Thailand stands out as one of the most captivating countries in Southeast Asia, boasting a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes encompassing jungles, mountains, and idyllic beaches, along with a delicious cuisine.
If you have never been to Southeast Asia, Thailand offers an ideal starting point due to its safety and the warm hospitality of its people, who will make you feel right at home.
Below, you'll discover a collection of the primary articles I've written about Thailand after my three years of residency in the country. During this time, I lived in Chiang Mai, Koh Tao, and Phuket, and explored numerous tourist attractions as well as hidden gems known only to locals.
The goal of this travel guide to Thailand is to help you during the entire experience. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below, and I'll do my utmost to help you out. 😉
Get Ready for Your Trip to Thailand
If you're new to traveling in Thailand, these articles will be a fantastic starting point, particularly the Travel Tips for Thailand.
That article covers everything you need to know about visas, safety, the best times to visit, transportation options, SIM cards, power outlets, and more.
How many days to spend in Thailand?
I suggest setting aside at least 15 days for your trip to Thailand. This timeframe allows you to explore the most iconic attractions while also enjoying the idyllic beaches the country has to offer.
Travel Itineraries for Thailand
Below, you'll find two travel itineraries for Thailand. One is tailored for travelers visiting in July or August (and September as well), which are the peak months of the monsoon season in most parts of the country. However, this period is ideal for visiting the Gulf of Thailand, where rainfall is minimal during these months.
This itinerary is suitable for other months too, except for October and November. During these months, it's preferable to use the other itinerary, which covers all the essential destinations in Thailand.
Must-See Places in Thailand
These are the top spots in Thailand that you shouldn't miss during your first trip.
You can explore all of these destinations either on your own or with a guided tour. One fantastic aspect of Thailand is that tours can sometimes be more economical than traveling independently, and they also offer valuable insights, particularly in the historical parks, which I highly recommend.
Bangkok & Surroundings
Chiang Mai & Surroundings
Krabi and the Andaman Islands
Phuket & Surroundings
Gulf Islands
Accommodation
One of Thailand's strengths lies in its lodging options, which maintain quality standards akin to those in Europe, with cleanliness not being a concern.
Additionally, you'll find accommodations suitable for every budget, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to rooms in luxury resorts at reasonable prices, often comparable to the rates of mid-range hotels in Europe or the US.
I suggest using this website to discover the best accommodation deals in Thailand.
Getting Around Thailand
Another reason why Thailand is a top destination for travelers in Southeast Asia is the convenience of using public transportation.
Public Transportation
Public transportation operates efficiently, is cost-effective, and offers various options, particularly for popular tourist spots.
Below, you'll find a helpful guide and articles on specific destinations. You can also use this website to check all transportation options, with their schedules and prices.
You can also book tickets right there without visiting stations.
Driving
Driving in Thailand is another option, with vehicles readily available at reasonable prices. Even boat rentals for island hopping are affordable. You can find more information on boat rentals in the article below.
If you're thinking about renting a motorcycle, I suggest reading the comprehensive guide below, which offers many useful tips and advice.
Alternatively, if you prefer driving a car in Thailand, the most economical choice is this car rental search engine, where I've rented car for under 22 USD per day.
Practical Tips
No Thailand travel guide would be complete without including a shopping guide, the scams to be aware of, or the delicious Thai cuisine.
Additionally, I cover elephant sanctuaries, a controversial yet highly sought-after activity on trips to Thailand.
Outdoor Adventures for Active Travelers
Thailand ranks among the top destinations in Southeast Asia for adventure activities. Below are some of the best ones, though there are plenty more to explore:
Rock Climbing
Thailand offers several rock climbing spots, with the most renowned located in Krabi province, specifically in Railay, where you'll find a towering rock wall overlooking the sea.
The experience is truly thrilling, and the prices are quite reasonable.
I recommend this one from the link, as they have a solid reputation, employ professional guides, operate in small groups, and provide top-notch equipment.
Motorcycle Routes
Northern Thailand features some popular routes for motorcyclists, including the Mae Hong Son circuit, which traverses Doi Inthanon and Pai.
