A Brief Thailand Travel Guide - All you need to know
Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than Thailand! Let this travel guide be your starting point to discover all the wonders this country has to offer. From the stunning natural landscapes to the vibrant city life, Thailand has something for everyone.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and take in the unique characteristics of each region. With helpful tips and suggestions, you’ll have all the information you need to make the most of your trip.
Get ready to explore the top tourist destinations and discover hidden gems along the way. Let this guide be your inspiration to embark on an unforgettable journey to Thailand.
Table of Contents
Thailand Travel Guide General Information
Thailand Geography
• North Region
Northern Thailand is a region of high mountains, green hills, moist forests, and steep valleys. Temperature is cooler than in the rest of the country, making it ideal for a winter getaway from November to January. Culture and tradition were inspired by the legacy of the ancient Lanna Kingdom dating back to the 14th century
In winter, Thai locals are drawn to Northern Thailand, lured by its stunning natural beauty and cool climate. However, it’s important to note that Northern Thailand has faced air pollution issues, particularly concerning PM 2.5 particles, during the months of October to April in recent years.”
Northeast region and Central region, including Bangkok, also have experienced air pollution but generally to a lesser degree compared to the North. Check real-time air pollution here
Famous City: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Sorn
• Northeast Region (Isaan)
The Northeast Region of Thailand, also known as Isaan or Isan, spans across approximately one-third of the country. This vast region is characterized by its expansive plateau and hilly terrain, which are relatively underdeveloped compared to other parts of Thailand. Interestingly, despite having the longest dry season among all the regions, the Northeast is home to nearly half of Thailand’s agricultural areas.
During the summer months from mid-Feburary to May, Isaan experiences the highest temperatures in Thailand. However, during the winter season, Isaan can become pleasantly cool, similar to the North, particularly in the countryside areas.
Since the region is large and undeveloped, there are more than 20 national parks here. The famous ones are Khao Yai National Park, Phu Kradueng National Park and Pha Taem National Park. Also, having many natural heritages, ruined castles, and temples.
Isaan attracts a lot of tourists but primarily Thai because traveling in this region required a private vehicle as the attractions are spread out over considerable distances.
Foreign travelers interested in visiting Isaan are advised to rent a car, conduct thorough research, and create a detailed itinerary before a trip. This level of preparation is crucial to avoid getting lost and wasting time on the road. By planning ahead foreign visitors can fully enjoy the wonders of Isaan without any unnecessary setbacks.
Famous City: Nakhon Ratchasima (Khao Yai), Loei, Ubon Ratchathani
• Central Region
Central region has the largest plains in Thailand, with many important river flows within the region, including the Chao Phraya river – the biggest country’s river. These river lines and flatlands make the Central Region becomes the most productive agricultural area in Thailand.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is located in the central. Other provinces in this region are under the radar of foreign tourists except for Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. Both were the old capitals, hundreds of years ago. Ayutthaya is one of the top tourist attractions due to its abundance of spectacular ruined temples and is only one hour away from Bangkok.
Famous City: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai
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• Western Region
Western Thailand is rich in tropical forests, high mountains and steep river valleys. Most areas are not developed yet. It’s surrounded by natural attractions, such as Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai, and the historical background of World War II that attracts both Thai and foreign tourists.
The region comprises only five provinces, the most attractive ones are Kanchanaburi and Hua Hin. The signature living that famed Kanchanaburi is living among nature on the floating house. It’s a unique experience that all travelers who come to Kanchanaburi must give a try.
Famous City: Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin)
• Eastern Region
Eastern Region has a reputation of beautiful coastline along the Gulf of Thailand and the importance of fruit agriculture such as mangosteen, rambutan and durian. But the most popular travel destination in the region is Pattaya, the beaches and the nightlife.
Other tourist hotspots are beautiful white sand beaches on Samet island and Chang island. But Chang island is less touristy because it is quite far from Bangkok, it takes 5 hours by car.
Famous City: Chonburi (Pattaya), Rayong (Samet island), Trat (Chang island)
• Southern Region
Southern Region is known for its beautiful islands and beaches. On the west coast of the region is the Andaman sea, on the east coast is the Gulf of Thailand, which means it is influenced by the seas on both sides.
However, the weather pattern in Southern Thailand varies between the East Coast and the West Coast due to the Indian Ocean monsoon and South China Sea monsoon effect. That means you can expect heavier rain and a longer rainy season than other parts of Thailand.
Famous City: Phuket, Phang-nga (Similan island), Krabi (Phi Phi island), Surat Thani (Samui island, Phangan island)
Best time to visit Thailand
The cold season, November – January, is the best time to travel to every part of Thailand except the Southern Region because the south has a different raining schedule, as shown in the chart below.
So, the golden period for traveling to any destination across Thailand with the lowest chance of rain is actually February – April.
