Thailand Tours & Vacations
Thailand is an idyllic paradise, where jungle-covered karsts plunge into aquamarine waters and the sand is sugar white.
But no matter how clichĂŠd the fantasy, Thailand delivers in spades. The water around Krabi and Ko Tao really is that deep, cool shade of blue. Phi Phiâs limestone karsts really do look like some alien world. And the food? Letâs just say your local Pad Thai has nothing on Chiang Maiâs street stalls or the floating markets of Amphawa, where little old ladies do things with fish sauce and chili you never thought possible. From the waterfalls of Erawan to a homestay with the hill tribes of the Golden Triangle, these adventures go beyond the tourist traps. Buckle up.
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Articles of Thailand
Everything you need to know about a night (or two) on an overnight train
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10 ways to get closer to nature with Intrepid Â
10 awesome places to go for your 21st birthday
6 perfect destinations in South East Asia for solo female travel
How we changed the elephant riding industry
What to expect on a cycling trip in Southern Thailand
Vietnam vs Thailand: Where to travel next?
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Thailand at a glance, capital city.
Bangkok (11 million)
71.8 million
Thai Baht (THB)
(GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
CALLING CODE
Electricity.
Type C (European 2-pin)
Learn more about Thailand
Best time to visit thailand.
Thailand's climate is generally hot, humid, and at times (like other South East Asian countries) monsoonal. The seasons differ from coast to coast, so depending on which areas you're visiting, the weather can vary.
Thailand's mainland region is great to visit from November to February when the weather is cooler and dryer.
If you are planning on visiting the Gulf Coast (east), avoid the northeast monsoon that brings rain from October to January. For destinations like Phuket on the west side of the peninsula, the best time is November to April to avoid the other monsoon which causes Thailand's wet season from May to October.
Read more about the best time to visit Thailand
Culture and customs
Often considered the epicenter of Buddhism, religion permeates daily life in Thailand. Sprinkled throughout the country are thousands of golden temples, where youâll find Buddhist monks in orange robes walking the streets. Young men are expected to spend some time as a monk as it bestows honor on their families. Visitors should be respectful of monks and dress modestly when visiting a temple (cover your knees and shoulders and remove your shoes).
Like other Asian nations, the concept of âsaving faceâ is important. This means avoiding conflict or embarrassment in order to preserve social standing, dignity, and honor. Thai people will go out of their way to avoid âlosing faceâ. Losing your temper or raising your voice are surefire ways to lose face and can be perceived as volatile or rude.
Eating and drinking
Thai food has everything from spicy dishes packed with chilis to milder coconut-based curries. With street stalls and night markets all over the country, it's really easy to pick up a snack wherever you are in Thailand. On many Intrepid trips, you'll be given the opportunity to have dinner with a local family â this offers a great chance to see how meals are prepared and learn more about the local culture. Go a step further on our 8-day Thailand Read Food Adventure to watch, eat, prepare, and present tasty and traditional Thai cuisine.
Things to try in Thailand
1. Pad Thai (Phat Thai)
A well-known dish but for good reason. This delicious plate of stir-fried rice noodles garnished with peanuts is full of flavor and can be served with fresh prawns, chicken, tofu, or vegetables.
2. Tom Yum (Tom Yam)
Usually prepared with stock, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, this soup is widely available in Thailand and has been popularised around the world.Â
3. Green curry
One of many curries that Thais do so well. Green curry consists of chicken, Thai eggplant, and chilies bathed in a coconut milk-based sauce.
4. Som tam (green papaya salad)
This northern dish of shredded raw papaya, cherry tomatoes, and green beans is a tantalizing mix of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors.
5. Coconut water
For a super fresh thirst quencher, try coconut water straight from the husk.
6. Tropical fruit
Fruit shakes and fresh fruit juices are widely available from markets and restaurants â make the most of all the tropical fruits of Thailand.
Geography and environment
Sharing borders with South East Asian neighbors Cambodia ,  Laos ,  Malaysia  , and  Myanmar  (Burma), Thailand's natural environment varies greatly from region to region. From the steamy jungles and misty highlands in the north to the white sand beaches and picturesque islands of the south, Thailand's everchanging landscape has been fascinating and entertaining travelers for centuries.Â
The capital, Bangkok, is a heaving, urban jungle with skyscrapers, street vendors, markets, cars, tuk-tuks, bicycles, and masses of people all competing for space. Despite this, there are pockets of quiet beauty to be found with parks, temples, and traditional shop fronts scattered throughout the city.Â
Rural areas in the north are typically quieter, with locals living a more traditional way of life; the frenetic pace of the city giving way to a more slow-paced, agricultural-based lifestyle. Houses are simple, there's more space and less of the modern conveniences. Jungles, rivers, bamboo huts, and teak houses are more commonly seen here, and birds and other animal life are more abundant.
History and government
Early history.
Communities based on agriculture (such as rice growing) inhabited Siam (Thailand) as early as the 6th century. In the following centuries, Siam came under the influence of the Khmer, Dvaravati, and Malay cultures, with some temples and monuments in modern-day Thailand showing evidence of this influence. In the 13th century, the city of Sukhothai in northern Thailand became an important capital. The ruins of the Sukhothai Historical Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site) feature remnants of the royal palace, temples, and other buildings and highlight the artistic and architectural features of the era.Â
Ayutthaya rose to prominence as the new capital in the 14th century and was considered a powerhouse of South East Asia as one of the most important centers of trade in the world. Enduring many battles, invasions, overthrows, and coups, Ayutthaya's far-reaching trade with other regions ensured a flourishing influence of art, weaponry, religion, and cuisine. Much wealth was generated by this enormous empire, with grand palaces, ornate buildings, and huge temples featured throughout the city. All this came to an end when the Burmese invaded in the 18th century, bringing the kingdom to ruin and resulting in the loss of many artistic and cultural treasures. Despite this, the ruins of the city are still standing, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and are a great day trip from Bangkok. See the sights of ancient and recent Thai history during a 3 day River Kwai and Ancient Thai Kingdoms tour.
Recent history
Thonburi was established as the capital of Siam by General Taksin in the late 18th century, yet this didn't last long with Taksim being deposed and executed not long after. Bangkok was then named capital by General Chakri, who became Rama I - the first king of the Rama Dynasty.
Over the years, Siam (Thailand) remained the only South East Asian country to remain free from European colonization. In 1932, the Siamese Revolution resulted in a constitutional monarchy being formed, and in 1941, Thailand invaded French Indochina, overpowered the French, and claimed Laos.
In the last thirty years, Thailand has seen political power change hands many times, often due to coups, revolutions, and protests. Despite this, Thailandâs economy continues to grow due to its strong tourist industry. Enduring all this, the much-loved King Rama IX has reigned as the Head of State since 1946 - claiming the title of the longest-reigning monarch in the world and providing Thai people with a stable figure to rely upon.
Top 10 iconic Thai landscapes
Whether you're traveling by tuk-tuk through the crazy streets, cycling along backroads, or taking a longtail through the khlongs, the journey in Bangkok is definitely half the fun. Drop into the stunning Grand Palace, see the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and wind your way through floating markets.
Start and finish an incredible 30 day South East Asia Loop in the exciting epicenter that is Bangkok.
2. Chiang Mai
This northern capital is overflowing with experiences. Temple-hop through some - or all - of its 300 temples, take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine, and explore the Night Bazaar for delicious food, designer goods, and a foot massage to die for.
Experience the magic of Chiang Mai on our 4 day Chiang Mai Adventure
If you ever wondered what was below Thailand's turquoise waters, this is the place to look. Learn to dive or pull on snorkeling gear to discover the fish and reefs that call this coastline home. Shark Island is close by for adrenaline seekers.
Choose your Ko Tao adventure on a 10 day Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui tour.
4. Hilltribe Country
Thailand's north is home to many of the country's minority groups. A hike along buffalo tracks will take you through colorful H'mong, Karen, and Lisu villages. Spend a night as their guest for a unique insight into their life.
Spend a night as their guest for a unique insight into their life on our 5 day Thailand Hilltribe Trek.
5. Ayuthaya
Modern meets ancient in Ayuthaya. The current city intertwines itself with the remnants of what was once one of Asia's great capitals. Walk the streets in search of clues to its imperial past and hire a bike to ride through the countryside, exploring the area's ruins.
Enjoy this historical park for yourself during a 10 day Highlights of Thailand tour.
6. Sukhothai
This former capital is a history buff's heaven. Nicknamed the 'Dawn of Happiness', Sukhothai still recalls Siam's golden age with its superb statues, marvelous monuments, and lotus flowers in full bloom. A trip to the night market is a real eye-opener; try everything from fried rice to fried bugs.
Stop by Sukhothai on our 8 day Explore Northern Thailand adventure.
The waters surrounding Krabi are dotted with hundreds of limestone karst islands. Kayakers and rock climbers will love exploring them, while others can travel to the nearby floating villages or just relax on one of the region's perfect beaches.
We've made sure to stop by Krabi on our incredible 28 day Bangkok to Bali adventure - you'll thank us later.
8. Golden Triangle
The area where the Thai, Laotian, and Burmese borders meet has long been associated with colorful cultures and illicit opium trade. The opium may have gone but the color hasn't and the markets offer all sorts of amazing local handicrafts.
Set your sights on this incredible part of the world on a 3 days Chiang Mai and Golden Triangle.
9. Khao Sok National Park
For a real jungle experience, spend a couple of days in Khao Sok National Park. Thick rainforests, limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and mountains make a wild playground.
Hike, swim, explore caves, and sleep to the sounds of exotic birds and animals during our 8 days Essential Southern Thailand trip.
10. Kanchanaburi
This tranquil town is the jumping-off point for visits to the infamous Hell Fire Pass and River Kwai. Be sure to take a ride along the tracks of the Death Railway and reflect on the atrocities of war at the Jeath War Museum.
Take a reflective walk through the history of Kanchanaburi on a 15 day Beautiful Northern Thailand tour.
Top places to visit in Thailand
1. chiang mai.
Visit a park that provides a sanctuary for elephants â many of which have been rescued from the cruel practices of the elephant riding industry.
Add our 3 day Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience to your Thailand trip to learn about these incredible animals.
Spot schools of colorful tropical fish as you snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Ao Nang.
Finish off a 9 day Cycle Southern Thailand tour on the stunning limestone cliff beaches of Krabi.
Dive into the warm waters of Phuket and experience a little bit of paradise.
Spend a couple of days exploring all that Phuket has to offer on a 9 day Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Phuket adventure.
4. Erawan National Park
Cool off in the waters of Erawan National Park or simply stand back and watch the idyllic waterfalls.
Enjoy the beauty of Erawan National Park on our 12 day Premium Northern Thailand tour .
Follow the scent of chili and lemongrass to one of Bangkokâs many delicious food markets.
This city is the perfect place to start an incredible 22 day Epic Bangkok to Singapore tour.
Pedal around ancient temples and ruins built as early as the 13th century at the World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historic Park.
Walk through one of Thailand's first capital cities on our 17 day Classic Thailand East Coast adventure.
7. Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is perhaps one of Thailand's most recognizable gems. Kayak around the green waters, admiring the sheer limestone karsts that jut dramatically out of the sea.
Coast through the must-see sights of Phang Nga Bay on our 8 day Phuket Sailing Adventure.
Bustling street markets filled with colorful vendors selling an assortment of goods can be found in small villages and large towns throughout the country. Luxurious, multi-level shopping malls that rival those in European cities are increasingly popping up.Â
The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is perhaps the largest and most extensive market in the world. Here vendors sell everything you can think of, from ceramics to Thai silk to vintage clothing. Bartering is expected at markets and most small vendors. As a rule of thumb, if the price isnât listed, itâs negotiable. But remember, Thais appreciate friendliness and a sense of humor. The more aggressive you are in trying to get a deal, the less likely you are to get one.
Things to buy in Thailand
- Vibrant fabric cushions, tablecloths, and hammocks
- Silver jewelry (look for reputable stores)Â
- Handcrafted umbrellas or parasols
- Thai silk scarves, ties, wraps, and clothing
- Colorful Celadon ceramics
- Tailor-made clothing
Festival and events
Loy krathong (festival of lights).
During the 12th lunar month, people across the country gather around lakes, rivers, and canals to symbolically let their worries float away in the most magical way â by releasing colorful lotus-shaped rafts holding candles, incense, and flowers onto the water.
Yee Peng (or Yi Peng)
At the same time that Loy Krathong is taking place, Chiang Mai also celebrates Yee Peng. Religious events, cultural activities, and street parades all mark this Buddhist tradition. But what makes this festival truly spectacular is the release of thousands of sky lanterns that illuminate the sky. Â
Songkran (Thai New Year)
What happens when New Yearâs Day falls during the height of summer? It morphs into a giant water fight. Some towns celebrate just on the day (April 13), while others stretch it out for several days of concerts, ceremonies, and other wet festivities.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Flowers are used in ways you never thought imaginable at this colorful three-day event in February. Come for the parade of impressive floral floats, and stay for the tasty Thai street food, music, and performances.
Public holidays that may impact travel include:
- Makha Bucha Day
Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)
H.M. King's Coronation
Visakha Bucha Day
Queen Suthida's Birthday
King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday
Buddhist Lent Day
Queenâs Birthday
Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol
Chulalongkorn Day
Kingâs Birthday
Constitution Day
Please note dates of Thai public holidays may vary.
Similar destinations
Thinking about traveling to Thailand but still browsing other destinations? Or, maybe you've already traveled and looking for somewhere similar? Check out tours to neighboring locations:
Vietnam tours
Vietnam vs Thailand: where to travel next?
Cambodia tours
- Indonesia tours
Still keen on Thailand?
We have a variety of similar destinations, trips, and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or see how we can help you get from A to B.
We have tours departing from a variety of locations around Thailand. The option below may be of interest:
- Tours from Phuket
- Tours from Bangkok
- Tours to Bangkok
- Bangkok to Phuket
Further reading
Thailand travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?
Travelers with passports from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States are exempt from a tourist visa if they are traveling for 30 days or less. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry to Thailand.
If you plan on staying longer as a tourist, or if you are traveling for a reason, such as study or business, you may need a visa.
The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.Â
Last updated: 02/11/2023
Is tipping customary in Thailand?
Tipping isnât customary in Thailand, but feel free to leave restaurants, drivers or service workers a small tip if the service has been particularly good. Itâs always appreciated.
What is internet access like in Thailand?
The Internet can be accessed at hotels and internet cafes in large cities and tourist areas but is limited in rural and remote areas.
Can I use my cell phone while in Thailand?
Cell phone coverage is generally good in Thailandâs urban areas, but may not be available on some of the islands and in more remote areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.
What are the toilets like in Thailand?
Squat toilets are most common in Thailand, although western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas. Itâs a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are not always provided.
Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?
Drinking tap water isnât recommended in Thailand. Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Thailand?
Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels, large retailers and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors and family-run restaurants in rural areas. Market stalls and street vendors will not accept credit cards. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.
What is ATM access like in Thailand?
ATMs are widely available in larger cities but are less common in small villages or rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.
Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Thailand?
No vaccines are required in order to enter Thailand but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.
Is Thailand a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?
As a whole, Thailand is a hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket all have fairly prominent gay scenes. Be aware that Thais typically do not engage in public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
What's the transport like in Thailand?
Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators, and are more fun.
Depending on which trip you're on while in Thailand, you may find yourself traveling by Songthaew.
Get to know the locals as you share a ride in these converted pick-up trucks. Snagging a seat on the âtwo benchesâ (the literal meaning of songthaew) is a popular way of getting around South East Asia.
See Thailand from the ground level on a Saamlaw, the three-wheeled wonder. Sometimes motorized but usually pedal-powered by a local, itâs a fun way to get from A to B or see a new city's sights.
What's the accommodation like in Thailand?
Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodations as unique and traditional as possible.
When traveling with us in Thailand you may find yourself staying in a Homestay.
Experience friendly Thai hospitality while staying with a local family living a traditional way of life. Make new friends, pick up some local lingo and leave smiling.
The ultimate room with a view - spend the night on a floating bamboo raft house. Enjoy the seclusion, soak up the serenity and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Does my trip to Thailand support The Intrepid Foundation?
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Thailand directly support our foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation .Â
EcoThailand Foundation is on a mission to educate and empower local communities, on the tourist Islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Paluay, about environmental issues like climate change, waste management, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainable lifestyles. Donations from our trips help EcoThailand's environmental guardianship education program for children in local state schools.
Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?
Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to:Â Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to:Â UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to:Â Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to:Â US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
- Thailand Tours
Thailand Tours and Trips 2024/2025
Thailand is the perfect destination for those who love to spend time outdoors. You can soak up the sunshine on the beautiful beaches of Phuket , or head to the North of the country to Chiang Mai for adventure and outdoor activities like water rafting and trekking. Of course, not to be missed is Bangkok , where you can tour its floating markets or lavish Grand Palace.
- Thailand Travel Guide
- Top 10 Things to do in Bangkok
- Best Time to Visit Thailand
+300 Trips in Thailand with 1,384 Reviews
- Starts Bangkok, Thailand
- Ends Chiang Mai, Thailand
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express
- Best price guaranteed
- No booking fees
- Tour Type Small Group Tour
- Activities Active and outdoor & Cultural, religious and historic sites
- Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train, Guest House & Resort
- Transport Boat, Bus, Sleeper Train, Private Vehicle & Train
- Age Range 12-95 yrs
- Operated in English
- Brochure Price: US$ 1,149
- Special Deal (25%): - US$ 288
- Total Price from: US$ 861
- Jun 22 Only 3 seats left
- Jul 06 10+ seats left
- View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019
- Ends Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand Island Hopper
- Tour Type Group Tour
- Activities Beach & Chill out Beach , Chill out & Sailing, yachting and motor boating 'data-more-tripid='37249'>+1 more
- Accommodation Bungalow, Hotel & Sleeper Train
- Transport Boat, Private Vehicle, Train, Sleeper Train, Ferry & Minibus
- Age Range 18-40 yrs
- Brochure Price: US$ 1,575
- Special Deal (20%): - US$ 315
- Total Price from: US$ 1,260
- Jun 20 10+ seats left
- Jun 22 Only 6 seats left
Highlights of Thailand
- Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites
- Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Resort
- Transport Train, Boat, Bus, Private Vehicle & Minibus
- Age Range 15-99 yrs
- Brochure Price: US$ 2,220
- Special Deal (15%): - US$ 333
- Total Price from: US$ 1,887
- Jul 12 Only 5 seats left
- Jul 26 Only 7 seats left
- Ends Ko Tao, Thailand
Southern Thailand Sojourn: Nightlife & National Parks
- Activities Wildlife & Kayaking and canoeing Wildlife , Kayaking and canoeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='4563'>+3 more
- Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train, Bungalow, Resort & Villa
- Transport Boat, Ferry, Bus, Sleeper Train, Taxi, Train & Private Vehicle
- Age Range 18-39 yrs
- Brochure Price: US$ 849
- Special Deal (35%): - US$ 298
- Total Price from: US$ 551
- Jun 20 Only 5 seats left
- Jun 22 Only 10 seats left
- Ends Phuket, Thailand
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Phuket
- Activities Beach & Chill out
- Accommodation Resort, Sleeper Train, Bungalow & Hotel
- Transport Train, Boat, Bus, Minibus, Sleeper Train & Taxi
- Oct 13 Only 9 seats left
- Oct 20 Only 9 seats left
- Starts Phuket, Thailand
Phuket Sailing Adventure
- Activities Sailing, yachting and motor boating
- Accommodation Hotel & Yacht Cabin
- Transport Boat & Yacht
- Brochure Price: US$ 1,935
- Special Deal (5%): - US$ 97
- Total Price from: US$ 1,838
- Nov 10 Only 1 seat left
- Nov 17 Only 7 seats left
Thailand: Night Markets & Blue Waters
- Activities Wildlife & Trekking and Hiking Wildlife , Trekking and Hiking , Kayaking and canoeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='4557'>+4 more
- Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train, Hut, Bungalow, Resort & Villa
- Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Ferry & Private Vehicle
- Brochure Price: US$ 1,349
- Special Deal (25%): - US$ 338
- Total Price from: US$ 1,011
- Jun 15 Only 5 seats left
- Jun 22 Only 7 seats left
Explore Northern Thailand
- Accommodation Home-stay, Hotel & Resort
- Transport Train, Bus, Boat, Minibus & Taxi
- Brochure Price: US$ 1,310
- Special Deal (30%): - US$ 393
- Total Price from: US$ 917
- Jul 07 Only 8 seats left
- Jul 28 10+ seats left
Beautiful Northern Thailand
- Activities Local culture & City sightseeing Local culture , City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='3603'>+1 more
- Accommodation Sleeper Train, Guest House & Hotel
- Transport Train, Boat, Bus, Private Vehicle, Minibus, Sleeper Train & Taxi
- Brochure Price: US$ 2,065
- Special Deal (30%): - US$ 619
- Total Price from: US$ 1,446
- Jul 07 Only 6 seats left
- Jul 21 Only 10 seats left
- Starts Chiang Mai, Thailand
Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek
- Activities Wildlife & Trekking and Hiking Wildlife , Trekking and Hiking , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='4542'>+3 more
- Accommodation Hotel, Hut & Home-stay
- Transport Bus
- Brochure Price: US$ 399
- Special Deal (30%): - US$ 120
- Total Price from: US$ 279
- Jun 13 Only 9 seats left
- Jun 27 Only 9 seats left
Thai Experience
- Activities Chill out & Beach
- Accommodation Hotel & Bungalow
- Transport Boat, Train, Ferry, Private Vehicle, Flight & Bus
- Age Range 17-55 yrs
- Jun 17 Only 8 seats left
- Ends Koh Phangan, Thailand
Thai Intro 9 Day
- Activities Adventure & Snorkeling Adventure , Snorkeling , Cooking classes , Chill out , Tubing & River canal tour 'data-more-tripid='23571'>+4 more
- Accommodation Bungalow & Guest House
- Transport Train, Boat, Private Vehicle & Flight
- Age Range 17-45 yrs
- Jun 14 10+ seats left
- Jun 16 Only 8 seats left
South East Asia Loop
- Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='3605'>+1 more
- Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train & Guest House
- Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Flight, Private Vehicle, Minibus, Sleeper Train & Taxi
- Jul 10 Only 6 seats left
- Jul 17 Only 1 seat left
Classic Thailand & Island Hopping - East Coast
- Activities Explorer
- Accommodation Guest House, Hotel, Sleeper Train & Resort
- Transport Boat, Bus, Ferry, Flight, Private Vehicle, Sleeper Train, Minibus & Train
- Brochure Price: US$ 2,399
- Special Deal (20%): - US$ 480
- Total Price from: US$ 1,919
- Jul 13 Only 1 seat left
Traveling to Thailand? Chat with a local travel specialist in Thailand who can help organize your trip.
