Planning a Journey to Thailand: Final Journey Information 2024
I like Thailand; it has every thing! Nice meals, historic websites, spectacular underwater surroundings, and most essential for me, it’s actually pleasant to solo vacationers. I’ve numerous 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 write down this put up 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 looking for insider tricks to make it unforgettable? Look no additional!
Get able to discover the colourful tradition, beautiful landscapes, and mouthwatering delicacies that Thailand has to supply.
As somebody who has been touring full-time for two.5 years and consistently planning journeys, I can guarantee you that I’m not solely an professional 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 reside in Chiang Mai for 3 months.
I’ve explored the nation from high to backside, from the beautiful Silver Temple in Chiang Mai to the exhilarating scuba diving adventures within the Similan Islands. So consider me once I say I do know a factor or two about planning a visit to Thailand.
Prepare to find my high insider ideas for planning the perfect trip to Thailand. From the very best time to go to to must-see sights, how a lot to funds, and maximizing your time, I’ve obtained you lined.
Prime Locations to Go to in Thailand
Whereas planning a visit to Thailand, it’s essential to know that there are three predominant areas to discover: Central Thailand, Southern Thailand, and Northern Thailand.
Every area has its personal distinctive sights and experiences to supply, from the bustling metropolis lifetime of Bangkok to the idyllic seashores of the south and the beautiful 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, some of the iconic metropolitan hubs in Southeast Asia. Likelihood is that your worldwide flight will land in Bangkok, so it’s an excellent place to begin your journey. Purchase a Bangkok day pass to make it simpler to cowl all of the sights!
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 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 greatest pictures had been taken at these historical temples.
Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers looking for solar, sand, and sea.
From the beautiful 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 preferred seaside vacation spot with a vibrant nightlife, fishing villages, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whereas Phuket isn’t my favourite island, it’s an excellent base for exploring the close by islands like beautiful Koh Phi Phi. Purchase a Phuket day pass to economize on all of the sights you need to see.
- Koh Samui: A tropical paradise famend for its beautiful seashores and wonderful 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 possibly can decelerate and benefit from the chill vibes. Often known as 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 seaside paradise with loads of actions to select from, reminiscent of 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. Among the greatest dive websites on the earth.
- Khao Sok Nationwide Park: A tropical rainforest with breathtaking surroundings, spectacular waterfalls, and ample wildlife. I spent the night time in a floating hut and want 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 understand that there’s a lot to do in Northern Thailand, oftentimes spending all their time on the beautiful islands within the south. However the north is my favourite elements of Thailand!
Chiang Mai, identified for its vibrant tradition and breathtaking temples, provides 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 beautiful landscapes.
To save cash on the sights, you can even purchase the Chiang Mai day pass.
Chiang Mai Highlights:
- Wat Sri Suphan: A surprising silver temple within the outdated metropolis of Chiang Mai.
- Elephant Nature Park: An moral no-touch sanctuary the place you possibly can 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 Road: Discover this vibrant and colourful avenue crammed with distinctive retailers 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 crammed with stalactites and stalagmites.
Chiang Rai Highlights:
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple): An iconic Buddhist temple with a stark white exterior and surreal paintings.
- Wat Huay Pla Kang (Black Home): An interesting complicated of buildings crammed with distinctive artwork and sculptures.
- Chiang Rai Evening Bazaar: Wander via this busy night time market crammed with meals, souvenirs, leisure, and extra.
How Many Days in Thailand?
Regardless of how a lot time you must spare, Thailand is among the greatest locations to go to. Should 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, reminiscent of Bangkok and one of many islands, or Chiang Mai and Pai.
- 10 days: With 10 days, you can also 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 offers you adequate time to expertise totally 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 could have 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 most effective time to go to Thailand when it comes to climate is through 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 gained’t discover as many offers on flights and lodging. December and January are the busiest instances.
If you would like good climate with barely smaller crowds, strive the shoulder season in late October or early April.
The worst time to visit Thailand is through the scorching 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. Should you’re planning to go to Phuket, keep away from August–September, and for Koh Samui, October–December.
February to April is a nasty time to go to Northern Thailand on account of smoke from agricultural burning practices.
Plan Your Thailand Finances
Touring to Thailand is extremely inexpensive, which is certainly 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 often the costliest side of planning a visit to Thailand. And I all the time go over funds once I add on scuba diving (regardless 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 individuals who need to keep in luxurious 5-star resorts and eat at high worldwide eating places, the each day value can improve as much as US$200, however that may be on the excessive finish. To spend US$200 each day in Thailand you’d in all probability have so as to add on some scuba diving and cocktails.
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re prepared to discover the native avenue meals scene and discover cheaper accommodations, you’ll discover that Thailand provides wonderful worth for cash.
Do You Want a Visa for Thailand?
On the subject 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 possibly can apply for a 60-day visa upfront of your journey, or you possibly can prolong your 30-day keep for an additional 30 days at an immigration workplace.
I’ve completed this a number of instances, and whereas it’s a bit of 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 potential to seek out flights (often with a connection) to different cities in Thailand like Chiang Mai or Phuket. So, if you happen to’re planning to go to totally different areas of Thailand, it is perhaps price contemplating to fly immediately into one area and out of one other.
Thailand is a very talked-about 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 permit 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 possibly can hire a scooter to discover the cities at your personal tempo. I don’t advocate renting a scooter in Bangkok, as visitors is fairly loopy. Be sure you have a world driver’s allow with a bike designation, put on a helmet, and verify that your journey insurance coverage covers motorbikes.
There are many flights accessible inside Thailand, so if you happen to’re quick 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 comfy strolling footwear/sandals. Should you’re planning an extended journey, it’s straightforward and low-cost to do laundry in Thailand.
- Guarantee you could have 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 world driver’s allow with motorbike designation if you happen to plan to hire a scooter. Examine in case your journey insurance coverage covers motorbikes.
- Seize a SIM card to your telephone to remain linked. 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 residence.
- Most locations in Thailand are cash-only so ensure your ATM card will work overseas. If potential, 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. Anyplace 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 or the Ling app for communication with locals. English is changing into increasingly widespread 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: Methods to Plan a Journey to Thailand
Planning a visit to Thailand shouldn’t be too anxious—however I do know it may be. With the fitting steps, you’ll have an incredible journey and discover the fantastic thing about the nation.
Whether or not you need to immerse your self within the tradition, discover the bustling cities, or loosen up on the seaside, you’ll discover one thing particular in Thailand. My favourite area is Northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai, the place yow will discover scrumptious meals, beautiful temples, and loads of actions.
Take into account the size of your journey and determine which areas would be the greatest match for you, in addition to the very best time of 12 months to your go to. I like to recommend 2 weeks or extra, if you happen to can swing it. It’s straightforward to get between main cities in Thailand through airplane, bus, and prepare.
Want extra journey inspo? These are the must-visit landmarks in Thailand.
When you’re completed planning a visit to Thailand, all that’s left to do is pack your baggage and go!