Holiday and Festival
1. Jan 1 – New Year’s Day
2. Feb (full moon) – Makha Buja
3. April 6 – Chakri Day
4. April 13-15 – Songkran Day (Thai New Year)
5. May 1 – Labour Day
6. May 4 – Coronation Day
7. May (full moon) – Visakha Buja
8. Jun 3 – Queen’s Birthday
9. July (full moon) – Asanha Buja
10. July 28 – King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday
11. Aug 12 – Mother’s Day
12. Oct 13 – Memorial Day (King Rama IX)
13. Oct 23 – Chulalongkorn Day
14. Dec 5 – Father’s Day
15. Dec 10 – Constitution Day
16. Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve
Rush Hours
Bangkok traffic jams are among the world’s worst congested cities. Avoid 6:30 am – 8:30 am and 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Cost of Travel in Thailand
A trip to Thailand can be as affordable or as costly as you like. Because you have various options for hotels and foods, which are the majority cost of living in Thailand. A few hundred baht will get you a guesthouse, whereas a few hundred thousand baht will get you a royal suite. Whether you prefer cheap street food or fine dining, there’s something for everyone.
To give you an idea of what to expect in terms of basic spending per day, the Thailand trip cost will be divided into accommodation, food, mobile internet package, and transportation. The anticipated costs are based on living in Bangkok, because Bangkok can represent the cost of living in other tourist provinces like Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and Samui, which the majority of you are likely to visit. The exception is the taxi fare in Phuket and Samui that many tourists get ripped off.
Accommodation Price
Hostel
For a hostel in Bangkok, the average cost is around 250 – 600 baht per person.
Mid-range hotel
A 3-star or mid-range hotel rates range from 1400 – 2500 baht per night (two adults/room) or about 700 – 1250 baht per person.
Luxury hotel
The majority of 4 or 5-star hotels will charge around 2600 – 5000 baht per night (2 adults/room). Which means about 1300 – 2500 baht per person.
Food Price
Street Food
Basic menus like Pad Thai, Pad Krapow, and Khao Pad are about 50 – 60 baht per dish, but it will be a little more expensive if you order seafood. However, the portion is usually small, so you might need an extra dish.
Casual Dining
If you visit Siam Square area, there are hundreds of restaurants in the nearby shopping malls – Siam Paragon, Central World, MBK center, Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Siam Square One, Samyan Mitrtown, etc.
The average cost for eating out in a casual dining restaurant is about 250 – 350 baht. Some recommended chain restaurants that are easy to find and popular among Thais, such as MK (Thai suki), Bar B Q Plaza (Thai style barbecue), Rosniyom (Thai cuisines), Fuji (Japanese food), Sizzler (steak & salad)
Fine Dining
For fine dining, I won’t include super expensive restaurants like Michelin Stars or rooftop restaurants. What I mean is kind of seafood meals that provide fresh ingredients, deep-fried seabass with aromatic sweet fish sauce and fried curry crab, for instance.
I definitely recommend Somboon Seafood and Laemcharoen Seafood because of the fresh ingredients with the best flavor. They also have numerous locations, including in the Siam Square district. A roughly cost per person per meal is about 800 – 1200 baht.
Mobile SIM Card
AIS, DTAC, TrueMove are the three mobile service providers in Thailand. AIS is the best in terms of coverage area and speed. The packages for 8 days is 299 baht, 15 days is 599 baht.
Transportation Cost
- Public transportations in Bangkok like BTS (sky train), MRT (subway) start at 16 baht each ride, while the maximum is 70 baht.
- Taxi Meter starts at 35 baht and goes up with 2 baht at a time by measuring distance and time.
- Motorbike rental per day costs 200 – 300 baht.
- Car rental per day costs 800 – 1300 baht for B-segment or sub-compact cars, i.e., Toyota Vios, Honda City. The price varies depending on the cities and how long you book it in advance. The average fuel price per liter is about 30 baht.
- Airport Transfer Pickup is the most convenient way. The price is fixed. So, no additional charges from traffic jams or other factors. Fill in the details to check the estimated fare. If you are okay with the price you can book in just a few steps.
Apps You Need
Navigation
Google Maps – The most important app is Google Maps. I use it all the time, even when I go to my girlfriend’s house, because I can see how the traffic actually is at that time. Helping me to avoid stuck on the road by using an alternative route.
Some said Google Maps is not accurate, but I don’t think so. I travel to many places across Thailand, the location determined by Google Maps is pretty good. It may have little errors but still works perfectly fine for me. Even when it misses, it still navigates me close to my actual destination.
Translation
Google Translate (camera) – The camera translation feature can instantly translate text by just aim at the text with the language paring listed. You can automatically translate in real-time as you hold the phone. However, don’t expect the translation to be perfect, but it’s helpful, especially for signage.
Ride-Hailing
Grab – Thailand has no Uber, so if you looking for a ride, use Grab.
Food Delivery Service
There are 5-6 major food aggregators in Thailand. But I would recommend using Grab and Foodpanda are enough.
Grab has its strength in inner Bangkok (urban area) and also provides other services such as GrabTaxi and GrabExpress. So Grab is now an all-in-one app.
Foodpanda has its strength in outer Bangkok, but I think it is penetrating in inner Bangkok. Now, Foodpanda has the most coverage area covering all 77 provinces in Thailand.
