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Thailand, a cherished travel gem of mine! Dive into this comprehensive Thailand travel guide, brimming with step-by-step insights for planning your dream trip. Discover ideal times to visit, must-see attractions, and approximate trip costs in the Land of Smiles. Enjoy your immersive journey through this detailed guide. Enjoy your reading!

Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide: Plan Your Journey in Asia's Top Spot (2024)
Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide: Plan Your Journey in Asia’s Top Spot (2024)

Best Time to Visit Thailand | Thailand Travel Guide

Most of Thailand lies in a tropical climate zone with monsoon air circulation. The country has three distinct seasons: hot and dry (April to June), hot and wet (July to October), and cooler (not cold) and dry (November to March).

The most tourist-frequented period is the dry season (referred to as ‘winter’ by locals), correlating with higher prices. Nevertheless, this time typically suits the average European visitor due to limited rainfall and moderate temperatures.

The least favorable period to travel to Thailand is the hot and wet season, characterized by intense heat (April and May are among the hottest months) and substantial rainfall, ranging from light showers to heavy downpours and floods. However, this time sees fewer tourists, making it easier to find accommodation at better rates.

The best time to visit also varies by region. Northern cities like Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, as well as Bangkok in the central region, are ideal from November to March. Southern Thailand, encompassing the Malay Peninsula, follows its own patterns. Koh Samui is best visited between December and August, while Phuket shines between October and April.

Our trip to Thailand was during late December and January. The weather in most places we visited (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi) was fantastic. Koh Samui, with its specific tropical microclimate, experienced occasional rain, but it didn’t hinder our beach activities.

Temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand
Temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand

How to Get to Thailand?

Presently, there are no direct flights from the US to Thailand. However, there are direct routes available to Bangkok from Vancouver, Canada. Additionally, various European cities, including Paris, London, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Oslo, offer direct flights. Direct connections are also accessible from significant Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and Shanghai.

The average flight duration from Europe is approximately 12 hours, from Canada about 16 hours, and from the US, it ranges around 20 hours, contingent upon whether you depart from the East or West Coast.

Tickets to Thailand start from approximately 900 USD per person for a round trip. May is recognized as the most budget-friendly month to visit Thailand. Our chosen flight, from Gdańsk to Bangkok with layovers in Berlin and Abu Dhabi, cost us 870 USD round trip.

Securing flights in advance or last-minute, opting for less popular times or midweek, and using ‘private mode‘ when booking online are valuable strategies. Joining loyalty programs like Miles & More helps. We commonly book via skyscanner.com and recommend Kiwi.com for ticket reservations.

Currency | Thailand Travel Guide

The currency of Thailand is the Thai baht (THB). One baht equals 100 satang. At the time of writing this guide, 1 baht was approximately 0.028 USD. It’s advisable to exchange a small amount of money (in dollars, euros, or pounds) upon arrival at the airport’s currency exchange (sufficient for the initial days) and the remainder at a local bank. Keep in mind that ATM withdrawals usually incur an additional fee for foreigners, and many places may not accept card payments.

Thai Baht - the national currency of Thailand
Thai Baht – the national currency of Thailand

Visa | Thailand Travel Guide

If your trip to Thailand is no longer than 30 days, you don’t need to apply for a visa (you’ll receive permission to stay at the airport upon arrival in the form of a passport stamp). If you arrive by plane, you’ll receive a maximum 30-day stay permit, and if you enter by land, it’s 15 days.

However, if you plan to stay longer in the Land of Smiles, you’ll need to apply for a visa (at least 2 weeks in advance) at the Embassy or Consulate General of the Kingdom of Thailand, allowing a maximum 60-day stay. The cost of a single-entry visa is about 60 USD, while a multiple-entry visa is about 145 USD.

Upon entry, you’ll need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Thailand. Also required are a return ticket and financial means for the stay (amounting to 10,000 THB per person). Failure to meet these conditions may result in refusal of entry. Sometimes, other documents such as hotel reservation confirmation or travel itinerary may be required.

Vaccinations | Thailand Travel Guide

Fortunately, no vaccinations are mandatory before arriving in Thailand. However, for your own health, it’s advisable to get vaccinated beforehand (at least a few weeks before departure). Recommended vaccinations that you should consider (after consulting a travel medicine doctor) include immunization against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis.

