaew when you see one comes, tell the driver your destination, and if the driver is going that way jump on the back.

The cost ranges per distance and you pay when you arrive at your destination.

Tuk-tuks are a great way to get around the cities, and no trip to Thailand would be complete without taking at least one tuk-tuk journey.

Tuk-tuks are basically a little bubble trailer attached to the back of a scooter that a couple of people can sit in.

These 3-wheeled vehicles go everywhere and are incredibly popular for locals and tourists alike.

Rental Cars

While driving in Thailand can be quite interesting, renting a car is still the best way to have full autonomy over your travel itinerary.

Be aware of the traffic laws and pay full attention to other drivers.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend  Rental Cars , which has the largest range of cars for the best value on the market.

READ MORE: Check out this post if you’re looking for more detailed information and tips on  how to get to and around Thailand .

Apps and Technology

Here are a few we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

• XE Currency  – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
• Express VPN  – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in Thailand. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
• iTranslate  – Even if you don’t know more than a handful of Thai words, iTranslate will help you communicate as you travel in Thailand.
• Google Maps  – Super helpful for getting around Thailand. Some local attractions in remote areas don’t have exact street addresses, so Google Maps can help you visualize exactly where they are. 
• Rome2Rio  – Very convenient for comparing different forms of public transport so you can pick either the quickest or the cheapest way to travel. 
• Maps.Me  – This allows you to download maps that you can use offline. That way you never get lost even if you don’t have wifi!

Best Things to Eat in Thailand

There’s a reason Thai food is one of the most popular foreign cuisines around the world – because it’s absolutely amazing!

Known for being delicious, healthy and cheap, Thai food is quite varied, and you’ll find unique dishes in all the major towns, and a distinct flavour difference from the south to the north.

It can also be quite spicy, so if you’re not into that make sure you learn to say “ mai phet ” (my pet), which means “no spice”.

Here are some dishes not to miss when you are in Thailand.

• Som Tom (Spicy green papaya salad)
• Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Fried Basil and pork)
• Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green chicken curry)
• Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with cashew nuts)
• Khao Soi (Creamy coconut curry noodle soup)
• Pad Phuk Tong (Stir-fried pumpkin)
• Pak Boong (Morning glory greens)
• Panang (Thai curry)
• Kao Niew Ma Muang (Mango and sticky rice)
• Pad Thai (Classic fried noodle dish) 

READ MORE: LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE  BEST FOOD IN THAILAND !

Places to Stay in Thailand

Thailand is a curious nation when it comes to places to stay because the options here cover just about everything you could ever dream of.

If you’re looking for world-class, high-end, award-winning luxury resorts, you’ll find them in spade around southern Thailand in places like Phuket.

On the flip side if you are travelling through some remote hill tribe villages in the north, don’t be surprised if you end up sleeping on a dirt floor with bugs.

It might not be luxurious, but is definitely authentic! It all depends on where you go and your budget.

To book your accommodation in Thailand we recommend using  Agoda , and  you can use the coupon code “AGODANMD10” to get 10% off your hotels and hostels.

Types of Accommodations

Thailand is packed with affordable backpacker hostels that generally range from 5 to 12 USD per night for a dorm bed.

If you are a solo traveller looking to save the most money, a cheap hostel dorm bed is the way to go. 

Most hostels in Thailand have basic amenities and are quite clean. It is common to find kitchens, lounge areas, pool tables and games, televisions, and laundry facilities in hostels around Thailand. 

There are a lot of party hostels as well, which are amazing for meeting people and having fun nights out.

But if you prefer a more low-key, quiet, stay make sure you book hostels that aren’t notorious for partying.

Guesthouses

For mid-range priced accommodation, Thailand has lots of guesthouses.

These are like very small hotels, usually set in a local’s home or apartment building, but they offer a more intimate and homey experience than a hotel. 

A standard room in a guesthouse can be anywhere between 15 and 40 USD per night.

So you can enjoy more private and cozy accommodation than a hostel, for a very cheap price.

If you are traveling as a couple, it may even be cheaper to split the cost of one cheap room rather than buy two separate hostel dorm beds. 

Hotels in Thailand can range from standard and basic to absolute luxury. Even very nice hotels can be super cheap compared to many other countries, so Thailand is a great country to treat yourself. 

Gorgeous hotels that aren’t 5-star luxury hotels can still cost anywhere between 30 and 150 USD per night.

If you shoot for the best of the best, meaning luxury, beachfront, five-star hotels, you’ll spend a few hundred USD per night which is still affordable for the quality you are getting. 

Airbnbs are pretty similar to guesthouses because they are also set up in a local’s home or property. But when you rent a place on Airbnb, you usually have either the whole house or apartment to yourself.

You can also rent single rooms on Airbnb for a cheaper stay. 

Airbnb prices in Thailand are actually a bit higher than some cheap hotels and guesthouses.

Depending on the quality of the place, places can cost anywhere between 50 and 150 USD per night. 

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before,  sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

Beach Bungalows

Because Thailand has such an abundance of coastline, it is quite easy and affordable to find adorable beach bungalows.

Renting a beach bungalow means you’ll have your own private mini house right on the sand with the ocean right in front of your window. 

Any major tourist island of Thailand will have beach bungalows available for rent, and they usually cost only 30 to 70 USD per night.

Thailand Travel Tips

While there are  many basic travel tips  we suggest you use when travelling to Thailand, there are also plenty of Thai-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are some of our best tips to help you travel to Thailand.

• Be respectful to the locals and other travellers. Respect the culture, whether you are in a temple or out on the streets.
• Dress appropriately. Because you are in a warm country, doesn’t mean you can wear next to no clothing. Please dress respectfully, especially when you are going inside a temple.
• Never raise your voice or start a commotion in public. In Thai culture, they do not do this and hate confrontation. Always keep your calm, even if someone is trying to take advantage of you.
• Be prepared to take off your shoes a lot. Bring slip-on or sandals. You will be taking your shoes off and on if you are entering a temple, home or some hotels and restaurants.
• Book tours through respectable travel agents
• There are two prices at attractions; Local price and foreigner (farang) price. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it. Don’t argue, it will not get you anywhere.
• Have an idea of prices before you shop, buy a tour, buy a transport ticket or rent a room. Sometimes the prices fluctuate depending on how smart you are. Do your research so you don’t get ripped off.
• Know the currency exchange rate. This is important when changing money. You want to know you are getting a good price.
• Try new foods. Thai food is delicious
• Use your insect repellent, as the sand flies and mosquitoes are terrible
• Wear a helmet if you rent a scooter
• Know the scams. Research scams in Thailand so you are prepared and know if someone tries it on you.
• Do not drink the tap water. Take a metal water bottle and refill it out of big filtered water vendors or reverse osmosis machines.
• Take advantage of the happy hours. You will see them at bars and cafes during the day. So take note and have a few drinks then.
• Always look both ways when crossing the road. Sometimes a scooter may be going down the wrong way. Look both ways and be sure before crossing.
• When renting a scooter, take photos of the bike from all angles and in front of the rental place too. Never leave your passport with them either. Bring a photocopy. There are dodgy companies out there.
• The girls in the bars may not be ladies. There are many lady-boys in Thailand and you would never even know so just heads up if you are not into that.

READ MORE: Our comprehensive list of  Thailand travel tips  to make your journey safer, more enjoyable and more affordable!

Thailand Packing List

We always travel with a  core packing list  wherever we go. And when it comes to Thailand, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our  travel essentials  and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

READ MORE: Be sure to know  what and why to pack  for every season in Thailand!

Staying Safe in Thailand

Thailand, in general, is a very safe country for tourists, but just like everywhere else you need to be street smart.

The most common issues tourists will encounter in Thailand comes in the form of petty theft and robberies, usually in busy markets or out on the streets late at night.

You need to respect and obey the Thai law, including all of those that involve respecting the monarchy.

Thailand has experiences with civil unrest and military coups in recent years.

Use your head and stay clear of street demonstrations.

Violent crime is very rare in Thailand, but do exercise caution during parties such as full moon parties or dodgy areas in places.

In general, if you show respect to Thai people, they will show respect to you.

Driving on the roads in Thailand is crazy, so we can’t mention safety without reminding you to be wise on the roads.

For bus and minivan transport try and go with tour companies and bus companies that are responsible.

If you rent a motorbike, check it over when you pick it up. Check the brakes, the lights, etc. Most importantly always wear a helmet, shoes, pants and a top.

Don’t be one of those backpackers that rides a scooter wearing their swimwear thinking you’re cool.

Hot tip – the gravel in Thailand is just as hard as the gravel in your home country if you come off.

Don’t travel to Thailand without travel insurance! It’s the most important thing you need for your trip, trust us. Alesha visited the hospital in Koh Lanta with stomach pains and we ended up with a $1500 bill.

Travel insurance covered every cent.

Get your free quote with World Nomads here.

Medical System in Thailand

If you need to go to a hospital in Thailand, don’t panic. The quality of care is very good, and in some hospitals could be even better than what you have back in your home country.

In most situations, you’ll be required to pay upfront for any care unless you can prove you have travel insurance.

That’s one of our Thailand travel tips for you.

Private Hospitals In Thailand

There is a private hospital network that is privately owned, and their prices are a lot more expensive.

The doctors and nurses will speak English and the care is very good, but you are paying an arm and a leg for their services.

They will ask for your passport on the way in before they see you. NEVER hand them your passport.

If you are insured, call your insurance company and get clearance that they will pay, or you can pay a price upfront to get the services rolling.

If you hand them your passport, they will hold it ransom and start charging you for random services, refusing to return it to you until you pay the full amount.

When it comes to money, these private companies are very aggressive. And if they know an insurance company is paying they will give you tests that are not necessary.

This happened to Alesha when she had an intestine infection. We were communicating with our insurance company and told them these tests were not needed.

The insurance company agreed and the clinic got very aggressive and hostile. This was at Siam International Clinic in Koh Lanta.

While we were there we saw them rip off countless backpackers, charging them insane prices for things as basic as paracetamol.

The service was great, the facility was spotless, but they were a business first and hospital second, only caring about extracting as much cash as possible.

This isn’t to scare you, and obviously if you’re sick or have an accident go to a hospital immediately. It’s just a warning.

We highly recommend you always have  travel insurance  when travelling in Thailand.

Government Hospitals in Thailand

There are dozens of government-run hospitals all throughout Thailand, and these range from having very high standards to being basic, third-world facilities.

At these hospitals, you will be waiting in long queues, and there may be no one that speaks English.

If you can go with a local, that would be the best option for communication. You may also need to pay upfront before a doctor or nurse will see you.

As a foreigner expect to be charged a higher fee than a Thai person, but these costs will be extremely cheap, especially when compared to the private hospitals.

This is because locals pay social security and tax, so a lot of their medical care may be subsidised.

Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism is definitely a big thing for people travelling to Thailand.

You can get procedures done for way cheaper than in most western countries, and a lot of these services are extremely high quality.

But DO YOUR RESEARCH!

If you are looking to get cosmetic work done, meet with the clinic, ask all your questions and research the clinic online for reviews before committing to anything.

For dental care, Thailand is an excellent place to go as well. We went to a dental clinic in Chiang Mai called Dental 4 U and we had great experiences with them.

We did our research, talked to ex-pats, and all arrows kept pointing at this dentist.

It was a lot cheaper than Australia, very clean, our dentist spoke perfect English, had studied in the US, and explained every little detail to us.

Staying Connected in Thailand

These days it is incredibly easy to stay connected while traveling. Free wifi is common in touristy areas, and SIM cards are quick and easy to obtain.

So if you’re only traveling to Thailand for a week or two, you should be able to survive by just sticking with your current data plan or only using wifi. 

If you’re spending a few weeks or longer in Thailand, you may want to get a local SIM card so you can connect with locals more. 

Consider these options for staying connected in Thailand. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Head to any 7-Eleven or cell-phone store in Thailand to purchase a local SIM card. There are lots of different plans to choose from, including ones with data.

A cheap, pay-as-you-go plan is the most flexible and economical unless you plan on making lots of phone calls every day or using lots of data, then you can buy a prepaid plan. 

In touristy cities like Bangkok the staff at cell-phone stores usually speak English. Show them your phone, discuss what type of plan you want and they can install a local SIM card for you.

Then you’ll have a Thai phone number, and you can start calling and texting and using data in addition to just seeking out wifi. 

If you want to set up your SIM card before you go, you can order it online and then pick it up when you arrive.

Get your  WiFi for Thailand setup today .

Rent a Portable WiFi Device

If you’re heading out of the populated areas and into remote corners of Thailand, you probably won’t have any signal or wifi.

You can rent a portable wifi device, but they generally only work in areas with good connections. Portable wifi devices, also known as “pocket wifi”, are also about the same price as just buying a SIM card with a data package.

You’re probably better off just buying some data. 

But if you’re venturing into the wilderness of Thailand, maybe just try to embrace being off-the-grid and enjoy some disconnection from technology. 

Access Free WiFI

Most tourist destinations have free wifi, as do most hostels and hotels.

It is usually very straightforward and easy to login to free wifi from your phone or laptop, and then you can contact people via iMessage, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. 

While you have free wifi, it can be useful to download a navigation app like Maps.Me so you can use GPS navigation while once you leave the wifi.

Be a Responsible Traveller in Thailand

The best way to be a responsible traveler in Thailand is to learn a bit about the local culture and try your best to adhere to its customs. 

That means always having respect for others. Show respect for other travelers and local Thais, and also show respect for the land.

Don’t litter, avoid buying single-use plastics and try to leave a natural place as pristine as it was when you arrived. 

When booking tours in Thailand, do your research to make sure the tour company is reputable and sustainable.

Choose eco-friendly businesses over others, and try to support local businesses rather than big conglomerates.

Elephant tourism is massive in South East Asia. If you are dying to see elephants in the wild, only visit elephant sanctuaries where the animals are rescued and treated with respect and dignity.

Never ride elephants , and never go to a place where the animals are exploited. 

Overall, just use good judgment. Thailand is grateful for tourism and its contribution to the economy, so travel responsibly while you’re there and help maintain this beautiful country.

Key Thailand Travel Phrases

You don’t have to be fluent in Thai to have a great time when you travel to Thailand. But it does help to know a few key phrases.

This will not only assist you in your travels but it will also show respect to the local Thai people that you are doing your best to assimilate into their culture. 

Keep in mind that In Thai, there are often masculine and feminine forms of a phrase.

So on this list, if you are a male, use the translation listed first, and if you are female use the translation listed second.

Krup  is the word used at the end of many phrases if you are a male, and  ka  is used if you are a female.

Phrases that have  krup/ka  at the end mean you say one or the other, depending on your gender.

Books to Read About Thailand

Maybe you already know everything about Thailand. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Thailand. 

Anna and the King of Siam

This is an amazing true story of an English school teacher who was invited to live in nineteenth-century Siam and care for the children of the nation’s leader, King Mongkut.

The Kingdom of Siam eventually became Thailand, so this is an interesting insight into the history of the area. This book inspired the famous play and movie, The King and I.   Purchase on Amazon

A suspenseful and enticing fiction story, “The Beach” is about a traveler in Bangkok named Richard who hears about the legend of a hidden paradise beach.

He then embarks on a journey to find this secret beach and uncovers dark and mysterious mysteries about the place along the way.

This book was made into a movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio, and Maya Bay from the Phi Phi Islands is shown in the movie.  Buy on Amazon .

The Bridge Over The River Kwai

In the remote town of Kanchanaburi, Thailand, the Thai-Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, is the area’s biggest attraction.

The novel, ”The Bridge Over The River Kwai”, is a fiction story loosely based on the real story of the Prisoners of War who built this bridge during World War II.  Buy now on Amazon .

Thailand: The Beautiful Cookbook

This is an amazing book to get either before or after visiting Thailand. If you want to learn about the cuisine, the culture, and the traditions of Thailand, this book has so much information that will educate and inspire you.

Or after a trip to Thailand, if you want to savor and remember all the delicious food you ate and recreate the recipes at home, this is a great book to have on hand.  Purchase on Amazon .

Table of Contents

Read our thailand blog posts, where to stay in phuket – the best hotels for every budget, the 23 best things to do in phuket, the best 3 days in phuket itinerary for 2024 (bonus tips), the perfect 3 days in bangkok itinerary (2024 guide), the perfect 1, 2 and 3 week thailand itinerary, the perfect 3 days in chiang mai itinerary, doi inthanon day trip – everything you need to know [2024], koh samui tours and day trips – the 5 best in 2024, sustainable tourism in thailand – ecotourism, wildlife and culture guide, 27 amazing places to visit in thailand, 21 best things to do in koh phangan [2024 travel guide], is thailand safe to travel in 2024.

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20 Best Places to Visit in Thailand — From the Country's Oldest National Park With Secret Waterfalls to Stunning Islands With Excellent Diving

There's no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Thailand.

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Thailand is so much more than a travel destination — visiting is a bona fide rite of passage. From hostel-hopping backpackers to well-heeled five-star hotel aficionados, there’s something for everyone in “The Land of Smiles.” 

My most recent trip to Thailand was in early 2022, when the country implemented strict entry requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was one of a few hundred thousand tourists who were allowed into the country, and it felt like I had many of the typically crowded attractions all to myself.

The beauty of Thailand is that it will show you different sides of itself no matter how many times you visit. From the idyllic white-sand beaches and palm-fringed islands in the south to the misty hillsides and temple-peppered mountains of the north, the rattle and hum under neon lights of nonstop Bangkok, and the ruins of ancient cities surrounded by jungle, Thailand never disappoints.

So, what are the best places to visit in Thailand? I reached out to a Thailand travel expert and threw in a bit of my own first-person experience to help you narrow down this ever-growing list.

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For most travelers, an adventure in Thailand will likely kick off in the nonstop, energetic capital city, Bangkok. A dizzying destination and one of my favorite international cities, Bangkok is full-on sensory overload — but in the best way. Dig into sizzling street food; meander back alleys and bustling thoroughfares in search of small markets, shops, and hidden temples; cruise along the Chao Phraya River, and grab a cocktail at the dozens of sky-high rooftop bars. 

Tip: Book a room at the Capella Bangkok or Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok — two iconic luxury hotels with stunning locations perched on the Chao Phraya River.

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Second to Bangkok on most visitors’ lists is the northern city of Chiang Mai. Many travelers even prefer Chiang Mai to Bangkok for its relatively slower pace of life. The spectacular city is bursting with temples (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must) and humming with restaurants and bars. 

"I would say for anybody, whether it's their first time or a repeat trip to Thailand, if you have been there or you haven't, [you have to visit] Chiang Mai," said Grant Ekelund , Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and senior travel consultant and Asia specialist at InsideAsia. "It's such a neat city. It’s one of those destinations that has something for everyone … Are you a foodie? Do you want to hike? See cool temples? Have amazing trekking opportunities? It can all be done [here], and it slots into any itinerary perfectly."

Koh Phi Phi

Thailand has more than 1,400 islands scattered around its coastline, but few are as famous or iconic as the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea. Comprising two islands — Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh — Koh Phi Phi is known for its natural beauty, excellent diving, and raucous party scene. For the latter, Phi Phi Don is the most famous. Phi Phi Leh, meanwhile, is uninhabited and beloved by those looking to disappear into nature. It was blasted into the public eye about two decades ago, when Leonardo DiCaprio's character went in search of an island paradise in the film "The Beach," which is set in real-life Maya Bay.

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While we’re on the topic of Koh Phi Phi, we’d be remiss not to mention Krabi province as a whole. Located in southern Thailand, bordering the Andaman Sea, Krabi is home to many of the beautiful beaches and islands that make Thailand famous. 

"I've been booking many [trips to] Krabi lately," said Ekelund. "It ticks a lot of boxes for people. You've got the beauty, cool cliffs, and interesting geology. It has a beach, but it's for people who don't want to simply park it on the sand for 10 days. Krabi offers activities and more." Some highlights include the beach town of Ao Nang, as well as islands like Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lipe, Railay Beach, and several national parks.

Koh Yao Noi

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My first trip to Thailand was to the small island of Koh Yao Noi back in 2013. One of the most beautiful islands in Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is flecked off the coast of its sibling island, Koh Yao Yai. Sandy beaches and small fishing villages comprise most of the land here, along with the luxe Six Senses Yao Noi resort tucked along the eastern coast. The property’s infinity pool is legendary for its explosive sunrise views that blur the distinction between the sky and sea.

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Many Thai cities have the ability to make visitors feel like they’re stepping back in time. But few create the illusion as vividly as Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the ruins of Ayutthaya are breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful. It’s only an hour from Bangkok, making it an easy day trip or a great overnight excursion.

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Sukhothai is another beautiful ancient city. "Sukhothai is for people who like history. I was taken by how beautiful the area is and how extensive the ruins are," said Ekelund. "We cycled around the ruins with a guide and got a great sense of the history. Sukhothai is much more rural and harder to reach, meaning it has fewer tourists. You also don't have a city built up around it."

Mae Hong Son Loop

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Of all the places I've visited in Thailand, none stick with me as much as the Mae Hong Son Loop. This 300-mile route is most often tackled by travelers on the back of motorbikes looking to brave the mountain switchbacks that descend into the thick jungle and pass from small village to small village. It's not a journey to be taken lightly — motorbike experience is strongly recommended — but those who make the trip are rewarded with spectacular scenery and access to remote communities.

Khao Yai National Park

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Thailand has more than 100 national parks. The oldest is Khao Yai National Park, which also happens to be the country's third-largest. Within the park lies a web of hiking trails, secret waterfalls, and herds of elephants.

"Khao Yai has a lot of bat caves, too, which is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced," said Ekelund. "I stood there for 30 minutes while an unending stream of bats flew over my head. It was all so beautiful. It's a beautiful park with waterfalls, trekking, and hiking. Plus, it's just a couple of hours [by car] from Bangkok."

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Approximately two hours southeast of Chiang Mai is the city of Lampang. Much like many large cities in Thailand, Lampang has its fair share of temples, street food, and markets. But unlike the others, it feels like a place where time has stood still. Just listen for the sound of clip-clopping horse carts, still used for transportation, and you'll understand what I mean. Because of Lampang's integral role in the teak trade, many migrants from Myanmar made this northern city home, and you'll find teak mansions and Burmese-style temples everywhere.

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Chiang Rai, a northern Thai city, is often glossed over as most visitors opt to stop in Chiang Mai instead. "I am always struck by how chill Chiang Rai is," said Ekelund. "It's a relaxing place to be and has cool stuff to do. It's a great city to walk through the neighborhoods and see people living their daily lives. I enjoyed the mountains, nearby villages, and opportunities for cultural exchange."

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No list of best places to visit in Thailand would be complete without Phuket. While Phuket has a reputation for being crowded with resort after resort, the truth is it’s for a reason — the island is a beautiful place to be. Thailand's largest and most easily accessible island brings visitors in by the millions each year for its wide array of hotels, white-sand beaches, parties in Patong, colorful snorkeling, and eclectic culinary scene.

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Thailand’s second most popular island sits off the country’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is wreathed in bone-white sandy beaches, peppered with temples, veined with hiking trails, and splashed with fabulous resorts and energetic beach towns and villages.

"It's hard to beat Koh Samui. It's just beautiful," said Ekelund. "If you want easy access without a full resort stay, I recommend Anantara Bophut . You can walk to Fisherman's Village, and you won’t feel like you're 'stuck' at a resort. If you want a full resort experience, I like Banyan Tree Samui for its private beach and spectacular rooms."

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The tiny island of Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand and not too far from Koh Samui, is one of the country’s best locations for diving and snorkeling. In fact, most avid divers will tell you that Koh Tao is their destination of choice in Thailand. The palm-fringed island is best known for its abundance of sea turtles.

Kanchanaburi

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Shrouded in thick jungle and sliced by miles of track belonging to what was once known as the “Death Railway,” Kanchanaburi has a dark and tragic history. The infamous train route, which crosses the River Kwai, was built from 1940 to 1943 by prisoners of war taken by the Japanese in World War II. Today, only a small section of the rail route is open and takes travelers on a journey through the mountain cliffs and bamboo forests of Kanchanaburi. "If you're into history, beautiful vistas, trains, and wildlife, you can get all of that in Kanchanaburi. It's a place not many tourists go, either, so it has a lot to offer," said Ekelund.

