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The Perfect 1, 2 and 3 Week Thailand Itinerary

• Last Updated: January 20, 2024

How to make the most of your Thailand itinerary, whether you have 1 week, 2 weeks or 3 weeks, written by an expert!

Thailand is an incredibly diverse country in Southeast Asia that can be explored in any sort of time frame.

But of course, the longer you have to visit Thailand, the better.

From cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai in the north to stunning islands like Koh Phi Phi in the south, any trip to Thailand could be jam-packed.

But having more time to explore means you aren’t rushing around, constantly hopping on flights and buses, and you have more time to stay in one spot and soak it all in before moving on.

Thankfully, Thailand is pretty small, very affordable, and easy to get around.

So if you have one week, two weeks, three weeks, or more, you can easily see different parts of the country without sacrificing too much time and money on travelling around.

You can explore both northern Thailand and the islands of the south easily in just one week, though of course, you can see more exciting things in two or three weeks.

Budget airlines make it very cheap and easy to fly around Thailand, and flights are often only an hour or two.

So even in just one week, you can explore the culture and cuisine of the mainland before jumping on a quick flight down to the islands for some swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking.

In this article, you’ll find three samples for a possible Thailand itinerary.

Of course, these can be modified depending on what you want to see and how much time you actually have.

For example, you could spend all of your time hopping around the islands if you want, or you could spend all of your time up in the mountains and cities of the mainland if you’re not much of a beach person.

You could even spend your entire Thailand trip in one place, or you might feel intrigued to visit places not mentioned in these itineraries.

This article serves more as a guide for those who are visiting Thailand for the first time and are unsure of what they want.

These itineraries will combine a bit of culture in the mainland with a bit of beach time in the islands, so travellers can get a taste of the different parts of Thailand.

Make sure you get your travel insurance before you embark on your Thailand trip. It is pretty much essential.

Table of Contents

2 Days in Chiang Mai

2 days in phuket, 1 day in koh phi phi, 2 days in bangkok, 3 days in chiang mai, the white temple (wat rong khun), the blue temple (wat rong suea ten), 2 days in koh lanta, 2 days in ao nang, octave rooftop bar, scarlett rooftop bar, red sky rooftop bar, 4 days in chiang mai, 2 days in pai, 2 days in chiang rai, 2 days in khao sok national park, 1 day spent travelling from khao sok national park to koh samui., 3 days in koh samui, 7-day thailand itinerary.

This Thailand itinerary is for those who have one week in this beautiful corner of Southeast Asia.

Though a week goes by quickly, it is definitely enough time to dabble in the culture and natural beauty of Thailand.

You’ll most likely fly in and out of Bangkok for any Thailand trip, as this is where most international flights go.

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the best places to visit in Thailand . You’ll find all these destinations in our Thailand itinerary in there.

As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is crazy and crowded but absolutely packed with culture and things to do.

No Thailand itinerary would be complete without at least 2 days in Bangkok .

Some fun activities you can fill your days with include tasting street food on Khao San Road , checking out the massive government buildings in the Dusit District , taking a riverboat tour along the Chao Phraya River , and exploring the local temples.

Here are some notable temples to visit in Bangkok during your Thailand trip.

Wat Pho temple is famous for its giant reclining Buddha.

• Location: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
• Hours: 8 am to 6 pm
• Cost: 200 Baht

Located in a scenic spot right on the river bank, this temple has a mix of Buddhist and Hindu influences.

• Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Bangkok Yai
• Cost: 100 Baht

This temple has a massive golden pagoda and is located on top of a man-made hill known as the Golden Mountain

• Location: 344 Boriphat Rd, off Ratchadamnoen Klang
• Hours: 9 am to 7 pm
• Cost: 50 Baht

Probably the most beautiful landmark in Bangkok is the Grand Palace, a huge property filled with glittering temples, incredible statues, towering pagodas, and overall fascinating architecture.

Located inside the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew , one of the most sacred temples in Thailand and home to the Emerald Buddha.

Built in only 1782, the Grand Palace is a true work of art, so travellers should brave the crowds to check out this famous attraction.

• Grand Palace Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
• Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
• Cost: 500 Baht

After two days of exploring the highlights of Bangkok like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, fly north to Chiang Mai.

READ MORE: 10 awesome things to do while travelling in Bangkok

Chiang Mai is a bit more relaxed than Bangkok, but there are still plenty of things to do.

This city in northern Thailand has over 300 Buddhist temples and is surrounded by lush jungles.

You can take a Thai cooking class, get a Thai massage, or watch a Muay Thai Boxing match to immerse yourself in the culture of Chiang Mai.

Make sure you taste a traditional Khao Soi, which is a creamy curry and egg noodle dish famous in northern Thailand.

Khao Soi Khun Yai in a cheap and authentic local restaurant in Chiang Mai where you can try a delicious Khao Soi.

If you’re looking for a nice place to stay in Chiang Mai, check out the Floral Hotel at Thapae Gate .

Located right in the Old City and close to all Chiang Mai’s attractions this gorgeous hotel has comfortable rooms, a nice swimming pool, and only costs between 50 and 70 USD per night.

For exactly what there is to see and do there, check out our list of what to do in Chiang Mai .

Once you’re finished with your time in the city, fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket.

After arriving at the Phuket airport on the north of the island, catch a taxi down to the beautiful white sands of Karon Beach.

All-Star Guesthouse is a great place to stay near Karon Beach, as it is a small, cozy, family-run place that is centrally located and very affordable.

For more accommodation options in Phuket, check out this article on all the best places to stay in Phuket for every budget.

Here’s a more detailed article we wrote on how to make the most of your Phuket itinerary .

During your two days in Phuket, you can visit the Big Buddha, go sightseeing in Phuket Old Town, go parasailing at Patong Beach, and watch the sunset from one of the island’s many viewpoints.

Head over to Rassada Pier to take the ferry to Koh Phi Phi, a gem of any Thailand trip.

READ MORE: Add these to your list of things to do in Phuket .

For the last day in your 7 day Thailand itinerary, soak in the picturesque views at Koh Phi Phi.

Koh Phi Phi is actually a chain of three tiny islands, though only one of them, Phi Phi Don , is inhabited.

On Phi Phi Don you can find lots of cheap backpacker hostels, bars, clubs, clothing stores, and souvenir shops.

Make sure you save time for sunbathing next to the turquoise waters of Loh Dalam Bay, and for hiking up to the viewpoint that looks over the whole island.

Koh Phi Phi doesn’t have an airport, so you can either take the ferry back to Phuket and fly out of there, or take the ferry to Krabi on the mainland and fly out of there.

2 Week Thailand Itinerary

This 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary is great for those who can’t take loads of time off work but still want to get a good feel for the country.

Start your 2 weeks in Thailand in Bangkok. If you’ve seen enough during your first day in Bangkok, you can switch things up by taking a day trip out of the city.

The best day trip from Bangkok is visiting Ayutthaya , the former capital of the Siamese Empire.

This ancient city is about 85 km north of Bangkok and was founded in the 14th century.

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of old but well-preserved temples, monuments, and national parks.

Next on the agenda for 2 weeks in Thailand, fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

READ MORE: 12 awesome things to do while travelling in Bangkok

No 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary is complete without stopping in Chiang Mai.

If you’d like to make a day trip for one of your 3 days in Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a great place to go nearby.

Located about 70 km away from Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a massive green space filled with temples, local villages, gardens, hiking trails, waterfalls, and lots of peaceful forests.

You can take a songtaew to reach the park from Chiang Mai, which is a red pick-up truck that serves as a collective taxi.

Try and find other travellers to share the ride with you so the overall price becomes cheaper!

Another option is visiting Elephant Nature Park , an elephant rescue sanctuary near Chiang Mai. If you are tempted to see elephants on your Thailand trip, just remember to visit somewhere ethical that protects the animals and forbids riding. Elephant Nature Park is a great place to visit elephants ethically!

Check out this Chiang Mai 3 Day Itinerary for more inspiration on things to do in this charming northern Thai city.

Chiang Rai is next on your 2 weeks in Thailand trip. Take a minibus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. We recommend booking this on the 12go.asia website .

Chiang Rai is a quiet and beautiful city in the north of Thailand. If you have time to visit it on your Thailand trip, definitely do so!

Stroll through the small town centre and chat with friendly locals, or drive up to the northernmost tip of Thailand which is connected to Myanmar by a bridge.

The breathtaking temples are definitely the highlights of Chiang Rai. Make sure you check them out during your 2 weeks in Thailand.

Probably the most visited temple in Chiang Rai, the unique decoration and detail of this whitewashed temple will blow your mind.

• Location: 1 Phahonyothin Rd

Slathered in deep blue colours and adorned with Buddhist relics, the Blue Temple is a feast for the eyes.

• Location: 306 Maekok Rd
• Hours: 7 am to 8 pm

If you’re travelling on a budget, Chiang Rai has lots of really nice and affordable accommodation options.

Connect Hostel has high ratings from travellers and costs only 8-9 USD per night for a dorm room or 37 USD per night for a private room.

Fly from Chiang Rai to Phuket so you can enjoy some of the island destinations during 2 weeks in Thailand!

READ MORE: Learn all about these incredible things to do in Chiang Rai .

Because Phuket is such a mountainous island, there are lots of hilltop restaurants with open views where you can look over the beautiful scenery while you dine.

Head to Heaven Restaurant & Bar for a view over Kata Noi Beach, the Palace Restaurant and Sky Lounge for a view over Patong Beach, or Tung Ka Café for a view over Phuket Town.

Or take a day trip to the James Bond Island, located in Phanga Nga Bay.

Next on your 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary, take the ferry from Phuket’s Rassada Pier down to Koh Lanta.

Koh Lanta is an island in the Andaman Sea that is far less touristy than some of Thailand’s other islands.

Snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, diving and sunbathing are all incredible here as there are few crowds to distract from the tropical scenery.

Explore the natural phenomenon of the Emerald Cave, stroll through the tiny and rustic Old Town, or go hiking in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

A gorgeous place to stay in Koh Lanta during 2 weeks in Thailand is the Crown Lanta Resort and Spa (has recently been renamed to Avani Plus Koh Lanta Krabi Resort).

Read the full, NOMADasaurus detailed review of this luxury hotel here .

Take the ferry from Koh Lanta to Ao Nang to finish off 2 weeks in Thailand.

Ao Nang is relaxing and quaint, but still leaves travellers awestruck with its towering limestone cliffs and postcard-worthy beaches.

Railay Beach is the most popular attraction here, and you can hop on a cheap long tail boat from Ao Nang Beach to reach this little cove of cliffs and turquoise water.

Ao Nang is ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts, as the abundance of massive, jagged rocks makes for challenging but rewarding climbing spots.

You can also hike Hang Mak Mountain or go zip lining over the jungle for a bit of excitement.

Any 2 week Thailand itinerary must include a day of snorkelling or diving.

Ao Nang is an amazing place for snorkelling or diving as the water is warm and clean and there is lots of wildlife thriving in the area.

After an action-packed 2 days in Ao Nang and 2 weeks in Thailand fly from Krabi back to Bangkok to catch your departing international flight.

READ MORE: Add these to your list of things to do in Ao Nang .

3 Week Thailand Itinerary

A 3 week Thailand itinerary is great for those who really want to explore the stunning country Thailand.

Aside from the big cities, you’ll get to visit small towns, national parks, and islands in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. A 3 week itinerary is ideal!

3 Days in Bangkok

Between checking out the tourist attractions and taking a day trip to Ayutthaya, you’ll have an incredible 3 days in Thailand’s capital city.

An awesome activity in Bangkok is visiting a rooftop bar in a giant skyscraper, with a panoramic view of the city.

Outside of the Old Town, Bangkok is super modern and cosmopolitan, so it can be fun to treat yourself to a nice cocktail or meal overlooking the metropolis.

Keep in mind that most rooftop bars are classy and have a dress code, so try to dress fancier than usual.

Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok, all of which sell high-quality food and beverages and have a crazy view of the city sprawled below.

• Location: 45th floor, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Ban Kluai Nuea Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
• Hours: 5 pm to 1:30 am
• Location: 37th floor, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500
• Hours: 5 pm to 12 am
• Location: 55th floor, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
• Hours: 5 pm to 1 am

For additional things to do in Bangkok, consider checking out the Airplane Graveyard or celebrating Songkran , the Buddhist New Year, in the city.

Next on your 3 week itinerary, fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

With an extra day in Chiang Mai, you have time to take another day trip out of the city to explore the surrounding nature.

One of the coolest places to visit near Chiang Mai is the Sticky Waterfall, or “Bua Tong Waterfall” located in the Jedsee Fountain Forest Park.

Here you can climb the vertical waterfall using just your hands and feet because the rocks are coated with rough mineral deposits so they aren’t slippery. It’s one of the most amazing day trips from Chiang Mai.

Spend a few hours here swimming, splashing, climbing, and having a picnic (there aren’t any shops in this remote area near Chiang Mai so bring your own food and drinks!).

After your 4 days in Chiang Mai, take a minibus to Pai.

Pai is a relaxing jungle paradise where backpackers love to chill out and spend quality time with nature.

There are so many natural wonders to explore near Pai, such as the Pambok Waterfall, the Tham Lod Caves full of stalactites and stalagmites, the soothing Tha Pai Hot Springs, and the massive Pai Canyon.

Rent a scooter for a couple of days and enjoy the freedom of zooming through the jungle, and stroll through the local walking street market at night for some cheap local street food.

Spend your two nights in Pai at one of the local backpacker hostels.

Tribal Pai Backpackers is a great choice for accommodation because it is social and fun, but a bit less crazy than a party hostel.

A dorm here costs as little as 4 USD per night, and private rooms are about 33 USD per night. Accommodation can be super cheap when you visit Thailand!

Catch a minibus from Pai to Chiang Rai .

READ MORE: Add these to your list of things to do in Pai .

If you haven’t yet taken a cooking class in Thailand, Chiang Rai is a great place to do it.

You can book a full-day cooking class that starts with a tour of the local market to pick up fresh ingredients.

Then you can learn all about the rich flavours and simple techniques of Thai cuisine and eat all the delicious food you cook.

This is a great insight into the culture of Thailand, so you should definitely try and squeeze a cooking class into a 3 week Thailand itinerary.

Fly from Chiang Rai to Phuket.

After spending a decent amount of time soaking in the sun on Phuket’s pristine beaches, entertain yourself by watching a famous ladyboy cabaret show.

A ladyboy performance is a must-see when you visit Thailand.

Phuket’s Simon Cabaret was established in 1991, and now hosts some of the best cabarets in the country.

Ladyboy cabarets consist of drag queens wearing fantastic costumes and putting on a show full of dancing, acting, lip-syncing, sometimes real singing, and a whole lot of energy and pizazz.

Take the ferry from Phuket to Ao Nang .

In addition to the outdoor activities mentioned in the 2 week Thailand itinerary, you can try to explore a little more of the islands surrounding Ao Nang by doing an island hopping tour.

A 3 week Thailand itinerary still can’t cover all of the country’s stunning islands, so a guided day tour by speedboat is a great way to pack lots of cool places into a short time.

On a day tour, you’ll see gorgeous beaches, huge cliffs, snorkelling sights, and just a lot of mind-blowing natural beauty.

Then, add another epic place to your 3 week itinerary and take a shuttle from Ao Nang to Khao Sok National Park .

Khao Sok National Park is an oasis of serenity and scenery that looks like it came out of a fairy tale. It’s often a highlight for those who visit Thailand.

Dense jungle, hanging vines, limestone cliffs, caves, rivers, lakes, animals and insects are just a few of the things you’ll find here.

You can go hiking and kayaking, or take a boat tour through the park, or just relax and soak in the serenity from your lakeside wooden bungalow.

Cheow Lan Lake is the most beautiful area to stay in, but you can also stay in the Khao Son Riverside if you don’t want to be so deep in the jungle.

Travelling from Khao Sok National Park over to Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand can be done by some combination of shuttle and minibus, but you’ll have to dedicate one full day to the trip.

The transport prices are usually very cheap, but it will take quite a while since you have to cross the Malay Peninsula.

After reaching the ferry port on the eastern side of the peninsula, just hop on a ferry and make your way to Koh Samui!

Check out this website for planning your trip.

Spend the last 3 days of your 3 week Thailand itinerary relaxing on the white sands of Koh Samui .

Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Choeng Mon Beach are the three most popular beaches on Koh Samui and they all offer beautiful scenery and turquoise water for swimming.

Koh Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand, so there is plenty to do here in addition to just being a beach bum.

Head to the north of the island to check out the Big Buddha and the night markets, including Fisherman’s Village Street Market, held every Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm.

Take a fruit carving class or visit the Secret Buddha Garden, full of mysterious statues and peaceful forest.

Definitely spend one of your days in Koh Samui taking a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park.

This protected area consists of 42 little islands, and you can only visit by government approved tour boat.

There are lots of affordable day tours that can bring you into the park and take you hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, and exploring throughout the diverse and impressive national marine park.

Other things to do in Koh Samui include visiting Koh Tao for snorkeling or Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party. Both Koh Tao and Koh Phangan can be visited as day trips via local boat.

If you have even more than 3 weeks in Thailand, you can continue exploring Koh Tao and Koh Phangan for even longer, as there are plenty of fun things to do here.

If your Thailand trip is coming to a close after Koh Samui, fly back to Bangkok to catch your departing international flight.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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I’m absolutely hooked on your Thailand itinerary! Week 1’s cultural immersion, Week 2’s adrenaline-packed activities, and Week 3’s idyllic relaxation—what a well-rounded adventure. Your blog is a goldmine for anyone planning a trip. I’ll be sure to share this valuable resource with my fellow travel enthusiasts!

This trip blog truly captures the essence of wanderlust and adventure. The stories shared here evoke a sense of curiosity and make me yearn to explore the world. It’s the perfect escape for those moments when you can’t physically travel but still want to be transported to new horizons.

Wonderful itinerary! Thanks for the tips!

I’ve been to Thailand several times, and I loved all of these places. I have yet to visit Khao Sok — it is on my list.

Thank you for stopping by. Definitely check Koh Sok out next time you are in Thailand. 🙂

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Planning Your Trip to Thailand – The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need

Planning a trip to Thailand can make your head spin.

Where should you visit, what should you pack, do you need a Visa?

The questions can be endless.

I've helped numerous people over the years plan their trips to Thailand; both close friends and family, and friends of work associates who have contacted me for advice.

In this post, I'll reveal the same tips I give them, and help you plan the holiday of a lifetime.

This post will also help you if you're planning a family trip to Thailand, a move to Thailand, either for a job, teaching, or just an extended stay.

• Where to stay
• Weather seasons
•   Accommodation
•   Pre-holiday to-do list

Where to Stay in Thailand

If you're visiting Thailand for two or three weeks, then you're probably torn over which parts of the country to visit.

There are so many islands to consider, and so many areas of the country that boast beautiful scenery and interesting culture.

The key is to strike a balance between not staying in one place too long and not visiting places too quickly – otherwise you don't get to really explore and appreciate them.

My general advice  for a holiday would be to visit three areas of the country:

Some might say you should avoid Bangkok because it's really busy, hot, and doesn't have a beach.

In my opinion, if you're going to visit Thailand, then you should experience Bangkok.

It's actually a good place to arrive and spend a few days.

Because if you've had a long haul flight, then you will most likely be landing in Bangkok, so you can catch a taxi to your hotel and get some rest, rather than waiting around for a connecting flight.

Moreover, if you're flying across a couple of time zones, then you will be jet-lagged.

I'd rather get over my jet lag in Bangkok and be fully refreshed for visiting the beaches and islands, than sleeping half the day away at a beautiful beach location.

So two or three nights in Bangkok is ideal.

Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok.

If you arrive in the afternoon on the first day, then you can hang out at the hotel, maybe visit a market and grab something to eat, and then get some sleep.

You're probably going to sleep in late, or wake up early the next day and then want to sleep again in the afternoon to get over your jet lag.

You'll then have one more full day where you feel more energetic and can visit the Grand Palace , maybe a floating market, and do a bit of shopping .

Another option is to spend a couple of days in Bangkok when you arrive, and then come back to Bangkok for a day before you leave.

The reasoning behind this is that you might want to do some shopping before you go home, but you might not want to do that shopping when you arrive because you would have to carry the stuff around with you for the rest of your holiday.

This really depends on how much shopping you plan on taking home.

If you have more time on your hands in Bangkok, check out my list of things to do in the Big Mango.

At the Grand Palace, Bangkok

Staying on Thailand's Islands

It goes without saying that the Southern islands have the best beaches.

There are some good beaches that you can get to in a couple of hours from Bangkok, such as on Koh Larn and Koh Samet.

However,  if you choose to go to Phuket or Koh Samui, from that base you will be able to visit a number of other islands too.

You also have a good selection of beaches on those islands.

The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand.

Yes, these are the more commercial islands, and while there are more intimate and less touristy islands, pretty much all of the best beach locations have a lot of visitor traffic in high season.

Furthermore, the more remote islands aren't always that practical for families, and some lack good accommodation and things to do, particularly for kids.

If you come for a second or third holiday, then you might want to explore some of the less popular but more beautiful islands.

But if this is your first and potentially your only trip, then I recommend going to Phuket or Koh Samui, and from these islands taking boat trips to see other beautiful islands and beaches.

Located a short drive from Choeng Mon Beach in Koh Samui, Samujana boast luxurious villas.

The North (Chiang Mai)

You might choose to simply stay down south and enjoy the beaches, and I wouldn't blame you. I'd happily sit on a deckchair for the entire holiday, to'ing and fro'ing from the massage spot, gym, and bar.

But if you want a deeper insight to the country and to see another side to Thailand, then the North is a good place to visit.

Chang Mai in particular is very popular, Westerner-friendly city – surrounded by beautiful nature.

You can base yourself in Chang Mai for a few days and go off for trips to Doi Intanon National Park, Doi Suthep Temple, the Elephant Nature Park ,  and enjoy the good food and night markets of the North.

Again, like Bangkok, a few nights here will be adequate.

Doi Inthanon, in Chiang Mai, is the highest mountain in Thailand.

Got an Extra Few Days?

If you find yourself back in Bangkok and you've got an extra few days to spare, then you might go to Koh Samet for a couple of nights,  which is three hours from Bangkok and a 30-minute ferry.

Samet is not far from the aptly named Sin City of Pattaya. Indeed, if you are a single man or with a group of friends, you might like to see the bright lights of Pattaya,  which is a beach resort too, and only a couple of hours drive from Bangkok.

Probably not the smartest idea to take your wife or girlfriend there. Unless they aren't bothered by go-go bars and hookers.