Thailand Tour Reviews
- Nina Galpin
- Alice Wightman
- [email protected]
Traveller Photos for Trips in Thailand
Thailand - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Exotic, amazing, enchanting. Mere words cannot describe the joy of visiting one of the beautiful and exciting countries in Asia. The presence of numerous islands and two coastlines ensures a holiday in Thailand to be filled with various beaches. From crowded cosmopolitan beaches to secluded tropical getaways, you can really satiate your desires for the perfect beach holiday here. Thailand is a country that has something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or with your family, a trip to Thailand will have all the right options to customize your itinerary and add attractions that suit your tastes and preferences.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary just outside Chiang Mai
- Snorkel with the fish in Maya Bay
- Take a boat ride from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands and Monkey Beach
- Climb the 300 intricately carved steps to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple
- Take in panoramic views from the seat of Big Buddha in Kron, Phuket
- Float from vendor to vendor at Bangkok’ s floating markets
- Swim beneath the waterfalls of Erawan National Park
- Thailand’s glittery beaches are one of its biggest charms, but those golden temples are equally worthy of your time.
Travel Tips
- The most fun way to get around Thailand is by tuk-tuk, which offers fantastic views along the way. Most of these open-air ‘taxis’ are blue and have three wheels, except for the red tuk-tuks of Phuket (some of which have sound systems and neon lights).
- When visiting holy sites, be sure to bring a shawl so you can cover up your shoulders and knees. Also be prepared to remove your shoes before entering a temple or person’s home.
- The most common greeting in Thailand is to bring your hands together in a prayer-like fashion and bow, accompanied with a “Sawatdee-kah” for males or a “Sawatdee-krap” for females. Be sure to return this gesture as a show of respect.
- Thai people are extremely friendly and generous. Don’t be surprised if a local starts to strike up a random conversation, particularly in the markets.
- Make your visit to Thailand is an ethical one. Research whether a tour company’s practices are socially responsible, particularly if visiting elephants or hill tribes.
Thailand has seasonal weather so please do check up on best time to visit Thailand before planning your tour.
Tours in Thailand - Questions and Answers
With a laid-back way of life and extraordinary cultural heritages, the shortest amount of time you should plan for any trip to Thailand is one week . In seven days, you can admire the golden pagodas of Bangkok and Ayutthaya, and choose to either kick back on the tropical beaches of the country’s south or head out to discover its northern tribal villages. However, if you were to ask us how long to spend in Thailand , we would recommend staying in the country for two weeks , since this gives you the chance to tick off most of the country’s bucket-list destinations at a leisurely pace. If you cannot make your stay last that long, then ten days make for a good compromise. If you're looking for the best Thailand tours and trips, you can find them here .
The best time to visit Thailand is between the months of November and March, which also coincides with the country’s high season. The weather is comparatively colder during this time of year, making it ideal to explore the country. If you want to avoid crowds, then make sure that you head for the country in October. Please bear in mind that although the official monsoon season peaks in August and September, parts of the country continue receiving rainfall all through October, which puts most people off from visiting the country during this month. You can find more information here .
A western European or North American visitor to Thailand will find it one of the best countries in the world to visit on a budget . With street food and budget accommodation both keenly priced, USD 40 per person per day should cover accommodation and meal costs for frugal travelers. However, book organized tours and stay in middle to higher-range hotels and you will be looking at a daily budget of around USD 60 to USD 120 per person, per day. ATMs are widespread and operate exactly as they would at home – with English-language options.
Most western visitors do not require a visa to visit Thailand for a short term as tourists. Stays cannot be more than 30 days in one go and a total of 90 days within a six-month period. You will require a passport with at least six months remaining from your date of entry, alongside a return air ticket and proof that you have the equivalent of just over USD 600 to fund your stay. These details can be requested by customs officials on entry into the country.
The most widely spoken language in the country is Thai (Siamese), which also has its own alphabet. This can make it difficult for western travelers to communicate with the locals in the beginning. However, many Thai people also speak or understand a good amount of English, especially those living in large cities such as Bangkok, because of the language’s international importance. Few in the country expect visitors to speak any Thai, although any attempt to do so will bring smiles on the faces of those you are talking to.
The heart and soul of Thailand, Bangkok is an unmissable destination and makes for a logical first stop as it is also home to the country’s main international airport. Among the top things to do in Bangkok are visiting the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho and exploring the royal palace in the city. Beach lovers will not want to miss a trip to Ko Samui and the Phi Phi Islands, while a tour to Chiang Mai is a must for anyone interested in history and culture. For ancient wonders, look no further than the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya . Head for Krabi if you are looking for a great mix of beach vibes and snorkeling adventures.
The memories of drifting down the muddy waters of the Mekong is sure to stay with you for years to come, while island hopping from Phuket or Krabi is another must while in the country. The tropical islands that pepper the Gulf of Thailand have been used as a shooting spot for everything from James Bond movies to ‘The Beach’. For a completely different perspective of the country, head to the north, where traditional tribal villages are located amid deep jungle and towering hills that are worth exploring. For history lovers, there are Khmer ruins waiting to be explored at Phanom Rung Historical Park along with the famous bridge on the River Kwai.
Thailand’s road network is well developed and the country’s public transport will take you almost anywhere at an inexpensive price. This is another reason why budget travelers love this country. Thailand also has more than 2,500 miles of railway, running from the border with Malaysia in the south to destinations like Chiang Mai in the north. Both are a great value for money, although neither buses nor trains are the fastest or the most comfortable means of travel. For this, you are better off organizing a car and a driver to take you from one destination to another.
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Practice your skills at a traditional Thai cooking class
Discover the secrets of traditional Thai cooking in a teak wooden house surrounded by beautiful gardens and an organic farm in Chiang Mai. Youâll visit a market to sample some local delicacies, pick fresh herbs from the garden, then learn how to cook your own Thai food, including Northern Thai cuisine and classic Thai favorites.
Stroll through Pak Klong Talad market in Bangkok
Pak Klong Talad is one of the worldâs most incredible flower markets, with flower species of every shape and color from all over Thailand. Itâs open 24 hours and the busiest time is just after midnight, when trucks full of fresh flowers arrive and the florists begin trading to find the best bouquets for their stalls.
Meet a local monk and learn about Buddhism
Our Local Specialists will take you to Wat Suan Dok, a royal temple in Chiang Mai, where we'll meet a local Buddhist monk. Itâs an incredible opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism and youâll learn about the monkâs sacred traditions against the backdrop of the temple's striking golden chedi.
Join the locals for a graceful T'ai Chi practice
Live like a local and rise early for a peaceful Tâai Chi session in Lumpini Park. The park is a green haven with shaded lawns to practice the ancient art of Tâai Chi, and itâs a great way to ease into your day and the bustle of Bangkok.
Relax at the beachfront in Phuket
With long stretches of powdery white sands and turquoise waters, the beaches of Phuket are one of the most beautiful sights in Thailand. Relax under palm trees, go swimming or kayaking on the ocean, or dive below the water to discover brilliant sea life in protected marine parks.
Our top 5 things to do in Thailand
Our Thailand vacation packages will reveal every side of Thailand, from the Buddhist temples of Chiang Mai to the glittering beaches of Phuket.
Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is one of the most iconic sights in Bangkok and weâll take you on a journey through this dazzling complex. See the impressive Royal Reception Halls and the revered Emerald Buddha, a Buddha image carved from a single block of jade, dating back to the 14th century.
Jim Thompson House
Located in Bangkok, the Jim Thompson House is the former home of James Thompson, an American businessman and architect. He dedicated his life to the revival of Thai silk and designed the house in 1958, with six traditional Thai-styled houses to showcase his large art collection of Thai paintings and historical Buddhist statues.
Wat Doi Suthep
Perched at the top of Doi Suthep mountain at an elevation of 3,520 feet, Wat Doi Suthep is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Thailand. Weâll take you up the 309 steps to find glittering shrines and statues, the holy gold plated chedi, and a sweeping view over the city of Chiang Mai.
Best museums in Thailand
Our guided trips to Thailand take you the countryâs most incredible museums, from the former house of a Thai silk trader, to a sacred golden temple at the top of a mountain.
A delicious stir-fried noodle dish, Pad Thai is one of the most classic foods found in Thai street stalls. Itâs a combination of egg, fish sauce, tamarind, and your choice of chicken, tofu and prawns. Top with bean sprouts and peanuts for crunch and chilli and lime juice for a zesty kick.
The most famous salad in Thailand, Som Tam is a fiery dish of shredded green papaya, tomatoes and green beans. The vegetables are mixed with fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar and a healthy dose of chilli, and you can tailor the dish to your taste for extra sweetness or spiciness.
Green Curry
Youâll find the beloved green curry all over Thailand and our Local Specialists will show you the best spots to try this spicy coconut milk curry. Green chillies give the curry its color, and itâs filled with beans, Thai aubergines, the meat of your choice and served with steamed rice.
Best food in Thailand
The Thai cuisine is one of the best parts of a trip to Thailand and our Thai vacation packages will show you all the best places to try these beloved dishes.
What to pack for Thailand
Adaptor plug
In Thailand the standard voltage is 220 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type A, B, C, F and O. The standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Reef-safe sunscreen & insect repellent
Protect yourself from the harsh Thai sun with SPF 30 or higher and protect the coral reefs with reef-safe sunscreen. Youâll also need to pack plenty of DEET insect repellent.
In Thai culture, itâs required to remove your shoes before entering houses, temples and some shops and restaurants. Bring a comfortable pair of sandals so you can easily slip them off all day.
With plenty of islands ringed with golden shorelines and turquoise waters, youâll definitely need a swimsuit for snorkelling, diving and blissful beach days in Thailand.
Thai phrasebook
The Thai language is unique to the country, and youâll gain plenty of smiles and appreciation from the locals if you attempt to learn a few phrases.
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1. Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V.Marine
2. Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride
3. Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat
4. Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour
5. Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner
6. Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall and Royal Project Tour
7. Ayutthaya and Glittering Sunset Boat Afternoon Tour from Bangkok
8. Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand
9. Pai: Jungle Tubing - 6 hour tipsy tubing with DJs & games
10. Bangkok Half-Day Tour: Three Must-Visit Temples
11. 3-in-1: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, and Trekking Trail
12. Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai
13. Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket by Simba Sea Trips
14. Khao Yai National Park Full-Day Tour From Bangkok
15. Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 7 Islands with Pickup and Transfer
16. Angthong Marine Park VIP Guided Tour
17. Jame Bond, Panyee Island, Hong Island and Naka Island by Speedboat From Phuket
18. 2.5 hours Pig Island-Virgin Islands & Snorkeling Jet Ski Safari
19. Phuket City Tour: Karon View Point, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong
20. Bangkok by Private Guide: Full Day Tour In and Around
21. Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook
22. A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
23. Wonderful Pearl Dinner Cruise in Bangkok
24. Bangkok Midnight Food Tuk Tuk Tour
25. Chiang Rai Temples: Private Tour from Chiang Mai
26. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour
27. Phi Phi Islands Day Tour from Phuket
28. Erawan Waterfall and Elephant Care: Private Tour to Kanchanabur
29. Phuket Paradise ATV and Zipline Experience
30. Day Tour to Angthong Marine Park by Insea Speedboat from Koh Samui
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Authentic Thailand & Phuket
From the picture-perfect landscapes and soft sand beaches to the opulent temples and royal palaces, Thailand is packed full of riches. Dart through the noisy hustle and bustle of modern life in Chiang Mai on a Tuk-Tuk. Peer into the lives of Thai royalty at the Grand Palace and Ayutthaya Historical Park. Splash around in the tranquil waters of a 1,500-metre-long waterfall, in a pond with an elephant, and on the pristine beaches of Phuket. Sample the wide range of traditional Thai flavours, effortlessly blending savoury, spicy and sweet. Run your hands over artisan-made silks and teak carvings. Awaken all your senses at once in this timeless paradise.
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Per person in double occupancy
Single supplement: $1,500
Max Group Size: 30 travellers
Deposit Terms: $500 per person at time of booking $1,000 per person 45 days later Balance due 90 days before departure
Our approach perks
Private car service to and from your home airport
International flights and transportation while abroad
Meals and excursions that are typically sold separately
Tips for all service providers
24/7 Group Guru (in addition to tour guide and local guides)
$5 million of emergency medical travel insurance coverage, as well as protection for lost, damaged or stolen luggage
All taxes at home and abroad (including airport and hotel taxes)
This tour also includes
Tour essentials.
International flights with Air Canada (details)
14 nights in first class hotels
Dedicated English-speaking tour guide and local guides
Carefully selected visits including entrance fees
Luxury coach bus transfers and luggage porterage throughout
Food & drink
All 44 meals, including: 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners
Night market dinner & rooftop drink
Traditional Khantoke dinner
Thai cooking class
Farewell dinner
Welcome cocktail
Bottled water daily (2 x 500ml)
This tourâs itinerary
Days 1-3 goodbye canada, sawasdee bangkok, day 4 discover bangkok.
DAY 5 MESMERIZING MARKETS & JEATH WAR MUSEUM (211 KM)
DAY 6 EXPLORE DEATH RAILWAY & HELLFIRE PASS
DAY 7 ERAWAN NATIONAL PARK & CHAO PHRAYA RIVER CRUISE (272 KM)
DAY 8 HISTORIC AYUTTHAYA & FLIGHT TO CHIANG RAI (FLIGHT)
DAY 9 THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE (183 KM)
DAY 10 BLACK HOUSE, WHITE TEMPLE & TUK-TUK TOUR (186 KM)
DAY 11 TEMPLES, TRINKETS & TRADITIONAL DANCE SHOW
DAY 12 ELEPHANT SANCTUARY & COOKING CLASS (112 KM)
DAY 13 PHUKET ISLAND (FLIGHT)
DAY 14 DAY TRIP TO PHI PHI ISLAND (80 KM)
DAY 15 SEA CAVE EXPLORATION (92 KM)
DAY 16 ISLAND RELAXATION & SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW
DAY 17 & 18 PHUKET & HOME SWEET HOME
Hotels we know and love in Thailand
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Home Âť Travel Guides Âť Thailand Âť 15 Best Thailand Tours
15 Best Thailand Tours
Thailand – the land of smiles – is one of the most iconic travel destinations awaiting you in Southeast Asia. This is the land of friendly people, of delicious street food, noisy markets and, of course, spectacular scenery.
Few other destinations in the world boast such an enjoyable mix of natural beauty and cultural vibrancy as Thailand does. With a huge diversity of different attractions and experiences to be found from north to south, there is always something new to keep you returning time after time.
From cooking classes and cultural immersions in Chiang Mai to bustling night markets and tuk-tuk rides in Bangkok, there are a lot of great Thailand tours available. Whether itâs island hopping through the countryâs pristine islands or trekking through the humid jungles, there’s something to fulfill every taste.
Here are our favorite Thailand tours to inspire your trip to the Land of Smiles.
1. Bangkok by Night Tuk Tuk Tour: Markets, Temples and Food
Bangkok is a city that never really sleeps; at night, the streets of the Thai capital come alive with noise, sounds and smells flooding the pavements and markets. On this energetic tour, explore Bangkok in an iconic tuk-tuk, the countryâs most famous mode of transport.
This tour takes you through the bustling heritage streets of the old city, past famous landmarks and along infamous roads. You will see glorious temples lit up brightly in the dark and enjoy the delights of some of Bangkokâs most delicious street food, in what could be the most authentic tour in the city.
2. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Train Market Tour
Thailand is renowned for its busy and bustling markets and you can find packed marketplaces in every village, town, and city across the country. Thailand is home to some of the most unique markets in the world too, including the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Maeklong Train Market.
In the early morning, depart Bangkok for the famous Train Market, where you can find one of the largest seafood markets in the country. The market is literally set up on the rail tracks; whenever a train comes through the vendors pack up quickly and move to the side.
After this, the tour takes you to the Floating Market, where you board a small boat to journey through this colorful collection of vendors, enjoying a local lunch on the river.
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3. White Orchid River Cruise Bangkok
Enjoy the delights of Bangkokâs most famous river by taking a nighttime cruise along the Chao Phraya. This evening cruise takes two hours as you journey in comfort past some of the cityâs most iconic attractions, which are beautifully lit up in the darkness. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and entertainment as you watch the city glide past.
4. From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour by Bus and Boat
Centuries ago, the ancient city of Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. When Burmese invaders destroyed the city in the 18th century, the capital was moved to Bangkok, where it has remained ever since. Today, the crumbling ruins of Ayutthaya are a sight to marvel at, and an enjoyable trip into the past of Thailand.
Travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by bus on this tour, but after exploring the ruins of this lost city, return in style by boat along the expansive river that connects the two cities.
5. Kanchanaburi: River Kwai and Death Railway Tour from Bangkok
The River Kwai was brought to the world stage decades ago when the infamous Hollywood movie, the Bridge Over the River Kwai, drew international attention to the brutality that the Japanese subjected locals and prisoners of war to during World War II.
On this tour, you visit the Bridge Over the River Kwai at Kanchanaburi, as well as visiting the war cemeteries and riding the so-called Death Railway that was constructed by the toils and labors of the unfortunate prisoners. Itâs a moving tour, but one that canât be missed.
6. Krabi: 4 Islands Day Trip by Speedboat
Travel to the coastal paradise of Krabi, a beautiful, remote and secluded place that will evoke all the images you have ever imagined of tropical Thailand.
From Krabi Town or one of the many nearby resorts, this tour will speed you away across the water to visit four of the best islands. Snorkel, swim and relax on pristine white sands.
7. Krabi: Full Day Rock Climbing Tours at Railay Beach
Krabi has become known as one of the worldâs best rock climbing destinations thanks to the limestone karsts that tower over the beaches which are perfect for climbing.
If you are looking for a little adrenaline and adventure, this tour will equip you with the basic skills needed to tackle the easier cliffs in Krabi; cliffs that still give you epic views out over the beaches and the ocean.
8. Krabi Jungle Tour: Tiger Temple, Hot Springs, and Crystal Pool
Although Krabi is best known for its beaches and rock climbing, the destination has a lot more to offer.
This jungle tour takes you into the thick forest in search of the secrets hidden within.
Trek into the thick, humid jungle to the Tiger Temple before hiking to the natural hot springs, waterfalls, and crystal clear swimming holes in what will be an unforgettable adventure.
9. Khao Lak: Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island by Longtail Boat
Khao Lak is one of west coast Thailandâs most serene destinations. From this beachside paradise, this tour will take you by traditional longtail boats out into the nearby national parks, where you can explore the rugged scenery and beautiful limestone rocks.
Visit the spectacular Phang Nga Bay, where you can stop by at the local floating villages, where fishermen go about their daily lives as they have for centuries. Call in at nearby caves and pass by the mesmerizing James Bond Island – a distinctive limestone rock in the middle of the waterway that was used as the villainâs hideout by The Man With The Golden Gun in the James Bond film.
10. Similan Islands Early Bird Day Trip from Phuket or Khao Lak
The Similan Islands are an untouched gem in the Andaman Sea. From either Phuket or Khao Lak, this tour will transport you across the ocean to this beautiful collection of islands.
The tour leaves early to avoid the crowds and give you a longer time exploring.
Enjoy the wonderful beaches and clear waters, before snorkeling amongst pristine coral and searching for turtles and other marine life.
11. Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya, Bamboo, and Maiton Island Day Trip
From Phuket, head out across the ocean towards the beautiful islands of Phi Phi, Maya, Bamboo and Maiton.
These gorgeous destinations are simply stunning and you can discover just why so many travelers make the journey to the Thai islands each and every year.
Enjoy the sunshine, white sand beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs that the region is famous for, before snorkeling in the ocean and relaxing on the islands.
12. Chiang Mai: Authentic Thai Cooking Class and Local Market Tour
Chiang Mai is the cultural heart of northern Thailand, and the city is well known as a culinary heaven too.
On this tour, learn how to prepare and cook some of the best Thai dishes, with local chefs offering first-hand tutoring and demonstrations.
Before the cooking begins, youâll also be guided around the local market, where you will find out more about the ingredients used in the dishes that you will be cooking.
13. Chiang Mai: 3 Hour Trek and 10 Kilometer White Water Rafting
Chiang Maiâs surrounding forests are a real adventure playground for adventurous travelers.
This full-on tour will take you into the jungle for a three-hour hike that leads you to a refreshing waterfall.
From here, you take to the rapids and white water raft for another 10 kilometers.