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Trang is the province directly south of Krabi, which means it has the same beautiful stretch of Andaman Sea coastline, except with a fraction of the crowds. There’s no shortage of islands to explore around Trang, like Koh Kradan and Koh Muk. Koh Muk's crown jewel is the secret Emerald Cave, which can be entered via a dark tunnel that leads to a protected beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

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Located in the province of Phang Nga, Khao Lak can be thought of as Phuket’s much quieter cousin. Less than two hours from Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak is home to miles of sprawling, empty beaches, plus it offers easy access to beautiful national parks.

"I've been hyping Khao Lak quite a bit for people who want something quieter," said Ekelund. "You have easy access to the Phuket International Airport, but it's much more chill than the other Andaman Islands. It has beautiful beaches, good infrastructure, a great spot for dining, and it’s not hard to get to."

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Whether or not you drive the Mae Hong Son Loop, you’ll want to stop in Pai when visiting northern Thailand. Once a sleepy community of expats, Pai has morphed into a must-visit backpacker destination. Visitors will find funky cafes and coffee shops, endless bars, guest houses, hostels, and a dispensary or two, particularly now that cannabis is no longer considered a narcotic in the country.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

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South of Bangkok, the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan is best known for the glamorous, frenetic beach town of Hua Hin. The province runs down the skinny arm of the country, bordering the Gulf of Thailand on one side and Myanmar on the other. Here’s where you'll find Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand's first marine national park. The park's top attractions include a series of spectacular caves and a sprawling freshwater marsh. Visitors can enjoy the park’s beaches, islands, walking trails, and thick mangrove forests. It’s just an hour from Hua Hin and about 3.5 hours from Bangkok.

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This long, skinny island, also in the province of Krabi, flies under the radar, but it’s one of my favorite places in the country. Koh Lanta is home to beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, an amazing spot for diving and seeing undeveloped beaches.

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Gleaming temples and golden Buddhas frame the landscapes in Thailand, serving as a stunning backdrop for tours of Bangkok noodle shacks and adventures along the luxurious coastline.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi

Wat Pho is our absolute favorite among Bangkok's biggest sights. In fact, the compound incorporates a host of superlatives: the city's largest reclining…

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang) is a former royal residence in Bangkok that was consecrated in 1782. Today, it’s only used on ceremonial…

Wat Arun is the missile-shaped temple that rises from the Chao Phraya River's banks. Known as Temple of Dawn, it was named after the Indian god of dawn,…

Wat Phra Kaew

Architecturally fantastic, the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex is also the spiritual core of Thai Buddhism and the monarchy, symbolically united in what is…

Lumphini Park

Named after the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal (Lumbini), Lumphini Park is central Bangkok’s largest and most popular park. Its 58 hectares are home to an…

Golden Mount

Even if you're wát-ed out, you should tackle the brisk ascent to the Golden Mount. Serpentine steps wind through an artificial hill shaded by gnarled…

Jim Thompson House

Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi

This jungly compound is the former home of the eponymous American silk entrepreneur and art collector. Born in Delaware in 1906, Thompson briefly served…

Sukhothai Historical Park

The Sukhothai Historical Park ruins are one of Thailand’s most impressive World Heritage sites. The park includes the remains of 21 historical sites and…

Top picks from our travel experts

10 of the best things to do in thailand.

Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre

Kanchanaburi Province

The infamous cutting known as Hellfire Pass was the largest along the length of the Thailand–Burma Railway, and the most deadly for the people forced to…

Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

Near the entrance to the central zone, this museum is a decent starting point for exploring the historical-park ruins. A replica of the famous…

Pranburi Forest Park

Hua Hin & the Upper Gulf

Just north of the Pranburi River is an extensive natural mangrove forest. A 1km-long boardwalk with interpretive signs, some in English, lets you explore…

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Northern Bangkok

Among the largest open-air markets in the world, Chatuchak (also referred to as 'Jatujak' or simply 'JJ Market') seems to unite everything buyable, from…

Wat Rong Khun

Chiang Rai Province

Wat Rong Khun’s construction began in 1997 by noted Thai painter turned architect Chalermchai Kositpipat. It's a striking structure that, from a distance,…

Or Tor Kor Market

Or Tor Kor is Bangkok’s highest-quality fruit and agricultural market, and taking in the toddler-sized mangoes and dozens of pots full of curries amounts…

Ancient City

Bangkok Region

Don’t have the time to see Thailand’s most famous historic monuments? Then consider visiting scaled-down versions of them in what claims to be the largest…

Saturday Walking Street

The Saturday Walking Street takes over Th Wualai, running southwest from Pratu Chiang Mai at the southern entrance to the old city. There is barely space…

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

This 100-year-old floating market – once one of Thailand's prestige tourist attractions – is now essentially a floating souvenir stand filled with hordes…

Victory Monument

This obelisk was built by the then military government in 1941 to commemorate a 1940 campaign against the French in Laos. Today the monument is primarily…

Wat Phu Thok

Northeastern Thailand

With its network of rickety staircases and walkways built in, on and around a giant sandstone outcrop, Wat Phu Thok is one of the region’s wonders. The…

Erawan National Park

Splashing in emerald-green pools under Erawan Falls is the highlight of this very popular 550-sq-km park. Seven tiers of waterfall tumble through the…

Nam Tok Soi Sawan

Ubon Ratchathani Province

Nam Tok Soi Sawan is a 25m-tall waterfall flowing from June to December. It's a 19km drive from the visitors centre and then a 500m walk, or you can hike…

Old Siam Plaza

Sugar junkies, be sure to include this stop on your Bangkok eating itinerary. The ground floor of this shopping centre is a candyland of traditional Thai…

Museum Siam

This fun museum's collection employs a variety of media to explore the origins of the Thai people and their culture. Housed in a European-style 19th…

Ko Khao Phing Kan

Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park

Ao Phang-Nga's top tourist drawcard is known to Thais as Ko Phing Kan (‘Leaning on Itself Island’). Used as a location setting in the James Bond film The…

Cicada Market

Vastly better than the city-centre Hua Hin Night Market, this popular place 3.5km to the south is a fun mix of food, shopping and performing arts. It's…

Nam Tok Haew Suwat

Khao Yai National Park

The park's loveliest waterfall, 25m-high Nam Tok Haew Suwat scooped a starring role in Danny Boyle's film The Beach. It has water year-round (though very…

Flower Market

In 2016, as part of a cleaning drive, Bangkok's famous and formerly streetside flower market – also called Pak Khlong Talat – was moved indoors. Within…

Sunday Walking Street

On Sunday afternoon Th Ratchadamnoen is taken over by the boisterous Sunday Walking Street, which feels even more animated than Th Wualai's Saturday…

Amphawa Floating Market

If you’re in Amphawa on a weekend, plan your meals around this fun market where grilled seafood and other dishes are served directly from boats.

Sanctuary of Truth

Made entirely of intricately carved wood (without any metal nails) and commanding a celestial view of the ocean, the Sanctuary of Truth is best described…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Get to know Thailand with this guide to the top things to do, from touring ancient ruins to swimming in the Andaman Sea.

Things to Know

From packing to local etiquette when you're there, these top tips can help visitors plan the perfect trip to Thailand.

Transportation

From commuter to long-haul, third-class seats to luxury cabins, wooden benches to sleepers, the following are some of the best train trips in Thailand.

Visa Requirements

Thailand is one of the easiest places to visit in Asia - here’s everything you need to know about visas.

Money and Costs

Temple-tastic Thailand is one of the top traveler stops in Asia, and a trip here doesn’t have to cost the earth if you follow our smart travel tips.

Traveling with Kids

Thailand's beaches are dreamy for travelers with kids, but there is so much more to explore. Here are the best things to do as a family.

Best Road Trips

Driving in Thailand is an adventure, but the rewards are massive. Visit backwater villages and outlying temple towns on these top road trips in Thailand.

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The trip to Southern Thailand from CharlieTheTraveler exceeded my expectations.

The trip to Southern Thailand from CharlieTheTraveler exceeded my expectations. I loved the lunches that were provided, as they were delicious and reflected the cuis...

This was a trip of a lifetime.

This was a trip of a lifetime. I could not believe how much CharlieTheTraveler included in this 10-day trip to Southern Thailand, all for a low price. The itinerary ...

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Editor’s Take

What to Look For in Thailand Travel Reviews

Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary. Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.

Reviews of tours in Thailand are between 4 and 5 stars. Travelers to Thailand cover a very wide range, from young adventurous backpackers, to older and seasoned travelers seeking a more slow paced cultural tour.

It is common for Thailand tours to cover more than one country, so bear in mind that many reviews for Thailand tours also include the experience in the surrounding Southeast Asia region . Reviewers often point to how being on a tour helped them relax and enjoy, without having to stress about the language, where to eat, and where to stay.

Having a local guide is hugely beneficial for traveling in a country like Thailand, particularly considering the language barrier and the food. Thailand is very popular for street food, however it is helpful to have a local guide to recommend the best (and safest by western standards) options.

Traveling in Thailand is an experience for the senses - for some a treat. For others, acclimating to the intense sounds and smells prevalent in Thailand’s famous markets takes a little more getting used to.

If these cultural experiences cause too much of an assault on the senses it may contribute to a negative experience, so if you consider yourself an adventurous traveler take these negative reviews with a grain of salt. What was affronting to them will probably not be a big issue for you.

Accommodations in Thailand can vary widely - it will depend on your tour price point and style. A majority of Thailand tours are in the basic realm - commonly attended by the 18-30 crowd - expect very minimal amenities.

If you want a professional take on traveling in Thailand, see the Travelstride Thailand Guide »

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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Thailand Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 22, 2024

Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia . It’s the region’s most visited country and most backpackers make it their starting point for traveling around the region.

With its lush jungles, postcard perfect beaches, world-class diving, mind-blowing cuisine, and cheap prices, Thailand is actually my favorite country in the world! I’ve been coming to the country since 2005, lived there for 2 years, and always seem to be pulled back. It’s an easy country to travel and, because of the backpacker scene, you can meet a lot of other people there. It’s just a phenomenal country.

Since the country is such a well-worn destination, everything here is convenient and easy. You won’t have any trouble traveling around here. But, despite the crowds, there are still many off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore.

This Thailand travel guide will show you how to travel the country like a pro, give you suggested costs, the best things to see and do, ways to get around, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Thailand

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in thailand.

1. Visit Bangkok

Bangkok is a chaotic, must-see city. Here you can explore temples, royal palaces, amazing markets, one of the craziest nightlife scenes in the world, and, of course, eat all the amazing Thai food. Check out Khao San Road to see the backpacker’s haven, Thong Lor/Ekamai for local Thai nightlife, see the Grand Palace’s beautiful artwork and the emerald Buddha, and shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok is an onion that requires time to peel back. Wander off the tourist trail, eat the markets, explore the nightlife, and just relax.

2. Adventure around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city filled with lots temples, incredible food markets, night markets, lots of cafes, and a chill vibe. It’s a good launching pad for multi-day jungle tours, adventure activities, or visits to the nearby elephant sanctuarys where you can volunteer to help rescued elephants. And be sure to head to Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of Buddha himself). Chiang Mai is also consdiered one of the foodie capitals of the country so be sure to get your fill of food. There’s also a big jazz scene here too!

3. Hike in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park , located about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok, is one of Thailand’s best national parks. It’s visually stunning, filled with lush flora and fauna, lots of waterfalls, hiking trails, and even a few wild elephants. It’s an absolute must-visit place. Stay at the Greenleaf Guesthouse for the best tour/accommodation deals in the area.

4. Celebrate Songkran

Every April, Thais celebrate their new year by holding an enormous, three-day water fight. Songkran is meant to wash away the old and begin the year anew. This once-in-a-lifetime water party is the biggest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai so book your hostel ahead of time. In Bangkok, there’s an opening ceremony at Wat Pho temple where they bathe the Buddha. The whole country turns into a big water fight and everyone plays along. If you’re around Songkran, be prepared to get wet everywhere you go those days (so keep your electronics sealed in plastic). Everyone outside is fair game.

5. Go to Ko Lanta

While Ko Lanta has become more developed in recent years, it’s still a paradise compared to its more developed neighbors. Wide, white sand beaches, cheap and delicious food, gorgeous sunsets, great caves, snorkeling, and diving make this one of my favorite spots in the country. It’s a really chill place where you still get a a taste of old Thailand. For fun day trips, check out the Trang Islands, with their beautiful limestone formations stretching out of the water or head to Ko Rok for kayaking. Ko Lanta is one of the best islands in all of Thailand.

Other Things to See and Do in Thailand

1. visit the grand palace and wat pho.

Thailand’s royal palace, built at the end of the 18th century by King Rama I, is the official residence of the current monarch (though he doesn’t live there anymore; now it’s just used for ceremonies). It’s a striking place filled with numerous temples, including Wat Pra Kaeo, which houses the 15th-century Emerald Buddha. The architecture here is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend taking a guided tour as the signage here is minimal. Nearby Wat Pho is famous for two things: a 150 foot (46 meters) reclining Buddha statue and a very relaxing massage school. The temple is wonderful and the statue really impressive. Both can be done back-to-back and should definitely not be missed. It costs 500 THB to enter the Grand Palace and 200 THB to enter Wat Pho.

2. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best national parks in the country, offering incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. The park offers semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife (including sun bears, elephants, gibbons, and more), walking paths, and incredible sunsets. Park entrance costs 200 THB. Half-day guided treks cost 940 THB. Try to spend at least one night sleeping on the lake as the stargazing is top notch.

3. Hop around the ancient capitals

Thailand’s three ancient capitals — Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya — lie between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Visiting them on your way north is a unique way to head between the cities. Lopburi, which is so old it is mentioned in texts by Marco Polo, was the capital in the mid-17th century while Sukhothai, founded in 1238, was the capital for over 140 years between the 13th and 14th centuries. Lopburi is famous for it’s monkeys (watch out as they are aggressive) and Sukothai is a massive complex that sees very few tourists! My favorite is Ayutthaya, which is located about 1.5 hours from Bangkok by train. It was the capital of Siam from 1350-1767 (it was razed in 1767 by the Burmese during the Burmese-Siamese War). You can visit on a day trip for just 900 THB.

4. Relax on the tropical islands

Thailand has tons of beautiful tropical islands. Some are grossly overdeveloped are still an undeveloped tropical paradise with few people and cheap accommodation. Some of my favorite spots are Ko Samet, Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang , Ko Tao , Ko Jum, Ko Lipe , the Similan Islands, and Ko Samui. It’s hard to go wrong here as they all have beautiful beaches but the atmosphere of the islands will decide how much you enjoy it so think about whether you want to prioritize peace, parties, activities, etc. Some of the most chill beaches have fewer activities and accommodation options while more touristy places provide a range of lodging and tons of activities and parties but can sometimes be a bit intense. Be sure to do your research before you select a spot.

5. Hit the Full Moon Party

There’s no better party in the world than the famous Full Moon Party . The Full Moon Party is a giant festival-like party with a lot of drinking, dancing, and drugs. Each bar has its own sound system, so you’ll hear different music loudly blasting onto the beach every few feet. The beach itself is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers putting on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint. Sure, it is super touristy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot of fun if that’s your vibe. Just don’t take part in the fire jump rope — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

6. Go jungle trekking

There are some great multi-day jungle trekking opportunities in northern Thailand. For longer treks, the biggest departure points are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. You can book these sorts of outings through the hostel or hotel you’re staying in. While day-trips are popular and cheap, try to head out for at least 3-4 days as you’ll be able to get to much more remote areas and see some incredible wildlife (there are tons of birds and bats, as well as lizards, monkeys, and even wild boars) as well as some gorgeous waterfalls. If you book online ahead of time, you will pay more. Skip the shorter day hikes that include meeting “authentic” hill tribes; they are exploitative and the visits are usually unethical. Expect to pay around 5,000 THB for a three-day tour.

7. Scuba dive in the Similan Islands

Scuba diving is a popular activity here because of the crystal-clear waters and majestic sea life. While you can dive all over the country, the Similan Islands offer some of the best uncrowded diving. Given the islands’ remote location, most of these dive trips last a few nights. If you dive here, be sure to see Elephant Head Rock, as the reef there is home to plenty of fish, snappers, rays, and turtles. Day trips start at 5,900 THB for two dives, including equipment and park fees.

8. Learn to cook

Thai food is delicious and it’s relatively easy to cook. There are cooking schools all over the country but the best are in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. It’s a fun experience as you’ll get to spend a day making and eating (hopefully delicious) food. I loved being able to go to the market and pick out my fresh ingredients and then learning how to make my own paste for a delicious green curry and a tasty shrimp pad Thai. A half-day cooking class in Bangkok (including a market visit) costs around 1,300 THB. Chiang Mai also has lots of cooking classes and, if you make it to Ko Lanta, Time for Lime is my favorite cooking school in the country.

9. Explore the Khmer temples in Isaan

There are many temples built throughout the Isaan region , all along the ancient roads connecting Angkor (the capital of the Khmer Empire) to the other villages. The largest of these is Phimai, located at the end of the ancient highway. It dates to the 11th century and is one of the largest Hindu Khmer temples in Thailand (and hardly anyone visits so you’ll get the place mostly to yourself). Two other magnificent Khmer temples (Phanom Rung and Muang Tum) can be found in the Buriram province, only a few kilometers apart. Phanom Rung is built on top of a hill, and Muang Tum is at the base of the hill. While in Isaan, be sure to spend a day or two in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) and visit Wat Ban Rai and Wat Phayap, two beautiful local temples that I especially love.

10. Take the day train to Chaing mai

Taking the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is not only cheaper but a much better way to see the countryside than the night train. Sure, you “waste” a day, but you see the countryside, experience how Thais take the train, and can eat from vendors coming on and off at every stop. The day train remains one of my favorite experiences in Thailand. Just make sure you have a good book as the journey is 10-13 hours long! You can also break up the journey by stopping in Lopburi and Sukothai.

11. Visit Elephant Nature Park

While you can come to Thailand and ride an elephant, once you know how they suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about this unethical activity. An even better way to get up-close-and-personal to the animals is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and letting you help these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will know why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs 2,500 THB for adults.

12. Admire Wat Doi Suthep

This stunning Buddhist temple lies in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, 16 kilometers (10 miles) outside of Chiang Mai. A tram or a trek up 300 steps takes you to the summit of Doi Suthep, where the glittering gold temple spire awaits you. The temple dates back to the 14th century and holds rare relics of Buddha. It’s too beautiful of a view to miss, so don’t leave Chiang Mai without visiting Wat Doi Suthep. Admission is free.

13. Visit the Golden Triangle

The point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is known as the Golden Triangle. It’s also the meeting point of Laos , Thailand, and Myanmar. Once known for its opium production (which is used to make heroin), today the region thrives on tourism. You can take a boat along the river and visit the Golden Triangle Park, check out some of the many Buddha statues, scenic viewpoints, and markets. It’s just 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of Chiang Saen. Golden Triangle day trips from Chiang Mai cost around 2,200 THB. If you’d rather visit solo, you can visit the region from Mae Sai or Chiang Saen via songthaew. Don’t miss the Hall of Opium, one of the most interesting museums in the entire country. It explores the history of opium production, shows how it was made and trafficked around the world, and more.

14. Party on Ko Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi is one of the most popular tourist islands in Thailand. From the infamous Maya Bay (made famous in the 2000 film, The Beach , with Leonardo DiCaprio) to the monkeys on the aptly named Monkey Beach, to the diving and nightlife, there are reasons people flock here. Destroyed by the tsunami in 2004, the island has been rebuilt and developed to an even greater extent than before. While I personally don’t love Ko Phi Phi , it’s nevertheless one of the most popular places in the country. You’ll just have to see for yourself whether it’s for you.

15. Relax on Ko Lipe

Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off the map island is one of my favorite places in the world. Here on Ko Lipe , the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood meals. The beaches are beautiful, the water is warm, and the island is cheap. I came for three days and ended up staying a month. In the last few years, it has become more developed and it’s not the sleepy little island it used to be, but it’s still way less developed than many other destinations in Thailand. Moreover, you’re near a pristine and undeveloped national marine park where you can snorkel and enjoy some beaches to yourself! It lives up to all the hype.

16. Explore Kanchanaburi Province

This region is home to a lush forest perfect for trekking, though the history of this area is rather dark. The infamous Death Railway linking Myanmar and Thailand runs through here, which was constructed during World War II by prisoners of war and civilians. Around 90,000 Southeast Asian civilian forced laborers and more than 12,000 Allied prisoners perished in the railway’s construction. The bridge over the River Kwai is also located here, built using POW labor and the subject of both a famous film and a book. While visiting is a haunting reminder, it is an essential part of Thailand’s history.

17. Motorbike through Northern Thailand

There are lots of picturesque routes for motorbiking all around the country, but especially near Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Many people rent bikes and tour the scenery, taking a day trip or a few days. The Mai Hong Son Province offers a great loop that you can do starting in Chiang Mai and ending in Pai. Note: Make sure that if you’re renting a motorbike, you’re comfortable with driving it and never (ever) drink and drive. Accidents are incredibly common.

18. Relax in Pai

Pai has grown as a tourist destination in more recent years, but it is still a great place to escape the crowds and noise of the larger cities. In the last few years, it’s become a big center for yoga and holistic living. Located in Northern Thailand, it’s nestled in rolling green mountains, surrounded by waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Pai itself but I loved the area. I spent a lot of time hiking and swimming. Be sure to take a day trip to the Tham Lot Caves, where you can stop off to swim in waterfalls and hot springs on the way there. It’s an awesome experience.

19. Bounce around Phuket province

Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand. There are great beaches and amazing activities on this island, and if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the over-development and crowds. The more north you go, the more relaxed it is. Phuket draws a lot of tourists, and if you really want to enjoy the area, get out of the main spots. Don’t miss visiting Wat Chalong, hiking to the Karon Viewpoint, and visiting the weekend Night Market.

For information on specific destinations in Thailand, check out the following guides:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
• Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide

( Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Thailand filled with even more detailed information as well as itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! So, if you want to go into more depth, click here for more about the book! )

Thailand Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Thailand is very affordable, though you should expect to pay more on the islands and less up north. Hostels range from 270-500 THB per night for a 4-6-bed dorm. Larger dorm rooms with 10 or more beds can be found for 170-250 THB. Private rooms in hostels cost 700-1,000 THB. Hostels on the islands are going to be on the upper end of that range. During peak season, expect to spend about 20% more.

Free Wi-Fi is common and many hostels also include free breakfast and have air conditioning. It’s not uncommon for hostels to have pools either (especially if they are a party hostel).

You can find cheap guesthouses for as little as 400 THB per night in cities and 300 THB per night in the countryside, though in the big cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, rooms cost about 1000 THB per night. On the islands or for a nicer room with an air-conditioner, expect to pay 1400 THB per night.

Budget hotels start at around 1,000 THB per night and go up from there. Big resorts on the islands start at 2,500 THB per night for a bungalow on the beach.

Airbnb is very popular in Thailand and you’ll find a lot of options in most major cities. Renting private rooms is not common, but renting full apartments is very affordable for the quality you get, starting at around 600-900 THB per night.

Food – Thai food is spicy and flavorful and uses many ingredients to create layers of flavor. Typical spices and fresh herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Thai food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas. Popular dishes throughout the country include pat tai (a fried noodle dish, more commonly known to Westerners as pad thai), tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

Street food can cost as little as 20 THB, though on average you’ll spend about 40-70 THB per meal.

Sit-down Thai restaurants begin at 65 THB for a dish. For larger dishes or curries, you pay spend up 120 THB per dish. In bigger cities, the malls have huge (and popular) food courts where you can get a filling meal for around 70-100 THB. On the islands, you’ll probably pay about 30 THB more per dish than you would on the mainland.

Western food is pricey compared to Thai food. Most Western dishes (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) cost between 170-340 THB, though they can be higher in fancier establishments. Most Western food also pales in comparison to its original so it’s best to skip it altogether. I mean, you didn’t come all this way to have a crappy burger or pizza, right? If you’re looking for sushi, expect to spend 2,000 THB or more for a meal and drinks.