However, the most famous route is the Golden Triangle, which not only includes stops along the Mae Hong Son Loop but also encompasses the Chiang Rai area where the Golden Triangle is situated.
You can opt for a group tour, which adds to the fun as it includes a guide and covers all essentials—accommodation, meals, and the rental of a large motorcyclewith various models. Here you can check the details on Mae Hong Son and Golden Triangle tours.
Hiking and Trekking
If you're interested in hiking and trekking, northern Thailand is the best destination.
In Chiang Mai, there's a highly popular trail known as the Monk's Trail, offering a glimpse of a couple of unique temples. You can find all the details in the article below.
For trekking enthusiasts, Doi Inthanon is the ultimate destination. Standing at 2,565 meters, it's Thailand's highest peak, located within a National Park boasting at least 32 routes on All Trails.
Alternatively, you can join a guided group tour, like this one, which includes transportation, and various sightseeing stops in the area.
However, if you're after a more adventurous and authentic trekking adventure, consider this 5-day trek through northern tribal villages. It's all-inclusive and very budget-friendly.
Sin entradas
Muay Thai
This martial art, commonly known as "Thai boxing," is Thailand's national sport, perfect for getting in shape with its intense training regimen. Check out the article below for details on the best camps in the country.
Yoga in Thailand
Thailand is renowned as one of the top destinations for yoga retreats, teacher training courses, or even individual classes. There are a diverse range of yoga styles available, including some that are less commonly practiced in Europe, all taught by highly skilled instructors.
Below, you'll find a couple of articles packed with valuable information.
⭐ If you're considering a long-term stay in Thailand, you might want to read this guide with Tips for Moving to Thailand: pros and cons. In it, I cover various topics such as visa options, costs, tips on securing long-term accommodation, and more.
Fun Facts about Thailand
To wrap things up, here are a couple of articles featuring intriguing facts about Thailand that you might enjoy.
Recommended Thailand Travel Guides
If you're thinking about getting a travel guide, the Lonely Planetguide is your best bet for Thailand. It's incredibly comprehensive, covering the entire country and offering loads of advice. This guide is perfect if you're heading to Thailand for the first time.
However, if you've already visited the Land of Smiles, I suggest this other guide, also by Lonely Planet, with off-the-beaten-path spots.
I can also recommend checking out guide by Alexa West's guide, which is my personal favorite for its fresh and engaging approach. It's jam-packed with information, including specific tips for solo female travelers. 😉
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide to Thailand helps you prepare for your trip to a truly unique country that leaves a lasting impression and a strong desire to return.
Keep this guide handy; it'll be a valuable resource throughout your journey, providing access to all my articles. If you found it helpful, don't hesitate to share it with fellow travelers. Have a wonderful trip! 💚
Thailand by Regions
- Travel guide to Bangkok and surrounding areas
- Travel guide to Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
- Travel guide to southern Thailand
- Accommodation Guide for Thailand
More Southeast Asia Travel Guides
- Bali Travel Guide
- Vietnam Travel Guide
- Thailand or Bali? Which one should I visit?
- Thailand or Vietnam Where to travel?
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.
Hello Andrea
Thank you for this great guide, it is helping me a lot to organize the entire trip.
I'm traveling in August, so I'll follow your itinerary including the Gulf Islands.
What I still haven't decided is whether to go to Koh Samui or not? Is it worth it? Or if not, I'll just stay in Koh Tao. I love snorkeling and I'll probably try diving.
A hug
Hello Mariela
I'm glad it helps you!
It depends on how much time you have to visit the islands in the Gulf of Thailand. If you love snorkelling in Koh Tao you will have a great time and you won't want to leave. I guess you have already seen my guide to Shark Bay, which is a must see on the island.
You also have to keep in mind that if you are going to do the Open Water diving you will need to reserve at least 3 days, however, if you only do the baptism, one day is enough.
Koh Samui is definitely worth it, it is a very different island that I think complements Koh Tao very well, basically because there are more diverse activities and you can do some really cool excursions to Ang Thong and the nearby islands.
Anyway, I hope my answer helps you decide.
Thank you very much for your comment and have a good trip!