14. Full Day Hike and Bike at Doi Suthep Mountain National Park
From Chiang Mai, this tour will take you far out into the Doi Suthep Mountain National Park, where not only will you be greeted with incredible vistas of mountains and jungle, but you will have the opportunity to visit local hill tribes who have lived in these parts for centuries.
15. From Chiang Mai: White Temple and Golden Triangle Day Trip
On this tour, venture into the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Burma all border one another.
Here, you will visit Chiang Rai to see the famous White Temple, as well as journeying along the Mekong River in a traditional boat.
15 Best Thailand Tours:
- Bangkok by Night Tuk Tuk Tour: Markets, Temples and Food
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Train Market Tour
- White Orchid River Cruise Bangkok
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour by Bus and Boat
- Kanchanaburi: River Kwai and Death Railway Tour from Bangkok
- Krabi: 4 Islands Day Trip by Speedboat
- Krabi: Full Day Rock Climbing Tours at Railay Beach
- Krabi Jungle Tour: Tiger Temple, Hot Springs, and Crystal Pool
- Khao Lak: Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island by Longtail Boat
- Similan Islands Early Bird Day Trip from Phuket or Khao Lak
- Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya, Bamboo, and Maiton Island Day Trip
- Chiang Mai: Authentic Thai Cooking Class and Local Market Tour
- Chiang Mai: 3 Hour Trek and 10 Kilometer White Water Rafting
- Full Day Hike and Bike at Doi Suthep Mountain National Park
- From Chiang Mai: White Temple and Golden Triangle Day Trip
The 10 Best Thailand Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable!
Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023
Categories Tours , Asia , Thailand
Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
Are you planning a trip to Thailand? Do you want to know where to go in Thailand? One of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide is now Thailand. Thailand is regarded as “The land of a thousand smiles” and is renowned for its beautiful scenery, delectable cuisine, captivating culture, and friendly inhabitants. Even if you are traveling alone, Thailand is considered one of the greatest Southeast Asian destinations to visit.
Thailand is a stunning nation situated in the heart of South East Asia’s Indochina peninsula. To Laos & Cambodia in the east, Myanmar in the north, the Andaman Sea in the west, as well as the Gulf of Thailand in the south, the nation has shared borders. It is a captivating location and extends over 513,120 sq km. This lovely nation is a melting pot of various civilizations.
Thailand consists of a variety of things, from the ascetic lifestyle of the monks to the vibrant nightlife & rave events on the beaches. Every year, hordes of tourists flock to Thailand’s gorgeous beaches.
There was a time when visiting Thailand was regarded as risky. Now that times have changed, it is a popular travel destination worldwide. Additionally, it keeps itself busy. Thailand offers vacations for every price range, whether you choose the opulent, contemporary Bangkok or the basic living on Koh Samui.
Enjoy the Golden Triangle’s endless plains and hills by traveling inland. Alternately, head to the coast to relax on Phuket’s and Krabi’s white-sand beaches. If you look anywhere, all you will see is beautiful nature. You will only need one trip to this lovely country, but you’ll want to come back again and again.
The tourism sector is well-honed and runs like a well-oiled machine. Travel experts advise beginning your exploration of Asia with a vacation to Thailand. This nation will demonstrate to you all the advantages and comforts of Asian culture, wow you with the variety of regional food, and caress you with the warm Gulf of Siam waters.
Every traveler who goes there will hold a particular place in their hearts for it. Whatever your budget or hobbies, Thailand has a lot to provide visitors. You can travel lavishly in opulent resorts on the beach, or you can backpack on a tight budget. Or you might simply visit on a tight budget and see a lot for your money; the nation offers something for everyone.
Since the nation is a well-traveled stop on the trekking trail, everything is practical and simple. There are still a lot of off-the-beaten-path locations available, though, outside of the crowds and the increased costs they bring.
Making the ideal tour excursion requires making a number of considerations. For many who are taking their first trip, this may seem a little intimidating. It could be a little difficult to decide where to go, how to get there, where else to stay, & how much money to bring.
Feel relaxed and calm! If you take a trip to Thailand, you can make your decision more easily. In this article, we’ll talk about the top tours in Thailand and their operators. I hope you will find out the best one for your next tour.
Page Contents
TOP 10 THAILAND TOURS & TRIPS
Charming thailand, northern thailand adventure, thai island hopper west (8 days), southern thailand sojourn nightlife & national parks, experience thailand 6 days, ultimate thailand, amazing thailand in 9 days- bangkok/ chiang mai/ phuket, thailand island hopper-feel free travel, fantastic circle of thailand tour- 10 days, independent highlights of thailand.
Here, we’ll discuss the top tours in Thailand with its well-known tour operators. Continue reading to select the best option for you.
Travel Talk
You can expect an action-packed eight days on this inaugural trip to delightful Thailand, which begins in Bangkok and ends in Chiang Mai in the north. Discover a few of Central & North Thailand’s top attractions.
Explore the vibrant night markets of Bangkok, enjoy elephants in Chiang Mai, discover the wonder of Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins, and have your cameras ready to capture the breathtaking White Temple in Chiang Rai. You will undoubtedly be left wanting more after doing this tour because it provides you with the perfect sample of Thailand’s charm.
The Ministry of Tourism-licensed services of knowledgeable local Travel Talk tour guides is available. A minimum of 14 days before the beginning of the trip, travelers must present proof of vaccination demonstrating that they have had their second dosage.
The whole name of the traveler as it appears on their travel document must be visible on such proof, whether it is printed or digital. Charming Thailand includes hotel accommodations, a knowledgeable guide, food, and transportation.
Essentially, the goal of Travel Talk is to ensure your trip is an unforgettable one without breaking the wallet. Being frequent travelers themselves, they know what makes for the ideal vacation and incorporate each of these components into each of our tours.
They work to check off all the elements to create the most distinctive and genuine travel experiences, with exciting destinations, knowledgeable guides, like-minded travelers, superior accommodations, and travel — not to mention affordable costs.
For those seeking the world’s most unusual travel tales who are culture-hungry and daring, Travel Talk group excursions are perfect. Visitors to Travel Talk are ardent travelers rather than mere tourists. Visit them on one of the trips to discover the distinction.
Your tour guide & driver will work hard to keep everyone in the group clean and ensure that the necessary procedures are followed throughout the trip. Additionally, their visitors have a responsibility to care for the host community, the other group members, and themselves.
a fantastic 14-day journey that begins in Bangkok and ends in Chiang Mai, a stunning city in the north. Discover the coolest locations and activities available in central and northern Thailand. The Ayutthaya temple ruins can be explored by bicycle.
Visit the hippy/backpacker mountain town of Pai, swim with elephants, trek & zipline through the forest, learn to cook Thai food, & stay with a hill-tribe hamlet in Chiang Mai. The best adventure in northern Thailand.
English-speaking operators and tour guides with experience are available. On request, vegan and vegetarian food options are available on this tour. Simply inform TruTravels about your preferred dining choice. Halal, Kosher, & Jain are not offered for this tour. An adventure in Northern Thailand includes lodging, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more.
As a small business run by seasoned travelers and backpackers, TruTravels is able to use local knowledge to keep the cost of their tours low. They can deliver excellent value for money travel experiences because they enjoy what they do and want to give their customers the finest possible experience of Latin America and Asia by forgoing the large profit, in contrast to other major tour operators.
In 2012, TruTravels has founded on the premise that life wasn’t about getting caught up in the grind and doing uninteresting work. After having “lived the dream” in the past by working and traveling extensively around Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, & Europe for several years, Joe Fallon and Mark Pope felt they needed a change.
They launched TruTravels. Following their initial meeting in a London pub, they decided to switch things up a bit and left to begin living in paradise, which was their true desire. This served as the model for their strategy since they wanted to show individuals having the time of their lives in heaven.
Since before you were even born, you have lusted after Thai food, visited The Beach, and dreamed of limestone islands. You’re now prepared for the real deal: seeing this paradise for yourself.
We’ll take you by boat from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi to Krabi, exposing you to an island nightlife and atmosphere unmatched anywhere on the planet. Begin and end in Phuket! You can travel for eight days across Phuket, Thailand, and two other locations in Thailand with the Explorer travel Thai Island Hopper West (8 Days).
Hotels of three and four stars are the norm. They prefer to keep things adventurous, but comfort is never sacrificed. And including Local Guides who eliminate tourist traps, a highly qualified Trip Manager is ready to make your journey come to life. On request, vegetarian, vegan, halal, & kosher food choices are available throughout this tour. Simply inform Contiki of your preferred dining choice.
All transportation is included for the duration of your vacation, which is half the enjoyment of traveling in Asia. Private, air-conditioned mini-coaches let you take in the landscape in comfort, but it’s their distinctive, regional modes of transportation that turn the trip into an adventure.
They offer unforgettable journeys that give you more flexibility to enjoy yourself, less fuss, and more enjoyment. Contiki frees you up to concentrate on creating lasting moments by handling all the logistics for you. Additionally, Contiki has demonstrated through its unmatched value that traveling the world responsibly and with like-minded individuals is the best way to do it.
They are there to take you on your experience with their outstanding, qualified guides and trip team. They are youthful, amiable, and have already completed all of your assignments.
That enables you to unwind on the beach, on a mountain, on a terrace, or wherever else is in your dreams. Contiki has been offering 18-35-year-olds the option to travel together and see the world sustainably for more than 50 years.
G Adventures
With this tour that is cheap for young travelers, it’s time to discover southern Thailand on your terms. Eat your way through the street food scene in Bangkok, take a nap in between beachside beverages on Ko Tao Island, and climb through the gorgeous lowland rainforest of Khao Sok National Park before relaxing in a hammock by a river.
You can experience the finest of southern Thailand during these eight fantastic days, which combine seaside sun with backpacker nightlife.
Beginning in Bangkok and finishing in Koh Tao! You can take an 8-day travel package via Bangkok, Thailand, as well as four other Thai cities with the Adventurer tour Southern Thailand Sojourn: Nightlife & National Parks.
Accommodation in a hotel or hostel, a professional guide, meals, transportation, and more are all included in the Southern Thailand Sojourn: Nightlife & National Parks itinerary. On request, this trip provides Jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher menu options. Simply inform G Adventures of your preferred dining selection.
With G Adventures, you can travel to exciting and exotic locations at a low cost. You may be sure that you’ll be in good hands because the G Adventures evaluations indicate excellent ratings from pleased clients for every area of the trip. There are many different adventure trip types available to suit different interests, along with a large selection of locations and departure dates.
Bruce Poon Tip founded G Adventures in 1990. He firmly believed that other travelers would want to responsibly and sustainably share the experiences & real adventures of travel. It was a one-man show back then, but it has now expanded to a global enterprise with over 1250 employees.
Hundreds of journeys are now available worldwide, up from just a handful of travels across Latin America initially. Over 100,000 people have now used it since its inception in the 1990s, experiencing new sights, learning new things, and making new friends.
Destination Services Thailand
With this six-day journey, which travels from Bangkok in the middle to Chiang Mai in the north, you may learn about Thailand’s historical and natural beauties. Explore the famed Golden Triangle, among the world’s top opium-producing regions, as well as the nation’s foremost historical sites like Ayutthaya and Phitsanulok. Bangkok is the beginning, and Chiang Mai is the conclusion! You can take a 6-day travel package to Bangkok and eight other Thai cities with the comprehensive Culture tour Experience Thailand 6 Days.
Experience Thailand for 6 Days, including hotel lodging, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more. Managed on the basis of equality by licensed local guides who speak English, Italian, French, German, as well as Spanish. Transportation with air conditioning and transfers as specified in the plan Transfers from the airport to the Chiang Mai airport is available.
Destination Services is a multinational company made up of local professionals who create experiences around the world while establishing industry-leading standards in all they do. They provide imaginative and original destination experiences that surpass all expectations in collaboration with their local partners.
With their combined excitement, dedication, and entrepreneurial thinking, their crew, who collectively have decades of expertise, are able to consistently provide extraordinary experiences and outstanding customer service. Their success is fueled by its locals, who give you an unforgettable experience.
Ultimate Travel
Come along on their Ultimate Thailand trip with this tour in paradise. Spend 11 days experiencing all that Thailand has to offer, including its breathtaking beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, wild parties, fascinating culture, and much more. From Bangkok, go to Ko Pha Ngan and back again! You can take an 11-day tour package to Bangkok and three more Thai cities with the Explorer tour Ultimate Thailand.
The Ultimate Thailand package includes a hotel room, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more. You will have a knowledgeable English-speaking driver and tour guide with you the entire time. On request, vegetarian and vegan food options are available on this tour. Simply inform Ultimate Travel of your preferred dining choice.
The focus of Ultimate Travel trips is on an affordable adventure that’s jam-packed with activities but still leaves time for downtime. Their staff of tour directors, neighborhood experts, and support personnel is committed to making sure you enjoy the trip of a lifetime!
They are committed to assisting the local community, economy, and inhabitants of the places we travel to. They are avid environmentalists and only partner with businesses that uphold their basic principles.
Realistic Asia
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, offering a vast range of things to see and do, including activities related to culture, religion, food, nature, water, adventures, activities, and relaxation.
Thailand’s beaches and islands are a must-see due to their spectacular beauty and uniqueness. In Thailand, there are a variety of water sports available, including parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. This fantastic tour, Amazing Thailand In 9 Days, was specially created to satisfy the demands of the clientele.
Phuket is the destination after Bangkok! You can take a 9-day travel package via Bangkok, Thailand, as well as two other Thai cities with the Adventurer tour Amazing Thailand In 9 Days – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Amazing Thailand In 9 Days – Bangkok / Chiang Mai / Phuket package includes hotel accommodations, flights, a knowledgeable guide, meals, and other amenities.
Seasoned English-speaking tour guide On demand, guides who speak French, German, Spanish, Russian, or Chinese are also available. On request, vegan and vegetarian food options are available on this tour. Simply inform Realistic Asia of your preferred dining choice. Private pick-up and drop-off services from door to door are also available.
Since they have been providing the greatest travel in Vietnam for many years, their purpose and philosophy in building Realistic Asia are to deliver the best of any services that their clients inquire about. Realistic Asia is committed to giving the general people the finest value.
From the time they receive a call regarding a tour request until the time you depart for your vacation, they will be with you, emphasizing the greatest care and attention. At Realistic Asia, they concentrate on details, and they feel that great communication with their tourists results in a better understanding.
Realistic Asia also provides complete transparency regarding the price values they are offered. No additional costs or fees are included in their packages. Their pledge at Realistic Asia is that you get exactly what you want. They usually ensure what is included and what isn’t because they do not want to provide different pricing for ONE bundle.
Feel Free Travel
They spend nine days doing precisely that on their Bangkok & the South adventure! From the bustling of Bangkok to the peaceful, tranquil Khao Sok jungle and the immaculate, crystal-clear waters of Koh Phi Phi. It’s a quick yet very lovely excursion!
Between boat tours, snorkeling, and fire performances, unwind on Railay and Koh Phi Phi’s stunning beaches. This Thailand island hopper will undoubtedly quell your wanderlust if you don’t have time for one of the longer Thailand vacations.
Bangkok is the beginning, and Ko Phi Phi is the end! You can take a 9-day travel package through Bangkok, Thailand & three other Thai cities with the Island Hopping tour Thailand Island Hopper – Feel Free Travel. The Thailand Island Hopper package includes lodging, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more.
Traveling with them is more similar to traveling with friends than it is like doing a group tour. They will pick you up at the airport, introduce you to the other members of the group, and eliminate all the concerns and hassles associated with traveling alone! On request, vegetarian and vegan food options are available on this tour. Simply inform Feel Free Travel of your preferred dining choice.
Located in the UK, Feel Free Travel is a tour operator. They like to think that they offer amazing group experiences ideal for young travelers between the ages of 18 and 35. Rather than a Group Tour, Somewhat Like Traveling with Friends is their motto, and they hold the view that travel is about discovering new places, engaging with diverse cultures, and creating lifelong friends.
Their itineraries have been designed to take you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, to learn about a new culture, to find off-the-beaten-track locations, to unwind in the most breathtaking locations on earth, and to enjoy some of Asia’s best nightlife. The greatest of everything, hands down! With a staff of legends who have more than ten years of combined expertise, it is obvious that their work is their passion.
Legend Travel Group
Bangkok serves as both the beginning and the finale! You can travel for ten days via Bangkok, Thailand & 6 other Thai cities with the In-depth Cultural trip Fantastic Circle of Thailand Tour – 10 Days. The Fantastic Circle of Thailand Tour – 10 Days includes hotel accommodations, airfare, a knowledgeable guide, meals, and other amenities. Professional local guide traveling with you who speaks English.
Vaccination certificate demonstrating complete COVID-19 immunization with only two doses needed, with no time restrictions. On request, this trip provides vegetarian, vegan, and halal cuisine alternatives. Simply inform Legend Travel Group about your preferred dining choice. Air-conditioned transportation on the way, as well as by plane, is also available.
Legend Travel Group has been a local symbol of adventure and travels for the past ten years. They consider it a great honor to express their gratitude to our esteemed clients and business associates, whose excitement for Legend Travel Group has always made us successful.
Historically, in 1994, the creator traveled with his lovely native country of Vietnam as part of a high school vacation. After a 45-day amazing voyage from the North to the South, he came to the conclusion that everyone, not just those from Vietnam but from all other nations, should have access to this opportunity.
He began his five-year journey toward realizing his aim of being an authority on tourism by enrolling at one of the top universities. With the sincere wish that every traveler might have life-changing experiences and that your vacations will be both time and money well spent, Legend Travel Group was founded in 2008.
Around 15,000 tourists are welcomed by Legend Travel Group each year in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Their primary objective is to make sure that your memorable experiences become our greatest pride and become part of our legend.
On an Independence by Globus holiday, you desire time. You’ll quickly understand why many refer to Bangkok as the “Venice of the East” after taking a boat trip through the city’s waterways. Visit the Grand Palace, which contains the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Arun, popularly known as the Temple of the Dawn.
Last but not least, visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which is Bangkok’s oldest and largest Buddhist temple and is home to one of Thailand’s largest Buddha statues. Additionally, you’ll have time to visit additional sights in Bangkok and the surrounding area.
A number of fascinating hill tribes will be visited, and their cultures will be explained to you. Visit an incredible elephant sanctuary to understand the conserving of orphaned & rescued elephants while exploring the most well-known temples in Chiang Mai. Bangkok is the beginning, and Chiang Mai is the conclusion!
The In-depth Cultural Tour Independent Highlights of Thailand is a 10-day itinerary that visits Bangkok as well as two other locations in Thailand. The Independent Highlights of Thailand package includes hotel accommodations, a knowledgeable guide, meals, and transportation.
Globus designs top-notch escorted itineraries with the ideal ratio of included attractions and free time. They are all about hidden treasures rather than hidden fees. They incorporate extra sightseeing, experiences, and visits as part of the overall holiday cost.
Over 90 years ago, a young man bought a boat to ferry tourists across Switzerland’s Lake Lugano. Who would have imagined that this one boat would become the foundation for one of the top travel organizations in the world?
When Antonio Mantegazza started out across Lake Lugano in 1928, he had the beliefs that still guide the Globus family of brands today. Antonio Mantegazza wanted to educate travelers by showcasing the absolute best of the places they already know so well.
Thailand is a picture-perfect paradise where sugar-white beaches are found and karsts clothed in vegetation drop into azure waters. Before tourists from all over the world swarm to the nation and costs soar, now may be the best time to visit Thailand if you intend to go. For your next trip, we have already discussed the top tours and their operators.
If none of these tours work for you in Thailand, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in Thailand now , which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.
Thailand Travel Guide
Last Updated: January 22, 2024
Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia . It’s the region’s most visited country and most backpackers make it their starting point for traveling around the region.
With its lush jungles, postcard perfect beaches, world-class diving, mind-blowing cuisine, and cheap prices, Thailand is actually my favorite country in the world! Iâve been coming to the country since 2005, lived there for 2 years, and always seem to be pulled back. Itâs an easy country to travel and, because of the backpacker scene, you can meet a lot of other people there. It’s just a phenomenal country.
Since the country is such a well-worn destination, everything here is convenient and easy. You won’t have any trouble traveling around here. But, despite the crowds, there are still many off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore.
This Thailand travel guide will show you how to travel the country like a pro, give you suggested costs, the best things to see and do, ways to get around, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
- Things to See and Do
- Typical Costs
- Suggested Budget
- Money-Saving Tips
- Where to Stay
- How to Get Around
- How to Stay Safe
- Best Places to Book Your Trip
- Related Blogs on Thailand
Click Here for City Guides
Top 5 things to see and do in thailand.
1. Visit Bangkok
Bangkok is a chaotic, must-see city. Here you can explore temples, royal palaces, amazing markets, one of the craziest nightlife scenes in the world, and, of course, eat all the amazing Thai food. Check out Khao San Road to see the backpacker’s haven, Thong Lor/Ekamai for local Thai nightlife, see the Grand Palace’s beautiful artwork and the emerald Buddha, and shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok is an onion that requires time to peel back. Wander off the tourist trail, eat the markets, explore the nightlife, and just relax.
2. Adventure around Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a city filled with lots temples, incredible food markets, night markets, lots of cafes, and a chill vibe. Itâs a good launching pad for multi-day jungle tours, adventure activities, or visits to the nearby elephant sanctuarys where you can volunteer to help rescued elephants. And be sure to head to Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Maiâs most famous temple (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of Buddha himself). Chiang Mai is also consdiered one of the foodie capitals of the country so be sure to get your fill of food. There’s also a big jazz scene here too!
3. Hike in Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park , located about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok, is one of Thailandâs best national parks. Itâs visually stunning, filled with lush flora and fauna, lots of waterfalls, hiking trails, and even a few wild elephants. It’s an absolute must-visit place. Stay at the Greenleaf Guesthouse for the best tour/accommodation deals in the area.
