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Is Thailand Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons To Visit

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Thailand is the second most visited country in Asia, seeing more than 26.6 million travelers each year.

And there is good reason for this. For those who are wondering; is Thailand worth visiting; the simple answer is yes.

Thailand is also known as The Land of Smiles because of its friendly and warm locals. The friendliness of Thai people not only makes Thailand a safe country to travel to, but they are also willing to share their culture with visitors, allowing travelers to get an authentic cultural experience.

This is just a snapshot of why Thailand is worth visiting, but there are so many more reasons why you should add Thailand to your travel bucket list.

In this guide, we’ve listed all the reasons why you should visit Thailand at least once in your life.

Reasons Thailand Is Worth Visiting

1. fascinating history and culture .

One of the most fascinating things about traveling is the marvelous history and culture that you end up discovering, not just through online articles or books, but by actually being there for yourself, seeing it, reading it, and experiencing it with your own eyes. 

Thailand boasts an incredibly rich history, evolved over centuries, that has left a huge impact on its identity, even today.

Long before modern Thailand, the region was actually home to the powerful Khmer Empire, known for the phenomenal Angkor Wat complex in nearby Cambodia.

The Empire built temples all across modern-day Thailand, which you can still see all over the country today, such as in Phimai and Buriram. 

The Sukhothai Kingdom then emerged around the 13 th century, which was a pivotal point in Thai history. The region became synonymous with beautiful art, culture, and its newfound religion, Buddhism.

It was this commitment to Theravada Buddhism that has now become part and parcel of daily life in Thailand. 

Not long after Sukhothai was fully established, the Ayutthaya Kingdom rose to prominence, with Ayutthaya at the forefront of international trade, building beautiful temples across the country before multiple invasions from neighboring Burma led to the fall of the Kingdom. 

The Thai people are proud of their history, and one of the biggest reasons to visit Thailand is to witness these crumbling temples for yourself and learn all about the fascinating Kingdoms that once ruled these lands. 

Read More: Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?

2. Enchanting Temples

Following on from Thailand’s rich and diverse history, the country is renowned all over the world for its incredibly beautiful temples. These temples not only serve as quiet places of worship but also stand as architectural marvels that showcase Thailand’s spiritual and artistic traditions. 

Wat Pho, in the heart of Bangkok, is the largest and arguably one of Thailand’s most famous landmarks .

Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, you’ll see multiple towering ‘chedis’ adorned with colorful tiling, before moving on to the main attraction, the 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha. It represents the calm and composed Buddha just before entering the afterlife, or Nirvana. 

Also in Bangkok is another must-visit temple, Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This is regarded as the single most sacred temple in the entire country, housing the famed Emerald Buddha.

It is thought that the Emerald Buddha was taken all over the region, being housed in various temples under different rulers before being looted from Vientiane and taken to Bangkok under orders from General Chao Phraya Chakri to be placed in the Grand Palace where it is kept today. 

3. Peaceful Buddhist Heritage

If you’re someone who values traditions and heritage when you travel, Thailand’s Buddhist roots are a fundamental and integral part of the country’s culture and daily life for its citizens.

Over 90% of the country’s population belongs to Theravada Buddhism which emphasizes personal development and meditation. 

If you wake up early enough, you’ll be able to see Thai Buddhist locals offering alms to monks. Offering alms is a symbolic act of gratitude that is seen as good karma by practicing Buddhists. Many locals practice meditation, which is a key part of Buddhism.

They try to incorporate this into their daily lives whether it’s at their local temple, or in their home. Tourists can take part in meditation too and is actively encouraged in many places. 

Other areas of Buddhism that tourists can take part in, or at least observe, are the Buddhist festivals that take place throughout the year like Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights). 

4. Mouthwatering Street Food

The street food scene in Thailand is without a doubt an integral part of the experience and is worth visiting the country for this alone, especially if you’re a foodie.

Thai cuisine is already celebrated around the world, with a diverse array of tasty dishes blending the best of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors. 

Simply put, street food is a way of life in Thailand. From heaving night markets to simple roadside carts, there’s an overwhelming abundance of vendors serving hot, fresh, and delicious meals.

Pad Krapow Moo/Gai (stir-fried chicken or pork with holy basil and plenty of chilies), Moo ping (skewered BBQ pork), and Som tam (green papaya salad) are some of the most popular dishes alongside curries and soups. 

Don’t worry about breaking the bank because you’re eating out either, street food is incredibly affordable as it’s often slightly smaller portions than you would get in the restaurant and the vendors have barely any overheads.

It’s also the way most Thais eat dinner as many apartments and homes do not have cooking appliances. 

Related Reading: Where To Find The Best Pad Thai in Bangkok!

5. Island Paradise 

One of the biggest reasons why Thailand is worth visiting in 2023 is because of the stunning islands the country has. The Thai islands are some of the most beautiful, and picturesque in the world. They are what makes Thailand so famous .

Generally speaking, the Thai islands can be divided into two primary categories: the Gulf of Thailand islands, which include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, as well as the Trang Islands such as Koh Kood , Koh Mak , and Koh Chang , and the Andaman Islands, where you will find Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe as the prominent ones. 

Each has its own distinct differences, ranging from hilly, tropical jungle landscapes to those that resemble the mainland.

Some islands are isolated, while others are known for their vibrant party scenes. But what all of them have in common, is incredibly beautiful white sand beaches, and some of the clearest waters anywhere in the world making them perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. 

Read more: Is Thailand Overrated?

6. Thrilling Adventure Activities

For the travelers that want to inject a little adventure into their itinerary, Thailand’s incredibly diverse terrain and natural beauty provide the perfect playground for a wide variety of exciting and unique activities. 

Famous for its towering limestone cliffs, the southern province of Krabi is the perfect place to get on your gear and go rock climbing. Railay Beach, near Ao Nang, is one of the best spots in the country to climb and has suitable routes for varying experience levels. 

For those who want to channel their inner Bear Grylls, the northern region around Chiang Mai is superb for jungle trekking opportunities. Hike along hidden jungle trails, camp out in the jungle with your guide, and discover remote villages tucked away in the tropical wilderness. 

Meanwhile, Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand is famous for the opportunity to stay on unique raft houses and the chance to head out on a night boat safari. You’ll have the chance to spot several varieties of monkeys, and if you’re lucky, even wild elephants. 

7. Warm Hospitality

Have you ever wondered why Thailand is referred to as the Land of Smiles ? Well, it’s because of the warm hospitality that you receive from pretty much everyone you come into contact with, from the moment you step on the plane, to the cashier in 7-Eleven, and everything in between.

It’s not always about the incredible things to see and do in the country, sometimes it can be as simple as the friendly connections you meet along the way, telling you about their life, where they are from, and what they aspire to be. 

Politeness and respect are deeply engrained in Thai culture, with people always using the ‘wai’ to greet you. It’s an ancient form of respect, carried through to the modern day.

You’ll also notice how helpful and generous Thai people are. If you’re ever in need of directions, or help of any kind, locals are always willing to help out which makes you really appreciate being in an environment like that, especially if you come from a Western country.

Thais are very proud people who wear their hearts on their sleeves and will go out of their way to make sure you have the best experience possible in their home country. 

8. Festivals and Celebrations

The religious festivals held in Thailand provide visitors to the country with a unique chance to dive head-first into the country’s culture and traditions.

Not only are they visually appealing, but they offer first-hand insights into Thailand’s stories, the beliefs of the people, and how a sense of community is paramount to their way of life. 

Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) is one of the country’s most famous festivals and is usually celebrated on the night of the full moon in November.

Locals release gorgeously decorated floating baskets (krathongs) onto nearby bodies of water containing offerings like candles, incense, and flowers creating a beautiful candle-lit spectacle on the water. It is thought that as the ‘krathongs’ float away, this symbolizes letting go of all hatred and anger. 

Another amazing festival is the Candle Festival held in Ubon Ratchathani. Once a year to mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent, there is a huge procession with gigantic floats made entirely of candlewax as well as traditional Thai dance performances and music. It really is a huge celebration and one that you definitely miss. 

Whether you take part in these traditions or just observe, experiencing them will add a one-off special touch to your trip to Thailand and you will be guaranteed to look back with fond memories.

9. Endless Shopping Opportunities

Nothing beats coming home from your travels with a suitcase full of bits and pieces you’ve picked up along the way. Well, in Thailand you’re in luck, as the country is quite literally a shopper’s paradise with all kinds of goods for everyone. 

Bangkok’s floating markets are a great place to start, throwing you in at the deep end, in the midst of true local living.

Make sure to explore the busy night markets that pop up once the sun goes down too, sampling some tasty street food as you go, as well as browsing the wide range of locally made handicrafts such as Thai silk scarves, wooden turtle ashtrays, and other unique products. 

If you’re more modern in nature, Thailand isn’t short on large shopping malls either. According to the database of building information in Thailand, there are over 200 malls in Bangkok alone!

Siam Paragon and IconSiam are two of the most famous, with plenty of luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton alongside cheaper brands like Zara and H&M. 

10. Affordable Cost of Living

One of the main reasons why you should visit Thailand is the fact it is so affordable.

You’ll be able to stay in plush resorts with absolutely stunning beachfront locations, private villas with staff, and even spa and wellness retreats where you’ll be able to relax and live like royalty, all without spending a fortune. 

You don’t even have to eat street food all of the time to eat cheap either, restaurants are all reasonably priced in relation to the local economy meaning you’ll easily be able to get a fancy meal for a fraction of the price you would back home. 

Travel in Thailand is also super cheap, with tickets for buses and trains in the single figures, with flights not being much more expensive either.

A flight from Phuket to Chiang Mai can easily cost as little as $40 USD if you book in advance. It may cost a lot for your airfare to actually get over to Thailand, but once you’re here, you can live as cheaply, or as luxurious as you want. 

Read more: Is Thailand A Third World Country? The Complicated Answer Explained

11. Perfect Warm Weather

Thailand has a tropical climate, which means it has a year round warm weather. If you’re visiting during the winter, you’ll find the temperatures in Thailand rarely fall below 20°C and are paired with lush, bright sunshine with little cloud cover – perfect for chilling on the beach.

Many people visit Thailand to escape the harsh winters from back home, so if you’re someone who hates the cold, then Thailand is the country for you.

Thailand does have a rainy season though, which runs from June until September, sometimes into October, but even during the rainy season, it doesn’t rain all day and there are still some spells of sunshine between showers.

12. Easy Hub to Travel Southeast Asia

Another big draw to traveling in Thailand is that you can easily reach other countries in Southeast Asia.

Thailand’s land borders connect to Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, not to mention you can get cheap short flights to Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and The Philippines.

If you’re planning a backpacking trip around Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia, then Thailand is the perfect first stop.

13. Unspoiled nature

When you travel to a lot of countries in Southeast Asia, you’ll find many of the beaches are polluted with plastic waste or overcrowding from tourism, but not Thailand.

Thailand’s nature is still very clean and unspoiled, particularly the beaches. The Thai government takes great care in looking after their nature sites.

If they fear that over-tourism will ruin a place, they will close it or regulate it, like what they did with Maya Bay which was closed for 3.5 years to rehabilitate from over-tourism.

To summarise, if you’re debating whether or not to visit Thailand in 2023, I simply ask you; why not? There are more reasons to visit Thailand than there are not.

It’s a country with gorgeous nature, the kindest people, cheap accommodation and delicious food – what more could you want?

There’s no time like the present, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better holiday destination than the Land of Smiles. 

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Luxury Travel Guides on a Budget

Is Thailand Worth Visiting? Top 10 Reasons to Visit Thailand (2024)

Why is Thailand so popular? In this detailed travel guide, I’ve compiled all the top reasons to visit Thailand in 2024, along with the best things to do in Thailand.

Have you ever pondered, “ Is Thailand worth visiting?” Well, let me assure you right from the start, Thailand is absolutely worth a visit! 

From its breathtaking beaches to its awe-inspiring temples and mouth-watering street food, Thailand truly has something for everyone. 

And believe me, I speak from personal experience—I’ve visitedThailand ( aka: the Land of Smiles ) several times, and I always find myself coming back for more.  

So, if you’re gearing up for your first Southeast Asia adventure, let me show you exactly why Thailand should be at the very top of your travel bucket list. 

Without further ado, let’s discover Thailand together! 

• 10 Irresistible Reasons to Visit Thailand in 2024

Is Thailand Worth Visiting?

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So, is Thailand worth a visit? Without a doubt, yes! It’s beautiful, affordable, safe, and there are just so many different things to do in Thailand.

In a hurry? Here are 8 quick reasons to visit Thailand in 2024

• Explore breathtaking landscapes.
• Try all the incredible Thai food.
• Enjoy safe and affordable travel options.
• Discover the rich culture, from ancient temples to Thai festivals.
• Feel the warm welcome from the locals.
• Get your adrenaline pumping with outdoor adventures.
• Relax on stunning beaches.
• Have fun at the wild parties. 

1. Taste Mouthwatering Thai Food

One of the top reasons to visit Thailand is to try the world-famous Thai cuisine.

From the comforting Khao Soi to the tasty tom yum soup or the refreshing green papaya salad, every Thai dish has its own special flavor.

As a foodie on a budget,  I can’t get enough of the pad thai from street vendors – delicious and affordable, it’s the perfect end to a night out.

2. Easy to Visit Thailand on a Budget

Thailand offers luxury experiences at affordable prices , making it the perfect destination for those traveling Southeast Asia on a budget. 

Here, you can pamper yourself with spa treatments, stay at chic boutique hotels, or dine at world-class restaurants without breaking the bank.

Thailand truly offers options for every budget , whether you’re bunking up in a $5 hostel dorm or indulging in a $500-per-night luxury resort for that dreamy Thailand honeymoon.

Read More: 15 Expert Tips for Using ATMs and Credit Cards in Southeast Asia

3. Visit Stunning Buddhist Temples

Thailand’s temples, or wats, aren’t just places of worship ; they’re a must-visit on any trip to Thailand. 

Plus, they make for some of the most Instagrammable spots in the country!

What to Wear to a Buddhist Temple

It’s important to dress respectfully when visiting Buddhist temples, so opt for modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. 

A lightweight scarf or sarong can come in handy for covering up but you can often rent one on-site if needed. 

Opt for slip-on shoes that are easy to take off before entering the temple, and don’t forget to bring along an extra pair of socks!

Best Temples to Visit in Thailand in 2024 (in my honest opinion)  

• Wat Arun and Wat Pho in Bangkok 
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep i n Chiang Mai
• Blue Temple and White Temple in Chiang Rai 
• Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Leam in Koh Samui 
• Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi 

Keep Reading: 5 Must-Visit Temples in Japan During Fall

4. Enjoy Spectacular Thai Festivals 

Thailand’s festivals are like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. 

From the epic water battles of Songkran to the charming lantern-lit skies of Yi Peng, these local events make any trip to Thailand absolutely worth it! 

So, when planning your Thailand itinerary , be sure to mark your calendar with these must-see Thai festivals for an unforgettable experience. 

Thai Festivals to Add To Your Thailand Bucket List 

• Songkran (Water Festival): 13-14 April 2024, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Bangkok
• Yi Peng Festival (Lantern Festival) : 15 November 2024, in Chiang Mai 
• Loy Krathong Festival (Festival of Lights): 16 November 2024. 
• Chinese New Year: 10 February 2024, Bangkok. 

5. Feel Safe as a Solo Female Traveler

As a solo female traveler, safety is always a top priority for me.

Thankfully, Thailand is generally a safe destination , especially if you stick to well-traveled areas and use your common sense.

And while it’s always worth it to pack some solo safety items when visiting Thailand, you’ll find that the warm hospitality of the Thai people will make you feel right at home.

Good To Know: +20 Safety Items To Stay Safe as a Solo Female Traveler

6. Experience Authentic Thai Hospitality

Speaking of hospitality , Thai people are some of the friendliest and most welcoming folks you’ll ever meet. 

Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Bangkok or exploring remote villages in the countryside, you’ll be greeted with smiles and open arms wherever you go. 

And that genuine kindness and hospitality? It’s the kind of thing that can turn a good trip into a great one.

7. Seek Thrilling Adventures At Every Turn

If you’re someone who craves adventure, then Thailand is definitely worth a visit.

Here, you can zip-line through lush rainforests in Chiang Mai, go scuba diving in the clear waters of Koh Tao, or embark on a jungle trek to visit remote hill tribes. 

With endless opportunities for adventure and adrenaline-pumping activities, there’s no shortage of things to do in Thailand.

Not sure what to do? Check out Macca´s list: 8 Thailand Adventures You Really Need to Do

8. Enjoy Great Nightlife

Thailand’s nightlife is legendary , and when the sun sets, the fun begins!

Whether you’re dancing the night away in Bangkok’s world-famous clubs, sipping cocktails on a rooftop bar , or partying it up on the beaches of Koh Phi Ph i, there’s something here to suit every taste. 