Fast food like Burger King or McDonald’s begins at 150 THB for a sandwich and 300 THB for a meal.

When it comes to drinking, the cheapest beers cost about 60-85 THB each for a small one and 100-120 THB for a large. A glass of wine costs 180 or more THB and cocktails cost between 300-450 THB. You can save money by buying beers from 7-Eleven for half that price. In most places, especially tourist areas, you’ll find happy hours for 60-90 THB for beers and basic cocktails.

And, since food is so cheap, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. If you do decide to shop, expect to pay 600-800 THB for a week’s worth of basic staples like rice, veggies, and some meat.

Backpacking Thailand Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Thailand, budget between 800-1,125 THB per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, eating food from the street vendors, enjoying a couple of drinks per day, using public transportation, and doing mostly free or cheap activities like swimming, hiking, and relaxing on the beach.

On a mid-range budget of 1,750 THB per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or guesthouse with air-conditioning, eat a few meals at Western or sit-down restaurants, rent a motorbike or scooter, and do more paid activities like jungle treks and diving.

On an upscale budget of around 3,725 per day or more, you can do anything you want. There’s nothing you can’t do. After this amount, the sky is the limit and Thailand does luxury really well!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). I just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Thailand Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Thailand is an inexpensive country and it’s hard to overspend here unless you’re trying to splash out on high end meals, imported alcohol, and fancy resorts. If you stick to traveling like how Thais live (street food, public transportation, etc), it’s hard to spend a lot of money. To save money when you visit, here’s my tips on cutting costs in Thailand:

• Go local – The easiest way to save money in Thailand is to simply live like a local. Take local buses, eat street food, and drink local beer. The average Thai lives on less than 7,750 THB per month in Bangkok and on even less in the countryside. Keep it simple to keep it affordable.
• Eat street food – Thailand’s best food is on the street, and it costs a fraction of a restaurant meal. Stick to street food if you’re on a budget. There are plenty of delicious curries and rice, fresh juices, and meat skewers. Eating around the markets is a must-do in Thailand. Really that’s where you’ll find rhe best food anyway.
• Take advantage of happy hour – Thailand’s many happy hours have half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials. If you want to hit the bar, stick to drinking during happy hours. If you visit the areas frequented by backpackers, you’ll find even more drink specials.
• Buy beer at 7-Eleven – Buying beer at Thailand’s ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drinking outside will save you quite a bit on your bar tab. While you can’t get wrecked on the street, you can take drinks with you to sit outside your guesthouse or while on the beach. These places are usually 50% cheaper than drinking at the bar and they have tons of snacks.
• Don’t book tours before you arrive – Want to take a cooking class? Go zip-lining? Trek in the jungle? Dive? Wait until you get into Thailand to book anything. Travel agencies are located all over the tourist areas, looking to sell their tours. While you’re able to purchase these tours online before you arrive, you’ll be paying a lot more that way. Instead, book when you arrive so you can haggle for a better deal.
• Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who give you not only a free place to stay, who can introduce you to all the great places to see. Just make sure to send your requests early!
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia as the tap water isn’t potable. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too).

Where to Stay in Thailand

Thailand has every type of accommodation you can think of. Here’s my list of the best hostels and budget hotels in Thailand:

• Lub d Bangkok Siam (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• Smile Robotist Hostel (Chiang Mai)
• Chang Puak Hotel (Chiang Mai)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Balcony Party Hostel (Krabi)
• Noom Guesthouse (Lopburi)
• The Famous Pai Circus Hostel (Pai)
• Old City Guesthouse (Sukhothai)
• Mut Mee Garden Guest House (Isaan)
• Bodega Party Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)
• Echo Beach Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)

For more specific recommendations, visit the city and island destination guides as I have even longer lists there.

How to Get Around Thailand

Public transportation – Local buses cost as little as 8 THB per trip (for buses with no AC) and around double that for buses with AC. A week-long pass in Bangkok costs between 120-255 THB, depending on if you want buses with AC or no AC. The Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost 16-52 THB per trip.

In Chiang Mai, the buses have AC and cost around 20 THB per ticket. An unlimited day pass is 180 THB.

In many places, songthaews are the most common mode of local transportation. These converted pick-up trucks don’t follow set stops, simply going wherever their riders ask. They generally cost 30-50 THB for a ride.

Taxi – Metered taxi rides are usually 60-100 THB each. Always stick to the metered taxis, otherwise, you’ll get charged an overpriced ride. If you notice your driver not using the meter, get out and find a driver who will.

Tuk-tuks are un-metered and generally more expensive, costing 100-235 THB per ride. Be sure to agree on a price before you take off. I generally try to avoid tuk-tuks, but for very short distances they can be fun.

Motorbike taxis (in orange vests) are available all over the country with short trips costing about 35-80 THB, but you need to negotiate the price.

Bus – Coach buses in Thailand are incredibly cheap and a great way to get around the country. For intercity travel, you’ll pay more for better services like sleeper buses and air-conditioning. A budget bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 10 hours and costs about 529-617 THB, while a first-class ticket for the same journey costs 825 THB. Bangkok to Trat (where you can then change to a ferry taking you to Ko Chang) takes 5 hours and costs about 250-300 THB. A two-hour bus journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is just 120-140 THB.

Train – Trains in Thailand tend to be slow, but they’re an incredibly scenic option for getting around. Taking the train is a genuine Thai experience, making the journey as much a part of your trip as the destination. Day trains cost as little as 30-50 THB and night trains start at 875 THB for second class without air-conditioning. By the way, the air-conditioned night trains can be freezing so be prepared. A train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 11-13 hours and costs 715-900 THB, while Bangkok to Pattaya takes 4 hours and costs 30-50 THB.

There is a new Bangkok–Vientiane train for getting to Laos, which takes 11-13 hours and costs around 1,000 THB. Taking the train is also a convenient way to travel between Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Flying – Flights are a quick and affordable way to travel around the country, with prices ranging between 825-4,500 THB. Flights to the islands tend to be higher in price than flying between large cities or popular destinations. For example, Bangkok to Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Krabi all cost 450-825 THB for a one-way ticket, while a one-way from Bangkok to Koh Samui can be found for around 2,150 THB.

Budget-friendly airlines in Thailand include:

• Thai Lion Air
• Vietjet Air

Ridesharing – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber and it works the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the Grab app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi and you don’t have to worry about getting cheated on the price. I much prefer to use this app.

Ferry – Travel between islands and beaches is best done by long-tail boat, which costs around 150-275 THB per person for shorter trips. Bigger cities like Bangkok have regular ferries, costing 13-32 per ride.

Car rental – If you want to rent a car in Thailand, an IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. That said, unless you’re an adventurous traveler with experience driving in rugged conditions, I don’t recommend renting a car here as traffic in the cities is sluggish and the roads in rural areas can be unreliable.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars . Prices start around 700-800 THB per day.

Renting a motorbike is super popular in rural areas and on the islands, either for day trips or for road trips. Just make sure you wear a helmet and have insurance (and ideally have experience on a bike or scooter) as I’ve seen a ton of backpackers with road rash who wrecked their bikes because they just weren’t experienced enough.

When to Go to Thailand

Overall, the best time of year to visit Thailand is between November to March. The high season (cool/dry) is from November to March. Temperatures during this time are usually 30°C (86°F) or higher (yes, that is “cool” in Thailand). The islands are much hotter and more humid, though the entire country is very humid during this time. This is also the busiest time of the year so expect higher prices and lots of tourists, especially around Christmas/New Year’s.

If you plan on being in the north during this time, temperatures can drop quickly in the evenings so bring warm clothing. It gets cold at night, especially out in the mountains.

The shoulder season is from April to June, and it is HOT, with temps regularly over 40 C. It’s the hottest time of the year! The country is still really busy this time of year, though crowds begin to shrink after mid-April.

Monsoon hits the northern area at the end of May, bringing daily bouts of rain (though the weather is still warm). The low season is the rainy season, from July to October. Rainfall can be dramatic, ranging from light showers to major flooding. June and August have the heaviest rains, but things wind down during October. You might still get some afternoon showers, but October is also generally a good time to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Thailand

Thailand is a safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent attacks against tourists are uncommon. People who get in trouble here are usually involved with drugs or sex tourism, so if you avoid those activities you’ll likely not have any serious issues. I’ve been coming to Thailand for close to twenty years and have never felt unsafe or had a problem.

Solo female travelers will feel safe here (Thais are very respectful), though the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Thailand is very safe for women but, since I’m not a female traveler, check out some female bloggers who can provide a better perspective.

When it comes to cannabis, Thailand changed some of its regulations on marijuana in June 2022. This means that there are licensed weed stores, cafes, vendors with cannabis-infused beverages, etc., where you’re allowed to buy it within that space to smoke it. However, while it is technically legal for people over 20 to smoke weed in ‘your residence’ or certain areas, doing so in public can still land you a 25,000 baht fine. If you want to take part, follow the laws and use common sense. Regarding other drugs, avoid them. The penalties are harsh (and include the death penalty).

Petty theft (including bag snatching) can occur around major tourist areas so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking crowded public transportation. If you’re carrying a purse, wear it across your body and not over one shoulder so it’s hard for someone to take.

Scams in Thailand, unfortunately, are common (though they are rarely violent). The most common scam involves unmetered taxis and tuk-tuks. For that reason, always make sure the taxi driver is using the meter. For tuk-tuk drivers, make sure you know the price in advance so you don’t get ripped off while haggling.

For more information on common scams to avoid you can read this post on common travel scams to avoid.

It’s illegal to defame or talk ill of the monarchy so avoid doing so (avoid talking politics in general if you can). The penalty can be prison (or worse) so do not talk about the monarchy while you are in Thailand!

Anti-government protests are common around the country, but chiefly in large cities. If they occur when you visit, avoid them. They don’t usually turn violent but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance (112 from a mobile device).

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

The widget below can help you pick the right policy for your trip:

Thailand Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

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Thailand Travel Guide

Your ultimate thailand travel guide, with tips, ideas on things to do, and best things to see in thailand. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Known for its famous cuisine, Thailand is also a country full of history and culture and home to many sacred sites and temples.

Add in plenty of shopping venues (both on land and on the water), friendly locals, and many natural wonders like beaches, lagoons, and caves, and it all makes a memorable trip.

There are many things to see and do in Thailand.

This Thailand travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

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Fast Facts about Thailand

• Currency: The official currency is the Thai baht and 1 baht is equal to 0.032 USD.
• Power: Power voltage is 220 V at 50 Hz.
• Visa:  To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 6 months after your departure date and a return plane ticket. You can stay for 30 days without a visa.
• Getting Around The best way to get around Thailand is by bus or train.
• Sales tax The sales tax rate is 7%.
• The Capital City of Thailand is Bangkok

Things to See and Do in Thailand

• Climb in Railay  – We went Rock Climbing in Railay for the first time in 2000 and each time we go back to Thailand we climb, King Klimbers and Hot Rocks are our go-to shops. 
• Go Sea Kayaking   – through the Hongs of Phuket
• Volunteer or  visit an Elephant Sanctuary
• Take Part in Songkran  – It’s the world’s largest water fight. Actually, it’s the Thai New Year and they ring it in in style with a lot of water. 
• Take a Muay Thai Kickboxing Course  – Sign up for a month and really delve into the culture.
• Take a Cooking Class –  Thai food  is a favourite around the world and cooking courses are popular around the country. Sign up for a multi-day course to really get to know the cuisine.=
• Beaches  – Thailand has the most beautiful beaches in the world. Places like Phuket and Kho Samui are popular with the tourists but there are many other beaches like Railay and Ao Nang in Krabi, Kho Lanta and Kho Lipe near the Malaysian Border. 
• Tip: avoid Pattaya Beach it’s overrun and just downright depressing. 
• Bridge on the River Kwai – Made famous by the movie it was a strategic location during WWII. There is a war memorial here for soldiers who were kept as POWs in unbearable conditions.

Thailand Travel Guides

• Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand
• The Best Things to do in Koh Samui
• Best Things to do in Krabi
• Best Things to do in Phuket
• 35 of the Best Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Loy Krathong and Yi Peng – A Guide to The Lantern Festivals of Chiang Mai

Accommodation

Budget: You can find a number of backpacker hostels in the range of 250-700 baht per night. Enjoy dorm-styled or private rooms, shared kitchens, lounge areas, free Wi-Fi, and great locations.

Mid Range: For mid-range hotels, expect to pay 1,500-2,750 baht per night and enjoy private rooms, free breakfast, an outdoor pool, a hotel restaurant and bar, a gym, and nearby attractions.

High End: Upscale hotels will range from 3,00-12,000 baht per night, with the mostluxurious going all the way up to 76,500 baht. Take in the best of Thailand with top-of-the-line hospitality, polished rooms, and suites with flat-screen TVs, beautiful hotel architecture, rooftop pools overlooking the city, multiple dining options, fitness centers,tennis courts, and more.

If you are starting your trip in Bangkok check out our suggestions for where to stay in Bangkok.

Thai cuisine favors rice, noodles, nam pla (fish sauce), vegetables and fruits, seafood or meat, and herbs and spices. Pad Thai is one of the national dishes in Thailand.

Soups and curries, with various combinations, are also popular dishes. Thailand has many street vendors where you can sample great Thailand cuisine.

When out and about, try some mango sticky rice or banana roti (banana pancake). Expect to pay 90-150 baht per meal when dining in a restaurant.

The Best Ways to Get Around Thailand

Getting to thailand:.

Getting to Thailand: The Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the main airport to fly into and is about 19 miles from Bangkok. The Phuket International Airport (20 miles from Phuket city center) and the Chiang Mai International Airport (2 miles from the city center of Chiang Mai) are alternatives.

You can check for the best flights to Thailand on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Transportation: Trains are a fast way to get around, especially the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok. Tickets cost 16-59 baht depending on how many stations you pass through, or you can pay 120 baht to get a one-day pass with unlimited rides. The Skytrain runs from 6:30 AM to midnight and passes by many attractions, including more rural areas

Buses : are a good way to get around and travel through most parts of the country. Pay just 7 baht for shorter rides or 9-19 baht for air-conditioned buses that cover longer distances.

Taxis:   Taxis are an alternative way to get around. In major cities like Bangkok, the taxis are metered, and prices start at 35 baht, with 2 baht being added per kilometer traveled

Car Rental:   To rent a car, you need to be at least 21 years old and have a U.S. license that you have held for at least one year prior. Prices start at 700 baht per day

When to go To Thailand

When to visit Thailand: Thailand mainly has two seasons, wet and dry.

Thailand’s high season is November to February.  This is when it is the driest but this is also when you’ll be swarmed with the most tourists.

Southern Thailand is hot all year long, but has a very wet rainy season:

The West Coast of Southern Thailand is wet between April to October.

The East Coast is wet from September to December.

June to October is the rainy season and temperatures soar with high humidity.

Northern Thailand’s dry season stretches from November to May.

Temperatures are less hot between October and January and can actually be a little cool in the North especially in the evening and early morning.

Where to Stay in Thailand

Hansar Hotel Bangkok : This five-star hotel in the Pathum Wan District of Bangkok is the place to be. Enjoy private suites with glass showers, an infinity pool and hot tub, a hotel restaurant and bar with live music, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast and room service. Shopping centers and the Lumphini Park are nearby.

Royal Phuket City Hotel : Just a short trip to the Tiger Kingdom animal park and Wat Chalong temple, and a short walk to the Trickeye Museum, this four-star hotel is the place to stay in Phuket. Enjoy private rooms with sea views, a day spa, the hotel’s three restaurants, a karaoke lounge, and a rooftop pool, plus more.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and Air B&B for the best deals on accommodation in Ireland.

Thailand Accommodation Guides

• Where to Stay in Bangkok – A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
• The Best Things to do in Pai Thailand

What to Pack for Thailand

We have been back numerous times and have come up with these Thailand travel tips to help you pack right.

That being said, you don’t have to pack a lot to travel to Thailand, it is always hot! And whatever you don’t have, you can buy there, but here are our top suggestions for things to have while traveling in Thailand.

You can basically live in a bathing suit and flip-flops, although the cities are getting quite chic so it’s nice to dress up too.

Pack lightweight breathable clothing.

Thailand is hot and humid. You won’t need a lot of heavy clothing. A bathing suit, shorts, t-shirts.

Hiking boots or shoes are good for jungle and mountain treks

• Sarongs  – these can be used for anything. From covering up when visiting temples, being used as a towel or keeping cool on a hot night while using it as a light sheet. Check out our  Many Uses of the Simple Sarong  for more suggestions.
• Ladies, make sure to pack a light long-sleeved blouse for entering temples. A skirt is a good idea for the same reason, although I often just tie a sarong around my shorts.
• Flip Flops  – Flip Flops, Thongs, Jandals…whatever you call them in your part of the world, flip-flops are a must for Thailand. They are easy to slip on and off when entering temples. Since the weather is so warm, you don’t need a lot of footwear unless you are going for hikes. If you are planning on hikes, pack some lightweight hiking boots.
• Backpacks  – We prefer a backpack to a suitcase for Thailand as you’ll be on boats, tuk-tuks, motorcycles and trains. Backpacks are easier to carry and you don’t have to roll them through the sand of Thailand’s amazing beaches. We buy a lot of our clothing in Thailand. The fabric is lightweight and perfect for the weather.

Thailand Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Thailand  click here .

20 Best Beaches in Thailand to Spark Your Wanderlust

The Best Things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand

32 Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand

• Thailand Tours

Thailand Tours and Trips 2024/2025

Thailand is the perfect destination for those who love to spend time outdoors. You can soak up the sunshine on the beautiful beaches of Phuket , or head to the North of the country to Chiang Mai for adventure and outdoor activities like water rafting and trekking. Of course, not to be missed is Bangkok , where you can tour its floating markets or lavish Grand Palace.

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• Top 10 Things to do in Bangkok
• Best Time to Visit Thailand

+300 Trips in Thailand with 1,086 Reviews

• Starts Bangkok, Thailand
• Ends Bangkok, Thailand

South East Asia Loop

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='3605'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train & Guest House
• Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Flight, Private Vehicle, Minibus, Sleeper Train & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,865
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 730
• Total Price from: US$ 4,135
• May 11 Only 1 seat left
• May 15 Only 8 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Ends Chiang Mai, Thailand

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express

• Activities Active and outdoor & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train, Guest House & Resort
• Transport Boat, Bus, Sleeper Train, Private Vehicle & Train
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,149
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 288
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• Apr 03 Only 8 seats left
• Apr 06 Only 4 seats left

Highlights of Thailand

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Resort
• Transport Train, Boat, Bus, Private Vehicle & Minibus
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,285
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 229
• Total Price from: US$ 2,056
• Apr 12 Only 4 seats left
• Jul 12 Only 5 seats left

Bangkok Basics, Chiang Mai City Package & Krabi Beach Package, Small Group Tour

• Activities Art and architecture & Beach
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Resort
• Transport Flight, Train & Boat
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Operated in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish
• Brochure Price: US$ 703
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 105
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• Apr 28 Only 6 seats left
• Apr 29 Only 6 seats left

• Ends Ko Tao, Thailand

Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains

• Activities River cruise & Mountains
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train, Hostel, Hut, Home-stay, Ship Cabin, Bungalow, Guest House, Resort & Villa
• Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Flight, Private Vehicle & Ferry
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,699
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 925
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• May 19 Only 5 seats left
• May 21 Only 8 seats left

Thailand Island Hopper

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Beach & Chill out Beach , Chill out & Sailing, yachting and motor boating 'data-more-tripid='37249'>+1 more
• Accommodation Bungalow, Hotel & Sleeper Train
• Transport Boat, Private Vehicle, Train, Sleeper Train, Ferry, Minibus & Taxi
• Age Range 18-40 yrs
• Apr 05 10+ seats left

• Starts Hanoi, Vietnam

Essential Vietnam & Cambodia

• Activities Wildlife & Cultural, religious and historic sites Wildlife , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='4582'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Sleeper Train
• Transport Boat, Flight, Bus, Sleeper Train, Train & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,999
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 500
• Total Price from: US$ 1,499
• Apr 01 Only 1 seat left
• Apr 05 Only 3 seats left

• Starts Phuket, Thailand
• Ends Phuket, Thailand

Phuket Sailing Adventure

• Activities Sailing, yachting and motor boating
• Accommodation Hotel & Yacht Cabin
• Transport Boat & Yacht
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,895
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 284
• Total Price from: US$ 1,611
• Apr 07 Only 1 seat left
• Nov 10 Only 5 seats left

Southern Thailand Sojourn: Nightlife & National Parks

• Activities Wildlife & Kayaking and canoeing Wildlife , Kayaking and canoeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='4563'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train, Bungalow, Resort & Villa
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Bus, Sleeper Train, Taxi, Train & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 749
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 188
• Total Price from: US$ 561
• Apr 04 Only 5 seats left
• Apr 11 Only 7 seats left

Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Phuket

• Activities Beach & Chill out
• Accommodation Resort, Sleeper Train, Bungalow & Hotel
• Transport Train, Boat, Bus, Minibus, Sleeper Train & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,480
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 148
• Total Price from: US$ 1,332
• Apr 28 Only 5 seats left
• Oct 13 Only 9 seats left

Thailand: Night Markets & Blue Waters

• Activities Wildlife & Trekking and Hiking Wildlife , Trekking and Hiking , Kayaking and canoeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='4557'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train, Hut, Bungalow, Resort & Villa
• Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Ferry & Private Vehicle
• Apr 25 Only 1 seat left
• May 16 Only 1 seat left

Explore Northern Thailand

• Accommodation Home-stay, Hotel & Resort
• Transport Train, Bus, Boat, Minibus & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,300
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 195
• Total Price from: US$ 1,105
• Apr 07 Only 6 seats left
• Apr 21 Only 3 seats left

Beautiful Northern Thailand

• Activities Local culture & City sightseeing Local culture , City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='3603'>+1 more
• Accommodation Sleeper Train, Guest House & Hotel
• Transport Train, Boat, Bus, Private Vehicle, Minibus, Sleeper Train & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,085
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 313
• Total Price from: US$ 1,772
• May 19 Only 7 seats left
• Jun 16 Only 6 seats left

• Starts Chiang Mai, Thailand

Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek

• Activities Wildlife & Trekking and Hiking Wildlife , Trekking and Hiking , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='4542'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Hut & Home-stay
• Transport Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 399
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 100
• Total Price from: US$ 299
• Apr 04 Only 2 seats left
• Apr 11 Only 8 seats left

Traveling to Thailand? Chat with a local travel specialist in Thailand who can help organize your trip.

Thailand Tour Reviews

• Claire Taggart

Traveller Photos for Trips in Thailand

Thailand - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Exotic, amazing, enchanting. Mere words cannot describe the joy of visiting one of the beautiful and exciting countries in Asia. The presence of numerous islands and two coastlines ensures a holiday in Thailand to be filled with various beaches. From crowded cosmopolitan beaches to secluded tropical getaways, you can really satiate your desires for the perfect beach holiday here.  Thailand is a country that has something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or with your family, a trip to Thailand will have all the right options to customize your itinerary and add attractions that suit your tastes and preferences.

Tour Highlights

• Visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary just outside Chiang Mai
• Snorkel with the fish in Maya Bay
• Take a boat ride from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands and Monkey Beach
• Climb the 300 intricately carved steps to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple
• Take in panoramic views from the seat of Big Buddha in Kron, Phuket
• Float from vendor to vendor at Bangkok’ s floating markets
• Swim beneath the waterfalls of Erawan National Park
• Thailand’s glittery beaches are one of its biggest charms, but those golden temples are equally worthy of your time. 

