If you’re ready to make your dreams of a Thai getaway come true, you’ve come to the right place! Here at our Thailand travel guide, we’ll help you plan an unforgettable trip that will take you from the hustle and bustle of city life to the remote, tropical paradise found in this enchanting corner of the world. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning your unforgettable journey through Thailand!
Typical Costs
When traveling to Thailand, it is important to consider the cost of your trip to plan accordingly. The most important costs are accommodation, food, and transportation. Generally speaking, Thailand is an inexpensive destination for travelers.
Accommodation: Depending on your budget and where you stay in Thailand, you can expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $100 per night. Budget hotels in Bangkok usually cost around $10-$20 USD per night, while more upscale hotels can range up to $200 USD or more. In the countryside, guesthouses and budget resorts range from approximately $10-$50 per night, while luxury resorts usually cost $200-$400 per night.
Food: Eating out is an integral part of the experience when traveling in Thailand, as delicious cuisine is abundant at very reasonable prices. A meal for one at a local restaurant will typically cost between 40-80 baht ($1-3 USD). However, if you’re looking for a gourmet meal or a Western dish (think burgers or pizza), then prices could go up as high as 400 baht ($13) for one person’s meal.
Transportation: Most cities have extensive public transport systems that are both efficient and inexpensive; however, this varies depending on the distance traveled and the method chosen (bus vs. private car). Expect to pay around 40-160 baht ($1-5 USD) for bus journeys within most cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket Town. Short-distance trips by taxi range from 50 baht ($2) upwards and may be higher if using a private car rental service (e.g., airport transfers). Longer distance trips may also necessitate flights ranging from 2000 to 5000 baht ($70-170USD) depending on the destination/airline chosen/time of year booked etc.
Things to See and Do
Thailand is an amazing place to visit, with many exciting activities and attractions for travelers of all ages. Here are some of the must-see places and activities you shouldn’t miss when visiting Thailand:
-Visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok – This ornate palace is spectacular, with its golden spires and opulent designs. You’ll find the famous Emerald Buddha inside, along with many other interesting artifacts and figures.
-Explore Phuket – Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, full of beautiful beaches, restaurants, resorts, and shopping centers. Visit Wat Chalong temple to observe traditional Buddhist ceremonies or explore the surrounding islands by boat to experience a breathtaking view of the Andaman Sea.
-Relax in Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai has quickly become one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. With its winding streets lined with temples and markets, you can easily spend days wandering through this magical city. Head upcountry to explore national parks or take an unforgettable journey on an elephant’s back.
-Experience locals’ culture – Everywhere you turn, street-side stalls full of delicious snacks and tables spilling over with exotic fruits and dishes just waiting for visitors to try them out! Thai culture encourages friendly conversations amongst strangers, so get in touch to discover local secrets like hidden rooftop bars or secret outdoor food markets – it’ll be an adventure!
-Take part in water sports – If you’re looking for adventure in Thailand, head down south, where beaches offer plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and aquatic fun! Also, don’t forget about cool river rafting trips that pass through lush tropical jungle tunnels perfect for exploring nature’s wonders from another perspective!
Suggested Budget
No matter what kind of traveler you are, it helps to have a budget in mind when visiting Thailand. While setting out an exact budget can be tricky, some guidelines may help you get the most out of your trip while also sticking to your budget.
Budget travelers may want to try to stick to spending around $25-$35 per day on accommodation, food, and activities. This will give you enough room to explore and experience Thailand without breaking the bank. But, of course, this means you should be careful with your spending habits and look for discounts or travel deals where possible.
Mid-range travelers should expect to spend anywhere from $50-$90 a day to have more comfort on their trip. This amount should cover comfort accommodation (think private rooms or entire Airbnb apartments), meals from local eateries or higher-end restaurants, private transportation, and most forms of day trips or entrance fees for attractions in major cities.
High-end travelers looking for luxury will need an even larger budget – $200 per day or more for plenty of spa treatments, exclusive reservation-only restaurant dinners, five-star hotels or resorts, and extras like private tours with guides.