Visiting, in Summary

Those who have lived in Thailand for a while, or visited on holiday a number of times, may poo-poo my suggestions and give you recommendations of places to go that are off the beaten track.

But that's because the more time you spend in Thailand the more you want to get away from the touristy areas and find more isolated places.

But generally, for a first holiday, you want to be in the thick of it and see the main attractions of the things other people have seen.

You want easy access and plenty of options. Trust me, I've been there, done it, and worn the t-shirt.

That being said, if you are traveling for three months or more and spending a month in Thailand, then you can visit these popular hotspots and then go off and visit some more remote places like these. 

Khao Sok is situated on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui.

When to Visit Thailand – Weather

The weather in Thailand does vary by region at different times of the year.

Generally speaking, you can follow this guide:

• Dry Season: March-May
• Rainy Season: May-October
• Cool Season: November-February

For a place by place breakdown, check out my extensive weather guide. 

Accommodation for Different Budgets

Depending on whether you're a solo backpacker or a family of 4 on the holiday of a lifetime, accommodation requirements vary for different types of traveler.

Luckily, Thailand generally has something for everyone in all corners of the country.

From package holidays to hostels and mid-range hotels, check out my booking recommendations here.

Also consider that if you aren't too fussed about plush accommodation, you can rock up and book in at what's available.

During high season you won't be able to be too picky, as the nicer rooms and bungalows get booked up in advance.

But let me just say that I have never not been able to get a room somewhere in any of Asia.

And you're planning on catching a train or a bus, check out 12GO here.

Pre-Holiday To-Do List

The large majority of countries are subject to a visa exemption. This means that when their citizens enter Thailand they get a stamp that permits a stay of 30 days.

If you are coming towards the end of your trip and you think you might want to stay longer, you can visit an immigration office and extend this stay by another 30 days for 1,900 Baht.

However,  in the interest of good planning, if you think that extending your stay is a good possibility, you should consider getting a single entry tourist visa, which gives you a 60-day stay in the country.

A multiple entry tourist visa  is a six month visa, but you can only stay for 60 days at a time. You then have to leave the country and come back into activate a further 60 days.

Again, the multiple entry option can be extended for 30 days by going to immigration and paying the aforementioned fee.

Generally speaking, those coming for a two or three week holiday won't need to worry about a visa.

2. Travel Insurance

It goes without saying that you will need travel insurance.

Not only does travel insurance protects you against hospital bills if you fall ill or have an accident, but some policies will also cover you against cancellation of your flights or lost baggage and stolen goods.

Travel insurance is one of those things that many people forget to do in the midst of all the excitement of planning.

So I suggest this is something that you do early on in your trip planning process to make sure that you are covered from the moment you leave your house.

I don't want to make you fear going on holiday, but at the end of the day it gives you peace of mind.

See my travel insurance recommendations here.

3. Suitable Backpack/Holdall

Another thing that people often don't consider until the last minute, mainly because they have an old suitcase or holdall in the attic that  they always use, is suitable luggage.

Consider what type of holiday you are taking:

• Are you going to be traveling on trains and buses?
• Are you going to be trekking or diving?
• Or are you going to be staying in luxury hotels and taking  private cars everywhere and having someone to hold your back?

You won't want a big clunky suitcase if you are  taking an overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai .

And if you are going trekking , then you may need to consider a second bag in addition to your main backpack; one that is detachable and can be taken with your essentials on the trek.

In fact, a second, smaller backpack is advisable for everyone visiting Thailand.

You will need something practical to carry around with you during the daytime.

Although, when out shopping and in crowds you should wear backpacks on your front so that you can't be pick-pocketed, particularly in Bangkok.

I'm not trying to scare you here, the same goes for any major city you are visiting, including my hometown, London.

4. Mosquito Spray

You can find mosquito spray in Thailand at pretty much every convenience store, and is likely to be cheaper than in your home country.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to look for a higher quality brand in your home country before you leave.

Your mosquito spray should contain DEET.

Note that the higher percentage of DEET does not represent how effective it is but how long it lasts:

Products containing lower concentrations of DEET are as effective as those with higher concentrations, but for shorter periods of time. On average, products containing 100% DEET will be effective for 9.5 hours, 30% DEET for 6.5 hours, 15% DEET for 5 hours, 10% DEET for 3 hours and 5% DEET for 2 hours ( source )

5. Vaccinations

There maybe some vaccinations for you to consider before you visit Thailand.

These can usually be done by your regular Doctor, and even at some pharmacies. There's a full list here.

6. Changing Money

People often change up lots of money before they go on holiday, thinking that they will run out quickly, but this is not a wise thing to do.

It isn't a good idea to travel with loads of money on you, just in case you lose it.

Moreover, I usually get a better exchange rate when I arrive in Bangkok than I do back home, anyway.  You will find a number of exhange places in central Bangkok.

If you want to do it at the airport, don't do it at the exchange booth inside the arrivals area, do it when you come out into the main foyer, as you tend to get better rate there.

You might choose to change up to $300 before you leave, depending on how many people are traveling.

That being said, it is expensive to withdraw money in Thailand- because you get charged for the local withdrawal and charged by your bank back home for the international withdrawal.

This could end up costing you $5-6 dollars per withdrawal.

That said, this isn't really a big deal if you only make three withdrawals across the whole holiday.

Note that cash machines are generally limited to a withdrawal amount of 20,000 Baht per time.

If you do want to avoid fees, then consider finding a credit or debit card provider that doesn't charge for international transactions,  and/or has low rates on withdrawals.

You might also want to consider something like the Revolut Card.

This is a multi-currency prepaid card, which allows you to pre-load money and spend abroad.

One I would  recommend is making a plan before you leave, detailing how much money you plan to take in cash, both money changed into Thai Baht and money in your native currency to change up in Thailand.

And then consider a cost-effective strategy for withdrawing money and spending money on your cards.

7. Health Insurance

If you have travel insurance then you aren't likely to need this, but for those with specific conditions, or who want specific extra cover – perhaps for an extended period, health insurance may be a requirement.

Cigna is a reputable and reliable health insurer for those living and traveling in Thailand.

You can get a quote using their 2-minute quote page by clicking here. 

Streaming & Secure Internet Browsing

If you want to watch Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney + on holiday, you will need to bypass GEO restrictions to watch some of the content.

You can do this with a VPN. A VPN is also a good idea when using WIFI in airports and cafes, particularly if you are going to be logging onto personal banking or accessing other sensitive information from your laptop, phone or tablet.

I have a post with more details on this. Read the VPN post here. 

Planning Your Trip, In Summary

Bookmark this guide, or print it out and make planning your trip to Thailand easy.

If you follow along section-by-section and tick things off as you go, you'll have all the important bases covered.

Here's an overview of what we've covered in this guide:

• Decide where to stay: Bangkok, Islands, Chiang Mai (North) and places to visit
• Check the weather before deciding on your travel dates
• Research accommodation, based on your budget
• Do you need a visa?
• Get travel insurance
• Get a suitable backpack/holdall
• Get mosquito spray
• Get vaccinations
• Change money
• Consider health insurance
• Get a VPN to bypass GEO restrictions on Netflix, and safe browsing

Proper planning makes for a successful outcome, or at least so my mother said.

Have a great trip!

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Last Updated on May 28, 2020

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The best time to visit Thailand

Jan 3, 2024 • 5 min read

Find the best time to visit Thailand for you © Chadchai Ra-ngubpai / Getty Images

Silky-soft beaches, jungle-draped mountains, incredible food and a well-connected position at the heart of Southeast Asia have made Thailand a tourism hub for decades.

It welcomes more than 11 million visitors a year. All the same, travelers who dream of perpetually sunny skies and balmy weather might be dismayed at the pelting rain that arrives like clockwork every July or the sky-high price of their hotel from December to January.

The kingdom is full of diversions – myriad night markets, thundering waterfalls, even cherry blossoms and the occasional dusting of frost – but to experience them for yourself, you need to be in the right place at the right time. Here’s how.

December to February is best for beaches

The prevailing joke about Thai weather is that the country has three seasons: hot; wet and hot; and really, really hot. That may be, but when the “cool” season rolls around in December, you will find Thais bundled up in sweaters and even puffer jackets to combat temperatures that fall as low as 23°C (73°F).

While this may be cold for Thais, it’s perfect for international travelers hitting the beach, especially those escaping the northern winter, and resorts like Phuket , Samui and Krabi are predictably packed with sun-seekers at this time of year.

Daytime highs of 31°C (88°F) make outdoor activities warm but bearable, while nights are a hive of activity, with street food vendors lining the sidewalks and markets clad in fairy lights tempting even the most unwilling of shoppers.

The cool season is not for beachcombers alone. This time of year sees frost up north in the mountains as temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F). The northeast region even ushers in its own cherry blossom season as Phu Lom Lo erupts in a burst of pink Himalayan cherry blooms. Early morning hikers are rewarded with sunrise views over a sea of fog at the northern border with Laos , and wildflowers dapple the slopes of Doi Suthep and Phu Tabberk .

Not surprisingly then, this time is considered Thailand’s high season, when hotel and transportation prices are at their peak. However, the payoff is the kingdom at arguably its most beautiful and welcoming, temperature-wise.

March and April are best for tropical fruit and Songkran

The weather, even for Thais, becomes alarmingly toasty during Thailand’s “summer” when temperatures average 30°C (87°F). School is out, meaning the capital is less crowded than usual, and the beaches are typically jammed with Bangkokians seeking reprieve from the heat. Meanwhile, temperatures in the usually temperate north soar to 36°C (97°F).

While it may seem a miserable time to visit, foodies will have a field day because all of Thailand’s most beloved fruits – mangoes, mangosteens, rambutans and Marian plums – are in season.

In mid-April, Thailand celebrates its new year, Songkran , and the streets burst into joyful water fights. You’ll find the entire country in celebration: families seeking blessings from their elders, Thais dancing in the streets, and travelers receiving benedictions in the form of perfumed water on the hands, daubings of brightly colored powder on the cheeks or (most likely) a blast of water in the face. Fans of water fights (and getting drenched) will find their like-minded brethren anywhere in the kingdom.

Meanwhile, fans of an empty Bangkok can take advantage of… an empty Bangkok. That means breezy commutes from one end of the city to the other, less competition at popular restaurants and fewer crowds to contend with at shopping malls and theaters. The change in the city is so pronounced that quite a few Bangkokians prize this time of year, opting to make sure that when Songkhran rolls around, they celebrate in the capital.

May to October is best for accommodation bargains

Thailand’s rainy season is long, but it doesn’t necessarily mean non-stop torrential downpours. Monsoon rains, especially before July, are typically violent but short, usually arriving in the early evening and lasting for 20 to 30 minutes. (Luckily, Thailand’s location means it avoids the strong typhoons experienced by Vietnam and the Philippines.) The problem is Bangkok traffic snarls for hours as a result, but travelers in less congested destinations are not necessarily affected, and hotel and transportation prices linger at months-long lows.

From May to July, beach resorts on the Andaman Sea side of Thailand – especially on weekdays – are basically deserted, claiming only a fraction of the prices they would normally charge during high season. This means that even at five-star resorts, choice rooms can be rented for far less than their usual rate. And while there will likely be daily rains, they’re usually brief.

Low-season rates extend to non-beach-but-still-popular destinations like Chiang Mai and Khao Sok , where a treasure trove of accommodation options, from floating bungalows to mountaintop cabins, awaits savvy bargain hunters willing to put up with a sudden shower or two. In contrast, July and August are peak season for islands in the Gulf of Thailand like Samui , where the weather is less affected by monsoon rains.

From September to October, the northeast is brimming with waterfalls, providing impromptu bathing areas for visitors with the foresight to bring bathing suits or even just towels. A word of warning: this is also when flooding may occur in the north or northeast, with water reaching all the way to Bangkok in some years. Only riverside areas are at risk, so make sure to check before you go.

November is best for experiencing Loi Krathong

November marks the beginning of the dry season and is considered the shoulder to high season, but bargains can still be found among the bigger local hotel chains.

On the night of November’s full moon, the country celebrates its Loi Krathong festival, marking the end of the rainy season. This is also when people float away their sins by placing candles on makeshift river rafts or lanterns in hopes of welcoming the coming year with a clean slate.

This article was first published Mar 2, 2021 and updated Jan 3, 2024.

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Ultimate 7-Day Thailand Itinerary

Known as the ‘Jewel of Asia’, Thailand is home to some of the most incredible landscapes, from luscious jungles, canyons, and waterfalls to paradise coastlines fringed by palm-tree forested islands. Alongside this diversity, the warmth and culture of the country, known fondly as the ‘Land of Smiles’, is infectious. Follow this 7-day Thailand itinerary for adventure, relaxation, and culinary adventures — discovering ornate temples in ancient towns, snorkeling off colorful reefs, caving in national parks, and sampling mouthwatering street food.

Thailand Itinerary (7 Days)

Thailand is an incredibly diverse country, with so much to do that you could easily be here for weeks! The beaches are some of the best in the world, nestled on paradise islands with powdery sand and turquoise blue water. Follow this 7-day Thailand itinerary for some of the nation’s highlights to experience a perfect mix of history, culture, relaxation, and adventure. 

Note: In this Thailand itinerary (7 days), we have not included Chiang Mai and Pai due to the traveling distance. However, if you have more time on your trip, we highly recommend visiting the luscious landscapes of the north.

Day 1 + 2: Arrive in Phuket

Although Phuket is technically an island, it feels more like its own country, with a totally different vibe from the mainland. It’s the perfect place to begin your Thailand 7-day itinerary, as it has an international airport with flights departing daily to other major cities in Asia .

Read: 17 Best things to do in Phuket

Day 1: Old Town and Big Buddha

Begin your experience with a trip to the charming Phuket Old Town, home to colorful streets full of cute shops, trendy cafes, exciting galleries, museums, and street art. Grab your camera and snap away or while away the morning people watching from one of the many fantastic cafes in the area.

Next up, have some quiet time visiting some of Phuket’s most sacred sites. Head for the Wat Chalong Temple, a complex home to five unique temples crafted from pink marble and the most stunning gold detailing.

As an addition, you can also take a trip further out of the city to the enormous Big Buddha statue, which stands at an impressive 45 meters high, towering over Phuket. Climb the 100 steps to the top for the most incredible 360-degree view across the island! 

Tip: If you are in Phuket on a Sunday, visit the weekend Night Market, when the Old Town comes to life with stalls and vendors selling traditional and local produce.

Day 2: Island Relaxation

Day 2 is all about relaxing and soaking up the beauty of Phuket’s fantastic beaches. The island has many incredible spots to choose from, but we recommend Banana Beach on the northwest side of Phuket and Kamala Beach, which is lined with beautiful palm trees and sparkling blue waters. From here, you can also easily get to Laem Sing Viewpoint, which overlooks the beach and has panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and coastline. 

Tip: Make sure to go at sunset when the whole bay turns the most incredible shades of pink and orange.

Where to Stay in Phuket

There are plenty of accommodation options in Phuket, from cheap and cheerful hostels to upmarket hotels. Phuket Old Town is a good option for your two nights on the island, as it’s the cultural and historical heart of the island.

Hotels in Phuket Old Town 😴

However, if you want more of a beach vibe, then we recommend you head to Patong Beach, which has lots of backpacking hostels and a great party scene. 

Hotels in Patong 😴

Tip: Looking for something a little quieter? There are three other beaches you can stay on, which have stunning natural scenery: Kata, Karon, or Bang Tao Beaches.

Day 3 + 4: Khao Sok National Park

Discover one of the world’s oldest rainforests in the magical Khao Sok National Park! Located just four hours north of Phuket , this stunning tropical jungle sits against a backdrop of enormous limestone mountains and is teeming with incredible wildlife.

You can trek in the rainforests, kayak on the bright emerald Cheow Lan Lake, or even try caving! After a full day of activity in nature, take a dip in the cool pools fed by gushing waterfalls.  

If you only have a few days here, we recommend taking an organized park tour. There are many options, whether elephant spotting in the wild, dinner experiences at small floating villages, or jungle cooking classes on the lake’s edge. Whatever you choose, Khao Sok National Park is a must-see on your 7-day itinerary of Thailand.

Book an unforgettable tour via the guys at khaosoklake.com

Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park

We loved our unique stay in the middle of the jungle on a floating raft house! Wake up with the sun rising above the limestone formations and the sound of gibbons and monkeys around your raft house — an unmissable experience! 

Hotels in Thailand 😴

If you prefer more of a town/jungle feel, stay at Khao Sok Riverside, where you can stay in a hotel or a jungle bungalow!

How to Get from Phuket to Khao Sok National Park

There are buses every hour from the central bus station in Phuket town to the Khao Sok bus stop, with a journey time of about 4 hours.

Book your bus tickets in advance

By Car or Taxi

The distance from Phuket to Khao Sok National Park is around 140 km and takes approximately 3 hours. There are plenty of options for renting cars, but if it is just a one-way trip, consider hiring a taxi.

We recommend to rent a car in Thailand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Day 5: Krabi and Ao Nang Town

Krabi is one of the most beautiful regions of Thailand — a perfect mix of vacation vibes and culture, home to stunning temples, delicious food, and many other natural treasures. Its beaches are particularly famous, with crystal clear oceans bordering sandy white beaches and thick green forests.

Krabi Town is one of the most popular spots in the region. Start day 5 of your 7-day Thailand itinerary at the stunning white temple of Wat Kaew Korawaram (located in the center of Krabi town). Make sure to look at the beautiful detailing, from the ornate carvings to the gold dragons, which is even more beautiful at sunset. 

After dark, visit the nearby Krabi Night Market, which is one of the best in the country! Time your visit, though, as the market is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5 PM.

Here are all your hotel options in Krabi Town.

If you would rather relax on day 5 of your Thailand itinerary, head straight for Ao Nang and simply soak up the sun on one of the powdery palm-tree-lined beaches.

Ao Nang is also a great place to base yourself for island hopping trips to places like the Hong Islands. A long-tail boat will transport you to paradise islands, home to stunning lagoons, limestone cliffs, and glorious beaches. 

See tickets and availability for a tour of the Hong Islands

Tip: If you want an even mix of town and beach, local Songthaew taxis move between Ao Nang and Krabi throughout the day. 

Where to Stay in Krabi

Krabi has three main areas: Ao Nang, Krabi Town, and Railay. The majority of good restaurants and hotels are situated in Ao Nang (a developed coastal area with the best beaches). However, Krabi Town has more of a backpacker feel with cheaper accommodation. 

Hotels in Ao Nang 😴

If you choose Railay, you’ll be close to the most stunning beaches in the area. However, please bear in mind that the prices are higher here.

Hotels in Railay 😴

How to Get to Krabi from Khao Sok National Park

By public transport.

There is a regular bus service from Khao Sok to Krabi Bus Terminal, and it takes approximately 4.5 hours.

Additionally, there are plenty of minivan options, which is a comfortable way to travel, although a bit more expensive than the bus. Alternatively, for a higher rate, you can hire a taxi which will take you directly.

See all transport options for your journey to Krabi

Travel distance from Kao Sok to Krabi is around 150 km by road and takes approximately 4 hours. 

Day 6 + 7: Phi Phi or Koh Yao Noi

On the final days of your 7-day Thailand itinerary, spend them enjoying some of the most beautiful islands in the world — so beautiful that they’ve even been the setting for world-famous movies. 

Choosing between these two islands isn’t easy, but it’s all dependant on what you’re looking for. Phi Phi is paradise, but its fame as the location of the movie ‘The Beach’ means that there are more tourists. On the other hand, Koh Yao Noi is much quieter, has more accommodation options, and has friendly locals. 

Undoubtedly, the Phi Phi Islands are one of the best places to go on your 7-day Thailand itinerary. These picture-postcard islands are some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful tropical getaways. 

Your ferry trip from Krabi also offers a sightseeing tour, taking you around one of the islands with a stopover for snorkeling before arriving on Phi Phi; it’s a great way to start the day! 

In the afternoon, head up to Phi Phi Viewpoint, which takes about 20 minutes, to enjoy the most stunning view across the island and sea. 

Tip: Ferries leave mid-afternoon back to Phuket and Krabi, so keep an eye on the timetable.

Alternatively, book a boat tour to Phi Phi Islands from Krabi

Koh Yao Noi

If you want tranquility and seclusion on your 7-day Thailand itinerary, Koh Yao Noi is the right place!

Koh Yao Noi is jaw-droppingly beautiful, with its stunning deserted white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and beautiful mountains. Unfortunately, you only have a few days to explore, but it’s the perfect taster, so you can return and see the rest one day! 

See availability for a boat tour to Koh Yao Noi (including a visit to the famous James Bond Island).

Where to Stay on Phi Phi and Koh Yao Noi

Koh Phi Phi has plenty of hidden gems to stay in. There are quiet rooms, vibrant hostels, or resort hotels with stunning pools.

Hotels in Phi Phi 😴

Ton Sai Village is one of the busiest spots on the island, as this is where the day trippers arrive. However, the bay is beautiful, and there is a buzzing vibe. Alternatively, choose Loh Dalum, for its party scene or Laem Thong, a small fisherman’s village, for the ultimate tranquility.

If you choose to stay in Koh Yao Noi, everywhere is quiet!  This beautiful island has various options, from guesthouses to little bungalows and top-end boutique hotels and villas.

Hotels in Koh Yao Noi 😴

How to get to Phi Phi and Koh Yao Noi

The ferry is the only option to reach the islands. These leave from various places in Krabi, such as Railay Beach and Ao Nang.

Most boats to Koh Yao Noi take between 30 minutes to an hour. Book your ferry tickets from Krabi to Koh Yao Noi .

Whereas travel time can be upwards of 2 hours for a trip to Phi Phi (especially if you choose the non-speedboat option). Book your ferry in advance from Krabi to Phi Phi .

Day 1 + 2: Bangkok (Optional)

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and, therefore, is the usual starting point for a 7-day Thailand itinerary. If that’s the case, you can change up the first few days of the trip with a few days in Bangkok — a great way to kickstart the adventure! 

Spend your time in the big city, discovering the small back alleys, markets, Chinatown, temples, and canals on a 5-hour bicycle tour! You can also take a trip on the canals by Long-Tail Boat and see how these waterways connect the whole city, discovering how the Thai people live day-to-day in their little wooden houses along the waterside. 

Discover the best things to do in Bangkok !

Tip: Make sure to take advantage of Bangkok’s incredible street food scene. Munch on delicious chicken satay, zingy pad thai, and sweet and sticky mango rice. Delicious!

Where to Stay in Bangkok

 If you are looking for the party scene, stay around Khao San Road. Otherwise, look at the area of Sukhumvit.

Hotels in Bangkok 😴

Tip: The  BTS (skytrain) is an excellent transport system and can get you around the city from most places.