So slip on your dancing shoes, grab a drink, and get your body moving!

Read Next: 20 Epic Things to Do in Phi Phi Island, Thailand.

9. Relax and Let Go

But if adventure isn’t your thing, don’t worry – Thailand has plenty of opportunities for relaxation , too.

Thailand is worth visiting just for its breathtaking beaches alone! 

You can lounge in the sun, cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or treat yourself to a blissful Thai massage right there on the beach.

10. Discover Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Last but certainly not least, Thailand’s natural beauty is reason enough to visit.

You can trek through jungles in the north, marvel at towering waterfalls, and even join an  island-hopping tour in Phi Phi Island .

So, have I convinced you? Is Thailand worth visiting? My answer, as always, is a resounding yes!

Thailand is worth a visit, no doubt about it. I mean, who can resist its stunning beaches, incredible culture, and mouthwatering Thai food, right?

But, let’s be real. No place is perfect and there are a few things you should know before visiting Thailand in 2024.

So, let’s take a closer look at why 2024 might not be the best time to visit Thailand. 

1. Crowds, Crowds, Crowds

Thailand is a hot spot for tourists, and in 2024, you can expect even larger crowds than usual. 

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the famous islands like Phuket and Koh Samui, you might find yourself elbow to elbow with fellow travelers . Not exactly the relaxing getaway you had in mind, huh?

Instead of sticking to the tourist traps, why not venture off the beaten path?

Places like Pai in the north or Koh Lanta in the south offer a more laid-back vib e and a chance to explore Thailand without the crowds.

Don´t want to travel to Thailand solo? You can always go with a friend! Here are +21 Fun Questions to Ask Your Potential Travel Partner

2. Increased Prices

With the influx of tourists, you can bet that prices will skyrocket.

Accommodation, transportation, even your favorite street food stall , might hike up their prices to cash in on the demand. 

So, if you’re traveling through Southeast Asia on a shoestring budget, be prepared to spend more than you expected .

How to Save Money When Traveling Thailand

To avoid the worst of the crowds and inflated prices , choose your specific destination wisely and maybe even consider visiting during the shoulder season.  

Months like April or September might offer better weather and fewer tourists , giving you a more authentic experience. 

Keep Reading: 15 Expert Money Tips for Dealing With Cash in Southeast Asia

3. Environmental Impact

Here’s the not-so-pretty side of tourism. More people mean more garbage , more strain on delicate ecosystems. 

You might notice beaches littered with trash or overcrowded national parks – not exactly the postcard-perfect image you had in mind, right?

Easy Sustainable Travel Tips

• Bring your own reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste 
• Support local businesses instead of big chain restaurants and souvenirs shops 
• Respect wildlife by choosing ethical operators and keeping a distance form the animals 
• Choose eco-friendly accommodations that prioritize sustainability 
• Reduce your carbon footprint: by walking or using public transportation whenever possible 

Want to learn more? Take a peek at Nomadasaurus’ Ultimate Guide To Sustainable Tourism in Thailand

4. Thailand Scams

One of the things I love most about visiting Thailand is its super authentic and unique culture.

But, in certain touristy spots, you might find yourself missing out on that genuine local experience.

Instead, you could end up feeling like you’ve wandered into a tourist trap or, worse, fallen for one of those infamous Thailand scams.

So, my advice? Do your homework and stay sharp.

Don’t fall for anything that sounds too good to be true —whether it’s those dirt-cheap tours or the super-friendly locals promising an alternative to the “closed” Grand Palace 

Spoiler Alert: it’s usually just their cousin’s souvenir shop. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not pretty.

Read Next: How To Prevent Lost Luggage at the Airport or How to Get It Back

Is Thailand Worth Visiting in 2024? Reasons Not to Visit Thailand

So, is Thailand still worth a visit this year? It ultimately depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re willing to deal with the crowds or head to lesser-known destinations, you’ll still find plenty of reasons to visit Thailand

But if you’re seeking a more authentic experience, you might want to consider exploring other destinations in Southeast Asia, like the nearby Sri Lanka or Cambodia.

Oh, and one more thing—if you’re like me and can’t survive without your smartphone, be sure to check out some handy travel apps for Southeast Asia .

Trust me, they’ve saved me more times than I can count!

You Might Also Like: Why Visit Sri Lanka? 18 Epic Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka in 2024

If you’re still wondering whether Thailand is worth a visit in 2024, let me give you the lowdown on the absolute best things to do in Thailand: 

Here are 10 extra reasons why Thailand is worth visiting

1. discover thai floating markets in bangkok .

Dive into the vibrant hustle and bustle of one of Thailand’s floating markets, such as Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa. 

Sure, these markets can be a bit touristy, but buying Thai souvenirs or sampling freshly cooked Thai food from one of the wooden boats cruising the canals is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Bonus Tip: Do your research before visiting the floating markets to avoid getting scammed ( like I was!).

Stay tuned because I’ll definitely share my firsthand experience with you all soon! For now, just make sure you have internet when traveling around Thailand.

Keep Reading: 11 Top Reasons To Stay Connected While Traveling Southeast Asia

2. Step into History At Ayutthaya Historical Park

Stepping into Ayutthaya is like stepping back in time. Once the capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya is now a World Heritage Site filled with ancient temples and ruins. 

Just FYI the place ended up being much larger than I thought it would be.

Honestly, I thought about renting a bicycle to check out the area, but with the scorching heat, I caved and opted for a motorbike Grab instead.

You Might Also Like: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Cambodia Killing Fields and S-21 Prison

How to Go To Ayutthaya from Bangkok 

• Train: Head to Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station for a budget-friendly ride.
• Bus : Convenient options available from Northern or Eastern Bus Terminals.
• Taxi/Grab: Enjoy a hassle-free journey straight to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, albeit at a slightly higher cost.
• Tour: Join a guided tour for historical insights and easy transportation, often including entry tickets to Ayutthaya’s sites.

3. Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Meeting elephants up close and personal is a dream for many travelers and a must on any Thailand bucket list. 

However, it’s super important to do your research and pick a sanctuary where elephants are truly well looked after —not just one that slaps “ethical” in its name.

From what I understand, a genuine sanctuary allows visitors to observe elephants without touching or riding them.

Any facility that forces elephants to wear collars or perform in activities is not truly ethical.

Want to Know More? Read this step-by-step guide on how to pick an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand.

4. Relax with a Thai Massage – Is Thailand Worth Visiting?

Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage for the ultimate relaxation experience. 

Though I personally don’t find it incredibly relaxing, it’s definitely a budget-friendly way to unwind after a day backpacking Southeast Asia.

5. Embark on a Jungle Trek – Reasons to Visit Thailand

Strap on your hiking boots and set out on a jungle trek into the lush jungles of northern Thailand .

The exotic animals, hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking views you’ll find along the way will truly show you why Thailand is worth visiting even in 2024. 

Just be sure to pack plenty of bug spray!

6. Feast on Thai Street Food – Is Thailand Worth Visiting?

No trip to Thailand is truly complete without trying iconic Thai dishes like Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles) and Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup) from local eateries or street stalls.

Pro Tip:  Don’t be afraid to follow your nose and try some unknown Thai food —you might just discover your new favorite Thai dish!

Hungry already? Head over to Madison´s blog for everything you need to know about Thai food as a beginner.

7. Join an Island-Hopping Tour

Island hopping is one of the top reasons to visit Thailand, and it’s not hard to see why. 

Each Thai island offers something completely different , from the craziness of Phi Phi Island to the family-friendly Koh Samui or the remote Koh Yao Noi.

8. Experience the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan

If you’re into partying, you absolutely can’t miss out on the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan! It’s a must-do on any Thailand bucket list!

Picture thousands of young people from all over the world, dancing under the moonlight with neon paint glowing in the darkness. 

Insider Tip: Book your accommodation in advance as the island does get completely booked during the days before and after the party. 

9. Learn Scuba Diving in Koh Tao

Take the plunge and earn your scuba diving certification in the crystal-clear waters of Koh Tao.

This experience alone will make your trip to Thailand totally worth it! 

Koh Tao happens to be one of the most budget-friendly places in Southeast Asi a for getting certified. and you’ll be amazed by the coral reefs and exotic marine life you’ll encounter.

Scuba Diving Not for You? Discover 9 Fun Things to Do in the Pool this Summer!

10. Master Thai Cuisine with a Thai Cooking Class

If you’ve ever dreamed of whipping up your favorite Thai dishes in your own kitchen, a Thai cooking class is your chance to make it happen.

I had an absolute blast in Chiang Mai, mastering some iconic Thai recipes and then sitting down to eat them afterward. So, when you’re considering things to do in Thailand, definitely add it to your list!

Note: You might want to go easy on the spice if you actually plan on finishing your meal!

11. Witness a Muay Thai Fight 

Get ready to dive into the adrenaline-pumping action of Thailand’s national sport by catching a live Muay Thai match at a local stadium. 

It’s definitely a bucket list experience in Thailand but, I’ll be honest— I found it to be pretty intense and even a bit hard to watch at times. 

Feeling brave? You can even test your own skills in the ring on Phi Phi Island after a few buckets!

Now that you’re ready to book your trip, here are a few FAQs to help you plan your Thailand adventure:

How To Get To Thailand 

Getting to Thailand is relatively easy , and you’ve got a few options depending on where you’re coming from and your budget.

Here are some common ways to get there:

• By Air : Flying is the most common way to reach Thailand, especially if you’re traveling from far away. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket Airport are the two main gateways.
• By Land: If you’re already in a neighboring country like Cambodia, Laos, or Malaysia, you can cross into Thailand via bus, train or even a slow boat! 
• By Sea: For a unique experience, you can also arrive in Thailand by ferry from nearby islands or even cruise ships.

Good To Know: 8 Must-Know Airport Security Tips to Get Through It Faster in 2024

How To Get Around in Thailand 

Once you’re in Thailand, getting around is a breeze thanks to the country’s efficient transportation system.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Public Transport: Bangkok has a fantastic public transit system , including the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and an extensive network of buses. Grabs and tuk-tuks are also quite popular.
• Renting a Scooter: If you’re exploring smaller towns or rural areas, renting a scooter can be a convenient and fun way to get around.
• Domestic Flights : If you’re traveling long distances within Thailand, consider taking a domestic flight . It’s quick and affordable, especially if you book in advance.

You Might Also Like: +15 Essential Travel Apps for Getting Around Southeast Asia

Where To Stay In Thailand 

Thailand offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style.

Here are a few popular choices:

• Beach Resorts: If you’re headed to the islands or traveling Thailand with kids, why not splurge on a beachfront resort? Many offer stunning views, delicious food, and all the amenities you could ask for.
• Boutique Hotels: In cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, boutique hotels are a great choice for travelers who want something stylish and unique .
• Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers or those looking to meet fellow backpackers, hostels are a fantastic option. Many hostels in Thailand are clean, comfortable, and social, making them perfect for solo travelers or groups.

Best Time To Visit Thailand 

Thailand is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do and see. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

• Dry Season (November to April): This is the most popular time to visit Thailand, with clear skies and warm temperatures. It’s perfect for beach holidays, outdoor activities, and exploring cities.
• Monsoon Season (May to October): Even though it rains most days during this period, you can still have a great time in Thailand. Plus, you’ll encounter fewer crowds and lower prices on accommodations and tours.

How Long Can You Stay in Thailand

As a tourist, you can typically stay in Thailand for up to 30 days if you’re entering by air and 15 days if you’re entering by land. 

However , you can extend your stay by applying for a tourist visa or visa extension. 

Just make sure to check the latest visa regulations for your specific country before you travel.

Read Next: Sri Lanka Visa: Everything You Need To Know in 2024

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Thailand

Thailand is known for being an affordable destination, but your expenses will vary depending on your travel style and preferences.

Here’s a rough breakdown of costs:

• Accommodation : Budget travelers can find dorm beds or guesthouses for as little as $10-20 per night, while luxury resorts in Thailand can cost upwards of $200 or more per night.
• Food: Street food and local restaurant s are very affordable, with meals typically costing $1-5 per dish. If you prefer dining at upscale restaurants, expect to pay around $10-20 per meal.
• Transportation : Public transportation in Thailand is cheap and efficient, with fares starting at just a few cents for buses or trains. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also affordable, especially for short trips around town.
• Activities: Entrance fees for attractions and activities vary, but most are reasonably priced.

Is Thailand a Nice Place to Visit

Absolutely! Thailand is a beautiful and diverse country with something for everyone. 

Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples, relaxing on stunning beaches, or indulging in delicious street food, you’ll find it here.  

Plus, the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making it a joy to explore. 

Just remember to respect the local culture and customs, and you’re sure to have an amazing time.

Not Sure What to Pack for Thailand? Check Out My Beach Bag Essentials

So, is Thailand worth visiting? Absolutely! 

Whether you’re itching to explore ancient temples in Bangkok, relax at the beach in Krabi or make friends with elephants in Chiang Mai , there are just so many reasons to visit Thailand in 2024. 

With so many incredible things to do in Thailand, why hold back? Sawasdee krab!

P.S. Is Thailand on your travel bucket list? Why do you want to visit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!  

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I went to Thailand years ago and volunteered at a wildlife sanctuary. Was amazing but I didn’t get to do alot od the touristy stuff. This makes me want to go back!

Wowww! I wish I had thought about volunteering… it sounds amazing! But yes, you should go backk!

I wish I could explore more of Thailand, years ago I lived in Hong Kong, and visited Phuket on a weekend getaway, but I’d love to see the temples next time! Thanks for sharing the article!

Thanks for readinggg! I lived in China and absolutely loved it! Can´t wait to go back and explore more of this incredible continent!

I loved Thailand when I visited. Bangkok was awesome, and I had a guide for 2 days who showed me everything. I also visited Koh Samui which was paradise.

I haven´t been to Koh Samui yet! But also loveeee Bangkok even though most people hate it…

The food is enough to get me make multiple trips😊

I visited Thailand and had an amazing time. I think the pros and cons you detailed covered a great deal on whether or not you should visit. I can’t wait to go again, I loved island hopping, the beaches, and the friendliness I encountered.

You had me at #1, because of the food, but taking a thai class is perfect – and the island hopping sounds idyllic. All great reasons to visit!

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11 Reasons Why I Love Thailand (And Why You Need to Visit)

I’ve been to Thailand more times than I can count. I’ve lived in Bangkok twice, I’ve run tours through the country, and, if I stay away for more than a year, I feel as if a piece of me is missing.

I love Thailand.

It holds a special place in my heart.

People often ask me why I return to places I’ve already visited instead of exploring somewhere new. Well, that’s an easy answer: because I feel at home when I’m visiting them .

And Thailand is probably the one place outside of the United States where I feel most at home.

But why do I love Thailand so much? What makes it so special?

To shed some light on why this country holds a special place in my heart, here are 11 reasons why I love Thailand — and what you can look forward to when you travel there:  

1. The Delicious Food

All over the streets of Thailand, outdoor stalls serve up the cheapest and best meals you can find. You’ll be hunched over a bowl of noodles next to a little kid, office worker, and bank president. Street food in Thailand is the great equalizer and fundamental to Thai culture. No matter what time of the day it is, there’s always food available somewhere.

There are also tons of local markets you can tour to take in the local pace of life and sample the delicious food on offer.

Moreover, Thailand has developed world-class international food and boasts a few Michelin starred restaurants. Some of my favorite sushi restaurants are in Bangkok, and you can find amazing halal and Indian food in the downtown Sukhumvit area as well.

Thailand is a foodie’s dream.  

2. The Weather

(OK, that’s not entirely true. In January, I do wear a jacket. It gets pretty close to 20°C here. You can always tell the expats from the tourists in Bangkok because they are the ones wearing sweaters and jackets in January.)  

3. The Friendly Locals

I always feel safe in Thailand too. Thailand is one of the few countries I feel comfortable leaving my laptop out while I go to the bathroom.  

4. It’s the Perfect Travel Hub

You can get to a lot of places easily from Thailand, which, for a traveler like myself, is really appealing. You can generally find a cheap flight too!  

5. The Postcard-Perfect Tropical Islands

I particularly love Ko Chang , Ko Kood, Surin Island, Ko Adang, and Ko Lanta . The best islands are down south near the Malaysian border. They all look like the above picture.

As long as you avoid the super touristy and overdeveloped beaches (and there are many), you’ll find the postcard-perfect beaches you’ve already dreamed of!  

6. The Lush Jungles

And be sure not to miss Doi Inthanon National Park , the highest point in the country (the park is near Chiang Mai).

They may not be the wild and untamed jungles of some places in Borneo or the middle of Africa, but they still offer amazing views, dense forests, waterfalls to cool off in, and an interesting variety of wildlife.