Note: Other food delivery apps are Line Man, Gojek, 7-Eleven
Accommodation Booking
Agoda, Booking, Airbnb, Traveloka are work perfectly fine in Thailand. Before the COVID-19 pandemic spreading in Thailand, I used Booking more frequently than other apps, but now I use only Agoda. Because Agoda has become a partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to boost domestic travel.
This program is called “Rao Tiew Duay Gan” or TTogether. The Thai Government will subsidize some of the room night rates for Thai citizens, that’s why I use only Agoda now. Because of that, I think more hotels, hostels, guesthouses, resorts, and apartments in Thailand would probably join Agoda for their own benefit during a hard time.
So I guess Agoda has more listings than others. For foreigners, you can use any apps you like because you won’t get a discount from the Thai Government. So it’s worth looking on multiple apps for the best prices.
Shopping App
Lazada and Shopee are the two market leaders in Thailand’s e-commerce. They have now gained more than 80% of Thailand’s online market share.
However, there are many non-genuine products on the apps, so it’s always good to check both the store details and product reviews first.
If you don’t’ want to take any chances, you can buy at trusted stores. On Lazada, it is labeled as “LazMall” while on Shopee, it’s labeled as “Mall”
Finding Restaurants
Wongnai is a local app that provides information and reviews of restaurants in Thailand. I find Wongnai very useful when I travel across Thailand and get no idea what to eat.
I love the feature “Restaurants Near Me.” It will list all the restaurants close to you, showing how far away they are from your current location, with many pictures and reviews. So I can have a good grasp of eating choices.
The app has an English version, you can go to the setting and change to English.
Thai Massage & Spa Service
GoWabi is Thailand #1 online booking portal for beauty and wellness services. This app will help you find the nearby beauty and massage parlors and offers a pretty food deal for Thai Traditional Massage & Spa.
Public Transporation (Bangkok)
I recommend either Bangkok Metro Transit Map or BTS SkyTrain app. Both apps are similar in features – you can choose a starting and destination point in the app by touching the station on a map. Then, it will provide you the route. However, BTS, MRT and ARL lines are not complicated, so don’t worry.
In Bangkok, There are three main public transportations, BTS (skytrain), MRT (subway) and ARL (airport rail link). By the way, you should get a Rabbit Card to store money and scan every time you go through the gates, but it works only for BTS and MRT. ARL has its own cash card. Rabbit Card is available at any BTS station.
Thailand Airports
Thailand has a total of 33 airports. There are 6 Major International Airport (red) with large network of airlines that covers both international and domestic services.
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK) (Bangkok Airport)
- Don Mueang (DMK)
- Chiang Rai (CEI)
- Chiang Mai (CNX)
- Phuket (HKT)
- Hat Yai (HDY)
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is also known as Bangkok Airport. It is 30 kilometers away from Bangkok city center. The best options to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok are Airport Taxi and Airport Rail Link (ARL).
Airport Taxi is available on the 1st floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport. You have to queue up and pay extra for a 50 baht surcharge to the taxi driver.
Airport Rail Link (ARL) is located in the basement. The train leaves every 12-15 mins and operates from 5:30 am to 12:00 am. You will arrive at Phaya Thai station, which is a direct interchange to BTS (sky train), in 30 mins.
Click for more details of how to efficiently get from and to Suvarnabhumi Airport
Don Mueang Airport
The best way to go to Don Mueang Airport is by taxi because the new train line doesn’t finish yet – the project is expected to be finished in 2023 or later.
When I take a taxi to Don Mueang Airport, I usually use the tollway because I want to avoid the traffic road. The tollway costs 80 baht for the 1st toll and another 35 baht for the 2nd toll (115 baht in total).
Therefore, prepare cash for that and be aware of taxi drivers charging you a higher price for the tollway. Remember, Don Mueang Airport tollway is 115 baht (data as of 2021).
Transportation Options
BTS (Bangkok Skytrain)
BTS is known as Skytrain. It is a convenient way to travel around Bangkok and adjacent provinces, but most foreigners will travel only within Bangkok area. The BTS network is not complicated, it has a few train lines. The two main lines are “Sukhumvit Line” (light green line) and “Silom Line” (dark green line).
The expansion of Bangkok’s mass transit system has been ongoing for several years. Some new lines are expected to open in 2023 and 2024. These new additions will provide improved connectivity and accessibility to outer Bangkok and nearby provinces.
BTS fare is between 17 – 47 baht, with additional 15 baht or more for the extension outer Bangkok. One-Day Pass with unlimited ride costs 150 baht (as of 2023). It operates from 05:30 am till midnight.
MRT (Bangkok Subway)
MRT is known as Subway. It is also a convenient way to travel in Bangkok. Same as BTS, MRT is under expansion projects, the new lines will open around 2023-2024. Currently, there are two lines, but the main one for foreigners is the Circle Line (blue line).
MRT fare is between 17 – 70 baht, but a One-Day Pass ticket is not available. It operates from 06:00 am till midnight.
ARL (Airport Rail Link)
ARL is the best way to travel to Suvarnabhumi Airport, which costs only 45 baht and takes about 30 minutes only. The interchange stations are Makkasan Station connecting with MRT and Phaya Thai Station connecting with BTS.