How to get to Krabi and Khao Sok National Park from Bangkok

There is a direct flight from Bangkok to Krabi (1.5 hours). From there, it is a two-hour bus trip north to the National Park.

There are many overnight buses from Bangkok to Khao Sok, taking around 14 hours.  These stop at Surat Thani, where you change buses to get to the entrance of Khao Sok Village.

There are a number of trains going South to Surat Thani, which take around 10 hours and leave every few hours. From there, you will have to switch to a bus, which takes a further 2 hours to get to Khao Sok National Park.

See all transport options from Bangkok

Traveling by car takes around 10 hours and 30 minutes and covers 725 km, but it allows you to see the beautiful interior of Southern Thailand. 

How to Visit Thailand

Thailand’s biggest airport is Bangkok, where you will most likely fly into to start your 7-day Thailand itinerary. Either stay here for a few days or change onto a domestic flight and fly directly to Phuket .

Visiting more of Thailand? Discover all our Thailand travel guides here .

Getting Around Thailand

There are numerous ways to get around on your Thailand itinerary (7 days), but getting around by taxi is the most convenient. Grab Taxi is a great option, or for something cheaper, hop on a tuk-tuk or a shared songthaew to get around the cities and towns. 

An easy way to get around on your route through the north of Thailand is by renting a car. The roads in Thailand are becoming more and more developed, making it easier to drive between destinations.

Renting a Motorbike

Scooter/motorbike rental starts at around 150-400 THB (4.30 – 11.60 USD) daily, depending on your chosen model. There are lots of rental companies in the towns throughout Thailand, but remember that you need to leave your passport or deposit 3,000 THB (87 USD).

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Thailand trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

There is also the option to fly between major destinations in Thailand, such as a direct flight from Bangkok to Phuket. Unfortunately, other destinations in southern Thailand aren’t as well served. For example, if you want to fly from Phuket to Krabi, you’ll have to change flights (with the trip ultimately taking longer than it would by bus).

Our Favorite Accommodations

There are many fantastic options for accommodation on your 7-day Thailand itinerary, whether it’s a lively hostel in the old town of Phuket or a relaxed beach resort on the island of Koh Phi Phi. Below are our favorites for each destination on this 2-week route.

• Bangkok: The Fig Lobby , Tints of Blue , Hide and Seek
• Phuket: WOO Hotel , Dinso Resort , Baan Sutra , Nap Patong
• Khao Sok: Good View Resort , Monkey Mansion , Bliss Boutique Lodge
• Krabi: Anana Eco Resort , Rayavadee Resort , Krabi Forest Homestay
• Phi Phi: Zeavola Resort , Viking Resort , Paradise Bungalows
• Koh Yao Noi: TreeHouse , Annie’s , Hillhouse

How Much Does 1 Week in Thailand Cost?

Overall, Thailand is very affordable, particularly if you stay in hostels and eat out at local restaurants or street vendors. Your most considerable expense is transport, such as for the tuk-tuks downtown, car rental, or scooter hire. 

Costs of Traveling in Thailand

Travel on a budget in Thailand, from $180 − $360 USD weekly per person, mid-range $450 − $860 USD, and high-end from $860 − $1180 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $30 − $80 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $30 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $20 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $50 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $2 − $10 USD
• Activities: $5 − $20 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Southern Thailand

Thailand is generally hot and humid; however, the weather depends on the region and time of year you visit.

Southern Thailand has a tropical climate, and temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year. The cooler and drier season in the South of Thailand is between November and early April.  

Read more: The best time to visit Thailand

Do I Need a Visa for Thailand?

Most passport holders do not require a visa to enter Thailand.  However, you will need a valid passport and an onward plane ticket to prove you will exit the country within 30 days.  You can check the national Thai embassy to see if your country is exempt from needing a visa and how to apply for a Visa on Arrival instead.

Check whether you need a visa for Thailand here

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

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• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
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Co van Kessel: The Best Tour of Bangkok by Bike

Best time to visit thailand in 2024, bangkok train market: best night market in thailand.

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Best Time to Visit Thailand: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Home » Blog » Travel Tips » Best Time to Visit Thailand: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Thailand makes an excellent destination for backpackers, vacationers and digital nomads year-round. However, the seasons vary widely from region to region and coast to coast. We’re going over the seasons of each region to help you determine the best time to visit Thailand for your travel needs!

Located smack dab in the center of the mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand makes an excellent destination throughout most of the year.

However, in order to avoid monsoon rains and smoke season, you’ll want to be sure to do a little research and planning before packing your bags so you are sure to visit the right places at the  right time .

That’s why we’re here!

With such a diverse landscape throughout the country – from the mountains in the north to the islands in the south – the climate in Thailand varies widely from region to region.

Plus, the seasons are not as straight forward as in other places in the world. Instead of winter, spring, summer and autumn, the Thai seasons are best described as “cool”, “hot” and “rainy”.

In this article, we’re going over the seasons of each region to help you determine the best time to visit Thailand for what you’d like to see and do on your trip.

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

In general, you’ll find the most comfortable temperatures across the country, with little chance of rain, from November – February. 

Now, let’s break it down by region…

Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Bangkok and Chiang Mai have the best weather from  November – February . Outside of these months, you can expect heavy rains and extreme heat, with lots of smoke in the north of the country.

Andaman Sea

If you plan to visit the Thai islands, the best time to visit the Andaman Sea (Thailand’s southwest coast) is  November – April . Monsoon season is May – September in this region, so you will likely want to avoid it during this time.

Thailand’s Gulf 

Thailand’s Gulf Coast will have its best weather from  December – March , but the summer months ( July – September ) are also a decent time to visit and the crowds tend to be fewer. Monsoon season in the Gulf is much shorter than the Andaman Sea, generally lasting from October through the end of November.

When should I travel to Thailand?

As with any destination, there is no straightforward answer to this question. But we’re not going to leave you hanging…

In this article, we’ve organized Thailand’s seasons by region, and listed some of the best things to do during each season all over Thailand. We hope reading through these suggestions will help you decide the best time to visit Thailand for YOU.

Answer these questions to get started:

• What region of the country do you plan to visit?
• Do you mind a bit of rain?
• Are you easily bothered by crowds?
• Are you negatively affected by high humidity?
• Do you prefer to spend your time outdoors hiking?
• Are you planning to do some scuba diving while in Thailand?

Thinking about your answers to these questions is going to help you start to determine when to visit Thailand.

Best time to visit Thailand Guide

General Thailand Info

Our experience in Thailand

Thailand geography overview, map of thailand, weather in thailand.

• What to pack for Thailand

Know where you’d like to go in Thailand? Jump to that section of this article so you can quickly see what time of year will bring the best weather.

Seasons by Region

• Northern Thailand
• Central Thailand
• West Coast (Andaman Sea)
• Gulf of Thailand

Where to go during each season

Not sure where you’d like to go, but know what time of year you’ll be traveling? Click on the months so you can see which destinations will be best during that season.

• November – February  (“Cool Season”)
• March – May  (“Hot Season”)
• June – October  (“Rainy Season”)

Overall BEST Time to Visit Thailand

Want a quick recommendation? Jump down to see our advice for the best time to visit Thailand. Plus, we’ll share what times of year we’d avoid visiting!

• Our Recommendation…

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Southeast Asia !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Mexico vacation. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

We’ve visited Thailand in all seasons

Our experience:

• We’ve spent quite a bit of time living and traveling in Thailand, and with the exception of June, we’ve been in Thailand during every other month (many of which we’ve been multiple times).

Our favorite time of the year in Thailand

November – January

This is easily our favorite time of the year to visit Chiang Mai and the surrounding area. It’s also a great time to visit the Andaman Coast and the islands in the Gulf.

Worst time to visit Thailand

Starting in mid-February, the burning season begins and it’s not a good time to be in the northern part of the country. We’ve been there for the burning season twice, and it’s rough. (Not recommended!) 

By April, it is uncomfortably hot in the north. The only reprieve is the (very fun!) Songkran celebration (a water festival) which takes place during April. 

Good to know: From February through April, the islands and coasts can be a better choice.

The summer months are very hot, muggy, and rainy in Thailand and can bring monsoon weather to the islands and Andaman Coast.

Thailand is a country in the middle of mainland Southeast Asia with nearly 320,000 square miles (513,120 km²) an odd shape with a long tail leading down towards the equator.

Thailand has everything from high mountains and an upland plateau in the north, to central plains and tropical islands in the south.

The map above shows a very rough break down of the northern, central and souther regions of the country. Generally speaking, you can consider Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to be in the north, Bangkok is part of central and the lower leg and Thai islands make up the south.

The weather in Thailand varies from region to region with the north experiencing the greatest fluctuation in temperatures throughout the year and the south experiencing very little variation the closer you get to the equator.

The climate is mostly tropical with warm temperatures throughout the year (with the exception of the mountains in the far north).

The seasons in Thailand can be categorized into three main groups: Cool, Hot and Rainy.

Though somewhat unpredictable, and varying from coast to coast and by region, they follow the general pattern below.

• Cool season:  November to February; also peak tourist season
• Hot season:  March to May
• Rainy season:  June to October

The cool season  is felt most distinctly in the far north, but temperatures hardly change in the south.

The hot season  is essentially the dry season where central and north are at their highest temperatures with clouds of dust gathering in the air.

The rainy season  is caused by the southwest monsoon, which is unpredictable. However, the Gulf Coast is effected less by the southwest monsoon and more by the northwest monsoon, causing November to consistently be its wettest month.

We’ve broken down the seasons by region below to give you a better idea of the climate in specific areas.

Seasons in Northern Thailand

The weather in northern Thailand tends to be less humid and experiences the greatest rage of temperatures throughout the year. During January, the average low temp in Chiang Mai is 59ºF (15ºC). On the flip side, during hot season, the north of the country is dry and dusty and temperatures can skyrocket.

• Hot Season:  February – April
• Rainy Season:  May – September
• Cool Season:  October – January

What to pack for visiting Northern Thailand

• Lots of layers for cooler nights and warmer days
• Good hiking shoes or
• Swimwear – even though you’re not by the water, there are plenty of pools and waterfalls!

Seasons in Central Thailand

Central Thailand experiences the country’s three seasons fairly equally throughout the year. The one constant is humidity, which makes the air feel hotter than it should.

• Hot Season:   March – June
• Rainy Season:  June – October
• Cool Season:  October – February

What to pack for visiting Central Thailand

• Loose, lightweight clothes & layers
• A shawl or scarf to cover your shoulders when entering temples and religious sites
• An  insulated water bottle  to stay hydrated

Seasons in South Thailand & the Thai Islands

Temperatures in southern Thailand are more consistent throughout the year, with less variation the closer you get to the equator. There is really only 2 seasons down here: wet and dry.

The climate does vary from coast to coast in the south based on the different monsoons. Which is why we’ve split up the coasts below to show seasonal variations.

A Note About Diving:  Diving and snorkeling will be at it’s best during the winter months. December and January will be more crowded since it’s the peak season. If you want to see some mantas and local whale sharks, it’s best to plan your trip around February to April. 

Phuket, Krabi & Andaman Coast (Southwest Coast)

• The wettest months are September and October
• Dry Season:  mid-November – March

Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao (Gulf of Thailand)

• The rainiest months are October and November
• “Shoulder season”  (not too much rain): January and February
• May – October can be windy

What to pack for visiting Southern Thailand

• Reef safe sunscreen
• Bug repellant  (solids are the way to go!)
• A wide brimmed hat or baseball cap to keep the sun out of your eyes

Cool Season in Thailand: November – February

Peak of the dry season in most parts of the country, November sees cooler temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The western Thai Gulf coast is the only part of the country still experiencing rain.

Getting into the peak of tourism season in Thailand, weather is great all over the country and temperatures are relatively cool. There is little to no rainfall and tourists flock to the beaches for plenty of sunshine.

Peak tourism season and great weather all over Thailand. Accommodation will be at premium prices, and you should book well in advance. The cooler temps in the northern region are great for hiking in the mountains and trekking through the jungles. 

Still peak tourism season all over the country. The Chinese New Year typically happens in February (thought it follows the lunar calendar and the exact vary from year to year).

Best places to visit during cool season in Thailand

• Northern Thailand  experiences the most comfortable weather of the year during this time.  Chiang Mai , Chiang Rai and  Pai  are all great places to add to your itinerary.
• Consider visiting  lesser known destinations , as this time of year is peak tourism season.
• Sam Phan Bok:  A natural wonder only accessible during dry season. Found in Ubon Ratchathani, Isan, thousands of holes are scattered across the Mekong River bed. 
• Bo Sang , a small village in the north hosts their annual Umbrella Festival on the 3rd weekend in January. 
• Chinatown in  Bangkok   is a fun place to witness the Chinese New Year celebrations.
• Visit some of the  Thai Islands in the Andaman Sea  such as  Koh Lipe ,  Koh Lanta  and Phuket.

Best things to do in Thailand during cool season

• Celebrate the  Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai   in November.
• Visit temples in  Bangkok   such as Wet Saket during the Thai national holiday of Makha Bucha to observe spiritual rituals.
• Krabi Naga Fest , a music festival near Krabi.
• Jai Thep Music and Arts Festival  takes place in Chiang Mai in early February.
• Loy Krathong festival is celebrated around the country  by floating krathongs on the rivers to give thanks to the water spirits.
• Ayutthaya World Heritage  and Red Cross Fair boasts stunning light shows amid the ancient ruins.
• Big Mountain Music Festival  in Phetchaburi happens in December.
• The Andaman coast  is at it’s best in November, so it’s a perfect time to go  island hopping .

Hot Season in Thailand: March – May

Temperatures are starting to heat up all over Thailand, so it’s best to stay near the water. In the north, burning season is in full force, so you’ll want to avoid traveling there as much as possible. (Trust us, we lived in Chiang Mai during these months, and we would  not  recommend it.) Instead, this is prime time for  diving in the Andaman Sea  at popular locations such as the Similan Islands. 

One of the hottest months in Thailand. Be sure your accommodation has air conditioning if you are visiting during this month. Remember to drink lots of water and use plenty of sunscreen too. 

Another incredibly hot month in Thailand. With many public and religious holidays, it’s a good time to get off the beaten path and experience new and interesting cultural celebrations. 

Best places to visit during hot season in Thailand

• The  ancient city of Ayutthaya  is a great place for boxing fans to visit on National Muay Thai Day
• Bangkok, Phuket or  Chiang Mai   during Songkran Festival
• Similan Islands liveaboard   for scuba diving in the Andaman sea

Best things to do in Thailand during hot season

• Turtle Release Festival  in Phang Nga in March
• Thailand’s International Balloon Festiva l happens around this time in a different location every year
• Pattaya International Music Festival:  one of Thailand’s best, takes place over a 3-day weekend in March and it’s 100% free to attend!
• Check out a Muay Thai demonstration on  National Muay Thai Day  on March 17
• Songkran Festival  is famous for it’s water fights in the streets takes place around the country in April during the Thai New Year

Rainy Season in Thailand: June – October

The start of the rainy season means you’ll want to carry an umbrella and wear shoes that can get wet. Take extra precautions on scooters as the roads can be dangerous when wet.

Wet and humid all over Thailand, you’ll want to pack and umbrella and wear plenty of bug spray! Be careful of leeches if you are planning on venturing into the jungle.

Typically the wettest month in all of Thailand. Come prepared for the rain and be sure to have a long list of indoor activities to entertain yourself during this month. 

This is the wettest time of year on the Andaman coast, but rains generally ease up in the north. 

Central and Northern Thailand will have dried up by October, but nearly all of the islands on both coasts will still be experiencing heavy rain.

Best places to visit during rainy season in Thailand

• National Parks such as  Khao Yai National Park and Kanchanaburi’s Erawan National Park  will be wonderful this time of year.
• Koh Samui, Koh Phangan,  Hua Hin, and Cha Am will be some of the driest beaches and islands to visit.
• Bangkok  for its magnitude of indoor activities and International festivals.
• The  small mountain town of  Pai  for its decent weather in October.
• Visit the  Mekong River  in the north to experience the mysterious natural phenomenon known as Naga Fireballs of Nong Khai in late October.

Best things to do in Thailand during rainy season

• Phi Ta Khon Festival in Dan Sai district of Loei province
• Go chasing waterfalls!  They will be at their fullest during the rainy season.
• Visit the  floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park  
• Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival in Isan
• Scuba diving in Koh Tao
• Visit temples, museums, art galleries and malls  to stay indoors as much as possible during the rain.
• Experience  long boat races  on rivers all over the country in September.

The best time to visit Thailand in our opinion…

There really is no “bad” time to visit Thailand, but it’s a good idea to have the seasons in mind when planning your itinerary and activities you’d like to experience during your trip.

Our personal pick would be to visit Thailand between November and February, as you’ll have great weather all around the country.

When to avoid traveling in Thailand

• Chiang Mai : If possible, avoid visiting from mid-February through early April. This is “burning season” and air quality can be quite bad.
• Andaman Sea  (Krabi, Phi Phi, Phuket, Koh Lanta) : Rainy season is from May – October
• Gulf Islands  (Koh Tao, Koh Chang, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui) : Rainfall is heaviest in October & November
• Similan Islands : The National Marine Park is closed between the months of November through March.

What to pack for your trip to Thailand

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating this super helpful PDF just for you.

In this free SE Asia packing list PDF download , we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra medicines you may want to have on-hand just in case.

Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in SE Asia that you won’t find anywhere else!

Are you planning a trip to Thailand?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Thailand and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• How to Travel Sustainably in Thailand
• Thailand Beaches: Two Week Island Hopping Itinerary
• Scuba Diving in Thailand: The Best Liveaboards for Every Budget
• Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Bangkok

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We want to hear from you!

Have you ever been to Thailand before? When did you go and what was your experience like? Leave your comments in the section below and we’ll do our best to respond to any questions!

Comments (7) on “ Best Time to Visit Thailand: When to Go & When to Avoid! ”

Thailand is everyone first choice for holiday.

Hello ! I will be traveling to Thailand from May 12 to May 29th 2023 with my family. Is there any destinations that are closed to tourists to due the low season or rainy season? Which areas do you recommend me to go in May to avoid rain 😉 Thank you

Hello Wanderers! I am planning to visit Thailand later in the year, after having been there back at the turn of the century. I was very drawn overall toward the culturally rich aspects of life. My query is related to the continuing Covid 19 pandemic waves, and the related fallout: sudden travel restrictions, new testing rules, already booked reservations, which one is then unable to fulfill. Is there a thing such as outright relevant cause to have some pre-booked accommodations annulled, due situations fully beyond a tourist’s control, like a cancelled / well delayed flight, or service shutdown. Wonder if you could share feedback. Cheers ! Julius

This is a useful blog detailing about the best time to visit Thailand. What I liked about it is the description about the climate region-wise that makes planning a trip easy.

Hi, great page – comprehensive, yet easy to read, and great pictures. Maybe you can include a map of the country, making it easier for readers to see where these wonderful places are geographically located. Thanks.

Been to Thailand Phuket before loved it. Coming back next year in August 2022. Can you tell me. Are we able to travel to phi phi island. , And I’m praying Phuket will be open for international visitors. From AUSTRALIA, That are fully vaccinated, Hopefully. NO. QUARANTINE,

Similan Islands are closed from 1st May until end of October officially. In reality it however opens somewhere mid-October

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5-Day Thailand Itinerary: Everything You Must Know!

A warm smile and a gentle bowing down with folded palms are how the Thai welcome their guests. The Wai, as the Thai call this greeting, shows respect or expresses gratitude. This contrast of tradition and the contemporary is what attracts travellers to the most happening Asian destination.  From hip Bangkok to the beachy town of Pattaya or the outdoor-sy Krabi, Thailand is truly the Land of Smiles. Here’s a glimpse into as much as you can squeeze into a 5-day Thailand itinerary on your Thailand tour packages .

Day 1: Culture and Adventure

Start your Thailand trip with the vibrant beachside town of Pattaya. There is more than just beaches and parties here, Pattaya has a graceful cultural face too. Start your day with the Sanctuary of Truth, a temple that brings together Hindu and Buddhist religious beliefs of Thailand, China, and India. The complex is an architectural wonder, made of wood with not a nail in them! Enjoy the brilliant views of the ocean from this 105-metre tall building. Head next for some adventure – Ziplining through the forest canopy of Khao Kheow. Scream your way through the 3km course and later visit the zoo nearby on your 5-day tour of Thailand honeymoon packages .

Day 2: Soak in nature

A short speedboat ride from Pattaya are the Koh Larn or the Coral Islands. The translucent blue waters of this little island teems with colourful marine life and corals. Take a scuba dive into these idyllic waters and discover the colours of the ocean or get a bird’s-eye from a parachute above. From here, head to pay your respects to the giant golden Buddha of Wat Phra Yai in South Pattaya on your 5-day itinerary of Thailand. A short trek uphill to the Monument Park here will give you the best views of the Pattaya bay and a mesmerising sunset as well.

Day 3: Capital city

Landing in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, might be a sensory overload for many. Street food, culture, adventure, nightlife; this city has something for everyone. Take a peek at Thailand’s cultural heritage with the Siam Niramit – a world-class performance on a huge stage. The show features over 100 dancers in lavish costumes and fabulous sets – overall a stimulating experience to start your Bangkok adventure. 

Day 4: Temple time

Thailand has a 95% population of Buddhists, the highest in the world. The country has as many as 40,000 Wats or temples to Buddha, the most important being the Wat Phra Kaew. Located in the majestic Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, this temple is called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and has the Buddha carved from a single stone of jade. The Wats are marked by the tall golden spires over intricately carved domes or stupas.  Soaking in the magnificence of these shrines can take up a good part of your day on your 5-day Thailand itinerary!

Day 5: The outdoors

Off the west coast of Thailand is the island of Krabi. Set in startling blue waters, the island is a haven for lovers of the outdoors. The activities that one can do on a sunny day are many, and most days are sunny here! Bump around the island on an ATV or ride atop an elephant, feeling like a king taking a survey of his fiefdom. Rafting in the waters of the Songprak River is no easy feat; don’t leave Krabi without checking your rafting skills. Read this Krabi story, and we are sure you will take the next flight out!

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7 Days Thailand Itinerary

FAQs on Thailand Trip

A: You should definitely visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, or Pattaya on your 5-day trip to Thailand.

A: It is possible to explore multiple destinations in 5 days, but only if proper planning is done. By prioritizing specific activities and choosing nearby locations, you can save a lot of time and explore the country.

A: Absolutely, you can visit the spectacular beaches like Railay Beach, Patong Beach, and Ao Nang, Pattaya Beaches and more.

A: From ancient temples to mountainous landscapes, adventure activities to serene moments, you can have it all at Chiang Mai.