4. Celebrate Songkran
Every April, Thais celebrate their new year by holding an enormous, three-day water fight. Songkran is meant to wash away the old and begin the year anew. This once-in-a-lifetime water party is the biggest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai so book your hostel ahead of time. In Bangkok, there’s an opening ceremony at Wat Pho temple where they bathe the Buddha. The whole country turns into a big water fight and everyone plays along. If you’re around Songkran, be prepared to get wet everywhere you go those days (so keep your electronics sealed in plastic). Everyone outside is fair game.
5. Go to Ko Lanta
While Ko Lanta has become more developed in recent years, it’s still a paradise compared to its more developed neighbors. Wide, white sand beaches, cheap and delicious food, gorgeous sunsets, great caves, snorkeling, and diving make this one of my favorite spots in the country. It’s a really chill place where you still get a a taste of old Thailand. For fun day trips, check out the Trang Islands, with their beautiful limestone formations stretching out of the water or head to Ko Rok for kayaking. Ko Lanta is one of the best islands in all of Thailand.
Other Things to See and Do in Thailand
1. visit the grand palace and wat pho.
Thailandâs royal palace, built at the end of the 18th century by King Rama I, is the official residence of the current monarch (though he doesnât live there anymore; now itâs just used for ceremonies). Itâs a striking place filled with numerous temples, including Wat Pra Kaeo, which houses the 15th-century Emerald Buddha. The architecture here is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend taking a guided tour as the signage here is minimal. Nearby Wat Pho is famous for two things: a 150 foot (46 meters) reclining Buddha statue and a very relaxing massage school. The temple is wonderful and the statue really impressive. Both can be done back-to-back and should definitely not be missed. It costs 500 THB to enter the Grand Palace and 200 THB to enter Wat Pho.
2. Hike in Khao Sok National Park
Located in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best national parks in the country, offering incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. The park offers semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife (including sun bears, elephants, gibbons, and more), walking paths, and incredible sunsets. Park entrance costs 200 THB. Half-day guided treks cost 940 THB. Try to spend at least one night sleeping on the lake as the stargazing is top notch.
3. Hop around the ancient capitals
Thailandâs three ancient capitals â Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya â lie between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Visiting them on your way north is a unique way to head between the cities. Lopburi, which is so old it is mentioned in texts by Marco Polo, was the capital in the mid-17th century while Sukhothai, founded in 1238, was the capital for over 140 years between the 13th and 14th centuries. Lopburi is famous for it’s monkeys (watch out as they are aggressive) and Sukothai is a massive complex that sees very few tourists! My favorite is Ayutthaya, which is located about 1.5 hours from Bangkok by train. It was the capital of Siam from 1350-1767 (it was razed in 1767 by the Burmese during the Burmese-Siamese War). You can visit on a day trip for just 900 THB.
4. Relax on the tropical islands
Thailand has tons of beautiful tropical islands. Some are grossly overdeveloped are still an undeveloped tropical paradise with few people and cheap accommodation. Some of my favorite spots are Ko Samet, Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang , Ko Tao , Ko Jum, Ko Lipe , the Similan Islands, and Ko Samui. It’s hard to go wrong here as they all have beautiful beaches but the atmosphere of the islands will decide how much you enjoy it so think about whether you want to prioritize peace, parties, activities, etc. Some of the most chill beaches have fewer activities and accommodation options while more touristy places provide a range of lodging and tons of activities and parties but can sometimes be a bit intense. Be sure to do your research before you select a spot.
5. Hit the Full Moon Party
Thereâs no better party in the world than the famous Full Moon Party . The Full Moon Party is a giant festival-like party with a lot of drinking, dancing, and drugs. Each bar has its own sound system, so youâll hear different music loudly blasting onto the beach every few feet. The beach itself is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers putting on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint. Sure, it is super touristy, but that doesnât mean itâs not a lot of fun if thatâs your vibe. Just donât take part in the fire jump rope â Iâve seen people get burned badly!
6. Go jungle trekking
There are some great multi-day jungle trekking opportunities in northern Thailand. For longer treks, the biggest departure points are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. You can book these sorts of outings through the hostel or hotel youâre staying in. While day-trips are popular and cheap, try to head out for at least 3-4 days as youâll be able to get to much more remote areas and see some incredible wildlife (there are tons of birds and bats, as well as lizards, monkeys, and even wild boars) as well as some gorgeous waterfalls. If you book online ahead of time, you will pay more. Skip the shorter day hikes that include meeting âauthenticâ hill tribes; they are exploitative and the visits are usually unethical. Expect to pay around 5,000 THB for a three-day tour.
7. Scuba dive in the Similan Islands
Scuba diving is a popular activity here because of the crystal-clear waters and majestic sea life. While you can dive all over the country, the Similan Islands offer some of the best uncrowded diving. Given the islandsâ remote location, most of these dive trips last a few nights. If you dive here, be sure to see Elephant Head Rock, as the reef there is home to plenty of fish, snappers, rays, and turtles. Day trips start at 5,900 THB for two dives, including equipment and park fees.
8. Learn to cook
Thai food is delicious and itâs relatively easy to cook. There are cooking schools all over the country but the best are in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. It’s a fun experience as you’ll get to spend a day making and eating (hopefully delicious) food. I loved being able to go to the market and pick out my fresh ingredients and then learning how to make my own paste for a delicious green curry and a tasty shrimp pad Thai. A half-day cooking class in Bangkok (including a market visit) costs around 1,300 THB. Chiang Mai also has lots of cooking classes and, if you make it to Ko Lanta, Time for Lime is my favorite cooking school in the country.
9. Explore the Khmer temples in Isaan
There are many temples built throughout the Isaan region , all along the ancient roads connecting Angkor (the capital of the Khmer Empire) to the other villages. The largest of these is Phimai, located at the end of the ancient highway. It dates to the 11th century and is one of the largest Hindu Khmer temples in Thailand (and hardly anyone visits so youâll get the place mostly to yourself). Two other magnificent Khmer temples (Phanom Rung and Muang Tum) can be found in the Buriram province, only a few kilometers apart. Phanom Rung is built on top of a hill, and Muang Tum is at the base of the hill. While in Isaan, be sure to spend a day or two in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) and visit Wat Ban Rai and Wat Phayap, two beautiful local temples that I especially love.
10. Take the day train to Chaing mai
Taking the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is not only cheaper but a much better way to see the countryside than the night train. Sure, you âwasteâ a day, but you see the countryside, experience how Thais take the train, and can eat from vendors coming on and off at every stop. The day train remains one of my favorite experiences in Thailand. Just make sure you have a good book as the journey is 10-13 hours long! You can also break up the journey by stopping in Lopburi and Sukothai.
11. Visit Elephant Nature Park
While you can come to Thailand and ride an elephant, once you know how they suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about this unethical activity. An even better way to get up-close-and-personal to the animals is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai. Itâs a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and letting you help these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will know why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs 2,500 THB for adults.
12. Admire Wat Doi Suthep
This stunning Buddhist temple lies in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, 16 kilometers (10 miles) outside of Chiang Mai. A tram or a trek up 300 steps takes you to the summit of Doi Suthep, where the glittering gold temple spire awaits you. The temple dates back to the 14th century and holds rare relics of Buddha. Itâs too beautiful of a view to miss, so donât leave Chiang Mai without visiting Wat Doi Suthep. Admission is free.
13. Visit the Golden Triangle
The point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is known as the Golden Triangle. Itâs also the meeting point of Laos , Thailand, and Myanmar. Once known for its opium production (which is used to make heroin), today the region thrives on tourism. You can take a boat along the river and visit the Golden Triangle Park, check out some of the many Buddha statues, scenic viewpoints, and markets. It’s just 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of Chiang Saen. Golden Triangle day trips from Chiang Mai cost around 2,200 THB. If youâd rather visit solo, you can visit the region from Mae Sai or Chiang Saen via songthaew. Donât miss the Hall of Opium, one of the most interesting museums in the entire country. It explores the history of opium production, shows how it was made and trafficked around the world, and more.
14. Party on Ko Phi Phi
Ko Phi Phi is one of the most popular tourist islands in Thailand. From the infamous Maya Bay (made famous in the 2000 film, The Beach , with Leonardo DiCaprio) to the monkeys on the aptly named Monkey Beach, to the diving and nightlife, there are reasons people flock here. Destroyed by the tsunami in 2004, the island has been rebuilt and developed to an even greater extent than before. While I personally donât love Ko Phi Phi , itâs nevertheless one of the most popular places in the country. Youâll just have to see for yourself whether itâs for you.
15. Relax on Ko Lipe
Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off the map island is one of my favorite places in the world. Here on Ko Lipe , the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood meals. The beaches are beautiful, the water is warm, and the island is cheap. I came for three days and ended up staying a month. In the last few years, it has become more developed and itâs not the sleepy little island it used to be, but itâs still way less developed than many other destinations in Thailand. Moreover, youâre near a pristine and undeveloped national marine park where you can snorkel and enjoy some beaches to yourself! It lives up to all the hype.
16. Explore Kanchanaburi Province
This region is home to a lush forest perfect for trekking, though the history of this area is rather dark. The infamous Death Railway linking Myanmar and Thailand runs through here, which was constructed during World War II by prisoners of war and civilians. Around 90,000 Southeast Asian civilian forced laborers and more than 12,000 Allied prisoners perished in the railwayâs construction. The bridge over the River Kwai is also located here, built using POW labor and the subject of both a famous film and a book. While visiting is a haunting reminder, it is an essential part of Thailandâs history.
17. Motorbike through Northern Thailand
There are lots of picturesque routes for motorbiking all around the country, but especially near Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Many people rent bikes and tour the scenery, taking a day trip or a few days. The Mai Hong Son Province offers a great loop that you can do starting in Chiang Mai and ending in Pai. Note: Make sure that if youâre renting a motorbike, youâre comfortable with driving it and never (ever) drink and drive. Accidents are incredibly common.
18. Relax in Pai
Pai has grown as a tourist destination in more recent years, but it is still a great place to escape the crowds and noise of the larger cities. In the last few years, it’s become a big center for yoga and holistic living. Located in Northern Thailand, itâs nestled in rolling green mountains, surrounded by waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Pai itself but I loved the area. I spent a lot of time hiking and swimming. Be sure to take a day trip to the Tham Lot Caves, where you can stop off to swim in waterfalls and hot springs on the way there. It’s an awesome experience.
19. Bounce around Phuket province
Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand. There are great beaches and amazing activities on this island, and if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the over-development and crowds. The more north you go, the more relaxed it is. Phuket draws a lot of tourists, and if you really want to enjoy the area, get out of the main spots. Donât miss visiting Wat Chalong, hiking to the Karon Viewpoint, and visiting the weekend Night Market.
For information on specific destinations in Thailand, check out the following guides:
- Bangkok Travel Guide
- Chiang Mai Travel Guide
- Ko Chang Travel Guide
- Ko Lipe Travel Guide
- Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
- Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide
- Phuket Travel Guide
( Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Thailand filled with even more detailed information as well as itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! So, if you want to go into more depth, click here for more about the book! )
Thailand Travel Costs
Accommodation – Accommodation in Thailand is very affordable, though you should expect to pay more on the islands and less up north. Hostels range from 270-500 THB per night for a 4-6-bed dorm. Larger dorm rooms with 10 or more beds can be found for 170-250 THB. Private rooms in hostels cost 700-1,000 THB. Hostels on the islands are going to be on the upper end of that range. During peak season, expect to spend about 20% more.
Free Wi-Fi is common and many hostels also include free breakfast and have air conditioning. Itâs not uncommon for hostels to have pools either (especially if they are a party hostel).
You can find cheap guesthouses for as little as 400 THB per night in cities and 300 THB per night in the countryside, though in the big cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, rooms cost about 1000 THB per night. On the islands or for a nicer room with an air-conditioner, expect to pay 1400 THB per night.
Budget hotels start at around 1,000 THB per night and go up from there. Big resorts on the islands start at 2,500 THB per night for a bungalow on the beach.
Airbnb is very popular in Thailand and you’ll find a lot of options in most major cities. Renting private rooms is not common, but renting full apartments is very affordable for the quality you get, starting at around 600-900 THB per night.
Food – Thai food is spicy and flavorful and uses many ingredients to create layers of flavor. Typical spices and fresh herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region youâre in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, and stir-fries.
Rice and noodles are central to Thai food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas. Popular dishes throughout the country include pat tai (a fried noodle dish, more commonly known to Westerners as pad thai), tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).
Street food can cost as little as 20 THB, though on average youâll spend about 40-70 THB per meal.
Sit-down Thai restaurants begin at 65 THB for a dish. For larger dishes or curries, you pay spend up 120 THB per dish. In bigger cities, the malls have huge (and popular) food courts where you can get a filling meal for around 70-100 THB. On the islands, you’ll probably pay about 30 THB more per dish than you would on the mainland.
Western food is pricey compared to Thai food. Most Western dishes (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) cost between 170-340 THB, though they can be higher in fancier establishments. Most Western food also pales in comparison to its original so itâs best to skip it altogether. I mean, you didnât come all this way to have a crappy burger or pizza, right? If you’re looking for sushi, expect to spend 2,000 THB or more for a meal and drinks.
Fast food like Burger King or McDonald’s begins at 150 THB for a sandwich and 300 THB for a meal.
When it comes to drinking, the cheapest beers cost about 60-85 THB each for a small one and 100-120 THB for a large. A glass of wine costs 180 or more THB and cocktails cost between 300-450 THB. You can save money by buying beers from 7-Eleven for half that price. In most places, especially tourist areas, you’ll find happy hours for 60-90 THB for beers and basic cocktails.
And, since food is so cheap, thereâs no point in grocery shopping unless youâre looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. If you do decide to shop, expect to pay 600-800 THB for a weekâs worth of basic staples like rice, veggies, and some meat.
Backpacking Thailand Suggested Budgets
If youâre backpacking Thailand, budget between 800-1,125 THB per day. On this budget, youâll be staying in a hostel dorm, eating food from the street vendors, enjoying a couple of drinks per day, using public transportation, and doing mostly free or cheap activities like swimming, hiking, and relaxing on the beach.
On a mid-range budget of 1,750 THB per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or guesthouse with air-conditioning, eat a few meals at Western or sit-down restaurants, rent a motorbike or scooter, and do more paid activities like jungle treks and diving.
On an upscale budget of around 3,725 per day or more, you can do anything you want. Thereâs nothing you canât do. After this amount, the sky is the limit and Thailand does luxury really well!
You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages â some days youâll spend more, some days youâll spend less (you might spend less every day). I just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.
Thailand Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Thailand is an inexpensive country and itâs hard to overspend here unless youâre trying to splash out on high end meals, imported alcohol, and fancy resorts. If you stick to traveling like how Thais live (street food, public transportation, etc), it’s hard to spend a lot of money. To save money when you visit, hereâs my tips on cutting costs in Thailand:
- Go local – The easiest way to save money in Thailand is to simply live like a local. Take local buses, eat street food, and drink local beer. The average Thai lives on less than 7,750 THB per month in Bangkok and on even less in the countryside. Keep it simple to keep it affordable.
- Eat street food – Thailandâs best food is on the street, and it costs a fraction of a restaurant meal. Stick to street food if youâre on a budget. There are plenty of delicious curries and rice, fresh juices, and meat skewers. Eating around the markets is a must-do in Thailand. Really that’s where you’ll find rhe best food anyway.
- Take advantage of happy hour – Thailandâs many happy hours have half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials. If you want to hit the bar, stick to drinking during happy hours. If you visit the areas frequented by backpackers, you’ll find even more drink specials.
- Buy beer at 7-Eleven – Buying beer at Thailandâs ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drinking outside will save you quite a bit on your bar tab. While you can’t get wrecked on the street, you can take drinks with you to sit outside your guesthouse or while on the beach. These places are usually 50% cheaper than drinking at the bar and they have tons of snacks.
- Donât book tours before you arrive – Want to take a cooking class? Go zip-lining? Trek in the jungle? Dive? Wait until you get into Thailand to book anything. Travel agencies are located all over the tourist areas, looking to sell their tours. While youâre able to purchase these tours online before you arrive, youâll be paying a lot more that way. Instead, book when you arrive so you can haggle for a better deal.
- Stay with a local – Nothingâs cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who give you not only a free place to stay, who can introduce you to all the great places to see. Just make sure to send your requests early!
- Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia as the tap water isnât potable. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too).
Where to Stay in Thailand
Thailand has every type of accommodation you can think of. Hereâs my list of the best hostels and budget hotels in Thailand:
- Lub d Bangkok Siam (Bangkok)
- D&D Inn (Bangkok)
- Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
- Smile Robotist Hostel (Chiang Mai)
- Chang Puak Hotel (Chiang Mai)
- Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
- Balcony Party Hostel (Krabi)
- Noom Guesthouse (Lopburi)
- The Famous Pai Circus Hostel (Pai)
- Old City Guesthouse (Sukhothai)
- Mut Mee Garden Guest House (Isaan)
- Bodega Party Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)
- Echo Beach Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)
For more specific recommendations, visit the city and island destination guides as I have even longer lists there.
How to Get Around Thailand
Public transportation – Local buses cost as little as 8 THB per trip (for buses with no AC) and around double that for buses with AC. A week-long pass in Bangkok costs between 120-255 THB, depending on if you want buses with AC or no AC. The Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost 16-52 THB per trip.
In Chiang Mai, the buses have AC and cost around 20 THB per ticket. An unlimited day pass is 180 THB.
In many places, songthaews are the most common mode of local transportation. These converted pick-up trucks donât follow set stops, simply going wherever their riders ask. They generally cost 30-50 THB for a ride.
Taxi – Metered taxi rides are usually 60-100 THB each. Always stick to the metered taxis, otherwise, you’ll get charged an overpriced ride. If you notice your driver not using the meter, get out and find a driver who will.
Tuk-tuks are un-metered and generally more expensive, costing 100-235 THB per ride. Be sure to agree on a price before you take off. I generally try to avoid tuk-tuks, but for very short distances they can be fun.
Motorbike taxis (in orange vests) are available all over the country with short trips costing about 35-80 THB, but you need to negotiate the price.
Bus – Coach buses in Thailand are incredibly cheap and a great way to get around the country. For intercity travel, you’ll pay more for better services like sleeper buses and air-conditioning. A budget bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 10 hours and costs about 529-617 THB, while a first-class ticket for the same journey costs 825 THB. Bangkok to Trat (where you can then change to a ferry taking you to Ko Chang) takes 5 hours and costs about 250-300 THB. A two-hour bus journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is just 120-140 THB.
Train – Trains in Thailand tend to be slow, but theyâre an incredibly scenic option for getting around. Taking the train is a genuine Thai experience, making the journey as much a part of your trip as the destination. Day trains cost as little as 30-50 THB and night trains start at 875 THB for second class without air-conditioning. By the way, the air-conditioned night trains can be freezing so be prepared. A train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 11-13 hours and costs 715-900 THB, while Bangkok to Pattaya takes 4 hours and costs 30-50 THB.
There is a new BangkokâVientiane train for getting to Laos, which takes 11-13 hours and costs around 1,000 THB. Taking the train is also a convenient way to travel between Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.
Flying – Flights are a quick and affordable way to travel around the country, with prices ranging between 825-4,500 THB. Flights to the islands tend to be higher in price than flying between large cities or popular destinations. For example, Bangkok to Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Krabi all cost 450-825 THB for a one-way ticket, while a one-way from Bangkok to Koh Samui can be found for around 2,150 THB.
Budget-friendly airlines in Thailand include:
- Thai Lion Air
- Vietjet Air
Ridesharing – Grab is Asiaâs answer to Uber and it works the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the Grab app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. Itâs often more affordable than a regular taxi and you don’t have to worry about getting cheated on the price. I much prefer to use this app.
Ferry – Travel between islands and beaches is best done by long-tail boat, which costs around 150-275 THB per person for shorter trips. Bigger cities like Bangkok have regular ferries, costing 13-32 per ride.
Car rental – If you want to rent a car in Thailand, an IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. That said, unless youâre an adventurous traveler with experience driving in rugged conditions, I donât recommend renting a car here as traffic in the cities is sluggish and the roads in rural areas can be unreliable.
For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars . Prices start around 700-800 THB per day.
Renting a motorbike is super popular in rural areas and on the islands, either for day trips or for road trips. Just make sure you wear a helmet and have insurance (and ideally have experience on a bike or scooter) as Iâve seen a ton of backpackers with road rash who wrecked their bikes because they just werenât experienced enough.
When to Go to Thailand
Overall, the best time of year to visit Thailand is between November to March. The high season (cool/dry) is from November to March. Temperatures during this time are usually 30°C (86°F) or higher (yes, that is âcoolâ in Thailand). The islands are much hotter and more humid, though the entire country is very humid during this time. This is also the busiest time of the year so expect higher prices and lots of tourists, especially around Christmas/New Year’s.
If you plan on being in the north during this time, temperatures can drop quickly in the evenings so bring warm clothing. It gets cold at night, especially out in the mountains.
The shoulder season is from April to June, and it is HOT, with temps regularly over 40 C. It’s the hottest time of the year! The country is still really busy this time of year, though crowds begin to shrink after mid-April.
Monsoon hits the northern area at the end of May, bringing daily bouts of rain (though the weather is still warm). The low season is the rainy season, from July to October. Rainfall can be dramatic, ranging from light showers to major flooding. June and August have the heaviest rains, but things wind down during October. You might still get some afternoon showers, but October is also generally a good time to visit.
How to Stay Safe in Thailand
Thailand is a safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent attacks against tourists are uncommon. People who get in trouble here are usually involved with drugs or sex tourism, so if you avoid those activities youâll likely not have any serious issues. I’ve been coming to Thailand for close to twenty years and have never felt unsafe or had a problem.
