Traveling in Thailand
Thailand is a great country for all types of travelers. Whether you are a novice traveler or an experienced backpacker, traveling in Thailand has something for everyone. Because Thailand has been in the top 10 vacation countries for years, the country is fully geared for tourism. Transportation is well-regulated and locals can generally speak good English.
The Thai exude friendliness. Everywhere locals are willing to help you. Thailand also has a delicious cuisine: try the amazing curries, pad thai and for dessert, of course, mango sticky rice.
Currency: Thai Baht
Time zone: GMT+7
Best travel time: November – April
Language: Thai
Destinations in Thailand
The first destination in Thailand is often the multifaceted Bangkok. Bangkok is also often the starting point for your travel through souteast Asia. Here you are immediately introduced to Thai culture. Everywhere you look you will see large temples and monks walk the streets here. If you enter Thailand from neighboring Malaysia, your first destination is paradisiacal Koh Lipe. Alternatively, you can enter Thailand via Laos. Then you start in the north in Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai.
Thailand is a large country with diverse destinations. You can enjoy wonderful beach destinations and popular party islands. Be sure to look for authentic Thai culture in the north.
Thai Culture in Northern Thailand
Further north, Chiang Rai boasts a surreally white temple and indigenous hill tribe cultures, while Pai has a relaxed laid-back vibe with natural hot springs and spectacular mountain scenery. Whether your focus is history, spirituality, or local tradition, Northern Thailand promises an unforgettable cultural odyssey.
Popular beach destinations
Thailand has hundreds of beautiful beaches. The most beautiful beaches are often found on the islands. The temperature here is pleasant because there is more wind. The most popular beaches can be found on the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Koh Lipe is located in the very south of Thailand, near the border with Malaysia. Its heavenly white beaches and clear waters have made Koh Lipe increasingly popular in recent years. You will also find beautiful beaches at Ao Nang. From here you take a trip to Railey Beach: according to many, the most beautiful beach in Thailand.
Authentic Thai islands
Luckily, besides the busy islands, there are also quiet islands in Thailand. Fewer tourists come here, which makes it feel a lot more authentic. Koh Yao Noi is one such destination that has a wonderful vibe: lots of locals, few tourists and beautiful beaches as well as nature.
In addition to Koh Yao Noi, Koh Muk is a great authentic Thai island. Here you drive on dirt roads, surrounded by nature and you are greeted by friendly locals everywhere. From Koh Muk you can kayak to explore the beautiful Emerald Cave and snorkel on Koh Kradan. It is a beautiful island to visit during your trip in Thailand.
Highlight
The highlight of Thailand is Khao Sok national park. In Khao Sok you can do a two-day tour where you stay overnight in floating bungalows on the lake. You will also go on safari to spot wild elephants, monkeys and birds. This way you will discover the beautiful rocky surroundings.
Practial tips for Thailand
It is useful to know a few things before leaving for Thailand so you can prepare properly. For example, you have to be able to show an onward ticket.
Furthermore, transportation in Thailand is very well organized. There are buses, minivans, cabs and scooters everywhere. Ferries and speedboats operate between the islands. To help you prepare your trip as well as possible in terms of money, we have also prepared a realistic budget overview. This will give you a better idea of the amount you need to save before you leave for Thailand. As a solo traveler, it is great to stay in nice, social hostels so you can hang out with others during your trip. Therefore, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the nicest hostels in Thailand.
All blogs about Thailand
From northern Thailand, you can easily travel to Laos. In this article, we tell you exactly how to travel from Thailand to Laos, what to look out for and how the border crossing works. We cover the route that takes you from Chiang Mai to Laos. You will travel from...
The road from Chiang Mai to Pai is known as one of the most beautiful routes in Thailand. From Chiang Mai, follow the 1095 road that takes you through 762 turns to the delightful backpacker village of Pai. Along the way there are plenty of fun activities where you can...
Chiang Rai is located all the way in the northeastern part of Thailand, which is therefore not routinely included in a Thailand itinerary. Still, a visit to this destination is worthwhile, especially if you like (very special) temples. For us, the temples in Chiang...
Pai is a hugely relaxed and authentic village in northern Thailand. Many backpackers come here every year but you will also find travelers who stay in Pai for a long time or even take up residence in Pai. There are some nice sights in Pai but otherwise it is the...
Chiang Mai is a really fun city with tons of activities, cozy restaurants and fine accommodations. Whether you feel like doing a water activity, touring by motorbike, visiting temples or learning Thai cooking: there is a lot you can do in Chiang Mai. Discover the 18...
The night train from Bangkok to Chaing Mai (or from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai) is a popular mode of transportation for many Thailand travelers.There are a few things to keep in mind though: the trains fill up quickly so you need to make reservations well in advance, you...