A: Bangkok is a paradise for travellers as it offers amazing places to explore, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun, the Chao Phraya River, vibrant street food, Chatuchak market and more. Whether you are travelling with your family or friends, every place has something unique.

Inspired enough to get packing with a 5-day Thailand itinerary and make a Thailand honeymoon package? Plan and book your personalized itinerary in under 10 minutes with Pickyourtrail! 

Shefali Ganesh

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10 Day Thailand Itinerary – The Perfect Way to Spend 10 Days in Thailand

10 days in Thailand is not nearly long enough to see everything this beautiful, colourful country has on offer, but it WILL give you a good flavour of Thailand and allow ample time to see all the best bits. of Thailand

I wrote this 10 day Thailand itinerary to allow you to sample all of Thailand’s highlights – the colourful temples, the exotic cuisine, the bustling cities, the chaotic markets and of course, the beautiful tropical beaches.

During these 10 days in Thailand, you will experience Thailand’s most popular cities, rural life and get the opportunity to go island hopping. There will be opportunities for trekking, exploring and relaxing, making this possibly the best 10 day Thailand itinerary !

Read | More about Thailand

In this article, not only will we cover what you should do in 10 days in Thailand but also where to go in Thailand , how to get there, where to stay, what to do and which tours to consider. I’ll also be answering some frequently asked questions about Thailand. So read on to discover how to plan the perfect holiday in Thailand.

Now a heads up, this is a LONG article packed with loads of incredibly useful Thailand travel tips. If you want to skip these tips and head straight to the itinerary you can do so by clicking HERE . If however, you want to learn about sailing trips, click HERE and Thailand adventure tours, click HERE . For the rest of you, I hope you have a cuppa ready… Let’s go!

No time to read it now? No worries! Pin it for later..!

** Pssst, this article may contain affiliate links. If you have no idea what this means, click here and everything will be explained!**

What you can expect from this article...

• 1 An Overview of this 10 day Thailand Itinerary
• 2 Things to Know before visiting Thailand
• 3.1 Getting to Thailand
• 3.2 Getting around Thailand
• 4.1 Day 1-2 of your 10 day Thailand itinerary: Bangkok
• 4.2 Day 3-4 of your 10 days Thailand Itinerary: Chiang Mai
• 4.3 Day 5-10 of your 10 day Thailand itinerary: Island Hopping from Phuket
• 4.4 The Islands
• 5.1 How much does a 10 day trip to Thailand cost?
• 5.2 Is Thailand safe to travel alone?
• 5.3 What injections do I need for Thailand?
• 5.4 Is there malaria in Thailand?
• 5.5 Is the water safe to drink in Thailand?
• 5.6 Do I need a visa for 10 days in Thailand?
• 5.7 What is the best time to go to Thailand?
• 5.8 Are there any festivals in Thailand worth going to?
• 6.1 Packing list for 10 Days in Thailand
• 7 10 Day Thailand Itinerary Summary
• 8.1 Read More…

An Overview of this 10 day Thailand Itinerary

• Day 1 -2 Bangkok – temples, floating markets and bustling city life.
• Day 3-5 Chiang Mai – temples, ethical elephant experiences and visiting hill tribes.
• Koh Phi Phi
• Railay Beach, Krabi

Things to Know before visiting Thailand

Population 69 million

Capitol city Bangkok

Currency The currency is Thai Baht (THB.) 1 THB = 2.5 pence or 3 cents at the time of writing this article. Always check up-to-date conversions rates before you travel.

Language The language most people speak is Thai but English is spoken fairly widely especially in the larger cities and tourist areas.

Cuisine  Traditionally spicy and full of exotic flavours. Most Thai dishes are accompanied by noodles or rice. Common ingredients found in many dishes include lemongrass, Pak Choy, fish sauce, chilli, lime, coconut, cashew nuts, peanuts, chicken and fish. Popular meals include Pad Thai, Green and Red curries and spicy soups and salads.

Weather No matter what time of years you visit, it is likely to be warm, humid and with the risk of rain as it is a tropical country. The rainy season is a little misleading as often the rain showers are heavy but short and you can enjoy plenty of sunshine in both the wet and dry seasons.

Safety It’s sensible to take precautions when travelling in Thailand though stick to some simple safety rules and you’ll be fine. Don’t walk in isolated places at night, never take drugs, tell someone where you’re going to be and use an anti-theft bag like this one to protect your belongings.

Planning your trip to Thailand

Getting to thailand.

Thailand shares borders with four countries – Malaysia, Laos , Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma) and as such can be reached by land crossings from any of these countries with relative ease.

Most people arrive in Thailand by plane and there are 11 international airports in Thaialnd but the biggest are ;

• Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangkok – Central Thailand
• Don Mueang International Airport – Bankok – Central Thailand
• Phuket International Airport – Phuket – South West Thailand
• Chang Mai International Airport – Chang Mai – North Thailand
• Mao Fah Luang- Chiang Rai International – Airport – Chang Rai – North Thailand
• Hat Yai International Airport – Hay Yai – South Thailand

Read more | How to find super cheap flights anywhere .

Getting around Thailand

Its actually very easy to get around Thailand. One of the best ways to travel is by overnight train. Set off in the evening and wake up somewhere new! This way you minimise your travel time and get to see more of beautiful Thailand with your time instead.

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You can usually choose which standard of cabin you want. If you want a good nights sleep, I’d recommend upgrading. If you will be sharing a cabin with strangers, make sure you are careful with your luggage. I keep my bag in my bed with me and put my valuables in my hand luggage which is padlocked and under my pillow. I never had any problems by taking simple safety measures.

There are also lots of airports (see above) so getting about by flying is actually easy and can be very affordable. There are also plenty of bus routes in Thailand but why waste a day sat on a bus when you can sleep on a train?! That said, it is the cheapest option.

For getting around cities and towns, most people travel by Tuk Tuk which is a fun ( albeit sometimes hair raising) way to travel. It is common practice to barter over the cost of a Tuk Tuk and prices are inconsistent.

You can use 12GoAsia to find all the transport options available to you.

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So now onto the good bit, your Thailand itinerary for 10 days of sun, sand, city life and adventure…

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – the perfect way to spend 2 weeks in Thailand…

Day 1-2 of your 10 day thailand itinerary: bangkok.

Bangkok is a love it or hate it city . Either way, you will have a strong opinion by the time you leave. Personally, I loved it. The hustle and bustle, the chaotic streets with Tuk Tuks weaving between heavy traffic, the honking horns and scent of spicy Thai street food mixed with exhaust fumes. It’s a fascinating, head-spinning blend of ancient and super modern culture and architecture. Bangkok is simply buzzing no matter what time of the day you visit.

2 days in Bangkok is not nearly enough time to really get to know the city but it will give you a good flavour of what the city has to offer and maybe next time, when you’re less pressed for time, you’ll be able to explore in more depth. If you do have a little longer then check out this 4 day Bangkok itinerary .

If you have just 2 days in Bangkok, I would suggest spending one day exploring the temples and grand palace followed by sampling the chaotic nightlife at Khao San road before ending your night with a stunning view at one of Bangkok’s many sky bars.

The following day, take a day trip either to the floating markets or to the ancient temple city of Ayutthaya.

How to get to Bangkok.

With 2 international airports, it will be easiest to fly into Bangkok, your starting point for this Thailand itinerary. A taxi from the airport will set you back $10-15.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Accommodation in Bangkok is very affordable even though it is the capitol city. That said, it may be slightly more expensive than in more off-the-beaten-track destinations in Thailand. That said you can easily find a dormitory bed for $8 and a double room shouldn’t set you back more than $30. Here are a few options you might want to consider.

• Shoestring: The Prince Theatre Heritage Stay is actually both a great budget and mid-range option with smart dormitory beds from $7 and more luxuriously decorated double rooms on offer too. The communal areas are stylish and spacious and it has been rated over 9/10 for both location and experience.
• Mid-Budget: Baan Noppawong is a renovated rare remaining colonial house with 7 guestrooms just 10 minutes walk from the main tourist attractions in Bangkok. It has been tastefully decorated and has a light and airy feel. It also has excellent ratings on booking.com.
• Luxury: Villa De Khaosan Hotel is certainly a luxury hotel but without the luxury price tag – rooms start at just $70! Despite being less than a mile from the buzzing Khao San Road, it’s a haven of peace with its beautiful outdoor pool and daybeds to relax on after a hard days sightseeing…

Things to do In Bangkok with just two days

• Visit the giant gold leaf reclining buddha at What Pho . At 46metres long and 15metres high, it will leave you feeling very small!
• Visit the Grand Palace . Previously home to the king and a base for the government to operate from.
• Sample the nightlife at Khao San Road . Another love it or hate it place but kind of a rite of passage when you visit Bangkok. Try some of the more unusual street food on offer (fried trantula legs anyone?) and enjoy the lively bars and club scene.
• Enjoy an over-priced drink at a Sky bar . If you prefer a quieter drink then you can’t find a bar with a better view than this. Be aware that you will likely have to wear proper shoes – no flip flops here! If you only have backpacker attire with you, you may need to go shopping in Bangkok to get some proper footwear to be allowed into these fancy bars. (It’s worth it, I promise!) Also, the drinks are expensive, even by western standards. So treat yourself to one drink here whilst you watch the sun go down, sip it slowly then move onto somewhere more affordable…
• Take a day trip to Ayutthaya . Just 80km from Bangkok lies the abandoned city of Ayutthaya , now just ancient temple relics (and also a UNESCO world heritage site) that you can easily spend a full day exploring. It’s easy to arrange a day trip to Ayutthaya directly from Bangkok so no need to organise your own transport.
• Visit a floating market . This is a popular day trip from Bangkok and with good reason. Yes, it can feel a little touristy but it’s also a great way to learn about Thai culture as you navigate your way through the narrow waterways where market stall owners operate from their rocky long tail boats selling everything from souvenirs to exotic fruits. You can also combine this with Maeklong Train Market where a rail track runs right through the middle of a crowded market.

There is also the opportunity to book a day trip which goes to both Ayutthaya and a floating market so you can maximise your sightseeing. You can book this trip here .

Read More | A Bangkok travel guide

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Day 3-4 of your 10 days Thailand Itinerary: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is incredibly popular with backpackers and expats for good reason. This ancient city with over 300 Buddhist temples is surrounded by mountains, jungle and waterfalls. It has a peaceful, relaxed vibe and many people visit for a few days and end up staying for weeks.

It’s the perfect place for adventure lovers with many activities on offer in the surrounding jungle and mountains from zip-lining to mountain biking. Culture vultures can indulge in a Thai cooking course, take a massage or enjoy a yoga class.

If you have longer than 10 days in Thailand, you may want to extend your time exploring Chiang Mai as there is so much to do here. I would probably choose to spend more time in Chiang Mai than Bangkok given the choice.

Similar to your time in Bangkok, you’d be best splitting your time here between the city and taking day trips. Explore the many beautiful temples on day one, take a massage or a cooking lesson then enjoy the bustling night markets in the evening. The following 2 day, choose from an array of day trips with everything from trekking to visit hill tribes to visiting an elephant rescue centre on offer.

How to get to Chiang Mai

I’d recommend you either hop on an internal flight or take an overnight train. Either will only set you back about $25 which may be more than a bus trip but it means you won’t waste any of your precious exploring time.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

• Shoestring: Green Sleep Hostel is both modern and cosy and you would expect, given how nice this hostel is, that it would cost a great deal more than $10. It scores 9.6 / 10 for location and gets an overall review score of 9.3 – not bad…
• Mid-budget: Anumat Premium Budget Hotel , is a classy option (despite its name!) I love the very Thai traditional decor and it’s an absolute bargain at around $25 for a twin room. It’s situated in the old city so you’ll be in the perfect location for exploring.
• Luxury: Thai Akara – Lanna Boutique Hotel This very affordable luxury hotel exudes charm and opulence. With it’s beautiful pool and stunning bedrooms, you might not ever want to leave Chiang Mai.

Things to do In Chiang Mai

Part of Chiang Mai’s charm is in the day-to-day life so make sure you spend at least a few hours just wandering and soaking up the atmosphere. You may also wan’t to consider a few of these options for things to do in Chiang Mai…

• Take a Thai cooking class . This particular cooking class includes a trip to a local market to select the ingredients you will need. You will then be taught by a Thai chef how to make a 4 course meal before proceeding to enjoy the finished products.
• Visit Elephant Nature Park. Many tourists are excited to see elephants in Thailand, maybe even taking a ride on them. However, riding elephants is harmful for their backs and most elephant centres are actually not as ethical as they may seem. Often the elephants are harmed in order to create a better experience for tourists. Therefore be VERY careful about where to go to interact with elephants in Thailand. Elephant Nature Park , however, is an ethical rehabilitation centre. You can help to feed and bathe these elephants which roam free but you will not be able to ride elephants here – which is a good thing!
• Spend time learning about the Hmong hill tribes . Take a days trek into the rainforest visiting villages along the way to learn about the Hmong hill tribe cultures including the Long-necked Karen tribe. If you are spending time in other Southeast Asian countries, then you can also visit mountain tribes in Laos and Vietnam .
• Flight of the Gibbon: Chiang Mai Eco Zip Line Adventure: Fly from tree to tree on Asia’s biggest zipline whilst helping to support gibbons and rainforest conservation. If you get lucky, you may even catch sight of the native gibbons here.
• Take a hike in the mountains: Get to know Thailand flora and fauna on this hike which takes you through the jungle, up mountains and by streams. You’ll encounter hill tribes and stop for lunch in a local village.
• Visit the Grand Canyon Water Park : Not exactly a cultural experience but a lot of fun! Visit this water park and take part in a giant inflatable assault course, try zip-lining, kayaking and wakeboarding.
• Take a Chiang Mai cycle tour: Explore beautiful Chiang Mai on a bike visiting ornate teak homes, ancient temples, bustling markets and ride along Ping river.
• Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) at Chiang Rai: Chiang Rai’s white temple is quite simply the most beautiful temple I’ve ever. This modern bright white temple glitters in the sun as it bounces off the thousands of mirror fragments. It is the lifelong project of the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. During this day trip, you will also stop off at some hot springs, take a boat trip on the Mekong River and visit Wat Phra That Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen Ancient City.

Go white water rafting: Chiang Rai really is an adventure lovers paradise. So it’s no surprise that you can try white water rafting here. Take a combined hike and rafting trip and also stop at a beautiful waterfall for a swim.

Day 5-10 of your 10 day Thailand itinerary: Island Hopping from Phuket

After exploring the bustling capital city of Bangkok and sampling some of the adventure activities on offer near Chiang Mai, it’s time to spend 5 days enjoying some rest and relaxation on some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches and islands.

There are a couple of options here. You could choose to island hop by yourself spending a day or two on each island taking day trips to explore the smaller islands and reefs. We’ll talk more about the places you could base yourself in just a minute.

The other option and my personal recommendation would be to take a 4-day sailing trip around the Thai islands . I took a sailing trip with Intrepid Travel and it was one of the most glorious, relaxing weeks of my life with days spent snorkelling straight off the boat, visiting otherwise deserted islands and lagoons and exploring secretive caves in kayaks.

Read More | Island hopping from Phuket with Intrepid Travel – A Review

Sailing Trips from Phuket

We visited many of the popular islands and beaches but also some of the off-the-beaten-track islands which many people don’t manage to visit. It’s also very reasonably priced at under $500 (remember all your activities and most of your food will be included.)

Whilst I took a 7 day trip , there are also 4 day sailing trip options which would work well with this 10 day Thailand itinerary.

If you do decide to take a sailing trip, I can recommend 3 different companies so it would be worth checking them all out to find an itinerary, boat and budget to suit you.

I’ve taken sailing trips with both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel and both companies have always been incredible. They are great if you want to snorkel but if you’d prefer to take regular dives, Live Aboard is probably the company for you. Check out some of the options here…

Island Hopping around the Phi Phi islands and Adaman Coast from Phuket

If you choose to stay on dry land and island hop, then I’d recommend 1 day in Koh Phi Phi, 2 days at Railay Peninsula in Krabi and 2 days in Koh Lanta. Whilst Phuket is the largest island in this region, it is also the most touristy and since you only have 5 days in this beautiful location, I’d recommend just using Phuket as a launching pad for visiting the more beautiful islands.

If you’d rather base yourself in one place and just take day trips, that’s an option too. Phuket or Koh Phi Phi would be the easiest places to base yourself with plenty of day trips on offer. You can even enrol in a 3-day PADI course from Phuket.

See Tours visiting the Phi Phi islands

How to get to Phuket and the other islands

The quickest way to reach Phuket will be by flying. There is an international airport a short taxi ride from Phuket. You can then hop on a ferry to any of the other islands. Ferries between islands usually between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30.

The Islands

Thailand’s largest island and also known as the ‘pearl of the Andaman,’ Phuket makes a great base for exploring the nearby beautiful Phi Phi islands . You’ll find everything from jungle to beautiful beaches to a buzzing nightlife here. BUT, it is also busy and quite touristy (as are many places in this region, popular with backpackers for good reason.) Whilst Phuket does indeed have gorgeous beaches, I think you’ll find even nicer ones if you venture to the smaller islands.

Where to stay in Phuket

If you decide to base yourself in Phuket, here are a few accommodation options for you…

• Shoestring: Whitewall Poshtel offers cheap beds in a smart hostel from only $7. It scores exceptionally on booking.com with an impressive 9.6 out of 10.
• Mid-budget: The Memory at On On Hotel is situated right in the Phuket old town and offers comfortable double rooms in a stylish colonial house from $33
• Luxury: BYD Lofts by X2 offers stylish serviced apartments just a 5-minute walk from Patong beach. You can relax by the swanky rooftop pool or even book a relaxing massage

Koh Phi Phi Don

Koh Phi Phi, along with Bangkok, is one of those places you will either love or hate. It’s undeniably beautiful, particularly the view looking onto the double bays of Ton Sai and Loh Dalum. It’s a perfect blend of jungle, white powdery beaches and hedonistic culture.

However, it shot to fame after the film ‘The Beach’ was filmed on the smaller of the islands, Phi Phi Ley. Now tourists flock to Phi Phi Don ( the only inhabited island) which has since become pricey and crowded.

If you want to spend your days’ island hopping and relaxing on perfect beaches followed by enjoying the vibrant nightlife and beach parties at night, then you will love Koh Phi Phi Don. If you are looking for peace and quiet and virtually deserted tropical beaches, then you will probably only want to make a fleeting visit here.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi Don

• Shoestring: @The Pier 519 Hostel offers clean and modern dormitory accommodation. It’s more pricey than your average Thailand hostel but this is Phi Phi…
• Mid-budget: Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort offers cute beachside bungles in a tropical garden setting by the tranquil Pak Nam beach. The bungalows are simply furnished but that is part of the charm here.
• Luxury: Zeovola Resort is quite simply, stunning. This tropical retreat offers jungle infinity pools and a private beach. The rooms are mind-blowingly gorgeous with floor to ceiling windows to enjoy beach and jungle views and wrap around balconies. Definitely stay here for a night or two if your budget can stretch to it.

Railay Peninsula, Krabi

Railay is actually more of a peninsula than a beach town and has an island feel to it given that it’s cut off from the mainland by rugged limestone cliffs and dense jungle. Therefore, the only way in, is by boat.

Whilst a popular destination for backpackers, it does have a more relaxed feel to it than Koh Phi Phi and as such many people prefer it.

There are 4 beautiful beaches and even a ‘penis cave’ – apparently a shrine to fertility..! It’s also a really popular destination for people interested in rock climbing. Railay beach is often said to be one of the most beautiful places in Thailand and they may just be right!

Where to stay in Railay beach

• Shoestring: The Moment Hostel is just a short walk from all the best beaches and restaurants and offers both dormitory accommodation and private rooms with smart, modern decor. It’s rated 9/10 for location and 8.8/10 for overall experience.
• Mid-budget: Krabi Resort offers light and airy, stylish rooms with a lovely heated pool with a swim up bar. It has direct access to Ao Nang beach and is rated 9.1/10 for location.
• Luxury: Rayavadee Resort – wow, wow, wow, this place is incredible. Not only is it extremely luxurious (sorry it also carries a luxury price tag) but this 5 * hotel even boats a restaurant inside a cave! I want to go back to Railay beach, just to stay in this hotel and eat in a cave!

If you are looking for somewhere non-touristy and less developed, Koh Lanta may be the best island for you to visit. It is developed enough that you will have enough accommodation, food and tour options but the beaches won’t feel crowded. It has a laid back vibe that may have you wanting to stay forever. The island is 27km long so the best way to explore is to hire a scooter. 

Where to stay in Koh Lanta

Shoestring: Riviera Boutique House offers both private rooms and dormitories from $18 with the added bonus of free wifi and a pleasant swimming pool. It is also rated 9.2/10 by people who have stayed there previously.

Mid-budget: Lazy Days Bungalows offers cute beachside bungalows which are nicely decorated with free wifi and aircon. Solo travellers in particular rated it well, scoring 9.5/10.

Luxury: Layana Resort and Spa – take your pick from a soft white sandy beach or an infinity pool in a landscaped garden, this place is certainly a luxurious place to stay. There is also a gym, library and an award-winning spa on site.

Things to do in the Phi Phi Islands

Bamboo Island – if you want to sample a slice of paradise, Bamboo island is where you’ll find it. With just a small snack shop and cafe on the island, the only other thing you’ll find on Bamboo island is absolutely pristine tropical beaches with shallow azure water and soft sandy white beaches.

James Bond I sland – if you are a James Bond fan then you need to visit Phang-Nga Bay and the limestone karst islands of Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan. This is where ‘The man with the golden gun’ was shot and is a little slice of paradise. This trip will allow you to kayak amongst these unique limestone karsts before sailing back to Phuket.

Koh Khai Nok – a tiny beautiful remote island with perfect white sandy beaches, shallow turquoise water and amazing snorkelling right off the beach. There is a bar/restaurant and deckchairs available giving it a mini-resort feel. The Khai Islands are definitely worth a visit.

Take a snorkel tour – Yes you can snorkel off many beaches but sometimes the best snorkel points are slightly more tricky to access and you may need to take a sailing trip or a longtail boat to get to the best places for crystal clear water, colourful coral and the best chance of spotting sea life. Besides what could be nicer than sailing through turquoise waters with the breeze in your hair whilst you relax with a good book, dipping in and out of the ocean whenever you get too warm..?!

Go Scuba Diving – There are so many incredible dive destinations in this area of Thailand. Koh Bida Nok & Nai and Mosquito Island are popular dive destinations with the later being popular for diving to explore shipwrecks.