Solo female travelers will feel safe here (Thais are very respectful), though the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Thailand is very safe for women but, since I’m not a female traveler, check out some female bloggers who can provide a better perspective.
When it comes to cannabis, Thailand changed some of its regulations on marijuana in June 2022. This means that there are licensed weed stores, cafes, vendors with cannabis-infused beverages, etc., where you’re allowed to buy it within that space to smoke it. However, while it is technically legal for people over 20 to smoke weed in ‘your residence’ or certain areas, doing so in public can still land you a 25,000 baht fine. If you want to take part, follow the laws and use common sense. Regarding other drugs, avoid them. The penalties are harsh (and include the death penalty).
Petty theft (including bag snatching) can occur around major tourist areas so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking crowded public transportation. If youâre carrying a purse, wear it across your body and not over one shoulder so itâs hard for someone to take.
Scams in Thailand, unfortunately, are common (though they are rarely violent). The most common scam involves unmetered taxis and tuk-tuks. For that reason, always make sure the taxi driver is using the meter. For tuk-tuk drivers, make sure you know the price in advance so you donât get ripped off while haggling.
For more information on common scams to avoid you can read this post on common travel scams to avoid.
Itâs illegal to defame or talk ill of the monarchy so avoid doing so (avoid talking politics in general if you can). The penalty can be prison (or worse) so do not talk about the monarchy while you are in Thailand!
Anti-government protests are common around the country, but chiefly in large cities. If they occur when you visit, avoid them. They donât usually turn violent but itâs better to be safe than sorry.
If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance (112 from a mobile device).
Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. Itâs comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as Iâve had to use it many times in the past.
The widget below can help you pick the right policy for your trip:
Thailand Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, theyâve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
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Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles Iâve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:
The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai
The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok
The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok
The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand
Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?
The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao
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The 20 Best Tours in Phuket đď¸
- Best of Phuket , Cruises , Tours , What to Do?
- Last updated 10 October 2023 23 May 2024
What are the most popular tours in Phuket?
There are a lot of Phuket Tours to explore in and around the island, and many places are easy to reach, so what are the best? Some other great places need a boat or a minibus ride and a bit of planning. We list here 10 of the most popular day trip tours you should consider. Of course, we know there are many more, and we will add them as we try them.
The best Phuket tours start with Phang Nga Bay and often include a few nearby islands, such as Phi Phi and Similan Islands. Tours on the island itself include the Big Buddha , the much revered Chalong temple and the exploration of the old streets of Phuket Town .
1. Phang Nga Bay Tour
(With John Gray Hong by Starlight: 3,950 baht â 11:30 am 10:00 pm â Other tours 1,600 baht)
Phang Nga Bay is a fantastic wonder of the world and is an absolute must-do while in Phuket. As with any favourite Phuket tour, Phang Nga tends to become busy, but itâs enormous, and some tours, like the famous John Gray SeaCanoe , know how to take you where and when other tourists donât go. The massive limestone formations rising above the water seem to come straight out of the movie Avatar (or it was possibly the other way around). The place was even featured as a background in one Star Wars episode (the bad one, I think). Phang Nga Bay is one of the best tours in Phuket. Read more
What we like a) As mentioned above, itâs just fantastic. b) The sea is quiet all year round and even looks better with the big rain clouds! c) Itâs not very far, and all tour agents will pick you up at your hotel â no stress. What We Donât a) Not every tour is Eco-friendly; some have no real experience and make lots of noise and shout, disturbing the magical peace.
Popular Ways to Discover Phang Nga Bay
Private island hopping cruises with 5 star marine.
Join 5 Star Marine's private tropical speedboat tours, and experience island hopping from one idyllic sandy island to the next. For an experience that most people only dream of, allow our experienced crew to tailor the perfect itinerary for your adventure, island hopping in paradise. From snorkelling in Phi Phi, picturesque lunches at Racha, and capturing memories of James Bond Island; to sea canoeing in Phang Nga Bay or even dolphin spotting with a sunset BBQ. The choice is yours with 5 Star Marine.
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2. Phi Phi Island Day Trip
(about 2,800 baht â full day)
Phi Phi seems to be the Phuket tour on everyoneâs list of islands to visit. It usually is for several reasons: The islands look fabulous, with two bays surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs. The beach parties are notorious and can last all night. Backpackers seem to have made Phi Phi their destination of choice. It also is an excellent snorkelling and diving destination for all levels, from beginners to wreck diving. There is an even more straightforward reason: they saw Maya Bay in the movie âThe Beachâ and wanted to know the place for themselves. Read more
A typical day trip to Phi Phi :
7.30: Pick up at your hotel 8.30 : Meet and greet at Royal Phuket Marina, short briefing. 9.30 : Departure by speedboat 10.30 : Enjoy snorkelling and swimming at Camel Rock, Monkey Bay Sightseeing 11.45 : Snorkeling near Phi Phi Don 12.30 : Lunch in Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don 13.30 : Head to Phi Phi Ley: pass by Viking Cave, swim at Piley Lagoon, and Sightseeing at Maya Bay. 15.30 : Relax, swim and snorkel on Koh Khai Nai, a small island on the way back. 16.30 : Arrive at the pier and depart to your hotel.
Whatâs good: a) Itâs still beautiful a beautiful island, despite being spoiled mainly by unstoppable construction. b) Itâs not very far from Phuket and affordable if you go by ferry c) The island being in a bay, it is accessible all year round (unlike Similan) d) Maya Bay is open again!
Whatâs Not: a) Uncontrolled constructions have spoiled the island, and it keeps extending. b) Phi Phi can get crowded with young backpackers coming here for a serious party, so it may not be your vision of relaxing beaches.
Popular Ways to Discover Phi Phi Island
3. james bond island tour and koh panyi village.
(Start at 1,800 baht, including pickup and return to hotel â join trip)
Usually, James Bond and Koh Panyi are part of any Phang Nga Bay tour. If you have time, we recommend dedicating one day to a Canoe in Phang Nga Bay, then another day to James Bond, Koh Panyi, the village on stilts and the reclining Buddha inside a cave. Read more
A typical day trip in Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Panyi Village:
9.00 : Pick up at hotel lobby 10.00 : Arrive at Royal Phuket Marina 10.30 : Visit Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) 12.00 : Buffet Thai lunch at Koh Panyee village 13.00 : Visit Khao Thalu to canoe inside a cave 15.30 : Visit Naka island for swimming 17.30 : Back at the Royal Phuket Marina and back to the hotel
What we like: a) Going there offers amazing photo opportunities; the location and the cruise to get there are jaw-dropping. b) The village on stilts is unique, unusual and fun to explore. What we donât: a) Itâs a major tourist attraction, so expect a lot of people at midday, which spoils a bit the exotic feeling
Popular Ways to Discover James Bond Island
4. south phuket with big buddha and phuket town.
The South Phuket tour is a popular option for visitors to the island, taking in many of the most famous landmarks and attractions in the southern part of the island. The tour is flexible and can be tailored to guestsâ preferences, but typically includes stops at beautiful beaches such as Karon and Nai Harn, as well as viewpoints for panoramic views of the island. The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Big Buddha Temple, which offers visitors the chance to take in the stunning views and pray for good luck. Another highlight of the tour is the visit to Old Phuket Town, where visitors can explore the charming streets and take in the unique Sino-Portuguese architecture. The tour also includes a stop for lunch at Rawai Beach, known for its delicious seafood and affordable prices.
To book a such day trip, you can ask any travel agent, or even better, hire a local driver with a van to customise the trip according to your own preferences, it is cheap and super comfortable, between 2,400 and 2,700 baht, depending how far your hotel is to the south. See here a list of private vans .
Popular Ways to Discover South Phuket and Phuket Town
5. coral island day trip and racha island.
(about 1,300 baht for both islands â full day)
Often packaged as one Phuket tour day trip, those two beautiful islands have white sandy beaches and the typical atmosphere of small tropical islands. They offer excellent snorkelling opportunities with plenty of fish coming and swimming around you. Racha Island is excellent for diving, especially for first-timers. Read more
A typical Day trip to Coral and Racha Islands by speedboat
8.30 : Pick up from your hotel lobby 09.00 : Depart from Chalong Pier to Racha Island, and enjoy snorkelling and swimming 12.30 : Depart from Racha Island to Coral Island and have lunch at Kahung restaurant 14.30 : Snorkeling, swimming and relaxing on the beach 16.30 : Back to the pier and sent back to your hotel
What we like: a) Itâs accessible all year round, and it doesnât take too long to reach What we donât: a) It can be bustling and touristic
Popular Ways to Discover Coral and Racha Islands
6. yona floating beach club.
Yona is a floating beach club in the bay of Patong. The boat is 1,200 sqm on three floors, with a central 22-metre-long swimming pool surrounded by trendy loungers and palm trees. At the back of the pool are the DJ station and a bar with a vast choice of fun cocktails to enjoy the party. Read more
7. Phuket Town Tour
(about 900 baht â half day)
In recent years, Phuket town has become a charming city with several historic streets and many beautiful old Sino-Portuguese mansions, some renovated and some partly run down. You might get to see some local markets and even visit some Thai temple and their typical intricate gold, red and green roofs. Exploring the picturesque street now full of little cafes and shops is a popular photo opportunity, mostly since they buried those horrible electric cables. Read more
What we like: a) Itâs a good exploration day, especially when the weather is not favourable to be on the beach b) Itâs not such a big area, so itâs easy to walk along the streets and between landmarks What we donât: a) Itâs relatively small, so donât put your expectations too high either
Popular Ways to Discover Phuket Town
8. similan islands day trip.
(about 2,600 baht â full day)
Unique and beautiful, the Similans have the white sand and blue water you only see in postcards. Itâs so strikingly beautiful that your friends might believe you photoshopped your photos. But it is that blue even in photos taken with a mobile phone!
It used to be possible to spend the night in a tent or a basic bungalow with air-conditioning, but it seems that this option is not available at this time! Apart from snorkelling, sunning, and a small restaurant, there is not much to do, but itâs a Robinson Crusoe experience you donât want to miss. Read more
A typical day trip to the Similans
6.00 : Pick up from the hotel lobby 9.00 : Depart to Similan island 10.20 : Visit Miang Island (Koh 4) for swimming and snorkelling 11.30 : Have a Thai lunch box on the island 12.00 : Visit Payu Island (Koh 7 )for swimming and snorkelling 13.00 : Visit Ba-ngu (Koh 9) for swimming and snorkelling 14.00 : Visit Similan island (Koh 8) for swimming and snorkelling and climbing the viewpoint at Sailing rock 15.00 : Back to the pier 16.30 : Transfer back to your hotel
What we like: a) Everything! What we donât: a) Itâs closed half-year during the low season, mostly because of the sea condition. b) Itâs quite a long way from Phuket. Usually, a van takes you from Phuket to Takua Pa, then 1.30 hours by speedboat
Popular Ways to Discover Similan Islands
9. island hopping on a sailing catamaran.
(6 days and 5 nights)
Spending a week on a sailing cruise is the most romantic and eco-friendly way to discover the islands near Phuket and south Thailand, an experience like no other!
Day 1 â Chalong Pier, Phuket -> Tonsai Bay, Koh Phi Phi Day 2 â Tonsai Bay, Koh Phi Phi -> Kantiang beach, Koh Lanta Day 3 â Kantiang beach, Koh Lanta -> Koh Rok Nok island Day 4 â Koh Rok Island -> Koh Phi Phi Leh Day 5 â Koh Phi Phi Leh -> Koh Racha Yai Day 6 â Koh Racha Yai -> Chalong Pier, Phuket
10. Andamanda Waterpark
Andamanda Phuket is an immense amusement water park built close to Phuket Town when approaching from Patong Beach. Encompassing an enormous 100,000 square meters, this water park features 25 attractions, incorporating numerous water slides, a 10,000 square meter swimming zone equipped with artificial waves, and the the longest lazy river in southeast Asia, extending to a remarkable 550 meters!
11. Elephant Sanctuaries
There are now many elephant sanctuaries around the island that allow you to interact with the elephants. You can feed them, walk with them and make unforgettable memories. The old-fashioned elephant trekking is over! Ask your hotel or travel agent for one of the sanctuaries but skip the trekking or elephant riding! Read more
What we like: a) Itâs fun, unusual and the best way to see real elephants! What we donât: a) Some of the sanctuaries may feel a little too touristic (they probably switched from trekking to the sanctuary to catch the wave)
Popular Ways to Discover Elephant Sanctuaries
12. phang nga bay private cruises.
Phang Nga Bay is an amazing destination. With its countless islands and towering cliffs emerging from the sea, the scenery is truly extraordinary. It often ranks at the top for many tourists, however, the popular areas of Phang Nga Bay can become overcrowded, making it difficult to fully appreciate its natural beauty. Therefore, on that particular day, we made a decision along with a few friends to rent a private boat and explore Phang Nga Bay in a more exclusive manner, allowing us to reach each location before the crowds arrived.
13. Koh Khai Tours
(about 1,900 baht â Full day)
This tour goes to the tiny Koh Khai islands, found just a few kilometres off Phuket looks like a cartoon postcard of a tropical island. There is not much to do there apart from sunbathing, snorkelling or swimming with hundred fish and drinking fresh coconuts. Itâs so back to basics but isnât it why you came to Phuket in the first place?
What we like: a) Itâs an easy and not far, relaxing day out b) Plenty of photo opportunities to post on your Facebook and drive your friends insane What we donât: a) Can be really busy
Popular Ways to Discover Khai Island
14. cooking classes.
Due to the immense popularity of Thai cuisine and its frequent portrayal on television and social media, cooking classes have become increasingly favoured in Phuket. The island offers a multitude of cooking schools catering to various budgets, with options available in both hotels and privately run establishments. Certain classes even offer the opportunity to explore local markets, adding an enjoyable aspect to the overall experience. Read more
Popular Ways to Discover Thai Cooking Class
ATV tours in Phuket offer exhilarating off-road adventures for visitors. These tours allow participants to explore the stunning natural landscapes of the island while riding all-terrain vehicles. With various routes available, tourists can discover hidden trails, lush jungles, and scenic viewpoints. ATV tours in Phuket cater to both beginners and experienced riders, providing a thrilling and memorable experience. From navigating through rugged terrains to enjoying breathtaking views, these tours offer an exciting way to explore Phuketâs outdoor beauty.
Popular Ways to Discover ATV Experience
16. zipline.
There are 3 or 4 Ziplines around the island, and we tried Flying Hanuman in the forest near Patong Beach. Zipline is a great way to do something fun and exciting with friends and family. You can do something active, fun and unforgettable in the dense forest in Kathu. Itâs enormous, impressive and safe; anyone can do it, even a four-year-old kid! Read more
How to get there : Book directly with them or check with a local travel agent Price : starts at 2,300 baht (16 platforms) and 3,250 baht (28 platforms).
Popular Ways to Discover Zipline Experience
17. carnival magic phuket.
Carnival Magic is a new 40-acre nighttime Thai carnival theme park, known as the Magical Kingdom of Lights. It features numerous record-breaking attractions. The Kingdom of Lights is an illumination park that boasts a display of over 40 million lights, and The River Palace is an enormous indoor parade show theatre capable of seating over 2,200 spectators. It showcases the worldâs largest indoor parade show, known as the River Carnival. Read more
18. Simon Cabaret Show
(starts 700 baht â 2 hours â Patong beach)
Simon Cabaret is a long-running successful stage performance with beautiful sets and outstanding choreography. Of course, people go to Simon Cabaret for reasons other than the pretty costumes and the show. They want to see the surprisingly beautiful ladyboys with their own eyes! Photos are not allowed during the show, but the âgirlsâ will happily wait for you outside the theatre for a photo session. Read more
What we like: a) Excellent stage performance. b) Itâs literally in Patong Beach, so you can enjoy the show and still go out for a party after the show What We Donât: a) Ladyboys are known to be pushy for a tip if you take photos after the show. They might pick the money from your hand; thank you very much
Popular Ways to Discover Simon Cabaret Show
19. siam niramit.
Siam Niramit Phuket is a surprising show narrating 700 years of Thailandâs history. The stage is immense, and the choreography involving more than a hundred people is spotless. The narration is simple and clear enough for everyone to understand each scene. The superb sound system immerses you in a fantastic world based on centuries of Thai myths and legends. It is seriously impressive.
20. Phuket Fantasea Show
(starts 1,800 baht â from 5 pm â Kamala Beach â closed on Thursday)
This longtime running show is still top-rated. Itâs a giant theme park and a professional stage performance with dancers, acrobats and real elephants walking through the audience and then onto the stage. The setting is awe-inspiring, and the exceptionally well-executed show narrates the legend of Kamala, where the park is. Read more
What we like: a) Itâs professional and beautifully crafted, including the many buildings in the park. b) There are a lot of fun photo opportunities outside the theatre. What we donât: a) With 2,500 seats, the buffet is too big to be enjoyable b) The elephants performing in the show or giving tourists a short ride are a little controversial c) You canât take photos inside, but we understand that it can be annoying
Contact a local tour agent in Phuket
Phuket 101 is not a travel agency, but you can get in touch with a local tour agent to get better prices as well as local information or even custom tours by using this link: https://www.johnwelcometravel.com/
Contact a local tour agent
Fast Facts about Phuket Tours
Faqs about phuket tours.
a. Popular Phuket tours and day trips include island hopping tours, visits to the Big Buddha, exploring Phang Nga Bay, visiting the Phi Phi Islands, and exploring James Bond Island. Here are some favourites: Phang Nga Bay Phi Phi Island Coral Island Samet Nangshee
a. Some nearby islands that are worth visiting on a day trip from Phuket include the Phi Phi Islands, Racha Islands, Coral Island, and James Bond Island. These islands offer beautiful beaches, snorkelling and diving opportunities, and stunning natural scenery: Similan Island Phi Phi Island Coral Island Koh Khai Racha Island Island Hopping
a. If you want to stay on the island only, there are a few interesting ways to explore Rent a van with a driver Self-explore old Phuket Town Phuket Fantasea Show Simon Cabaret Show
a. In most cases, you can book safely from an online tour agent or even buy in the street once in Phuket. It is recommended to book Phuket tours and day trips in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.
a. You should bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing and shoes, a camera, and any necessary medication. You may also want to bring a towel and swimwear if your tour involves water activities.
a. Meals and hotel transfers are often included in Phuket tours and day trips, but it depends on the tour. Be sure to check the tour description or ask the tour operator for details.
a. The best time to take Phuket tours and day trips is from November to April, during the dry season, as the sky is clear and the sea is quiet. However, tours are available year-round and some tours, such as Phang Nga Bay, have a unique charm during the monsoon season.
The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary
Posted on Last updated: March 7, 2024
Categories Asia , Guides , Thailand , Travel Guides
Creating a 10 day Thailand itinerary is not an easy task. Not an easy task at all!
Why is that?
Well, you know how most countries excel in only one specific tourist area. For example – you go to the Maldives to get a nice island vacation, you explore Rome to taste ( literally ) the unique culture and history ( and pizza ), you journey through South Africa to marvel at the stunning nature and wildlife.
Well unlike most countries in the world, Thailand excels in plenty of traveling niches thus creating an ultimate 10 day Thailand itinerary that covers all of them is impossible.
The good news is, since you’re already set on for adventure in the land of smiles, you probably have an idea what you want to do there. That’s why I tailor-made a few entirely different 10 day Thailand itineraries that won’t only cover different travel styles and needs, but are also guaranteed to make you want to come back and experience more of this South-East Asian jewel of a country. Enjoy!
10 Day Thailand Itinerary – Destinations
Before we get into the detailed itinerary, we’ll get to know to most popular places in the country. And boy oh boy, aren’t they all spectacular!
Just a little preview – the most visited city in the world, not one but two ancient capitals, the best diving island in the world, one of the top foodie cities in Asia, some of the very best nightlife hubs and of course the iconic white-sand movie beaches.
Yeah, all of that is in Thailand! No more teasing. Here are the places covered in the 10 day Thailand itinerary:
The capital of Thailand, the most visited city in the world, The City of Angels or Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit (that is it’s real name!).
No matter how you call it, Bangkok is one of those places you simply must see to comprehend. Extremely colorful, buzzing nightlife and distinctive culture, with it’s two international airports, the chances are high the capital of Thailand will be the first city on your 10 day Thailand itinerary.
What to do in Bangkok?
The grand palace and the temple of the emerald buddha (wat phra kaew).
The Grand Palace is the biggest highlight of the Thai capital and one of the most prominent landmarks in the country . Skipping it is simply inexcusable.
The palace area is a complex of 30-ish colorful and exotic buildings, most famous of which is Wat Phra Kaew – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
One of the most important temples in the country, Wat Phra Kaew houses the statue of The Emerald Buddha that only the king is allowed to touch. The legend has it that the image was carved in India and it was prophesied it would bring “prosperity and pre-eminence to each country in which it resides”. There are plenty of other cool temples around the Grand Palace. To see more pictures and info about them, you can check out my Bangkok Temples Guide .
Castaway Tip Mind your clothing when you visit the Grand Palace. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. As for the women – no skirts, no shorts, no see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance that can provide clothes and cover you up properly (not for free though).
Temple of The Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Wat Pho or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is another popular attraction that should be an integral part of your Bangkok itinerary . With 394 Buddha images, this temple is one of the most picturesque ones I’ve ever set my foot into. The cherry on the top is the giant 15 meters tall, 46 meters long reclining Buddha and the 108 wish-granting bronze bowls.
Castaway Tip Wat Pho is well-known as a center for traditional massage and medicine and one of the best places in town to get a Thai massage.