Money-Saving Tips
Thailand is an incredibly affordable destination for budget travelers. However, no matter how careful you are with your money, it’s still important to take steps to save as much as possible. Here are a few tips for getting the most bang for your buck when you’re traveling in Thailand:
-Stay in hostels: Hostel prices in Thailand range from $5 – $15 a night and provide an inexpensive option for travelers. In addition, many hostels offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, towels, shared bathrooms, and a kitchen with essentials.
-Eat street food: Eating at street stalls or small cafes is one of the best ways to get authentic local cuisine without spending a fortune. You can also find some amazing deals on food if you go to local markets where the local’s shop.
-Travel slower: Try to stay in each place longer so that you can get to know the culture and save some money at the same time by cutting down on transportation costs.
-Buy travel cards: Instead of paying single fares each time you use public transport, purchase travel cards that give discounts on multiple trips or offer unlimited rides for a certain period of time. This will help save on expenses over time.
-Shop around: Markets are everywhere in Thailand and often sell similar items at different prices, so shop around and look for bargains before settling on one purchase!
Where to Stay
Thailand offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget, from five-star luxury hotels to riverside bungalows and roadside inns. The options range from large international hotel chains and beach resorts to smaller traditional guesthouses.
You’ll find everything from luxury high-rises to budget hostels and guesthouses in cities. Bangkok is particularly well known for its selection of hostels, ranging from well-established multi-story backpacker dormitories to more upscale boutique places. Most of these offer a balance between communal living and private rooms.
On some islands, beach bungalows are numerous, often clustered together in shady jungle clearings close to the coast – each with a deck or terrace for relaxation under the palm trees surrounded by countless beautiful flowers and tropical wildlife. In general, accommodation in beach towns is more expensive than inland destinations of similar quality due to higher competition for tourists.
For visitors who enjoy camping, there are many campsites at national parks throughout Thailand and a few dedicated camping grounds near beaches where visitors can rent shared amenities like tents, hammocks, and barbecues. The tents provided are usually basic, just enough to protect against the elements.
For those looking for something more exclusive than what’s available on the tourist trail but still within a budget, many Thai provinces have homestay programs providing travelers with an opportunity to stay with local people in rural areas — giving them an insight into authentic local customs in exchange for the mild financial support provided by the traveler’s hospitality fee payments.
How to Get Around
When visiting Thailand, there are many options for getting around the country. Depending on your budget and level of comfort, you’ll find several types of public transportation, private car hire services, and even overnight bus routes to meet all types of travelers. Here’s a breakdown of the different modes of transport in Thailand and what you need to know before you set off:
Local Transport: This is the most popular way to get around urban areas like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Buses, minivans, and tuk-tuks provide an economical way to explore popular attractions while soaking up the local flavor.
Taxis: Taxis are a great option when you need private transportation but don’t want to rent a car. Taxis are found standing outside hotels & airports, as well as on side streets throughout most cities. Flag-down fares start at 35 Baht in Bangkok, although metered taxis and apps like Grab can be cheaper going further from the city center.
Private Car Services: Hiring your driver is one of the best ways to explore Thailand in style & comfort. You can find private car services at most airports or hotels, offering a range of vehicles from chauffeured rides with space for up to 8 passengers or 4x4s for off-roading excursions into remote areas like Khao Yai National Park or Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Rates vary depending on vehicle type, distance traveled & the number of passengers/luggage – bookings should be made in advance if possible as availability may vary during peak seasons such as New Year & Songkran festival periods.
Bicycle Tours: Cycling is another great way to see Thailand while staying fit! Popular cycling tours depart from destinations such as Bangkok city center (Cycleking), Ayutthaya (Ayutthaya Historical Tour), and Pai (Pai BikeAdventure), with routes taking cyclists through some off-the-beaten-track locales not easily reached by any other mode of transport!
Overnight Coach Service; For those wanting to travel east to west or north to south without breaking their budget, there are overnight coach services available throughout major cities such as Bangkok – Surat Thani/ Phang Nga – Hat Yai, etc., ranging from basic seats with no AC all the way through to luxury sleeper cabs with aircon & complimentary drinks & snacks! Bookings should usually be made at least one day in advance, but it pays worth booking ahead if it’s a peak season date such as Xmas/ new year, etc.