Travel Tips

• The most fun way to get around Thailand is by tuk-tuk, which offers fantastic views along the way. Most of these open-air ‘taxis’ are blue and have three wheels, except for the red tuk-tuks of Phuket (some of which have sound systems and neon lights).
• When visiting holy sites, be sure to bring a shawl so you can cover up your shoulders and knees. Also be prepared to remove your shoes before entering a temple or person’s home.
• The most common greeting in Thailand is to bring your hands together in a prayer-like fashion and bow, accompanied with a “Sawatdee-kah” for males or a “Sawatdee-krap” for females. Be sure to return this gesture as a show of respect.
• Thai people are extremely friendly and generous. Don’t be surprised if a local starts to strike up a random conversation, particularly in the markets.
• Make your visit to Thailand is an ethical one. Research whether a tour company’s practices are socially responsible, particularly if visiting elephants or hill tribes.

Thailand has seasonal weather so please do check up on best time to visit Thailand before planning your tour.

Tours in Thailand - Questions and Answers

With a laid-back way of life and extraordinary cultural heritages, the shortest amount of time you should plan for any trip to Thailand is one week . In seven days, you can admire the golden pagodas of Bangkok and Ayutthaya, and choose to either kick back on the tropical beaches of the country’s south or head out to discover its northern tribal villages. However, if you were to ask us how long to spend in Thailand , we would recommend staying in the country for two weeks , since this gives you the chance to tick off most of the country’s bucket-list destinations at a leisurely pace. If you cannot make your stay last that long, then ten days make for a good compromise. If you're looking for the best Thailand tours and trips, you can find them here .

The best time to visit Thailand is between the months of November and March, which also coincides with the country’s high season. The weather is comparatively colder during this time of year, making it ideal to explore the country. If you want to avoid crowds, then make sure that you head for the country  in October. Please bear in mind that although the official monsoon season peaks in August and September, parts of the country continue receiving rainfall all through October, which puts most people off from visiting the country during this month. You can find more information here .

A western European or North American visitor to Thailand will find it one of the best countries in the world to visit on a budget . With street food and budget accommodation both keenly priced, USD 40 per person per day should cover accommodation and meal costs for frugal travelers. However, book organized tours and stay in middle to higher-range hotels and you will be looking at a daily budget of around USD 60 to USD 120 per person, per day. ATMs are widespread and operate exactly as they would at home – with English-language options.

Most western visitors do not require a visa to visit Thailand for a short term as tourists. Stays cannot be more than 30 days in one go and a total of 90 days within a six-month period. You will require a passport with at least six months remaining from your date of entry, alongside a return air ticket and proof that you have the equivalent of just over USD 600 to fund your stay. These details can be requested by customs officials on entry into the country.

The most widely spoken language in the country is Thai (Siamese), which also has its own alphabet. This can make it difficult for western travelers to communicate with the locals in the beginning. However, many Thai people also speak or understand a good amount of English, especially those living in large cities such as Bangkok, because of the language’s international importance. Few in the country expect visitors to speak any Thai, although any attempt to do so will bring smiles on the faces of those you are talking to.

The heart and soul of Thailand, Bangkok is an unmissable destination and makes for a logical first stop as it is also home to the country’s main international airport. Among the top things to do in Bangkok are visiting the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho and exploring the royal palace in the city. Beach lovers will not want to miss a trip to Ko Samui and the Phi Phi Islands, while a tour to Chiang Mai is a must for anyone interested in history and culture. For ancient wonders, look no further than the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya . Head for Krabi if you are looking for a great mix of beach vibes and snorkeling adventures.

The memories of drifting down the muddy waters of the Mekong is sure to stay with you for years to come, while island hopping from Phuket or Krabi is another must while in the country. The tropical islands that pepper the Gulf of Thailand have been used as a shooting spot for everything from James Bond movies to ‘The Beach’. For a completely different perspective of the country, head to the north, where traditional tribal villages are located amid deep jungle and towering hills that are worth exploring. For history lovers, there are Khmer ruins waiting to be explored at Phanom Rung Historical Park along with the famous bridge on the River Kwai.

Thailand’s road network is well developed and the country’s public transport will take you almost anywhere at an inexpensive price. This is another reason why budget travelers love this country. Thailand also has more than 2,500 miles of railway, running from the border with Malaysia in the south to destinations like Chiang Mai in the north. Both are a great value for money, although neither buses nor trains are the fastest or the most comfortable means of travel. For this, you are better off organizing a car and a driver to take you from one destination to another.

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65 Things To Know Before Traveling to Thailand in 2024

Since I lived, traveled, partied, visited, explored and adventured in Thailand more than 20 times, trust me this is the most comprehensive Thailand travel tips guide that you will find on the internet. Let me help you getting started for your trip to Thailand with info about: things to do and not do, cultural guidelines, places to visit, standard travel tips, how to get around and everything else you need to know when visiting Thailand.

In this Thailand travel blog you will find many handy links to more detailed articles like: buying a prepaid tourist sim card for Thailand in 2024   packing list for Thailand , a guide to the  best Thai Street Food , loads of hotel recommendations, Ultimate Thailand itineraries ,  island hopping in Thailand , finding domestic flights in Thailand , renting a motorbike in Thailand  and many more.

What do you need to travel to Thailand? A passport that is valid for at least another 6 months upon entry into Thailand. Most Western countries get a stamp in their passports upon arrival that permits them to stay up to 30 days. If you arrive over land, until December 2016 would only get a 15-day visa, but luckily things changed. Nowadays you also get a 30-day visa if you enter Thailand over land.

Be aware that you can only do two over land crossings per year!

Overstaying your visa is not recommended, but if it is only a couple days you have to pay a 500 THB ($16) fine per day. It happened to me a couple times and it takes 15 minutes extra at the airport. After you pay you get a lot of stamps in your passport and you are good to go. Be careful with this practice though, Im am not recommending you to do so.

Visa runs are pretty common and extending your visa is common too. You pay about $50 at one of the many immigration offices and it will be fixes in just 15 minutes. Bring 2 passport size photos. There are immigration offices in: Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket, Chiang Mai.

On Wikipedia you can find all the exact info for the Thai Visa Policy , as well as the below map to make it easier for you.

If you want to stay longer you can apply for a 2-month tourist visa at any embassy around the world. I have done that a couple times as well so you have enough time to check out all the cool places to visit in Thailand. There is now also the e-visa for Thailand.

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Most travelers stay 2 weeks in Thailand  and therefore I created 4 different itineraries to see the best tourist spots in the country. Check the link. Curious how I always find the cheapest domestic flights in Thailand ? In this blog post, I show you all the 8 Thailand low-cost airlines and how to find the best tickets for traveling around Thailand.

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2. Best time to visit Thailand

It is always a good idea to travel to Thailand, but what is the best time and when is the rainy season? The official rainy season is from July till end of October. It does not mean these months are a no-go. I have been in Thailand in almost every month and yes there are some heavy rain showers in the rainy season, but they are not too long. If you want the best Instagram pictures of Thailand then it is advisable to come between December and April.

3. Weather in Thailand

IIn most popular tourist destinations in Thailand it does not get extremely hot. Max temperature will hardly exceed 35 degrees (95 F) On the islands temperatures are generally much milder and temperatures hardly reach above 32 degrees (90 F). On top there is always a breeze or the ocean to cool you off. But hey who does not love a tropical climate?

The weather is for most people actually one of the main reasons to travel to Thailand and even when it rains there are a lot of cool things to do. Rain can come unexpectedly even in the dry season, therefore just always carry light rain jackets in your backpack. But more about what to pack for Thailand later.

For more details about the average temperatures and rainfall per month in Thailand I recommend you having a look at this Climate Data website , they have all the exact details.

4. Currency in Thailand

In Thailand they use the Thai Baht and 1 US dollar is about 35 Thai Baht. Obviously the currency exchange changes over time, but in general the Thai Baht is pretty stable. In 2009 I got 48 Baht for my Euro but the last years it is pretty stable around 38-40 THB. Can you use the US dollar in Thailand? It is recommended not to use US dollars when you travel to Thailand, always have local currency on you. There are ATMs everywhere and basically everywhere you can change your dollars into Thai Baht.

ATMs in Thailand charge 220 THB for withdrawing money, it is a standard fee all around Thailand at every ATM. Only Aeon Banks charge a smaller fee of 150 THB. 

5. Things to bring when visiting Thailand

If you are planning to go to backpacking in Thailand you basically don’t need much. Definitely put sunscreen, flipflops, beach wear and bug spray on your Thailand packing list . Click on the link to see all the 40 items I recommend you to bring. Later I will also talk about shopping and then you will find out that everything you forget you can buy in Thailand. Shopping is a reason to travel to Thailand for many people.

6. Travel adapter for Thailand

Thailand was one of the first countries where I found the all-you-can-eat electric sockets. All upscale places have sockets where you can plug almost all electric devices from Australia, Europe, UK and US. Just in case I always travel with a travel adapter .

7. Vaccinations for Thailand

Of course the Covid-19 pandemic changed a lot, but luckily it was all temporary and as of 2024 tourists visiting Thailand do NOT need to show any kind of vaccination against Covid-19.

When it comes down to all the optional shots you are asking the wrong guy. In all my trips to Thailand I have never taken any special vaccinations or malaria pills or whatsoever.

But when you go on a Thailand vacation make sure you have vaccinations for the standard childhood diseases like Tetanus, Diphtheria and Measles. I also got shots against Hepatitis A+B, but not specially for Thailand.

Afraid for Malaria in Thailand? There is no need to as the risk of getting malaria in Thailand is very low and even off the beaten track in Thailand there is hardly any risk. The exact same thing counts for yellow fever, no special need for that either.

8. Is it safe to travel to Thailand

Thailand is very safe for tourists! Every country has its problems and many people don’t even know that the army officially is in power, but as a tourist there are hardly any dangers. With millions of people a year traveling to Thailand the country knows that safety is an important issue and they are doing there utmost best to maintain this safe environment for tourists.

No need to hide the ugly truth either about the Koh Tao Murders that happened only a couple hundred meters away from where I was celebrating my birthday that night. But genuinely in all my 17 times I have been on a trip to Thailand I did not have a single problem. Read my full article about how safe it is to travel to Thailand and let me explain the risks, dangers and scams and how to avoid them.

Be a guest in their country, respect their values and don’t act like an ignorant tourist!

9. Medical marijuana is legalized in Thailand

Don't get too excited guys, we are talking about medical marijuana. Possession of recreational marijuana is officially still punished with 5 years jail time plus a fine up to $3000. However, that is what the law says. In reality things are VERY different!

On my recent trip to Thailand I was shocked how easily you can buy marijuana everywhere in Bangkok and Phuket. There are cannabis stores and signs everywhere in the tourist hotspots. Legit stores with bongs, cookies, quality legalized marijuana, everything! As if you are in Amsterdam!

Thailand was very progressive for a Southeast Asian country legalizing medical marijuana and since 2021 already the leaves and the plant are taken off the drug list. That led to the first Cannabis Cafe opening in Bangkok at the Prachin Buri Hospital: Taste of Ganja !

Now in 2024 it is very easy to buy cannabis in Thailand and there is not need to be worried about smoking a joint in the streets.

However, it is still adviced NOT to travel with cannabis in your possession! Be mindful, buy it, use it but don't posses large quantities because you can still get into a lot of trouble!

RELATED:  68 Funny Facts about Thailand !

10. Country of Smiles

What to know about the culture when you visit Thailand?

On top of all these amazing things to see and do, the Thai culture should also be one of the reasons you want to travel to Thailand. The combination of the Thai lifestyle, the food, the Buddhism, the people, the magical islands and the inspiring temples make it why they call this the country of Smiles. The capital is a melt pot of cultures, which makes it that there are some amazing places to see in Bangkok .

Thailand’s nickname says enough! This country is all about its smiles and it is one of the pillars of The Thailand tourism industry. On the banana pancake trail, the most popular island hopping route in Thailand, you will find some fierce Thai people dealing with annoying tourists every day and yes they are grumpy. But this does not mean you can generalize a whole country. Thailand is among the friendliest nations around the world and they are always willing to help out a stranger.

11. Late King is God

The King of Thailand was the longest reigning king in the world, but unfortunately died in October 2016. The Thai King was and still is like a God for Thai people, so never mention anything negative about him. After he died the country mourned for 1 year!

12. Don’t touch people’s head

Another thing that is sacred in Thai culture is the head. I am not sure why you are willing to touch someones head anyway, but don’t poke a Thai guys head on your Thailand vacation. ;)

13. Temple heaven

A Thailand holiday is not complete when you haven’t crossed off a whole list of temples. Thailand is not only the land of smiles but also the one and only place to go from temple to temple. Only in Bangkok there are so many temples that you might be templed-out already after a couple days. Visiting the Grand Palace is a must do in Bangkok though. And don’t forget the white temple in Chiang Rai or the ones at Ayutthaya.

Don't just stick to the top 10 things to do in Bangkok , have a look at my list of 13 unusual things to do in Bangkok .

How to get around Thailand

Worth of mouth brought me to the transportation search engine website of 12Go Asia and it was a blessing for traveling around Thailand. Their search engine shows you all the available options on any given route.

So if you want to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai you simply type it into the search engine and they give you all the options available, so bus tickets, train tickets and even domestic flights. You will find timetables, prices, trip duration, different companies and everything else you need to know. Try it below!

One of the best things about booking your bus, boat and train tickets online is that it saves you the hassle of dealing with street vendors and paper tickets. Simply search it, book it and show up. Easy and reliable I used it million times and never had a problem.

14. Take off your shoes

A vital travel tip for Thailand is to take off your shoes when being asked. It is a rule of etiquette to leave your shoes outside a local home, small shops or authentic restaurants. Now you know why you see all these shoes in front of places on your Thailand trip.

What shoes to bring to Thailand?

Please leave your hiking boots at home when traveling to Thailand! This is not Nepal. Hiking shoes are the most overrated travel item for Thailand. Yes, there is some cool hiking in Thailand, but the trails are very easy. Why would you bring hiking shoes for a 2-week trip to Thailand when you wear them may be one time? It is useless! Just bring comfortable travel shoes like: runners or sneakers.

15. Buddha statues

The main religion in this country is Buddhism and on your Thailand trip I am sure you are probably going to visit multiple Buddha statues. There are many different ones: sitting, golden, white, laying, standing, wooden, etc. The most famous is Wat Pho in Bangkok, the white one in Phuket and the sitting one in Koh Samui. A secret Thailand travel tip is Wat Muang, the 92 meter tall Buddha just 150km north of Bangkok.

Be aware that export any kind of Buddha images and statues is forbidden by law. Check for more info about things to avoid when visiting Thailand my article about Thailand safety issues .

16. Muay Thai

Of course Thai Boxing is the number one sport. This martial art is like kickboxing but includes elbows and knees. Attending a Muay Thai show is one of those unique things to do in Thailand on your vacation. In all tourists spots in Thailand you will find a show nearby.

If you fancy getting into Muay Thai training then have a look at TIger Muay Thai , I once inquired about following one of their weekly training programs, but due to Corona Pandemic it all got cancelled. They are located in Phuket and well known around Thailand.

Looking for a long list of amazing things to do in Thailand? Then be inspired by all these Thailand tour packages around the country. Click on the link to find: quad biking, zip lining, mountain biking, rock climbing, jet ski, canopy, bungy jumping, abseiling, caving, hot air ballooning and much more.

17. Local markets

Wherever your Thailand trip takes you, local markets are always around. If you like shopping go to the ones where they sell fake sunglasses, fake branded underwear and clothes. But if you want a real experience go to the ones where they sell vegetables, fruits, animals and fish. These places are the ultimate occasions to mingle with locals and see how the Thai people live.

18. Thai Food

This will pop up in every Thailand travel blog and honestly, who does not love Thai food? It is one of the reasons that make traveling to Thailand so excited for me. Thai food is renowned all around the world, but definitely tastes the best in Thailand itself. Be careful with ordering spicy food if you are not used to it. (no spicy = mai phet)

19. Thai Street food

There is no better street food scene than in the land of smiles. Asia is heaven for street food, but Thailand is the best when it comes down to finding delicious food on every street corner. You will never have to walk far to stumble upon a street vendor. The food is delicious, it will be prepared per order and very important it can be trusted!

Can you trust the street food in Thailand? HELL YES you can! Don’t let all those Thailand travel guides tell you to be careful with street food. I probably ate on the streets about a thousand times and I NEVER got sick.

RELATED: check out my article about the 25 Best Street Food Dishes in Thailand .

I you go backpacking in Thailand street food is a cheap way to feed you on a daily basis, but be aware that there is a lot of MSG in Thai street food. Order it without MSG by saying ‘Mai Sai Phong Churot’ .

20. Songkran

Cool Festivals to attend on your trip to Thailand! One of the best Thailand tips is to plan your trip around this incredible festival between 13 and 15 April. During Songkran, Thai New Year, everyone throws water at each other, which is a symbol for washing away sins and bad luck. Streets are closed for traffic and Bangkok becomes one big playground. Buy some goggles and a water pistol and feel like a kid again. Trust me Songkran is a reason to visit Thailand!

21. Yi Peng - Lantern festival in Chiang Mai

For some reason I completely missed the opportunity of going to the famous Latern Festival in Chiang Mai. One of my biggest travel mistakes. This incredible event has been on my bucketlist for a long time now and is the main reason for some tourists to plan a trip to Thailand. Thousands of lanterns are going up in the air to release bad vibes and have a fresh start. The festival is held around mid November, but varies every year.

Unfortunately I have never been myself, but click on the link to get to know everything about the Yee Peng festival .

Costs of traveling around Thailand

Are you curious how much it cost to travel around Thailand by boat, bus and train? Check the transportation search engine of 12Go Asia . Even domestic flight can be found here.

Here are some examples:

• Bus from Bangkok to Phuket: 12 hours - $20
• Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: 11 hours - $27
• Boat from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: 2 hours - $25

22. Loi Krathong - Lantern Festival Bangkok

On the exact same date Loi Krathong is celebrated in Bangkok. I have been experienced it and the streets are packed with people bringing floating offers to the river. They do this to let go of all their sins and start from scratch. The streets are packed, it is one beautiful chaos and you won't regret being out and about. Get lost in the city that night, it is magical.

23. Full moon party

While looking for Thailand travel tips I am sure you found out about the famous Full Moon party in Koh Phangan. This monthly returning festival is an incredibly popular beach party and listed in every travel guide for Thailand. Dance on the beach during full moon all the way till sunrise with up to 40,000 people. If you decide to go to Koh Phangan also consider the Half Moon or the Jungle Party, read more about that later or click on the link to read about my experiences partying in Koh Phangan .

I have been 4 times now and yes it is good fun, but there are also downsides. Read about it in the link above so that you don't have too high expectations.

24. Nightlife in Thailand

There are also a lot of things to know about nightlife in Thailand. For a lot of youngsters the nightlife is one of the reasons to visit Thailand and that is completely understandable. Bangkok is always a good idea for a night out and one of the most popular places to go are obviously Koa San Road or Soi 11 in Sukhumvit.

Where there is a beach in Thailand there is a party. Some islands have beach parties every evening, check out which islands have the best nightlife in my island hopping Thailand guide . The nightlife in Koh Tao and Koh Phi Phi is among my favorites.

25. Beach parties

Famous or infamous I like them! I have been to many beach parties in Thailand and I admit they are far from classy but still massive fun. If you are with a group of friends you will talk about it for years, memories for a lifetime. A trip to Thailand is not complete without a beach party in either Koh Phangan or Koh Phi Phi.

Looking for a Thailand itinerary including parties ? Click on the link to read my Thailand travel blog about it.  Get your funny festival outfits for those crazy nights in Thailand!

26. Jungle Parties

For the best jungle parties in Thailand you have to be in Koh Phangan. One of the best Thailand tips I ever got was when I heard about the Half Moon Party in Koh Phangan . This amazing party is held in the most amazing jungle setting. You won’t find any better outdoor party. If you are backpacking through Thailand put this on your list of things to do.

27. Pool Parties in Bangkok

What would Bangkok be without a good pool party? There are two kinds of pool parties in this city; the high-energy type that is packed with models and the city’s most beautiful people and those that are basically a lot of fun and laid back. Whatever mood you’re in, every weekend there is a pool party in Bangkok. This is a must do when you like to party and travel to Bangkok.

Planning you trip to Thailand? Then make sure you are in Bangkok on a Saturday, because that is when the famous Bangkok pool parties take place. Where?

• 1st Saturday of the month: W Bangkok and Ambar Pool Party
• 2nd Saturday of the month: Blast Pool Party + Epic Pool Party
• 3rd Saturday of the month: Westin Pool Party at Westin Sukhumvit
• Last Saturday of the month: So Pool Party at the So Sofitel

28. Ladyboy show

There is no country like Thailand when it comes to ladyboys! I am pretty sure for most of us that is not a reason to travel to Thailand, but attending a ladyboy show is surely worth the entertainment. Attending a ladyboy show in Koh Tao was great fun with a group of friends.

29. Pingpong show

Another infamous reason, but so high on many travelers list of things to do in Thailand! Loads of people will not admit it, but almost everyone sooner or later ends up at a pingpong show. Its name basically comes from ladies shooting pingpong balls in the audience in a very special way and there is a list of many more tricks these ladies are able to preform with their magic box! :)

30. Naked Sushi for dinner

Everything is possible on your trip to Thailand and Naked Sushi is one of the weird things to do in Bangkok  (click on the link to see my complete list of unusual things to do in Bangkok). Basically, sushi is placed upon the naked body of a girl lying down on the middle of the table. And then you eat it off of her.

The girl will be completely naked except for a few strategically placed banana leaves. Of course you can’t use chopsticks so you have to use your mouth. Check out the link for a full review. Never seen in any other Thailand travel blog. :)

31. Tuktuks

We are not even half-way through all my tips for Thailand! Following now are some general tips to make the most of your trip!

When you think about a trip to Thailand, you think about the funny tricycles called Tuktuks. Some of them have an interior better than some modern discos. What to do in Thailand when you are drunk and want to go home? Jump in a Tuktuk. Drivers are funny and always up for a laugh, but mind you that prices for a ride are up to 5 times more than what they should cost with Uber. But at least it is a cool experience!

32. Uber in Thailand is Grab Taxi

If you don’t have Grab Taxi yet, start downloading it for your Thailand vacation. Grab is the way to go around. Taxi’s will most of the times try to screw you over, so skip all the hassle and order a Grab Taxi straight from the app. For a long time there Uber in Thailand, but lately Grab Taxi took over Uber. This is my favorite way of how to get around Thailand.

33. Renting a motorbike in Thailand

Thailand is not the country of motorbikes that is Vietnam, but even in Thailand driving a motorbike across the country is a fantastic experience, especially in the north. Even for short day trips renting a motorbike in Thailand is so much more fun than booking a tour. A motorbike does not cost more than $5 a day, but be aware not to get scammed. Read more info about it in the link.

34. Easy to travel in Thailand

Because this is the most popular country to travel for youngsters there are uncountable businesses that try to make money of the tourism industry. Therefore you can find a travel agency or tour desk on every street corner. Even when you go for ice cream they will also sell you a boat tickets. There is no need to make a detailed plan if you travel to Thailand. If you want some ideas I created 4 different itineraries with things to do in Thailand (beaches, temples, parties and culture) , click on the link.

35. Making friends

One of the highlights about a trip to Thailand is that you are going to make friends for life. There are so many travelers around that meeting likeminded people is kind of guaranteed and there is no reason to be afraid to end up lonely in Thailand. Fellow travelers you randomly meet will tell you where to go in Thailand, they give you island hopping tips, they tell you about the best places to stay and with some you might end up traveling around the country or fall in love! :) Looking for friends? Travel to Thailand!

36. Backpacking Thailand is heaven for solo travelers

If you are looking for the best country for solo travelers then stop searching. Thailand is the number one backpacking country in the world simply because all of these reasons I am summing up to travel to Thailand. It has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday plus traveling is made easy because of the well-organized transportation network. There are a ton of hostels in Thailand where it is easy to connect with fellow travelers.

37. Banana Pancake Trail

For many travelers Thailand is the starting and ending point on a trip through South East Asia, also called the Banana Pancake Trail. Bangkok is the perfect hub to visit the surrounding countries Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia. In my Thailand itineraries blog I also created a perfect island hopping itinerary from Thailand to Malaysia .