Khao San Road
And before you start thinking Bangkok is just temples, here is one of the most legendary party streets in the world – Khao San Road. A perfect place to get a delicious Pad Thai (from a stall), get a foot massage (on the street), eat a scorpion on a stick( or look how other crazy people eat a scorpion on a stick) and get wasted with (literally) a bucket of (questionable) alcohol. Khao San has earned its reputation a long time ago, and it still is one of the top spots in Bangkok.
Castaway Tip If you want to take a photo of the stalls that sell scorpions, spiders, and bugs, prepare to pay a small tip.
Where to stay in Bangkok?
Riva Arun Bangkok Situated on the Chao Phraya River, Riva Arun offers you incredible views of the Temple of Dawn or the Grand Palace. Speaking of the Grand Palace, the biggest attraction in Bangkok and one of the other must-see temples – Wat Pho, are just a few hundred meters away from your doorstep. Khao San road is only 30minutes by foot making Riva Arun the best-placed hotel in Bangkok. If you get one of their premium sweets, you can also enjoy a river overlooking balcony with a jacuzzi. Can’t get better than that! Check out the latest prices
Want to explore more options in Bangkok? Check out my Ultimate Bangkok Areas Guide to find tips about all major city districts and more than 30 recommended hotels and Airbnbs.
See Also: Bangkok off the beaten track
Chiang Mai is my favorite town in Asia, and there is no way I’m leaving it out of this10 day Thailand itinerary.
A long time ago Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lan Na Kingdom for more than 500 years before becoming part of the Siam empire. Today it’s the most culturally significant city in the northern part of the country, a famous foodie destination and a favorite digital nomad base.
Chiang Mai is located in the mountains, and it’s surrounded by dense jungle thus being the prime place for wildlife and adventure activities.
What to do in Chiang Mai?
Have fun with elephants.
Having fun with elephants doesn’t mean riding them or watching them do some circus shows. Not sure if you know it, but those activities are incredibly unethical and cruel to one of the most intelligent animal species in the world.
The best way to interact with the gentle giants is through one of the programs in Elephant Retirement Park – a park that rescues abused elephants and takes care of them. Trust me, the mud bath you take with those guys would become one of your most cherished memories!
See Also: Why You Should Never Ride an Elephant
Castaway Tip There are plenty of options for ethical elephant experience in Chiang Mai, but not all of them are as ethical as they claim. Do proper research before you pick a program and avoid supporting animal mistreat.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or simply Doi Suthep is the local must-see temple . Built in 1386, the legend says the temple was assembled to hold a piece of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder.
Sadly, today there aren’t any divine bones inside. Instead, the temple can offer you a colorful dragon staircase, plenty of eye-watering photo ops and excellent panoramic view of the area.
Castaway Tip Doi Suthep is too far away to go on foot. Instead of taking a taxi though, get one of the songthaew (red trucks for share ride) from Huay Kaew Road near the Zoo. It should cost you only 40 Bahts.
Yi Peng (Loy Krathong) festival
If you’re lucky enough this 10 day Thailand itinerary would lead you to Chiang Mai in November. What so special about November? One of the most spectacular festivals in the world is celebrated then and believe me when I tell you, this is one top-notch bucket list adventure! Yi Peng or the Lantern Festival is an event more magical than anything you’ve ever seen and once in a lifetime experience.
See Also: The Ultimate 5-Day Singapore Itinerary
Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
18 In Town Homestay Incredibly furnished homestay, 18 in Town managed to capture Chiang Mai’s artistic soul and turn it into an incredible hotel experience. Located in the old city, this lovely homestay is just 3km away from the airport, a few hundred meters away from the best temples, and has multiple massage parlors and minimarkets right next to it. Check out the latest prices
Want to explore more options in Chiang Mai? See the best hotels in town with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.
See Also: What NOT to do in Thailand
When people think of Thailand, the first picture that comes to their mind is a longtail boat floating over crystal clear waters with limestone rock in the background ( just like the one above ).
If you want to see this picture in real life, you need to go to the Krabi province in South-West Thailand. An area blessed with numerous picturesque islands and white-sand beaches , Krabi is also a favorite movie set for plenty of Holywood blockbusters.
What to do in Krabi?
The phi phi islands and maya bay.
Devastated by the infamous Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004 , everything on the Phi Phi was rebuilt to become one of the most popular island vacation hubs in the world. The highlight place on the island is the legendary Maya Bay, made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie – The Beach.
Castaway Tip Maya Bay was closed due to tourist overpopulation, but it’s now reopen. You can’t go swimming but you can enjoy the most beautiful beach in the world.
James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay
Another bay and another Hollywood island. This time Roger Moore’s James Bond made the island world famous and forever changed its destiny.
The Blue Lagoon
If you get sick of tropical islands ( like this is a thing ), Krabi has more natural wonders to offer. The Blue Lagoon is not really a lagoon but a jungle pond with unimaginable azure waters . Seriously, the color of the lake makes it look like a drawing. It’s something I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world, and it’s totally worth a visit.
Where to stay in Krabi?
Phi Phi Sunset Bay Resort Situated on the magical Phi Phi islands, the Sunset Bay Resort is tucked away from the noisy bar area. Surrounded by tropical jungle, almost everything in this bungalow resort is made of natural materials so don’t be surprised if there is a tree growing in your bathroom. If you’re worried about being too far away from civilization, don’t be. The resort offers free boat transfer that can get you to the town area for less than 5 minutes! Check out the latest prices
Want to explore more options in Krabi? See the best hotels in the area with a top-notch location, tasty breakfast, and free wi-fi.
See Also: Thailand in December
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Samui is the most significant island in the Chumphon Archipelago .
Measuring some 25 km at its widest point the island offers attractive budget travel options as well as high-end luxury resorts. It’s also one of the best places in Thailand to merely go on a beach vacation and forget about anything else.
What to do in Koh Samui?
Angthong marine park.
Popular day trip from the island, the Angthong Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 limestone islands perfect for hiking and snorkeling.
Castaway Tip Sometimes the park gets closed during the low season (November-December) so make sure you research it promptly before booking any tours.
Wat Phra Yai
It won’t be in Thailand if there isn’t at least one impressive temple. Wat Phra Yai is famous for it’s giant gilded Buddha and it’s a pretty cool place to visit if you got tired of the beaches ( I’ve never seen anyone tired of tropical beaches but still ).
Where to stay in Koh Samui?
Erawan Villa Hotel Right on the beach, and 2km away from the Fishermans Village and the Big Buddha. If the beach is not enough for you Erawan Villa Hotel also has a lovely private pool and Jacuzzi in its premium sweets. Check out the latest prices
Want to explore more options on Koh Samui? See the best hotels in the area with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.
Koh Pha Ngan
There is one thing Koh Pha Ngan is famous for, and that is PARTY. Back in 1983, the first full moon party was created as a thanks to about 20–30 travelers . Nowadays, up to 30 000 people gather to the island every month to celebrate one of the most iconic parties in the world.
Castaway Tip The night before the Full Moon Party is also a party night. The Jungle Party some say is even better than the Full Moon.
Where to stay in Koh Pha Ngan?
Tommy Resort Since you’re coming to Koh Phangan for the full moon party, what better place to stay than the very same beach the party is on Tommy Resort is located at the end of it, so you won’t have any trouble getting home at any part of the night. The spacious hardwood furnished bungalows and the outdoor swimming pool are guaranteed to make your party recovery as pleasant as possible. Check out the latest prices
Want to explore more options in Koh Pha Ngan? See the best hotels on the island with a top-notch location, tasty breakfast, and free wi-fi.
Koh Tao ( meaning the Turtle Island ) is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand known for one thing only – diving!
The second cheapest place in the world to get your diving certificate ( the first one is Honduras, but somehow I doubt you’re going to Honduras is on your travel plans ) Koh Tao houses over 70 different diving shops .
And since there is barely anything other than divers and bars on the island, there is this laidback subculture atmosphere in the air you’d simply fall in love too!
Castaway Tip I got my certificate from Roctopus Dive , and I can’t recommend them enough. You won’t only get top professionals to teach you, but also very cool guys to hang around with!
Where to stay in Koh Tao?
Savage Hostel A hostel right on the beach with a great outdoor pool. Yup, dreamy hostels like that do exist, and the Savage Hostel is one great example. The location can’t get any better, the pool is excellent and the common spaces and well designed and clean. If you are not that much into sharing a room with strangers, private rooms are also on the menu. Check out the latest prices
Want to explore more options in Koh Tao? See the best hotels on the island with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.
Founded in 1350 Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siam Kingdom till the Burmese destroyed it in 1767. The ruins are now a national park and one of the most famous archeological spots in Thailand. Due to it’s proximity to Bangkok, it’s a popular day trip option.
The first capital of the Siam Kingdom is located between Bangkok and Chiang may, and it’s criminally underrated. While people flocks to Ayutthaya, there is barely anyone in Sukhothai which of course is perfect for you.
Where to stay in Sukhothai?
Space Ben Guest House Sukhothai is not the most visited place in Thailand thus the accommodation in the area is limited. What makes Space Ben Guest House so much better than every other option is the location. It’s situated right at the entrance of the Sukhothai Historical Park. Literally a few steps away! Since there’s hardly anything else to do in Sukhothai and you’ll spend no more than a day or two there, Space Ben Guest House is the perfect accommodation. Check out the latest prices
Want to explore more options in Sukhothai? See the best hotels in the area with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.
Now that we have all the places sorted out, it’s time to get to the 10 day Thailand itinerary itself. Wait, did I say itinerary? I meant itineraries!
To fit all the different travel needs, I’ll give you four ( and a half ) options, all you have to do is find the one that suits your style and expectations. If you have more than 10 days in Thailand, it’s pretty easy to combine two or more of the itineraries into one.
The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – The Culture Route
Been a successor of the Siam Kingdom, Thailand has a vastly rich history and unique, distinctive culture that makes it pop out in front of the other South-East Asian countries. In the cultural itinerary, we’ll focus on the places that compose Thailand’s identity today .
Start: Bangkok Your flight most likely will be to Bangkok, and since there is plenty to see there, the cosmopolitan Thai capital would be the first place on your itinerary.
Days 1-3: Bangkok In three days you should be able to visit the top temples – Wat Pho ( has a 15 meters tall, 46 meters long reclining Buddha in it ), Wat Phra Kaew ( the most important temple located inside the Grand Palace complex ), Wat Arun ( Temple of the Dawn – Instagram perfection ), Wat Traimit ( Has a 5.5 tonnes Buddha statue made out of pure gold ) and Wat Saket ( aka the Golden Mount, has lovely panoramic view ).
Museums are not Bangkok’s strong side, but you may consider visiting Bangkok’s National Museum or the Jim Thompson House . It’s a good idea to explore the nearby floating and train markets ( first one is in the water, and instead of stalls there are boats, the other is in the middle of a railway, so it has to be moved every time a train comes ), but have in mind those would require a full day.
Day 4: Ayutthaya day trip The ancient capital of Siam needs more than a few hours to be explored in detail, but since you have only 10 days in Thailand, you need to do it with a day trip. The good thing is, the place is pretty close to Bangkok, and you’d still be able to see a ton of ancient wonders. See Ayutthaya Day Trip latest prices
Day 5: Sukhothai The first capital of Siam and the best ancient site in the country. Unlike Ayutthaya though, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not that close to Bangkok.
It’s, however, in the middle between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, so its location won’t throw you completely out of the way. To save some time, I recommend taking one of the night buses from Bangkok and arrive at Sukhothai early in the morning.
Explore the glorious ancient site for a day and catch the bus to Chiang Mai the next morning.
Days 6-9: Chiang Mai + Chiang Rai You should arrive in Chiang Mai around noon, so there is plenty of time to check out the old town area. For the next three days, I suggest meeting some elephants ( book this one early cause it’s extremely popular ), visiting the most famous temple in the area – Doi Suthep , exploring the night markets ( they are everywhere on the weekend ), taking a Thai cooking class and a must-have day trip to Chiang Rai .
If you have more time in Thailand, Chiang Rai deserves a few days on its own but in this 10 day Thailand itinerary we only have time for a day trip. The most famous attraction of Chiang Rai is the White Temple – Wat Rong Khun , and every tour is centered around it.
The other noticeable places in the area are the Mae Khachan Hot Spring ( well…it’s a hot spring ), the Black House Museum ( a bit creepy but beautiful ), the Blue Temple ( they like to name their places with colors over here ), Karen Longneck village ( if you want to do that, do your research and find a responsible tour company that will promote a socially responsible visit ), and the Golden Triangle ( where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet ).
See Also: One for your Bucket List – The Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya
Day 10: Go home It’s best to take your flight back home from Chiang Mai otherwise you’d lose a whole day to go back to Bangkok.
The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – The Adventure Route
If going to temples and museums bore you to death, and all you need for your perfect vacation is a little bit of adrenaline pumping in your veins , the next 10 day Thailand itinerary is the one for you.
Start: Chiang Mai Bangkok is a fantastic city, but there aren’t many adventures waiting for you there so you either book a flight directly to Chiang Mai or get an internal flight without wasting any time. You have only ten days, so your time is your most valuable resource.
Day 1-5: Chiang Mai You probably won’t have time for anything significant on your first day so take the time to relax and enjoy the famous Chiang Mai cuisine ( Khao Soi is a must ).
The next four days you have plenty of options. I suggest going for an ethical elephant experience (won’t pump your adrenaline but still one of the coolest things you can do in Chiang Mai), go to the longest zip line in Asia – Flight of the Gibbon ( if you’re lucky you may get some real gibbons in the trees around you ), climbing up the Sticky Waterfall, do some 20 meters high cliff jumping into the Chiang Mai’s old quarry (also known as the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon) or go white-water rafting in the Maetaeng river .
There are also numerous options for Biking tours , ATV exploring and even bamboo river rafting .
Day 6-9: Koh Tao There is one main reason to visit Koh Tao, and that is to get your diving license! Don’t be afraid, learning to dive is not hard and it’s one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences out there.
Just make sure you reserve three full days in your itinerary for Koh Tao. If you already got your license or don’t feel like getting one, you can do for fun dives ( little depth, just to get the feeling ), snorkeling, mountain biking and rock climbing around the island.
Day 10: Go Home It’s best to get a late flight as possible otherwise you’d have to spend the previous day to travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok / Chiang Mai
The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – The Party Route
If you travel to Thailand with only one goal on your mind – to party, you picked the right destination. There are no temple visits or adventure activities on this itinerary, just tips about some of the most iconic nightlife places in the world . For this 10 day Thailand itinerary, timing is crucial. You need to check when the full moon is and center your trip around it. Remember, you need the full moon on the 8th day of your journey!
Start: Bangkok Once upon a time, Bangkok was famous only for its red-light districts. Been the most visited city in the world changed that, and the nightlife area evolved massively during the years. Today the Thai capital literally offers thousands of funky rooftop bars, frisky clubs, and upbeat cocktail bars.
Days 1-5: Bangkok Khao San road is a must-see place for every self-respected party animal, and so is the iconic Route 66 bar. Some of the best rooftop bars in town are Vertigo , Octave Rooftop Bar and Above Eleven . As far as regular bars go, Maggie Choo’s ( trendy designers bar ), The Iron Fairies ( Iron themed pub with awesome cheap beer ) and Havana Social ( very cool Cuban theme ) won’t disappoint. Even if you’re not into that stuff, I suggest to check out the Red Light Districts – Soi Cowboy , Nana Plaza , and Patpong . Even without “consummation”, those places are a ton of fun and totally worth a visit.
If you like to move around, you may decide to leave Bangkok and spend a day or two in the nearby Pattaya. Worldwide famous nightlife awaits for you in the relatively small coastline city ( if adult entertainment is your prime reason to visit Thailand, Pattaya should definitely be on your list ).
See Also: The Ultimate Bangkok Shopping Guide
Days 6-9: Koh Phangan On the 6th day of your 10 days Thailand itinerary, make your way to the island of Koh Phangan. The next day is your first party day. No, not the full moon one. The day before the Full Moon Party, there is the so-called Jungle Party . Once an underground feast, today the Jungle Experience is almost as famous as the Full Moon Party.
On your 8th day, join thousands of others to celebrate the biggest beach party in the world – the Full Moon Party of Koh Phangan .
Day number 9 could be used for recovery or travel back to Bangkok ( depending on your flight back home )
Day 10: Go home
The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – Beach Vacation
Your idea of perfect Thailand vacation is laying on a white-sand beach and swimming among colorful fishes in crystal clear tropical waters . This 10 days Thailand itinerary is the one for you then. There are two distinctive beach vacation areas in the country – The Gulf of Thailand on the east side and the Andaman Sea on the west side. Here is how to get the best out of them.
Start: Koh Samui Samui is the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s big enough to even have its own airport! Make the best you can to arrive on the island on your first day in Thailand.
Days 1-4: Koh Samui I won’t suggest many activities here, just book a kick-ass beachside resort and enjoy the tropical Thai sun. If you get bored, you may go and explore the nearby Ang Thong National Park .
Days 5-9: Krabi On your 5th day, make your way to the Krabi area. One of the best places to stay there is Ao Nang. Not only you’d have two beaches right in front of your door, but also numerous restaurant option and easy transportation to the nearby islands. If you prefer a premium beach vacation, book your stay on the Phi Phi islands.
With four full days in Krabi, you can check out the most popular islands in the Andaman Sea. Must-Sees are the Phi Phi islands , James Bond Island, Hong Island , and Chicken Island . If you want a bit of change of scenery, you can go and check Krabi’s favorite temple – the Tiger Cave ( have in mind there is 1260 steps climb to the top though ) or the incredible Blue Lagoon jungle pond.
Day 10: Go home Krabi has an international airport so try to catch your flight back home from there.
The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand itinerary – The Lazy One
If you really hate the idea of moving around but you still want a taste of Thailand
Days 1-10 Phuket If you read everything till now ( you’re amazing! ) you probably wonder why I never mentioned Phuket. Up there in popularity with Bangkok and Chiang Mai, for many people Phuket is the go-to vacation spot in Asia. The reason I didn’t include it in any of my itineraries though is that I think Phuket has little bit of everything but not as good as the other places on the itinerary.
What do I mean? Bear with me. There are some temples in Phuket, but none of them are as spectacular as the ones in Bangkok/Chiang Mai. There is a buzzing nightlife there, but it’s not on the Bangkok, Pattaya or even close to Koh Phangan’s level. You can go on a beach vacation in Phuket , but you’re gonna visit the same islands near Krabi, you’d to spend more time on the boat ( since Phuket is farther away than Krabi ) and you’ll pay a higher price.
Having said that, Phuket is not a bad place, and indeed there are some advantages of choosing the lazy itinerary. You won’t have to change hotels and waste time on the road, and you’ll be able to see all sides of Thailand. Notable places of interest in Phuket are Phuket Town night market, the big Buddha on the top of the Nakkerd Hills , Bangla Road ( Phuket’s equivalent of Khao San Road ) and all of the Krabi islands.
Useful Information About Thailand
When is the best time to travel to thailand.
The climate in Thailand is defined as tropical and humid. Best time is a tricky conception since there are a few different weather areas in the country. The area north of Bangkok has three seasons while the one South of it has only two.
In the North , the weather is dry between November and May. This is, however, broken into two periods – November to February when it’s considered winter with temperature in the low 20C, and March-May, when it’s the dry summer with average temperature reaching nearly 30C. From May to October is the rainy season.
South Thailand has only two seasons – wet and dry. Unfortunately, those seasons don’t run spontaneously on both costs of the peninsula thus making your beach vacation tricky to navigate. The west coast ( Krabi, Phuket ) is rainy from April through to October, while on the east coast the storms are gathering between September and December.
Bangkok has three main seasons: hot from March to June, rainy from July to October and cool between November and February. Have in mind that Bangkok’s cool still average temperatures of more than 20C.
What to bring with you in Thailand?
I won’t annoy you with a long list of Amazon listings here. I mean, if you’re going for the island vacation you know you need to bring bathing suits, right? If you like to read you probably already have Kindle and if you’re a photo enthusiast you have your camera ready. The products I recommend are specific items you never even know you should have in Thailand.
Detachable pants – Thailand is full of beautiful temples to explore, but a lot of them have a strict dress code that won’t let you enter with shorts. Combine that with the hot weather and suddenly figuring out what to wear becomes a significant headache. What I do is using a pair of pants like these . Put the sleeves in your bag, and you got comfy shorts to survive the relentless Thai heat that turns into proper long pants when needed to enter a temple.
Coral-friendly sunscreen – This is something that probably hasn’t even occurred to you, but yes, sunscreens do harm the corals. In order to avoid situations like the one in Maya Bay, we all need to give a second thought about how much our actions reflect on the places we visit. Otherwise, we won’t be able to enjoy them for long.
Water Bottle – if you travel often, you know this is a must-have. Water bottle saves you a fortune on the airports, and it decreases the use of plastic! You can even go a step further and get a bottle that purifies water so you may never have to buy a bottled one again.
How To get around in Thailand?
Thailand has an excellent transportation network, so it’s pretty easy to get from one place to another. Whether it’s a bus, a train, a ferry or an internal flight, there will be plenty of options and the price will be reasonable (yes, flights are cheap too).
The best place to find the transportation you need, not only for Thailand but for entire Asia, is 12GO.asia . I use them every time and never had a single problem.
If you area car person and you want to drive everywhere yourself, you need to rent a car. I recommend checking out Discover Cars and their tool that will compare all the best rent-a-car providers in the area. The prices they manage to find are sometimes ridiculously low.
On the islands, the easiest way to travel is via motorbike (you can rent one from pretty musch everyhwere).
Is Thailand safe?