Keep in mind that vaccination prices vary depending on the location where they are administered and often constitute a significant expense compared to the total cost of the trip.

Malaria | Thailand Travel Guide

Contrary to common belief, the risk of contracting malaria in Thailand is relatively low. However, it depends on the areas you plan to visit. If you’re heading to less frequented regions, away from well-trodden paths, considering the use of appropriate anti-malarial medications is advisable (after consulting with a doctor).

Nevertheless, if your travel itinerary includes typical tourist spots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Krabi, you can comfortably stick to using strong insect repellents (MUGGA is recommended, a product with the highest available DEET concentration – 50% – which you can order online) and following a few simple precautions, such as sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing insect-repellent clothing with long sleeves/pants, and using mosquito spray in your accommodation at night.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Accommodation Options | Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand boasts a diverse array of accommodation options. You’ll find budget-friendly hostels (ideal for solo travelers, averaging around 650 THB per night), family-run guesthouses (with varying amenities: breakfast/no breakfast, AC/fan, private/shared bathrooms, ranging from approximately 1000-3000 THB per night), various hotels (averaging 2000 THB per night), and luxurious resorts (mainly in tourist hubs like Thai islands, with prices soaring up to 5000 THB per night).

If you’re on a tight budget, guesthouses or B&Bs are the best options. If you prefer not to pay at all, the increasingly popular option of couchsurfing allows staying with locals, offering a genuine taste of Thailand. During our travels, we mostly relied on guesthouses, spending an average of 2500 THB per night.

While many tourists, particularly those exploring Asia, prefer to find accommodation on arrival, it’s beneficial to book in advance (via platforms like booking.com) for places offering free breakfast and cancellation. This approach has its pros (time-saving with tight travel schedules) and cons (lack of flexibility), ideal for shorter trips (less than 30 days).

One of the best hotels on our trip - Zara Beach Resort in Koh Samui
One of the best hotels on our trip – Zara Beach Resort in Koh Samui

Thai Food | Thailand Travel Guide

Thai food is one of the main reasons why we fell in love with this country, and it’s available almost everywhere at a price an average European can only dream of. The daily cost of meals per person is around 700 THB, depending on where you dine.

There’s a variety of eateries to choose from: from street stalls with simple, authentic Thai (and more!) food for a few dozen Thai baht (the best curries and satay we had in Thailand were bought on the streets of Bangkok for a one dollar), to more upscale restaurants where the food is just as good but more expensive, yet more elaborately presented and in slightly better conditions (when eating on the streets, be prepared that you might not even eat at a table, just squatting on the ground).

We recommend trying a few different dining options in the city and finding the one that’s perfect for you. Street-style dining might not appeal to everyone, but while in Thailand, it’s genuinely worth stepping out of your comfort zone for a moment and trying typical street food (especially in Bangkok).

Of course, when eating out, it’s essential to adhere to basic hygiene principles and thoroughly disinfect your hands before each meal (we recommend portable antibacterial gels, perfect to take along on your trip).

Also, avoid ice cubes in drinks, don’t buy meat on the street, always wash fruits with bottled water before consumption, eat only what’s prepared in front of you, and dine where locals do (it may turn out that you’ll get much better food at a street stall than in an expensive restaurant).

Food stalls in Bangkok's streets, Chinatown
Food stalls in Bangkok’s streets, Chinatown

Travel Insurance | Thailand Travel Guide

For an international trip like Thailand, securing travel insurance is essential. Ensuring extensive coverage for medical expenses is crucial. Additionally, examine the policy for exclusions, such as extreme sports like diving needing supplemental coverage.

Basic insurance for Thailand typically amounts to around 200 USD. Opting for a comprehensive plan guarantees a worry-free experience during your travels.

Transportation Options | Thailand Travel Guide

Tuk-tuk and other taxis

One of the most popular and recommended ways to get around the city in Thailand is by renting autorickshaws, known as tuk-tuks, which are three-wheeled vehicles theoretically designed for up to three passengers, but in practice, they can accommodate many more.