38. Travel to Thailand on a budget

Thailand is budget friendly and that is of course why a lot of young people travel to Thailand after their studies. With a small budget you can get really far and even luxury is affordable. So how much does a trip to Thailand cost? That totally depends on what you want to spend. There are bars where a cocktail costs $2 USD but you can also find rooftop bars where cocktails cost $25 USD.

Click on the link for a breakdown of prices in Thailand for traveling, food, restaurants, transportation, accommodation, drinks, etc.

Looking for the best prices for bus, train and boat tickets? Check online via 12Go Asia, a reliable source for your Thailand transportation. Try it below!

You will see all the options for traveling Thailand on a budget, including domestic flights in Thailand , which are often even cheaper than long bus rides.

39. Affordable Luxury

Like I just said even if you are a luxury traveler a trip to Thailand will suit you. Thailand tourism is doing really well because the value for money is amazing in this country. There are a ton of 5 star hotels in Thailand and one is even more fantastic than the other. Some locations are over the top expensive like Koh Samui and Phuket but in the rest of Thailand you can easily find 5 star hotels for around $100 per room per night. No hidden fees, simply affordable luxury. A luxury Thailand holiday does not have to be expensive!

Find amazing 5 star hotels for just $100 per night in Bangkok . Who does not want to travel in style and not pay a fortune?

Make your trip to Thailand much more convenient by staying connected. There are amazing e-sim cards for Thailand. Check out my guide with everything you need to know about using e-sim cards when traveling to Thailand .

40. Thai Massages

A Thailand vacation is not complete without a Thai massage. Honestly I am not a fan of a Thai massage and I always opt for an oil massage, mostly called Swedish massage in Thailand. The great thing about Thai massages is that an hour massage will cost you around $8 USD only in the cheaper places. That means you can get one every day if you want to.

Don’t be scared you are going to be touched at places you don’t want to! Places with happy end massages simply look different, so choose your spot carefully.

41. Stay away from crazy monkeys

Another important thing to know when you travel to Thailand is about the monkeys. They may look cute but they aren’t the most humble ones in the world. They are so used to tourists that they became rude. There is no need to be afraid for them, but please approach with care. They are guaranteed for funny scenes though as they will climb up to people and steal sunglasses, hats, cameras, backpacks, etc. You are warned! Don’t let a monkey ruin your Thailand holiday!

42. Visit the Thai Islands

Now let me give you some ideas where to go and what to see in Thailand.

Talking about island hopping in Thailand , the gorgeous islands made Thailand tourism one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world . Pictures of the pristine beaches, the karst mountains and the traditional longtail boats have gone viral all over the internet. Island hopping is one of the best things to do in Thailand, click on the link for all my tips.

43. Visit the BEAUTIFUL Thai Beaches

Needless to say that the picture perfect white sand beaches are one of the main reasons people want to go island hopping in Thailand . Be careful though! Not all beaches are like what you see in pictures. Instagram is a bitch! ;) A down side, of traveling to Thailand being so popular, is its mass tourism. Make sure you know where to go in Thailand and do some research before your trip to find those unspoiled beaches. Find out which are the best islands to visit in Thailand in this link.

Two beaches in Krabi I definitely recommend visiting are: Tonsai Beach and Railay Beach .

44. Bangkok is unique

Crazy Bangkok! There is of course a reason the Hangover 2 was shot in Bangkok. Nights out here can get crazy. Bangkok never sleeps and during the day there are many things to do in Bangkok, but at nighttime the city really comes alive. During the day you should explore the temples, the canals, Chinatown, the backpackers area, the river, the markets and its shopping malls.

When the sun starts to go down grab a cocktail on a rooftop and end up partying till the sun comes up. This city is unique in its kind. I have lived on and off in Thailand between 2013 and 2016 and Bangkok was my base. I miss this city! Check out my top 10 things to do in Bangkok  or 13 unusual things to do in Bangkok .

45. Visit Khao Sok National Park

One of the coolest things to do in Thailand when you are looking for an adventure is to head to Khao Sok National Park. Stay overnight in this amazing green oasis and enjoy the peaceful nights watching stars from the balcony over your bungalow on the water. Go kayaking, hiking or even camping in the jungle.

46. National Park Ang Thong

In total 42 little green rock islands surrounded by shallow sea is what National Park Ang Thong is made of. One of the most amazing things to do in Thailand is to hike up to the viewpoint for an exceptional view over this natural beauty. Luckily it is a protected area and there are no hotels. Staying overnight in Ang Thong is possible if you are backpacking Thailand. This secret travel tip is for the die-hard traveler as there is no hot water and almost no electricity, but there are some tents for rent at the park headquarters in Koh Wua Talab.

Click on the link to find day trips to Ang Thong National Park from Koh Samui .

47. Khao San Road - Most Famous Backpack Street in the World

A lot of countries have a famous street, which somehow turned into a tourist attraction. In Thailand that is Khao San Road, probably the most famous backpacking street in the world. Two Mc Donald’s, two Starbuck’s and two Burger Kings in a 500 meter long street does not sound like a reason to travel to Thailand, but this street is a unique experience. The uncountable street vendors, market stalls, restaurants, massage salons, bars, clubs and souvenirs shops make this one of the most bustling streets in the world. It is the heart of Thailand tourism.

48. Maeklong Railway Market

This is a small authentic market set on the railway tracks. One minute there is a bustling market under umbrellas with stalls scattered everywhere. The next minute a train passes right through the middle of it all, only to turn back into a market a few minutes later. The train market is open 7 days a week from 6.20 am to 5.40 pm. That is matching the schedule of first train departing to the last train arriving at Maeklong Station. Truly something amazing to experience! Put it on the list of places to visit in Thailand.

49. Jungle trekking

Need some ideas on what to do when you travel to Thailand?

It is not all about beaches in Thailand. The hilly countryside of Chiang Mai is perfect to go for trekking. There are 3 jungle trekking tours / hiking tours in Chiang Mai I recommend in particular: the Kew Mae Pan Nature trail, hiking in the Chaeson National Park, hiking in Doi Inthanon National Park .

There are much more things to do in Chiang Mai than only jungle trekking tours. What about rafting on the Mae Taeng , mountain biking in Doi Suthep National Park, wakeboarding or even a quad biking tour at Huey Tung Tao Lake or in Mae Taeng.

50. Get your Open Water (PADI)

Learning how to scuba dive is one of the best things to do in Thailand. The dive community on the islands is huge and you will find dive schools everywhere. The conditions are perfect for first time divers and on top of that it is among the cheapest places in the world to get certified, especially on my favorite island in Thailand: Koh Tao . Click on the link to read everything about this little gem. Learn how to scuba dive is a popular activity for those backpacking Thailand.

51. Scuba diving

Even if you are an experienced scuba diver a Thailand trip is worth it for its underwater world. With so many islands it is obvious that there are many cool places to go scuba diving in Thailand. For experienced divers I would recommend dive sites like Sail Rock and Chumporn Pinnacle close to Koh Tao, the Similan Islands, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

The best place to visit in Thailand for scuba diving is Koh Tao. Read here my complete island guide: Best Things To Do in Koh Tao .

Check out this blog post with a Thai domestic flight search guide. Tips on how to find cheap flight deals for traveling around Thailand.

52. Snorkeling

Not everyone is a fan of scuba diving and don’t worry Thailand has also plenty of snorkeling options all around the islands. Just rent a snorkel set and head out by yourself or hop on of the many snorkeling day trips that are offered on every island. Need help making an island hopping Thailand itinerary ? Click on the link! I created 4 different 1-week itineraries, which you can all combine if you want to island hop for a month.

53. Swim with Whale Sharks

Tempted to swim with the biggest fish in the ocean? Don't worry, this 8-12 meter long shark is harmless. It only eats plankton and move gently through the ocean. If you are lucky you can see them when diving in Koh Tao. I have seen several and it is an unbelievable experience. Best dive sites in Thailand to see whale sharks are: Sail Rock between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, Chumporn Pinnacle in Koh Tao and Southwest Pinnacle also in Koh Tao.

54. Tab Kak Hang Nak Hike - Best Hike in Thailand

If you are looking for some adventure on your Thailand trip and want to see one of the coolest places to visit in Thailand then definitely put this on your list. To me this is one of the best things to do as I love adventure. I am sure the photo says it all.

The hike through the forest is not easy and it even includes some climbing, but the views from the top are rewarding. Don’t underestimate this tourist attraction. Many Thailand travel blogs will tell you how amazing it is, but they forget to tell you that climbing to the top is very hard!

55. Shopping

With so many markets there is no need to tell you that Thailand is a shopping heaven. If you are a shopaholic I am sure your Thailand holiday will be a success. You will surely love getting lost in Siam and Sukhumvit where one shopping mall is lined up next to the other.

But not only in the capital, everywhere you go in the country souvenirs and other stuff will be thrown at you. The best places to visit in Thailand for shopping are in Bangkok: Chinatown, Asiatique, Siam Square, Patpong Night Market, floating markets, Happy Land Junction.

56. Sunset cocktails

No matter if you are in Bangkok in Chiang Mai or on one of the islands, sunsets in Thailand are spectacular! Sipping a happy hour cocktail on the rooftop watching the sun go down over the bustling city is one of the best things to do in Bangkok .

With your feet in the sand watching the sun go down in the ocean is not bad either, right? The colors of Thai sunsets vary to such amazing extremes that through the course of this daily phenomenon, it can seem like a completely different sunset just a couple minutes later.

57. Swim with elephants

I have still never done it myself but I have seen so many incredible photos of people having the time of their life bathing with elephants. Please note that not all of these elephant sanctuaries are what they say they are and please do some research where to go in Thailand before signing up to visit one of these elephant sanctuaries. Another secret Thailand travel tip is to spend the night in an elephant rescue home and get to spend lots of time with the animals. Check out: Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary. I have not been here myself, but it is high on my list of places to visit in Thailand.

Thailand tours? I can recommend you the tour packages of Adrenaline Hunter for your activities in Thailand. They have some special things to do in Thailand like: hot air ballooning, paragliding, microlight flying, sailing, survival training and more.

58. Don’t ride elephants

Also read this carefully:  What not to do when you travel to Thailand!

Most people traveling to Thailand are already aware that riding elephants is not done, but still many tour agencies offer these trips. In most probably any Thailand travel blog you will be discouraged not to do so and by writing this I hope I make you realize that riding an elephant in Thailand is not cool! Stop animal cruelty and refuse to take pictures with elephants, but instead do some research and visit a reputable sanctuary.

59. Don’t take selfies with tigers

Another thing not to do when you travel to Thailand is to take selfies with tigers. Why do you think they are so calm and stare into your camera? Ever realized that these animals are drugged? Do you like to be drugged? Yes some people may like drugs! :p

But obviously this is animal cruelty and please refrain from taking selfies with tigers in Thailand! If you are still not convinced then I hope this article about 40 dead Tiger cubs in a freezer will make you realize taking a selfie with a tiger is NOT COOL!

Don't forget to get your Thailand travel insurance, try below to get a free quotation.

60. Eat sweet mangos - the best!

Eat as many sweet mangoes as you can when you travel to Thailand! This fruit can get any better than in Thailand, I am kind of addicted to them. You can buy them pretty much anywhere on the streets or on markets.

61. Chang or Singha beer

Singha is the oldest and most well-known beer in Thailand and together with Chang they rule the beer market in Thailand. Chang is mostly a couple cents cheaper. I like both, or basically I don’t really care what I drink. :)

62. Starbucks, 7Eleven and fast food chains are everywhere

If you are a fan of fast food you are going to be spoiled for choice. On your trip to Thailand you will see more Mc Donalds, KFC, Burger King than you have ever seen anywhere else. The same for Starbucks and 7Eleven.

63. Buffet breakfast

I already told you that luxury is affordable but when you book an upscale hotel in Thailand make sure it has one of those buffet  hotel breakfasts to die for. Trust me you will find anything you crave at these breakfast. It is worth getting up early for!

64. Better to buy bottled water

Tap water in Thailand can officially be consumed, I have done it many times and never got sick. Bottled water though does hardly cost anything so it is wise to not take the risk to get sick on your Thailand holiday and spend a couple cents to buy bottled water. However it is not the best solution for the environment. Check if your hotels/hostel has safe drinking water dispensers and bring a reusable water bottle.

I understand that it doesn't feel right to drink the tap water in Thailand, however the tap water in Thailand is safe for showering and brushing your teeth.

65. Best sim card in Thailand for tourists

All bars, restaurants, shops and hotels have free wifi and mobile data and WiFi internet is fast in Thailand. But if you want to stay online during your Thailand holiday I recommend you buying a prepaid sim card for Thailand  or read my complete guide with everything you need to know about buying an e-sim card for Thailand in 2024 .

I hope all these tips, recommendations and advices make you realize how amazingly easy it is to travel to Thailand. It is not for nothing that I always say that you can hardly go wrong by booking a trip to Thailand. Over the years I have sent many people to the land of smiles and I had never anyone who did not like their vacation or backpacking holiday. 

Im sure I can help you planning your trip to Thailand or help you travel for less or have a look at my article how much does a trip to Thailand cost . 

Find the best transportation in Thailand

The transportation search engine from 12Go Asia compares bus, boat, train and flight tickets all in one overview. They give you all the options available, including time schedules, seat availability and you can directly book your ticket online. Get the ticket instantly in your email with a guaranteed and confirmed seat!

Try it and find your route below.

Avoid the hassle of buying bus tickets from street vendors, 12Go Asia is a reliable agency and Traveltomtom has used it uncountable times to get around Thailand and booked his boat, bus, train and even domestic flights via them.

Please in case you may book a Thailand holiday use the affiliate links on this page. I will earn a small commission when you click on the link and make any purchase. Thank you very much.

If this post was helpful then please share it in a relevant Facebook Group or on your timeline, pin it on Pinterest or send it in a Tweet. Small things that can make a big difference for me. Thank you very much…

If you have any further questions about traveling to Thailand please reach out to me on my Instagram account  @traveltomtom . I am happy to help you out to get the most out of your trip to Thailand. I have many Thailand travel content so be aware that this could create some serious wanderlust.

In total I have now been on the road continuously since 2012 and these are some of my  best travel adventures from around the world . Interested  how to earn money from a travel blog or how I became a professional travel blogger then click on these links to read my story and may be inspire you to create a lifestyle around travel too.

Things you might like to read as well:

• Activities in Koh Tao besides diving
• Is it safe to travel to Thailand now
• Thailand itineraries for 2 weeks

If there are any more questions you have about traveling to Thailand and leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Thailand!

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• How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps

Thailand, the land of smiles, No. 1 for travel in Southeast Asia, is rich in culture and history, and filled with golden temples, radiant beaches, cuisine that is adored around the world, and friendly smiling people.

If you're looking for a way to rekindle your spark or to enjoy quality time with your kids, it's time to book a trip to the best vacation spots for couples or families in Thailand.

Don't know where to start? Read on for your handy guide to planning a trip to Thailand.

1. Choose Where to Go

2. decide how many days to stay.

• 3. Consider When to Travel
• 4. Consider Your Budget
• 5. Taking A Guided or Independent Tour?
• 6. Check Out Visa Policy

7. Getting to and Around Thailand

Thailand can be divided into three main regions for travelers:

• Northern Thailand for nature, elephants, and local villages;
• the Central Plains for Bangkok and city getaways, and
• Southern Thailand for great beaches.

With our knowledge of Thailand and feedback from our customers, we suggest you visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and one or two southern beaches for your first trip , extending it to Chiang Rai and/or a national park if you have the time.

1) Bangkok — A Blend of Modernity and Tradition

Bangkok is Thailand's capital and top gateway city. It is a city that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making it a perfect destination for a family or couple's trip.

For those interested in learning more about Thailand's splendid architecture and temples , the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho are must-see attractions.

Whether traveling as a family or a couple, a foodie tour to discover the sophisticated flavors of Bangkok's old district in Chinatown among other local cuisine will create a deliciously memorable experience.

Your trip would not be complete without a cruise along Bangkok's ancient canals and a visit to a floating market , which would give you an insight into a bygone way of life.

For a special experience and some private time, you could spend a night in a floating house at Kanchanaburi.

Get more ideas on planning a family trip to Thailand .

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

2) Chiang Mai — Have a Close Encounter with Elephants

Chiang Mai, known as the 'Rose of the North', is a wonderful destination for a family or couple's trip, offering culture, history, relaxation, and excitement as well.

You could start your trip with a visit to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple , which offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Then explore the Old City and its many street markets, such as the Night Bazaar.

Seeing elephants usually tops the list of things to do in Chiang Mai, whether with kids or your partner. Our half-day elephant tou r allows you to feed the elephants, walk with them, and play with them in the mud of a bathing pool.

If you visit in November, don't miss Chiang Mai's Yi Peng Lantern Festival , which is a romantic event that many couples dream of.

3) The Thai Islands: Phuket or Samui?

Your Thailand trip would not be complete without visiting at least one or two of its beautiful islands. The only question is which island should you choose from so many islands on both the west and east coasts of Thailand.

Phuket , along with Krabi and Koh Phi Phi, on the Andaman Sea (west coast) is loved by families for its various exciting activities and family-friendly hotel options .

While Ko Samui , along with Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao, on the east coast is very popular with couples, due to their being home to luxury resorts and a quieter vibe .

If you are traveling in your summer vacation , Ko Samui is recommended for its sunny and dry weather, while Phuket is in its rainy season.

Can't make a decision yet? Suggested read: Phuket vs Koh Samui .

4) A National Park: Enjoy Jungle Hikes and Encounter Wildlife

To enrich your stay in Thailand, you should consider including a national park in your trip, such as Kao Yai or Khao Sok.

Located north of Phuket, Khao Sok National Park is home to some of the planet's oldest rainforests, with guided activities including jungle hikes and boat tours on scenic Cheow Lan Lake. Spending a night in a "tree house" (treetop lodge) could be an experience full of lifetime memories for your kids. For couples, there's the special and romantic experience of staying in a luxury tent surrounded by rainforest.

North of Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park makes an amazing day out. 

If you're planning a trip to Southeast Asia, get some inspiration from our article: 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Couples, Families, and More .

We suggest you take at least a week for your first trip to see a spectrum of the highlights in the top three cities.

• 7–10 days: Bangkok (2–3 days), Chiang Mai (2–3 days), and a southern island like Phuket or Koh Samui (3–4 days). See the  9-day Thailand Family Tour for inspiration. Or get more sample itineraries:  Top 5 Thailand Itineraries for 10 Days .
• 10-15 days: For a few more days, you can discover more of Thailand, like charming Chiang Rai and a national park, you will need a few more days. See our sample itineraries for inspiration: 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday , 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour , and Best 3 Thailand Itineraries for 12 Days .

If you are lucky enough to have more time to tour Thailand, say 3, 4, or even 8 weeks then you have a lot more options! See our page the Ultimate Thailand Travel Itinerary Guide From 5 Days to 1 Month for more inspiration.

For 2–3 weeks , you can consider visiting Thailand with one or two other countries. Vietnam and Cambodia are 2 of the most popular choices. See the sample itineraries for inspiration:

• 11-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
• 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
• 21-Day Thailand and Vietnam Adventure Tour

Or you can check the sample itineraries of Thailand for  21 days >>>

You might want to contact a travel specialist to have your requirements, including the length of your holiday, designed into a fulfilling tour uniquely planned for you.

Extended reading: How Long to Spend in Southeast Asia (for First Timers)

3. Consider When to Travel to Thailand

In general, the best time to visit most of Thailand is during the dry season between November and March , when the temperatures are pleasant and there is very little rainfall.

According to our experience, if your travel dates are totally flexible, the ideal times are late October and early April , when the weather is still good and the crowds are fewer.

Christmas and New Year holidays are the busiest times . Hotels in popular cities/islands such as Bangkok and Phuket, and flights between popular destinations such as Chiang Mai - Phuket are likely to be sold out in advance. Be sure to plan ahead and make reservations at least 6 months in advance for better deals. Let us know your interests and requirements , and we'll take care of everything.

If you travel between August and September for the Phuket area or between October and December for the Koh Samui area, be prepared for showers. Fewer crowds and cheaper prices are its benefits. You can get more detailed tips on Best Times to Travel to Thailand .

Vietnam and Cambodia have similar climates to Thailand's . You may want to visit these three destinations in one trip. Check How to Plan a 3-Week Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour

4. Consider Your Budget for a Thailand Trip

In general, Thailand is surprisingly affordable, and therefore it is particularly popular to visit. Airfares for your international flights are the largest upfront cost. On arrival in Thailand, your costs will vary greatly depending on the kind of traveler you want to be.

Thailand is a country that covers all budgets! From economy-class hotels to top-class resorts, street food to gourmet dinners for hundreds, and free beaches to expensive tours, Thailand has it all!

A private tour is an affordable luxury in Thailand! Private service is value for money there. Here are the prices for a private tour based on a group of 2 people during the peak season, for your reference:

• On a medium budget, touring Thailand typically costs around US$150–200 per day per person (including 4-star hotels, airfares within Thailand, attractions, guides, and transfers).
• For a higher budget of US$200–250 per day per person, more comfort can be enjoyed (including 5-star hotels, airfares within Thailand, attractions, guides, and transfers).
• For a family trip (2 adults plus 2–3 children) for 2 weeks in Thailand or in Southeast Asia, it normally costs US$10,000–15,000 per family excluding international flights from/to America or Europe.

Learn more about how much money you need when visiting Thailand. Check out some private Thailand tours and private Southeast tours to get a general idea of the cost.

5. Consider Traveling Independently or Taking a Guided Tour

While Thailand is easy enough to travel to independently for backpackers, it is at the same time very time-consuming (if not troublesome) to choose the most suitable hotels and arrange all the best activities for you, while seeking value for money and great service.

A private guided tour is a great way to maximize your time , eliminating any frustrating time spent on planning and traveling and ensuring a smoother, stress-free, and more enjoyable journey.

Work with our travel consultant to create an itinerary that fits your schedule and focuses on the places and experiences that matter most to you. Our consultants can not only help you sift through thousands of hotel and restaurant options to find the right one for you, whether it's for couples or families but also quickly provide alternative solutions in case of any changes .

Contact us to enjoy a quality service.

6. Check Out Thailand's Visa Policy

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a tourist visa to enter the Kingdom of Thailand, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Most travelers can stay in Thailand without a visa for 30 days. We have more information on Thailand visas and visa requirements for other Asian countries .

Getting to Thailand

Flying from North America to Thailand usually involves a connecting flight. Popular transfer cities include Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Hong Kong, Taipei, and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

Direct flights operate between Bangkok and the main cities in Europe and Oceania.

We are confident that our private tours are the most convenient option for your trip to Thailand. We can make an itinerary according to your flight times and arrange trouble-free private transport.

Connecting to Other SE Asian Countries

Bangkok is the top gateway city for travel to Southeast Asian countries. From there you will find frequent flights to other major cities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. This makes Thailand not only a popular destination stop but also a gateway to its neighboring SE Asian countries.

Booking a private tour with us, we will arrange your transportation within Southeast Asia. Our travel consultant will search the flight schedules, arrange the best connections, and book the air tickets.

You're in Good Hands with Asia Highlights

At Asia Highlights, we have created over 10,000+ big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples. We truly understand that every single big trip planned for our clients is not just for good holiday memories but also for joyful celebrations of life's milestones.

Read comments from our clients on TrustPilot , for example:

Daniel Ponce:

• "Everything went better that we'd expected! Our guides were local people who knew about the city, the people, and how to solve problems. They were really punctual and had the best attitude!

Rosangela Campos:

• "Traveling with Asia Highlights is a guaranteed wonderful experience in Asia! I highly recommend them!"