Thailand is one of the safest destinations in South-East Asia. Been visited by hundreds of millions of tourist in recent years, the country has put a lot of focus into tourists and their safety.
This doesn’t mean you should forget your travel smarts or skip your travel insurance ( especially if you go for the adventure itinerary ). Don’t go alone in the dark, don’t flash expensive jewelry or electronics, never give your passport to anybody and always keep your cash in 3 different places.
If you’re approached by a stranger who speaks English very well and wants to help you, don’t go for it. This type of scam is not a dangerous one but will eventually take you to a specific shop that will try very hard to sell you something and could waste a ton of time.
Currency in Thailand
The only accepted curreny in Thailand is the Thai Baht ( check the latest rates ).
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Most of the Western countries’ passport holders can enter Thailand visaless (for up to 30 days), even more, countries are eligible for Visa on arrival. Check out the requirements for your nationality here.
What about the Internet in Thailand?
There is wi-fi in almost every hotel or restaurant. It’s not the fastest one in the world though. Get yourself a prepaid travel SIM from the airport or any 7-11 and forget all Internet troubles.
You can also order a SIM card online and have it delivered at the airport. Definitely the most convenient way.
Useful Words in Thai
Thai people love when you try to use their language. Don’t worry if you misspoken something, they will still enjoy it, and you may get VIP treatment.
Thank you – if you are a Female – kob-khun ka; If you are a Male – kob-khun krab Hello – Sa-wat dee How much – Gee baht? I don’t want – Mai ow Sorry – Khor tort Delicious – A-roi
Wow, this one came out pretty big! If you managed to read it all (you’re a legend! ) you know so much about Thailand so you’d be able to plan your trip without any hassle.
That’s all from me, I hope you enjoy your 10 days in Thailand ! ———————————— If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips! ———————————— I have 32 bucket list ideas for Thailand. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!
Which Thailand ititerary is the best for you?
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Wonderful information - thank you!!!
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10 of the best things to do in Thailand
Dec 21, 2023 ⢠9 min read
Experience the best of Thailand with this guide to the top things to do Š Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images
People may think of Thailand as a food-focused destination, or a place for great nightlife or even a wellness center and somewhere to go and be pampered.
The truth is, Thailand is all of those things and more. You could be snorkeling in bright blue waters near a glorious beach , hiking to Thailandâs highest temples, slurping down a roadside bowlful of spicy noodles , plying the cityâs waterways in a long-tail boat or simply dozing off next to a pool with a book on your chest.
Create your own adventure to remember in the Land of Smiles with our guide to the best things to do in Thailand.
1. Make your way to a temple
Thailand is home to more than 40,000 temples, which makes the decision on exactly where to visit that much more difficult. Although most people will say that visits to Bangkokâs Grand Palace and Wat Pho are musts, some other temples scattered throughout the kingdom might end up being the ones to lodge themselves permanently in your memories.
In the far Northern town of Chiang Rai , Wat Rong Khun â otherwise known as the âWhite Templeâ â features a âbridge of rebirthâ that takes visitors over a âlakeâ of outstretched hands representing human suffering. Further south near Pattaya , the Sanctuary of Truth stands as Thailandâs largest wooden building, painstakingly carved using traditional techniques. And on the border between the North and Northeast regions in Phetchabun, Wat Phra Thad Son Kaew  displays a series of giant Buddha images sitting in each otherâs laps inspired by Russian nesting dolls, surrounded by Gaudi-like mosaics and a vast tapestry of stunning mountains.
If you do decide to stay in Bangkok, Wat Arun (aka âTemple of the Dawnâ) is a beautiful and less-touristy temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya, while Wat Po also houses a massage school said to have been the birthplace of Thai massage.
2. Island hop in the Andaman Sea
This is what the kingdom is likely most known for: its dramatic, green-speckled islands and celadon waters. The best place from which to experience this is Phuket , Thailandâs largest and most-visited island. From its two marinas, you can hire a boat to survey the Andaman Sea and its many blessings, including the iconic Ko Khao Phing Kan (also known as James Bond Island) featured in the movie The Man With a Golden Gun (1974), which resembles a tree-furred exclamation point (one of many striking limestone karsts) in Phang Nga Bay .
Planning tip: Boat rentals can range from US$60 a day on a fishing boat to US$140 a day on a âluxuryâ cruiser with lunch and dinner included. You can also head to Rassada Pier to take a ferry to tour Phang Nga Bay as a day trip. Book a ticket online in advance in case they sell out.
3. Shop at one of Thailand's best markets
Thais love to shop, so itâs little surprise that Thailand is liberally peppered with markets of all types, from morning fruit markets to weekend craft markets to raucous night markets and even all-hours markets. The most famous of these is probably Bangkokâs 24/7 Flower Market , where a panoply of gorgeous blooms makes ideal Instagram fodder against the background of the Chao Phraya River. Also in Bangkok, Or Tor Kor is widely considered â even among persnickety Thai aunties â to be the best food market in the country, especially revered for its traditional sweets and pristine produce.Â
Up North, Chiang Maiâs Saturday Walking Street  and Sunday Walking Street are predictably famous, but the Walking Street in Chiang Khan on the banks of the Mekong is just as extensive and far more picturesque. If itâs crafts youâre looking for, Cicada Market in the beach resort town of Hua Hin offers art, clothing and knick-knacks and is only a short walk from the beach. And if itâs a floating market that floats your boat, tree-lined Khlong Lat Mayom is only 1.5 hours from Bangkok and is far less touristy than Bangkokâs Chatuchak Market  and the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa . All are worth visiting, but beware of crowds.
4. Splash around in a waterfall
If you loved to splash around in fountains as a kid, then Thailandâs many, many waterfalls will surely delight your inner child â or even your actual child. From close to Bangkok (in Khao Yai National Park , a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok) to its farthest reaches (in Ubon Ratchathani , on the edge of Thailandâs northeast), Thailand has a waterfall to suit any type of swimmer or nature lover, from little paddlers to experienced hikers.
Made famous by the movie The Beach (2000), Khao Yaiâs Haew Suwat is not necessarily Thailandâs most towering waterfall (itâs 20m/66ft high), but it does host an emerald-green pool perfect for midday dips. Located in Erawan National Park in western Kanchanaburi , the eponymous Erawan Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the country, thanks to its seven mighty tiers and the tiny fish that nibble at your toes at the bottom. Meanwhile in the far northeast lies the isolated Soi Sawan waterfall in Ubon Ratchathani , near where wildflowers bloom in the cool season and numerous hiking trails lead to amazing viewpoints.
Planning tip: If you do plan to beat the heat with a quick plunge, bring a towel and a swimsuit, but remember that changing rooms are few and far between.Â
5. Learn more about Thailand at its top museums
Thailand is chock-a-block with museums, but some are far less stultifying than others. Belying the image of a fusty old building harboring ancient relics from a far-off land, Museum Siam in Bangkok tells the story of how the âLand of Smilesâ came to be through a series of creative, interactive exhibits geared mainly at children. Also in Bangkok, the Jim Thompson House Museum keeps the spirit of the Thai silk tycoon (and rumored CIA agent who disappeared in 1967) alive by making his former home and collection of art and antiques accessible to the public. And only 40km (25 miles) southeast of Bangkok, Muang Boran (the Ancient City) is a faithful reconstruction of Ayutthaya-era Siam, set over 200 acres and labeled the worldâs biggest open-air museum.
Detour: If you can make it out of the Bangkok area, the lengthily titled Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail , situated 100km (62 miles) from Kanchanaburi, was created in memory of the WWII POWs who helped build the Burma-Thailand railway, also known as the âDeath Railwayâ immortalized in the 1957-film Bridge Over the River Kwai .
6. Take a hike along trails and through forests
In spite of its reputation as a classic fly-and-flop destination, Thailand also manages to be generously laden with hiking trails tailored to all levels of experience. Only 25km (15.5 miles) south of the resort town of Hua Hin, Pranburi Forest Park features a 1km-long (0.6 mile) boardwalk along mangrove forests and pine trees, allowing even toddlers the chance to stretch their legs while surrounded by greenery.
Up north, close to Chiang Mai, the 13km (8-mile) Buddhaâs Footprint Trail  is a simple out-and-back walk popular among birdwatchers for the diversity of both wildlife and foliage on display (a guide is required and can be hired among the Hmong villagers).Â
Meanwhile, adrenaline junkies â and devout Buddhists or meditation enthusiasts â will love Wat Phu Thok , also known as the âLonely Mountainâ and located in Northeastern Bueng Kan. Visitors are encouraged to ascend a 359m-high (1,200ft) peak by way of steps, carved paths and eventually rickety-looking wooden slats. The experience, meant to mirror the seven levels to nirvana, is supposed to encourage meditation and focus on the ânowâ as walkers negotiate every strenuous (and occasionally daunting) step.
Local tip: Walkers who are afraid of heights should steer clear of the Lonely Mountain or ascend only the first few levels. The seventh level is said to be riddled with snakes, so no need to go further than the sixth.
7. Cruise Bangkok's Chao Phraya River
Before it became known as a mecca for traffic jams, Bangkok was once described as the âVenice of the East,â crisscrossed with canals branching from the Chao Phraya River , which once served as the kingdom's main artery of commerce and diplomacy. Although far fewer Thais use the Chao Phraya as part of their daily lives today, it remains a potent reminder of the cityâs waterborne past.Â
Many boats â from small long-tailed boats to water buses to larger dinner cruise-type ships â ply the waters for visitors in search of a glimpse of Bangkokâs past, or who simply want to avoid the traffic. The most famous of these boats is likely the Chao Phraya Express Boat . From downtown Sathorn, the boat goes as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi, and prices range from 16 to 33 baht.
Local tip: You can also rent your own long-tail boat for a cruise of the cityâs many canals for 2,000â5,000 baht, depending on the size of the boat. Reserve online to secure a spot.
8. Taste Bangkok's best street food in Chinatown
Rejuvenated after a COVID-era economic slump, Bangkokâs street food scene is newly vibrant, especially in areas like the Old Town , along Charoen Krung Road, on Bantadthong Road, and by the Victory Monument . The birthplace of Thai street food (and restaurants) is Chinatown â also known as Yaowarat. ChineseâThai dishes like oyster omelets, soup noodles, rice porridge and black sesame-stuffed dumplings tempt passersby along Yaowarat Rd, which becomes a neon-lit roadside buffet at night. Just remember: many street food stalls are closed on Monday, so be sure to check your chosen vendors beforehand.
Planning tip: While in Chinatown, check out one of Bangkokâs hippest nightlife spots, Nana Road (in Chinatown, not on Sukhumvit). Here, famous watering holes like Tep Bar , Teens of Thailand and the taxes-themed TAX rub shoulders with picturesque shophouses and noodle joints.
9. Cycle around some incredible ruins
Before Bangkok was even a gleam in King Rama Iâs eye, the countryâs capitals lived further up from the Chao Phraya River, first in Sukhothai and then in Ayuthaya . Now both UNESCO World Heritage sites, their ruins testify to the power and beauty of what was formerly known as Siam. Ranging over 70 sq km (27 sq miles), Sukhothai Historical Park showcases Wat Mahathat at its center, arranged like a lotus among 193 ruins. Visitors can explore the grounds by rented bicycle before heading to Ramkhamhaeng National Museum .Â
At the larger Ayutthaya Historical Park, active from the 14th to 18th centuries, 425 unearthed archaeological sites include Vihara Phra Mongkol Bophit, home to one of Thailandâs largest bronze Buddha statues. You can also hire a bicycle to survey the park or head on out with a guide, and even rent traditional Thai costumes for a photo shoot.
10. See marine life on a snorkeling or diving trip
Marine life lovers or even avowed âwater babiesâ will find all that they desire under the Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand. With its warm water, striking coral reefs and many manta rays and whale sharks , Thailand is thick with top-tier diving sites for all experience levels off of Phuket , Ko Phi-Phi , Ko Tao and Ko Pha-Ngan . If itâs snorkeling youâre after, the waters of Ko Chang and Ko Tarutao Marine National Park host bountiful marine life in clear blue water.Â
Local tip: For the most part, October to April is considered prime diving season, while May to September is deemed best for snorkeling.
This article was first published Aug 24, 2021 and updated Dec 21, 2023.
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Plan Your Trip to Bangkok: Best of Bangkok Tourism
Bangkok, Thailand
Travel advice, essential bangkok.
Where to stay
Where to eat
How to do Bangkok in 3 days
Shopping guide to Bangkok
Browse collections
More great cities for famous street food
Bangkok Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips or experiencing bangkok.
LouiseBlakemore
Book a boat and take a ride around the khlongs. We did this on our own so we were able to stop and take pics and chat with locals. Walk. Walk. Walk. This is the way to see the city, and it's safe.
deepak4ualways
The place has some of the biggest and crowded malls where you can get all sorts of products like electronics, clothing, etc. A definite place for shopaholics.
Bangkok is popular for its culinary diversity among many. Which you see will be a true fact once you step out walking. There are mouth-watering food stalls everywhere you go.
A large bustling city with many very varied neighborhoods each offering something different for people of all tastes and pockets. Exciting and vibrant with a lot of great cultural sites for those that like history and culture. Foodies will be spoiled for choice with everything from fantastic cheap street food and food courts to top-end restaurants as well.
Bangkok is a busy city. It's also very friendly and an excellent place for food lovers. No need to mention the nightlife. They wrote songs about it and have made hit movies catering to bizarre imaginations and sometimes a not-so-bizarre reality, that is Bangkok at night. Mostly though, it's a safe and friendly place.
Bangkok, the other City of Angels that never sleeps. Bangkok is full of things to do and see from ancient monuments to great restaurants. Easy to get around by Skytrain, underground, tuk-tuk, taxi or a trundling ancient bus. Bangkok is a must-visit city that caters for all tastes and lifestyles.
What is the best way to get there?
Bangkok is served by two airports, the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Muang Airport (DMK). The latter is a hub for low-cost carriers including Air Asia and Nok Air and mainly offers domestic and regional flights.
Do I need a visa?
Thailand has many bilateral agreements in place with other nations that allow visa-free travel. To see if your country is on that list please check here .
If your country is not listed, you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Thai embassy. You can check here  for more information on types of visas.
When is the best time to visit?
November through January: Bangkok is hot and steamy no matter what time of year you visit, however, the very best time to visit is late November to mid-January. Known as the âcool season,â the temperatures sit around 90 Fahrenheit (36 Celsius).
The ferry on the Chao Phraya river is also convenient â if and only if â you are heading somewhere close to the river.
motorcycle taxi
Motorcycle taxis are cheap, fast but can be scary for the uninitiated. Tuk Tuks are used by both tourists and locals alike; please bargain before jumping on.
skytrain and subway
The BTS Skytrail and the MRT subway provide another inexpensive way to get around town. Both train systems are limited and only cover portions of the city, so definitely map out your route before setting out. Also note that these two lines of public transportation run separately and don't share a ticketing system. However, they do have a few connecting stationsâwhich is helpful if you need to cross from one to the other.
The easiest way into the city is through a metered taxi. Do not use the limo or taxi services offered by touts. They can tend to swarm around you once you have cleared customs. These touts will charge rates that can be as much as 200% to 300% of normal metered taxi rates.
For more detailed information on getting around, you can refer to this article .
On the ground
What is the timezone.
Indochina Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
220 Volts / 50 Hz. Plugs are Type A, B, C, F (https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/)
What is the local currency?
Are atms readily accessible, are credit cards widely accepted.
Yes and no. Cards are accepted very widely but if you intend to visit street stalls or use tuk tuks/motorcycle taxis, it is useful to have cash on hand.
Is it easy to find a bank?
How much do i tip, restaurants.
Waiters get the loose change left in the plate unless there's a special service reward of 20 baht in the hand.
Get the fare rounded up to the next even number.
Only massage therapists get a substantial tip between 50-100 baht.
Hotel porters
Porters and others giving small services may get a standard 20 baht gratuity.
Are there local customs I should know?
The king is very highly regarded in Thailand, as evidenced by the pictures displayed everywhere. Do not say or do anything disrespectful of the king or the royal family, even to the extent of stomping on a Thai coin or banknote which has been dropped and is rolling/blowing away. (It bears an image of the King's head, and is highly insulting to be touched by your feet.)
Royal Anthem
Before each performance at movie theatres, the Thai Royal Anthem - known as Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami (ŕšŕ¸ŕ¸Ľŕ¸ŕ¸Şŕ¸Łŕ¸Łŕšŕ¸Şŕ¸Łŕ¸´ŕ¸ŕ¸ŕ¸Łŕ¸°ŕ¸ŕ¸˛ŕ¸Łŕ¸Ąŕ¸ľ) or sometimes more simply as "Kha Wora" is played. It is mandatory to stand up during the playing of this Thai royal anthem.
Hailing taxis
When hailing taxis, it is common to keep your hand horizontal, fingers facing down. Holding your hand with fingers up is considered rude.
Temples and Monks
When visiting temples, dress conservatively. Women particularly should wear long skirts or trousers and cover their shoulders and knees. Many temples state as you enter that photography is not permitted. Even if there is no sign, please be respectful and consider whether it is appropriate to be taking flash photographs in a place of worship. Even more so if monks are present worshipping.
Always remove your shoes when entering temples (the same rule applies when entering a person's home), and do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha. Sit either cross-legged, or with your feet tucked behind you.
One of the most important points of etiquette often overlooked by some travellers is basic personal hygiene. Thai people take their personal hygiene and appearance very seriously. Since Thailand is a hot, humid, tropical country, showering frequently is essential.
Loud or abusive expressions of anger and temper tantrums should be avoided at all costs. Many things in Thailand often don't go according to plan, and visitors are advised to take a very calm attitude to various nuisances. Try to remain calm and smile despite your annoyance, and in the end you will probably get what you want.
- Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok
- Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
- Akara Hotel
- Banyan Tree Bangkok
- The Quarter Chaophraya by UHG
- SEEN Restaurant & Bar Bangkok
- Spectrum Lounge & Bar
- Blue Sky Rooftop Bar
- Riverside Terrace
- Amritsr Sukhumvit 22
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
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Skip Phuket! This Lesser-Known Thai Island May Be One of Thailand's Last Best Kept Secrets
If youâre here, congrats! Youâre thinking of going to one of the chillest Thai islands left in existence.
Ah, Koh Phayam! A travel gem that has strangely stayed away from the over-tourism epidemic that has happened to most other Thai islands. If youâre looking for a quieter beach paradise thatâs as far away from sunbeds and resorts as possible, look no further â this kangaroo-shaped island off Thailandâs Andaman coast is just what youâre searching for.
Be enchanted by the tranquil white-sand beaches and relaxed atmosphere of Koh Phayam island. Not convinced? Take it from me: I spent nearly a week here and wasnât ready to leave. I fell straight into beach potato mode.
Below is a comprehensive guide to all the information needed to visit Koh Phayam, Thailand. Weâll cover how to get there, the best times to visit, things to do, where to stay, and any tips along the way!
Island Overview
Koh Phayam is a Thai island getaway thatâs off the beaten track yet still provides all the modern comforts you need.
Nicknamed âhippie island,â this small 13.4 square mile piece of paradise offers a balance between tranquillity and escape without being too crowded. When I visited during peak season, a local estimated the area was filled with ~3000-5000 tourists. Despite this, it didnât feel overcrowded or busy at all!
You can always explore the beautiful beaches and lush jungles here without needing to stay too long â although with its laid-back vibes, itâs likely that youâll want to!
Some Facts About the Island:
- Electricity started slowly coming to the island around 2017!
- There are only two main roads on the whole island, and the big one to Long Beach was made just before the pandemic.
- Everyone on the island during the tsunami in 2004 has a story to tell. And some are bone-chilling.
Where Is Koh Phayam?
Koh Phayam is an island off the west coast of Thailand, right by the southernmost Myanmar border in the Ranong Province. (In fact, Ranong is a Thai-Myanmar border town.)
It is situated roughly ~580 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. Then a ferry ride away.
People may also come from popular tourist destinations such as Phuket and Krabi, as it would be a shorter ride 4-5 hour ride to Ranong city.
Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.
How do you get to Koh Phayam Islands?
How you get there can be split into these steps:
- Get to Ranong Pier
- Take a Ferry to the island
The closest mainland city is Ranong, which is well-connected via bus, minibus, and air travel. Then there is the option for a once-a-day slow ferry or speed boats that run almost every hour during daytime hours.
Make sure you actually get a seat! You can pre-book your ticket from 12Go Asia , Thailandâs aggregate transportation reservation website.
1. Get to Ranong Bus Terminal/Airport
How to get to koh phayam from bangkok, by bus (most direct method).
You can expect to travel around 9 hours from Bangkokâs southern bus terminal to Ranong by bus. The last bus is at 8 pm, and if you show up too late like I did, all seats can be sold out. Which leaves you with the more expensive, indirect minibus option.
Unconfirmed, but on 12Go Asia , a few options leave from Mo Chit Bus Terminal. These all leave earlier, making for a very awkward 3 am arrival time to Ranong.
From the bus terminal to the pier , itâs about 6.5 km â 7.5 km away, depending on which pier youâre heading to. You can take a taxi directly or a songthaew that will take you within 1 kilometer of the pier.
Related Post: Figure out the different methods to get around in Thailand with this guide
By Minibus (One Connection in Chumphon)
Minibusses run from the southern bus terminal south to Phuket and Krabi . Unfortunately, these minibusses hug the east coast of Thailand, so youâll have to get off at Chumphon Bus Station.
There is no direct minibus to Ranong that I was able to find. I paid 700 baht to get from Bangkok to Chumphon.