ARL operates from 05.30 am till midnight. The last train departs from Phaya Thai Station will arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 00.26 am. The train departs every 12 – 15 minutes.
Taxi Meter
I think everyone has heard about taxi scams in Thailand and I would say that is true. Not only foreigners get scammed by a taxi but also locals. This is the problem that I don’t why the government can’t fix for decades, especially in Phuket, charging a very high fixed fare.
Some commons Bangkok taxi scams: charging a very high fixed price, taking a detour, charging a higher tollway price, and manipulated metered.
The meter starts at 35 baht and gradually goes up by 2 baht at a time by measuring distance and time.
Click here for >> how to handle those scams and the estimated taxi cost in Bangkok from real-life experiences.
By the way, there is a new regulation for Bangkok metered taxis announced in November 2020. The new rules allow taxi drivers to charge passengers more if they carry many or big luggage. Here are the details
The Transport Ministry has recently announced a particular fee that only applied to metered taxis from/to Bangkok’s two airports (Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport).
Passengers that travel to those airports are now subject to a luggage charge. Taxi drivers are allowed to charge passengers between 20-100 baht extra per luggage.
Under the new regulations, below is the charge conditions:
- Charge up to 20 baht for every additional luggage after the first two carry-on luggage.
- Charge up to 20 baht for every luggage that exceeds 26 inches (58 cm) in length, width, or height.
- Charge up to 100 baht for every luggage that exceeds 50 inches (127 cm) in length, width, or height.
- Charge up to 100 baht per piece of sports equipment, such as golf bags, bicycles, surfboards, and musical equipment that exceeds 50 inches (127 cm) in length, width, or height.
However, wheelchairs and other mobility aids are not considered luggage, so the passengers won’t get charged. The first two carry-on luggage means small bags that are less than 26 inches in dimensions, such as small backpacks, laptop bags, or handbags, are free of charge.
Updated: In 2023, taxi fare is about 20% more expensive than in 2021
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk is a Thailand signature ride that I recommend you try at least once, but only for a short distance. Or when you got no choices…such as travel in Soi (a small alley) or there is no taxi around.
Tuk Tuk got no meter, the driver will offer you a very high price, could be 2-3 times more expensive than a taxi meter. Or maybe 10 times more because you’re not Thai, it’s hard for you to know what the reasonable cost should be. You can check the Taxi fare by distance here to compare it and use it as a guideline to negotiate the price. Remember, IT IS A MUST TO NEGOTIATE and agree on the price before you hop in!
If you think it’s still overcharging, then just politely say no and walk away, find other options. It’s not value to money, but it’s such an experience that people always ask if you travel to Thailand, “Did you ride a Tuk Tuk?”
Some may concern about Tuk Tuk driving too fast, yes they do. So do it at your own risk. But you can tell them to slow down or saying “Cha Cha please”
Tuk Tuk is available in many touristy provinces and islands such as Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. However, its appearance might look different from Bangkok’s, but as long as it’s three wheels, then it’s a Tuk Tuk.
Bus
If you’re going to take a public bus, don’t do it in Bangkok because the Bangkok bus system is too complicated for foreigners to take. Except you plan to live in Bangkok for long, you might give it a try. It could be a unique experience but not so sure that you will impress. Especially considering the bus drivers and attendants rarely speak English.
However, for an interprovincial trip in Thailand, taking a bus is a decent choice of travel. There are 3 bus terminals in Bangkok as shown below. Also, telling how long the journey is from Bangkok to the popular destinations and how much the bus fare is.
• Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal
Mo Chit or Mo Chit Song Bus Terminal
It’s located near Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market) so it’s also known as Chatuchak Bus Terminal. Mo Chit is a bus terminal in Bangkok that mainly serves express buses going back and forth to the Northern part of Thailand.
- To Chiang Mai – 10 hours, 529 – 823 baht
- To Chiang Rai – 12 hours, 689 – 850 baht
- To Sukhothai – 8 hours, 328 – 435 baht
- To Kanchanaburi (minivan) – 4 hours, 90 – 280 baht (you can depart from both Mo Chit and Sai Tai Mai to Kanchanaburi)
Note: Mo Chit was closed about 20 years ago, but many locals want to ensure that taxi drivers drop you off at the right place; that’s why we still say Mo Chit Song (Song means two, so Mo Chit Song is = Mo Chit 2). Just to be clear, Mo Chit = Mo Chit Song = Mo Chit 2, they are all the same place.
• Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal
Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal
It’s located along Boromaratchachonnani Road. Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal serves bus services to the southern part of Thailand.
- To Hua Hin – 4 hours, 215 – 500 baht
- To Phuket – 12 hours, 637 – 991 baht
- To Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Phangan) – 10 hours, 499 – 776 baht
- To Krabi (Ko Phi Phi) – 11 hours, 637 – 938 baht
• Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal
Ekkamai Bus Terminal
It is located along the Sukhumvit Road in Phra Khanong District (BTS Skytrain, Ekkamai Station). Eastern Bus Terminal Ekkamai serves the buses and minivans services from Bangkok to the eastern provinces in Thailand.