Get a wonderful Thailand vacation by sending us a message . Or check out our sample itineraries for inspiration:

• 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday
• 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
• 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
• 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples

Further Reading

• 2 Weeks in Thailand – 3 Perfect Thailand Itineraries
• 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Couples, Families, and More
• How to Plan a 3-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 9-Day Thailand Family Tour
• 10-Day Best of Thailand Tour
• 10-Day Thailand Lantern Festival Tour 2024
• 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour
• 12-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
• 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• 19-Day Highlights Tour of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
• Awesome 10 Days in Thailand: 5 Itineraries (with Map)
• 3 Best Thailand Itineraries for 12 Days 2024
• 2 Weeks Thailand Itinerary 2024: Top 4 Itineraries with Maps
• Perfect 3 Weeks in Thailand: 3 Itineraries with Costs 2024
• A Guide to Thailand Lantern Festivals: Yi Peng & Loy Krathong
• 8 Best Destinations to Combine with a Visit to Thailand
• How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025): 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks Itineraries
• How to Plan a Trip to Thailand and Cambodia (2024/2025)
• How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Thailand 2024/2025
• How to Visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam 2024: 10, 14 and 21-Day Itinerary Ideas
• How to Plan a Trip to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore 2024
• Thailand Weather in January 2025: Which Island/Best Places to Visit
• Thailand Weather in February 2024/2025: Which Island/Best Places to Visit
• Thailand Weather in March 2024/2025: Temperature, Places to Visit, Travel Tips
• Thailand Weather in April 2024: Temperatures, Places to Visit, Songkran Festival
• Thailand Weather in May 2024: Too Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go and Travel Tips
• What's the Weather Like in Thailand in June?
• Thailand Weather in July 2024: Tips for a Family Vacation
• Thailand Weather in August 2024: Temperature and Best Places to Go
• Thailand Weather in September 2024: Temperature, Best Places to Visit
• Thailand Weather in October 2024: Still Rain? Where to Visit?
• Thailand Weather in November 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• Thailand Weather in December 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds

It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)

From the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.

The tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history

We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,

Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.

We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.

We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.

Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!

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A Purple Life

Slow Travel Review: Phuket, Thailand – The Land Of Sea & Food

Up until now, my slow travel reviews have explored the US and my own backyard with fresh eyes. Well now these posts are finally going international!

I want to talk about the month I spent living in Phuket, Thailand and give you all the tips and tricks I stumbled and embarrassed myself into knowing 🙂 . Hopefully this will help you in the future if you plan to go to Thailand in general or Phuket specifically.

I was a bit nervous to embark on my first international adventure since 2019, especially since we were going to literally the other side of the world to a place where I could not speak or read the language. I was also intimidated by the fact that we would be there a month – by far the longest time I have been abroad outside of my 6 months living in Italy in college. However, I shouldn’t have worried. Thailand is a lovely place to visit and we had a fantastic time.

Walkability

Each town in Phuket is very walkable – there are sidewalks everywhere along with street lights and pedestrian crossings. One heads up though, in Thailand they drive on the left side of the road, so I was always careful to look in both directions before crossing just to make sure I didn’t look the wrong way and then get taken out by someone on a scooter.

Our month in Thailand🇹🇭 is half over…HOW?!?!🤯😭🥺 pic.twitter.com/czVQfJ4fKC — A Purple Life (@APurpleLifeBlog) February 16, 2022

To get in between the towns I used Grab , the Asia equivalent of Lyft or Uber and really enjoyed it. In fact, I’m planning to write a whole review post about that app and its features outside of grabbing rides because I found it so helpful.

When we used Grab, we discovered that a lot of those drivers actually worked for taxi companies as well and would give us their cards. We chose the card of our favorite driver and my Mom ended up hiring him for a multitude of trips by the hour. He would respond immediately and was a lovely person to work with.

The alternative to Grab and taxis in Phuket are Tuk Tuks , pronounced “took tooks.” Those are the tiny cars that are often asking tourists if they need rides, and I would suggest avoiding them. I was told to do the same by expats before my travels, because they’re known for greatly increasing the price of a ride after you’ve already agreed to one price and at times not letting you leave until you pay. So we avoided them 🙂 .

I was surprised to discover that I was able to get by in Thailand while knowing only a few phrases. I had a goal of learning one new phrase a day and after the first week or two, I was good! Many people spoke English or we got by with our few phrases and a few gestures. I also downloaded all of the Thai language to my Google Translate app on my phone, but I never used it to speak to people.

Google Translate is coming in clutch when shopping at grocery stores in Thailand🇹🇭. Technology is so cool😍. pic.twitter.com/ONZHaLHsk1 — A Purple Life (@APurpleLifeBlog) February 11, 2022

Anyway, the first thing I needed to know about Thai was that phrases end differently based on my (the speaker’s) gender. Men end words with “khrab” and women end them with “kha” so heads up for that in the below. Here are the phrases that helped me get by:

• “Hello” = สวัสดีค่ะ = “Sawatdee kha”
• “Thank you” = ขอบคุณค่ะ = “Khawp khun kha”
• “Sorry” = ขอโทษค่ะ = “Khor thod kha”
• “How are you?” = สบายดีมั้ยค่ะ  = “Sabai dee mai kha?”
• “You’re welcome/It’s fine” = ไม่เป็นไรค่ะ = “Mai pen rai ka”
• “I’m hungry” = หิวข้าว = Hiu khao ( Heads up : hiu means “hungry” and khao means “rice” 🙂 )
• “I’m thirsty” = หิวน้ำ = Hiu naam ( Heads up : naam means “water” so thirsty = hungry for water)
• “Delicious” = อร่อย = “Ah-roi”
• “How much?” = เท่าไรค่ะ = ‘Tao rai kha”

One heads up that I mentioned in my February recap , the Thai language doesn’t pronounce “h”s in the same way we do in English, which I guess I should have figured out from how we say “Tailand” instead of “THailand.” That means that “ Phuket ” is pronounced “Pooket.” This was humorous when we discovered that the famous “Phi Phi Islands” are pronounced “Pee Pee Islands” 

Inclusivity

How people in a city seems to react to a purple haired black woman rolling up to their town, is something I like to include in these reviews. I find this kind of information helpful when I’m looking for new places to visit so here it is 🙂 .

I was curious how comfortable I would feel in Thailand given the new barriers we had (language, writing etc) and the fact that we would be living there instead of staying in tourist areas. Well, I shouldn’t have worried 🙂 . People are just as friendly as I had heard and I felt completely comfortable everywhere I went.

I felt at home there quite quickly and even felt comfortable going for runs by myself while the sun was rising. I never had any issues while doing so.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by A Purple Life l Early Retiree (@apurplelife)

The exchange rate when we visited in February 2022 was about 30THB:1 USD so an easy way to convert currency in my mind, was taking the cost, such as 300THB, moving the decimal one position to the left and then dividing by 3, which gives me $10USD = EASY!

Cash is the most prevalent kind of currency accepted around Phuket – places rarely took credit cards and if they did, there were often extra fees associated with them. However, there were ATMs everywhere so it wasn’t an issue. We used a few different ATMs that were associated with Thai banks. I also confirmed the claim that my Charles Schwab Investor Checking Account refunds ALL ATM FEES! One of the ATMs took a $7.16 fee for a withdrawal and I got it all back at the end of the month in my Charles Schwab account. Sweet!!!

I was surprised to see that after all the fees were added up getting cash in Thailand cost me $7.16🇹🇭🏧. Well, my @CharlesSchwab debit card just reimbursed all of it🥰. #NomadHacks pic.twitter.com/Y1N3UEc2At — A Purple Life (@APurpleLifeBlog) March 10, 2022

Usually when I go to a foreign country where English isn’t the official language, I try to learn numbers in the local language so I can know how much something costs when a shopkeeper tells me. However, I never had this issue in Thailand because all shops that I visited either told you the total in English or held up a calculator with the numbers on it so there was no confusion. Super easy!

Before we embarked on our first international travels since the pandemic began, I bought this travel adapter dock for my electronics. However,  I surprisingly didn’t need it while I was in Thailand. That might be because I stayed in tourist hotels and an Airbnb owned by an expat, but everywhere we stayed had dual sockets that accept Thai type A or C  and US type A plugs . I use this site to see what kind of sockets different countries use.

I used my US type A plugs and didn’t have an issue with anything EXCEPT my beloved heating pad. During my research of why it would automatically shut off if I tried to plug it into the socket or my converter, I discovered that electronics that convert electricity to heat, such as hair dryers, straighteners and (apparently) heating pads, don’t work in these situations for safety reasons.

My adapter has a warning to not use it with hair dryers and straighteners, but it said nothing about heating pads. Good to know though! I’m going to see if I can get some type of traveling hot water bottle for future international travels just in case.

One of the reasons I love visiting Thailand is because of the abundance of nature around us. First, for the positive part of that 🙂 . If you’re a lover of snorkeling, gorgeous birds and abundant plant life, Thailand is a wonderful place to be.

The snorkeling there, for example, is out of this world. We took a trip around the nearby islands including the Phi Phi Islands to snorkel and kayak, and it looked how I imagine the Great Barrier Reef looks (swipe through all the videos to see some wild fish and jellies!).

The beaches were pristine with beautiful white sand and more fish than I’ve ever seen in my life. A few of these beaches had been closed for years until recently to help the wildlife come back after too many tourists trashed the place, so we were careful to be super aware of our impact while we were there. We were also told that the lack of tourists during the pandemic helped beaches that were not closed, revitalize as well, so that might be why this experience was so jaw dropping.

Now for the less good 🙂 . A natural environment means bugs. In the US it seems like we spray all kinds of wild shit in our houses to keep any sign of outside life either out of ours or dead. In Thailand that’s not the case. Bugs are around and it’s a tropical climate so it’s a fact of life. The places we stayed in didn’t even have screens on the windows or doors so if you open them you’re welcoming in the outside world.

This wasn’t a problem for us in general, but it did lead to an adventure one night. We came back from our boat trip to see bugs all around the apartment floor. It turns out that while we were away, it had rained – hard- and these were flying ants, which somehow found their way in and then lost their wings…they also look nothing like ants so I don’t even know where this name came from 🙂 .

Anyway, we played a ‘fun’ game of rounding up the critters, messaged our Airbnb host who wonderfully responded immediately, and told us to let him know if we saw them after that night. Luckily, we didn’t. There were a few stragglers in the morning and then nothing. This wasn’t even on the scale of gross things I’ve experienced when I lived in NYC, but I wanted to point it out in case it’s not something you’re used to. Life is here – living, outside or inside your house 🙂 .

The tap water in Thailand is not drinkable so we bought it from the grocery store. While doing so, I learned that my 40L backpack can easily fit 2, 1.5 gal jugs at the bottom along with groceries piled on top of it. Awesome! I also learned how to one-handedly pour a 1.5 gallon jug into smaller bottles all by myself. I’m learning all kinds of new skills 😉 !

Food in Thailand is as delicious as you can imagine. I didn’t have any bad food even across cuisines – it was ridiculous and wonderful 🙂 . I was even surprised to see that our local grocery store had some of the best croissants I’ve ever had in my life and they were 6 for $1…say WHAAAT?!

How dare Thai grocery stores sell delicious, fresh croissants 6 for $1. It's basically criminal I say🤣! And don't even get me started on the donuts 🤤🥐🍩… pic.twitter.com/6eNG3ELKJJ — A Purple Life (@APurpleLifeBlog) February 26, 2022

Similarly, there was sensational fresh fruit everywhere with prices that always made my jaw drop.

UPDATE: I have a pineapple problem🍍. All this was $2.60🤯 https://t.co/2njsrSIofo pic.twitter.com/AUTRCuORM2 — A Purple Life (@APurpleLifeBlog) February 23, 2022

One thing that was different about the food we got in the grocery store is that mayo and butter were slightly sweet compared to the same brands in the US. Just a heads up so that’s not a surprise for you. Outside of the grocery store, the drink technology in Asia continues to astound me:

[I order a kiwi smoothie, a strawberry smoothie and an iced cappuccino🍹☕🍹] Mom: How are you going to carry all that?!? Me: You're forgetting about the drink technology in Thailand🇹🇭. I can carry that with one hand! The US needs to get on this level😍. #DrinkSlingsAndBagsFTW pic.twitter.com/8kE4eNijRl — A Purple Life (@APurpleLifeBlog) March 2, 2022

Overall I was extremely impressed with the food in Phuket. Inside and outside the grocery store, it’s all delicious and affordable.

I like to base estimates on solid facts and that’s why I began my retirement calculations by assuming I would continue spending the same amount that I did during my awesome HCOL life in Seattle, which cost $18,000 a year . I then added 11% on top of that amount just in case, to come to a round $20,000 for my annual retirement budget.

This padded assumption also adds another cushion to my plan because most places in the USA and especially the world, are cheaper to live in than Seattle, Washington. Here’s how Phuket, Thailand compares to Seattle:

My costs below are overall higher than they would be if my partner and I were traveling alone because we were with my Mom who is a classy lady with classy tastes 🙂 . We also had 2 overlapping accommodations for a week as a result of changing Thai entry rules .

Anyway, if we were on our own, we would have bought less delivery, bought more groceries, and taken fewer Grab cars…while most likely keeping the massages 🙂 . I don’t regret any of this spending, but wanted to point out that it is fancier than what we usually do.

Cost : $850 each ($2,550 total – split between 3 people)

Basically this:

I learned that electricity in international Airbnbs seems to often be charged separately. We lucked out when we booked this Airbnb because the upfront cost included electricity, but they changed that rule before we arrived. No worries though – they kept their word that we wouldn’t have to pay extra this time. Something else different that happened is that this Airbnb requested a security deposit.

After a lot of discussion, pushback and chatting with Airbnb (giving a host cash outside the app is against their terms & conditions), we decided to give the security deposit in cash as requested and see what happened. And I’m happy to report that we received a receipt when providing the deposit and got all the money back at the end of our stay without incident. Nice!

Grocery Cost : $110.31

Eating Out Cost : $214.87

Feel free to drool:

Takeaway (people seem to prefer that British term to “takeout” that I usually hear in the US) is often cheaper than groceries and obviously takes us less time, so I cooked ONE time the entire month. My groceries were all water and snacks 🙂 . Ridiculous. And no regrets 🙂 . However, adding the delivery fees and tips on top of the food cost to get it delivered through Grab did make my eating out budget more than it usually would be when we go to get our own takeaway.

I must say I've never seen so many interesting chip flavors in my life🇹🇭. 🐙Hot Chili Squid 🦞Spicy Lobster 🌊Seaweed 🍜Spicy Korean Ramen ⛏️Truffle And I've tried all of them. Surprisingly yummy😍. pic.twitter.com/upbQNgCc9c — A Purple Life (@APurpleLifeBlog) February 25, 2022

Alcohol Cost : $20

Grocery stores in Phuket sell beer, wine and liquor. However, they have some interesting rules. Alcohol can only be sold from 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-midnight. So heads up in case you’re looking for some beer in the afternoon to enjoy by the pool 🙂 .

Cost : $89.68

Transit was interesting this trip. Since I travel hacked my Business Class flight to ( on Singapore Air ) and from ( on Etihad Air ) Thailand, that only accounted for about $13 of this cost. Once you’re in Phuket, it’s very affordable to move around if you use the local bus system. In fact, at the end of our trip, we discovered a very fancy and air conditioned bus that stopped right down the street from our Airbnb and went to the airport for a dollar or two.

However, our main transportation besides walking, was Grab . As I said, I’m going to write a whole post about that in case it helps anyone. We used Grab so much because my Mom was more comfortable with it. No worries, we’re happy to accommodate.

I called a Grab🚘 & this fascinating 12 person van rolled up and THEN we saw 3 wild Elephants chilling in the trees across the road (Zoom in on the second picture to see one – I thought I was just taking a picture of the van🤣! #ElephantEasterEgg 🐘) It's gonna be a good day 😍🙌🏾. pic.twitter.com/Tm3uwzkEfc — A Purple Life (@APurpleLifeBlog) February 10, 2022

One thing to note is that Grab cars cannot take you to the airport. For that, we looked out for a taxi we liked (most Grabs are also taxis or part of luxury car services and they give you their card) and hired them for trips to the airport as well as longer trips. We paid $15/hour at their request. So that’s why these costs are relatively high, but if you’re comfortable with public transit, it can be a small fraction of what I paid.

And that’s what I discovered after living in Phuket, Thailand for a month! Even after hearing about how affordable Thailand can be to live in, I was still shocked with how well you can live on relatively little. Anyway, until next time, this was my Slow Travel Review!

What’s the most affordable place you’ve visited?

$2.50 chicken pad see ew $2 iced cappuccino $6 shirt $6 dress $9 1 hour massage (+tip) For a grand total of $39.10. I really need to step it up tomorrow or I'll have admit defeat and exchange it back🤣. 2/2 pic.twitter.com/T3jbOEJFKV — A Purple Life (@APurpleLifeBlog) February 27, 2022

If you’re interested in my other Slow Travel Reviews , they’re all here:

• Slow Travel Review: Portland, Maine, USA – The Land Of Deliciousness
• Slow Travel Review: Catskill, New York, USA – The Land Of Mountains
• Slow Travel Review: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA – The Land Of Chili Peppers
• Slow Travel Review: Decatur, Georgia, USA – The Land Of Flowers And Food

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16 thoughts on “ Slow Travel Review: Phuket, Thailand – The Land Of Sea & Food ”

Oh my god this all sounds SO GOOD. The food looks incredible *drools unattractively* what a great trip! Fantastic write-up!

Thank you! And right?!? I need to go back ASAP lol 🙂 .

The place you rented looks incredible. What a view! And the food… Mmmmm.

I love that you were able to stay in one place for a month and get to know the area. That’s my favorite way to travel, too.

It was a lovely place 🙂 . I’m glad that it worked out despite the security deposit weirdness. And yaaas that food!

One of the most exciting things about traveling to countries like Thailand is that the food IS. SO. CHEAP. But also it looks like the food in general is pretty healthy and not processed. So it’s like you get very affordable food that tastes good, AND is healthy (I’m doing a month in Portugal/Spain right now and the food here is also very cheap and I noticed that their egg yolks are very orange, which I’m told by my Tik Tok education that means the chickens are more healthy and aren’t crammed inside a cage). Thailand is a destination I definitely should put on my list to travel.

Totally agree. I was surprised and confused that I ate anything and everything and seemed to lose weight 🙂 . And yes – it’s a lovely country!

I’ve been coming to Phuket almost every year now since 2015, and staying anywhere from 2 to 4 or 5 months. If you are able to get a motorcycle license and ride a motorbike over here, your costs go down substantially,too. I also stay with a Thai friend I’ve made over here in his guesthouse and between my room and motorbike, the costs total less than $250 USD a month! It’s a pretty small room, more for one person, and no amenities, but when you have your own motorbike to ride, beaches are only 20 minutes away from Phuket Town…which is also cheaper than all the tourist towns!

You’re right, food is so cheap, and so heathy! I love all the options, and the Central Phuket Mall in Phuket Town has several different food courts, along with some really tasty restaurants all throughout the mall. It has a really nice movie theater there,too, with all the latest movies in English with Thai subtitles.

I absolutely love Phuket, and my Filipina wife and I will spend several months a year here when we retire in SE Asia in a few years! I always hate leaving here; I’m having to do a visa run soon for a few weeks when I head to Saigon, Vietnam…which is another place I love too, but for me, Phuket is my home away from home, and my go to place!

That’s super cool! I’m too wary to get a motorbike myself (I kept seeing tourists going the wrong way and getting into accidents and that would totally be me so I should spare the world that outcome 🙂 ). And that sounds like a wonderfully affordable situation!

I’ll have to check out that mall when we return 🙂 . Good luck on your visa run!

Hiya! I read all your posts (the old money ones, multiple times). Question about AirBnB… I’m following your life and trying to “live” in Seattle for a month (lol)…is it typical for an AirBnB month or longer stay to have a cancellation policy where it’s cancel up until day of for ‘service fee + 30 days’… that’s what i’ve been seeing and wasn’t sure if that was typical or not. Basically, you get charged the month stay if you cancel any time before arrival.

Also, what neighborhood did you used to live in during your time in Seattle?

Hi! That’s cool – thank you for telling me that 🙂 . As for Airbnb, yes that’s normal. Basically no refunds 🙂 so be sure before you book. I lived in Queen Anne. Have fun in Seattle!

The best thing about Thailand is the availability and affordability of great food. I loved eating different dishes every day. It was great. When our son goes off to college, I plan to go live in Thailand for 6 months/year. The cost of living is so cheap compares to the US. Although, it is getting higher every year. Inflation everywhere.

True story! And that’s an awesome plan 🙂 .

Dear purple life, Thank you for your posts and info. Could you share link for this and the Mexico Airbnb? Sorry if I missed it is in any of the other posts. We FIRE’s last year and are full time nomads so it is very helpful to just review them for reference. Thanks!

Hi There – I don’t release the links to my exact Airbnbs since I’m anonymous. Congratulations on retirement and good luck with your travels!

Thank you for your review. My wife and I are moving to Phuket in 3 months! I can’t wait.

That’s so exciting!! Have a great time 🙂 .

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Phuket Thailand Travel - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Thailand Travel Guide For Beginners!

By: Author Alyson Long

Posted on Last updated: 17/11/2023

Categories Thailand Travel

This post may contain affiliate links.

This Thailand travel blog and guide has all of our best Thailand travel information, tips, stories and experiences to help you plan your trip, or to decide if Thailand is somewhere you’d like to go. We’ll also tell you where you should go in Thailand, and where not to go, how much you should spend, what are the best things to eat, and how to stay safe.

Thailand is the easiest country in Southeast Asia to visit, possibly the cheapest, and we think, the best.

You’ll find travel ideas for couples and singles on this page too, not just families. While we are primarily a “family travel” blog, we have visited Thailand almost every year for decades, to add more tips, trips, essentials, destinations, budget ideas, and accommodation reviews to this guide.

We last visited in 2023, to keep everything updated. We first visited as young solo travellers. We’re now visiting as over 50 travellers, so it’s all on this page.

Thailand is a brilliant travel destination for long-term travel, what’s called backpacking, or short vacations which can be luxury or budget. It is an easy and affordable country to travel to, with plenty of good resorts, if that’s more your style.

Thailand also has possibly the best food in the world and you will have plenty of opportunities to try it, or to learn to cook Thai food. We recommend you do!

All information on this page represents our personal experience. Please check all facts, prices, availabilities, and timings for yourself, as things change fast. Also, check the latest travel restrictions and openings with the official tourism authority of Thailand and/or the Thai government websites.

Thailand Travel Blog and Guide

How to travel in thailand.

You can visit Thailand for a short vacation and stay in a hotel, or you can travel around Thailand easily and cheaply. You can do either on a tight budget, or spend more on luxury.

We have personally been to Thailand 20+ times, as singles, as a couple and now with kids. I know my children have been to Thailand at least 20 times, their first trip was at 4 and 6 years old. We have travelled around the country independently as long-term backpackers, taken shorter up-market holidays and I have visited on a small group adventure holiday. Every style of travel is possible in Thailand, and they are all a good idea!

Thailand is a fabulous destination and probably the easiest to choose for travel in Asia,. “The best” way to visit Thailand doesn’t exists, this depends on you, your preferences, how much time you have, and your budget.

Accommodation in Thailand will suit all budget points from super luxury to budget-friendly. You can stay in a luxury beach resort or a beach hut, you can backpack around Thailand using public transport or book a private tour. Any style of travel is possible in Thailand and it’s a particularly easy country for Western tourists to explore.

Budget travel is popular in Thailand with backpackers and nomads, young and old.

Costs of Travel in Thailand

There are huge variations in costs in Thailand. The big beach resort destinations can be expensive, yet the smaller islands, where only the backpackers go, will be cheaper. Bangkok is more expensive than many other towns and cities, yet Chiang Mai is really good value. On the whole, Thailand is very affordable for those of us packing dollars or pounds.

Costs depend on your travel style of course. You can spend big or get by on well under $50 a day, it totally depends on you and where in Thailand you are. An absolute minimum guide would be:

• Guest House, of a good standard $26 for a family of 4, with 4 beds.
• A meal, eg. pad Thai, sitting down in a simple restaurant 40-50 Baht, under $2.
• A meal from a street stall, upward of 30 Baht.

Of course prices go up and up, but with common sense and knowing where to go, you should be able to keep costs in Thailand this low.