7. The Global Atmosphere

Thailand is a melting pot of people, and you’ll find people from around the world. I’ve made friends here from France, Germany, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Israel, just to name a few.  

8. It’s Convenient

Thailand is just an easy place to live and move around in. And in Bangkok, you never have to wait for a taxi.  

Bangkok, it turns out, is an easy city to live in. There’s lots to do, plenty of events, great bars, and amazing food (see above), and it’s easy to get around (except during rush hour). I love cities where there’s always something to do. No matter what time of the day or day of the week, you can always find something to do in Bangkok.

I began to love Bangkok when I got to know it beyond the temples and the tourist trail. When I found hidden markets and amazing street stalls frequented only by locals, became friends with residents, and understood how it operated, I knew why people loved Bangkok so much.

While there are lots of day trips from the city (including the the famous Ayutthaya ), Bangkok is not a city for tourists.

It’s for residents.

Take some time here and enjoy it.  

10. It’s Cheap!

A few years back, I was telling my friend that after a month bouncing around the islands, I had spent around 40,000 THB ($1,400 USD). He was shocked! “How the hell could you spend so much money in one month!” he exclaimed.

If you’re traveling here on a backpacker’s budget, you can get by for about $30 USD a day.  

11. There’s Something for Everyone

Digital nomad? Head to Chiang Mai.

Looking for yoga? Head to Pai .

Want to escape the hectic cities? Go explore Isaan .

No matter what kind of trip you’re looking for, you can find it in Thailand!

When people ask me what my favorite country is, I always say Thailand . Though I wonder how you can pick a favorite country. Each one is amazing in its own right. No country is really better than another, just different.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Thailand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Bloom Cafe & Hostel (Ko Lipe)
• Julie Guesthouse (Chiang Mai)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Thailand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Thailand for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Is Thailand Worth Visiting? 21 Reasons to visit Thailand!!

Is Thailand worth visiting? 🏖 Yes, Thailand is undoubtedly worth a visit. Thailand offers world-class tropical beaches for beach lovers, a vibrant nightlife for party animals, affordable options for budget travelers, an abundance of adventure activities for adventurous souls and families, a plethora of romantic islands for honeymooners, and stunning landscapes and wildlife for nature lovers.

In other words, Thailand has something for everyone!!

Is Thailand Worth Visiting?

Thailand is a widely popular country endowed with breathtaking landscapes, culture, and history. It has risen to prominence as a major tourist destination in south east Asia. Thailand received nearly 40 million tourists in 2019, making it the world’s eighth most visited country.

There is a long list of reasons for Thailand’s popularity with tourists. However, in this article, we will discuss some of the most compelling reasons why Thailand is a must-visit destination. Therefore, let us take a look at the 21 compelling reasons why Thailand should be the first destination on your bucket list.

🔥 Related post : Bangkok in 3 days: A Perfect Itinerary for Budget Travellers in 2023

Rich and Vibrant Culture 🛕

Anyone visiting Thailand for the first time is captivated by the country’s vibrant culture. Culture and religion are critical components of the Thai people’s daily lives. Thailand has a Buddhist population of over 95% , which explains why the country has over 40,000 ancient Buddhist temples!!

Wherever you are in Thailand, you will see the enormous influence of culture and religion on every aspect of people’s lives. And this is precisely why Thailand is so fascinating!!

Thousands of temples, strange customs and traditions, eastern mythology, and traditional dramas will keep you occupied and fascinated for the duration of your visit.

You can visit thousands of colorful Buddhist temples or you can meet and take lessons from monks. Thailand is unquestionably an excellent place for exploring eastern culture, wisdom, and spirituality.

Wildest Nightlife Scene in the World 🕺🏻

Is Thailand worth visiting for Nightlife alone? Absolutely. There is absolutely no doubt that Thailand has the best nightlife in the world. Thailand is the world’s wildest party destination.

Thailand’s nightlife is unmatched in terms of energy and liveliness. During the day, you’ll find people exploring Thailand’s endless activities, from beaches to temples to elephant sanctuaries, but once the sun sets over the Thai skies, you’ll find energetic crowds in Thailand’s thousands of nightclubs dancing, drinking, and enjoying until the wee hours of the morning.

Thailand’s nightlife is characterized by beach parties, full moon parties, pool parties, night markets, foam parties, and cultural performances. Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket are some of the best places for party animals in Thailand.

World-class Tropical Beaches 🏖

Thailand is well-known for having some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Thailand has a coastline of over 3000 kilometers and is bounded on the east by the Gulf of Thailand and on the west by the Andaman Sea.

Additionally, Thailand owns over 1200 islands , many of which have a tropical climate. Thailand is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

The most important aspect of Thailand is that it has beaches for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a solo traveler, a family vacationer, a honeymooner, a party animal, or someone who enjoys a tranquil atmosphere; Thailand has beaches for everyone!!

Super Affordable

Thailand is widely regarded as one of the world’s most affordable travel destinations. Everything from transportation to lodging to food is far more affordable in Thailand than in other well-known tourist destinations around the world.

The majority of our travel budget is usually spent on lodging. Fortunately, Thailand has a wide range of accommodation options for every type of traveler, from budget to luxury.

Thailand is far more affordable than other parts of the world, whether you are a budget traveler, a family vacationer, or a honeymooner. We have provided average accommodation prices in Thailand in the table below.

Average Accommodation prices in Thailand

❤ Related : Maldives or Thailand for Honeymoon?

Hundreds of National Parks and Diverse Wildlife🐘

One of the things I love about Thailand is that it caters to all types of travelers. For beach lovers, there are world-class tropical beaches; for party animals, there is a vibrant nightlife; for culture lovers, there is a vibrant and colorful culture; and for nature lovers, there are lush green jungles and wildlife.

Thailand is home to over 10% of the world’s animals , making it an ideal destination for animal and nature enthusiasts. Thailand has over 100 national parks, many of which are quite popular with tourists. These national forests allow visitors to experience Thailand’s lush green landscapes and vibrant wildlife, which includes Tigers, Elephants, Bears, Deers, and Gibbons.

Elephant Sanctuaries- Walk and Live Among the Elephants 🐘

Obviously, a trip to Thailand would be incomplete without a visit to Thailand’s famous elephant sanctuaries. Elephants are Thailand’s national animal and one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

Elephants are highly intelligent animals that everyone enjoys seeing, from children to adults. Throughout Thailand, there are hundreds of elephant sanctuaries where you can walk alongside them, live alongside them, and help to take care for them. Elephant Nature Park , The Surin Project , and Elephant Haven are just a few of Thailand’s most ethical elephant sanctuaries.

Visit Outstanding The Wat Rong Khun or White Temple 🛕

Wat Ron Khun, also known as “ The white temple ” by tourists, is Chaing Mai’s most popular tourist attraction. This temple was designed by renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat to help remind of the Buddha’s teachings to visitors.

Each small detail in this white temple teaches us about the Buddha’s teachings and encourages us to set aside desires, greed, and worldly temptations in order to break free from the cycle of rebirth. Whether you are a spiritual person or not, this Chiang Mai temple is a must-see.

Visit Sanctuary of Truth and Learn the Buddhist philosophy ☸️

The Sanctuary of Truth is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations and the major tourist attraction in Pattaya. The Sanctuary of Truth is a 105-meter-tall teak-wooden museum dedicated to philosophy, art, and culture.

Outside and inside this museum, the intricate wood carving is mind-blowing, and every detail is infused with profound spiritual messages. The various sculptures in this museum convey a variety of spiritual messages and encourage us to live in a world of love and peace.

Bangkok Ocean World- See the colorful Marine Life 🐟

Bangkok Ocean World is Southeast Asia’s largest underwater aquarium . Especially if you’re traveling with children or family, this is a must-see place.

This underwater tunnel offers the opportunity to Bangkok’s vibrant and diverse marine life, which includes over 400 fish species.

❤ Related : Thailand Vs. Greece: Where Should You Go for Your Honeymoon?

Floating Markets of Bangkok ⛵

That’s right, you did read that correctly. In Bangkok, there are floating markets where farmers and vendors sell their goods from small wooden boats. These floating markets have existed for hundreds of years and have recently become popular tourist attractions.

It’s an awesome feeling to enter these floating markets in your own wooden boat and purchase fresh produce from the wooden boats of nearby Thai farmers. These floating markets not only provide an opportunity to purchase delectable local cuisine and inexpensive souvenirs but also get another perspective on authentic Thai culture and daily life.

❤ Related : Is Bangkok Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons to visit Bangkok!!

Visit the Ruins of Ayutthaya City ⛩️

Ayutthaya city is Thailand’s UNESCO world heritage site and a must-see destination for history and culture buffs. This city was founded in 1350 and quickly grew to become the center of Southeast Asian trade .

Indeed, numerous historians assert that Ayutthaya was the “ Venice of the East .” However, in 1767 , the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya, destroying the majority of the city.

Today, Ayutthaya is regarded as one of Asia’s most magnificent ruin cities. Visitors to Ayutthaya can explore the ruins of hundreds of ancient temples, Buddhist libraries, stupas⛩️, and palaces, which offer glimpses of the city’s forbidden glory and ancient culture.

Best Beach Parties in the World 🍻

Thailand is well-known for its stunning white-sand beaches, but it is also well-known for its wild beach parties. Thailand’s beach parties are legendary.

Dancing on Thailand’s white-sand beaches to the beat of pulsating music while enjoying delightful food, drinks, and a beautiful sunset is an unforgettable experience.

Phuket’s Kata and Karon beaches , as well as Koh Samui’s Chaweng beach , are some of the best beaches for party animals.

Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan- On in a Lifetime Experience 🎑

Thailand’s Koh Phangan is famous throughout the world for its wild full-moon parties. Nearly 30,000 people from all over the world descend on Koh Phangan on full moon night to experience one of the world’s wildest party scenes.

To brighten up dark nights, partygoers frequently apply neon paint to their faces or bodies. Partying on the white sandy beach of Koh Phangan in the moonlight with 30,000 energetic crowds is a mind-blowing experience. This place is definitely a haven for party animals.

Pool Parties 🍻

Pool parties are another popular attraction for partygoers in Thailand. Numerous beach clubs, hotels, and pool clubs host pool parties for the enjoyment of their guests. Bangkok, in particular, is the epicenter of Thailand’s pool party culture.

Delicious Thai Cuisine 🍣

Of course, how could you possibly ignore Thai cuisine!! Thai cuisine is one of the world’s most popular cuisines. It is influenced by cooking styles from India, China, and native Thailand.

Thai cuisines are not only delectable but also nutritious due to the abundance of vegetables. However, I will recommend that you try some delicious Thai street food. Thai street food is tasty and reasonably priced. Especially, if you are traveling in Thailand with friends or family, you must try Thai street food.

Go for Island Hopping 🏖

Thailand has a coastline of over 3000 kilometers and hundreds of tropical islands that boast some of the world’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. However, as previously stated, each Thai island is unique and offers a completely unique experience.

You can visit Koh Tao for world-class diving, Phuket for romance, Koh Phangan for wild full moon parties, or Koh Lanta for tranquil beaches; each island has its own distinct personality, which is why island hopping is also popular in Thailand.

Visit Historic Chiang Mai City ⛩

Chaing Mai is a must-see historic city in Thailand. It is a city defined by the harmonious coexistence of old temples and modern buildings.

Chiang Mai is a famous tourist destination for a multitude of reasons, including the presence of hundreds of old temples, eastern mysticism, lush green mountains and jungles, elephant sanctuaries, limitless adventure activities, and magnificent natural landscape.

Additionally, Ching Mai is one of Thailand’s least expensive cities. This is why Chiang Mai has quickly become one of the world’s most popular destinations for Digital Nomads .

Wat Arun- Thailand’s most Beautiful Temple 🛕

Wat Arun is widely regarded as Thailand’s most beautiful temple. Additionally, it is referred to as the “ Temple of the Dawn .” This temple is named after the Hindu god “ Aruna ” and represents Mount Meru , which according to Buddhist mythology is the center of the world.

This temple is a must-see for its outstanding architecture, exquisite decoration, and unique location along the riverbank.

Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan) ☸️

Khao Chi Chan is another remarkable spiritual destination in Thailand that you should not miss. Khao Chi Chan, or Buddha Mountain, is a 130-meter-tall and 70-meter-wide image of Buddha carved into the rock using laser technology and then filled with gold.

This is really a great place for spiritual people. Additionally, there is a small temple and lake at the base of this mountain, and the area surrounding the mountains is lush with vegetation.

Safari World Bangkok 🐅

Safari World Bangkok is Thailand’s largest and most popular zoo. It is approximately 40 kilometers from Bangkok. This park is divided into two sections: the Safari park and the Marine Park .

You’ll see hundreds of animals at the safari park, including lions, giraffes, gazelles, and rhinos, while at the marine park, you’ll learn about underwater wildlife.

Big Buddha, Phuket ☸️

So, is Thailand Worth Visiting?

Thailand is one of the few countries on the planet that truly caters to everyone!! Thailand is home to one of the world’s wildest nightlife scenes, world-class white-sand beaches, and vibrant and colorful culture that is difficult to find in other parts of the world.

Apart from its culture and beaches, Thailand is one of the most affordable travel destinations in the world. Thailand is, therefore, unquestionably worth a visit. It is one of the few places on Earth that possesses all of the characteristics of an ideal vacation destination.

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Best places to visit in thailand.

With a history that spans centuries and an exotic and friendly culture, Thailand welcomes travelers with white sand beaches, bustling cities and world-renowned culinary traditions. But with all that Thailand has to offer, you might be overwhelmed by where to head first. U.S. News considered attractions, seasonality, food options and more to determine the best places to visit in Thailand. Have a favorite? Vote below to help decide next year's list.

Railay Beach

Kanchanaburi province, khao sok national park, hua hin district, khao yai national park.

Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is a welcome reprieve from the commotion of Bangkok. Here, you'll be treated to beautiful, mountainous landscapes and an Old City full of historical temples, such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Venture outside of the city to Doi Suthep temple for sweeping views of the city below. Night markets are also a must-do in Chiang Mai, so pencil in time for the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (one of Thailand's oldest and most well-known night bazaars). And no matter what, leave time for a visit to Elephant Nature Park for some rest and relaxation with Thailand's gentle giants.

Thailand's capital city is nothing short of exhilarating. The city offers a hearty mix of big-city bustle and modern sights, such as the Jim Thompson House, alongside ancient attractions, including Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Just don't forget to pack modest clothing for visits to sacred sites, or you won't be admitted. While here, be sure to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market – one of the largest street markets in the world – and eat at some of Bangkok's more than 300,000 street food stalls (some Michelin starred). At night, take in the skyline by exploring the rooftop bar scene.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and also the most popular with travelers. The island draws visitors in with its many palm-fringed beaches and relatively low travel costs, including everything from food to hotels. Hit up highly regarded Patong Beach, party the night away in the Patong district or head inland to Phuket Old Town to experience more local culture and find cheaper lodging options. Complete your once-in-a-lifetime trip by taking a long-tail boat tour to other islands in the area to swim, snorkel or scuba dive.

Home to five-star resorts, amazing nightlife and some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches , the island of Ko Samui has something for everyone. When you're not lounging on the white sand, pamper yourself with a luxurious spa treatment, visit an elephant sanctuary or explore ancient temples like Wat Plai Laem and Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple. Save time in your schedule for a daytrip to nearby Ang Thong Marine Park, a 42-island archipelago that is accessible via speedboat. Here, travelers can kayak, snorkel and scuba dive.

Although the region was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Phang Nga has recovered and rebuilt. During the cool (though still relatively hot), dry season (from November to February), tourists descend upon the province to check out protected areas like Mu Ko Surin National Park, one of the best diving sites in Thailand. Hiking and snorkeling are also excellent ways to explore while admiring southern Thailand's natural beauty. Before leaving, don't forget to save time for a visit to Ao Phang-Nga National Park, famous for its caves, emerald green waters and the picturesque James Bond Island.

Railay Beach features four stunning stretches of sand to sink your toes into. Railay West and Phra Nang Beach are two of the peninsula's most popular beach spots, offering luxury resorts, soft sand and jaw-dropping views of limestone cliffs. Tonsai Beach is more laid-back and budget-friendly thanks to its quieter, more removed location. Meanwhile, Railay East, while not great for swimming, is where you'll find some of the area's best nightlife venues. Regardless of which beaches you choose to visit, you'll have access to some of Thailand's best rock climbing locations, plus various walking paths and coral reefs.

Trang's secluded beaches and stunning islands have made it an up-and-coming travel destination. The dramatic surrounding landscapes (think: lush jungles and limestone mountains) contrast beautifully against the beaches' white sands and crystal-clear waters. You can spend days island-hopping to see and do all that Trang has to offer. Top activities you may enjoy include snorkeling around Ko Kradan, swimming to a hidden beach cave on Ko Muk and wandering through Thung Khai Botanical Garden. And after you've gotten your fill of sun and sand, head to one of Trang's 10 districts to immerse yourself in Thai culture.