Visit Monkey Beach – A small cove on Koh Phi Phi Don, Monkey beach is only accessible by boat or kayak. You will find lot’s of curious monkeys here. Please note, you shouldn’t feed them but many tourists do and so they can sometimes be a little cheeky or even aggressive if you get too close.

The best time to visit is in the afternoon when the monkeys are well fed and less likely to be nasty! It’s a great place to see monkeys in the wild but be careful not to have any food on your person and keep all your possessions well out of sight of these cheeky blighters!

Go Kayaking – kayaking is one of the best ways to explore this little coves and secluded beaches surrounding the smaller islands. Getting out in a kayak allows you to get further from the crowds and experience the idyllic beaches at their most, well, idyllic! Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for seat turtles along the way.

Take a Cooking class – If you fancy a day on dry land, why not take a cooking class and learn how to make some of your favourite Thai foods?

Try Beach yoga – Thailand is a popular destination for hollistic therapies and well being activities like yoga are found in almost every town, village and island. What could be more relaxing than starting your day with some yoga whilst you listen to the crashing waves in the background?

Hike to the viewpoint on Koh Phi Phi Don – overlooking the 2 curved sandy bays where the island is split in two by a sandy back, this viewpoint is spectacular and one of the reasons a visit to Koh Phi Phi is so popular.

What about Maya Bay?

Sadly the beautiful beach at Maya Bay (featured in the popular film ‘The Beach’) is now out of bounds to tourists. This is the product of overtourism and an important reminder that if we don’t treat the places we visit with respect, we might not be able to continue enjoying them long term.

Thailand Travel FAQs

How much does a 10 day trip to thailand cost.

In general, Thailand is a great place for anyone to travel if they are on a tight budget. Here are approximate Thailand prices you should expect to pay so that you can work out how much your 10 day Thailand trip will cost.

Dorm room in a hostel in Thailand $8-10

Mid budget hotel or guest house double room $20-30

Smart hotel double room with a pool $50-70

Eating out in Thailand $10 a day if eating local food in restaurants. Less if eating street food .

Internal flight in Thailand – Chang Mai – Bangkok >$25 Chiang Mai – Phuket $50

Long distance bus journey e.g. Bangkok – Chiang Mai $15+

Long distance overnight sleeper train >$25

Scooter rental $8-10 for one day

A 4 day Sailing trip around the Thai Islands <$500

If you are visiting Thailand on a shoestring, you could achieve this 10 day trip to Thailand with a budget of $350 plus flights. But you may want to budget a little more to stay in nicer accommodation and take more day trips. $700-1000 would be a comfortable budget allowing for some luxuries including a multi-day sailing trip if you wish.

Is Thailand safe to travel alone?

There are many solo backpackers who travel to Thailand every year without every having any problems. However, it’s important you take sensible safety precautions such as avoiding being out at night alone and making sure you keep a close eye on your belongings. It pays not to draw attention to yourself by wearing flashy clothes or jewellery .

If you follow sensible precautions, you will be absolutely fine in Thailand and it is actually one of the easiest countries to travel solo as there are so many provisions for backpackers.

Check out this collection of anti-theft travel bags which are NOT ugly!

What injections do I need for Thailand?

Make sure you are up to date with the following vaccines:

• Hepatitis B

The following may be worth considering if you are deemed high risk (depending on underlying conditions, length of stay and staying in places with poor hygiene conditions.) You can check if you are high risk using the FitForTravel website.

• Hepatitis A
• Japanese Encephalitis

If you are coming from or transiting through a country with yellow fever

Is there malaria in Thailand?

Most of Thailand is deemed low to no risk. However, there are some areas with a higher risk and if you are travelling to these places you will need to take anti-malaria pills. You can use this Malaria map to check where the risky areas are.

Is the water safe to drink in Thailand?

No, the tap water is NOT safe to drink in Thailand and doing so could make you very sick.

Instead, I’d recommend using a Lifestraw bottle to filter the tap water which will make it safe to drink and make it taste nicer!

The alternative is to take chlorine tablets to put in your water bottle however they take a while to take effect and can taste a bit gross so the filter bottle is much better!

• Reusable LifeStraw Go BPA-free water bottle filters water while drinking; great for travel, backpacking, camping, and emergency kits
• Award-winning LifeStraw hollow fiber membrane water filter removes bacteria and protozoa from lakes, streams to ensure safe, clean drinking water
• 2-stage activated carbon filter reduces odor, chlorine and leaves zero aftertaste
• Removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites without chemicals, iodine or batteries
• Durable, 23-ounce, leak-proof bottle made of BPA-free Tritan and features a food-grade silicone mouthpiece; replacement filters available separately

Do I need a visa for 10 days in Thailand?

If you are from the U.S or U.K or many countries in Europe , you can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for 30 days. There are lots of nationalities which will need a visa and most can obtain this at the airport. Find out if you will need a visa here .

What is the best time to go to Thailand?

If you are following this 10 day Thailand itinerary then the best time to visit will be between November to March. If you opt instead to explore the east coast of Thailand then try to visit between January and May.

The peak season in the North of Thailand is between November and May when the days are dry and sunny. The weather is gradually getting warmer during these months and will get hot and wet in the rainy season which starts in June.

The weather on the coast is slightly different. On the west coast, the rainy season is between April and October and on the east coast, you’ll see the most rainfall between September and December so you will need to plan your Thailand itinerary accordingly.

Are there any festivals in Thailand worth going to?

Thailand has so many colourful and crazy festivals throughout the year.

Perhaps most crazy of all is Songkran, essentially a 3 days long water fight! Held in April, it is the traditional New Years day and the water is thrown to symbolise washing away sins and bad luck.

In June or July be blown away by the exotic colourful masks worn for Phi Ta Khon or the ‘ghost festival.’

Visit Chang Mai in Novemeber to see the Lantern festival where hundreds of paper lanterns are let into the sky creating a real visual treat.

Chinese New Year is also a popular festival in Thailand and is usually celebrated in January or February. Expect dragon parades, firecrackers and dancing in the streets!

Read More | The 10 Best festivals in Thailand

Thailand Group Tours

If you’d prefer to have the hassle taken out of travel or you are a solo traveller looking to make some friends, then a group tour can be a great way to see a lot in a short time. You can travel with like-minded people, have the reassurance of travelling with a group and learn from an informative local guide. I have taken 3 tours myself in Thailand. Two land-based trips and one sailing trip.

Here are a few Thailand group tours which look brilliant…

Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek

5 Days. Starts and ends in Chiang Mai.

Trek through the jungle, explore caves and learn about life in the hill tribes on this 5-day trek.

Thailand Wellness Trip

9 Days. Bangkok to Koh Samui.

If you are looking for some rest and relaxation, this might be the trip for you. With a focus on health and well being, this trip offers yoga lessons and meditation on the beach alongside cooking and Thai massage lessons as well as soaking up the local culture.

Thailand Island Hopping along the East Coast

8 Days Bangkok to Ko Tao.

If you are visiting between April and October, it would beb better to skip the west coast and head for the east coast where the better weather will be. This island hopping trip showcases the best of the east islands, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao. Spend your time snorkelling, relaxing on perfect beaches, hiking to waterfalls and, if the timings right, try a Full Moon party.

Thailand West Coast Adventure

23 days Bangkok to Phuket

If you’re looking to find a trip that encompasses most of Thailand highlights and you have a little extra time then this might be the perfect trip for you. It visits everywhere mentioned in this 10 day Thailand itinerary plus more besides.

Packing list for 10 Days in Thailand

Here are a few backpacking essentials you’ll definitely want to pack for your 10 days in Thailand…

Swimwear . This kind of goes without saying! That crystal clear azure water will tempt you for a swim several times a day so make sure you have more than one swimsuit or bikini with you.

Quick Dry Towel . Since you’ll be in and out of the water a lot, it would be a good idea to invest in an antibacterial, sand-free, quick dry towel. I love these fun ones from Dock and Bay.

Underwater action camera . There are some incredible snorkel and dive spots in Thailand and you’re going to want to catch it all on camera. I have a Go Pro 6 which I love. It takes incredible quality photos and videos and is very easy to use. However, if your budget won’t stretch to this, you can also get super cheap equivalents which take reasonable photos for under $50 like this one . For more advice about buying cameras, read about the best cameras for backpacking

Kindle . The great thing about island hopping and backpacking is that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy relaxing with a book. These days you can take as many books with you as you like by storing them on your Kindle . The new Kindles are even waterproof so perfect for beach and boat trips.

Snorkel . If you take a boat trip, snorkels will usually be provided but if you want to save money and snorkel straight off the beaches, it may work out to be the most cost-effective (and pleasant) to take your own snorkel set .

Scarf or sarong . You will need to dress modestly when you visit temples in Thailand . A scarf or sarong comes in really handy to cover your shoulders.

Long skirt . For the same reason, you might want to invest in a long skirt to wear as your short shorts probably aren’t appropriate at a place of worship.

Anti-theft luggage . Luggage which is reinforced against theft will give you some peace of mind when you travel around Thailand, especially on those night trains. You can get some really pretty ones now so you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety. I like this one and this one .

Bug spray . There are a lot of bugs in Thailand so make sure you plaster yourself in DEET and wear long sleeves in the evenings.

Reef safe sunscreen . Did you know that most sunscreen is damaging to the delicate coral and to sea creatures? But there are environmentally friendly sunscreens out there such as this one .

Water to go bottle . The tap water is not safe to drink in Thailand and buying bottled water is both costly (when it adds up) and bad for the environment. Investing in a Water to Go bottle will save you money as it filters the water as you drink making the tap water (or even river water) safe for drinking. You can get a discount by quoting GLOBETROTTERGP at the checkout. Get yours here . Or read my water filter bottle review .

Dry Bag . If you are planning any boat trips, this will be important as you can put all your valuables and photography equipment in it and know it won’t get damaged if it takes a splash! Try to get one which floats too like this one .

Read More | A Detailed packing list for Southeast Asia

10 Day Thailand Itinerary Summary

It’s been a long one so let’s summarise shall we? Here are some of the most important things to remember when planning a trip to Thailand in 10 days.

• Bangkok is a great city but Chiang Mai is even better. I recommend 2 days in Bangkok and 3 days in Chiang Mai unless you have longer than 10 days to visit Thailand.
• The west coast is, in my opinion, the best for beach hopping having personally visited both sides . However, if you are visiting in April to August, it may be best to head to the East islands of Koh Samet, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Ko Tao as the west coast is rainy at this time.
• If you are looking for peace and quiet, head to Railay beach and Koh Lanta. If you are looking for lively beaches and buzzing nightlife, you’ll want to spend time on Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.
• Taking a sailing trip is simply the best way to explore all the islands including the off-beat ones and is more affordable than you would think.

Thailand Reading material

• Lonely Planet Thailand Guide
• The Rough Guide to the best beaches and islands in Thailand
• Thailand: The Cookbook
• A History of Thailand
• Thailand: The solo girls travel guide
• Lonely Planet Thailand Planning Map

Read More…

• Thailand Island Hopping with Intrepid Travel
• Bangkok in 4 days – an itinerary
• A 2 week Indonesia Itinerary
• The best Cambodia and Vietnam Tour for adventure seekers
• Backpacking Laos Guide
• Why the beaches in Bali are overrated (and where to go instead.
• Singapore City Guide – by a local

Wow, that turned into a mammoth post! If you’ve made it to the end, well done! Go reward yourself with a cuppa whilst you muse over this 10 day Thailand itinerary. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how you plan to spend your 2 weeks in Thailand!

Do you have any questions? If so, drop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them for you.

In the meantime, here are some pretty pins for your Pinterest boards…

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The perfect 10 day sri lanka itinerary – for wildlife, scenery & culture, the best southeast asia packing list (plus what to wear), the best da nang itinerary – how to plan 3 days in da nang, this post has 4 comments.

So excited to see Koh Samui on your list! We’re going there as part of our trip to Thailand. I can’t wait to see the beaches and marine life!

Hey man…I read the article…awesome and rhanks…doing 11 days. 1 question? You covered Bankok across to Phukett but do I gotta fly back to Bangkok to get back to the states? Assuming so. Let me know and thanks for all the tips.

That Im not sure, but best place to check is skyscanner!

Thanks for the post. It was very interesting and meaningful. I really appreciate it! Keep updating stuffs like this.

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Destinations

Experiences.

• Photography

Plan Your Trip

Thailand starts here.

Thailand is a place that will always feel like home to me, no matter how long it’s been since I actually lived there. There is no dilemma in my life for which walking through the pearly gate at Suvarnabhumi Airport can’t provide resolution and clarity.

My having spent literal years in Thailand over the past two decades benefits you, too. Whether you’re unsure about how long to spend in Thailand, or where to go once you finally get there, I’ll offer you more insights over the next several paragraphs than any guidebook you’ll buy.

The idea is that once you’ve reached the end of this post, you’ll be able to assemble a complete Thailand itinerary. Whether you plan to spend 2 weeks in Thailand, or stay in the Kingdom for a month, your next trip to Thailand starts here.

Practical Matters

When to visit thailand.

There’s the question of how long to spend in Thailand—and the question of when to go. Almost without exception, the best time to visit Thailand is between about November and April, when the weather is relatively cool and when there’s relatively little rain. Do be mindful if you visit after January 1, however, as both Bangkok and Chiang Mai have a tendency toward smog during the earth months of the year.

Where to stay in Thailand

Thailand is one of the cheapest countries in the world for five-star hotels—but you don’t have to stay in super high-end places to feel the Kingdom’s unbelievable hospitality. In fact, no matter how much or little I spend on a hotel, almost everywhere I’ve slept in Thailand has been unforgettable. Even if you don’t end up staying at the specific places I’m about to list, or at various vacation rentals in Thailand , I hope they point you in the right direction.

• If you’re planning to be in Bangkok , find a great place to stay no matter which part of town you prefer. In the old town on the river, I love spots like Chakrabongse Villas and Sala Rattanakosin . In the modern city, meanwhile, I’ve made my home in hotels ranging from Silom ‘s SO Bangkok , to the Hotel Muse on Langsuan Road , to Anajak Hotel near the Phaya Thai Airport Rail Link terminus.
• Up north, meanwhile, there are just as many amazing hotels. In Chiang Mai , if you don’t splurge at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai , stay at a simpler (but no less charming) property in-town, such as i Lanna House or 99 the Heritage Hotel . In Chiang Rai , I love both the Four Seasons Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle outside the city center, and simple Baan Jaru within it. In Lampang , you won’t find any place better than The Riverside Guest House .
• There are so many great hotels in southern Thailand, I almost can’t count them. These range from beach properties like the luxurious Rayavadee in Krabi ‘s picturesque Railay area, to urban hotels like the Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel in Phuket Town . You’ll likewise find great hotels both on the tourist trail ( Melia Resort in Koh Samui ) and far off the beaten path, such as The Aleenta in Phang Nga province about an hour north of Phuket.

How to get around in Thailand

No matter how long in Thailand you decide is right for you, you’ll want to get around the Kingdom as quickly as you can. In many cases, this is a matter of domestic flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports (or connecting via them). In other cases, you’ll need to take multi-modal transport. To reach Koh Tao or Koh Pha Ngan islands, for example, you’ll need to first fly to Koh Samui, then board a ferry or catamaran. Traveling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, on the other hand, tends to involve either a private car or a bus.

No matter how you think you might need to get around, search 12go.com below for all your Thailand transport needs:

Money, costs and communication

Thailand isn’t as cheap as it used to be, though it’s still relatively affordable. Speaking in terms of Thai Baht , you’ll realistically need at least 3,000 (or around 100 USD) per person, per day in order to have a good time here. When I first started traveling in Thailand in 2010, the number was less than half that. Another interesting quirk? While Thailand is increasingly cashless for locals, due to locally-issued QR codes, you’ll definitely want to have some physical THB on hand for every day purchases (even though hotels and “nice” restaurants take credit cards).

If you’re planning an extended stay or immersing yourself in local culture, consider learning Thai. Understanding the basics of the Thai language can enhance your experience, foster connections with local and open doors to a deeper appreciation of the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage. Many language schools and resources are available for those interested in learning Thai , catering to various levels of proficiency.

The good news? eSIM technology has now made its way to Thailand. The better news? If you buy your Thailand eSIM online today , you can be connected the moment you land in Bangkok!

  No matter how many days in Thailand, you’ll also want to stay connected—if your home country phone plan won’t work in Thailand, purchase SIM cards from True , AIS or dtac upon arriving in the Kingdom. In terms of communicating literally, most people in Thailand can speak at least some English, although your life there will get easier the more phaasaa Thai you know .

Thailand visas

The good news? If you’re reading this page in English, you can probably enter Thailand without the need for a visa. Specifically, travelers with passports from the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and most European countries can enjoy stays of at least 30 days in Thailand without anything but their passport books in tow. The bad news? If you come from other countries, rules can be inconsistent and varied; you should contact your nearest Thai embassy or consulate to verify requirements.

Did you check to see if you need a Thailand visa to enter the Kingdom? Visit natvisa.com to see if you’re allowed visa-exempt entry to Thailand.

Where to Go in Thailand

Known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (literally “City of Angels”), Bangkok is a city that’s often misunderstood—but not by me: I’ve called the city home on multiple occasions, for more than three years in total. You’ll want to spend some of your time in temples and street food markets in older districts like Rattanakosin and Thonburi , and some cooling off in shopping malls and at rooftop bars in modern districts like Silom , Sathorn , Siam and Sukhumvit . No matter how your time in Thailand’s capital goes down, however, rest assured: This is a place you’ll never forget.

No Thailand travel itinerary is complete without a trip up north. For some travelers, this will simply entail the tourist hub of Chiang Mai , as well as the waterfalls, hill tribe villages and elephant sanctuaries on its periphery. Others will venture further, be it to rural Pai in Mae Hong Son province, to underrated Lampang (which is what Chiang Mai must’ve been like 30 years ago), to Chiang Rai , the closest city to the captivating Golden Triangle sub-region near the borders with Laos and Myanmar . Speaking of Laos, I highly recommend riding the “slow boat” to or from Luang Prabang , if you can!

The Andaman Coast

You’ve got to hit the beach, regardless of your answer to the question of how long to travel Thailand. The most popular place to go, not surprisingly, is the resort island of Phuket , followed closely by nearby Krabi , which is home to Railay Beach and the Phi Phi Islands . However, this “side” of Thailand (along the west coast in the Andaman Sea ) is also home to many other places to visit. Stay in Phang Nga just north of Phuket and day trip to the superlative Similan Islands . Or head south, be it to underrated Koh Lanta , the Trang archipelago, or to Koh Lipe island in Satun province near the Malaysian border.

The Gulf of Thailand

If your answer for “how long to spend in Thailand” is longer than two weeks, you may also have time to see beaches on the “other” side of Thailand: The Gulf of Thailand . For most travelers, this involves flying to Koh Samui , and making trips to nearby islands such as Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan . Another option, however, is to fly to take the bus from Bangkok to Trat , where islands like Koh Chang , Koh Mak and Koh Kood await.

Sometimes known as the “Texas of Thailand,” Isaan is the blanket term given to the several provinces in the northeastern part of Thailand. Like America’s most polarizing state, Isaan holds many treasures for those bold enough to venture. From the Red Lotus Sea near the city of Udon Thani , to the so-called “Grand Canyon of Thailand” near Ubon Ratchathani , to Roi Et (which is just fabulous as a city, peripheral attractions notwithstanding), Isaan is a place I hope you’re able to visit.

Other places to visit in Thailand

No matter how long to visit Thailand you decide, there’s never a bad time to explore Thailand off the beaten path . For some travelers, this is venturing to ancient capitals like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai , or to underrated coastal provinces like Trat and Nakhon Si Thammarat . For others, it’s venturing to places not completely far from Bangkok (lush Kanchanaburi or the beach resort of Hua Hin ), but totally different from the sights and sounds you enjoy when in the capital.

Sample Itineraries for Thailand

Now that I’ve gone over all the facts you’ll need to know to plan your trip to Thailand, allow me to more specifically delineate how you might want to arrange it:

• One week in Thailand : Bangkok (2-3 days) and either The North (3-4 days) or The Islands (either Andaman or Gulf, but not both; 3-4 days)
• 2 weeks in Thailand : Bangkok (2-3 days); the North (4-6 days); the Islands (4-6 days—both Andaman and Gulf if 6 days)
• Three weeks in Thailand : Bangkok (3-4 days); the North (7-10 days); the Islands (7-10 days, both the Gulf and the Andaman)
• A month in Thailand : Bangkok (5-7 days); the North (7-10 days); the Islands (7-10 days); Isaan (4-6 days)

Other FAQ About Planning Your Thailand Itinerary

How long should you spend traveling in thailand.

For most travelers, two weeks is the minimum amount of time I’d suggest spending in Thailand, especially if you’re flying in from far abroad. On the other hand, you can enjoy a week in Thailand if you’re coming from within Southeast Asia, or plan to focus on a specific region, such as Isaan. While you don’t necessarily need a month in Thailand, a short trip like 5 days in Thailand isn’t really going to cut it either.

Is 7 days enough time in Thailand?

Listen—you can have a great time with 7 days in Thailand. But whether you’re here a week or a month, your decision of how long to stay in Thailand must relate directly to how many places you plan to visit. With a week in Thailand, you realistically need to choose two destinations, whether that’s a weekend in Bangkok followed by 4-5 days up north, a week split between islands in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand or any other combination.

Is 3 weeks in Thailand too much?

How long do you need in Thailand? As long as you can spend! There’s no universe, for example, where 3 weeks in Thailand is too much. With three weeks, you can take your time exploring Bangkok, before heading north and seeing Chiang Mai, Lampang, Chiang Rai and maybe even some other places. With at least a full week left in your trip at this point, you’ll be able to visit islands in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’ve at least started putting together a Thailand itinerary. Absent that, I hope you’ve answered important practical questions about your impending trip to the Kingdom, whether they relate to how long to spend in Thailand, or which Thailand destinations you will (and won’t) visit. As someone who’s lived in Thailand multiple times (in addition to more trips than I can count over the past couple of decades), I can assure you that your first visit there almost certainly won’t be your last. At the same time, there’s something to be said about getting it right every time. As a result, I encourage you to consider hiring me to plan your trip —why take the chance of anything less than perfection?

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20 Best Experiences and things to do in Thailand

On a trip to Thailand you will have the opportunity to do many things that you may have never experienced. In this post we bring you the best experiences in Thailand : some that you can also do in other countries, and others that are unique from the land of smiles.

I have tried almost all 20 experiences that we recommend in this post. A few of them still remain in my to-do list, such as doing a Vipasana retreat at a northern Buddhist temple. Unfortunately, to do a Vipasana retreat, you need to be able to disconnect from the world for at least 10 days, and at this point in my life it is something that I don’t feel like doing. But probably one day I will.