Ayutthaya used to be the capital of Thailand (which was then called Siam). Ayutthaya is known for its many, beautiful temples. In this article, we list the most beautiful temples you should definitely visit in Ayutthaya. We also provide some additional practical tips...
What is not to be missed in Bangkok? Bangkok is a delightful, chaotic, large and busy city. Thailand's capital is much loved by some travelers while others would prefer to leave as soon as possible. We think Bangkok is a wonderful city so we have listed the 15 most...
Khao Sok is perhaps the most beautiful part of Thailand. In Khao Sok you will see huge limestone cliffs, various plants and caves, waterfalls and if you are lucky, wild elephants! Khao Sok is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, and it shows. Visit this...
Thailand is the perfect vacation country for anyone just getting acquainted with backpacking or Asia. Everything is well organized in Thailand, which is what makes it so nice to travel around here. If you are going to Thailand for 3 weeks you will have to make choices...
Are you looking for a quiet, authentic but beautiful island in Thailand? Then Koh Mak is the perfect place. You don't do much more here than sunbathe, relax, and eat some good food. In this article, we give you the best tips for a hotel in Koh Mak, the place to watch...
Many travelers combine traveling through Thailand with a visit to Cambodia. Cambodia is completely different from Thailand in many ways, but a very fun country to visit. From Bangkok, you can travel to Cambodia by bus in one trip. But from the islands of Koh Chang,...
Koh Kood is simply a beautiful, but pretty big island. It is an island paradise still visited by few tourists. In this article, we share all our tips so you know what things to do on Koh Kood. Content of this blog:Things to do on Koh KoodBeaches of Koh KoodKlong Chao...
Thailand: the land of curries, pad thai and mango sticky rice. Thailand is an easy country to eat healthy and delicious vegan dishes. In this article from vegan in Thailand, we talk about the tastiest vegan dishes, the best vegan restaurants in Thailand and tricks to...
Koh Ngam is a very small, uninhabited island which is located near Koh Chang in Thailand. The most fun way to visit this island is to kayak there yourself. In this article, we will tell you exactly how to kayak to Koh Ngam from Koh Chang and what to think about...
In the East of Thailand, you will find Koh Chang (literally translated: elephant island). Koh Chang looks a bit like an elephant in shape and is the second largest island in Thailand. From north to south you are over an hour on the road! Besides relaxing on the...
From Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, you can easily travel to many places in Asia. The same goes for Siem Reap, a large city in western Cambodia. Cambodia borders Thailand so you will have to cross the border. In this article, we share the easiest and cheapest way...
Authentic Thailand is not found in many places anymore. Therefore, especially for you, we have created this itinerary for Southern Thailand that will take you to the more authentic places. If you go to Thailand for 3 weeks you will have to make many choices, of course...
Thai cuisine is known for its tasty but spicy food. Different curries, noodles and lots of rice is what you can expect in Thailand. The nice thing is: you don't have to miss the delicious dishes when you get back home. In fact, there are many different cooking courses...
Wow! One of the coolest things we did in Bangkok was go to a Muay Thai match. We ourselves have attended a few Muay Thai trainings now and wanted to see how the real professionals do it. At Lumpinee Stadium, we had a great night with 11 fights! Below we tell you all...
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand! Some find it a delightful city while others want to leave as soon as possible. The fact is that Bangkok is always busy and traffic is often jammed. To still get to all the fun highlights in Bangkok, you can use several public...
Transportation in Thailand is well organized; it is an easy country to travel around in. There are many different means of transportation and you can always easily arrive at your destination. Through 12GO.Asia, you can see the times of routes in advance and buy...
Koh Phangan is a real party island. There is a reason why the island is known for the world famous full moon party. Every month, 20,000 party animals gather on Koh Phangan beach to have a great party. In this article, we tell you the dates and times of the full moon...
Koh Samui is a relatively large island, in fact, it doesn't even feel like an island anymore. Koh Samui is close to party island Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and mainland Thailand but it feels very different. Koh Samui is a great destination to unwind and explore nature in...
Phang Nga is one of the least known places in Thailand. Yet at the same time, this is also one of the most beautiful places. In fact, Phang Nga is located in a bay with huge limestone rocks. Through mangrove forests and beautiful rivers, you can sail here and marvel...
There is one place in Thailand where you can spot dolphins, in Khanom. These are not "normal" dolphins but pink dolphins! They are officially albino dolphins, so basically white. Because they have many capillaries and blood vessels under the skin, their skin appears...
Muay Thai is a popular martial art in Thailand. The difference with kickboxing is that in Muay Thai you are allowed to use your elbows and clinch. Many travelers want to do some Muay Thai training in Thailand, and it is definitely recommended. At each training...
Thailand is the backpacking country of Southeast Asia. All young backpackers come to Thailand for the good food, fun activities and partying on the islands. Still, Thailand is getting a little more expensive for travelers. Southern Thailand is also a lot more...