Tuk-tuks usually operate similar to taxis and sometimes follow a predefined route. Of course, when renting a tuk-tuk, bargaining is necessary (it’s best to agree on the price before getting into the vehicle and stick to it). The price per kilometer for a tuk-tuk ride should not exceed around 30 THB.

Apart from tuk-tuks, another form of Thai taxi is the scooter, which (along with the driver, of course) can be rented for about 10 THB (a convenient option, especially for quick movement in congested cities), or a songthaew (a slightly larger vehicle converted from a pickup truck or truck, priced around 50 THB).

Our first tuk-tuk ride :)
Our first tuk-tuk ride 🙂

Domestic flights | Thailand Travel Guide

The fastest, and at the same time the most expensive option to travel around the country is by plane. Most of the air connections are, of course, served from Bangkok. From the capital of Thailand, we can fly to places such as: Chiang Mai (ideal solution when we have a tight schedule and limited time), Koh Samui or Krabi, sometimes for really little money.

We decided to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with Thai Lion Air (approx. 27 USD per person), from Krabi to Bangkok with the same airline (approx. $ 95 per person) and from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui with Bangkok Airways (approx. 240 USD per person) and we were very satisfied.

Buses | Thailand Travel Guide

Another way of getting around in Thailand is by using government buses or tourist minivans. Of course, the government buses are much cheaper than the latter, but in our opinion, the travel comfort is significantly worse. Tickets for government buses can be purchased directly at the stations (usually referred to as “BKS stations”).

The advantage of tourist minivans is that they are air-conditioned, can usually be reserved well in advance online, and they can pick you up directly from your hotel. The downside is that while traveling in them with other tourists, there’s less interaction with the locals.

Trains | Thailand Travel Guide

Train travel in Thailand is an exceptional choice for short or long-distance journeys. It’s recommended for routes like Bangkok to Ayutthaya or Bangkok to Chiang Mai. You can easily check the detailed train schedule online.

Tickets can be secured through various means: online booking (currently accessible from Bangkok or Chiang Mai), via tourist agencies, or directly at train stations to avoid extra charges. For long-haul sleeper trains, booking up to 90 days in advance is advisable, allowing partial refunds upon cancellation.

Thai trains offer different classes (3rd, 2nd, and 1st), with prices varying based on factors like class type, air conditioning, and the train’s classification (Special Express, Express, Rapid, Ordinary). Our trip on an air-conditioned express from Bangkok to Ayutthaya was around 250 THB per person. Remember, first-class compartments are limited to specific trains.

Despite opting for express or regular trains, be prepared for possible delays. If you choose air-conditioned cabins, pack a warm sweater as the cooling tends to be quite intense. Embrace the unique experience of train travel in Thailand!

The interior of the express train to Ayutthaya in Thailand
The interior of the express train to Ayutthaya

Boats | Thailand Travel Guide

A fascinating mode of transport in Thailand is the traditional long-tail boats, locally known as “long-tail boats.” They navigate some cities in the country, like the canals of Bangkok, with a ticket cost of about 10 THB. These boats also ferry between certain islands and the coast, such as between Ao Nang and James Bond Island in Krabi, and make appearances at floating markets.

However, most water transportation in the country now relies on significantly faster motorized boats called “speedboats” (we used these for travel, like from Ao Nang to Phi Phi Islands during an organized day trip).

Motorbike and car rental in Thailand

Another way to travel around the country is by renting a motorbike (prices range from about 150 to 300 THB per day, an interesting way to explore villages and outskirts, always remember to ask for a protective helmet) or a car (prices around 700 THB per day). Theoretically, to drive a car in Thailand, an international motorcycle driving license is required, but in practice, this requirement isn’t strictly enforced.

However, before deciding to rent a car or scooter in Thailand, it’s essential to consider that traffic on the road operates by its own rules, and drivers seldom adhere to regulations. Accidents and daring driving by locals are quite common (we ourselves witnessed the ‘reckless’ driving of bus and minivan drivers).

Another complication is that traffic in Thailand moves on the left side, roads are of average quality and often poorly marked, and there are many types of vehicles on the streets not commonly seen in Europe. For these reasons, we honestly discourage renting a car in Thailand.

