I like Thailand; it has all the pieces! Nice meals, historic websites, spectacular underwater surroundings, and most necessary for me, it’s actually pleasant to solo vacationers. I’ve a lot of solo travel tips for Bangkok; I lived there for five months and will have stayed for much longer. A fellow blogger, Cat Roberts, supplied to put in writing this submit to information vacationers (such as you) in planning your Thailand journey. Bookmark the web page! (All pictures are mine.)
Are you planning an epic journey to Thailand and in search of insider tricks to make it unforgettable? Look no additional!
Get able to discover the colourful tradition, gorgeous landscapes, and mouthwatering delicacies that Thailand has to supply.
As somebody who has been touring full-time for two.5 years and always planning journeys, I can guarantee you that I’m not solely an skilled on Thailand but additionally on journey planning.
My first expertise with Thailand was unimaginable; I fell in love with the nation throughout my 2-month backpacking journey, and determined to return to dwell in Chiang Mai for 3 months.
I’ve explored the nation from high to backside, from the gorgeous Silver Temple in Chiang Mai to the exhilarating scuba diving adventures within the Similan Islands. So consider me after I say I do know a factor or two about planning a visit to Thailand.
Prepare to find my high insider suggestions for planning the perfect trip to Thailand. From the most effective time to go to to must-see points of interest, how a lot to funds, and maximizing your time, I’ve received you lined.
High Locations to Go to in Thailand
Whereas planning a visit to Thailand, it’s necessary to know that there are three principal areas to discover: Central Thailand, Southern Thailand, and Northern Thailand.
Every area has its personal distinctive points of interest and experiences to supply, from the bustling metropolis lifetime of Bangkok to the idyllic seashores of the south and the gorgeous mountains of the north.
Vacationers typically go to multiple area throughout their journey, relying on how a lot time they’ve. These are the most well-liked locations to go to in Thailand for first-time vacationers.
Central Thailand
Central Thailand is residence to the busy and vibrant metropolis of Bangkok, probably the most iconic metropolitan hubs in Southeast Asia. Likelihood is that your worldwide flight will land in Bangkok, so it’s a fantastic place to begin your journey.
My different favourite place for first-time guests to Central Thailand is Ayutthaya, the traditional capital of Siam and residential to temples and ruins that inform the story of Thailand’s wealthy tradition.
Bangkok Highlights:
- Grand Palace: Magnificent historical royal palace.
- Wat Arun: Iconic temple with intricate structure on Chao Phraya River.
- Wat Pho: Temple showcasing Thai Buddhism and well-known large reclining Buddha.
- Cruise Historical Canals: Discover Bangkok’s waterways and vibrant life.
- Floating Market: Distinctive buying expertise with vibrant sights and smells.
- Nightlife: Rooftop bars and Khao San Street.
Ayutthaya Highlights:
- Day Journey: Go on a day trip to Ayutthaya and discover historical Siam’s ruins in a day or keep in a single day for a deeper dive into town’s historical past and tradition.
- Go to Temples: A few of my greatest pictures had been taken at these historical temples.
Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers in search of solar, sand, and sea.
From the gorgeous white sand seashores of Phuket to the colourful coral and marine lifetime of Koh Tao, there’s something for everybody right here.
Some vacationers spend their entire journey island hopping—and there’s nothing unsuitable with that!
- Phuket: A well-liked seashore vacation spot with a vibrant nightlife, fishing villages, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whereas Phuket isn’t my favourite island, it’s a fantastic base for exploring the close by islands like gorgeous Koh Phi Phi.
- Koh Samui: A tropical paradise famend for its gorgeous seashores and glorious snorkeling alternatives. Some must-visit locations embody the enduring Huge Buddha Temple, the colourful Fisherman’s Village, and the enchanting Na Muang Waterfalls.
- Koh Tao: A really small island the place you’ll be able to decelerate and benefit from the chill vibes. Often called one of many world’s greatest locations to get scuba licensed. Ended up staying for two weeks as an alternative of some days!
- Krabi: A seashore paradise with loads of actions to select from, comparable to kayaking, mountaineering, and snorkeling.
- Similan Islands: A cluster of tiny islands with underwater wonders, together with sea turtles and quite a lot of coral reefs. A number of the greatest dive websites on the planet.
- Khao Sok Nationwide Park: A tropical rainforest with breathtaking surroundings, spectacular waterfalls, and considerable wildlife. I spent the evening in a floating hut and need I spent longer. The rainforest hike/cave journey we did was one of many highlights of my time within the south!