Ko Phi Phi features some of Thailand's most popular beaches. Phi Phi Don, the larger of the two main islands, is known for its lively party scene, hidden coves and deep coral reefs and gardens that are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Meanwhile, the smaller, uninhabited Phi Phi Leh is where you'll find verdant cliffs surrounding Maya Bay's beautiful beaches, which you may recognize from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie "The Beach." The best time to visit is between November and April, though be prepared for hordes of other visitors during this time.

Situated in northern Thailand, there are countless reasons to visit Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple) and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are two of the city's most popular cultural landmarks, but travelers should also save time for the incredible Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai's iconic all-white temple. After exploring Chiang Rai's architectural wonders, enjoy a boat tour of the Mae Kok River, go shopping at the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar or explore the Baan Dam Museum, a collection of buildings created by artist Thawan Duchanee.

Thailand's third-largest province captivates travelers with its natural beauty. Its diverse landscape – which features everything from seven-tiered waterfalls, rivers and mountains to Neolithic caves and national parks – is ideal for outdoor pursuits, including hiking and rafting. But a trip here wouldn't be complete without visiting some of the area's World War II sites, including the notorious Bridge over the River Kwai. Start your history lesson at the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, an interactive museum that tells the tragic story of how the Thailand-Burma Railway was built. Then, stop by the JEATH War Museum to see a replica of a prisoners-of-war camp.

Even if you don't consider yourself an outdoorsy person, a trip to Khao Sok National Park is sure to take your breath away. Home to limestone cliffs, awe-inspiring waterfalls and the world's oldest evergreen rainforest, Khao Sok is an incredibly bio-diverse area. Here, you'll find roughly 200 kinds of flora and many different animal species, including tigers, elephants and Southern pig-tailed macaques (monkeys). The park sees a lot of rainfall year-round, so for the best chance of staying dry, time your visit during the dry season, which runs from December to April.

For a vacation full of rich cultural attractions, head to Lampang. Sitting about 70 miles southeast of Chiang Mai, Lampang is known for its horse-drawn carriages, authentic Thai cuisine and ornate temples, including the ancient Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang. Spend some time browsing for souvenirs along Kad Kong Ta, a thoroughfare that turns into a street market on weekends, or learn about the production of the chicken bowl at the Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum. For a one-of-a-kind experience, head to nearby Chae Son National Park, where tourists boil eggs in the park's natural hot springs.

A popular resort destination along the Gulf of Thailand, the Hua Hin District offers a full roster of activities to pick from (think: water parks, golf courses and night markets). Visitors can ride banana boats at Hua Hin Beach or enjoy the views from the top of Khao Takiap hill (just beware the resident wild monkeys). Hua Hin also serves as an excellent jumping off point for daytrips – spectacular sights like the Phraya Nakhon Cave and Kaeng Krachan National Park, the largest national park in Thailand, are located less than 40 miles outside of the city center.

Khao Yai National Park boasts a number of impressive superlatives: It's the oldest and most-visited national park in Thailand, the country's third-largest national park and one of mainland Asia's largest intact monsoon forests. Plus, this stunning national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features more than 30 miles of hiking trails, some of which lead to breathtaking waterfalls. Keep in mind, though that guides are required for most of the trails. While exploring, you may spot some of Khao Yai's wild residents, including elephants, sun bears and several species of hornbills.

Named Ko Chang (or "Elephant Island" in Thai) because of its elephant-shaped headland, this large island is more secluded than Phuket but no less beautiful. Its west coast is dotted with stunning coastlines (some sandy, some rocky), small towns and a variety of accommodation options, while its interior offers tropical jungles and gushing waterfalls to trek through and to. But remember, Ko Chang's tourism infrastructure isn't as well developed as other Thai islands, so getting here is a bit more of a trek.

Located in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border, Hat Yai is a popular stopover for tourists traveling between the two countries. This cosmopolitan city is a premier shopping hub, boasting several malls, night bazaars and a unique floating market, where travelers can purchase local delicacies and goods from vendors stationed in small boats along a canal. When you're not bargaining for the best price, check out the impressive Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol, a temple constructed entirely out of stainless steel. Another can't-miss tourist attraction in Hat Yai is the towering statue Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj, which sits within Hat Yai Municipal Park.

This northeast Thai city is ideal for travelers who prefer a jam-packed vacation itinerary. Start off with a visit to the temple Wat Phothisomphon, then learn about Udon Thani's Chinese heritage at the Thai-Chinese Cultural Center. Other travelers will want to prioritize Udon Thani's natural wonders, which include Nong Prachak Public Park and serene Red Lotus Lake. While you're here, considering making a daytrip to nearby Ban Chiang, a Bronze Age UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important prehistoric settlements in Southeast Asia.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

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Pattaya City

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65 Things To Know Before Traveling to Thailand in 2024

Since I lived, traveled, partied, visited, explored and adventured in Thailand more than 20 times, trust me this is the most comprehensive Thailand travel tips guide that you will find on the internet. Let me help you getting started for your trip to Thailand with info about: things to do and not do, cultural guidelines, places to visit, standard travel tips, how to get around and everything else you need to know when visiting Thailand.

In this Thailand travel blog you will find many handy links to more detailed articles like: buying a prepaid tourist sim card for Thailand in 2024   packing list for Thailand , a guide to the  best Thai Street Food , loads of hotel recommendations, Ultimate Thailand itineraries ,  island hopping in Thailand , finding domestic flights in Thailand , renting a motorbike in Thailand  and many more.

What do you need to travel to Thailand? A passport that is valid for at least another 6 months upon entry into Thailand. Most Western countries get a stamp in their passports upon arrival that permits them to stay up to 30 days. If you arrive over land, until December 2016 would only get a 15-day visa, but luckily things changed. Nowadays you also get a 30-day visa if you enter Thailand over land.

Be aware that you can only do two over land crossings per year!

Overstaying your visa is not recommended, but if it is only a couple days you have to pay a 500 THB ($16) fine per day. It happened to me a couple times and it takes 15 minutes extra at the airport. After you pay you get a lot of stamps in your passport and you are good to go. Be careful with this practice though, Im am not recommending you to do so.

Visa runs are pretty common and extending your visa is common too. You pay about $50 at one of the many immigration offices and it will be fixes in just 15 minutes. Bring 2 passport size photos. There are immigration offices in: Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket, Chiang Mai.

On Wikipedia you can find all the exact info for the Thai Visa Policy , as well as the below map to make it easier for you.

If you want to stay longer you can apply for a 2-month tourist visa at any embassy around the world. I have done that a couple times as well so you have enough time to check out all the cool places to visit in Thailand. There is now also the e-visa for Thailand.

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Most travelers stay 2 weeks in Thailand  and therefore I created 4 different itineraries to see the best tourist spots in the country. Check the link. Curious how I always find the cheapest domestic flights in Thailand ? In this blog post, I show you all the 8 Thailand low-cost airlines and how to find the best tickets for traveling around Thailand.

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2. Best time to visit Thailand

It is always a good idea to travel to Thailand, but what is the best time and when is the rainy season? The official rainy season is from July till end of October. It does not mean these months are a no-go. I have been in Thailand in almost every month and yes there are some heavy rain showers in the rainy season, but they are not too long. If you want the best Instagram pictures of Thailand then it is advisable to come between December and April.

3. Weather in Thailand

IIn most popular tourist destinations in Thailand it does not get extremely hot. Max temperature will hardly exceed 35 degrees (95 F) On the islands temperatures are generally much milder and temperatures hardly reach above 32 degrees (90 F). On top there is always a breeze or the ocean to cool you off. But hey who does not love a tropical climate?

The weather is for most people actually one of the main reasons to travel to Thailand and even when it rains there are a lot of cool things to do. Rain can come unexpectedly even in the dry season, therefore just always carry light rain jackets in your backpack. But more about what to pack for Thailand later.

For more details about the average temperatures and rainfall per month in Thailand I recommend you having a look at this Climate Data website , they have all the exact details.

4. Currency in Thailand

In Thailand they use the Thai Baht and 1 US dollar is about 35 Thai Baht. Obviously the currency exchange changes over time, but in general the Thai Baht is pretty stable. In 2009 I got 48 Baht for my Euro but the last years it is pretty stable around 38-40 THB. Can you use the US dollar in Thailand? It is recommended not to use US dollars when you travel to Thailand, always have local currency on you. There are ATMs everywhere and basically everywhere you can change your dollars into Thai Baht.

ATMs in Thailand charge 220 THB for withdrawing money, it is a standard fee all around Thailand at every ATM. Only Aeon Banks charge a smaller fee of 150 THB. 

5. Things to bring when visiting Thailand

If you are planning to go to backpacking in Thailand you basically don’t need much. Definitely put sunscreen, flipflops, beach wear and bug spray on your Thailand packing list . Click on the link to see all the 40 items I recommend you to bring. Later I will also talk about shopping and then you will find out that everything you forget you can buy in Thailand. Shopping is a reason to travel to Thailand for many people.

6. Travel adapter for Thailand

Thailand was one of the first countries where I found the all-you-can-eat electric sockets. All upscale places have sockets where you can plug almost all electric devices from Australia, Europe, UK and US. Just in case I always travel with a travel adapter .

7. Vaccinations for Thailand

Of course the Covid-19 pandemic changed a lot, but luckily it was all temporary and as of 2024 tourists visiting Thailand do NOT need to show any kind of vaccination against Covid-19.

When it comes down to all the optional shots you are asking the wrong guy. In all my trips to Thailand I have never taken any special vaccinations or malaria pills or whatsoever.

But when you go on a Thailand vacation make sure you have vaccinations for the standard childhood diseases like Tetanus, Diphtheria and Measles. I also got shots against Hepatitis A+B, but not specially for Thailand.

Afraid for Malaria in Thailand? There is no need to as the risk of getting malaria in Thailand is very low and even off the beaten track in Thailand there is hardly any risk. The exact same thing counts for yellow fever, no special need for that either.

8. Is it safe to travel to Thailand

Thailand is very safe for tourists! Every country has its problems and many people don’t even know that the army officially is in power, but as a tourist there are hardly any dangers. With millions of people a year traveling to Thailand the country knows that safety is an important issue and they are doing there utmost best to maintain this safe environment for tourists.

No need to hide the ugly truth either about the Koh Tao Murders that happened only a couple hundred meters away from where I was celebrating my birthday that night. But genuinely in all my 17 times I have been on a trip to Thailand I did not have a single problem. Read my full article about how safe it is to travel to Thailand and let me explain the risks, dangers and scams and how to avoid them.

Be a guest in their country, respect their values and don’t act like an ignorant tourist!

9. Medical marijuana is legalized in Thailand

Don't get too excited guys, we are talking about medical marijuana. Possession of recreational marijuana is officially still punished with 5 years jail time plus a fine up to $3000. However, that is what the law says. In reality things are VERY different!

On my recent trip to Thailand I was shocked how easily you can buy marijuana everywhere in Bangkok and Phuket. There are cannabis stores and signs everywhere in the tourist hotspots. Legit stores with bongs, cookies, quality legalized marijuana, everything! As if you are in Amsterdam!

Thailand was very progressive for a Southeast Asian country legalizing medical marijuana and since 2021 already the leaves and the plant are taken off the drug list. That led to the first Cannabis Cafe opening in Bangkok at the Prachin Buri Hospital: Taste of Ganja !

Now in 2024 it is very easy to buy cannabis in Thailand and there is not need to be worried about smoking a joint in the streets.

However, it is still adviced NOT to travel with cannabis in your possession! Be mindful, buy it, use it but don't posses large quantities because you can still get into a lot of trouble!

RELATED:  68 Funny Facts about Thailand !

10. Country of Smiles

What to know about the culture when you visit Thailand?

On top of all these amazing things to see and do, the Thai culture should also be one of the reasons you want to travel to Thailand. The combination of the Thai lifestyle, the food, the Buddhism, the people, the magical islands and the inspiring temples make it why they call this the country of Smiles. The capital is a melt pot of cultures, which makes it that there are some amazing places to see in Bangkok .

Thailand’s nickname says enough! This country is all about its smiles and it is one of the pillars of The Thailand tourism industry. On the banana pancake trail, the most popular island hopping route in Thailand, you will find some fierce Thai people dealing with annoying tourists every day and yes they are grumpy. But this does not mean you can generalize a whole country. Thailand is among the friendliest nations around the world and they are always willing to help out a stranger.

11. Late King is God

The King of Thailand was the longest reigning king in the world, but unfortunately died in October 2016. The Thai King was and still is like a God for Thai people, so never mention anything negative about him. After he died the country mourned for 1 year!

12. Don’t touch people’s head

Another thing that is sacred in Thai culture is the head. I am not sure why you are willing to touch someones head anyway, but don’t poke a Thai guys head on your Thailand vacation. ;)

13. Temple heaven

A Thailand holiday is not complete when you haven’t crossed off a whole list of temples. Thailand is not only the land of smiles but also the one and only place to go from temple to temple. Only in Bangkok there are so many temples that you might be templed-out already after a couple days. Visiting the Grand Palace is a must do in Bangkok though. And don’t forget the white temple in Chiang Rai or the ones at Ayutthaya.

Don't just stick to the top 10 things to do in Bangkok , have a look at my list of 13 unusual things to do in Bangkok .

How to get around Thailand

Worth of mouth brought me to the transportation search engine website of 12Go Asia and it was a blessing for traveling around Thailand. Their search engine shows you all the available options on any given route.

So if you want to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai you simply type it into the search engine and they give you all the options available, so bus tickets, train tickets and even domestic flights. You will find timetables, prices, trip duration, different companies and everything else you need to know. Try it below!

One of the best things about booking your bus, boat and train tickets online is that it saves you the hassle of dealing with street vendors and paper tickets. Simply search it, book it and show up. Easy and reliable I used it million times and never had a problem.

14. Take off your shoes

A vital travel tip for Thailand is to take off your shoes when being asked. It is a rule of etiquette to leave your shoes outside a local home, small shops or authentic restaurants. Now you know why you see all these shoes in front of places on your Thailand trip.

What shoes to bring to Thailand?

Please leave your hiking boots at home when traveling to Thailand! This is not Nepal. Hiking shoes are the most overrated travel item for Thailand. Yes, there is some cool hiking in Thailand, but the trails are very easy. Why would you bring hiking shoes for a 2-week trip to Thailand when you wear them may be one time? It is useless! Just bring comfortable travel shoes like: runners or sneakers.

15. Buddha statues

The main religion in this country is Buddhism and on your Thailand trip I am sure you are probably going to visit multiple Buddha statues. There are many different ones: sitting, golden, white, laying, standing, wooden, etc. The most famous is Wat Pho in Bangkok, the white one in Phuket and the sitting one in Koh Samui. A secret Thailand travel tip is Wat Muang, the 92 meter tall Buddha just 150km north of Bangkok.

Be aware that export any kind of Buddha images and statues is forbidden by law. Check for more info about things to avoid when visiting Thailand my article about Thailand safety issues .

16. Muay Thai

Of course Thai Boxing is the number one sport. This martial art is like kickboxing but includes elbows and knees. Attending a Muay Thai show is one of those unique things to do in Thailand on your vacation. In all tourists spots in Thailand you will find a show nearby.

If you fancy getting into Muay Thai training then have a look at TIger Muay Thai , I once inquired about following one of their weekly training programs, but due to Corona Pandemic it all got cancelled. They are located in Phuket and well known around Thailand.

Looking for a long list of amazing things to do in Thailand? Then be inspired by all these Thailand tour packages around the country. Click on the link to find: quad biking, zip lining, mountain biking, rock climbing, jet ski, canopy, bungy jumping, abseiling, caving, hot air ballooning and much more.

17. Local markets

Wherever your Thailand trip takes you, local markets are always around. If you like shopping go to the ones where they sell fake sunglasses, fake branded underwear and clothes. But if you want a real experience go to the ones where they sell vegetables, fruits, animals and fish. These places are the ultimate occasions to mingle with locals and see how the Thai people live.

18. Thai Food

This will pop up in every Thailand travel blog and honestly, who does not love Thai food? It is one of the reasons that make traveling to Thailand so excited for me. Thai food is renowned all around the world, but definitely tastes the best in Thailand itself. Be careful with ordering spicy food if you are not used to it. (no spicy = mai phet)

19. Thai Street food

There is no better street food scene than in the land of smiles. Asia is heaven for street food, but Thailand is the best when it comes down to finding delicious food on every street corner. You will never have to walk far to stumble upon a street vendor. The food is delicious, it will be prepared per order and very important it can be trusted!