- Chonburi (Pattaya, Ko Larn) – 3 hours, 250 – 270 baht
- Rayong (Ko Samet) – 4 hours, 210 – 250 baht
- Trat (Ko Chang) – 6 hours, 310 baht
For more information, please visit >>> https://www.busonlineticket.co.th/bus-terminal
Train
Hua Lamphong railway station, a 100-year service, will cease its operation in November 2021 (probably delayed due to COVID-19). However, according to State Railways of Thailand, the closing down of Hua Lamphong will be in phases until it’s completely close in 2023.
The newly built Bang Sue Grand Station will become Thailand’s main transit hub of rail transportation, including high-speed trains in the future.
Bang Sue Grand Station is located about 8 kilometers away from Hua Lamphong station. The convenient way to get to Bang Sue Grand Station is by MRT, Bang Sue station.
For an interprovincial trip in Thailand, I would recommend some popular destinations that taking the train is a good option.
• Bangkok – Ayutthaya route
Since Ayutthaya is not far from Bangkok, a 1-day trip by train is the best choice for foreigners to explore Thailand’s old capital by themselves. You can take the train from Hua Lamphong railway station to Ayutthaya railway station in about 1.5 hours.
• Bangkok – Kanchanaburi route
I recommend you take the train from Thonburi railway station to Kanchanaburi, not from Hua Lamphong. Because this route will pass Tham Krasae Bridge railway station that offers a beautiful view of Kwae Noi River. This route is part of the Death Railway in WWII.
You should take train no.257 that departs at 7:50 am, and you will arrive at Tham Krasae Bride in 4 hours. You should spend at least a few nights in Kanchanaburi to explore other places such as River Kwai Bridge and Erawan Waterfall. Staying in a floating hotel is the signature accommodation in the province; make sure you don’t miss it!
• Bangkok – Chiang Mai route
Flying could be the best option, but an overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is an awesome alternative way to travel. It takes you 13 hours, but you can enjoy the morning scenery. The ticket cost about 800 – 1500 baht depending on the class of the sleeper train.
Airline of Thailand
• Full-service airlines
Thai Airways, Thailand’s national carrier, is renowned for its exceptional services and operates primarily from Suvarnabhumi Airport. As a premium airline, it is known for offering high-standard services. The elevated cost reflects the superior quality of service provided to passengers. With Thai Airways, travelers can expect a refined and comfortable journey that embodies the essence of Thai hospitality.
Bangkok Airways is a regional airline that has its primary hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The secondary hubs are at Phuket International Airport and Chiang Mai International Airport. It was recognized as the “Best Regional Airline in Asia.”
• Low-cost airlines
Thai AirAsia is the first low-cost airline in Thailand that serves both international and domestic flights. Thai AirAsia shifted all operations from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang International Airport.
Nok Air is Thailand’s low-cost airline that operates mostly out of Don Mueang Airport. It flies within Thailand and around Asia.
Thai Lion Air is also a low-cost carrier that has its hub in Don Mueng Airport.
Thai VietJet Air is a low-cost Thai carrier and subsidiary of Vietnamese VietJet Air. It operates out of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Thai Smile is a regional airline based in Thailand which operates out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Most of the flights are in Thailand. The excellent point is all Thai Smile passengers receive 20 kg of checked baggage.
My Recommendation Airlines
I fly with Thai VietJet Air the most often because it offers cheap flights, probably the cheapest. Also, it flies from Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is more convenient for me. However, Thai Vietjet Air has a bad reputation for delays, but I never get a delayed flight yet that’s why I am still happy flying with the Vietjet.
I also love flying with Thai Smile, if I know that I will carry lots of stuff. Because even though its ticket is a bit more expensive than other low-cost airlines, it allows 20 kilograms of checked baggage.
Thai AirAsia is also a decent choice for a cheap flight on both international and domestic trips. Somehow, its flight schedule suits my plan well. In addition, lesser delays than Vietjet, according to what I observe from Thai passengers’ reviews.
However, the most impressive flight for me is Bangkok Airways. I love its domestic lounge because it has delicious Thai desserts, Khao Tom Mud (sticky rice stuffed with banana served with black bean). But Bangkok Airways ticket is significantly more expensive than budget airlines.
Thai Airways is the best Thai airline in terms of services, as I’ve heard because I never fly with this airline yet. It’s too expensive for me. So, if you can afford the ticket, I do recommend this Thailand’s national carrier.
Best Cities and Things to Do
I will give you a brief overview of what to do in the cities, and the example of the popular places that you shouldn’t miss, especially for those who come to Thailand for the first time.
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and serves as a gateway to many other parts of the country because most international flights will arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
There are many things to do in this noisy and crowded city, temples, markets, shopping malls, walking streets, and foods. Bangkok is fascinating but can be overwhelming, so when you plan a trip to Thailand, make sure you have a good plan to visit these attractions.
Some Top Attractions in Bangkok
- The Grand Palace: It’s also known as Wat Phra Kaew or the temple of the Emerald Buddha. Among thousands of temples in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha is considered the most sacred statue in Thailand and the heart of Bangkok.
- Wat Pho: It is one of the top attractions in Bangkok, not only because of the giant Reclining Buddha but different styles of Thai architecture.