Northern Thailand
Many vacationers don’t notice that there’s a lot to do in Northern Thailand, oftentimes spending all their time on the gorgeous islands within the south. However the north is my favourite components of Thailand!
Chiang Mai, recognized for its vibrant tradition and breathtaking temples, presents a mix of custom and modernity. Pai, an enthralling city within the mountains, is a haven for nature lovers and journey seekers. Chiang Rai, with its distinctive White Temple and Golden Triangle, captivates guests with its wealthy historical past and gorgeous landscapes.
Chiang Mai Highlights:
- Wat Sri Suphan: A surprising silver temple within the previous metropolis of Chiang Mai.
- Elephant Nature Park: An moral no-touch sanctuary the place you’ll be able to stand up shut with these majestic animals.
- Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park: A sprawling nationwide park with waterfalls, wildlife, and breathtaking hikes.
- Thai Cooking Class: Be taught to make conventional Thai dishes in a hands-on course.
Pai Highlights:
- Pai Strolling Avenue: Discover this vibrant and colourful road stuffed with distinctive outlets and eating places.
- Pai Canyon: An unimaginable pure landmark with panoramic views and close by viewpoints. Nice sundown spot.
- Wat Nam Hu: Go to this conventional temple perched close to the highest of the mountain with unimaginable views of the valley.
- Mo Paeng Waterfall: Go for a swim on the base of this spectacular waterfall.
- Tham Lod Caves: An in depth cave system stuffed with stalactites and stalagmites.
Chiang Rai Highlights:
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple): An iconic Buddhist temple with a stark white exterior and surreal art work.
- Wat Huay Pla Kang (Black Home): A captivating advanced of buildings stuffed with distinctive artwork and sculptures.
- Chiang Rai Night time Bazaar: Wander by way of this busy evening market stuffed with meals, souvenirs, leisure, and extra.
How Many Days in Thailand?
Regardless of how a lot time you need to spare, Thailand is among the greatest locations to go to. In case you can, planning a visit to Thailand for two weeks or longer is good.
I’ve personally spent 5 months exploring Thailand and I can’t wait to return!
- 7 days: This will probably be a fast journey, so I like to recommend selecting 1–2 locations to go to, comparable to Bangkok and one of many islands, or Chiang Mai and Pai.
- 10 days: With 10 days, you may make a couple of stops in Thailand. Perhaps Bangkok, Khao Son Nationwide Park, and one of many islands. Or spend a pair days in Bangkok and Ayutthaya, then the remainder of the time within the North.
- 2 weeks: Two weeks provides you adequate time to expertise completely different components of Thailand. Spend 3–7 days exploring the North, adopted by every week or extra within the South, and 1–2 days in Bangkok earlier than flying out.
- 1 month: With a month-long journey, you’ve loads of time to go to a number of locations round Thailand and actually get immersed in its tradition. Begin off in Bangkok earlier than heading up north to Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai, after which down south to Khao Son Nationwide Park and a number of other islands.
Finest Time to Go to Thailand
The very best time to go to Thailand when it comes to climate is throughout the cool and dry season, which lasts from November to March. The climate is heat and there’s decrease rainfall.
On the draw back, November to March is the height season for tourism to Thailand, so that you’ll discover the highest locations extra crowded and received’t discover as many offers on flights and lodging. December and January are the busiest occasions.
If you need good climate with barely smaller crowds, attempt the shoulder season in late October or early April.
The worst time to visit Thailand is throughout the sizzling season, which is from April to June. Many vacationers additionally keep away from the monsoon season, which is from June to October for many of Thailand. In case you’re planning to go to Phuket, keep away from August–September, and for Koh Samui, October–December.
February to April is a foul time to go to Northern Thailand attributable to smoke from agricultural burning practices.
Plan Your Thailand Price range
Touring to Thailand is extremely inexpensive, which is considered one of my favourite issues about it since I stop my full-time job greater than 2 years in the past. I really feel like a queen in Thailand!
The flight is normally the most costly side of planning a visit to Thailand. And I at all times go over funds after I add on scuba diving (despite the fact that Thailand is among the most inexpensive locations to scuba).
Backpackers can simply spend lower than US$30–50 per day, whereas mid-range vacationers ought to count on to spend not more than US$100 per day, together with lodging and meals.