Must-see Places in Thailand

Let’s not hide it—Thailand boasts some of the most fascinating attractions in the world. Whether you’re a fan of historic sites or beach lounging, you’ll surely find something suitable for you. Below is a list of the best places that, in our opinion, are worth visiting while traveling through the Land of Smiles.

James Bond island, Thailand
James Bond island, Thailand
  1. Bangkok – the capital and largest city of Thailand, captivating travelers with its diversity, the magic of Buddhist temples, arguably the best cuisine in the world, and perpetually smiling residents.
  2. Ayutthaya – a historic province of Thailand with a capital of the same name, a magical place filled with the ruins of ancient Buddhist temples, so many that it’s impossible to see them all in one trip.
  3. Koh Samui – the second-largest island in Thailand, known for its long sandy beaches, coconut trees, and beautiful coral reefs, an ideal place for doing nothing.
  4. Koh Lipe – a heavenly island near the border with Malaysia, boasting beaches with soft white sand and coral reefs perfect for diving.
  5. Phi Phi Islands – a group of six islands in the Andaman Sea, attracting tourists from around the world annually due to their picturesque landscapes and excellent diving conditions.
  6. Phang Nga National Park – a picturesque bay located in the southern part of Thailand, where one of the islands was the filming location for the adventures of agent 007, played by the British actor Roger Moore.
  7. Khao Sok National Park – an incredibly photogenic park, encompassing ancient rainforests intersected by rivers, known for its majestic cliffs emerging from the water, a perfect place for nature enthusiasts.
  8. Ao Nang – one of the most popular resorts in southern Thailand, the main town of Krabi, with a beach offering wonderful sunsets.
  9. Chiang Mai – the largest city in northern Thailand, full of temples, great food, elephant sanctuaries, and countless cooking classes.
  10. Chiang Rai – a town with a unique temple that earned the nickname “white,” an excellent starting point for a cruise along the Mekong River and visiting the opium.
Picturesque Maya Bay, Phi Phi Leh
Picturesque Maya Bay, Phi Phi Leh

Best Places to Eat in Thailand

While traveling in Thailand, you must try the local cuisine, which is rightfully considered one of the best in the world. Below you’ll find a list of places recommended by us where you can eat well in Thailand.

  1. Jek Pui Curry Rice, Bangkok.
  2. Moo Satay Plaengnam, Bangkok.
  3. Thip Samai Restaurant, Bangkok.
  4. Baan ThaTien Cafe, Bangkok.
  5. Royal India, Bangkok.
  6. Lunglek Boat Noodles, Ayutthaya.
  7. Ban Mai Rim Nam, Ayutthaya.
  8. Ko Tung, Krabi.
  9. Tandoori Nights, Lamai, Koh Samui.
  10. Kob Thai, Lamai, Koh Samui.
  11. Sala Thai Restaurant, Lamai, Koh Samui.
  12. Fern Forest Cafe, Chiang Mai.
  13. Mr Kai Restaurant, Chiang Mai.
  14. Coffee Corner Kitchen, Chiang Mai.
  15. Rachadumnoen Pad Thai, Chiang Mai.
Khao soi in Mr Kai Restaurant - our favorite North Thai dish
Khao soi in Mr Kai Restaurant – our favorite North Thai dish

Comprehensive 3-Week Itinerary | Thailand Travel Guide

Unfortunately, Thailand is such a vast and diverse country that it’s impossible to see it all during a short vacation. That’s why it’s worth planning carefully what you want to visit before the trip. Below, you’ll find a proposed three-week trip around Thailand where we tried to include as many major attractions as possible.

Day 1-6: Bangkok (Chern Hostel)

Day 6-11: Chiang Mai

Day 11-17: Koh Samui (Zara Beach Resort Koh Samui)

Day 17-21: Krabi (U Residence Hotel)

Summary

Thailand is an ideal destination for a first backpacking trip in Asia. Its heavenly beaches, delectable cuisine, and stunning temples are among its greatest attractions. I hope that my ultimate travel guide to Thailand will assist you in planning your trip independently. Feel free to share your additional tips in the comments below for fellow travelers visiting Thailand. And if you found this article helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends!

Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand
Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand

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