- Wat Arun: It’s known as the temple of the dawn. Its design is quite different from other temples. A colorfully decorated spire rises over 70 meters high standing by the riverside.
- Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat): Loha Prasat means Metal Castle. The temple was inspired by the two similar temples in Shravasti City (India) and Anuradhapura City (Sri Lanka). But Loha Prasat is the only one of its kind left in the world.
- Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi): This 140 years old temple is the oldest and most famous Chinese Temple in Thailand. It is located in China Town.
- Central World and Siam Paragon: Located in the Bangkok City Center. Both are the most famous Thailand shopping malls. A lot of mid to high-end brands and restaurants.
- MBK Center: Unlike other shopping malls, MBK is the biggest “Fake Market” in Bangkok, selling clothing, shoes, bags, suitcases, jewelry, watches, and gadgets.
- China Town (Yaowarat): This neighborhood is mixed between Thai and Chinese cultures. It’s an outstanding view to walk at night. You can find many good Thai and Chinese street foods. One of the highlight attractions in Bangkok.
- Jim Thompson House & Museum: It consists of six traditional Thai-style wooden houses with many rare collections of antiques, artifacts, and artworks. Very impressive museum.
- Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market: Plenty of local foods & desserts and lovely long-tailed boat tour activity, but more importantly, the beautiful old day atmosphere.
- Jatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market): JJ Market is the best street market in Thailand. It’s so huge which contains more than 8000 shops. Everything is here if you can find it.
- Sampheng Market: This wholesale market is the best place for buying souvenirs in bulk (3 or more), such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and handbags. Goods are much cheaper than other markets.
- Safari World: The most famous zoo in Thailand that located 40 kilometers outside of Bangkok city center. Safari World is divided into 2 zones, a drive-through Safari Park (open zoo) and a Marine Park that offers several live shows.
Example of a Journey for Bangkok Travel Guide
This is just a quick view of Bangkok Travel Guide, it shows an overview of a One-Day Journey. Click for more details on Thailand Travel Guide
Best Thailand Travel Guide Book. There are a FREE and a PAID versions.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is a former capital of Thailand and was founded in 1350. It was once one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia for over 400 years before the destruction from a war with Burma (Myanmar). Ayutthaya was ransacked, burned, and completely destroyed in 1767.
The ruins that now remain have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO as an extensive archaeological site. The Ayutthaya Historical Park is a major attraction in Thailand that is comprised of ruins of temples and palaces of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Some Top Attractions in Ayutthaya
- Wat Maha That: The temple was built in the 14th century and became one of the most impressive temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom for almost 400 years. The highlight of Wat Maha That is the head of the Buddha statue entwined by tree roots.
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet: The highlight of this temple is the three large stupas standing at the temple’s center, which is quite in good condition. The stupas were built to contain relics of the Kings of Ayutthaya. It’s also in the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
- Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon: It was first built in 1350. In 1592, Burma invaded Siam (Thailand) for the 1st time, but Thailand’s King won the duel battle against the Prince of Burma. The battle was the most epic Elephant Battle in Thailand’s history. The largest pagoda in Ayutthaya was built in Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon to be a victory memorial.
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram: The temple is my favorite place because of the temple complex. Its architecture appears like Khmer style (Angkor temple). But its location is quite far from the center of Ayutthaya Historical Park.
- Bang Pa-In Palace: The palace was built in the 17th century but left abandoned in 1767 because we lost the war against the Burmese army. Ayutthaya was completely destroyed. A hundred years later, the palace was restored in the 1850s with mixed styles of architecture – Thai, Chinese and European.
- Ayotthaya Floating Market: It opened about 10 years ago, so it’s not the old market. The good point is that it’s well designed and decorated. It makes you feel like you are back in the Ayutthaya Period atmosphere. Please note that the entrance fee is 200 baht for foreigners.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi has plenty of historical and natural attractions. It’s my favorite province for a quick escape from Bangkok to live with nature. Spending a week here might not be enough. However, I highly recommend spending some nights at an amazing floating hotel where you can jump into the river Kwai right from your room.
Kanchanaburi is a huge province, about 12 times bigger than Bangkok, so you should plan a trip well before travel. It’s a bit difficult to roam around the province without a car because public transport is not sufficiently developed yet, that’s why you need a good travel guide.
Renting a car in Kanchanaburi is a great choice if you are a competent driver, considering many beautiful attractions are out of town. So, you can roam freely and able to reach more sights. Motorbike rental is good enough to get around Kanchanaburi town but not outside the town.
Some Top Attractions in Kanchanaburi
- Mallika R.E. 124 (aka Mallika city): Mallika is a retro-city reflecting the past Siamese lifestyle in the Chao Phraya River Basin. Giving visitors the opportunity to experience what it was like living in Siam in 1905.
- Erawan Waterfall (Erawan National Park): My most favorite waterfall in Thailand. The waterfall consists of 7 different levels and has many emerald green ponds along the trails to get natural fish spa!!! I’ve visited Erawan Waterfall many times and am still in love with it.
- River Kwai Bridge: This famous iron bridge over the River Kwae Yai is part of the Death Railway, built with prisoners of war during WWII. It is a landmark in Kanchanaburi town that every visitor will pay a visit.
- Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak): A peaceful and well-maintained cemetery. It contains 6,982 POW graves who died during the Death Railway construction.
- Kanchanaburi Safari Park: The Safari Park is an open zoo in Bo Phloi district, 28 kilometers away from the city. Visitors can drive their vehicles into the park, or you can take the park’s bus to enjoy hand-feed giraffes through the bus window.
- Floating Hotel: As mentioned earlier, you can’t miss this floating hotel. At least, you should spend a few nights enjoying the signature accommodation in Kanchanaburi.
Chiang Mai
The most popular city in Northern Thailand, the old cultural capital city of Lanna Kingdom in 1296 but later fell under Burmese control for a few hundred years.
Chiang Mai was an ancient capital, so it has long been famous for its wealth of culture and stunning scenery. Ringed by the forest-covered mountains and national parks. So the best time to visit the city is the cold season which is around November – February.
Chiang Mai is also one of the most developed cities in Thailand, with a lot of choices for hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, markets, and other urban amenities.
Some Top Attractions in Chiang Mai
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: This Lanna-style temple is the most famous sacred place in Chiang Mai, which dates back to the 14th century. It’s located on top of Doi Suthep hill, part of Doi Suthep National Park. Many Thais say, “If you haven’t been to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you haven’t been to Chiang Mai yet.”
- Bhubing Rajanives Palace (Bhubing Palace): The beautiful palace is about 10-15 minutes away from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The building was built in classic Thai architecture called ‘Reun Mu” (group of houses), and its surrounding area was decorated with flower gardens.
- Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail: It’s located in Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the highest peak of Thailand. The trail is short (3 kilometers), it takes about 2-3 hours to complete, but the reward could be the most beautiful panoramic view in Thailand. Kew Mae Pan is close during a rainy season (June – October), but Doi Inthanon National Park is open all year round.
- Mae Kum Pong: This 100 years old small village is in the valley, surrounded by abundant natural resources. Even it becomes a tourist attraction now, but the identity of the village still continues to exist. The local life, the houses, the trees, and even the cafés, are beautiful. Here, you just relax and appreciate a simple way of living. Mae Kum Pong is my favorite place, don’t miss it.
- Nimman Road (Nimmanhemin): The most famous road in Chiang Mai. Nimman Road has 17 soi (lane or alley) that are full of hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, cafés, bars, spas, shopping malls, etc. The new landmark in Chiang Mai is a community mall called “One Nimman” which is located on Soi 1 Nimman Road.
- Wat Rong Khun: The White Temple is actually not in Chiang Mai, it’s in Chiang Rai – an adjacent province. However, I want to make sure every tourist who has a trip to Chiang Mai must visit this temple. Because the White Temple is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. It stands out through the detailed architecture with white color.
Pattaya
The city is located on Thailand’s East Coast. It’s approximately 150 kilometers or an almost two-hour drive from Bangkok. Pattaya is famous for its entertaining nightlife, many nightclubs, live music bars in walking streets, cabaret shows, ladyboy cabaret shows, and, of course, beaches.
Aside from those, Pattaya also has other uniquely beautiful destinations that no other cities in Thailand can match. There are so many beautiful places across Thailand, but one of the destinations that I highly recommended is Sanctuary of Truth. This one is at the very top of the list.
Some Top Attractions in Pattaya
- Sanctuary of Truth: The architecture is made entirely out of wood without any metal nails. All incredibly detailed carvings are done by hand that needs to be seen to be believed. The complex is built to represent an appreciation for philosophy and beliefs that reflect the worldviews, spirituality, birth, and faith mostly related to Buddhism and Hinduism, but it’s not a temple. The Sanctuary of Truth is 100 meters tall, making it the world’s largest wooden architecture.
- Nong Nooch Garden: This tropical botanical garden is recognized as one of the world’s top 10 most beautiful gardens. If you are interested in flowers, cactus, trees, and landscaped gardens, this is the place to spend a day. It has the animal kingdom theme – Dinosaur Valley that kids will love it. Also, offering daily Thai cultural show and elephant show within the theater. Nong Nooch Garden is enormous. You can opt for a sightseeing bus to get a great look at the massive gardens before exploring them on foot.
- Best restaurants and cafés in Thailand: If you love eating out at affordable places with great views, I think Pattaya is the best city that offers such experiences. Here are some lists for you to check out how interesting they are – The Sky Gallery, Mum Aroi (Como branch), Mong Chang Café, PaPa Beach, and Cave Beach Club Café.
- Pattaya Walking Street: This 500 meters long street is the best place for party lovers that no other street in Thailand even comes close. You can expect a darker side on Pattaya Walking Street than Khao San Road. The nightlife starts at 6 pm, but around 8 pm is when the lively environment getting started. Along the street and its side streets will be full of girls, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and go-go bars. However, I don’t recommend watching the sex show, many people fall into the trap and get ripped off.
- Ko Larn: You can take the ferry to this tiny island in just 45 minutes from Pattaya Bali Hai Pier to Ko Larn Na Baan Pier. The beaches are beautiful, clear blue water and white sand, so it’s a decent getaway choice from Pattaya mainland.