Thailand is known for its beautiful islands. Every year, millions of people travel to the white beaches and beautiful underwater world of Southern Thailand. We spent 3 months on the islands in Thailand and share the highlights of each island here. The islands are...
Koh Yao Noi is a wonderfully peaceful island. It is not too touristy (yet) which gives you the authentic Thailand to be here. You are often all alone on the beautiful beaches of Koh Yao Noi, how cool is that? We stayed on Koh Yao Noi for a week and a half and had a...
Located in southern Thailand, Koh Phi Phi is a real party island. Every night there are pool parties, parties on the beach or fun music in bars. Fortunately, there is more to do on this beautiful island than just party. For example, hike to the beautiful viewpoint or...
Koh Yao Yai, you've probably (almost) never heard of it. This unknown island in Thailand is often skipped by tourists who do the well-known Phuket - Koh Phi Phi - Krabi / Ao Nang round trip. It is a shame that Koh Yao Yai is so often skipped because it is a beautiful...
Ao Nang is a tourist coastal town in Krabi province, Thailand. Walking through Ao Nang, you sometimes feel as if you've landed on a Spanish boulevard. Restaurants, tour companies and massage parlors are located here. It is, however, the best place to stay in Krabi...
Koh Lanta is a Thai island labeled as very peaceful. There is not much to do on Koh Lanta, so many travelers choose to recover here from the busy party island of Koh Phi Phi and Ao Nang. Secretly, we found Koh Muk to be a much nicer island than Koh Lanta: even quieter...
Thailand is a wonderful country to travel through. Like most countries in Asia, you pay with cash everywhere in Thailand. When you withdraw money, sometimes you may get a bad exchange rate and also have to pay a lot of fees. So read on quickly in this article on how...
Koh Muk is a beautiful island in southern Thailand which is still undiscovered by most tourists. This is a shame for the lovely people on the island, but all the more fun if you want to experience authentic Thailand. There is plenty to do, Making it easy to stay there...
Koh Lipe is an island paradise on the most southern tip of Thailand. White beaches with blue, clear water make you think for a moment that you are in the Philippines, or even the Maldives. The beauty of Koh Lipe has not gone unnoticed. In recent years, Koh Lipe has...
Travelers from Malaysia to Thailand often do so from Langkawi to Koh Lipe. These islands are only 1.5 hours by boat from each other yet they look very different. Langkawi is more overgrown, green nature and countryside can be seen a lot here. Koh Lipe, on the other...
Why go to Thailand?
Thailand is a super easy country in Southeast Asia to travel in. It is therefore suitable anyway for the novice backpacker or solo traveler. Also because you will meet a lot of new people in Thailand. Thailand has been in the top 10 most touristic countries for years. In addition, Thailand is a nice country to visit because it has many different destinations and sights. In the south you will find the most beautiful beaches and paradise islands where you can relax to the fullest. In the north, on the other hand, you will find more nature and culture. Thus, Thailand is a diverse country that meets everyone’s needs. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Thailand is known for its many temples. From temples with many decorations and colors to completely white temples. You will find thousands of them in Thailand: as many as more than 40,000! Bangkok and Chiang Rai are home to the most beautiful temples in Thailand. It is fun to take this piece of culture with you while traveling in Thailand.
The Thai, the locals, are extremely friendly. They are always there for you with a smile. Not for nothing is Thailand called the land of smiles. If you need anything they will immediately want to arrange everything for you. Furthermore, the food in Thailand is truly amazing. Your taste buds will be spoiled again with every dish by all the different spices and flavors. At the street food stalls you often eat the tastiest and cheapest. In short: plenty of reasons to go to Thailand.
The best travel time for Thailand
What is the best time to travek to Thailand?
Thailand is best visited between November and early April. Not only is this the driest time of the year, but also the hottest. Temperatures range from 28 to 36 degrees Celsius, with about 13 hours of sunshine per day. While these months are ideal for enjoying the sun by the water, the beaches are just one aspect of a trip to Thailand. Be aware that the burning season occurs in northern Thailand in February and March. During this time, farmers burn their fields, leading to a lot of smoke, smog, and poor air quality.
When does the dry season start in Thailand?
The dry season in Thailand begins in November.
When is the rainy season in Thailand?
The rainy season in Thailand lasts from May to October. Some days are as pleasant and clear as any other, but on other days, you may need to seek shelter from sudden rain showers. Don’t be discouraged though. When it rains in Thailand, it typically happens in the late afternoon or evening and lasts only a few hours. Additionally, the rain is refreshing and helps to cool things down and reduce humidity, so it’s not all bad. Furthermore, the natural scenery during these months is at its most beautiful. Also, it tends to be less crowded than during the dry season.
When is Thailand the quietest?
Thailand is quietest during the rainy season from May to October, except for the months of July and August due to summer vacations.