When to Go
Traveling to Thailand changes with the season, but the country is generally a great all-year destination. So whether you go during Thanksgiving or anytime after that, there are things to do no matter what time of year it is. Here’s a quick overview of when to visit Thailand and what to expect weather-wise.
November to February: December through February is generally considered the best month for visiting Thailand. It’s dry throughout most of the country, and temperatures are cooler than in other months. However, this is also peak travel season, so prices might be higher and tourist attractions busier than usual.
March to May: Hot season! During the hot season in Thailand, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius on some days, so this isn’t the ideal time for beach activities or sightseeing. It’s still possible to travel during this time period – if you don’t mind sweating a lot – but keep in mind that clouds block sunny spots more often than not, which may limit your activities.
June to October: For those who want milder temperatures and smaller crowds, these months offer a perfect opportunity for an unforgettable trip with plenty of sights & sounds outside of Bangkok & other big cities like Pattaya & Koh Samui, among others. Most tourists head further north near Chiang Mai (than Bangkok) since there are mountains nearby which act as natural cooling around this time of year – it’s still warm enough for beach activities! Generally speaking. However, these months are considered off-peak/low season meaning accommodation prices will be lower due to lower demand compared to peak traveling times in April/March/February, etc.
How to Stay Safe
When traveling to Thailand, it is important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. In addition to researching common tourist scams, there are a few simple steps to help protect your safety and security while traveling in Thailand.
Before you travel:
•Stay informed about current events and foreign advisories to remain vigilant when traveling.
•Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP will keep you up-to-date on the latest travel advisories, security updates, and local policies.
•Make photocopies of your passport, flight tickets, visas, driver’s licenses – anything else essential – and pack them separately from the originals.
•Check that medicine is allowed into Thailand ahead of your trip; if you intend to take medicine with you, it must be declared on arrival
While abroad:
•Be aware of your possessions at all times –leave unnecessary valuables secure back home or in the hotel safe.
•Avoid locations where expatriates’ congregate in large numbers – these places can be targeted by criminals who may try to rob unsuspecting visitors.
•Stay positive but remain alert— particularly when traveling alone or late at night. Be sensitive when taking pictures and avoid attracting unwanted attention from locals— remember that certain religious sites might require appropriate dressing for visitors.
•Observe local laws— ignorance doesn’t negate responsibility should something go wrong!
Gear and Packing List
Before embarking on an adventure in Thailand, there are certain items to consider packing for a successful journey. Of course, depending on the experience you’re seeking, your packing list may vary. However, some universal items will help make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable.
Clothing: Lightweight and loose-fitting clothing is recommended for Thailand’s hot and humid climate. A few tank tops, shorts, sundresses, and linen pants should be sufficient for any vacation’s worth of sightseeing and exploring. Additionally, consider bringing a few long (maxi) skirts or yoga pants to cover up when visiting temples – these often demand more conservative clothing than usual while abroad. Another technical item to bring is waterproof rainwear; monsoon season begins in July and continues until late October in most parts of the country, so a lightweight raincoat is an essential piece of equipment during these months.
Gear: Depending on the type of experience you’re hoping to have in Thailand, there are several other items to include on your packing lists, such as beach towels for ocean activities, hiking boots for trekking trips or insect repellent for going off the beaten track. Additionally, it’s always suggested that travelers carry basic medical supplies with them such as bandages, antiseptic cream, and ibuprofen; it’s also possible to find medication at any local pharmacy during your stay – but it’s always best to prepare before departure just in case something happens while away from home. You may also find it useful to bring a travel pillow if you plan on taking overnight buses or trains. Otherwise, an old t-shirt will do just fine!
Personal Items: When going abroad, remember some simple essentials such as sunblock (especially if you plan on going island hopping), sunglasses/sunhat/hat; if you plan on taking part in ocean activities, swim, wear/water shoes; fans/air conditioning units (hotels often provide air con but bringing extra can also help if needed). Any personally specific medications (in childproof containers), travel documents (passport, etc.), multi-plug adapters if traveling with multiple electrical appliances – keep all these important items safely stored away at all times!