Can you trust the street food in Thailand? HELL YES you can! Don’t let all those Thailand travel guides tell you to be careful with street food. I probably ate on the streets about a thousand times and I NEVER got sick.

RELATED: check out my article about the 25 Best Street Food Dishes in Thailand .

I you go backpacking in Thailand street food is a cheap way to feed you on a daily basis, but be aware that there is a lot of MSG in Thai street food. Order it without MSG by saying ‘Mai Sai Phong Churot’ .

20. Songkran

Cool Festivals to attend on your trip to Thailand! One of the best Thailand tips is to plan your trip around this incredible festival between 13 and 15 April. During Songkran, Thai New Year, everyone throws water at each other, which is a symbol for washing away sins and bad luck. Streets are closed for traffic and Bangkok becomes one big playground. Buy some goggles and a water pistol and feel like a kid again. Trust me Songkran is a reason to visit Thailand!

21. Yi Peng - Lantern festival in Chiang Mai

For some reason I completely missed the opportunity of going to the famous Latern Festival in Chiang Mai. One of my biggest travel mistakes. This incredible event has been on my bucketlist for a long time now and is the main reason for some tourists to plan a trip to Thailand. Thousands of lanterns are going up in the air to release bad vibes and have a fresh start. The festival is held around mid November, but varies every year.

Unfortunately I have never been myself, but click on the link to get to know everything about the Yee Peng festival .

Costs of traveling around Thailand

Are you curious how much it cost to travel around Thailand by boat, bus and train? Check the transportation search engine of 12Go Asia . Even domestic flight can be found here.

Here are some examples:

• Bus from Bangkok to Phuket: 12 hours - $20
• Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: 11 hours - $27
• Boat from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: 2 hours - $25

22. Loi Krathong - Lantern Festival Bangkok

On the exact same date Loi Krathong is celebrated in Bangkok. I have been experienced it and the streets are packed with people bringing floating offers to the river. They do this to let go of all their sins and start from scratch. The streets are packed, it is one beautiful chaos and you won't regret being out and about. Get lost in the city that night, it is magical.

23. Full moon party

While looking for Thailand travel tips I am sure you found out about the famous Full Moon party in Koh Phangan. This monthly returning festival is an incredibly popular beach party and listed in every travel guide for Thailand. Dance on the beach during full moon all the way till sunrise with up to 40,000 people. If you decide to go to Koh Phangan also consider the Half Moon or the Jungle Party, read more about that later or click on the link to read about my experiences partying in Koh Phangan .

I have been 4 times now and yes it is good fun, but there are also downsides. Read about it in the link above so that you don't have too high expectations.

24. Nightlife in Thailand

There are also a lot of things to know about nightlife in Thailand. For a lot of youngsters the nightlife is one of the reasons to visit Thailand and that is completely understandable. Bangkok is always a good idea for a night out and one of the most popular places to go are obviously Koa San Road or Soi 11 in Sukhumvit.

Where there is a beach in Thailand there is a party. Some islands have beach parties every evening, check out which islands have the best nightlife in my island hopping Thailand guide . The nightlife in Koh Tao and Koh Phi Phi is among my favorites.

25. Beach parties

Famous or infamous I like them! I have been to many beach parties in Thailand and I admit they are far from classy but still massive fun. If you are with a group of friends you will talk about it for years, memories for a lifetime. A trip to Thailand is not complete without a beach party in either Koh Phangan or Koh Phi Phi.

Looking for a Thailand itinerary including parties ? Click on the link to read my Thailand travel blog about it.  Get your funny festival outfits for those crazy nights in Thailand!

26. Jungle Parties

For the best jungle parties in Thailand you have to be in Koh Phangan. One of the best Thailand tips I ever got was when I heard about the Half Moon Party in Koh Phangan . This amazing party is held in the most amazing jungle setting. You won’t find any better outdoor party. If you are backpacking through Thailand put this on your list of things to do.

27. Pool Parties in Bangkok

What would Bangkok be without a good pool party? There are two kinds of pool parties in this city; the high-energy type that is packed with models and the city’s most beautiful people and those that are basically a lot of fun and laid back. Whatever mood you’re in, every weekend there is a pool party in Bangkok. This is a must do when you like to party and travel to Bangkok.

Planning you trip to Thailand? Then make sure you are in Bangkok on a Saturday, because that is when the famous Bangkok pool parties take place. Where?

• 1st Saturday of the month: W Bangkok and Ambar Pool Party
• 2nd Saturday of the month: Blast Pool Party + Epic Pool Party
• 3rd Saturday of the month: Westin Pool Party at Westin Sukhumvit
• Last Saturday of the month: So Pool Party at the So Sofitel

28. Ladyboy show

There is no country like Thailand when it comes to ladyboys! I am pretty sure for most of us that is not a reason to travel to Thailand, but attending a ladyboy show is surely worth the entertainment. Attending a ladyboy show in Koh Tao was great fun with a group of friends.

29. Pingpong show

Another infamous reason, but so high on many travelers list of things to do in Thailand! Loads of people will not admit it, but almost everyone sooner or later ends up at a pingpong show. Its name basically comes from ladies shooting pingpong balls in the audience in a very special way and there is a list of many more tricks these ladies are able to preform with their magic box! :)

30. Naked Sushi for dinner

Everything is possible on your trip to Thailand and Naked Sushi is one of the weird things to do in Bangkok  (click on the link to see my complete list of unusual things to do in Bangkok). Basically, sushi is placed upon the naked body of a girl lying down on the middle of the table. And then you eat it off of her.

The girl will be completely naked except for a few strategically placed banana leaves. Of course you can’t use chopsticks so you have to use your mouth. Check out the link for a full review. Never seen in any other Thailand travel blog. :)

31. Tuktuks

We are not even half-way through all my tips for Thailand! Following now are some general tips to make the most of your trip!

When you think about a trip to Thailand, you think about the funny tricycles called Tuktuks. Some of them have an interior better than some modern discos. What to do in Thailand when you are drunk and want to go home? Jump in a Tuktuk. Drivers are funny and always up for a laugh, but mind you that prices for a ride are up to 5 times more than what they should cost with Uber. But at least it is a cool experience!

32. Uber in Thailand is Grab Taxi

If you don’t have Grab Taxi yet, start downloading it for your Thailand vacation. Grab is the way to go around. Taxi’s will most of the times try to screw you over, so skip all the hassle and order a Grab Taxi straight from the app. For a long time there Uber in Thailand, but lately Grab Taxi took over Uber. This is my favorite way of how to get around Thailand.

33. Renting a motorbike in Thailand

Thailand is not the country of motorbikes that is Vietnam, but even in Thailand driving a motorbike across the country is a fantastic experience, especially in the north. Even for short day trips renting a motorbike in Thailand is so much more fun than booking a tour. A motorbike does not cost more than $5 a day, but be aware not to get scammed. Read more info about it in the link.

34. Easy to travel in Thailand

Because this is the most popular country to travel for youngsters there are uncountable businesses that try to make money of the tourism industry. Therefore you can find a travel agency or tour desk on every street corner. Even when you go for ice cream they will also sell you a boat tickets. There is no need to make a detailed plan if you travel to Thailand. If you want some ideas I created 4 different itineraries with things to do in Thailand (beaches, temples, parties and culture) , click on the link.

35. Making friends

One of the highlights about a trip to Thailand is that you are going to make friends for life. There are so many travelers around that meeting likeminded people is kind of guaranteed and there is no reason to be afraid to end up lonely in Thailand. Fellow travelers you randomly meet will tell you where to go in Thailand, they give you island hopping tips, they tell you about the best places to stay and with some you might end up traveling around the country or fall in love! :) Looking for friends? Travel to Thailand!

36. Backpacking Thailand is heaven for solo travelers

If you are looking for the best country for solo travelers then stop searching. Thailand is the number one backpacking country in the world simply because all of these reasons I am summing up to travel to Thailand. It has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday plus traveling is made easy because of the well-organized transportation network. There are a ton of hostels in Thailand where it is easy to connect with fellow travelers.

37. Banana Pancake Trail

For many travelers Thailand is the starting and ending point on a trip through South East Asia, also called the Banana Pancake Trail. Bangkok is the perfect hub to visit the surrounding countries Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia. In my Thailand itineraries blog I also created a perfect island hopping itinerary from Thailand to Malaysia .

38. Travel to Thailand on a budget

Thailand is budget friendly and that is of course why a lot of young people travel to Thailand after their studies. With a small budget you can get really far and even luxury is affordable. So how much does a trip to Thailand cost? That totally depends on what you want to spend. There are bars where a cocktail costs $2 USD but you can also find rooftop bars where cocktails cost $25 USD.

Click on the link for a breakdown of prices in Thailand for traveling, food, restaurants, transportation, accommodation, drinks, etc.

Looking for the best prices for bus, train and boat tickets? Check online via 12Go Asia, a reliable source for your Thailand transportation. Try it below!

You will see all the options for traveling Thailand on a budget, including domestic flights in Thailand , which are often even cheaper than long bus rides.

39. Affordable Luxury

Like I just said even if you are a luxury traveler a trip to Thailand will suit you. Thailand tourism is doing really well because the value for money is amazing in this country. There are a ton of 5 star hotels in Thailand and one is even more fantastic than the other. Some locations are over the top expensive like Koh Samui and Phuket but in the rest of Thailand you can easily find 5 star hotels for around $100 per room per night. No hidden fees, simply affordable luxury. A luxury Thailand holiday does not have to be expensive!

Find amazing 5 star hotels for just $100 per night in Bangkok . Who does not want to travel in style and not pay a fortune?

Make your trip to Thailand much more convenient by staying connected. There are amazing e-sim cards for Thailand. Check out my guide with everything you need to know about using e-sim cards when traveling to Thailand .

40. Thai Massages

A Thailand vacation is not complete without a Thai massage. Honestly I am not a fan of a Thai massage and I always opt for an oil massage, mostly called Swedish massage in Thailand. The great thing about Thai massages is that an hour massage will cost you around $8 USD only in the cheaper places. That means you can get one every day if you want to.

Don’t be scared you are going to be touched at places you don’t want to! Places with happy end massages simply look different, so choose your spot carefully.

41. Stay away from crazy monkeys

Another important thing to know when you travel to Thailand is about the monkeys. They may look cute but they aren’t the most humble ones in the world. They are so used to tourists that they became rude. There is no need to be afraid for them, but please approach with care. They are guaranteed for funny scenes though as they will climb up to people and steal sunglasses, hats, cameras, backpacks, etc. You are warned! Don’t let a monkey ruin your Thailand holiday!

42. Visit the Thai Islands

Now let me give you some ideas where to go and what to see in Thailand.

Talking about island hopping in Thailand , the gorgeous islands made Thailand tourism one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world . Pictures of the pristine beaches, the karst mountains and the traditional longtail boats have gone viral all over the internet. Island hopping is one of the best things to do in Thailand, click on the link for all my tips.

43. Visit the BEAUTIFUL Thai Beaches

Needless to say that the picture perfect white sand beaches are one of the main reasons people want to go island hopping in Thailand . Be careful though! Not all beaches are like what you see in pictures. Instagram is a bitch! ;) A down side, of traveling to Thailand being so popular, is its mass tourism. Make sure you know where to go in Thailand and do some research before your trip to find those unspoiled beaches. Find out which are the best islands to visit in Thailand in this link.

Two beaches in Krabi I definitely recommend visiting are: Tonsai Beach and Railay Beach .

44. Bangkok is unique

Crazy Bangkok! There is of course a reason the Hangover 2 was shot in Bangkok. Nights out here can get crazy. Bangkok never sleeps and during the day there are many things to do in Bangkok, but at nighttime the city really comes alive. During the day you should explore the temples, the canals, Chinatown, the backpackers area, the river, the markets and its shopping malls.

When the sun starts to go down grab a cocktail on a rooftop and end up partying till the sun comes up. This city is unique in its kind. I have lived on and off in Thailand between 2013 and 2016 and Bangkok was my base. I miss this city! Check out my top 10 things to do in Bangkok  or 13 unusual things to do in Bangkok .

45. Visit Khao Sok National Park

One of the coolest things to do in Thailand when you are looking for an adventure is to head to Khao Sok National Park. Stay overnight in this amazing green oasis and enjoy the peaceful nights watching stars from the balcony over your bungalow on the water. Go kayaking, hiking or even camping in the jungle.

46. National Park Ang Thong

In total 42 little green rock islands surrounded by shallow sea is what National Park Ang Thong is made of. One of the most amazing things to do in Thailand is to hike up to the viewpoint for an exceptional view over this natural beauty. Luckily it is a protected area and there are no hotels. Staying overnight in Ang Thong is possible if you are backpacking Thailand. This secret travel tip is for the die-hard traveler as there is no hot water and almost no electricity, but there are some tents for rent at the park headquarters in Koh Wua Talab.

Click on the link to find day trips to Ang Thong National Park from Koh Samui .

47. Khao San Road - Most Famous Backpack Street in the World

A lot of countries have a famous street, which somehow turned into a tourist attraction. In Thailand that is Khao San Road, probably the most famous backpacking street in the world. Two Mc Donald’s, two Starbuck’s and two Burger Kings in a 500 meter long street does not sound like a reason to travel to Thailand, but this street is a unique experience. The uncountable street vendors, market stalls, restaurants, massage salons, bars, clubs and souvenirs shops make this one of the most bustling streets in the world. It is the heart of Thailand tourism.

48. Maeklong Railway Market

This is a small authentic market set on the railway tracks. One minute there is a bustling market under umbrellas with stalls scattered everywhere. The next minute a train passes right through the middle of it all, only to turn back into a market a few minutes later. The train market is open 7 days a week from 6.20 am to 5.40 pm. That is matching the schedule of first train departing to the last train arriving at Maeklong Station. Truly something amazing to experience! Put it on the list of places to visit in Thailand.

49. Jungle trekking

Need some ideas on what to do when you travel to Thailand?

It is not all about beaches in Thailand. The hilly countryside of Chiang Mai is perfect to go for trekking. There are 3 jungle trekking tours / hiking tours in Chiang Mai I recommend in particular: the Kew Mae Pan Nature trail, hiking in the Chaeson National Park, hiking in Doi Inthanon National Park .

There are much more things to do in Chiang Mai than only jungle trekking tours. What about rafting on the Mae Taeng , mountain biking in Doi Suthep National Park, wakeboarding or even a quad biking tour at Huey Tung Tao Lake or in Mae Taeng.

50. Get your Open Water (PADI)

Learning how to scuba dive is one of the best things to do in Thailand. The dive community on the islands is huge and you will find dive schools everywhere. The conditions are perfect for first time divers and on top of that it is among the cheapest places in the world to get certified, especially on my favorite island in Thailand: Koh Tao . Click on the link to read everything about this little gem. Learn how to scuba dive is a popular activity for those backpacking Thailand.

51. Scuba diving

Even if you are an experienced scuba diver a Thailand trip is worth it for its underwater world. With so many islands it is obvious that there are many cool places to go scuba diving in Thailand. For experienced divers I would recommend dive sites like Sail Rock and Chumporn Pinnacle close to Koh Tao, the Similan Islands, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

The best place to visit in Thailand for scuba diving is Koh Tao. Read here my complete island guide: Best Things To Do in Koh Tao .

Check out this blog post with a Thai domestic flight search guide. Tips on how to find cheap flight deals for traveling around Thailand.

52. Snorkeling

Not everyone is a fan of scuba diving and don’t worry Thailand has also plenty of snorkeling options all around the islands. Just rent a snorkel set and head out by yourself or hop on of the many snorkeling day trips that are offered on every island. Need help making an island hopping Thailand itinerary ? Click on the link! I created 4 different 1-week itineraries, which you can all combine if you want to island hop for a month.

53. Swim with Whale Sharks

Tempted to swim with the biggest fish in the ocean? Don't worry, this 8-12 meter long shark is harmless. It only eats plankton and move gently through the ocean. If you are lucky you can see them when diving in Koh Tao. I have seen several and it is an unbelievable experience. Best dive sites in Thailand to see whale sharks are: Sail Rock between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, Chumporn Pinnacle in Koh Tao and Southwest Pinnacle also in Koh Tao.

54. Tab Kak Hang Nak Hike - Best Hike in Thailand

If you are looking for some adventure on your Thailand trip and want to see one of the coolest places to visit in Thailand then definitely put this on your list. To me this is one of the best things to do as I love adventure. I am sure the photo says it all.

The hike through the forest is not easy and it even includes some climbing, but the views from the top are rewarding. Don’t underestimate this tourist attraction. Many Thailand travel blogs will tell you how amazing it is, but they forget to tell you that climbing to the top is very hard!

55. Shopping

With so many markets there is no need to tell you that Thailand is a shopping heaven. If you are a shopaholic I am sure your Thailand holiday will be a success. You will surely love getting lost in Siam and Sukhumvit where one shopping mall is lined up next to the other.