I hope that on this list you’ll find the experiences in Thailand that better suit your taste .

Without further ado, here is the list to inspire you on your next trip to Thailand!

TOP 20 EXPERIENCES IN THAILAND

Here you can find:

🏕️ Sleep in a hammock in the jungle of Khao Sok

How to live this experience?

In Khao Sok National Park . It is not a cheap experience, as there are only a few guides with the necessary knowledge. If you are interested, you can contact us.

🤿 Get your diver’s certificate in Koh Tao

How to get the diver’s certificate?

There are many shops on the island of Koh Tao, just shop around!

🏍️ Drive the Mae Hong Son Loop

How to organize this route?

In the north of Thailand. In this article about the Mae Hong Son Loop route we tell you all the secrets.

🧘‍♀️ Detox with Yoga in Koh Phangan

Where to find these centers?

A quick Google search for ‘yoga in Koh Phangan‘ will come up with many results. One of the most famous is Samma Karuna , which refers to itself as a center of awakening, yoga and tantra.

🪁 Learn Kitesurf in Hua Hin

In which center to learn Kitesurfing?

For example, KBA Kiteboarding Kitseurf school in Hua Hin .

🏄 Surf in Phuket or Khao Lak

Where and when to surf?

Phuket’s beaches are usually good for surfing from the beginning of May to the end of October. Above all, the beaches of Nai Harn or Kata Yai.

🏞️ Sleep in a floating cabin on Cheow Lan Lake

Where to live this experience?

At Cheow Lan Lake, in Khao Sok National Park . On booking.com you will find several resorts.

🚴‍♀️ Cycling in Thailand

Where to hire bike routes?

If you decide to go on a cycling route in Thailand, I generally recommend joining an agency circuit. For example, you can look at the SpiceRoads or Siam Bike Tours websites. However, if you are experienced and more adventurous, you can always do it on your own.

🥊 Introduce yourself to the martial art of Muay Thai

Where to learn Muay Thai?

There are Muay Thai training camps all over the country. You will find them both in the center, in the north and on the islands of southern Thailand.

🐶 Volunteer at the Soi Dog Foundation

How to do this volunteering?

Soi Dog Foundation is located in the north of Phuket, and in their website you’ll find all the necessary information in case you consider volunteering. They accept one-day volunteers, although they prefer that people join for a longer time.

🌄 Spend a night in a tribal village in northern Thailand

Where to hire this experience?

At InThailand Travel we offer 2 and 3 day trekkings in northern Thailand, which are organized by the local ethnic communities themselves.

🪂 Fly a Paramotor

What company offers the flight?

You can google the Paramotor Thailand website and book your course or flight. A 20-minute flight with introductory class costs THB 4,500 (€ 130).

👩‍🍳 Learn Thai cooking with professionals

What are the best Thai cooking schools?

The most acclaimed Thai cooking schools in the country are Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School and Blue Elephant Cooking School .

🙏 Do a Vipasana spiritual retreat

Which temples do Vipasana retreats?

In northern Thailand there are numerous temples that accept foreigners to practice Vipasana. One of the most famous is Wat Ram Poeng , in Chiang Mai. Other temples in the north are Wat Suan Dok, Wat Pa Tam Wua or Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong. We have an article in which Elena, a Spaniard buddhist nun, narrates her experience doing Vipassana in Northern Thailand .

💆‍♂️ Learn the art of Thai massage

What are the best Thai massage schools?

The oldest and most famous massage school in the country is Wat Pho temple in Bangkok . Another, very popular, is ITM in Chiang Mai.

🚣‍♂️ Visit a floating market near Bangkok

What is the most typical market from Bangkok?

At InThailand Travel we offer excursions to Damnoen Saduak floating market several times a week.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Get symbolically married in the Thai style

Where can I book this wedding?

At InThailand Travel we arrange Thai-style symbolic weddings. If you are interested you can send us an e-mail.

🌆 Take a drink on a skyscraper’s rooftop bar

What are the best panoramic rooftop bars in Bangkok?

In Bangkok there are many good ones, and some of the most popular are Vertigo (at Banyan Tree Hotel), Sirocco (at Lebua At State Tower) and Rooftop Bar (at Baiyoke Tower).

🛤️ Sleep in a night train in Thailand

Where to book train tickets?

You can book the train tickets at Baolau website .

🏝️ Island hopping for a day

On which islands can it be done?

In my opinion, the best place to go island hopping is Krabi . We have an article that talks about the best beaches in Krabi , both on the mainland and on its islands. But it can be done in many other areas of Thailand, such as Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Chang, Koh Lipe, etc.

Pol Comaposada

Pol has been traveling and creating content about Thailand and others parts of Asia since 2010. Founder and manager of Mundo Nómada Travel, a DMC (tour operator) with office in Bangkok that offers high quality tours and tailor-made packages in Thailand.

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• Kanchanaburi
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• Mae Kampong
• Golden Triangle
• Mae Hong Son
• Buriram (Isan)
• Khon Kaen (Isan)
• Koh Phi Phi Islands
• Koh Surin islands
• Similan Islands
• Hong Island
• Koh Yao Noi
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• Ang Thong Islands
• Khao Yai National Park
• Doi Inthanon National Park
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• Dragon Crest Mount in Krabi
• Khao Kho: the Thai Alps
• Mount Phu Chi Fa
• Wild Elephants at Kui Buri
• Kaeng Krachan National Park
• ⛔️ Covid19 Restrictions
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Thailand Travel Tips: 25+ Dos & Don’ts from a Frequent Visitor!

Thailand is a country you could spend 10 years exploring and still not see it all. From the mountains in the north to the beaches in the southern islands, I’ve spent over 6 months living in and traveling throughout Thailand. Every time I think I’m “done” with an area, I find out about 10 more cool things to do!  It’s an amazing country  and I know you’re going to have a fantastic time visiting – Please enjoy these essential travel tips for first-timers.

26 Essential Thailand Travel Tips 

1. do choose which location you visit wisely – the north & south are very different.

Thailand is one of those special destinations that truly has something for every type of traveler. It’s important to know what type of traveler you are before you go, as each location in Thailand has its own flavor and things it’s known for. 

For example, if you’re a super chill hippie dude, maybe don’t spend all your time in Bangkok. If you’re looking for untouched nature, you’re probably gonna love Koh Tao more than Phuket. 

🌃 🍸 🌆 Bangkok:  Bougie, plenty of amazing cafes, rooftop bars, nightlife, and the infamous Koh San Road for partiers. 

🐉 🛕 🇹🇭 Chiang Mai:  Former Digital Nomad capital of Asia (now it’s Bali). Historic city with a laid-back vibe and lots of day-trip options. 

🌄 🥾 🍃 Pai:  Backpacker hippie-town in the mountains of North Thailand, lots of things to do for adventurers and people who love nature.  

🎉 🌊 👙 Phuket:  Main-stay party island, kinda like the Cancun of Thailand. Ultra-developed tourist hot spot.

🍹 🥳 🥥 Koh Samui:  Built-for-tourism island in Thailand that’s a gateway for the famous Full-Moon Parties on Koh Phangan, and is known for its awe-dropping viewpoint restaurants .

🤿 🏝️ ☀️ Koh Tao:  Gorgeous tiny island, famous for scuba diving certification programs with a laid-back backpacker vibe. Much less developed than other famous Thai islands, and also one of the smaller ones. <  My personal favorite Thai island where I lived for over 4 months! 

2. Do Get a Local Thai SIM Card When You Arrive 

Buying a local SIM card for use on your cell phone is a great money-saving trick that will make your entire trip better. Local SIMs in Thailand are incredibly affordable, offer unlimited data programs, and work well pretty much anywhere in the country. 

📲 Thai Tourist Sims: I get the Dtac “Happy Tourist Sim” right from Bangkok Airport when I arrive in the country. One month of unlimited data takes 5 minutes to set up and costs around $1 per day.  

Katie’s Tips ✶

Do know that you need an unlocked phone that supports local SIM cards to use this trick while traveling. If your phone is “locked”, meaning signed up with a cellular provider until it’s paid off, you can buy a super-cheap phone for traveling that will support foreign sims. I’ve seen tons of travelers do this, and then their smartphones from back home will still work off of wifi.

3. Make Sure You Visit On the Right Season

Thailand doesn’t have Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Instead, they have three seasons: Rainy, Dry, and Burning. The rainy season in Thailand stretches from May to October, and the Dry Season runs from November through April.

The burning season, which is just in North Thailand, is February through April every year – This is when farmers burn their crops and can make the air smoky and difficult to breathe. 

☀️ 🇹🇭 Best Time to Go: November – February. During these months you’ll get the coolest and dryest weather before the burning season starts in the North. 

4. Don’t Miss Out on the Street Food 

Thai cuisine is world-famous and for a good reason! However, tons of foreigners sadly stick to Western food when they visit Thailand because they’re afraid of food poisoning, or trying new things. 

Only Eat at Stalls With a Long Line  – So there’s a constant turnover of fresh food.

Make Sure Your Food is Served Hot, Or Heated to Serve  – Cold or room temperature food is more risky than food cooked to serve.

If Hesitant, Stick to Soup  – Soups and curries are incredibly popular in Thailand, and it’s boiled which kills lots of bacteria.

Avoid Raw Salads  – This includes the famous Thai Somtam or Papaya Salad, but any raw fruits and vegetables pose a larger risk of food poisoning. 

5. Do Frequent the Famed Thai 7-11s 

The 7-11s in Thailand are the stuff of legend – Open 24 hours a day, there’s practically one on every street corner in the bigger cities and tourist areas. 

The first thing I always do when I arrive in Thailand is bee-line straight for the airport 7-11s to get a fresh, warm ham and cheese toasty. (After a night at a Full-Moon Party in the Thai Islands, I managed to put away  three  of these sandwiches in one sitting! They’re that tasty.) 

You can get anything and everything you need at a Thai 7-11, from toiletries like toothpaste and sunscreen (conveniently sold in single-serving pouches) to a full hot meal, and even novelty items like fake eyelashes. I truly don’t know why we can’t have this type of 7-11 back in the USA – Thai 7-11s make everything in life so much easier! 

The World-Famous Toasty  – Easy white-bread cheesy sandwiches that the 7-11 staff will heat up for you in panini presses. The best meal you can get for less than a dollar. 

Onigiris  – These little Japanese snacks are the perfect to-go treat from 7-11 as you don’t have to wait for them to be heated up. 

Bags of Seaweed Crisps  – All manner of bagged seaweed snacks are available for less than $1. 

Funky Flavored Chips  – You can get all manner of crazy potato chips in Thailand, including Sushi, Truffle, and Garlic Bread flavors!

6. Don’t Overstay Your Visa – It’s for 30 Days, Not 1 Month!

It’s important to remember that the Thai tourist visa-on-arrival program allows for a stay of 30 days, not one month!  So many  backpackers, expats, and long-term vacationers make the mistake of accidentally overstaying their visas because they think they have until one month from their arrival date – nope! 30 days exactly. 

You can easily extend your Thai tourist visa on arrival at any immigration office in Thailand for an extra 30 days. It only takes around an hour. 

Cultural Tips for Thailand 

7. do brush up on your thai (at least a little bit) .

That is not an easy language for English speakers to learn! It uses a  completely  different alphabet and sound structure. Luckily, in most places in Thailand, you can get around with English and Google Translate. 

✔️ Quick Guide – Essential Thai Phrases

Hello/Goodbye:  Sah Wah Dee – Khrap (for Men) – Kah (for women) 

Thank you:   Khop Khun Kha (for women) – Khop Khun Khap (for men)

8. Don’t Forget to Take Your Shoes Off

Taking your shoes off is a popular cultural practice in most countries I’ve traveled to in Asia, however, it’s on a different level in Thailand. Even in nicer cafes, hotels, spas, and shops, you might be asked to take your shoes off before entering. If you see a row of shoes by the door, it’s best to just take yours off in practice, because someone  will  correct you if you’re breaking the shoes-inside rule! 

9. Don’t Miss Out on the Thai Festivals

The festivals in Thailand are specific to the country and if your trip coincides with any of them you should definitely make an effort to attend!  

Yi Peng (Lantern) Festival & Loy Krathong (Candle) Festival  – Instagram-famous lantern festivals that take place in November in Chiang Mai.

Songkran (Water) Festival  – Fun festival that marks the traditional start to the Thai New Year in April, and celebrates with massive water fights in the streets!

Full Moon Party  – Not a traditional Thai festival, but rather a debauched beach party famous with foreign tourists that happens every month around the full moon on Koh Phangan Island. 

10. Do Know the Thai People Are So Incredibly Friendly

Thailand is home to consistently the  nicest  locals I’ve ever met in my entire life. Everyone, even in the biggest cities, is so incredibly kind. 

11. Don’t Forget to Visit a Ladyboy Cabaret 

Nope, I’m not being un-PC. In Thailand, many people we would call trans women in the West prefer the term Ladyboy. You’ll see Ladyboy cabarets all over the country, which are  so much fun  and definitely a not-to-miss show!

While these shows are great fun, they do tend to be a little raunchy and I wouldn’t recommend bringing kids. 

12. Don’t Be Surprised to See People Playing the Lottery on the Street

If you pass by a stall with a vendor selling colorful pieces of paper in any city in Thailand, know that those are probably lottery tickets! Usually sold for around 100 baht per ticket, anyone can play the lottery. However, if you don’t know how to read Thai, you might have a problem knowing whether you’ve won 😉.

13. Do Know About the Thai Concept of “Saving Face” 

The Thai concept of Saving Face is an interesting cultural quirk that goes far beyond what I can explain as a foreigner. To dumb it  way  down, basically sometimes if you ask a Thai person a question, instead of saying “I don’t know”, they might make up a fake answer. 

This is basically to avoid being  rude  by not having an answer to someone’s question, and also so the person answering the question isn’t embarrassed by not knowing – I’ve only encountered this situation while asking for directions. 

14. Don’t Disrespect the Buddhist Religion (Especially for Women!) 

When visiting the temples in Thailand, both men and women will be expected to cover their knees and shoulders. If you don’t have appropriate clothing on you, sarongs are usually available for rent at the temples. 

Another thing to note is that there are some sacred sites in Thailand where women are not allowed to enter and will denote so with a sign saying “No Women Allowed” at temple entrances. This is a touchy subject with female travelers in Thailand especially, but the Thai Buddhist religion is sacred in this country and we foreigners are guests who get to enjoy the good parts and witness the bad. 

Transportation Tips for Thailand

15. do download grab (thailand’s version of uber) .

Uber doesn’t work in Thailand , but instead they have Grab, which is like Uber  but even better.  

Grab is what’s called a “Super App” and it can do everything from calling a taxi to paying your electricity bills. I use the Grab app for my airport transfers when I arrive in Thailand, it’s much cheaper than taxis. The Grab App also accepts international credit cards without fees, which is  super rare  in cash-first Thailand. 

While Grab is an amazing service I couldn’t live without in Thailand, do know it only works well in the cities. If you’re in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and even Phuket, Grab should work pretty well, but anywhere more remote either won’t have access or it will be price-hiked due to scarcity. 

16. Don’t Drive a Scooter Unless You Know How

I wouldn’t recommend driving a scooter for the first time if you’re just coming to Thailand on a short trip, like two weeks or less. You’re putting yourself, and others, in danger on the road. If you really want to learn to drive a scooter, make sure you have wide, open, and well-paved roads with little traffic. The north of Thailand would be best for this. 

🏙️ Budget Tip: If you’re in a city like Bangkok or Chaing Mai you can just use Grab to get around, which will likely be cheaper than renting a scooter for a day! 

17. Do Know About the Thai Concept of “Sharing the Road”

You’ll see signs if you’re driving a scooter in Thailand that say “Share the Road!”. This doesn’t just mean to drive in your lane, instead in Thailand there’s a great etiquette around driving that makes it safer for everyone. 

Basically, scooters are expected to stay on the left-hand side of the road, preferably on the shoulder if there is one, and cars drive in the center of the lanes. If you try to take up a whole lane as a scooter driver  you will be honked at for not sharing the road. 

18. Do Know About 12GoAsia for Online Booking Transportation (Accepts Foreign Cards)

I couldn’t live without 12GoAsia while traveling through SE Asia. It’s basically a huge booking platform with tons of different providers that sell buses, trains, ferries, etc. I used it for booking overnight trains, and both short and long-haul buses in Thailand. You can also use 12GoAsia for booking private transfer services. They take international credit cards and cut out any possible language barriers you might have. 

Even if I already know how I’m going to be traveling from point A to point B, I still search the route on 12GoAsia before my trip, as sometimes there’s a cheaper/better/faster option I don’t know about. For example, everyone knows about taking the slow boat from North Thailand to Laos, but after searching on 12GoAsia I found out there’s also a sleeper train you can take from Bangkok to Laos!

19. Don’t Take a TukTuk in Bangkok – They’re Tourist Traps & the Locals Don’t Use Them

The TukTuks, otherwise called Rickshaws, where a carriage is built around a motorbike to carry multiple passengers, is a popular way to get around in lots of SE Asian countries. 

However, in Bangkok specifically, the TukTuks are a bit of a tourist trap.

You’ll find TukTuks calling foreigners to take a ride (for a much higher rate than a normal taxi) from popular tourist spots like Khaosan Road and Chatuchak Market. Nothing bad will happen if you take one, the ride will just cost more than a Grab car or scooter taxi.

Money and Budgeting Tips for Thailand 

20. don’t rely on your credit card – many places are cash only.

Even in the cities in Thailand, I was surprised that almost nowhere else took credit cards. I have had much more luck using my card in Bali than in Bangkok, which is kinda crazy when you think about it! 

When credit card payments are available, they will almost always come with a 3-5% surcharge. I’ve been told that this charge is technically illegal in Thailand, but good luck pleading your case for that – It’s the norm and enforced on credit card and debit payments almost everywhere. Even at the famed 7-11s, they have a 200 Baht ($6) minimum for card payments. 

21. Do Be Aware of the Obligatory ATM Fees – 220 Baht Per Withdrawl  

This one is annoying – The best way to get Thai Baht out is by using an ATM. ATMs are pretty much everywhere in Thailand, and they pay out at the Interbank Exchange Rate, which is usually far more generous than what cash conversion counters charge. 

The problem is, that all Thai ATMs charge a 220 Baht ($6) withdrawal fee per transaction. If your home bank also leverages charges for foreign exchange and ATM withdrawals, this can add up pretty fast. 

Apparently, if you go inside larger banks with your passport and debit card and say something like “I forgot my PIN number” they will do the withdrawal for you without charging the ATM fee. This worked for my friends, but I haven’t tried it yet myself.

22. Don’t Accept the ATM/Bank Conversion Rate – You Can Reject it to Save $$$ on Withdrawls

This is a common “scam” all over the world. Basically, some ATMs will show a screen asking that you accept the bank’s conversion rate, which usually leverages extra fees anywhere from 4-14%. Most travelers don’t know you can click “reject bank’s conversion” and the transaction will still go through –  Always reject the bank’s conversion rate!

Health and Safety Tips for Thailand 

23. don’t drink the tap water .

Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Thailand, and you’re not supposed to even use it to brush your teeth! I travel with my Grayl Travel Water bottle so I can drink the tap water wherever I am, but I actually have never had to use it in Thailand as most hotels, hostels, and resorts provide complimentary drinking water. 

24. Do Be Aware That Mosquitos Carry Diseases & to Use Bug Spray Every Day

Dengue, a tropical disease transmitted by mosquito bites, is a big problem in certain areas of Thailand. I personally put on bug spray after I shower every day in Thailand, and re-apply come evening or if I’m going out into a more jungle-ish area. 

You can buy the best bug spray I’ve ever used, called “Soffel” at any 7-11 in Thailand for around $1. It doesn’t smell bad, and works great to fend off the mozzies! 

25. Do Carry Your Own Toilet Paper – The Locals Rarely Use It

Compared to other countries I’ve traveled in SE Asia, Thailand has way more Western-style toilets. Unless you’re really going out into the wilderness, you likely won’t have to use a squat toilet (unless you want to!). Toilet paper isn’t completely the norm here, and most locals opt to use the “bum gun” instead. 

If you’re used to toilet paper, you’ll likely have to carry a stash around for your own personal use. In my experience, even at nicer restaurants, it’s not a guarantee they’ll have TP. 

🚽 More About Toilets You cannot flush toilet paper anywhere in Thailand, even at 5-star resorts. The sewage systems aren’t up for it. Instead, all hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc, will usually provide a trash bin in the bathroom for paper. 

26. Do Get Used to the Geckos – They’re Harmless (but Annoying!)

All over SE Asia, whether you’re staying in a $10 per night hostel or a $1,000 per night villa, you’ll probably have a Common House Gecko in your room. They’re not dangerous by any means, they don’t bite and even if they did, they don’t have any venom.In fact, they’re pretty helpful to have in your house, since they’ll eat insects and smaller pests. 

That being said, the Common House Geckos are unfortunately extremely  annoying . All through the night you’ll be able to hear their signature “bark” – It sounds like someone going “chuck, chuck, chuck” in the back of their throat.

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored over 30 countries and lived abroad in places like Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, India, Indonesia Thailand, Europe, and the USA. Her goal is to help other traveler see the world by providing first-hand accounts of what to expect on the road.

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The Ultimate Thailand Packing List

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No one Thailand packing list works for everyone. Different travel styles and itineraries require unique approaches. But the time-tested mantra of "bring less, buy locally" holds very true when choosing what to pack for Thailand. Why carry something around the world when you can buy it for less once you arrive?

Overpacking is the most common mistake all travelers make. Bringing too much will haunt you the entire trip and affect your experience. As travelers, we tend to go into survival mode when packing for the first visit to an exotic destination. Running through what-if scenarios results in bags stuffed with first-aid items, extra batteries, and other things that rarely get used.

Unless you're planning to spend the trip hacking through a jungle , you'll probably be within close proximity of a minimart (or massive mall) at all times in Thailand. Don't worry: You aren't going to need that snakebite kit in Thailand.

Thailand may be far from home, but the locals already have everything you need to survive and enjoy a memorable trip!

To Bring or Buy Locally

Like most international arrivals, you'll probably begin your visit to Thailand in Bangkok , home of endless shopping and cheap fakes. You'll have plenty of opportunities to escape the heat of the day by exploring sprawling malls for bargains .

If you're spending a couple of days or so in Bangkok , you'll find deals for useful items that will come in handy the rest of your trip. You'll obviously want to save the serious souvenir shopping for just before you fly out. There's no need to carry new purchases all over the country. Other items such as beach bags and sarongs are fair game!