Family Travel in Thailand

Because Thailand is a well-established travel destination and because of the modern, developed nature of much of the country, Thailand with kids is usually no sweat at all. The Thais really do adore kids and more than once we’ve had them whisked away to be entertained by adoring young women when we’ve arrived for dinner.

Transport is easy (but roads can be dangerous), food is good, and hygiene standards are so much higher than 20 years ago. We’ve been making this Thailand travel blog for a very long time! There is plenty of accommodation at all price points (see below) and loads to see and do.

Car hire is now a good option in parts of Thailand, great for families. Obviously, dangers are present, sharp coral, traffic, dogs, monkies, and so on, but we always find Thailand an easy, safe enough, country to visit – or we wouldn’t keep going back. We wrote Thailand with Kids, No Worries! If you’re concerned about your first steps in Asian family travel.

Thailand Vaccinations

The first time we visited Thailand with the kids, for a 2 week vacation, our GP didn’t think it necessary to get any extra vaccinations. I’d agree, for a short stay, avoiding the small areas where malaria is a possibility.

We were happy not to take any extra precautions other than being extra careful avoiding mosquitoes . But of course, check with your own doctor.

But that’s not the official medical recommendation for most countries. The vaccinations recommended for travel to Thailand will vary from country to country, we’ve seen this as we’ve lived in and sought medical consultations in both Australia and the UK. The advice given was hugely different, as was the cost.

I can tell you here that we’ve never had rabies vaccinations for Thailand and we’ve spent months, maybe years, in Asia. We don’t regret that decision.

We haven’t taken malaria prophylaxis for Thailand since 1999, when I was trekking on the Burmese border and staying in remote villages.

We haven’t thought it necessary on any subsequent trips, although if we were heading to the jungles again we would consider it.

You can find the Malaria Map for Thailand  here. As you can see, the NHS only shows a risk around border regions. I’ll tell you that we did not take any anti-malaria medications during 6 weeks in Laos, nor for 1 month in Cambodia last year. We travel long-term so even if we wanted to, we can’t take anti-malaria drugs for much of the time.

It is our choice to not take them, but the final decision must come down to what you are comfortable with.

Worrying will ruin your vacation but we normally find that health worries evaporate once you hit the ground and see thousands of healthy people around you.

If you’re starting extended travel in Thailand and come from a country where travel vaccinations cost are huge (such as Australia), it’s a good idea to get any vaccinations in Bangkok.

There is a travel clinic linked to the hospital of tropical medicine. Medical care in Thailand is good, as my husband can testify. He had emergency surgery on Ko Samui.

Find East Asia travel health recommendations from the NHS here .

As an update – we have now had those rabies shots – here’s why . If in doubt, get all the shots, listen to your doctor.

How to Find the Best Prices and Deals on Hotels, Hostels, Guest Houses and Resorts in Thailand

Back in the day, we would always travel around Thailand without making any reservations. We would simply arrive in town and knock on doors until we found a room that we liked at the right price. We would always negotiate hard.

Those days are all but gone, and we find more and more fixed prices along with online prices that are actually better than any price the accommodation will give us face-to-face.

So these days we usually book at least a couple of days before arrival. We’ll then take a look around and see if there is anywhere we like better, but mostly we end up booking online for a better price. The world has changed.

Agoda are the Asia specialists, we usually use them to book in Thailand. Agoda are based in Asia so have more variety and often score better deals.

If you’d like to book a refundable deal, maybe a long time in advance, Booking.com are probably your best bet. Of course, if you prefer, you could use Airbnb too, but we’ve never had much luck with this platform in Thailand and the cleaning fees are too annoying.

Accommodation in Thailand. To Give You an Idea!

• Are there 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8 people?
• Do you want a hostel, guest house, hotel or apartment?
• Do you care about location? Do you need breakfast, air-con, TV and room service?

There are too many variables!

Our recent experience is in family travel, so that’s what we’ll focus on here. Some ideas on hotel costs follow, keep scrolling on down if that’s not what you’re here for.

A small selection of the hotels, guest houses, villas and hostels that we can recommend. We are not sponsored by any of the hotels below, these are honest recommendations, but you’ll get an idea of what to expect and what you’ll pay per night. I’ve included family accommodation at the backpacker end and at the luxury end. You’ll see that accommodation is very affordable in Thailand.

We also now have a full post on recommended family accommodation in Bangkok , at all price points.

• Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok. Bangkok’s stunning Chao Phraya River river is lined with large 5 star hotel, often with rooftop pools or bars. A place like this, the  Chatrium Hotel  will only cost you just over $100/night for a family suite with 2 bedrooms. That’s great value! Pay a little more for stunning river views and breakfast.
• Lebua at State Tower Bangkok. If you’re looking for a luxurious riverside 5 star at a higher price point, the Lebua at State Tower  will give you a stunning 2 bedroom executive suite for under $400. This one is in Silom, near the BTS and overlooking the river. A dream of a hotel!
• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort Bangkok. f you want to avoid the modern tower blocks, this traditionally Thai, luxury hotel is for you. Again, it’s right on the river and has any number of pools, restaurants and bars. A 2 bedroom suite with breakfast comes in at just over $500 at  Anantara Riverside . This one has the full “wow!” factor.
• The Rambuttri Village Inn,  Khao San Rd. Area, Bangokok. This is often billed as the best place to stay in Bangkok, at the best price. It’s a big place and they’ve recently extended it. The new wing looks very upmarket from the outside. It has a rooftop swimming pool to cool off and the room we had, for 3 (I was travelling with just small kids), was decent. It’s right in the heart of the action on Rambuttri Rd, the next road over from Khao San. Note, this one didn’t have rooms for 4 when we last stayed. You’ll struggle to find anywhere else with a pool in this area but on the above, complete guide post, there are hotels with 4 bed rooms in the next street.   The Rambuttri Village  costs around $20 for a double room, book 2 for older families and you still have a bargain.
• Shanti Lodge, Khao San Area, Bangkok   *New Favourite* We LOVE this classic, old school guest house, perfect for closet hippies like me! It’s on a quiet road, about 15 minutes walk from Khao San and Rambuttri Rds and footsteps from food markets, the fascinating flower market and, importantly, a river jetty. If you can get to the river you can go just about anywhere in Bangkok. Shanti Lodge has family rooms, good food, a lovely area for hanging out downstairs, and is spotlessly clean. It’s in the photo above. A full review post on this Bangkok classic is coming soon.
• Mile Map Hostel, Silom, Bangkok. Just under $50 for a 4 person family room with shared bathroom. We love this place, it’s our new Bangkok budget favourite, a little more expensive than rock bottom, but it’s nice, very clean and the location is good. If we’re in Bangkok for a few nights to catch connecting flights, this is our base. The Silom area has far fewer tourists than the bustling Khao San area, so the street food is cheaper and more authentic, there’s plenty of it, including a fantastic vegetarian café right outside the  Mile Map Hostel . (Closed last time we were there) Here you are a short walk from the BTS and close enough to the river and waiting river taxis. Read more on staying in the Silom area of Bangkok here. My London ex-pat friend lives in Silom, it’s his pick too.
• Old Capital Bike Inn, Bangkok. We picked this one for my 50th birthday treat. It’s a wonderful hotel, superbly located, with bags of style. Cost, around $180 for 4 people. We have a full review on the Old Capital Bike Inn here , or check out pricing and availability here.
• Haad Salad Villas Haad Salad Beach, Koh Phangan. We spent 6 glorious weeks on the beach in our own little villa with hammock and balcony at Haad Salad Villas. At the time this was the cheapest place to stay on Haad Salad beach, we asked everywhere as we were on a tight backpacker budget. Today it’s listed as $x per night on Agoda. Ko Phangan is a large island and the beautiful beaches are quite spaced out, you’ll need transport to get around. We’d recommend booking in advance so you know where you’re going for those first few nights. We have absolutely nothing negative to say about Haad Salad Villas, we loved the location, the room, the breakfasts, and the staff. Waking up to that incredible blue sea was just as magical as watching the daily rainbow sunsets as the sea lapped lethargically on the white sand and coral. Read more about life on Ko Phangan here .
• Green Papaya Resort Haad Salad Beach, Ko Phangan. To give you the opposite end of the scale on Haad Salad Beach ( and there are less than 10 properties on this tiny cove),Green Papaya Resort offers similar cute Thai-style beach villas, but these are two bedroom, with stylish, modern, slick, interiors and breakfast is included. The Green Papaya resort boasts a glorious pool should you ever tire of that incredible calm, clear, sea. They cost just over $200 per night.
• Sugar Cane Kanchanaburi. One of the cheapest places we’ve ever stayed,  Sugar Cane   was just $12/night and another place that we loved so much we stayed weeks. A floating room on the River Kwai. The kids were small so we managed with one room, one big bed. We had our own little shower room and outside sitting area and happily hung out in the hotel restaurant eating great food. It’s not luxury, but we weren’t looking for it on that trip. It was lots of fun and the kids loved being on the river. Read more about Kanchanaburi, the bridge on the river Kwai and other nearby attractions here. It’s a bus or train ride from Bangkok. In 2018 we returned to Kanchanaburi, the food and views from Sugar Cane are still superb but this time we payed more and stayed at a modern, clean motel / hotel, Warm Well .
• Tony’s Place Ayutthaya Tony’s Place  was in the Lonely Planet, so it was busy. A fairly up-market sort of backpacker place, we had a beautiful family room with a mezzanine level and a private shower room. The building housing Tony’s is lovely, a traditional Thai wooden build with a courtyard garden and restaurant downstairs. They’ve put in a swimming pool since we were there. There’s plenty to keep you busy in Ayutthaya, from river cruises to elephants to one of Thailand’s 2 ancient cities. Read more about Ayutthaya here , you can get there by train or road easily from Bangkok.
• Holiday Inn Ao Nang Krabi. This one is a bit different as we were guests of the Holiday Inn Resort, they believed in their property enough to invite us along to check it out. What we found was a superb 4-star family resort. If you’re looking for a child-pleasing resort-based holiday, the family rooms and suites here, along with the pools and play facilities, are worth taking a look at. See our Ao Nang Krabi post here.

How to Find a Place to Stay in Thailand?

If you are backpacking or long-term travelling, it is possible, and often cheaper, to just turn up and start knocking on doors. Always negotiate, don’t take the first price. It’s what we used to do pre-kids and pre-internet. These days we book in advance more and more.

We often use Agoda for booking hotels in Thailand as they specialise in Asia and have brilliant customer service.  

When we’re visiting for short holiday we always pre-book and usually go for a special, top-end experience, for long-term backpacking we may book 1 night for arrival and from there search on foot. It’s best to just pick one booking engine and stick with it, checking them all wastes time and ties you up in knots.

Suggested Thailand Itinerary

Hot off the press for you, our new Thailand itinerary trip planning post (2 weeks and above) is here .

Shopping in Thailand

Shopping in Thailand is loads of fun and you can buy some amazing souvenirs and great quality cheap clothes as well as designer gear in Bangkok’s beautiful malls.

Remember that outside fixed-rate shops, you’re expected to bargain over prices. My son is a master of the art, click through to see him in action with a vendor on the Khao San Rd and read tips on how to haggle . Chiang Mai and its profusion of markets is the best place I’ve ever been for shopping.

Cost of Living in Thailand

This depends on the part of Thailand you’re in. Chiang Mai is cheaper than Bangkok, and the big holiday areas more expensive. There are huge variations and a lot depends on how keen you are to find good deals and the best local food.

Eat at tourist spots and your costs will rise. For instance, we bought the same beer in 2 places in Chiang Mai last night. A local-style restaurant was half the price of a not-upmarket tourist place in the night bazaar.

A meal in Thailand can cost you 40 Baht/person or several hundred, it’s up to you.

If you’d like to know what it costs to live in central Bangkok, we recommend this article from Manf of Renegade Travels. He’s an ex-Londoner who lives in Bangkok with his partner, he knows what he’s talking about. You could also check out what Amy and Andrew of Our Big Fat Travel Adventure (a couple), have to say about the cost of living in Chiang Mai for 1 month and on costs of travelling in Thailand for 2 months.

Best Time to Visit Thailand.

When considering when to visit Thailand, don’t just think about the weather and the cost. Prices are significantly higher at certain times of year, including Christmas and Western New Year (particularly for beaches). Famous Thai festivals and events will also bump up prices. Thailand is tropical, so it has just 2 seasons, the dry and the wet.

• July to October is the wet, stormy monsoon season.
• The cool, dry season runs from November to March, after the monsoon.
• April to June and September to October are the shoulder seasons.

We’ve visited Thailand at the “wrong” time of year many times and still had fun, but flooding and cancelled ferries could spoil your trip in the wet season. Also watch out for high levels of air pollution pre-monsoon, particularly in Chiang Mai and the north.

Getting Around Thailand

There are plenty of choices when it comes to getting around Thailand and most of them are good and very affordable. Trains, buses, water taxis, songtaws (above), tuk tuks, planes, ferries, buses, coaches, monorails, just pick the method that suits you.

Know that there is a good way to book transport tickets online in Thailand, a company called 12 Go Asia , open this site here. You can find more on them in this post on train travel between Kanchanaburi and Bangkok .

Prices are good, don’t be afraid to take taxis in Bangkok the low cost is quite remarkable and these days they all run clean on gas. You must find a driver that will use his meter and in very touristy areas that can be hard.

Tuk Tuks are fun and you must take a ride at least once, but in Bangkok in heavy traffic you are surrounded by traffic fumes, I’d save it for quieter areas if you have the option.

For the record, a family of 4 plus backpacks DO fit in a Bangkok tuk tuk.  You’ll usually get a better price from a taxi driver.

Scooter or moped hire is common outside Bangkok, but many, many people have accidents. I was one of them .

You can hire your own car in Thailand, we’ve tried it in the north and on Phuket, it was cheap and easy. Read our post on hiring or renting a car in Thailand here .

Because Thailand has such a huge and well-established tourist industry, you’ll also find private companies offering mini bus trips and shuttle service, they sell them through hotels and hostels and from the small travel agencies that you’ll find on almost every street. Alternatively, you can book them before departure and simplify your life. Check out this company , we’ve used them, they’re good.

If you want luxury, high speed transfers you can book VIP buses, private airport transfers or even high speed catamarans from Bangkok to the islands . These really aren’t expensive at all and could save you a lot of time and frustration. Take a look at options here on this website , it’s a company we use and trust.

No trip to Thailand is complete without spending a night on one of the excellent sleeper trains (the Bangkok-Chiang Mai trip is a classic). Book them in person at the train station, booking online costs more. Night buses are also fairly comfortable.

I was once sat on a bus in Laos for 8 hours next to a Thai lady.  She said “You should come to my country, good buses!”

We have posts on getting to Ko Samui and Ko Phangan from Bangkok , on Getting to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok and travelling from Bangkok to Laos by sleeper train .

Food in Thailand

Thai food is, of course, from Thailand and it’s possibly the most delicious, light, fragrant, and stunning cuisine on the planet.

In my opinion, no other country comes close. Neighboring countries in South East Asia, like Laos and Cambodia, have similar food but not as good. Indian and Vietnamese dishes are fantastic, but I think Thai wins.

With that in mind Chef and I put together this Beginners Guide to Thai Food.

Don’t be scared, Thai food is not as inferno-hot as you may have been led to believe. In my experience, we’re often asking for more chillies, not less.

Street food is an art form in Thailand and the Thai people eat out, it seems all the time. If a street stall is busy with locals you know it will be good.

Don’t be afraid to eat on the street, in all of our time in Thailand, none of us has had any major tummy upsets and we eat everywhere, with a little common sense. We do avoid some salads, ice cream where there is a freeze/thaw risk and anything on the street that shouldn’t be.

You will see pre-prepared dishes everywhere (like those above), at the roadside and in small cafes, this is some of the best food you will ever taste, don’t be scared to try. Prices will be insanely low too, but not so much in the tourist places.

Travel and Food in Thailand, with Kids

In some ways, Thailand is very Westernised, yet it retains its unique character. This could work in your favour if you are travelling with picky eaters. Every possible Western food is available in Thailand.

You’ll pass a 7-11 store every few paces, great for cold drinks and snacks, they also serve some hot food and coffee.

All of the big fast-food chains, Mc Donalds, Starbucks, KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Pizza Hut, they’re all there, so if your child needs familiarity (it often helps them to adjust) let them eat their favourites from home.

But, do introduce your child to some new tastes and flavours, my boys enjoy satay sticks for their peanut sauce, tom kha gai, a coconut soup, (the gai means chicken), pad thai (noodles), and of course the sweet, delicious street food treats.

You will find chocolate and banana roti (sometimes called pancakes), steamed pandanus or coconut puddings, mango and sticky rice, and deep-fried bananas at street stalls.

Fresh fruit is widely available and just about anywhere will serve you an omelette. Nobody is going to go hungry in Thailand.

The Big Attractions in Thailand

There are pretty much two types of travellers in Thailand, those who come for the beaches, resorts, kids’ clubs, cocktails, and boat trips, and those who come for the cultural destinations. You can combine the two, of course, that’s easy with long-term travel, but not so easy on a two-week vacation.

If you decide to head straight to a beach or island, say Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui, you’ll probably need to fly up to Bangkok and Chiang Mai to explore cities ancient and modern.

You can take bus, train, boat combinations but on a short trip it will eat your time.

Another subset of visitors to Thailand are looking for adventure activities, scuba diving, trekking, zip lining, others want to experience Thailand’s wildlife, particularly elephants. You can do it all, but you’ll need a plan.

We give you some of the most popular destinations and places to see in Thailand, below, split into cities and cultural, followed by beaches and islands.

Cities, Towns and Cultural Destinations in Thailand

Did you know that Thailand has ancient capital cities to explore? For me these are must-sees, we mention them below. Bangkok is one of my favourite cities in the world and no trip to Thailand is complete without visiting the Grand Palace or taking a trip on the bustling river. Chiang Mai is a global travellers’ hub. Nomads congregate here for long stays and this city blends ancient and modern beautifully. Other places popular with cultural travellers are less well-known. We’ve listed a few below for you.

Bangkok is my favourite place in Thailand. I’d come here just for a short city break, and have done so many times. There are endless things to see and do in Bangkok from shopping, to eating to cultural tourism. Cultural highlights include the stunning Grand Palace, Wat Po, Wat Arun, floating markets , the river and her boats. Just explore and soak up the Bangkok atmosphere, be it the buzzing Khao San Rd, exotic China Town or the calm beauty of a temple. See our Bangkok hotel recommendations here , you can be pampered or go for rock bottom prices allowing you to spend your cash on having fun.

Don’t miss the floating markets, about 90 Km outside Bangkok you’ll find Amphawa, this is the one we’d recommend over touristy Damnoen Saduwak. Find out how to get to Amphawa and why you should go in this post.

If you’re in the mood you could try a dinner cruise on the river, a food tour, a long tail boat or rice barge tour or a pre-organised day trip. There are a  huge variety of tour options in and around Bangkok, available here . Our full things to do in Bangkok post is here.

One of Thailand’s ancient capital cities. Dating from the 1300s, Ayutthaya is a UNESCO site . It’s just outside Bangkok (80 Km), an easy trip to make. As well as the ancient complex, you’ll find one of Thailand’s biggest and possibly oldest, Buddhas here. You can travel to Ayutthaya and stay a few days, as we did , or book a one day tour with river cruise, departing Bangkok in the morning, returning to your hotel at night.

The earlier Ancient city, founded in 1238, is a long way from Bangkok, over 400 Km. It can be tricky to get to for average tourists but seeing the sunset at Sukhothai is well worth the trip. Alternatively, travel to Sukhothai by bus from Chiang Mai, the trip takes approximately 5 hours. Our full post on Sukhothai is here .

Hill Tribes

The Hill Tribes of the north and the borders have become a tourist attraction in their own right. The trekking business and visiting the tribes, is huge. We recently drove to a remote village in northern Thailand to visit the Long Neck Karen . I have previously taken a superb Hill Tribe trek and a very bad one.

A lovely northern city with beautiful buildings, great night markets and attractions nearby. We have a lot of love for Chiang Mai. The overnight sleeper train journey to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is a travel classic and loads of fun. I totally feel OK about taking kids on this train, we’ve done it. There is lots to see in and around Chiang Mai such as the fantastic night markets, bursting with food and souvenirs, the historic old town, nearby temples and tourist attractions such as the famous Chiang Mai Zoo or the 3D Art Museum . Chiang Mai is better for shopping than Bangkok, save your money to spend here. We have a full post on Chiang Mai here. This northern city is extremely popular with digital nomads and worldschooling families.

Mae Hong Son

We just got back, post coming to the Thailand travel blog soon! A really pretty town with scarce tourists.

Again, we just got back from Pa i after a 15-year absence. It’s grown a lot, but it’s still a classic traveller town. A guide to Pai will be coming from us soon. For now I can give you Danielle’s impressions of Pai .

Chiang Rai Province, almost 3 hours north from Chiang Mai by road, is where you’ll find the famous and stunningly beautiful “White Temple” Wat Rong Khun but there is way more to see and do in this part of Thailand. We just got back from Chiang Rai and put this post together on Things to do in Chiang Rai . If you have time, Chiang Rai and even further north, should be on your must-do list.

Kanchanaburi

Slow life on the river, the Bridge on the River Kwai, museums, safari park, waterfalls and that (now thankfully shut) Tiger Temple.

See our full post on Kanchanaburi and how to get there here . You can travel there by public transport and stay a few days or book a one day tour from your Bangkok base if you’re short of time. Arrange locally or book the tour before you leave home for added simplicity and no haggling over price.

Traditional Thai Tattoos

These are so popular these days. Find out how to get one and how it feels to be prodded with a spike by a monk , here. I had my traditional Thai tattoo in Bangkok, but you can do this all over Thailand, in most major cities. You’ll need to book in advance for this very special ritual and blessing. Our post, above, gives you more information on arranging an authentic Sak Yant in Thailand.

Thai Beaches and Islands

The three main islands of the Chumphon Archipelago on the west shore of the Gulf of Thailand are Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Thao

You can fly in, or take the ferry, from here you can travel on to Ko Phangan and Ko Tao. The island is very popular with holiday makers and the level of development reflects this. We can recommend the private hospital here personally.

Our favourite so far. This one hosts Full Moon Parties at Haad Rin , the other end of the island is quieter, but can fill up at party time. We loved Haad Salad beach , but neighbouring Haad Yao is nice too.  Bottle Beach just to the north, is known for seclusion.

Ko Tao ( or Koh Tau) is a small island close to Ko Phangan and Ko Samui. Very popular for diving, similar dives can be taken from Ko Phangan. We recommend Sail Rock.

Ko Samet or Ko Samed

The closest island to Bangkok. You can get there by mini bus and a short ferry ride. It gets very busy on weekends with local people but the island is pleasant.

Phuket is hugely popular with holidaymakers. Read what we loved about Phuket here. You’d normally stay here or in Krabi to visit the famous Ko Phi Phi. No Thailand travel guide would be complete without mention of Phuket, but this big resort destination really didn’t wow us.

Everything you need to plan a trip to Thailand is available for free in our Thailand Travel Blog. Don’t forget your guidebook, we always use Lonely Planet, they’re a good read and allow you to learn about the history, culture, food, and customs of a country before you visit.

If you'd like to hire a car during your stay, use this car rental comparison tool to find the best deal! We also suggest you take a look at this company to get a quote for all kinds of the more tricky adventure or extended travel insurance. Try Stayz / VRBO for an alternative way to find rentals on homes/apartments/condos in any country!

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Rann Utsve Packages

Thursday 16th of June 2022

Thailand tour packages

Malaysia and Thailand are all distinctive holiday destinations in the treasure chest of stunning Asian cities and countries. not to just spend your holidays but to make the best out of it. From sunny beaches to charming lantern-lit rooftops,

Shoes on loose

Friday 13th of March 2020

If you are planning to go on a hassle free trip with your loved ones then Thailand is a tropical holiday destination and it is home to some of the most mesmerizing landscapes and it is often referred to as the land of smiles and it is one of the most affordable tourist locations.