But not only in the capital, everywhere you go in the country souvenirs and other stuff will be thrown at you. The best places to visit in Thailand for shopping are in Bangkok: Chinatown, Asiatique, Siam Square, Patpong Night Market, floating markets, Happy Land Junction.

56. Sunset cocktails

No matter if you are in Bangkok in Chiang Mai or on one of the islands, sunsets in Thailand are spectacular! Sipping a happy hour cocktail on the rooftop watching the sun go down over the bustling city is one of the best things to do in Bangkok .

With your feet in the sand watching the sun go down in the ocean is not bad either, right? The colors of Thai sunsets vary to such amazing extremes that through the course of this daily phenomenon, it can seem like a completely different sunset just a couple minutes later.

57. Swim with elephants

I have still never done it myself but I have seen so many incredible photos of people having the time of their life bathing with elephants. Please note that not all of these elephant sanctuaries are what they say they are and please do some research where to go in Thailand before signing up to visit one of these elephant sanctuaries. Another secret Thailand travel tip is to spend the night in an elephant rescue home and get to spend lots of time with the animals. Check out: Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary. I have not been here myself, but it is high on my list of places to visit in Thailand.

Thailand tours? I can recommend you the tour packages of Adrenaline Hunter for your activities in Thailand. They have some special things to do in Thailand like: hot air ballooning, paragliding, microlight flying, sailing, survival training and more.

58. Don’t ride elephants

Also read this carefully:  What not to do when you travel to Thailand!

Most people traveling to Thailand are already aware that riding elephants is not done, but still many tour agencies offer these trips. In most probably any Thailand travel blog you will be discouraged not to do so and by writing this I hope I make you realize that riding an elephant in Thailand is not cool! Stop animal cruelty and refuse to take pictures with elephants, but instead do some research and visit a reputable sanctuary.

59. Don’t take selfies with tigers

Another thing not to do when you travel to Thailand is to take selfies with tigers. Why do you think they are so calm and stare into your camera? Ever realized that these animals are drugged? Do you like to be drugged? Yes some people may like drugs! :p

But obviously this is animal cruelty and please refrain from taking selfies with tigers in Thailand! If you are still not convinced then I hope this article about 40 dead Tiger cubs in a freezer will make you realize taking a selfie with a tiger is NOT COOL!

Don't forget to get your Thailand travel insurance, try below to get a free quotation.

60. Eat sweet mangos - the best!

Eat as many sweet mangoes as you can when you travel to Thailand! This fruit can get any better than in Thailand, I am kind of addicted to them. You can buy them pretty much anywhere on the streets or on markets.

61. Chang or Singha beer

Singha is the oldest and most well-known beer in Thailand and together with Chang they rule the beer market in Thailand. Chang is mostly a couple cents cheaper. I like both, or basically I don’t really care what I drink. :)

62. Starbucks, 7Eleven and fast food chains are everywhere

If you are a fan of fast food you are going to be spoiled for choice. On your trip to Thailand you will see more Mc Donalds, KFC, Burger King than you have ever seen anywhere else. The same for Starbucks and 7Eleven.

63. Buffet breakfast

I already told you that luxury is affordable but when you book an upscale hotel in Thailand make sure it has one of those buffet  hotel breakfasts to die for. Trust me you will find anything you crave at these breakfast. It is worth getting up early for!

64. Better to buy bottled water

Tap water in Thailand can officially be consumed, I have done it many times and never got sick. Bottled water though does hardly cost anything so it is wise to not take the risk to get sick on your Thailand holiday and spend a couple cents to buy bottled water. However it is not the best solution for the environment. Check if your hotels/hostel has safe drinking water dispensers and bring a reusable water bottle.

I understand that it doesn't feel right to drink the tap water in Thailand, however the tap water in Thailand is safe for showering and brushing your teeth.

65. Best sim card in Thailand for tourists

All bars, restaurants, shops and hotels have free wifi and mobile data and WiFi internet is fast in Thailand. But if you want to stay online during your Thailand holiday I recommend you buying a prepaid sim card for Thailand  or read my complete guide with everything you need to know about buying an e-sim card for Thailand in 2024 .

I hope all these tips, recommendations and advices make you realize how amazingly easy it is to travel to Thailand. It is not for nothing that I always say that you can hardly go wrong by booking a trip to Thailand. Over the years I have sent many people to the land of smiles and I had never anyone who did not like their vacation or backpacking holiday. 

Im sure I can help you planning your trip to Thailand or help you travel for less or have a look at my article how much does a trip to Thailand cost . 

Find the best transportation in Thailand

The transportation search engine from 12Go Asia compares bus, boat, train and flight tickets all in one overview. They give you all the options available, including time schedules, seat availability and you can directly book your ticket online. Get the ticket instantly in your email with a guaranteed and confirmed seat!

Try it and find your route below.

Avoid the hassle of buying bus tickets from street vendors, 12Go Asia is a reliable agency and Traveltomtom has used it uncountable times to get around Thailand and booked his boat, bus, train and even domestic flights via them.

Please in case you may book a Thailand holiday use the affiliate links on this page. I will earn a small commission when you click on the link and make any purchase. Thank you very much.

If this post was helpful then please share it in a relevant Facebook Group or on your timeline, pin it on Pinterest or send it in a Tweet. Small things that can make a big difference for me. Thank you very much…

If you have any further questions about traveling to Thailand please reach out to me on my Instagram account  @traveltomtom . I am happy to help you out to get the most out of your trip to Thailand. I have many Thailand travel content so be aware that this could create some serious wanderlust.

In total I have now been on the road continuously since 2012 and these are some of my  best travel adventures from around the world . Interested  how to earn money from a travel blog or how I became a professional travel blogger then click on these links to read my story and may be inspire you to create a lifestyle around travel too.

Things you might like to read as well:

• Activities in Koh Tao besides diving
• Is it safe to travel to Thailand now
• Thailand itineraries for 2 weeks

If there are any more questions you have about traveling to Thailand and leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Thailand!

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Of Course Thailand Lives Up to the Hype

December 12, 2022 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

Before I visited Thailand the first time, I always feared it would disappoint me. Not because of any particular negative rumor about the Kingdom, but because the hype seemed to good—and too consistently good—to be true.

Thailand, to be sure, is far from a perfect country. And yet as I look back on what is now nearly a decade and a half of traveling (and, more occasionally, living) there, the truth is that no place I’ve ever been—and I’ve been almost everywhere—draws me back and draws me in quite the way that Thailand does.

If you’re on the fence about visiting Thailand, I hope the words and images I’m about to share will inspire you to get off it—and to get on a plane, stat. Is Thailand worth visiting? Like you wouldn’t believe.

Why People Talk Down on Thailand

The hype built up around Thailand inspires many people to visit—and many of them come without having done even cursory additional research. They arrive to Bangkok or Chiang Mai or Phuket ready to experience all the wonderful things they’ve heard about, and utterly unprepared to confront (or, better, avoid) the very negative aspects a trip to Thailand can bring with it.

Some of these people are travel bloggers (or just social media loudmouths), and some of their content inevitably enters the broader travel discussion. This is fine—I am a free speech absolutist—but it does demand a critical appraisal: How can someone who has only visited a place one time be so sure that it’s as terrible as they say it is? (Or as good, mind you—I feel the same way whenever someone offers too much unqualified praise of Thailand.)

How I Came to Love Thailand So Much

Transcendental first trip.

I took my first trip to Thailand over my birthday weekend in 2010, when I was drifting through life as an English teacher in Shanghai. In addition to falling in love at first sight with Bangkok, this trip quite literally planted the seeds for my career as a travel blogger—and not just because I bought my first-ever DSLR camera at MBK Center mall.

Serendipity around every corner

That summer, I made the bold decision to leave China behind, as I’d done to America the winter before—and I ended up in Thailand again just weeks after that. My belief that Thailand is worth visiting came full circle in autumn, when my application to return to the Kingdom in order to document my visit on my then-new travel blog Leave Your Daily Hell was approved.

It felt like home—and then it was

As my blogging fortunes (and actually fortunes) grew, I made a point of returning to Thailand as often as I could, even though my first few years of travel focused primarily on going to “new” countries for the first time. In late 2012, I unsuccessfully experimented with living in Bangkok ; conditions in my life and the world didn’t end up being right for that until early 2017, by which point I’d visited almost a dozen more times as a tourist.

(Until it wasn’t)

Although I still found Thailand worth visiting, I’d gotten burnt out on calling Bangkok home by the summer of 2019, when the heat, pollution and traffic had made me jaded in a way I never thought possible. In spite of this, every time I returned to visit after that, I always left thinking I’d like to try living there again some day—and to this day, I’m certain I eventually will.

Love of my life

Coming back to Thailand in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic was like seeing an old friend after many years—and not just because I reunited with so many of the friends I’ve made over the year. I also bumped into—literally—the man who would end up becoming my husband, at a viewpoint on Koh Nang Yuan island in the Chumphon archipelago near Koh Samui. Read our origin story, if you’d like.

On the Fence About Visiting Thailand?

With travel as with life in general, it’s better to regret the things you did rather than the things you didn’t do. If money, time and transport are no object, you should absolutely visit Thailand. Even if you end up hating it—feel free to leave me a comment here if you do, and explain why you feel that why—it’s better to have an opinion about a place you’ve been than to feign one about a place that’s effectively imaginary, as far as you’re concerned.

Indeed, the reality is that you will almost certainly find that Thailand is worth visiting, even if you love it for unexpected reasons, or develop affection about it later in your trip. You may really dislike Thailand, in the end, but leverage your location in Bangkok or Chiang Mai to take a trip to Vietnam, Cambodia or Malaysia, countries it turns out you’ll love way more. There are almost no downsides to visiting Thailand, when you really think about it.

Other FAQ About Thailand

Why is thailand worth visiting.

Thailand is a country of diverse destinations, bold cuisine and kind people, which you can explore with relative ease and at a cost, in spite of being higher than it once was, that is still far below that of any country in Europe or North America. Plus, it’s the hub of Southeast Asia , which for my money is the world’s best travel region.

Is Thailand good for tourists?

There are few countries in the world that are more hospitable to tourists than Thailand. Some of this is practical: Thailand is an affordable destination with many interesting and easily accessible cities and regions, with delicious food and a kind, hospitable population. Other aspects are harder to put into words—there’s a certain je ne sais quoi about Thailand you’ll only feel after you’ve been here a few times.

Why do people love Thailand so much?

People love Thailand for all kinds of reasons. Young backpackers loves the cheap accommodations and street food, and being able to travel freely in paradisiacal destinations at a fraction of what they’d pay in similar climes of the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Older travelers love Thailand’s liberal retirement visa scheme, and the ease of finding community in Thailand as a result.

The Bottom Line

Is Thailand worth visiting? Of course it is! While Thailand isn’t a perfect country or even a perfect travel destination, there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular places in the world to travel, in spite of being a medium-size country by population. From one-of-a-kind destinations, to world-leading cuisine, to a cultural tradition from which hospitality is inextricable, Thailand deserves all the accolades it’s received—and then some. Please, don’t be dissuaded by takedowns from bitter one-time visitors, or by propaganda from green warriors who claim a visit to the Kingdom is tantamount to wishing destruction upon the ecosystem. Make your trip to Thailand even more unforgettable when you hire me to plan it.

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Is Thailand Worth Visiting In 2024?

My answer to “Is Thailand worth visiting?” is 100% yes. I have spent months in Thailand in different parts of the year, and it’s one of my favourite countries in the world.

It’s important to know whether it’s worth visiting a country because you don’t want to turn up and be disappointed, especially for a country like Thailand which takes such a long flight to get to.

The good news is that the long journey is definitely worth taking. There are so many reasons to visit Thailand such as the nature, the food, the people and the prices.

But I’ll get into all of that in more detail throughout the post. Let’s jump right in!

Is Thailand Worth Visiting? YES!

Thailand is definitely worth visiting without any doubt in the world.

For just one country, it has so much to offer, it has a little bit of everything from beaches to mountains, jungles to huge cities and everything in between.

You can genuinely spend a lifetime in Thailand and you will still find new things to do, there’s a reason that the country is so popular for expats .

The variety in Thailand is one of the main reasons to visit. In the north, you have mountainous jungles which are perfect for trekking and camping, and in the south, you have islands which are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

And it’s all so cheap too – which is why even though flights are expensive to Thailand, it’s so cheap to travel in Thailand that you often end up spending less than you would on a trip to the US or Europe.

I’ve travelled extensively in Thailand and I’ve never found anywhere that I didn’t like – the closest would be Phuket but I didn’t not like it, it just wasn’t my favourite place.

You’re treated like royalty everywhere you go in Thailand as the people are so friendly and welcoming, you can tell their “thank yous” are genuine and their smiles aren’t fake. It’s called the Land of Smiles for a reason!

I always recommend Thailand to people, and now you’re one of them. Is Thailand worth visiting? Absolutely.

Reasons To Visit Thailand

While it’s one thing me telling you that Thailand is worth visiting, it’s another thing me telling you why. So I’ve put together the top reasons that Thailand should be your next trip destination. If you ask me, there are endless reasons, but I’ve managed to condense them down into 6.

There is so much to do

The biggest reason to visit Thailand is because there is so much to do, which is the variety I mentioned earlier. In Thailand I have spent a night in the jungle in Chiang Mai, island-hopped in the south, got my scuba diving license, spent a night looking after elephants, kayaked through national parks, rock climbed up limestone cliffs and zip-lined along the longest zipline in the world. If that doesn’t show you that there’s something for everyone in Thailand , I don’t know what will.

It’s affordable

Thailand is so cheap to visit it’s unbelievable. I was having meals in Thailand for 45 baht which is equivalent to $1.24. That’s nuts! You can also find accommodation for only a few dollars a night , it’s so cheap. I also had a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences for such small prices such as when I got my scuba diving certificate for less than $300. That’s about 3x cheaper than in the US!

Good weather

As someone from the UK where the weather is pretty grey almost all year round, Thailand is such a blessing to visit because the weather is pretty much warm all year round . Even in the cool season or the wet season, Thailand is still hot to visit. Naturally, the south is warmer than the north, which is good news as that is where all of the islands and beaches are.

Rich culture

Having never visited Asia before visiting Thailand, the culture shock when I arrived in Bangkok was pretty hard-hitting, but I quickly fell in love with the way of life in Thailand. The Thai culture is fascinating to learn about and experience first-hand. Whether it’s by visiting the temples which are open to tourists or walking down a night market to buy street food, there are so many opportunities to experience the culture in Thailand.

Tasty cuisine

Speaking of buying street food in night markets, the food is another reason to visit. Thai food is absolutely delicious and there are so many meals to choose from. Pad Thai, Khao Soi, Green Curry, Mango Sticky Rice, and Tom Yum, just to name a few. I recommend eating street food as it’s cheaper and more authentic – and no, it doesn’t give you food poisoning. My favourite place is Chiang Mai’s Gate Market where I ate every night for a whole week.

It’s easy to travel

When you’re visiting Thailand, you don’t want to stay in one place for your whole trip, you want to explore as much of the country as possible, and the good news is all of Thailand is really well-connected and you can easily get from anywhere to anywhere. People in Thailand speak good English which is another reason it’s “easy” to travel. Another is the number of 7-Eleven stores which makes it so easy to find anything you need while travelling.

Things To Do In Thailand

Even though I’ve told you Thailand is worth visiting and give you reasons why, I know that it’s better if I tell you what there is to do in Thailand. This helps you decide if the country is worth visiting for you – does it have things you like to do? I’ve kept the things generic rather than making them destination-specific so that you can do these things anywhere.

1) Relax on a tropical beach: When you imagine life in Thailand, you probably picture tropical beaches with palm trees, coconuts, longtail boats and golden sand. The good news is that your imagination is spot on, and there are lots of opportunities to relax and soak in the sun sunbathing on beaches in Thailand.

2) Go temple-hopping: As a Buddhist country, Thailand is home to 34,000 temples throughout the country. I always stumbled across them by accident when walking through streets in the cities. There was always one hiding around the next corner! That being said, there are some which are worth going out of your way for, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

3) Visit a floating market: One of the most unique things you can do in Thailand is to visit a floating market. There are a good few in Bangkok especially. It’s a fun experience buying things on a boat while floating downstream rather than standing in front of a stall handing money over. It would be impossible to visit Thailand without checking out a floating market.

4) Spend a day with elephants: Elephants are the national animal of Thailand and it’s very clear to see when you’re there. I noticed elephants everywhere from fine details in the architecture to the likes of elephant pants. While you’re in Thailand, it’s nice to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary and get up close to the friendly giants. Washing and feeding them is fine, but never ride them – it’s completely unethical.

