I really like Thailand; it has all the pieces! Nice meals, historic websites, spectacular underwater surroundings, and most vital for me, it’s actually pleasant to solo vacationers. I’ve a number of solo travel tips for Bangkok; I lived there for five months and will have stayed for much longer. A fellow blogger, Cat Roberts, provided to jot down this submit to information vacationers (such as you) in planning your Thailand journey. Bookmark the web page! (All images 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 professional on Thailand but in addition on journey planning.
My first expertise with Thailand was unbelievable; I fell in love with the nation throughout my 2-month backpacking journey, and determined to return to reside in Chiang Mai for 3 months.
I’ve explored the nation from prime to backside, from the gorgeous Silver Temple in Chiang Mai to the exhilarating scuba diving adventures within the Similan Islands. So imagine me after I say I do know a factor or two about planning a visit to Thailand.
Prepare to find my prime insider ideas for planning the perfect trip to Thailand. From one of the best time to go to to must-see points of interest, how a lot to funds, and maximizing your time, I’ve bought you lined.
High Locations to Go to in Thailand
Whereas planning a visit to Thailand, it’s vital to know that there are three predominant 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 house to the busy and vibrant metropolis of Bangkok, one of the vital iconic metropolitan hubs in Southeast Asia. Chances are high that your worldwide flight will land in Bangkok, so it’s an ideal 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 big reclining Buddha.
- Cruise Historic Canals: Discover Bangkok’s waterways and vibrant life.
- Floating Market: Distinctive procuring 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 the town’s historical past and tradition.
- Go to Temples: A few of my finest images have 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 mistaken with that!
- Phuket: A preferred seashore vacation spot with a vibrant nightlife, fishing villages, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whereas Phuket isn’t my favourite island, it’s an ideal base for exploring the close by islands like gorgeous Koh Phi Phi.
- Koh Samui: A tropical paradise famend for its gorgeous seashores and wonderful snorkeling alternatives. Some must-visit locations embrace 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 known as one of many world’s finest 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, equivalent to kayaking, mountain climbing, 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 finest 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 elements of Thailand!
Chiang Mai, recognized for its vibrant tradition and breathtaking temples, affords 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 shocking silver temple within the outdated metropolis of Chiang Mai.
- Elephant Nature Park: An moral no-touch sanctuary the place you’ll be able to rise up shut with these majestic animals.
- Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park: A sprawling nationwide park with waterfalls, wildlife, and breathtaking hikes.
- Thai Cooking Class: Study to make conventional Thai dishes in a hands-on course.
Pai Highlights:
- Pai Strolling Avenue: Discover this vibrant and colourful road crammed with distinctive retailers and eating places.
- Pai Canyon: An unbelievable 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 unbelievable views of the valley.
- Mo Paeng Waterfall: Go for a swim on the base of this spectacular waterfall.
- Tham Lod Caves: An intensive cave system crammed 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): An enchanting complicated of buildings crammed with distinctive artwork and sculptures.
- Chiang Rai Evening Bazaar: Wander by way of this busy evening market crammed with meals, souvenirs, leisure, and extra.
How Many Days in Thailand?
Irrespective of how a lot time it’s a must to spare, Thailand is among the finest locations to go to. If you happen to 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 shall be a fast journey, so I like to recommend selecting 1–2 locations to go to, equivalent to Bangkok and one of many islands, or Chiang Mai and Pai.
- 10 days: With 10 days, you can also make just a few stops in Thailand. Possibly 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 offers you adequate time to expertise completely different elements of Thailand. Spend 3–7 days exploring the North, adopted by per 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 got 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.
Greatest Time to Go to Thailand
The most effective 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’d like 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. If you happen to’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 resulting from smoke from agricultural burning practices.
Plan Your Thailand Finances
Touring to Thailand is extremely inexpensive, which is one in every of my favourite issues about it since I give up 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 all the time go over funds after I add on scuba diving (though 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 prime worldwide eating places, the each day value can enhance as much as US$200, however that may be on the excessive finish. To spend US$200 daily in Thailand you’d in all probability have so as to add on some scuba diving and cocktails.
Nevertheless, for those who’re prepared to discover the native road meals scene and discover cheaper lodging, you’ll discover that Thailand affords wonderful worth for cash.
Do You Want a Visa for Thailand?
In the case 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 international locations 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 prematurely 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 finished 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 in style 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 may be price contemplating to fly immediately into one area and out of one other.
Thailand is a highly regarded 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 (just like Uber) gives straightforward transport inside a metropolis. Obtain the app earlier than you permit house 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 individual tempo. I don’t suggest renting a scooter in Bangkok, as site visitors is fairly loopy. Be sure you have a world driver’s allow with a motorbike designation, put on a helmet, and test that your journey insurance coverage covers motorbikes.
There are many flights out there 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 straightforward.
Tricks to Plan a Journey in Thailand
- Pack light-weight, breathable garments and comfy strolling sneakers/sandals. If you happen to’re planning an extended journey, it’s straightforward and low cost to do laundry in Thailand.
- Guarantee you’ve got a temple outfit that covers your shoulders and knees (or pack a sarong to wrap round your waist while you go to temples).
- Get a world driver’s allow with motorbike designation for those who plan to hire a scooter. Examine in case your journey insurance coverage covers motorbikes.
- Seize a SIM card to your telephone to remain related. My first cease in Chiang Mai is all the time on the Maya Shopping Mall to seize a SIM card.
- Obtain the Seize app for simple transportation. Set it up earlier than you permit house.
- Most locations in Thailand are cash-only so be certain 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 just isn’t moral. Usually, wherever that allows you to contact the elephants just isn’t moral, so do your analysis.
- Obtain Google Translate for communication with locals. English is changing into an increasing number of widespread in vacationer hotspots, and a smile goes a great distance!
- Go away room in your itinerary for spontaneity and journey—you by no means know what is going to come up!
Conclusion: The way to Plan a Journey to Thailand
Planning a visit to Thailand shouldn’t be too nerve-racking—however I do know it may be. With the appropriate 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 determine which areas would be the finest match for you, in addition to one of the best time of 12 months to 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 by way of airplane, bus, and prepare.
Want extra journey inspo? These are the must-visit landmarks in Thailand.
When you’re finished planning a visit to Thailand, all that’s left to do is pack your baggage and go!