If you have taken a night minibus, youâll have to wait until 7:30 am for the first minibus to Ranong. This ride can take up to 2.5 hours and costs 170 baht , so you wonât make it in time for the slow boat ferry. However, speedboats run all day. (Personally, I hitchhiked this last part once the sun rose and made the slow boat at 10am!)
By Flight (Most Expensive, but Fastest)
Ranong does have an airport, and there are flights connecting from Bangkok that cost about 50$ USD. From there, you can take a songthaew or taxi that will take you to the ferry pier, which is 28 kilometers away from the airport.
From South Thailand to Ranong
Some buses and minibusses start from Phuket and come to Ranong but only run occasionally. Actually, this stretch of road is pretty quiet.
2. Ferry from Ranong to Koh Phayam
By slow public ferry.
Only one ferry per day leaves at 10 am and returns from the island at 3 pm . Slow boats start at Tai Kak Pier , not at the speed boat Koh Phayam Pier.
Slow ferries cost 200 baht one way and take 2 â 2.5 hours, depending on how much cargo they load. When I went, they departed from the pier at 10:30 am.
You can also pre-book the ferry and the speedboat on 12Go here
By Speedboats
There is a dedicated pier that goes to Koh Phayam, but the water levels were so low in the dry season that many boats couldnât actually start from there.
Speedboats run almost every hour , so if you miss the slow one and are willing to pay, you can level at practically any time.
Speedboats cost 350 baht one way and take about 45 minutes.
Where to Stay in Koh Phayam
Not as plentiful as most of the other developed islands, Koh Phayam has a few accommodations available for all types of travelers but mainly caters to the rent a private bungalow on the beach-type travelers. There are a few quality resorts and a few backpacker hostels.
Here is a list of places to stay for each budget.
WOW MODERN-STYLE LUXURY â Cede Boutique Beach Resort
RATING: 8.8 out of 10 Stars (44+ reviews) | $$$
Check out Hotel Cede Boutique Beach Resort if you want some super nice bungalows. Located right on Ao Yai beach, youâll have access to free beach chairs and sun beds in the shade. The bungalows are modern and spacious, with comfortable porch seating for the epic sunsets here. And be sure to start your day off right with a plentiful breakfast facing the sea.
CHEAP BUFFALO BAY PRIVATE BUNGALOWS â Rabbit Bungalows
RATING: 8.7 out of 10 Stars (128+ reviews) | $
Located on Buffalo Bay (the prettiest beach), a stay at Rabbit Bungalows may be the perfect match. Guests often extend their stay thanks to the serene atmosphere and helpful staff. The bungalows are simple but comfortable with very cozy beds. But perhaps best of all is how quiet it is at night â no noise from neighbors or backpacker venues, just pure peace and tranquility.
BEST BACKPACKER DORM â Tropical Hostel
RATING: 9.5 out of 10 Stars (46+ reviews) | $
There may not be many backpacker hostel options, but if youâre looking for a dorm with good vibes and energy, book a stay at Tropical Hostel . The owners, Om and Ing, interact with all the guests, making everyone feel like part of the Koh Payam family from the moment you walk in. Itâs in a great location near restaurants and bars, and nightly events keep everyone entertained. The hostel is also conveniently located near Longbeach and is the best place to meet fellow backpackers.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Koh Phayam?
Koh Phayam has a tropical climate and is hot year-round. But it experiences two distinct seasons: the dry and rainy seasons.
Generally speaking, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which falls between November and April. The weather is sunny and bright during this time, and there isnât much rain. This may be high season for southern Thailand, but it is still chill AF here, even at capacity.
The wet season begins in May and ends in October. During this time of year, temperatures are hotter, it rains more often, and the humidity levels increase quite a bit.
11 Best Things to Do in Koh Phayam
1. chill at the best beaches.
This is really your main activity. Koh Phayam is known for its beautiful powdery, white sand beaches with blue waters. No beach is ever too crowded, so youâll always be able to find a spot to relax and watch the sunset. Donât expect super clear water visibility, except for Buffalo Bay Beach.
One morning I even spotted a rogue sea otter sticking his head out of the sea before the resident dogs scared him away.
Some of the best beaches in Koh Phayam include:
- Ao Khao Kwai Beach (Buffalo Bay for clear waters)
- Ao Kwang Peeb (Monkey Beach for itâs remoteness)
- Ao Yai Beach (Long Beach for the sunset)
- A few secret ones that Iâll keep a mystery
2. Visit the only Temple on the Island, Wat Koh Phayam
North of the pier lies Wat Koh Phayam â the one and only temple on the island. Monks are often found in the Buddhist center just before this biggish Buddha statue.
Across the way, Bot Klang Thale, which translates to âtemple in the middle of the sea,â is a white circular structure that can easily be reached by walking down the pier. Even more captivating is watching its golden lighting during the sunset.
3. Surf at Ao Yai Beach (Long Beach)
Head to Ao Yai Beach (also known as Long Beach) for some surfing. This is one of the most popular beaches on Koh Phayam and is the only place on the island possible to surf.
Beginner surfers can take advantage of the gentle waves at this beach, found only in the middle area at the end of the main road. There are rental shops and instructions right on the beach.
4. Photograph Hin Talu, a Unique rock arch formation
Hin Talu is a magnificent rock arch formation that juts out over the crystal-clear waters of southern Buffalo Bay. The stunning natural wonder provides a perfect setting for some awesome photography shots and picturesque lounging.
4. Get Groovy with Some Partying
Unlike many Thai islands known for its nightlife , Koh Phayam is a relatively quiet island. But when night falls, sometimes it comes alive with lights and music if youâre in the mood for some dancing.
Note: Alcohol is a bit expensive on the island since everything is imported.
Whatâs Happening?
- Sabai Sabai every Thursday Night
- Musika every Saturday Night
- The occasional special event where they will post a sign all over the island
5. Get Lost at Hippy Bar
Gather at Buffalo Bay to experience the awe-inspiring, giant wooden boat structure taking the form of an intricate maze â Hippy Bar. Enjoy a delightful time in this spectacular open-air bar accompanied by wonderful music and warm vibes. Itâs your perfect spot for relaxation and to get lost in!
6. Scooter Around the Island
This small island only has two main roads! But take a random dirt path and see where it leads you. You can ride a motorbike through the jungle roads or hike into the nearby hills to uncover secret beaches.
Find hilltop restaurants and ocean-view cafes. They even have Thai massages here too!
7. Witness the Near Daily Incredible Sunsets
Every day Long Beach sees amazing sunsets. Take a sip of your coconut smoothie or watch the surfers catch some waves while you watch mother earthâs daily show. Somehow incredible sunsets never get old.
8. Snorkel & Dive in the National Park
After exploring Koh Phayaâs beaches for snorkeling, I was deeply disappointed to find that the coral had been wiped out by years of ocean warming. Although tiny pieces have sprouted up again recently, visibility remains tragically low.
But, a few stores on the island provide snorkeling and diving trips to the nearby national park and islands for travelers to explore its coral reefs and marine life.
9. Boat Around Some Uninhabited Islands
You can also take a boat trip around Koh Phayam and its surrounding islands, such as Koh Khang Khao or the ones in the national park.
There is no entrance fee to tour Laem Son National Park by boat, but if you disembark on one of those islands, expect to pay an admission fee for entering the park.
10. Eat Delicious Food
My days revolved around meals, and the Myanmar cuisine at Rainbow was simply divine! I ate there every. single. meal for three days there. Every dish I tried â from their Rice + Tea Leaf Salad, Myanmar Todu Salad, Tomatoes Salad, and Pineapple Fritters- was absolutely delicious. (I ate all of these more than once.)
I then stumbled upon another favorite, undoubtedly one of the best coconut ice creams I have ever had! Koh Co Icecream , situated at the crossroads between the pier and Long Beach, has incredible mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream that will blow your mind.
Getting Around the Island
Scooter rental.
Due to the limited availability of scooter rentals , securing one from the many motorbike rental shops can be tricky unless you reserve it in advance. However, a high turnover rate keeps scooters readily available, but you may have to wait a day.
Scooters are priced at 250 baht per day. If you intend to rent for longer periods, you may get a discount of 200 baht per day.
Tip! If you are scootering around Asia, consider getting some travel insurance . Sporting knee bandages may not be a good look, but at least you got that money in your pocket. I use Safety Wings , which covers medical for scooter accidents and only charges $10 per week.
Bike Rental
You can likewise rent a bicycle for 80 baht per day, though they may sometimes be in short supply. Some backroads are also a bit steep, making it harder to get around the whole island by bike.
I mostly managed to get around by hitching rides. Most people donât mind taking you with them, and it usually took me no more than twenty minutes to travel from the pier to Long Beach -the farthest distance on the island.
Taxi/Songthaew
If youâre uncomfortable with scootering or hitchhiking, tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis are your best bet. Youâll usually find drivers awaiting passengers at the dock, particularly after disembarking from the ferry. Remember to negotiate the price before hopping in.
Bucket List Worthy: Is Koh Phayam Worth Visiting?
Yes, Koh Phayam, Thailand, is perfect for beach lovers looking for some peace and quiet after too much partying on other Thai islands. This Andaman Sea oasis is one of the lesser-known gems in Thailandâs tourism scene, attracting a steady flow of repeat visitors without becoming too crowded. Plus, with its recent 24-hour electricity and WiFi, you can still have all the comforts you need for a modern getaway.
On top of that, itâs a gorgeous island to explore. Its small size lets you experience everything the destination offers in just a few days. But if youâre up for something longer-term, this place has genuinely laidback vibes worthy of being called âhippie islandâ.
Where Next in South Thailand?
Iâve been to Thailand 10+ times in my life and now spend my winters there. Check out these other posts to see if any of these destinations pique your interest.
- Phuket To Krabi: 7 Ways To Get There Via Land & Sea
- 7 Best Phi Phi Island Tours from Phuket
- Koh Phayam, Thailand: A No FOMO Guide To One Of The Best Thai Islands
- To Phi Phi Island From Phuket: How To Get There Via Ferry & Speedboat
- Bangkok To Ayutthaya: How To Get There Via Train, Minibus, & Tour
Have Travel Questions About Thailand? Maybe Iâve Answered Them
- Languages Spoken In Thailand: Do They Speak English In Thailand?
- Motorbike Rental In Phuket: 9 Quick Tips Before You Sign
- Is There Uber In Thailand? (Uber In Bangkok And Beyond)
- 30 Day Tourist Visa Extension Thailand: Step-By-Step Guide
- Price Of Massages In Thailand: Honest Rates For All Types Of Massages
- Chiang Khong To Huay Xai: How To Cross The Thailand-Laos Border
- Bangkok vs Chiang Mai: Thai-Ing To Decide Which City Is Better?
The post Skip Phuket! This Lesser-Known Thai Island May Be One of Thailandâs Last Best Kept Secrets appeared first on Nomadicated .
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10 Most Affordable Beach Destinations to Live in Around the World
These beautiful coastal destinations offer top-notch beach living on a budget.
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Many dream of waking up to the soothing sound of crashing waves, but with inflation and real estate prices driving up the cost of living , few can afford to move to a beach town. However, this doesn't mean you have to abandon your fantasy, as plenty of oceanfront communities across the globe offer affordable housing and good-value living.
And while the cost of living also largely depends on your spending habits, the beach towns we've highlighted below guarantee your dollar will stretch much further without sacrificing the little pleasures like eating out, enjoying cultural activities and events, and taking advantage of everything the destination has to offer.
So, whether you're planning your retirement or want to try the digital nomad lifestyle , we've found 10 budget-friendly places around the world â both small and large â where surf, sand, and sun are pretty much a given 365 days of the year.
To compile this list, we consulted experts from International Living, specializing in life overseas, as well as multiple reports on the cost of living in cities worldwide. And, of course, be sure to check the visa requirements for your beach destination of choice before packing up.
George Town, Malaysia
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The capital of Penang, an island off Malaysia's west coast, is a vibrant city famous for its historic attractions and colonial architecture, which were recognized by UNESCO and included in the organization's list of World Heritage Sites in 2008. The city is also known for its street art, vibrant nightlife, and diverse population, reflected in its eclectic dining scene that blends Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences.
According to data by International Living, a couple can live on a monthly budget of $1,760, whereas $2,500 will get you a place in a luxury high-rise with an ocean view and resort-like amenities.
Valencia, Spain
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Known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia offers a fantastic food scene, striking architecture, and affordable living, regularly placing it among the best beach destinations to live in Europe .
The city has several golden-sand beaches and is a short flight from the Balearic islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca (or a five to seven-hour ferry ride ).
A couple renting a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Valencia can live comfortably on a monthly budget of $2,635, according to International Living .
MazatlĂĄn, Mexico
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Last year, this underrated beach destination ranked among the most affordable communities in Mexico for expats . GoBankingRates calculated a single person would need less than $1,300 per month to live comfortably here, and that number includes rent. The company also noted the average one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about $620 per month.
The city, which already has a sizable expat community, is home to a beautiful historic area, more than 10 miles of beaches (including several on the three islands off its coast), and many music events throughout the year.
Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
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Bali's picture-perfect beaches and laid-back lifestyle have attracted many expats, but if you're looking for one of the most affordable destinations on the island, consider Canggu. This increasingly popular village on Bali's south coast is close to some of the island's most important temples, plus it's surrounded by scenic rice paddies and banana plantations.
You can expect to spend under $1,500 per month here, of which $800 goes toward renting a two-bedroom villa , according to International Living.
Hua Hin, Thailand
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A former fishing village, Hua Hin is now the preferred seaside getaway for both locals and visitors, thanks to its picture-perfect beaches, golf courses, seafood restaurants, lively night market, and temples. And while the destination has many urban conveniences, if you miss the vibrancy of a big city, Bangkok is about a three-hour drive away and easy to visit for a weekend.
International Living points out couples in Hua Hin can live comfortably on a monthly budget of $2,000, which covers eating out a few times a week, groceries, entertainment, and renting a one- or two-bedroom apartment.
Varna, Bulgaria
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Located on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, north of Greece and Turkey, Varna is a midsized city offering access to scenic beaches, museums, an aquarium, a lively garden, many resorts, and an international airport. The region is an up-and-coming luxury destination on the Balkan peninsula, with a presence from global hospitality brands like MeliĂĄ. Nobu recently announced plans to open a property in the area as well. And golf enthusiasts can practice their swing at one of the most scenic courses in the region at Thracian Cliffs, which overlooks the Black Sea.
According to local data, a furnished two-bedroom apartment in Varna costs around $655 monthly and about the same for other expenses . Bulgaria, overall, was named one of the best places to invest in real estate by Sothebys in 2023 .
Lagos, Portugal
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The Algarve region of Portugal is a magnet for expats, thanks to its sun-drenched beaches , delicious cuisine, and many charming villages and small towns. Lagos, in particular, is a popular choice as it offers urban amenities with the laid-back lifestyle of a resort town, including a vibrant nightlife scene, excellent shopping, and a marina.
International Living experts estimate a couple will need a monthly budget of about $2,080, inclusive of rent.
Toulon, France
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This city along the Mediterranean may not be as well known as Marseille or Nice, which is precisely what makes it appealing as a home base. As the gateway to Provence, Toulon is an ideal destination for sampling the region's delicious food and admiring its stunning scenery. Residents enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout the year, beautiful historic architecture, plenty of cafes and restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. With several beaches in and around the city, you're never too far from a stretch of sand.
Capital.fr reports the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toulon is $16 per square meter (or about $600 per month), plus approximately $150 for electricity and heating .
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Island living in the middle of the Atlantic? Sign us up. The Azores is a much calmer, less crowded, and more affordable alternative to Portugal's mainland. The nine islands comprising the archipelago boast dramatic landscapes with volcanoes, lagoons, thermal springs, and small towns where life moves at a slower pace.
Although certain goods may cost more because they're imported, living in the Azores is generally less expensive than on the mainland, at around $1,500 per month. In the capital, Ponta Delgada on the island of SĂŁo Miguel, monthly costs are about $1,200 if you're single and $2,850 for a family of four, according to Expatistan.com .
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International Living notes a couple can live here on $1,700 a month, of which rent accounts for $500 to $700, depending on the apartment.
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The best tours, trips and vacation packages in Thailand delivered by top Thailand travel specialists - Compare tour prices ... The most fun way to get around Thailand is by tuk-tuk, which offers fantastic views along the way. Most of these open-air 'taxis' are blue and have three wheels, except for the red tuk-tuks of Phuket (some of ...
Chiang Mai may be Thailand's second-biggest city, but it's way more relaxed than Bangkok. It's also very cheap, with some of the best-value accommodation around. You can see how to get to Chiang Mai here. Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai. You probably won't struggle to fill your time, as there are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai. Be ...
The islands visited were amazing and the nights out were good fun. Angus was a great tour guide who was very helpful aswell as making the trip more fun for all of us. Definitely recommend!! Thai Island Hopper West (Standard, 8 Days) Raquel Emery 16 Feb, 2024. 4. Taro our tour guide was first class.
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Jame Bond, Panyee Island, Hong Island and Naka Island by Speedboat From Phuket. 235. Full-day Tours. 8-9 hours. The world's most famous international spy and stunning island to visit is a Khao Ping Khan, also known as James Bond IslandâŚ. Free cancellation. Recommended by 94% of travellers.
Splash around in the tranquil waters of a 1,500-metre-long waterfall, in a pond with an elephant, and on the pristine beaches of Phuket. Sample the wide range of traditional Thai flavours, effortlessly blending savoury, spicy and sweet. Run your hands over artisan-made silks and teak carvings. Awaken all your senses at once in this timeless ...
Here are our favorite Thailand tours to inspire your trip to the Land of Smiles. 1. Bangkok by Night Tuk Tuk Tour: Markets, Temples and Food. Source: getyourguide.com. Bangkok By Night Tuk Tuk Tour. Bangkok is a city that never really sleeps; at night, the streets of the Thai capital come alive with noise, sounds and smells flooding the ...
3. Ayutthaya and Glittering Sunset Boat Afternoon Tour from Bangkok. 103. Historical Tours. 6+ hours. Wake up late and Explore the World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya for an afternoon guided Tours at the ancient capital of SiamâŚ. Free cancellation. Recommended by 93% of travelers.
Some highlights include the beach town of Ao Nang, as well as islands like Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lipe, Railay Beach, and several national parks. 21 Beautiful Islands Around the World ...
TOP 10 THAILAND TOURS & TRIPS. Here, we'll discuss the top tours in Thailand with its well-known tour operators. Continue reading to select the best option for you. Charming Thailand Travel Talk. You can expect an action-packed eight days on this inaugural trip to delightful Thailand, which begins in Bangkok and ends in Chiang Mai in the north.
Thailand tours provide an experience around one of the world's most enchanting countries. Travel to Thailand and visit the top tourist destinations - Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and more. The tours package the best Thailand experiences in one trip to fulfill your dream vacation wishes. Experience Thailand like never before!
Thailand Travel Guide. Last Updated: January 22, 2024. Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia. It's the region's most visited country and most backpackers make it their starting point for traveling around the region. With its lush jungles, postcard perfect beaches, world-class diving, mind-blowing cuisine, and cheap prices, Thailand ...
A typical day trip in Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Panyi Village: 9.00: Pick up at hotel lobby. 10.00: Arrive at Royal Phuket Marina. 10.30: Visit Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) 12.00: Buffet Thai lunch at Koh Panyee village. 13.00: Visit Khao Thalu to canoe inside a cave.
The good news is, since you're already set on for adventure in the land of smiles, you probably have an idea what you want to do there. That's why I tailor-made a few entirely different 10 day Thailand itineraries that won't only cover different travel styles and needs, but are also guaranteed to make you want to come back and experience more of this South-East Asian jewel of a country.
Definitely recommend!! Thai Island Hopper West (Standard, 8 Days) Orlando Suarez 4 Apr, 2024. 5. It was a fantastic vacation that lives up to the name of the tour. It was a very complete trip because it had cultural, historical content, adventures and beautiful beaches.
Check out my guide with the best things to do in Koh Tao in 2024. Accommodation suggestion: The Place Koh Tao, Bamboo Huts (luxury), Sairee Cottage Resort (mid range), Thalassa (budget). 4. Island hopping itinerary for 2 weeks: Andaman Coast and the Gulf of Thailand.
The train is the slow but steady way to see Thailand. If you're not in a hurry, and if the rails lead to where you want to go, the State Railway of Thailand offers a cheap, comfortable way to get around Thailand. The country's rail network spans four main long-distance lines - Northern, Northeastern, Eastern and Southern.
9. Cycle around some incredible ruins. Before Bangkok was even a gleam in King Rama I's eye, the country's capitals lived further up from the Chao Phraya River, first in Sukhothai and then in Ayuthaya. Now both UNESCO World Heritage sites, their ruins testify to the power and beauty of what was formerly known as Siam.
There's no getting around it: Bangkok is intense. Temples swarm with crowds. Street food sizzles into the early hours. The heat doesn't quit. And the nightlifeâfrom the Patpong entertainment district to ritzy rooftop barsâis nonstop. For travelers craving local secrets and 24/7 energy, there's nowhere like it.
By Bus (Most Direct Method) You can expect to travel around 9 hours from Bangkok's southern bus terminal to Ranong by bus. The last bus is at 8 pm, and if you show up too late like I did, all ...
MazatlĂĄn, Mexico. Elijah-Lovkoff/Getty Images. Last year, this underrated beach destination ranked among the most affordable communities in Mexico for expats. GoBankingRates calculated a single ...
Mexico Tours. South Korea Tours. Japan In-depth Cherry Blossom Tour. Vermont Appalachian Trail Backpack. Coasts & Culture Tour. Golden Triangle & Beyond: A Journey through Time and Majesty. Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing Tour. Find the right budget tour in Thailand with TourRadar. Choose from 65 trips with 395 customer reviews.
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