5) Take a cooking class: There is a lot of delicious food to try in Thailand, but it’s even better to learn how to make these delicious dishes so you can bring the meals home with you to make for yourself. Taking a cooking class in Thailand is one of my favourite things to do every time I go back as you learn a lot in a short period of time, and the best bit is you get to eat what you make afterwards!

6) Watch a Muay Thai fight: A big part of Thai culture is Muay Thai, a martial art similar to kickboxing but so different too. I love going to watch a Muay Thai fight night – it’s a really electrifying experience as you can hear the impact of every strike. I also really love taking Muay Thai classes – after just a few classes, I could feel the technique of my kicks getting better, it’s a really rewarding feeling and I would recommend trying it at least once.

7) Go jungle trekking: As someone who loves the outdoors, jungle trekking in northern Thailand is one of my favourite things I have done in the country. I did an overnight trek which included a stay in a local hilltribe village which felt really authentic and off-the-beaten track. Plus, it’s pretty cool trekking through the jungle. There are lots of waterfalls to see too.

8) Get your PADI: Like I mentioned earlier in the post, you can get your scuba diving qualification for a fraction of the price it would cost to do it at home. I also think it’s much better to dive amongst coral reefs where you can see turtles, whale sharks, etc than diving in grey-coloured water where you can’t see anything. I did my course with Roctopus on Koh Tao and I loved every second of it.

9) Go island-hopping: Thailand has over 1400 islands to explore in the southern part of the country, but since everywhere is so well-connected, it’s really easy to go island-hopping amongst the most popular destinations. Personally, I prefer the islands in the Gulf of Thailand to the ones on the west coast, but it’s still worth checking out both sides of the peninsula.

10) Take a tuk-tuk ride: To be honest, they are a bit of a rip-off, but taking a tuk-tuk ride in Thailand is another must-do. Feeling the wind on your face while weaving through the traffic (which is always hectic in Thailand) is a unique feeling that you can’t get in many other places. Definitely swap a taxi for a tuk-tuk at least once during your trip.

11) Get a Thai massage: You can get a Thai massage anywhere in the world but there’s nowhere better than in Thailand itself. It’s the most authentic massages possible, and they’re really cheap too. You can find massage places all throughout the country offering lots of different types of massages. Just be careful it’s a legit massage place, you can usually tell if it is or not based off what they are wearing.

12) Take a boat trip: In the south of Thailand, there are so many boat trip options for day tours. My favourite was from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands, but there are lots to choose from and I recommend taking as many as possible because they’re so cheap and every island offers something different. Thailand has some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

13) Visit a tea plantation: Thailand is known for its iced Thai tea, and you can visit plantations where the tea plants are grown in the northern parts of the country. Visiting a plantation is educational, it’s interesting to learn about the process of making tea, and of course, having some of the freshest tea you will ever try at the end of the tour.

14) Watch gorgeous sunsets: Pretty much every night you spend in Thailand will have the opportunity to watch a breathtaking sunset. The skies are usually pretty clear in Thailand and since the sun sets at more or less the same time all year round, there is always a good sunset in Thailand.

15) Snorkel in crystal-clear waters: I’ve snorkelled in lots of different countries but few come close to Thailand. The colour of the water is so pretty and underwater is even more beautiful than above. Snorkelling through coral reefs and spotting colourful fish and marine life is always really enjoyable.

Of course, there are lots of specific things you can do throughout Thailand such as rock climbing at Railay Beach or zip-lining in Chiang Mai, but I wanted to keep the things to do generic so that you can do them wherever you want to during your trip.

What Is Thailand Known For?

Thailand is famous for a lot of things. When you think of Thailand, you probably think of Thai massages, beautiful beaches, Thai food, temples and maybe even ladyboys. The truth is, Thailand lives up to its reputation.

All of these are things Thailand is known for: nature, culture, food and natural beauty.

It’s also known to be the perfect place for backpacking, as it’s a key part of the Banana Pancake Route throughout Southeast Asia which is popular amongst backpackers.

Best Time To Visit Thailand

In my opinion, you can visit Thailand all year round and have an amazing time. As I said earlier, it’s always warm there, even in the cool seasons.

I remember a tour guide saying to me once that they don’t actually have a cool season in Thailand, they have a warm season, and a warmer season. And I agree!

That being said, the most popular time to visit Thailand is in the cool and dry season between November and April. I first visited Thailand in January and I had a great time – the weather was no issue.

On the other hand, this is the most popular time to visit the country. One of my top travel tips is to visit outside peak season as it can help you save money. If you visit between April and June or September and November, prices can be lower than at other times of the year.

The rainy season is between July and October, so if you want to stay dry, maybe avoid this time. Although it usually only rains for a few hours each day, and since it’s tropical rain, it’s warm too! It’s not miserable like the rain in the UK.

Best Places To Visit In Thailand

When you visit Thailand for the first time, it can be easy to try to cram too many places into a short trip. I suggest visiting fewer places but spending more time in each destination. I’ve spent 2 months in Thailand in one go and I still left feeling like I missed some things. I’ll say it again: you could spend a lifetime in Thailand and still find new things to do.

But to help you begin planning your trip, I’ve put together a list of the most popular places in Thailand to visit. Again, these might help you decide whether Thailand is worth visiting for you, because some places might take your fancy, and some might not. And that’s okay – everyone is different.

• Bangkok – You can’t visit Thailand without visiting the capital city. Bangkok is known for its vibrant street life and of course, the most famous palace in Thailand, the Grand Palace.
• Chiang Mai – There are so many reasons to visit Chiang Mai such as its picturesque old city, ancient temples, and the night markets that are full of tasty street food.
• Phuket – Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. To be honest, I didn’t love it there, but if you like Benidorm in Europe, you’ll like Phuket.
• Ayutthaya – A UNESCO World Heritage site , offering a peek into the history of Thailand with its magnificent ruins and temples.
• Koh Samui – A tropical paradise with palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and dense, mountainous rainforest.
• Pai – A tranquil town in the mountains of Northern Thailand, loved for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic natural beauty.
• Krabi Province – Famous for its craggy, sheer limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests, and more than a hundred offshore islands. The most popular spots are Railay Beach and Ao Nang.
• Chiang Rai – Home to the unique White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), offering a mix of contemporary art within a traditional Buddhist temple framework.
• Koh Phi Phi – A picturesque island group known for its vivid turquoise waters, stunning beaches, and excellent diving spots. They’re my favourite islands in Thailand.
• Hua Hin – A fashionable seaside resort with a royal palace, offering a relaxing escape with long beaches and calm waters.
• Kanchanaburi – Known for the Death Railway, built during World War II, and its serene waterfalls and national parks. It’s a pretty unique place to say the least.
• Pattaya – Popular for its lively nightlife, bustling beaches, and attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth, a gigantic wooden structure. It’s very popular amongst those who move to Thailand to retire.
• Khao Sok National Park – A nature reserve in southern Thailand, boasting thick native rainforest, waterfalls, and majestic limestone mountain ranges. It’s one of the most peaceful places in Thailand, kayaking here is so relaxing.
• Koh Samui – If you like to party, this is the place to be. It’s one of the most popular party islands and it’s full of natural beauty too to take in during the day before partying during the night.

How To Get Around Thailand

Getting around Thailand is actually really really easy. For short distances, it’s best to use Grab , which is the equivalent of Uber in Thailand .

It’s quick and convenient as there are so many drivers that one is never too far away. And it’s also really cheap too. It’s a must-have Thailand travel app .

For longer distances, such as between Bangkok and Pattaya, it’s best to take buses and trains. You can easily book them through 12Go .

If you are not backpacking Thailand on a budget like I was, you might also be willing to pay for flights for longer distances.

Below are some common questions related to whether Thailand is worth visiting or not along with my answers to each question.

Yes, it is a very good idea to go to Thailand. It’s one of the best countries to visit in the world because it has so much to offer from mountains to beaches and everything in between. If you’re a nature person, you will love Thailand. If you’re a beach person, you will love Thailand. It has something for everybody.

Parts of Thailand are really touristy, especially in the south in places like Phuket and Pattaya. The most popular places to visit are filled with a lot of tourists, but there are still parts of Thailand untouched by tourism, which make for much more authentic travel experiences.

2 weeks is the minimum time you should spend in Thailand if you want to visit more than one place within the country. If you have any less time than this, it’s best to just stay in one location and experience it properly rather than spending too much time on transport within Thailand.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, a complete guide and answer to the question of “Is Thailand worth visiting?”

Remember, my answer is 100% yes.

I love Thailand and I would encourage anyone and everyone to visit. I could spend a lifetime there, and I’m sure after you visit, you will agree with me too.

You’ll probably begin your Thailand adventure in Bangkok, so make sure to check out my Bangkok travel guide to help you plan your first few days in Thailand.

Read more about Thailand:

• Is Bangkok Expensive To Visit?
• Can You Use Revolut In Thailand?
• Best eSIM For Thailand As A Tourist
• How Many Days In Chiang Mai Is Enough?
• Can You Drink The Water In Thailand?
• Drinking Age In Thailand & Other Important Laws

Josh Band is the founder of A Backpacker's World. He is a full-time traveller currently on a mission to visit every country in the world. As a full-time traveller, Josh knows exactly how to make the most of any trip and shares these tips with his readers. Josh mostly travels as a backpacker on a budget, so he is also an expert when it comes to getting the most of your money while travelling.

• 15 Reasons Why You Should...

Reasons Why You Should Visit Thailand at Least Once in Your Life

With almost 200 countries to choose from, why should you pick Thailand as your next destination? From delicious food to Bangkok’s nightlife, here are our reasons why you should visit this popular destination in Southeast Asia at least once in your life.

Experience all the best things the country has to offer by booking Culture Trip’s epic 10-day Northern Thailand tour, led by our Local Insider.

Whether visitors are staying in the Land of Smiles for one day or one month, Thai food is so delicious and diverse that visitors should never have to eat the same dish twice. Visitors will even find that the cuisine changes as their location does, keeping their food options interesting as they venture from one city to the next.

Though all of the countries people visit are going to have their fair share of friendly locals, there is something about Thai people that makes venturing to this particular country less intimidating. Thai people are traditionally friendly, or at least perceived to be so. Maybe it is their traditional Thai greeting, the Wai , which is when someone slightly bows with their hands together almost as if they are in prayer. Maybe it is the way many Thais eat family-style, with some visitors lucky enough to be invited to join in on a delicious meal. With a national motto like mai pen rai , meaning don’t worry or it’s okay, the nation certainly seems to have an overall friendly and chilled vibe to it.

The Cheap Cost of Travel

Travelers on a budget are constantly and regretfully having to slash cities from their itineraries due to a sheer lack of funds. This is not the case in Thailand, however, where travel is cheap and different modes of transportation are readily available. Budget-friendly airlines, like Nok Air and AirAsia, always seem to be running some type of sale on flights, with direct flights available to international and domestic airports in cities across the country. Buses and trains around the country are incredibly affordable as well, with stations in both rural cities and some of the biggest tourist destinations in Thailand.

The Weather

Thailand has three major seasons, all of which are suitable for vacationers to travel during and enjoy. The country is busiest during the dry season, when temperatures do not normally reach over 32C (90F). During the hot season, tourists flock to the many dreamy beaches found along Thailand’s immense coast. Bangkok and northern Thailand are popular destinations during the monsoon season, as the islands are prone to flooding during this time. Though there are pros and cons to each season, visitors are never likely to get cold and can usually enjoy plenty of the country’s sunshine during their visit.

The Nightlife

Thailand is eager to please those visitors who thrive after dark. Get ready night owls, as the country is equipped with every type of nightlife tourists could possibly imagine. Backpackers head to Khao San Road to connect with like-minded travelers and buckets upon buckets of booze. Those with seedier intentions beeline for one of the many red light districts found in cities across the country, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and more. Though these are some of the main draws that entice those looking for a good night out, the country is also renowned for its reggae and jazz bars in addition to having some of the best LGBTQ-friendly nightlife in the world, especially in Bangkok.

Thailand has over 1,500 miles of coastline, and some of the best dive sites in the world. Regardless of when travelers visit, there should be at least a handful of prime spots to explore under the sea, as the monsoon season rarely affects areas like Pattaya, known for the many sea turtles that divers are almost guaranteed to spot here. Some of the best places to dive in Thailand include Koh Tao, the Surin Islands, Koh Chang and Chumphon.

The Temples

With over 40,000 Buddhist temples found across the Land of Smiles, visitors are bound to find at least one that catches their eye. These structures date back to all of the different dynasties, each one reflecting that era’s architectural and construction style. Each province is bound to have at least one of these majestic wonders, though the most unique and abundant are found in the capital.

The Adventure Aspect

Because the country’s terrain is so unique, visitors to the Kingdom are able to go on a number of different adventurous excursions during their stay. Elephant sanctuaries are great for tourists who are animal lovers, while those looking for something a bit more adventurous may instead opt for a day on one of the country’s many rivers and go white water rafting. There are also trails to be trekked, waves to be surfed, jungles to be ziplined through, and more in Thailand.

The Markets

The markets in Thailand are like no others in the world. Each one has its own distinct character, from the crowds they attract to the items which are for sale. Some markets are dedicated to street eats while others are chock full of antiques and secondhand items. Visitors never know what they are going to find at these unique attractions.

The Festivals

It seems as though Thais cannot go too long before having to escape from their 9-5 job in order to celebrate one festival or another. Many of these festivals are derived from things like religion or the lunar calendar, but one aspect remains constant: they are incredibly interesting to experience. Many travelers go as far as to plan entire holidays around these festivals in order to attend and see what all of the fuss is about. A great example of this would be Songkran , a festival in which a nationwide water fight takes place.

The Rich History and Culture

Though many cities in Thailand continue to be modernized with things like urban decor, everywhere visitors look will have bits and pieces of Thailand’s interesting and ancient culture somehow intertwined. Cities like Sukhothai hold their ground in terms of modernization, as they are still home to many ancient ruins dating back to the Siamese Kingdom in 1238. Its history is also found in Thailand’s many art forms, like traditional Thai dancing or Thai puppetry performances.

The Capital

Bangkok gets a section all its own, as the capital is hands down one of the main reasons to visit the country. Over eight million people reside in the city, many of whom are foreigners who have made Bangkok home. It seems as though once someone visits the capital long enough, they never want to leave. Bangkok is often the first stop on traveler’s itineraries before heading around Southeast Asia, and it’s usually not their favorite city. The capital is crowded and can be overwhelming, leaving many travelers less than impressed. Those who get off the beaten path, however, will find Bangkok is a city full of surprises, with seemingly every top thing to see and do available. Temples, red light districts, sky bars, museums, art galleries, parks: you name it, the city is sure to have it.

The Wildlife

Thailand is home to an abundance of wildlife in its many national parks , beaches and mountainous terrain. Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand is home to tigers, wild boars, and if visitors are truly lucky they may even see an elephant or two. In the south, there are entire beaches filled with monkeys, with tourists flocking to places like Monkey Beach on Koh Phi Phi to see what the hype is all about. Remember to be a responsible tourist and not feed the wildlife, as well as steering clear of those tourist attractions which abuse animals for profit.

The Beaches

Thailand’s geography is certainly impressive, with every province across the country having some unique geographical feature worth exploring. However, the country’s most impressive natural feature is surely its beaches, with over 1,500 miles of coastline to choose from. Though there are a fair share of beaches that have been overrun with sun soaking tourists, there are many incredible stretches of sand that remain quiet, secluded and stunning. Some of these beaches include Freedom Beach in Phuket and Sunset Beach on the island of Koh Kradan.

The Epic Backpacking Scene

Recent years have proved to be busy ones for backpackers, as the number of travelers to Southeast Asian countries has grown exponentially. Between 2010 and 2015, Thailand saw an 87 percent increase in international arrivals alone, many of whom are backpackers. These budget-friendly travelers tend to travel in groups they meet along the way, which makes Thailand such an opportune destination for them because there are so many. Affordable hostels can be found in almost all of the major cities – and some quieter ones, too – making it easy to meet fellow backpackers and explore Thailand together.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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Is Thailand Worth Visiting 2024? Exploring The Land Of Smiles

It’s likely you’ve heard of Thailand. It’s a beautiful country that both Jack and I love. We’ve visited twice, spending weeks travelling and exploring . It firmly sits as one of our favourites, but with so many other stunning destinations to explore , why is Thailand worth visiting?

And what makes it so special? Especially since Thailand isn’t a new destination, it’s been a tourist hotspot for years. In fact, being so popular brings some drawbacks, such as over-tourism and environmental issues. 

However, with long-term tourism, there are also many benefits to enjoy, like good infrastructure and established activities. This also makes it a brilliant place to start your travelling adventure, especially if it’s your first time away from home.

It’s a place full of spirit and a vibrant community, and although it has its drawbacks, I believe Thailand is worth visiting and here’s why…

Uncover If Thailand Is Worth Visiting For Your Next Trip!