(Note: You can opt for a speed boat, but I personally avoid taking the speed boat because I heard some bad news about it. So 45 minutes is not long for a safer trip.)
Best Islands in Thailand
Thailand has many beautiful islands along the Eastern and Southern regions and each island has its own charming characteristics. In this post, I will pick some of the top lists based on my point of view. However, if you want to explore more, here is another post that provides details of the 22 Best Islands in Thailand. and the best time to visit Thailand islands.
First of all, “Ko” or “Koh” means island, and we usually use the words before the name of the islands. For example, Ko Phi Phi or Koh Phi Phi means Phi Phi Island. You will see Ko or Koh more often in the Google Maps and signages in Thailand.
Ko Phuket
Phuket island is a province in the South of Thailand. It’s also the biggest and most famous island in Thailand that attracts over 10 million visitors per year. Because it is a big island, one of the easy and cheap ways to get from Phuket Airport to the town center is by taking Phuket Airport Bus.
Phuket consists of more than 30 beautiful beaches and many snorkeling spots, so spending a week might not be enough to explore the whole island. So 10 – 14 days could be the best options for a lot more relaxing experience.
However, I am aware that many tourists intend to visit various Thailand destinations, including Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai. So if you have a limited budget or a short vacation, I recommend spending at least 4 days in Phuket which you can enjoy a few beaches you selected and a day trip to an island nearby such as Ko Phi Phi, Ko Similan and Ko Mai Thon.
Some of the famous beaches in Phuket such as Patong Beach – a lot of nightclubs and bars on Bangla Road for a fun night out, Mai Khao Beach – taking pictures on the beautiful beach with a plane landing in the background, Freedom Beach – a quiet and hidden beach with clear water and white sand.
One of the activities that you shouldn’t miss is watching the sunset at Promthep Cape on Ra Wai Beach. This spot offers the most beautiful sunset view in Thailand, but so crowded. Also visiting Phuket Old Town for famous Sino-Portuguese buildings and local foods.
One of the best hotels, which is the oldest one in Phuket, is the Memory at On On Hotel.
Ko Samui
Samui is the 2nd largest island in Thailand and also has its own international airport. Ko Samui has more than 15 beaches but the most popular one is Chaweng Beach – a fine-grained white sand beach, clear water and a perfect spot for swimming. However, Samui doesn’t offer a great snorkeling spot.
If you come to the island, it’s a must to visit Ang Thong National Park Marine – an archipelago of 42 islands, it features towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, waterfalls, hidden caves, and lakes to be explored.
Other activities in Ko Samui such as visiting Fisherman’s Village, Lamai Night Plaza, Wat Phra Yai, and Guan-Yu Shrine.
Ko Surin
Ko Surin or Mu Ko Surin (Mu in Thai means “many”) is a Thai National Park consisting of five islands. The main islands are Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai, and the other three are Ko Ri, Ko Khai and Ko Klang. The islands are closed during the rainy season, 16th May – 15th October.
Ko Surin National Park is a tropical paradise with beautiful white sand beaches, dense forests, crystal-clear waters, and some of Thailand’s best coral reefs. So it’s probably the best diving and snorkeling spot in Thailand.
It is also home of the Moken, a traditionally nomadic sea people who have lived on houseboats along Thailand’s Andaman coast for hundreds of years, until getting hit by the Tsunami in 2004. Now they rebuilt the village on land on Ko Surin Tai.
Ko Phi Phi
Ko Phi Phi consists of six small islands, but the two mains are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lee. If you plan to stay overnight, the accommodations are only available on Phi Phi Don island. Don’t forget to hike to Phi Phi Don viewpoint to take the iconic shot of 2 bays view.
Phi Phi Lee is definitely everyone’s dream destination. You can find a breathtaking view of fabulous beaches and water with limestone mountain cliffs in the background. Maya Bay has become the main tourist attraction in Phi Phi Lee since The Beach was filmed here in 1999.
The bay is temporarily closed for almost 3 years for rehabilitation since 2019. But now, it’s reopened to tourists on Jan 1, 2022. However, you have to book it in advance, so better check with your tour operator for the details first.
Ko Kut
Ko Kut or Ko Kood is my all-time favorite in the East region. About 10 years ago, when I was young and still studied in the university, I went to Ko Kut for the first time and stayed in Captain Hook Resort. The hotel offers a great atmosphere and a private white sandy beach with crystal clear seawater. It was so beautiful and peaceful moment that I can enjoy the pure nature which is really impressed me. That’s why I fell in love with the island.
The island is located in Trat province in the Gulf of Thailand, which is pretty far from Bangkok. It takes approximately 5 hours by car and another 1 hour by ferry to reach Ko Kut. So even the island is kind of famous among Thais, but it’s still not too crowded because of the distance.
Some areas are still relatively undeveloped, which is really good if you want to fade away from the city. Besides the lovely beaches, the other relaxing activity here is kayaking in mangrove swamps. You must not miss kayaking in Klong Chao (or Klong Jao) mangrove swamp, or Klong Yai Kee mangrove swamp if you stay in Captain Hook Resort.
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Great content! Keep up the good work!
Thank you 🙂