Thailand Ultimate Travel Guide

With hundreds of islands lying along two coastlines, karst formation emerging from the water, amazing beaches, beautiful sunset, and colorful coral reefs Thailand beats any country in Southeast Asia to be the most attraction for every beach lover.

But beaches aren’t all this country has. The Land of Smile is also a heaven of street food, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and luxury resorts. If you’re considering Thailand as your next destination but don’t know where to start, you can can visit our best Thailand Vacation tours to have a deeper look inside the most beautiful destinations and interesting activities of the country.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Thailand currently has six international airports, in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket and Koh Samui. Most of travelers fly to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Thai Airways offers convenient flights from LA to Bangkok, with a one-hour stop in Seoul. The airfare from LA to Bangkok starts from $1,027US for a one-way ticket. Plenty of other airlines run to Bangkok from East and West Coast cities with one stop en route. Air Canada has the most convenient service to Bangkok from the largest number of Canadian cities of Vancouver and Toronto.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

1. High Season

A cool and dry season follows the monsoons, meaning the landscape is lush and temperatures are comfortable. November – March is the best time for scuba diving-a popular activity in Thailand and for taking part in the lantern festival.

2. Shoulder Season

April to June it is generally very hot and dry, with an average temperature of 30°C while September and October are the wettest months. It’s ideal to spend October in the Central, North and Northeast regions.

3. Low Season

Storms during monsoon season (July – October) range from afternoon showers to major flooding. Rain is usually in short, intense bursts. Some islands shut down; boat service is limited during stormy weather. Be flexible with travel plans.

WHERE TO VISIT IN THAILAND?

1. Bangkok

Bangkok had seen 23.3 million visitors in 2017 and it doesn’t take long to figure out the reason. This city changes in every corner of its streets, from the solemn atmosphere of temples to the crazy nightlife clubs.

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2. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was at the center of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. With the mountains and valleys on all sides and Lana ruins, Chiang Mai looks like a true escape.

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3. Pai

Pai is a great place to escape from the craziness of big cities. Nestled deep in valleys, endless mountains, waterfalls, natural hot springs, ethnic tribe villages and incredible hiking trails, Pai offers a true nature to chill out.

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4. Phuket

Phuket is the biggest attraction in Thailand. There are great beaches and amazing activities. Escape the main spots to some of the best-kept secrets such as Ao Yon Beach and Ao Sane Beach if you want to truly enjoy Phuket.

5. Ko Phi Phi

This is one of the most attractive destinations in the land of smiles. People flock here because of the Maya bay, Monkey beach and the exotic nightlife.

6. Phang Nga Bay

Located northeast of Phuket, Phang Nga Bay boasts sheer limestone cliffs that emerge vertically out of the water. Mangrove forest, beaches, caves, and lagoons also make it a stunning landscape to visit.

WHERE TO STAY IN THAILAND?

Thailand is a popular destination for travelers all over the world, so that means you can always find your perfect room. From the north to the southern islands, prices vary from a variety of cheap guest-houses, cozy motels or lavish hotels. Choosing the right place will help to make your holiday but picking the wrong one will break it.

Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok

Anantara Sathorn Bangkok

U Sathorn Bangkok

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

Rachamankha Hotel, Chiang Mai

137 Pillars House

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa

Belmond Napasai Resort & Villa Koh Samui

The Tongsai Bay Koh Samui

W Retreat Koh Samui

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

Cher Resort Hua Hin

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THAILAND?

1. Explore Bangkok on a tuk tuk

Take a city tour on a tuk-tuk to get around the bustling Chinatown, Chatuchak market for shopping and sampling some amazing Thai food.

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2. Release a lantern at Lantern Festival

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are lantern festivals that take place every November in Chiang Mai are truly remarkable sights. Thousands of lanterns are released into the sky by the banks of Peng river.

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3. Take a tour of Islands

A trip to Thailand is incomplete without making an island tour. Mark Koh Phi Phi, Koh Chang, Phuket, Koh Lipe, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao on your bucket list.

4. Join the Full Moon Party

Don’t miss your chance to take part in the Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan. It is a giant festival-like party attracts thousands of participants looking for fun every month.

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5. Shop at the floating markets

Bangkok’s floating markets are famous worldwide through ubiquitous colorful photos in
tourist guides, travel websites, and travel books, so it’s certainly worth a visit.

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6. Go scuba diving

Scuba diving is the most popular activity in Thailand, due to the crystal clear waters and the abundant sea life around the islands.

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7. Experience amazing Thai food

Thailand is a true paradise of street food. You will find on any street plenty of food stalls where you can grab a snack to go.

8. Visit The Grand Palace & Wat Prakeaw

The Grand Palace is undoubtedly is one must-see sight in Bangkok. The city’s most famous landmark was built in 1782, continues to lure visitors with its amazing architecture.

9. Cruise down the Phang Nga Bay

A day trip cruising through dramatic limestones spires among the amazing islands is far more rewarding than you could expect.

10. Hike in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok and is one of the most visited national parks in Thailand.

11. Shop at night markets

Night markets in Thailand offer an unforgettable experience, as well as a fantastic opportunity for some really good shopping.

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12. Get wet in Songkran

Songkran is the world biggest water festival to celebrate the Thai New Year. People rush down the streets and start a water fight with water guns, water pipes, or anything which can hold water.

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13. Yoga retreat

Thailand offers some of the finest yoga retreats in the world where you can practice yoga and meditate in serene accommodation surrounded by the lush jungles.

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14. Rest in Pai

For many people, coming to Pai simply means slowing down completely, relaxing at one of many cafe galleries in Pai for people who prefer the quietness of nature.

15. Get close to the Elephants

If you love wild animals and you can visit one of many elephant ethical parks in Thailand to get close to this beautiful creature.

HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR MONEY?

The official currency of Thailand is the Baht and both coins and bills are used. There are two different editions of banknotes currently in circulation in Thailand which look slightly different but is both legal. In both series, the Thai King is on the back of the bill, but one depicts him in military uniform and another in a traditional gown. Cash is the preferred method of payment for most Thai people, so using an ATM to make withdrawals can be a convenient option for travelers, but an ATM in Thailand will add a fee for each withdrawal.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Buses
Extensive and affordable for travel between towns.
Air
Cheap and frequent domestic connections on budget airlines.
Trains
Slow but scenic transportation between Bangkok, the North, the Northeast, and south.
Car & motorcycle
Easy to hire for local touring.
Local transport
Shared and chartered taxis and motorcycles are widely available.

WHAT TO BUY IN THAILAND?

Thai silk products

Thai spa products

Thai spices

Thai silver jewelry

Thai handicraft

Thai coconut oil products

Thai antiques

TIPS & TRICKS

Tipping is not customary in Thailand, there is absolutely no mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated. You can consider 20 – 50 baht for the porter for carrying your luggage, 20 baht left under your pillow for the cleaner, 50-100 baht for massage ladies who often have to wait all day for a customer and get only a pittance out of what you pay the house.

When traveling to Thailand, you don’t need to bring too many clothes because you can always buy Thai clothes in any market. You should always bring your passport or a copy and take advantage of a tour to visit more attractions, have more interesting experiences for a cheaper price, and avoid trouble from Thailand’s strict law.