Rather than risk losing or breaking expensive sunglasses, sandals, bags, and other items from home, you could buy them in Bangkok. Doing so helps out the local economy, plus you end up with fun souvenirs to use on future trips. The availability of new choices you can't find at home is exciting.

While deciding what to bring to Thailand, keep in mind that opportunists and local entrepreneurs are already two steps ahead. If it rains, someone selling a cheap umbrella or poncho will probably already be asking if you want to buy one. Functional items such as USB chargers, batteries, memory cards, and sunglasses can be found everywhere tourists go.

That said, there are some exceptions. Brands for specific toiletries and other items may be unfamiliar. Local quality may vary, especially if it's something locals don't often use. You may still wish to consider bringing some items to Asia with you. For example, much of the deodorant sold in Thailand contains skin-whitening agents.

Tip: If planning to visit Chiang Mai , you could consider doing a lot of your souvenir shopping there. You'll often find inexpensive handicrafts and unique items from local artisans there, particularly at the weekend walking-street markets .

Clothing to Pack for Thailand

Thailand is either warm or scorching hot, depending on what time of the year you visit . You'll rarely be cold, unless it's because of the super-powered air conditioning in malls and tourist buses. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is the way to go . You'll find tops for sale ($7 or less) practically everywhere. That's a good thing—you're going to need at least two per day!

Cheap laundry service is available everywhere. Laundry is typically priced by the weight and takes a full day to line dry unless you pay extra for two-hour express service.

Tip: Although inexpensive, these laundry services often mix up clothing between customers. Count the number of pieces before dropping off laundry. Carefully check for missing items at pickup before walking away. Paying for laundry service at your hotel is a safer bet than choosing a place on the street.

• Bring one light coverup or warm item: Long-haul transportation such as night buses and trains really crank up the air conditioning. Expect frost to potentially form on windows! A lightweight jacket can double as a rain jacket and keep you warm on flights.
• Pack Some Conservative Clothing: Avoid clothing with religious or potentially offensive themes. Although temples in tourist areas are increasingly more relaxed, you should show respect by covering shoulders and wearing long pants (not tight-fitting yoga/stretch pants).

Shoes to Pack for Thailand

The default footwear in Thailand is the ever-useful pair of flip-flop sandals. But if you plan on fine dining or visiting rooftop bars, you may want to pack a pair of "proper" shoes.

Cheap sandals are on offer everywhere in Thailand. Flip-flops are the most common, but Birkenstock-style sandals are available, too. Typically, flip-flops are acceptable footwear everywhere, even for dinner and bar hopping. Upscale nightclubs and rooftop bars usually require men to wear closed-toe shoes. If you plan on doing some trekking, bring a pair of hiking sandals or low-top, lightweight hiking shoes that can handle getting wet.

Per local etiquette , you'll be expected to leave your shoes outside of all homes and temples as well as some restaurants, shops, and bars. You'll encounter these places more often in the islands than in cities. Sandals without straps (e.g., flip-flops) are easier to get on and off quickly without bending over. Pricey, name-brand sandals that stand out in the shoe pile have a greater chance of mysteriously walking away while you're inside.

Packing a First Aid Kit

You can walk into any pharmacy in Thailand and purchase what you need, including antibiotics and under-the-counter drugs, without a prescription. Pharmacists are trained to take some of the burden off of the medical system. You won't need to visit a local clinic first unless you're dealing with something more serious.

Branding for medications is often different than that in the United States. Google for the actual drug name or ask the pharmacist. Most will be familiar with all major medications.

If you depend on daily medications, bring enough for the duration of your trip just in case. To avoid raising eyebrows at airport security, keep a copy of the prescription when carrying large quantities of pills. Keep the pills in their original bottles, if possible.

Tip: Well-known medications are often cheaper to purchase in Thailand than in the United States. The same applies to prescription glasses and contact lenses. Consider stocking up before heading home!

Carrying Travel Documents

You'll want to prepare and carry the following documents with you:

• Two copies of your passport (carried separately from your passport)
• Travel insurance documents
• Receipt and serial numbers for any traveler's checks
• A few recent, official-sized (2 inch x 2 inch) passport photos

Extra passport photos come in handy for permits and visa applications if you wish to visit neighboring Laos or Cambodia.

Carrying Money in Thailand

Just as when investing, diversifying your travel cash is key. Have at least two ways to access funds . Local ATMs are typically the best way to get local currency at a good rate although the transaction fee in Thailand is the highest in Southeast Asia. With a fee of $6–7 per transaction, go ahead and take the maximum amount allowed.

You should have U.S. dollars or traveler's checks for backup in case the ATM network goes down or your card stops working—it happens.

No matter the economy, U.S. dollars are still the best form of emergency cash for travelers. Bring a mix of denominations that are in good condition. Crinkled, torn, or marked bills can be rejected. Dollars can be exchanged , or in some instances, spent directly. Visa prices in Southeast Asia are often given in U.S. dollars.

Credit cards are useful for booking regional flights, paying hotels, dive shops, and tour agents, but you'll almost always be charged a commission for paying with plastic. Opt to use cash when possible. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards.

As always, let your banks know the dates you'll be traveling so they can make a note on the account. This helps prevent your cards from being disabled when they see charges pop up far from your home country!

Must-Have Items to Carry

Whether you purchase them locally or bring them from home, you'll certainly want each of these essentials with you:

• Sunscreen: Prices for sunscreen often reflect the fact that locals rarely use it! Buy reliable brands you know from pharmacies. The stuff found in souvenir shops can often be outdated.
• Sunglasses: Sunglasses often get lost and abused. Consider buying a cheap pair locally.
• Mosquito Repellent: Dengue fever is a serious problem throughout Thailand. The best defense is to protect yourself from bites . Mosquito coils can be purchased everywhere; burn them while sitting on your porch or balcony.
• Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer: You'll find it on tables in restaurants but not always in the bathrooms.
• LED Flashlight: Power outages are common in some places, particularly islands that rely on generator power.

Other Useful Items to Consider Bringing

• Hand Sanitizer: Soap isn't a guarantee, even in nice restaurants. You'll certainly want some after your first squat toilet experience!
• Power Adapter: Most of the power outlets in Thailand are universal now; they accept both the US-style flat-pronged plugs as well as the rounded European-style power plugs. To ensure that you can connect everywhere, consider bringing a universal power adapter and check the voltage ratings (Thailand uses a 220-volt system) on your devices/chargers. Anything that relies on USB charging (smartphones) or has a dual-voltage transformer (laptops) should be fine.
• Small Knife: You don't need a 30-function survival knife, but you'll want something for cutting the delicious local fruit. Just don't leave it in your carry-on bag while flying!
• Electrolyte Drink Mixes: You'll be drinking a lot of bottled water in the heat. Drink mixes can help replenish electrolytes lost in the extra humidity and can make water a little more interesting without adding sugar. The local varieties invariably contain a lot of sugar. Alternatively, plan to drink a lot of the fresh coconuts on hand.
• Small Padlock: Some budget hotels and bungalows allow you to use your own lock on the door. You'll also want a padlock to use for lockers and luggage storage in some circumstances. These can be purchased locally if needed.

Items to Leave at Home

These inexpensive items can be purchased locally when you need them:

• Umbrella / poncho
• Beach sarong
• Snorkel gear
• Beach bag / reusable shopping bags
• Extra batteries
• Aloe vera / after-sun lotion (or consider using the excellent local coconut oil instead!)

Keep weapons off of your Thailand packing list! Pepper spray is illegal and prohibited by many airlines. Thailand is very safe to travel , but you could carry an emergency whistle for peace of mind.

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Vietnam vs Thailand: What's Your Pick For Your Next Trip?

Going to Vietnam or Thailand? Vietnam and Thailand are the two most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. They enjoy some similarities, but there are many differences in culture, lifestyle, travel experience, food, and more.

Below we explore 10 major differences between the two countries to give you an overview of the travel experience for each and help you decide which to visit.

Vietnam vs Thailand Travel Summary Table

We recommend thailand if you:.

• Are making your first trip to Southeast Asia: Thailand gathers the most Southeast Asian elements: Buddhist temples, exotic food, tropical islands, and rainforest. Mature tourism services and facilities offer a very good experience.
• Prefer a beach holiday: Thailand has better beaches than Vietnam and offers various choices.
• Plan to celebrate a honeymoon or anniversary: Thailand is more suitable for a romantic vibe and provides more opportunities for some special experiences like a dinner cruise, couples spa, etc. 
• Travel with kids seeking plenty of activities: Thailand offers more interesting things to do like snorkeling, meeting elephants, banana boats...

We Recommend Vietnam if You:

• Seek a rustic and authentic experience: Vietnam is less developed than Thailand. Natural scenery, ethnic charm, and ancient towns are the main highlights.
• Want to experience a big contrast in culture: Due to the influence of Chinese culture, French colonization, and the Vietnam War, Vietnam has a mixed culture and complex history.
• Seek a more affordable price: Vietnam is economical, definitely cheaper than Thailand.

Check out how to plan a family trip to Southeast Asia >>>

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

1. Vietnam vs Thailand: Culture and History

Vietnam features a more mixed cultural vibe due to the influence of China and France. Thailand's profound Buddhist culture is its most representative aspect.

Once a vassal state of China, Vietnamese culture is heavily influenced by Chinese culture, especially in the form of Confucianism and Taoist deities, which impact customs, traditions, and beliefs.

The main religious belief in Vietnam is a combination of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

Occupied by France, the legacy of French colonialism is most visible in distinctive French architecture in Ho Chi Minh City.

Some battle tunnels and equipment from the Vietnam War also remain in Ho Chi Minh City.

Thailand's culture, on the other hand, has developed in the direction of Buddhism.

The main religion in Thailand is Buddhism. Monks have a very high status and they conduct numerous Buddhist rites, from festivals to daily blessings. Most teenage boys become novice monks for a while, about a year, to earn merit for their families.

Many exuberant festivals are connected to both Buddhism and the changing seasons (such as Loy Krathong — Thailand's Festival of Lights).

The whole country is much influenced by Western thought and lifestyle. Thai people are easily satisfied and they believe that life should be fun.

Extending reading: The sample itineraries of Thailand for 10 days , 12 days , 14 days and 21 days >>>

2. Vietnam vs Thailand: Convenience of Travel

Thailand's tourism is much more mature. Though Vietnam is catching up, Thailand wins with regard to convenience and comfort.

Ease of Getting There and Around

Both Thailand and Vietnam are easy to get to by international flight (now they've reopened for tourism "post-COVID"). Thailand is easier to navigate with more convenient city networks.

Thailand: With the resumption of international flights, it is easy to book a flight to Thailand. Flying is the main way to travel within Thailand. Metro, buses, taxis, and local tuk-tuks are the main way to travel around cities.

Vietnam: It is also easy to book a flight to Vietnam. Vietnam's major cities can be reached by air while, due to the narrow and complicated terrain in Vietnam with some scenic areas in the mountains, it is not that easy to navigate. Taxi or private transfer are the main recommended ways.

>>>Read about how to plan a trip to Thailand, Singapore and Bali

Visa and Entry Requirements

Thailand provides easier and faster entry procedures.

Thailand: Thailand offers visa-free access to 56 countries/regions, including Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, the USA, and the UK.

Vietnam: Visitors from 22 countries may enter visa-free, including the UK, France, Italy, and Germany.

If you're from America, Canada, Australia, or about 80 other countries not on the list for visa-free entry, the most convenient way to enter is to apply for an e-visa online .

Vietnamese people engaged in tourism can speak English, but it is not as popular on the streets as in Thailand.

In Thailand, English is more common, and many people in the cities can speak English. English is obligatory for children from kindergarten onwards.

3. Vietnam vs Thailand: Travel Experience

Vietnam and Thailand have different highlights. Vietnam features a karst seascape, ethnic customs, ancient towns, and the Mekong Delta. Thailand features Buddhist temples, beaches, rainforest, and wild animals.

Thailand: Beaches, Temples, Elephants

Thailand is vibrant.

Thailand enjoys some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia. Beach destinations like Ko Phuket, Ko Samui, and Krabi offer beautiful beaches, exciting water sports, and resorts with stunning views. Lively local markets and long-tailed boats show you the lifestyle.

Flickering neon lights and the revelry from the bars and club parties show its crazy side.

Glittering palaces and temples inform you of its profound Buddhist culture and history. The elephants and other wild animals meeting in the rainforest will bring you charming surprises.

There are also many special experiences available, like a romantic dinner cruise, making a traditional Thai floating lantern, and cooking classes.

Extending reading: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps

Vietnam: Towns, Villages, Cruises

Vietnam is relaxing and quiet.

Narrow alleys in Hanoi's Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh's colonial street sights and Vietnam War relics, and the Ancient Town of Hoi An show its historical charm.

Ethnic villages in the mountainous northern area, cruises on Halong Bay, and boats on the Mekong River are unique experiences.

Vietnam hasn't been widely known as a beach destination, but places like the island of Phu Quoc and the south coast destination of Nha Trang have recently become known as popular beach destinations.

4. Vietnam vs Thailand: How Long to Stay

Both Thailand and Vietnam are rich in tourism resources. Thailand requires about 8 days to 3 weeks for most first-time tours. Vietnam needs about 10 days to 2 weeks.

If you want to plan a trip to both Thailand and Vietnam, you will need at least 2 weeks. See the Best 2-week Thailand and Vietnam Itineraries .

Thailand: It is popular to visit two cities and an island, which usually takes 8–10 days. If you want something different, like a forest park, you may need about 2 weeks. If you want to explore Thailand from north to central to south, you will need about 3 weeks. >>> 2 Weeks in Thailand – 3 Perfect Thailand Itineraries .

Vietnam: It usually takes about 10 days to travel from Hanoi in the north to Hoi An in the middle and Ho Chi Minh in the south. If you want to enjoy more beach time, 2 weeks is needed. See the Top 10-day Vietnam Itineraries . 

Extending reading: How Long to Spend in Southeast Asia (for First Timers): from 2 Weeks to 2 Months

5. Vietnam vs Thailand: Weather and Best Times

Vietnam and Thailand have similar weather conditions — both are tropical countries with rainy and dry seasons. Thailand is a little hotter than Vietnam due to a lower latitudes in the south.

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and March when the weather is cool and dry. Thailand experiences very hot weather between April and June. The rainy season in Thailand occurs between June and October, but lower prices and smaller crowds are the rewards.

Extending reading: Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Thailand & When is the Rainy Season

As a long and narrow country, the weather in the south and north of Vietnam is quite different. The best time for North Vietnam (Hanoi and Halong Bay) is from March to May and from September to November; Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) from January to August; and South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) from December to April.

Extending reading: Vietnam's Rainy Season and Best Times to Travel .

6. Vietnam vs Thailand: Travel Costs

Although Southeast Asia is generally affordable and good value, by comparison, Thailand will cost more than Vietnam.

Thailand can not only meet the backpackers' on-a-budget requirements, but can also satisfy those who are looking for a luxury experience. The trip cost of Thailand can range from 50 to 150 USD per day per person from budget to luxury.

Vietnam's price level is relatively low. The costs of hotels and food will be cheaper. They typically range from 30 to 100 USD per day per person from budget to luxury.

Read more details about trip costs in Southeast Asia .

7. Vietnam vs Thailand: Food

Thailand's cuisine features a sour and spicy flavor, but there are more mellow curries. Vietnam's cuisine focuses on a fresh taste, but it is still a little sour and spicy.

Thai cuisine is more famous than Vietnamese cuisine overseas. It's known for its pad Thai, tom yum goong, and fantastic Thai curries. If you are a foodie, don't miss the busy night markets in Thailand. You can find a huge variety of Thai snacks there. 

Though Vietnamese cuisine is also a bit sour and spicy, it has a refreshing taste. Fish sauce and lime are the main seasonings. Pho and Vietnamese spring rolls are the best-known dishes.

8. Vietnam vs Thailand: Accommodation

Both Vietnam and Thailand offer various accommodation choices matching a wide range of budgets, but Thailand has more high-end hotels.

Thailand: Being mature in tourism, the standard of hotels in Thailand is very close to Western standards, especially in Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui. You can find world-class hotels there with high quality facilities and service.

Vietnam: The standard of hotels in Vietnam is usually lower than that in the West. Book a higher-rated hotel as much as possible to obtain a comfortable experience.

9. Vietnam vs Thailand: Popularity

Thailand is chosen by more visitors. It's about twice as popular as Vietnam.

Before the pandemic, in 2019, more than 18 million international tourists visited Vietnam, but Thailand received more than 39 million international visitors.

After their reopening in 2022, Thailand accepted about 500,000 international visitors in March and April. Vietnam received more than 250,000 international tourists in the 2 months since tourism reopened there (March 15 – May 15).

10. Vietnam vs Thailand: Shopping

Thailand is renowned for being a shopping paradise. Vietnam does not stand out in this respect.

Thailand: Bangkok is the shopping paradise of Southeast Asia, known for its favorable prices and various international and local brands. Duty free shops, shopping malls like Terminal 21, and night markets are good places to shop.

Vietnam: Though Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh have some shopping malls, their scale and product ranges are not as big as Thailand's. Pedestrian streets and markets are more popular shopping places, like the 36 Streets in Hanoi.

Related Articles

• Vietnam vs Cambodia (13 major differences): which to visit
• How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025)

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Tips for Travelling from India to Thailand – The Land of Smiles

traveller Tarang

Tips for travelling from India to Thailand were exactly what I googled, back when I discovered I was travelling to Bangkok for the first time. I was excited, for this was my first time living in a foreign country all alone.

A country that’s safe, cheap, travel-friendly, and in close proximity (to India) – what more does one want? If you’re still faced with an ocean of doubts, let me tell you all the useful tips for travelling from India to Thailand, especially if it’s your first time.

Since I was going to be living alone in Thailand for 7 months, I was faced with a whole new set of questions. – ” What are my go-to places for when I crave Dal Makhani ?” “What are safe places to travel solo” etc etc. My current blog is an endeavour to help my fellow Indians with their first trip to Thailand and answer all questions. You may also take a quick look at the top 9 tips for travelling from India to Thailand in this short video below.

Tips for Travelling from India to Thailand

Whether you’re travelling for a day, for a week, for a month, or for a year, I will make an effort to share with you all the tips that I learned during my first time in Thailand.

I hope that my 7-month long experience in Thailand helps all my fellow Indians plan an efficient and cost-effective trip. 

These are my top 18 tips for all first-time travellers to Thailand.

A huge part of the Thai economy sustains itself from travel and tourism. So overall, Thailand is a really easy country to travel to even if it’s your first time. However, let me dive deep into every possible kind of tip that might help you in this strange but nice Asian country.

Visa tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: decide the nature of your visa in time.

For Indian travellers, two kinds of visa exists – 1) Visa on Arrival (VOA) in case your stay is limited to less than 15 days in Thailand. You can procure this visa from the airport itself 2) Standard Visa in case your stay is more than 30 days in Thailand. For this visa, you’ll have to apply beforehand at the Royal Thai Embassy. Its offices lie in 3 Indian metros – Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata.

Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) Fee

Documents Required for Thailand Visa

A valid passport, VOA application form, photographs, confirmed return tickets, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds to support your trip.

Passport Photo

Must be 3.5* 4.5 cm

In a general scenario, all you need to do is show up at the airport with your passport, a few passport photographs, and 2,000 THB. In case you want to extend your stay beyond 15 days, you can get the same done at the Immigration Bureau.

Currency exchange & withdrawal tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: avoid exchanging or withdrawing money at the airport.

The first thing that comes to mind when planning a visit to Thailand is the money issue. Where do I get my money exchanged? What’s the scene with Forex cards? What are Forex card charges in Thailand? Should I exchange money before I travel to Thailand? Should I just withdraw in Thailand instead? Let me answer all these questions for you.

At the Airport

To start with, remember that you need to pay your VOA (Visa on Arrival) fee in baht only (in cases that it isn’t waived off). If you haven’t carried bahts along with you, you could get it exchanged at booths in the customs hall. However, the rates would be relatively higher and it wouldn’t be a good idea to exchange all your money there.

After your visa formalities, you could head to B Floor and visit one of the many currency exchange booths to get better deals.

Outside the Airport

If you’re looking out for the cheapest rates, simply get it done outside of the airport (one of the most crucial tips for travelling from India to Thailand). Super Rich is one of the most popular money exchange services in Thailand.

Forex Cards

Alternatively, you could carry a Forex card along with you and simply withdraw at the ATM. Every time you withdraw, you’ll be charged a fee of 220 THB and the maximum limit to withdraw at a time is 25,000 THB.

Money tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: make a reasonable budget plan.

As you might have guessed by now, Thailand is extremely cheap as a travel destination. This is one of the principal reasons why it is one of the most visited countries in South East Asia. This particular section will give you a better idea of how much you’d be roughly shelling out for basic necessities while travelling in Thailand.

As you can see, planning a trip to Thailand on a budget is very much possible. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets right away, and explore the land of smiles.

Packing tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: pack clothes that don't make you uncomfortable.

Overall, you do not have to worry much about how you dress in Thailand. There aren’t any straight-up rules to prohibit anything, but there certainly are unsaid rules about what’s more acceptable and what’s not.

Firstly, considering the fact that most of Thailand experiences hot temperatures, it would be a good idea to carry the Bermudas, shorts, cotton shirts, polo t-shirts and summer dresses.

Thailand will also repeatedly offer you the opportunity to take a dip in clear waters at beaches or waterfalls. Make it a point, thus, to always carry a set of swim clothes with you. 

The most cautiousness you need to display with respect to clothing in Thailand is when you visit temples. You really do not want to offend the locals in their place of worship, by not dressing appropriately.

One of the tips for travelling from Thailand to India is to remember one standard rule: always cover your shoulders and your knees.

In case you’re visiting the North of Thailand, make sure you carry a jacket or two, for temperatures could drop.

Itinerary tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: explore more offbeat locations near bangkok.

While most popular itineraries and tours and travels companies target Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Krabi, Thailand is much more than just that. I made sure that during my 7 months in Thailand, I explored a lot of offbeat places, especially around Bangkok.

There are thousands of other beautiful destinations in Thailand that are cheaper, and not as commercialised.

Accommodation  tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: bunk in backpacking hostels or homestays.

Since I was going to stay in Thailand, across places for so many months, I had to bunk myself in a budget stay. What could be better than a backpacking hostel?

It makes me happy to share with you all that backpacking hostels are super clean, safe and fun across Thailand. Not only do you connect with so many people there but also save a huge amount of money. 

In Bangkok, I stayed at the YES KAOSAN BACKPACKING HOSTEL . Not only was I super comfortable but made a lot of friends as well.

Food tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: dig the right eateries across thailand.

On my first night in Thailand, I was clueless. And hungry. Having no knowledge of food apps and delivery services, I simply decided to go for a walk. All this while, I was of the assumption that Mumbai (my hometown) is exploding with street food.

