The Ultimate Guide for Traveling Thailand
Hi, I'm so excited that you're planning to visit Thailand! It's one of my favorite countries, if not even #1. I believe you'll have a blast! There are some things you need to know before you visit, in order to have a comfortable trip.
Best & Worst
Best things in Thailand
1. Thai massage is world-famous for a reason! Many people leave this experience for the end of the trip and then live to regret it. You can get a thai massage from $5 even... well, the best massages I got were like $20 for 2-hour sessions. I didn't believe I could take a 2-hour massage, I would get bored, but I didn't. Anyways, make sure it's one of the first things you do, in case, well, you decide to get it every day. Checking out reviews on Google Maps is a good idea.
2. Food is incredible in Thailand, really incredible. Local food or Asian food, that is. Western food is often a lot more expensive, and makes no sense. Check out places that have earned a Michelin star. Also, make sure to go to as many night markets as possible - there is huge food selection for very cheap.
3. It's definitely worth to try a tuk tuk, as it's a unique experience. Make sure to ask the driver about the price before taking the ride, to make sure you don't get scammed.
4. Long-tail boat rides are also incredible! Make sure to take at least one ride. Also be careful of tourist traps, better check reviews before taking it.
5. There are quite a few places where you can see wild monkeys, so if you're into that, you should explore it.
6. There are also tons of elephant sanctuaries, which can be an incredible experience. Make sure to visit an ethical sanctuary though.
7. Beaches in Thailand are incredibly beautiful, the ones you'll see in the south like Karon Beach and many others might just blow your mind.
Worst things in Thailand
1. Beware of tourist scams, as there are many of them in tourist locations, mostly associated with touristy things like tuk tuk and longtail boats.
2. This is a bad thing for me, but good thing for many other people, and that is bargaining. In most markets they will put the prices up with the assumption that people will bargain, so if you don't bargain, you're losing money. However, if you reallty get into it, you can get really good deals.
3. Tap water is one of the biggest cons I'd say, you definitely can't drink it, as it will make you sick and result in travelers diarrhea. I didn't even risk with washing my teeth with tap water, but washed with bottled water. You need to be careful of ice as well, don't get iced drinks from suspicious places.
4. Even if it's dry season, it can still rain a lot in Thailand. Ideally instead of buying that plastic raincoat, you'd have a good raincoat suitable for a tropical environment. Having suitable clothes and shoes is crucial as well.
5. It's very intense sun, so you need sunscreen, like SPF50, all the time. You also should have a hat, and perhaps sunglasses with you at all times.
6. You might get cuts from rocks on the beach or other places, so it's a good idea to always have an antiseptic with you and clean the wounds. Also, always have mosquito repellent with you, and be aware of malaria risk areas.
7. There are $6 ATM fees every time you want to take out cash, so you either need to take a lot of cash in TBH before you go to Thailand, or go to a local bank with a passport, if you don't want to pay the ATM fee.
The Perfect Itinerary
Starting Point
There are different suggestions about the perfect starting point, which are either of the 3: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket. Firstly, check out to which of these cities you have the best flight to. Secondly, many people suggest to start in North and then go down South, as "it gets more beautiful in south". Personally, I think each side has its own beauty, and either option would be good. Ideally you'd start in Chiang Mai or Phuket and then either go up or down. But starting in Bangkok is fine too.
Traveling between cities
Night buses and trains in Thailand are very optimal and affordable.
3 Days in Chiang Mai
I recommend 3-4 days in Chiang Mai (1 day you'd spend on a temples tour in Chiang Rai). In my opinion, the North of Thailand will give you the most authentic experience, partially due to fact that it's not crowded with tourists. It's honestly a magical place.
Recommended hotel
I really loved staying at this hotel. It has great vibes, beautiful views, incredible rooms and nice common spaces. It's also in perfect location. You can compare both the links, adjust the dates when you want to stay and see on which platform there are better rates during your planned trip.
Elephant sanctuary and bamboo rafting tour
I absolutely loved this tour! Meeting and bathing with elephants was an incredible experience, and bamboo rafting was something I wanted to do for so long - it was very unique and awesome experience.
Chiang Rai temples tour
Loved this tour as well! Tour guide Banana was just amazing! And seeing those temples in Chiang Rai is absolutely worth it - they are incredibly beautiful and just out of this world.
Night Markets in Chiang Mai
Night markets in Chiang Mai are insanely incredible - such selections of tasty foods and for so cheap! From like $0.20. It's worth to explore all of them.
Other recommendations
And I also recommend you try Thai massage while you're in Chiang Mai at this lovely massage place, as well as visit the stunning temple. It's especially beautiful before the sunset, in my opinion.
2 Days in Bangkok
While I enjoy the buzzing culture of Bangkok, and you can get tons of mind blowing Michelin star meals for $1-10, it's also quite crowded and can be super intense. You must be very careful of tourist scams here, especially with tuk tuks and long tail boats. Always specifically agree about the price and destination beforehand.
Hotel recommendations
Food recommendations
Things to do
And here are a few recommendations for things to do - visit the temple, Ayutthaya and the floating market as some of the most iconic things in Bangkok.
3 Days in Phuket
Phuket is possibly the most overcrowded with tourists, but it's still amazing place to visit, full with tropical paradise beaches, water sports to enjoy and many more.
Getting around
At the airport they will be very pushy to offer you a shuttle, which costs less if there are more people. And you might end up waiting for long and taking some detours. You can use Bolt app to get around instead of getting taxi on the street. If you get an international drivers license, you can rent a motorcycle and get around with that - quite comfortable, but also can be quite dangerous.
Accommodation
If you're going to Patong for parties, then Lub D is the place! Every evening there are events that will help you meet people from all parts of the world. Location is also very good and optimal for party vibes.
Things to do
These are some of my favorite things to do in Phuket - starting with the #1 must do - taking an island hopping tour on Phi Phi islands. Then, of course, you have to check out the Big Buddha, visit monkeys, beaches and more. Beware of monkeys though - you don't want them to scratch you, because of the risk to get rabies. If you're planning to feed them, take with you some long pants etc. just in case.
Food recommendations
The food is the best at night markets, and these two were incredible. Indy Night Market had very lovely vibes, while G-market is where the locals go and had very authentic vibes. The last place has insanely good c
2 Days in Krabi
When I got to Krabi by ferry from Phuket, I felt like I went into more wilder vibes. Krabi is less touristic and thus can feel a lot more authentic.
4 Days in Koh Samui & Koh Phangan
These islands are especially popular among people who enjoy partying.
Best party hostel
Things to do
Parties
Those parties in Koh Phangan are ones of the most iconic in Thailand, and been famous for decades.
End Note
If you want help with planning your trip to Thailand or any other destination - just let me know.
You can also join the group trip I'm organizing to Thailand this November:
The home for unique & authentic travel