For many who need to keep in luxurious 5-star resorts and eat at high worldwide eating places, the every day value can enhance as much as US$200, however that will be on the excessive finish. To spend US$200 every single day in Thailand you’d in all probability have so as to add on some scuba diving and cocktails.
Nonetheless, for those who’re prepared to discover the native road meals scene and discover cheaper accommodations, you’ll discover that Thailand presents glorious worth for cash.
Do You Want a Visa for Thailand?
In terms of visas for Thailand, the necessities rely in your nationality and the size of your keep.
For many vacationers, together with these from the US, Australia, Canada, and the UK, no visa is required for stays of 30 days or much less. These nations are eligible for the visa on arrival.
If you wish to keep in Thailand for longer than 30 days, you’ll be able to apply for a 60-day visa upfront of your journey, or you’ll be able to prolong your 30-day keep for an additional 30 days at an immigration workplace.
I’ve achieved this a number of occasions, and whereas it’s just a little annoying and takes a pair hours, it’s pretty easy.
Getting To/Round Thailand
Vacationers coming from North America sometimes fly to Thailand with a connecting flight, with standard switch cities being Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Dubai.
Direct flights additionally function from many main cities in Europe and Oceania to Bangkok.
It’s additionally attainable to seek out flights (normally with a connection) to different cities in Thailand like Chiang Mai or Phuket. So, for those who’re planning to go to completely different areas of Thailand, it could be value contemplating to fly straight into one area and out of one other.
Thailand is a extremely popular vacationer vacation spot and has nice infrastructure for getting round.
Busses and trains can be found for touring between cities. I took the in a single day prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai—it was straightforward and a enjoyable expertise!
The Seize app (much like Uber) offers straightforward transport inside a metropolis. Obtain the app earlier than you allow residence since they’ll must ship you a one-time code to set-up the app.
If you wish to get a extra distinctive and immersive expertise, you’ll be able to hire a scooter to discover the cities at your personal tempo. I don’t suggest renting a scooter in Bangkok, as site visitors is fairly loopy. Be sure you have a global driver’s allow with a bike designation, put on a helmet, and test that your journey insurance coverage covers motorbikes.
There are many flights obtainable inside Thailand, so for those who’re brief on time and don’t thoughts paying for comfort, flying from one area to a different is simple.
Tricks to Plan a Journey in Thailand
- Pack light-weight, breathable garments and cozy strolling footwear/sandals. In case you’re planning an extended journey, it’s straightforward and low cost to do laundry in Thailand.
- Guarantee you’ve a temple outfit that covers your shoulders and knees (or pack a sarong to wrap round your waist once you go to temples).
- Get a global driver’s allow with bike designation for those who plan to hire a scooter. Test in case your journey insurance coverage covers motorbikes.
- Seize a SIM card on your telephone to remain linked. My first cease in Chiang Mai is at all times on the Maya Shopping Mall to seize a SIM card.
- Obtain the Seize app for simple transportation. Set it up earlier than you allow residence.
- Most locations in Thailand are cash-only so make sure that your ATM card will work overseas. If attainable, get a card with out ATM charges.
- Earlier than you add an elephant expertise to your itinerary, do thorough analysis to make sure it’s an moral expertise. Anywhere that gives elephant using or elephant performances will not be moral. Usually, anyplace that allows you to contact the elephants will not be moral, so do your analysis.
- Obtain Google Translate for communication with locals. English is turning into increasingly more frequent in vacationer hotspots, and a smile goes a good distance!
- Depart room in your itinerary for spontaneity and journey—you by no means know what’s going to come up!
Conclusion: Find out how to Plan a Journey to Thailand
Planning a visit to Thailand shouldn’t be too irritating—however I do know it may be. With the suitable steps, you’ll have an incredible journey and discover the great thing about the nation.
Whether or not you need to immerse your self within the tradition, discover the bustling cities, or chill out on the seashore, you’ll discover one thing particular in Thailand. My favourite area is Northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai, the place yow will discover scrumptious meals, gorgeous temples, and loads of actions.
Contemplate the size of your journey and resolve which areas would be the greatest match for you, in addition to the most effective time of 12 months on your go to. I like to recommend 2 weeks or extra, for those who can swing it. It’s straightforward to get between main cities in Thailand through aircraft, bus, and prepare.
Want extra journey inspo? These are the must-visit landmarks in Thailand.
When you’re achieved planning a visit to Thailand, all that’s left to do is pack your baggage and go!