Tiffany Currier

Thursday 9th of January 2020

My family of 6 is planning a trip to Thailand. We have an 18. 17, 13, and 3 year old plus my husband and myself. What would be an appropriate amount to budget for daily spending? We are not luxury people and really like to find local favorites for food. All boys so they eat a lot. We will already have the hotel covered so it should not be included in pricing. Just food, car, and random activities.

Alyson for World Travel Family

I'm pulling numbers out of thin air really. But, assuming this is your first time in Thailand so you won't know where to find the best, cheap, food and assuming you'll be doing a lot of activities, which will cost an arm and a leg for 5 adults - adult price normally goes on height, after about 8 years old we've had to pay adult prices for the kids. I'd say, roughly $300 per day. Don't pass out, yes that's a lot. We've done it on $50 per day, easily but these days we spend $100 or so per day. Which includes accommodation.But we know Thailand inside out, know how to get the best prices and almost never have to pay for tours and attractions. It could even be over $300. My boys would eat for Wales given a chance but we limit them to 1 reasonable sized Thai dish each. A decent Thai dish should cost you $1. - $5. With $5 being a lot really, that would horrify me if we were paying that regularly.If you're paying more you're ordering luxury items or you're eating in over priced places. If you're in beach resort places like Phuket, Krabi etc, you'll struggle to find reasonably priced food ( research online for the good ones) and even taxis and Ubers will cost you loads compared to Bangkok. It just is what it is. Enjoy your trip! ( $ = US )

Tuesday 12th of November 2019

Hi guys, amazing to read your traveling stories. We're planning an Azie trip for 5 months starting with a 2 weeks relaxing moment on an island. We were thinking about Koh Chang or Phu Quoc, but can't choose. You guys any tips?

Alyson Long

Hi Kelly, I think that boils down to whether you prefer Thai food or Vietnamese. That's how I would choose.

Tuesday 22nd of October 2019

I love these articles , always gives me little bit of sense what I need to do and be prepared for Thanks!

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Thailand

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Thailand. There are 266 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 27 days. The month with the most departures is October, making it the most popular time to visit Thailand.

250+ Fully Guided tour packages in Thailand with 11,294 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Southern Thailand Sojourn: Nightlife & National Parks

Loved the tour! The group was fabulous and Su our CEO was absolutely wonderful. Loved Khao Sok and Koh Tao. If I could change one thing, I’d take out Koh Samui and have more time in Koh Tao. The hotel there was fab and the snorkelling so much fun. Really miss my group now! Great tour for solo travellers too.

• In-depth Cultural

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express

This trip gives a well paced overview of central North Thailand. G Adventure organized the trip well and their travel manager Sek was amazing.

Thai Experience

Thai intro 18 days- Incredible trip. A mixed age range but the group worked so well! Organised to perfection, so many beautiful fun amazing experiences included and wouldn’t have been the same without our group leader dan!! Luck wasn’t really on my side on the trip but nevertheless dan was there to guide me through and ensure I still had the best time (which I did). Dan brought so much to the trip, enthusiasm, charisma and a LOT of laughter. Truly a credit to the company. Count your lucky stars if you get Dan as your group leader!! Not to mention we also had another group leader join us along the way, Matt, also a credit, brought the best vibes and great energy. Both provided an amazing experience and genuinely cared for each and every one of us. Super knowledgeable and informative too! They for sure made the trip worth while! 10/10 experience, could not recommend enough!

Thai Intro 18 Day

I’ve just finished the 18 day Intro Thailand tour with Dan Woodward and Joe as group leaders. Can easily say it was the most amazing experience, meeting some incredible people and I loved every second of it. It was so well organised and really didn’t have to worry about anything with all transport between places and accomodation organised so could enjoy visiting all these beautiful places. Dan (and Joe) were both amazing leaders and bought so much energy and knowledge whilst supportive with any queries or problems that arose including onward travel. Truly can’t recommend it enough and already plan on doing further intro tours.

• Island Hopping

Thailand Island Hopper

Great tour, great guide, great group, breathtaking scenery!

Northern Thailand Adventure

Eve and Smile are a very good duo, Smile is the caring one, Eve is the party animator and together they are a good mix! Both are very helpful and want only the best for us! Super tour guide! For the paid price of the trip, however, there could have been more food integrated. In addition, the extra dinners offered in the group were in places that were less spectacular and yet a bit more expensive. This could be changed. Either to really great location with hammer view and more expensive or just continue to markets at hünstige prices. Kind regards Linda

South to North - 15 days

From my experience of Feel Free Travel when visiting Sri Lanka; joining them again in Thailand was a no brainer for me! From stepping off the plane & having the unforgettable tiktok taxi driver sensation to the hotel I knew this was going to be a trip id never forget ???? Jamie was there to welcome me & within an hour or so Mr Jonny F Lodge joined the party…These guys quickly became friends over tour guides & my first few days in Bangkok set up my expectations for the rest of the trip. Fun, friends and feeling freeee. To have 2 guides at first made me confused on who to approach for information but open chats & their friendly manner made it apparent how lucky (manifested) I was to have BOTH these rounded; supportive; fun and caring individuals…Jonny & Jamie looking after me. Feel Free offers the opportunity to meet new people within a safe and fun environment…all the activities are well organised and thought out and the accomodation is second to none. I had the best time, i made friends who 100% feel like family and moments i will cherish forever. Thailand was a lot more party for me & being the “old bird” of the group I was unsure how id get on…i was made to feel so included & that age definitely is just a number. We laughed, “cried” and occasionally slipped in the pool (but had Jonny to help us so no worries there ????????) I cannot recommend Feel Free and Thailand enough and if you happen to have Jonny or Jamie as your guides/friends then count yourself blessed. Roll on the next one & hopefully a reunion from countries far and wide.

• Food & Culinary

Thailand Island Hopper - 9 days

I've just finished the 9 days trip to Thailand and I've just loved it!!! Both of our group leaders (Jamie and Ash) are amazing! Always super friendly, caring, fun, willing to help and organised. I knew I could always count on them if needed! The itinerary was brilliant too! All the activities were fun and/or interesting and I've seen beautiful places. I've also been extremely happy with the group of people I met, everyone was super pleasant and friendly! I could not have asked for a better experience!

Explore Northern Thailand

Great homestay, postcard scenery, terrific food and awesome experience. Recommend New Years as the time to travel.

Fantastic Circle of Thailand Tour - 10 Days

Awesome! So well planned with great, knowledgeable and attentive tour guides. Can’t imagine doing this trip without Tour Radar/Legend Travel Group. Highly recommended!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Highlights of Bangkok, Phuket 5 Days

We had wonderful time in Bangkok presented by a wonderful guide Tammy! We learned so much, she could answer any question about whatever you want to know about Thailand. But our second guide didn’t know English well and avoided talking. :(

Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui

Normally, when I travel somewhere, I enjoy playing the role of tour guide myself. However, having never been to SE Asia before, and not speaking the language (or even recognizing the alphabet), my wife and I opted for our first tour and hoped for the best. It turned out to be an excellent decision! Without a doubt, our tour guide and our fellow travelers added to our experience. We went to places we wouldn't have gone. We stayed in lodging we wouldn't have stayed. We did activities that we wouldn't have done. And we learned things that we wouldn't have learned. On a personal level, it was nice for me to just relax as someone else handled all the logistics regarding trains, boats, transfers, taxis, etc. Even so, there was plenty of downtime throughout the tour for us to do whatever we wanted -- (SCUBA dives, private dinner, wanders through the market). Given our positive experience, I expect that we will do other tours in the future!

Thailand 11 Day/10 Night Group Tour | ULTIMATE

It was an excellent trip and way to see highlights in Thailand. Our tour guide Yui took very good care of us and was very knowledgeable. She made sure we were well prepared ahead of time for all the different travels and made the trip so memorable!

• €35 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Charming Thailand (4 Star Hotels)

This tour covers a little of everything, which I really enjoyed! By the end, I was a little templed out and the last one in Chiang Mai didn't add much to the itinerary. I'm not sure that I would skip any of the others, although some folks on the tour said that the ruins weren't that impressive compared to Angkor Wat; however, having never been there, I enjoyed the ruins. The itinerary is a little misleading as you do have evenings free, but with a 7 am start every day, mostly eat dinner and go to bed if you want enough sleep. I didn't mind that so much, but it did mean limited time to explore the various cities, with the exception of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Food: only breakfast is included, which I prefer as you get to eat a lot of local foods of your choice instead of (generally) underwhelming hotel buffet food. Hotels: all had comfortable beds and were spacious. The hotel in Chiang Mai was the only one where the A/C seemed inadequate to keep the room cool. Good water temp and pressure in all. Bus: comfortable, clean, with WiFi. Safe, friendly drivers

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Bangkok and Ancient Capitals, Small Group Tour

Overall the actual toar tour was very good.The tour quide had a fair knowledge of the places we visited. He also well explained and never tried to skip anything. The driver was also very good, taking care of our comfort. The mini van was comfortable. No complain there. The only setback to the tour was the very initial to the tour, the airport pickup. We had to wait a little over one and a half hours when we got picked up. It was very distressing to my wife and daughter, telling me that this not a good sign and what to expert the rest of tour. First, there was nobody there for pickup. When somebody did show up after 90 minutes from that company that person did have the company coloured shirt, thats how we recognised the person, but no sign board with our names for pick up. We had to approach the person ourselve to find out. Very disappointing.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Thailand

The trip was amazing, the CEO (papa chai) mad the trip smooth… and met some amazing people and had wonderful time altogether… definitely returning back

The 13 day Thai Experience was amazing! We had a wonderful group and an amazing tour guide (Liam). We were able to see a lot of Thailand while also having a lot of fun. Thailand is a wonderful country and INTRO Travel does a fantastic job showing the highlights.

Regions in Thailand

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16 Best Travel Agencies to Thailand: Your Gateway to Exotic Adventures

Exploring the Land of Smiles through the right travel agencies in Thailand can unlock unforgettable experiences.

Boasting diverse landscapes, rich culture, and a plethora of attractions, Thailand is a gem waiting to be discovered.

In this guide, we’re highlighting 16 top-tier travel agencies that promise to navigate you to the country’s most exotic adventures.

You’ll find agencies catering to all travel styles, ensuring your Thai escapade is personalized and memorable.

Dive in, and start planning the trip of a lifetime in the heart of Southeast Asia.

Table of Contents

Overview of Thailand as a Tourist Destination

Thailand is truly a paradise for travelers with its diverse attractions. Imagine traversing through the luscious jungle on an elephant’s back, exploring the ancient ruins of forgotten empires, diving into crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life, or simply enjoying the vibrant nightlife in some of the most modern cities in the world. Thailand’s charm lies in its blend of tradition and modernity, nature and architecture, tranquility, and excitement.

Why Use a Travel Agency for Your Thailand Trip?

In this digital age, planning a trip to a foreign country could be as simple as a few clicks. But would you risk missing out on hidden gems and cultural nuances? By partnering with a trusted travel agency , you’re ensuring that your Thailand trip is tailor-made to your preferences, ensuring that you get the most out of your travel experience.

Understanding Travel Agencies

Travel agencies are the unsung heroes of the tourism industry. They handle everything from flight and hotel bookings to providing itineraries, ensuring that travelers have a seamless and enjoyable journey.

What Does a Travel Agency Do?

A travel agency takes the stress out of travel planning. Their job isn’t just about booking flights and accommodation. They listen to your needs, advise on the best travel times, provide local insights, and design tailor-made itineraries that suit your preferences. They handle the nitty-gritty details so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Picture this – you’re in Chiang Mai, known for its elephant sanctuaries. Instead of visiting a typical touristy elephant park, your travel agent, with their local knowledge, arranges a visit to an ethical sanctuary where you can feed, bathe, and spend quality time with these magnificent creatures, contributing positively to animal welfare. That’s the personalized touch a travel agency can bring to your trip.

Benefits of Using Travel Agencies for International Travel

Using a travel agency, especially for international travel, offers numerous benefits. First, they save you time and stress. Navigating through hundreds of hotel reviews and trying to find the best deals can be overwhelming. Travel agencies have the expertise and resources to do that efficiently.

Second, travel agencies have insider information and connections that most individuals do not. They can get you better deals, exclusive access to experiences, and help with any travel issues that arise.

And finally, travel agencies provide a safety net. In case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellations or health emergencies, they will be there to provide support and solutions.

Top Travel Agencies in Thailand: A Detailed Review

Picking the right travel agency for your Thailand trip is crucial. They hold the key to unlock a plethora of unique and authentic experiences tailored for you. To help you make the best choice, we have compiled a detailed review of the top travel agencies specializing in Thailand trips.

1. Exodus Travels

Exodus Travels brings a wealth of experience with over 45 years in the industry. They specialize in adventure and cultural tours, perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs.

Exodus Travels offer a range of Thailand tours, including cycling through the scenic countryside, trekking in the northern hill tribes, and wildlife spotting in the national parks. Their small group tours ensure personalized attention.

Customer Reviews

Customers praise Exodus Travels for their well-organized itineraries and knowledgeable guides . Their focus on responsible travel and local experiences is highly appreciated by eco-conscious travelers.

2. INTRO Travel

INTRO Travel is known for its vibrant group tours targeting young adults. Their tours are a blend of fun, adventure, and cultural immersion.

INTRO’s Thailand tours cover must-see spots and off-beat experiences. From learning Thai cooking to participating in a traditional Thai boxing class, INTRO offers a unique look into Thai culture.

INTRO Travel enjoys positive feedback for its fun-filled itineraries and helpful guides. Young travelers in particular love the social aspect of their tours.

Contiki caters to the younger demographic, offering exciting and engaging tours around Thailand. Their tours are perfect for solo travelers looking to meet like-minded individuals.

Contiki offers a range of Thailand tours, including island hopping in the south and exploring cultural sites in the north. Their tours also include volunteer opportunities for travelers looking to give back.

Travelers commend Contiki for their hassle-free travel planning and social atmosphere. Their focus on sustainable tourism also earns them brownie points.

Known for its custom-tailored travel solutions, Odynovo offers an exclusive range of services designed for an immersive experience.

Odynovo specializes in tailor-made tours that perfectly sync with your interests. You could be exploring the temples of Bangkok, relaxing on the beaches of Phuket, or trekking in the mountains of Chiang Mai; Odynovo ensures a journey as unique as you.

Travellers appreciate Odynovo for their high-level customization, exceptional service, and detail-oriented approach. The agency has consistently received high praise for providing seamless travel experiences.

5. Trafalgar

With over 70 years in the travel industry, Trafalgar brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to its clients. They specialize in guided tours that take you deeper into the local culture.

Trafalgar’s Thailand tours delve into the heart of the country, taking you beyond the typical tourist sites. Experience local Thai cooking classes, visit lesser-known temples, and meet local communities, all under Trafalgar’s umbrella.

Clients applaud Trafalgar for their well-planned itineraries, quality accommodations, and expert travel directors. Many mention the local experiences and interactions as the highlights of their trips.

6. TruTravels

TruTravels focuses on fun and adventure, offering tours specifically designed for younger travellers.

From full moon parties on Thailand’s tropical islands to ethical elephant encounters in the north, TruTravels’ itineraries are full of adventures and unique experiences that appeal to the younger demographic.

Customers love TruTravels for their fun-packed itineraries and social atmosphere. Many have made lifelong friends on these tours, thanks to the agency’s emphasis on group experiences.

7. Travel Talk

Travel Talk is popular for its competitively-priced, high-quality tours. Catering mainly to younger travellers, they focus on creating memorable, shared experiences.

Travel Talk offers exciting adventure tours in Thailand that cover a range of activities from beach parties in Phuket to jungle exploration in Chiang Mai, making for an adrenaline-fueled journey.

Travel Talk receives excellent feedback for its well-organised tours, fun-loving guides, and affordable pricing. Many customers value the company’s emphasis on shared experiences and group bonding.

8. Exotic Voyages

Exotic Voyages is a luxury travel agency known for crafting bespoke itineraries that delve deep into the cultural heartland of Thailand.

Exotic Voyages curates luxurious packages involving high-end resorts, private tours, and exclusive dining experiences in Thailand, making your journey truly unforgettable.

Clients rave about Exotic Voyages’ attention to detail, impressive organisation, and excellent customer service. Their tailor-made luxury experiences consistently receive high praise.

9. Realistic Asia

Realistic Asia stands out with its mission to provide authentic, local experiences that respect and promote the culture of the destinations visited.

Realistic Asia focuses on culturally-immersive tours such as cooking classes with local chefs, temple visits with monks, and home stays in traditional villages.

Customers laud Realistic Asia for their insightful itineraries and responsible tourism practices. Many also highlight the agency’s focus on local experiences and ethical travel.

10. Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is renowned for its commitment to responsible travel and providing off-the-beaten-track experiences. They place a high emphasis on sustainability and supporting local communities.

Intrepid offers tours that focus on local culture and nature. Their trips to Thailand may include homestays in rural areas, trekking in remote provinces, and visiting ethical animal sanctuaries.

Intrepid consistently earns high marks for its ethical approach to tourism, knowledgeable guides, and exceptional local experiences. Many customers appreciate the company’s commitment to responsible travel and local engagement.

11. Exoticca

Exoticca is a travel company offering luxury tours with a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion. They specialize in providing unique experiences in the most exquisite landscapes.

Exoticca offers luxury packages in Thailand that include 5-star accommodation, private transfers, and exclusive tours. They often provide unique experiences such as private river cruises or exclusive dining experiences in top-tier restaurants.

Exoticca receives glowing reviews for its blend of luxury and culture. Customers are often impressed with the high quality of accommodation, transportation, and unique experiences offered during the tours.

12. G Adventures

G Adventures is a Canadian-based travel agency with a strong emphasis on community tourism and promoting sustainable travel.

G Adventures provides various travel styles for Thailand, including classic tours, active adventures, and local living experiences. They encourage interaction with local communities, often incorporating home-cooked meals or local craft lessons into their tours.

G Adventures frequently receives positive reviews for its commitment to sustainable tourism, well-crafted itineraries, and excellent local guides. Many customers applaud the intimate group sizes and the ability to explore less-touristic sites.

13. Explore!

Explore! is a UK-based travel company that offers small group adventures. They are recognized for their diverse and innovative itineraries.

Explore! offers a variety of unique tours in Thailand, from cycling through the scenic countryside to kayaking in the crystalline waters of the Andaman Sea.

Customers regularly praise Explore! for their excellent guides, well-planned activities, and the chance to explore local culture and nature. Many reviewers have noted the company’s professionalism and exceptional customer service.

14. Legend Travel Group

Legend Travel Group is a travel agency known for its comprehensive and well-organized tours across Southeast Asia. They specialize in offering unique and exciting travel experiences with a focus on cultural immersion.

When traveling to Thailand with Legend Travel Group, travelers can expect a full immersion into Thai culture. They offer special services like private guided tours of famous landmarks, cooking classes with local chefs, and exclusive visits to secluded beaches and islands.

Customers often praise Legend Travel Group for its well-executed itineraries and the professionalism of its guides. Reviews often mention the agency’s responsiveness and dedication to ensuring memorable travel experiences.

15. Feel Free Travel

Feel Free Travel is a travel agency that provides small group tours for young adults. Their philosophy is about promoting freedom through travel, offering a balance of guided tours and free time for exploration.

Feel Free Travel offers tailored Thailand experiences for young adults. These include activities like full moon parties, visits to elephant sanctuaries, and exploration of Thailand’s vibrant street food culture. They also provide ample free time for independent exploration.

Feel Free Travel consistently receives positive reviews from its customers. They appreciate the balance between guided group activities and individual exploration. The company’s friendly and knowledgeable guides are also regularly mentioned in positive reviews.

16. Destination Services Thailand

Destination Services Thailand is a dedicated travel agency that specializes in providing tailor-made experiences in Thailand. They cater to various types of travel, including leisure, business, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions).

Destination Services Thailand offers bespoke services tailored to individual customer needs. They organize everything from cultural heritage tours to luxury hotel bookings, adventure sports activities, and business meetings, all while ensuring seamless travel experiences.

The company receives high praise from customers for its excellent service, attention to detail, and ability to create personalized travel experiences. Customers often highlight the agency’s expertise in Thai travel and its commitment to satisfying diverse travel requirements.

Know more: Top 10 Travel Agencies in Nepal

Choosing the Right Travel Agency for Your Thailand Trip

Choosing a travel agency for your Thailand trip is an important decision that can significantly impact your travel experience. The right agency can provide you with a hassle-free trip and an immersive experience of the local culture and scenery.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Agency

When choosing a travel agency for your Thailand trip, consider the following factors:

• Experience and Expertise in Thailand : An agency with in-depth knowledge of Thailand can offer unique insights and ensure you experience the best of the country.
• Services Offered : Look for agencies that provide comprehensive services, including accommodation booking, transportation, guided tours, and support throughout the trip.
• Customer Reviews and Testimonials : Reviews from past customers can provide valuable insight into the quality of services offered by the agency.
• Cost and Value : While cost is an important factor, it’s also essential to consider the value you’re getting for your money. The cheapest option may not always offer the best experience.
• Personalized Attention : A good travel agency will tailor your trip to your preferences and be responsive to your needs before and during your trip.

Questions to Ask Your Potential Travel Agency

When contacting potential travel agencies, consider asking the following questions:

• What kind of experiences do you offer in Thailand?
• Can you tailor the trip according to my preferences and interests?
• What does your service include (e.g., accommodations, transportation, meals, guides)?
• Can you provide references or testimonials from past customers?
• What kind of support will I receive during the trip?

Know more: Travel Tips and Guides

Tips for Traveling to Thailand with a Travel Agency

Traveling to Thailand with a travel agency can be a fantastic experience if you come prepared.

Understanding the Culture and Etiquette of Thailand

Thai culture is rich and diverse, with strong influences from Buddhism. Respect for elders and superior is highly valued. It’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Show respect for the royal family and avoid discussing politics.

What to Pack for a Trip to Thailand

Thailand’s climate is tropical, so lightweight clothing is suitable for most of the year. It’s also advisable to pack a light raincoat for the rainy season and sunscreen for the hot summer months. Don’t forget your swimsuit for the beautiful beaches and a good pair of walking shoes for sightseeing.

Know more: How to Pack a Backpack with Clothes for Travel

Top Destinations to Visit in Thailand

Thailand is known for its stunning landscapes, historic temples, and vibrant cities. Here are a few top destinations you should not miss:

• Bangkok : The capital city is known for its bustling street life, ornate shrines, and vibrant nightlife.
• Chiang Mai : This northern city is famous for its historic temples and the annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival.
• Phuket : Thailand’s largest island is known for its beautiful beaches and exciting water sports.
• Ayutthaya : This historic city is home to ancient ruins and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Pai : A small town in the mountains known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.

Remember, a good travel agency can help you explore these destinations in a unique and immersive way.

Read more: What Size Backpack for Travelling to Choose

FAQs about Travel Agencies Thailand

What is the best travel website in thailand, how much will a trip to thailand cost, what is the best agency in travel, what is the most famous travel agency, final thoughts about travel agencies in thailand.

Traveling to Thailand with a travel agency can significantly enhance your experience, providing expert guidance, curated experiences, and comprehensive support. The convenience of having every aspect of your trip planned and taken care of allows you to fully immerse yourself in the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and thrilling adventures that Thailand has to offer. 7 years back to Thailand, about a visit, it was more fun.

Our final advice for making the most of your Thailand adventure with a travel agency is to communicate your interests and preferences clearly. This will allow the agency to tailor your trip for the best possible experience.

Remember to be open and flexible to the unique opportunities that may arise and take every chance to immerse yourself in the incredible Thai culture. After all, the magic of travel lies in the unexpected surprises and new experiences that broaden our perspective.

To know more: Places to Visit in Michigan in the Fall

Ovi Tanchangya

Hey there, fellow explorers! This is Ovi Tanchangya , passionate blogger and avid outdoorsman. I want to share my thoughts about my past outdoor experiences, and of course, I will continue to do so. The past is very practical and can't be forgotten. I don't know which is unique about camping, but I can't forget the campfire smoke and the smell of the camp foods. When I am in mechanical society, I try to recall my memories by watching various camp videos and listening to the sound of the forest raining. And this is me.

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