Street Food in Thailand

No matter what part of Thailand you are in, street food will be found in abundance. “Do they never cook at home?” I couldn’t wonder. I’d walked barely a kilometre and passed stalls selling all kinds of food – fried rice, noodles, sausages, sautéed veggies, Thai Rotis, fresh fruits, fruit juices, coffee, etc. Just a short walk made me witness a new cuisine altogether – in terms of looks, taste, aroma and fragrance.

International Cuisine in Thailand

I’m simply going to assume that a trip to Thailand necessarily means a trip to Bangkok for all. While trying out authentic Thai food is fun, there’ll definitely be days that you’ll want to play it safe. You’re going to want to eat food you’re familiar with, and food you don’t have to think twice before ordering. Bangkok’s got your back there.

No matter what you’re craving: Spanish paella, Italian spaghetti, Mexican burritos, Indian biryani or Middle Eastern hummus – you’ll be sure to find it in Bangkok’s finest restaurants.

One of the most crucial tips for travelling from India to Thailand is to explore apps like Dineout for any discounts and offers.

Thailand’s Night Markets

Instagram boasts numerous colourful photographs of night markets in Bangkok. These markets are almost like a bright, vibrant maze of stalls selling all things under the sun – shoes, bags, clothes, wallets, belts, lighters, car parts, and lots of food. Make sure you visit one of these to grab some great food and some cheap beer.

Finding Indian Food in the Land of Smiles

10 days into Thailand, I found myself craving Indian food. I was sure of the fact that Bangkok has a number of Indian restaurants, but was blown away to see how many.

No matter what your budget is, you can enjoy a wholesome Indian meal in Bangkok. Areas where you’ll find clusters of Indian restaurants in Bangkok are Pratunam, Little India or Phahurat, and Silom.

Must-visit restaurants

In addition to these restaurants, there are hundreds more you could choose to explore. If there’s a gem you manage to find, leave it in the comments section at the end of the blog.

Also, keep in mind that you won’t find Indian restaurants across all of Thailand. Bangkok is an exception because it caters to a huge Indian population.

What’s for Vegetarians in Thailand?

On navigating my way through one of the local markets in Thailand, I was convinced that Thailand is blessed with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. I told myself that even in the worst of situations, I could survive by munching on bread and fruits.

Doable? Not really. You cannot possibly live on just that for months. Well, at least I can’t. The very next day, I found myself awkwardly pointing out meaty things at a street-side stall, trying to tell the lady in her late 60’s all the things I do not eat.

The reason why I did that, and not just use Google Translate was because of the Thai conceptualisation of Vegetarianism. Being vegetarian in a number of Asian countries would translate to not eating chunky pieces of meat. Other things like oyster sauce, chicken garnishing, and fish oil are deemed to be okay.

I nervously waited for my food to come. I was soon ushered to a wooden table with a low wooden stool. A steamy plate, heaped with rice and sautéed veggies made it to my table. It was delicious, and I do not remember the last time I felt fuller – both physically and emotionally.

Tips for Travelling from India to Thailand as a Vegetarian

Vegetarian food can certainly be found and consumed in Thailand. You simply need to be more alert, and less picky.

Transport tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: use metered cabs, ferries and buses more.

Commuting from point A to point B is relatively simple and cheap in Thailand. While in Bangkok, you will have endless transport options to choose from.

Metered cabs can be found all across the city quite conveniently.

Tip: Make sure that the cab is a metered one, and that the driver is not charging you a fixed rate.

There were times that we’ve been pitched 200-300 THB for a mere 10-kilometre drive. Say no, or look for another cab in that case.

Alternatively, you could download the Grab App on your smartphones – a substitute for Uber/Ola in Thailand. I personally find them to be more expensive, but they could prove to be a convenient option at times

Tip: You can also opt for the motorbike taxi, not just for the experience but to cruise past the unending traffic in Bangkok.

BTS Skytrain

In case you’re travelling alone and do not wish to spend on cabs, Bangkok also offers a BTS Skytrain in the Sukhumvit and Silom areas. These are hard-core tourist areas, thus making it a reliable and economical option to commute especially for tourists.

Additionally, an underground MRT subway intersects the BTS at multiple points, offering commuters greater convenience in terms of reaching their destinations.

Bangkok also has a well-connected network when it comes to buses.

The first-ever bus that I took in Bangkok, cost me a mere 7 baht. Yes, that’s right. Google Maps are pretty helpful to get information on buses, or you could simply ask the locals.

Lastly, ferries run along the Chao Phraya River, transporting thousands of people on a daily basis. They are a great and pocket-friendly option. 

You must take the ferry at least once, just for the experience.

I’ve caught some of the most beautiful sunsets while on these rides, and these ferries are undoubtedly a blessing during peak hours.

Long-Distance Travel

For long-distance travel, you can opt for 1) Trains 2) Mini Vans/Buses. Although trains are cheaper, buses are faster and also more popular.

Safety tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: don't venture into lonely places and deserted beaches.

If you’re travelling solo, try not to catch so much attention to yourself by being rowdy or rude. Respect the place and its people. The more polite you’ll be the more the locals will help you out in times of need. If you’re travelling in a group, don’t end up misbehaving with the locals at any point in time. Not even during your visit to any nightclub.

Your safety lies in your own hands especially in the way you behave. People in general around Thailand are very hospitable and so don’t mess with them. Instead, try being a part of their community.

Party tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: buy booze from 7 elevens if you want to go party.

Bangkok equates to wild partying in most people’s heads.

It’s true. On a Tuesday night, I headed to one of the ‘happening areas’ of Bangkok at night. Trust me when I say this, I haven’t even seen Saturday nights back in Bombay (my hometown) as lit. Happy hours, live music, good food, and great crowds in almost each and every bar lined the street.

Some of the must-visit streets in Bangkok:

What’s best is that Thailand’s nightlife is not just restricted to Bangkok, but also to North and South Thailand. No matter what part of Thailand you’re headed to, nights won’t be boring.

One of the most popular nightlife experiences in other parts of Thailand is the Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan. I had the opportunity to be a part of one such kickass full moon party arranged by a local agent. I was new in the place so I needed an agent to fix me up. You too can go for it. It was quite the value for money.

Massage tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: do not spend more than 300 thb on a thai massage.

It’s possible that you’re a little sceptical about getting the massage done, even though you really want to. A number of questions could be baffling you – do I keep my clothes on? What if the massage is too harsh and causes pain? Will it be in an enclosed room?

In most parlours, you will be given a set of loose, comfortable and clean clothes. While it is generally optional to change into it, you will only have a better experience if you do.

Next, and also most important, in case you find the massage to be too harsh on your body, you need to ask them to be gentler. Everybody has a different body, and you being vocal about what feels good and what doesn’t will not only help the masseuse but also yourself.

Thai massages sometimes have an assumed sexual connotation. That can make massage. Well, interesting and awkward. To avoid such encounters or services you do not desire, stay out of the shady areas or just make things clear right at the start.

Social tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Follow the unspoken social etiquette in thailand.

Travelling to a country that’s as culturally rich as Thailand might require some homework. You do not want to engage in any behaviour or gesture that is considered rude by the locals.  One of the most important tips for travelling from India to Thailand is to do some prior research on the subject.

So, read on to find out what you must do and what should be avoided –

1. Being confrontational, overtly honest and critical might not be taken too well by Thais.

2. The Thai national anthem is played at 8 am and 6 pm in some public places. It would be great if you could show respect by standing still for those 2-3 minutes.

3. Cover your head and shoulders when visiting religious or sacred places.

4. Talking about the King or politics openly isn’t appreciated.

5. Whenever you enter someone’s home, remove your shoes unless specified otherwise.

6. The word khun is added before the first name as a symbol of respect.

7. Touching someone’s head is the last thing you’d want to do.

Must-Know Thai Phrases for gaining respect socially

You do not want the language to become a barrier in your travels. One of the tips for travelling from India to Thailand is to try to learn and memorise some of these important Thai phrases. 

Note that Thai is a difficult language to learn. You do not need to get intimidated if you don’t seem to remember the words right. However, do give it a shot. The locals will be pleased to hear you say a word in Thai.

Shopping tips for travelling from India to Thailand

Top tip: save money by saying no to packings.

There have been times that I’ve come back home empty-handed because there were just so many options. (PS: doesn’t happen to all, I’m just a bad shopper.)

Must-visit markets/malls in Bangkok:

Chatuchak Market

The biggest weekend market in the world; you can buy anything and everything at dirt cheap prices out there.

The Platinum Mall

Imagine floors and floors of shoes, bags and clothes.

Rod Fai Market

Seen those colourful Instagram photographs of night markets, hustling with tourists, locals and vendors selling all kinds of stuff?

Need to buy cameras? Laptops? Mobile phones? Chargers? Spare parts? Head to MBK.

Out of all the south-east Asian countries, I’ve visited, Thailand is undoubtedly my favourite. Contrary to popular belief, Thailand is much more than just pretty beaches – mountains, hikes, treks, waterfalls, national parks, it has it all.

Despite having spent 7 months in this beautiful country, I could not manage to see all that I wanted to. I guess that’s the reason why it keeps calling out to me – over and over again. I hope that these tips for travelling from India to Thailand prove to be useful to all of you curious travellers out there.

Happy Wayfaring 🙂

THIS POST IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF BUDGET WAYFARERS. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ASSOCIATION INDULGING IN PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY . IF YOU WANT TO USE INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE ABOVE, KINDLY QUOTE THE SOURCE.

• Asia Landmarks & Icons

Japan vs Thailand on a Trip to Asia

• By Aren Bergstrom
• On August 16, 2019
• Read Time 16 mins

Home / Asia / Japan vs Thailand on a Trip to…

Japan and Thailand are the two most popular destinations in Asia for westerners, and if you’re heading to the continent to the first time, you’ll probably head to one of the two. There’s a good reason for this. First of all, Japan and Thailand are easy to navigate, safe, and friendly. They also have long histories and famous landmarks that have an undeniable romantic appeal to them. They have gorgeous landscapes and some of the world’s best culinary scenes. If you had all the time in the world, pairing Thailand and Japan would make for an unforgettable and epic Asian vacation, but odds are, you can only focus on one during a trip to Asia. Furthermore, each country deserves a lot of attention. So, if you have to decide between the two, which one should you visit: Japan or Thailand?

It can be hard to choose, which is why we’ve put together a comparative breakdown of the two countries. We’ve broken down the guide into separate categories, focusing on landscape and climate, costs and infrastructure, landmarks, history and culture, and food and drink. Comparing two countries is never an apples-to-apples exercise, but it does help us to understand the appeal of these two incredible nations and decide which one is better suited to which kind of traveller.

Landscape and Climate

This is one of the easiest comparisons, since we’re talking about geographical facts. Thailand is a bit larger than Japan. Japan is more spread out as it consists of a series of islands in an archipelago, while Thailand consists of one large mainland and then many smaller islands in the south. Japan is a volcanic country with many mountains and geothermal areas covered largely in forests and farmland. Thailand also has mountains in the north, plains and a plateau in the centre of the country, and islands throughout the south, which are covered in beaches. Since Thailand is tropical, it’s covered in rainforests throughout.

In terms of climate, Japan has four true seasons, even if it has typhoon season in the midst of summer. The country is generally mild as far as countries as far north are concerned, although the north, especially on the island of Hokkaido, is known to have harsh winters and short summers. Conversely, Okinawa exists in a subtropical zone and has almost no winter.

In winter, the temperature is rarely lower than 0°C along the Pacific Coast, with temperatures growing lower and snowfall heavier the more northerly you get. Spring is warm, with not too much rain and temperatures sitting in the teens. Summer can get warm and humid, with temperatures reaching the high 30s during the heights of the wet season. Fall has lower temperatures around 10°C.

In Thailand , the climate shifts between wet and dry, although it does rain all year round. Since it is tropical, Thailand can get very warm, with temperatures exceeding 40°C during the year. As well, humidity rarely lets up, making for muggy cities and wet jungles. However, outside of the wet season, the heat makes for comfortable beach weather, especially in the south, where islands and waters abound.

For Thailand, the best time to visit on a trip to Asia is March through May, when you can avoid the heavy rainfall of the wet season, but still enjoy the warmth, without the high temperatures of summer. In Japan, the best times to visit are spring and fall because of the foliage. Temperatures are comfortable and there’s not too much rainfall. Spring brings the cherry blossom season, while the fall brings vibrant reds and yellows.

If you are picking one country over the other based on weather, Thailand has the advantage, as it’s hard to pass up year-round warmth. However, Japan during the height of spring and fall is as lovely as countries get.

Expenses and Infrastructure

Japan is more expensive than Thailand. There’s no doubt about that. Flights to both countries are around the same price, but once you get there, you’ll have an easier time taking advantage of things in Thailand.

Economically, Japan is in the same category as major western nations like Canada, the US, and the UK, so the prices are roughly equivalent to those found in these countries. A round-trip flight from Toronto to Tokyo in September is around $1,300 CAD. A 3-star hotel in Tokyo averages around $115 during the same period. A three-course meal for two will set you back around 5,000 YEN, which is about $70 CAD.

Although Thailand has gotten more expensive than in previous years, it remains one of the best budget accommodations in Asia. While a round-trip flight from Toronto to Bangkok in September will cost around $1,300 (unless you happen to score a budget deal with a Chinese airline), a 3-star hotel would only cost around $26 CAD. A three-course meal for two would cost around $35 CAD. And street food is even cheaper, with many delicious meals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai running you back only a few dollars.

As for infrastructure, Japan has one of the best transit systems in the world and is remarkably easy to explore by air, car, train, or bus. Flying is common and relatively affordable, although unnecessary unless you’re connecting to more remote islands like Hokkaido. Train is the most popular way of getting around and Japan’s rail system is the envy of the world. Shinkansen (bullet trains) connect the major cities and offer a lightning-quick form of travel that is something of an attraction in its own right. Buses are cheaper than trains, but slower as well.

Within cities, take advantage of the excellent public transit system to get around by subway or bus. If you want to avoid public transit, most cities have ample taxi networks, although prices are essentially on par with taxi services in western countries. The Japan Rail Pass is a great way to save money while exploring the country. Passes come in regional options and are valid for the preselected time period (one week, two weeks, and so forth).

Thailand has a good infrastructure in its own right. Air travel is inexpensive and the best way to get between the major centres, such as Bangkok and the islands of the south. Train travel exists, but it’s considered more leisurely than other forms of travel. Buses are far more common and are inexpensive and efficient. The class of your ticket will determine how comfortable your bus trip is. In the cities themselves, public transit exists, but is not the main way of getting around. Instead, tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) are cheap and easy ways to get around. Taxis are a bit more expensive, but offer more seclusion. Transit is cheap in Thailand and even if you opt for flights between cities and taxi rides within them, you’ll end up spending less on transit than in most other countries.

While Japan has the better infrastructure, Thailand is more affordable, which is a definite bonus when deciding which country to visit on Asia tours .

While neither country has individual landmarks on the same level as the Colosseum or Machu Picchu, both Japan and Thailand are chockfull of highlights that draw people from across the world.

In Japan, the cities are the main highlights, as Tokyo itself is more appealing to travellers than any one landmark within it. The futuristic environs of Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Shibuya are as attractive as the historic temples of Senso-ji and Meiji Jingu. Also, the atmosphere created by the juxtaposition between the city’s two sides is what makes it such a fascinating destination. Kyoto is equally famous, known for its hundreds of gorgeous temples that transport travellers back in time to feudal Japan. Kyoto also has individual temples such as Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousand vermilion torii gates lining a mountainside, and Kinkaku-ji, with its golden walls. They are landmarks in their own right, but the sum total appeal of the city cannot be overstated.

Japan also has Mt. Fuji, one of the most famous mountains on the planet. It has Nara , with Todai-ji, home to the statue of the Great Buddha, and the friendly deer of Nara Park. It has castles, from Himeji Castle to Matsumoto Castle to Osaka Castle. It has Hiroshima , which is a sad place, but also an essential monument to war, Itsukushima, with its gorgeous red torii gate that’s partially submerged at high tide, and the volcanic hot springs of Kyushu.

Like Tokyo is in Japan, Bangkok is an attraction in and of itself in Thailand. The city is synonymous with wild nightlife, but it’s equally known for having the best street food in the world and a number of noteworthy attractions, from Wat Arun to the Grand Palace to Wat Pho. It has the famous nightlife, as embodied by Khao San Road. It has a bustling shopping atmosphere, most notably seen at the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Chiang Mai is also popular, with its beautiful temples like Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and easy access to the jungles and mountainside. There are also famous temples elsewhere, not least of which is Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple in nearby Chiang Rai .

Thailand’s other main attractions are the islands and beaches of the south. Phuket is the most famous, but Ko Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay are more beautiful. Khao Lak is as pristine and natural a beach as you’ll find anywhere in Asia

Thailand is not lacking for attractions, but Japan’s are more notable and famous across the world.

Food and Drink

Both Japan and Thailand have among the best food and drink in Asia , perhaps even the world.

Japan’s food culture has only grown more popular, as sushi has found its way into all corners of the world and savoury dishes like ramen grow ever more common in western cities. While you can get sushi anywhere in the world, it cannot compare to the freshness of what you’ll find on Japan travel . Aside from sushi, Japan also has some of the most delicious creations found anywhere in the world. There are fried goods like tempura, whether prawns or vegetables like sweet potato and squash, and tonkatsu , the fried breaded pork cutlets, their own brand of dumplings known as gyoza , and all manner of noodle dishes, from ramen to soba to udon. Red meat is a relatively recent addition to Japanese cuisine, but Japanese beef is among the best in the world, especially the fatty, marbled cuts of wagyu beef like Kobe and Hida. As for drinks, Japanese beer such as Asahi and Sapporo are of a high quality, and the rice wine sake is a delicious libation. For non-drinkers, matcha tea and all kinds of soft drinks hit the spot.

While Thai food is not quite as popular as Japanese food, it is every bit as celebrated in the culinary world. And if you’re looking for street food, you’ll find nothing better than the offerings in Thailand . Spicy Thai curries with coconut milk broths are among the most popular foods in Thailand, and for good reason. But the noodle dishes are equally delicious, from famous pad thai with its egg and bean sprout stir-fry to the broad noodles of pad see ew and the crispy, savoury khao soi, found in the north. The spicy and sour soup of tom yum goong is possibly the best soup found in Asia. The green papaya salad, som tam , is among the spiciest things you’ll ever eat, but delicious and addictive. Desserts like mango sticky rice and all manner of fruit juices will satisfy your sweet tooth. And as far as beer is concerned, you can’t go wrong with Singha, with its dry aftertaste and refreshing palette.

Japan has a slight advantage in terms of food, but you can’t go wrong with food in either country.

History and Culture

Both Thailand and Japan have histories that go back much longer than the modern era. Japan has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years, but the best known historical period is the Edo era from the 17th to 19th centuries, when the shogun ruled the country and a strict feudal class system was imposed on the nation. The most popular figures of Japanese history, the samurai, predate the Edo period, and you’ll find a lot of museums and historical buildings showcasing samurai artifacts and lifestyle. Geisha are also synonymous with Japanese culture and you’ll find geisha houses and people dressed up in geisha garb in the historical districts alongside samurai homes and castles. Along with Japan’s samurai past, the country’s history is also tied to its two main religions, Buddhism, which came from China in 552AD, and Shintoism, the native religion that has become aligned with the royal family and the natural world.

In the modern era, Japan is known as much for technological innovation as its samurai past. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka are among the most futuristic in the world, and the prevalence of video games and manga culture across the globe has seen Japanese cultural influence only increase as time goes by. If you have any interest in video games or fan culture, a trip to the major cities of Japan will be hugely rewarding. Baseball is also a big part of the culture, and older sports like sumo have retained their importance over the years.

As for Japanese culture, the Japanese are famously reserved and politeness is considered paramount. However, don’t mistake this reservation for rudeness; in fact, the Japanese are among the friendliest and most accommodating people you’ll meet while travelling. If you don’t like being aggressively peddled to while travelling, you’ll also probably appreciate how people respect your privacy here.

Like Japan, Thailand also has the ultramodern sitting right next to the ancient. In Bangkok, you’ll experience remnants of the country’s ancient history alongside the super-modern. The various Buddhist kingdoms that predate the nation state of Thailand go back thousands of years, and although the history of Thailand is less well-known than Japan, it is no less impactful on the region. Key to its history is Buddhism, which remains the main religion and one of the key aspects of the culture. Modern Thai culture is largely founded on respect for the monarchy and strong family ties, as well as the contributions of Thai civilization.

Thailand is famously known as the Land of Smiles, which gives the impression of the country being an un-endingly happy place. However, Thai are more reserved than they let on, and politeness and social courtesy form a significant backbone of the culture. However, considering that Thailand is significantly poorer than the western countries, you’ll come across more desperate individuals when travelling here. Sales people can be pushy and you may find some of the poverty that sits alongside luxury disquieting. This isn’t to criticize Thai culture, but merely to point out that you will have different experiences here than you would in many western countries.

Food is a big part of Thai life and there’s no better way to bond with locals than over a meal, whether you’re eating from a food vendor in the street or in a fancy restaurant in one of the cities. Soccer is a national obsession, and the local marital art of Muay Thai is also very popular. If you have a love of sport, you’ll find a lot to bond with Thai people over.

It’s impossible to favour one of these cultures over the other. Japan’s history is more famous, and its role in the formation of video games and anime will make it extremely popular with certain kinds of travellers, but others will favour Thailand’s warmth and less-reserved outward culture. Choose according to your interests and how you want to be treated while travelling in a foreign land.

Which one is right for you?

As I’ve demonstrated in this (admittedly long) article, both Japan and Thailand are incredible places to visit. If you can go to both places on one Asia vacation , do it, but if you have to be more realistic, know the appeals of both countries before deciding between the two.

Generally speaking, the two countries break down like this:

• If you want to experience all four seasons in a varied landscape, enjoy some of the best food and drink in the world, enjoy ultra-modern accommodations and infrastructure, and delve into video game culture or the medieval past, head to Japan.
• If you want to visit a warm country with plenty of beaches, save money on food and accommodations, eat lots of spicy food, and experience a relatively friendly culture that is largely catered to tourists, head to Thailand.

There’s a lot in common between Japan and Thailand (I didn’t even touch on their cultural relations over the centuries), but they offer many cultural and geographic differences when visiting. Just be assured that no matter which of the two countries you decide to visit, you’ll be experiencing one of the essential destinations in Asia.

Discover Japan or Thailand

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Aren Bergstrom

Globetrotting Editor - You might say that Aren was destined to become a Globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.

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