In this post, I’ll discuss why we think Thailand is still worth visiting. I’ll also cover topics including:

• 16 of the best things to do in Thailand so you can work out if it’s somewhere you’d love to!
• What makes Thailand so special and the best time to visit so you can plan an epic trip.
• The places we visited and loved the most in Thailand, hopefully inspiring you to travel around too…
• Our thoughts on safety, cost , and reasons you might not want to visit Thailand – yes, I’ll cover all angles!
• And, finally, I’ll do a quick comparison between Indonesia, Bali and Thailand since we have spent much time in both.

Why Is Thailand Worth Visiting? 

I first visited Thailand back in 2010 , fresh-faced and full of energy, ready to explore the country’s idyllic beaches. All I was interested in back then was sipping on a pina colada beachside and enjoying the sunshine, oh and the famous full moon party!

Fast forward to the present, and I’m much more interested in a country’s culture, tasting local delicacies and learning about its history. Thailand is steeped in history, with many fascinating places to explore. 

It’s still a fantastic place to soak up the sun and enjoy lazy beach days. Island hopping in Southern Thailand has become a favourite amongst backpackers, and the nightlife in Thailand is second to none.

However, there are a few incredible historic sites in Thailand worth visiting. Places such as the ancient city of Ayutthaya , with its breathtaking temple ruins and palaces , and Kanchanaburi , with a sad and heartbreaking past.

Not only that, Thailand has some of the most crystal-clear waters I’ve ever seen, with mesmerising coral reefs and marine life, and it’s one of the best places for snorkelling and diving in Southeast Asia. 

Alongside the marine life, spotting wildlife on land and hiking through lush national parks makes it a popular destination alone. If you want to see elephants , this is the place to go! So, with a plethora of amazing things to do in Thailand, it really is a country worth visiting.

Who Will Love Thailand?

❤️ Thailand is a great country for everyone, as long as you like warm weather. It’s got endless sandy beaches, a busy nightlife, wonderful hiking opportunities, history, culture and delicious cuisine. The larger cities are hubs for shoppers and foodies, while the mountain regions offer traditional charm and boho-casual vibes. 

IS THAILAND WORTH VISITING?

The best things to do in thailand.

Since we’ve established just how amazing Thailand is and who will enjoy visiting the country, let’s dive into the best things to do.

1. Tropical Beaches

Thailand is known for its beaches, and if you’re after that sunkissed beach look, then heading to south Thailand is where you’ll want to focus your attention. However, with a coastline of over 3,000 km, there are plenty of beaches to discover. 

Even though some beaches are highly developed, such as those around Phuket, you can still find the perfect tropical beach secluded from the tourist hordes. You’ll just need to explore further afield, my advice, take a speed boat to one of the smaller islands in the area like Bamboo Island or head south to the Trang district and our fav Koh Mook.  

You’ll find paradise beaches lined with palm trees, the beaches are even quiet enough that you can hear the hermit crabs scurrying along the sand. With fewer crowds, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in Thai communities and disconnect from the world, at least for a short while.

⭐ Pro tip >>  Wherever you choose to go, make sure it’s highly rated so you can have the best experience like this Coral and Pig Island Long Tail Boat Tour .

2. Island-Hopping

With the above in mind, many travellers have turned to island-hopping as they visit Thailand . It’s becoming increasingly popular to move around while visiting the country rather than spending their whole holiday in one place.

Island hopping in southern Thailand is a great way to explore , with many beautiful islands to visit in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Some of the most popular islands to visit include Koh Mook (travel guide) , Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao and Koh Lipe. 

It’s possible to jump on multi-day tours and go island hopping around several islands in one day, with stops for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the local beaches and villages. Thai islands are known for their stunning scenery, clear waters , and abundant marine life , making them popular destinations for diving and snorkelling.  

🌟 My top pick >> For the ultimate day trip from Phuket, why not go on a Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch ? You’ll spend the day around the islands, swimming over the coral reefs of Pileh Lagoon. This includes the islands of Phi Phi Leh, Monkey Beach, and Maya Bay.

3. Thai Culture & Heritage

Thailand’s culture is unique, fascinating, and deeply rooted in its history . As you explore Thailand, you’ll see the country’s rich cultural heritage through its architecture and detailed designs, food, art, and daily life, making it a truly immersive experience. 

Thailand’s culture is also very diverse , with different regions offering their own distinct customs and traditions, which is why it’s a great idea to travel around. Bangkok is famous for its Royal Palace, traditional Thai dance performances and puppetry – which, unfortunately, we didn’t get to see.

But, you’ll also witness historic ruins such as those of Sukhothai or the ancient city of Ayutthaya – which we did get to see – and certainly somewhere worth visiting in Thailand. Buddhist temples and ruins there is no shortage of them!

With endless opportunities to discover and appreciate Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, exploring Thai culture is one of the best things to do when visiting Thailand. 

Exploring the markets in Thailand is one of the most fun things to do when visiting the country, at least for us anyway! These bustling, vibrant markets are full of energy and excitement, and each one has its own unique character and offerings. 

⭐ Pro tip >> Experience two of Bangkok’s most famous traditional markets: the Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand on this Half-Day tour!

Our favourites are the street food markets, where you can try out a variety of delicious local dishes. You’ll recognise many of them, but there are always a few that will test your boundaries. The Phuket Weekends Market is a must-visit !

Some dishes are obligatory, and a rite of passage for any adventurous foodie – one such snack is the deep-fried insects from crickets to fat grubs. 

Aside from the food stalls, there are other markets filled with antiques and handmade crafts, so there is something for everyone. The markets are also a great way to experience the local culture and interact with friendly vendors and shoppers. 

✔️ Top Tip: Bargaining is a common practice in Thai markets, so make sure you haggle for a good deal. The markets are also great places to pick up souvenirs and gifts for loved ones back home. 

5. Festivals

Thailand’s festivals offer a unique and immersive cultural experience that are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Whether it’s the lively and exciting water fights of Songkran or the beautiful floating lanterns of Loy Krathong , these festivals offer a glimpse into the rich traditions and customs of Thailand. 

If you can, attending these festivals is a great opportunity to witness the country’s vibrant celebrations firsthand and make unforgettable memories . Many festivals also feature traditional music, dance performances, and delicious food, making them a great way to experience. 

⭐ Pro tip >> Travel from midday to midnight to the hidden wonders of Phang Nga Bay. After dark, float your own self-made flower ‘Krathong’ at a Loi Krathong festival, followed by a seafood buffet dinner.

6. Thai Cusine

Thailand’s cuisine is one of the most diverse and delicious in the world, and just happens to be my favourite Asian cuisine , (Italian will always come first). Thai love using a blend of spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavours to create scrumptious dishes. 

You’ll find famous dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum Goong at every street stall to fine dining establishment but don’t forget about the lesser-known street food delights!

Try something you’ve never heard of at least once and you might be pleasantly surprised – if you’re a foodie, you’re going to be in heaven.

Exploring the local food scene in Thailand is not only a great way to indulge in delicious meals but also a cultural experience . Trying out new dishes, browsing through local markets, and taking part in cooking classes are just a few ways to fully immerse yourself in Thailand’s food culture. 

⭐ Fancy a Thai cooking class? Check out some of the best-rated cooking classes in Thailand by clicking here .

7. National Parks

I could talk about Thailand’s national parks for days. The country is home to numerous national parks, each with its unique flora, fauna, and landscapes . Two of the most popular ones include Khao Yai National Park , which is known for its waterfalls and wildlife, and Doi Inthanon National Park , home to the highest mountain in Thailand!

That said, one of our favourite national parks in Thailand was Erawan National Park, which is known for its seven-tiered waterfall. It’s a stunning waterfall in a beautiful location and in my mind, is a must-visit destination in Thailand.

If you’re heading to the national parks you’ll be able to take part in a range of activities, from hiking and trekking to wildlife watching and swimming in natural pools . Many national parks also offer camping facilities and accommodation options if you want to stay overnight.

⭐ Pro tip >> There are loads of choices depending on what you’re looking for. Either way, don’t miss out on visiting Erawan Waterfalls ; they really are breathtaking!

8. Jungle Exploration

Jungle tours in Thailand are a popular activity if you’re interested in experiencing the country’s lush, tropical forests and diverse wildlife. There are several national parks and protected areas in Thailand that offer jungle tours, such as Khao Yai National Park, Doi Inthanon National Park, and Khao Sok National Park.

Jungle tours can vary in length, from a few hours to multiple days, and can include a range of activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, camping, and river rafting .

Many tours also include visits to local villages and cultural sites, where you’ll be able to learn about the traditions and customs of Thailand’s indigenous communities .

9. The Floating Bungalows

One experience which can’t be missed is a visit to the floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park . The overnight tour includes a stay on Cheow Lan Lake in, you’ve guessed it, a floating bungalow! Well, it’s more like floating bamboo huts but they offer a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets.

The immersive experience of staying in the heart of a Thai rainforest is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which shouldn’t be missed. The overnight tours – which is the one we did – offered hiking, caving and swimming activities , as well as a night on the famed floating bungalow.

⭐ Pro tip >> I loved visiting Khao Sok National Park, and there are loads of tours which allow you to visit the park. Check prices and find the perfect tour for you at Khao Sok National Park .

10. Elephant Sanctuaries

Another activity which draws visitors to Thailand is its wildlife, specifically the elephants. The Asian elephant is an endangered species and many have been rescued from riding camps, circuses and logging companies. 

Nowadays, many of these elephants have found sanctuary and visitors can see them up close in numerous parks and elephant sanctuaries across Thailand.

⭐ Pro tip >> We visited one such place in Chiang Mai – you can read all about it here: Maerim Elephant Sanctuary.

11. Marine Diversity 

Thailand is home to a rich and diverse marine ecosystem , with thousands of species of fish and hundreds of types of coral. Its warm waters attract a variety of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles. 

With that in mind, it’s a superb place for snorkelling and scuba diving and if you’re a water baby, like us, you’ll find Thailand is somewhere you’ll love even more. 

12. Snorkelling

Snorkelling in Thailand is a popular activity for many people looking to explore the country’s stunning marine life and crystal-clear waters. 

Some of the best places to go snorkelling in Thailand include the Similan Islands, Phi Phi Islands, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao. These locations offer a mix of shallow and deep-water reefs with colourful corals, a variety of fish species, and other marine life like sea turtles and reef sharks.

13. Scuba Diving

There are many fantastic scuba diving sites in Thailand. Koh Tao is one of the most popular, known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. It offers a range of dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

The Surin Islands are another must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts. The islands are located in the Andaman Sea and are home to vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life.

⭐ Pro tip >> Whether it’s your first time or you’re an avid diver, Thailand offers many excursions and tours to suit everyone. Have a browse and see if it’s for you with Thailand Scuba .

14. Muay Thai

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing , is a traditional martial art that originated in Thailand and is now popular worldwide. Also known as “the art of eight limbs”, it’s a combat sport that uses punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes.

In Thailand, Muay Thai is a sport deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture . It’s not only a form of self-defence but also a way of life for many people. Many Thais start learning Muay Thai from a young age, with some eventually becoming professional fighters.

✔️ If you want to experience Muay Thai you’ll be able to attend matches at local stadiums or by taking part in a training session at a Muay Thai gym.

👉 If you’re interested, check out this one : Muay Thai Kickboxing with Ringside Seats and Private Transfer in Bangkok!

15. Nightlife

Thailand is known for its vibrant and lively nightlife scene , with plenty of options for party-goers and night owls. Some of the most popular nightlife destinations in Thailand include Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai .

In Bangkok, you’ll find a wide range of nightlife options, from rooftop bars and nightclubs to street-side bars and live shows. The city’s famous red-light districts, such as Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza , also offer a unique nightlife experience .

Pattaya and Phuket are other popular nightlife destinations, known for their beach parties and go-go bars. While Chiang Mai offers a more laid-back nightlife experience, with night markets and live music venues being popular options. 

16. Shopping 

Shopping in Thailand is super popular, with a wide variety of options ranging from high-end luxury boutiques to colourful street markets. Some of the most popular shopping destinations in Thailand include Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market , the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai , and the floating markets in Damnoen Saduak .

In addition to traditional Thai goods like silk, handicrafts, and jewellery, you’ll also find international brands and designer labels in shopping centres. 

⭐ Pro tip >> Make sure you negotiate at the markets; bargaining is common, and you’ll often find good deals on clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

What Is So Special About Thailand?

Thailand is known as the land of smiles , specifically so because of the warm and friendly hospitality tourists receive from the locals. This trait, alongside picturesque beaches, tropical islands, vast mountain ranges, a plethora of wildlife and an ancient past make Thailand a very special country. 

The large cities are buzzing metropolia of undeniably some of the world’s finest cuisine, top shopping locations and lively night scenes. Throw into the mix the traditional markets, old temples and a warm belief system you have the perfect holiday destination. 

It’s a place of flyaway dreams and paradise holidays . It is the ideal spot for a sunkissed escape or the nomadic lifestyle. You’ll find a boho-casual vibe and a sunny disposition wherever you’re travelling, and with an abundance of places to stay, from budget hostels to luxury boutiques, Thailand is a country everyone can enjoy.

✔️ Did You Know? Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been colonised by a European power. It’s known for its beautiful nature, delicious mangoes and strict rules about conversations on its monarchy.

Is Thailand Good For Tourists?

Since we have spent lots of time in Thailand, we feel it is good for tourists . The country is considered one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia, with many cultural and natural activities to enjoy.

Thailand is a fantastic country to visit if you’re solo travelling, exploring with family or on your first backpacking trip. The reason for this is Thailand’s developed infrastructure, which is heavily focused on tourism, makes it easy to explore the country.

The country has many nature-based activities but it’s also a great place to enjoy an urban and modern vacation in the buzzing capital city of Bangkok . There are plenty of national parks throughout the country which offer a variety of terrains perfect for those of you who love nature and hiking.

It’s literally got something for everyone, including a rich Asian culture and endless palm-lined tropical beache s. If you fancy island hopping or mountain climbing, Thailand is a good place and worth visiting.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Thailand? 

Thailand has a tropical climate , and the best time to visit depends on the region you plan to travel to. However, most will agree the best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season, which runs from November to February. 

During this time, the weather is generally pleasant , with cooler temperatures and low humidity, making it a great time to explore the country. However, when it comes to the different regions of Thailand, the weather can vary greatly. 

Here’s a breakdown of the best time to visit the north and south of Thailand:

North Thailand

The best time to visit North Thailand is during the cool and dry season, from November to February. During this time, the temperatures are comfortable, and the weather is generally dry, making it a great time to explore the region’s stunning mountains, temples, and cultural attractions.

South Thailand

The south of Thailand is divided into two regions: the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The best time to visit the Gulf of Thailand is from December to August, during the dry season when the weather is sunny and pleasant. The Andaman Sea region is best visited from November to April when the weather is dry, and the sea is calm, making it perfect for diving and snorkelling.

⭐ Pro tip >> It’s worth noting that the weather can be unpredictable in Thailand, and there may be occasional rain showers, even during the dry season. However, these are usually brief, and they can add to the country’s lush greenery and natural beauty.

Where To Visit In Thailand

Thailand is a large country and there are some fascinating places to visit. Depending on your style of travel and the area you are visiting, there will be options to explore further afield. 

If you’re not backpacking it’s possible to take pre-arranged multi-day trips to visit other areas, especially if you’re based in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket . If you’re backpacking, Thailand is a great place to start your adventure!

Phuket Town

One area we both enjoyed was Phuket town. The old town, although small, is a mixture of history and culture. Expect to find colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture, Chinese temples and Buddhist monasteries.

The streets are a quirky mix of cafes and boutique shops , there are many massage shops and one of the best street markets in Phuket ! It’s a place worth visiting and if you don’t mind not being central to the beach the accommodation in Phuket town is both affordable and highly rated.  

Koh Mook was our favourite island, located in the Trang district, it’s a tiny island with no cars and hardly any tourism. It’s small enough to feel completely disconnected from the world but still enough people around not to feel lonely.

Khao Sok National Park

I briefly mentioned Khao Sok National Park earlier, but I just want to reiterate how incredible our experience was at the park. If you get the opportunity to go, it’s something you won’t regret!

If you’re travelling solo there are group tours you can join so you won’t be in a jungle alone. There are also private tours available, although more pricey, these are aimed towards families and romantic getaways.

Ayutthaya was our favourite historic city in Thailand. We loved learning about this ancient capital’s history and how it was the centre of the Siam Kingdom for over 400 years. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly a wonderful place to visit.

It definitely doesn’t see as much foreign tourism as it deserves but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to add to your Thailand itinerary. It’s set up to receive tourists with some fantastic accommodations , you’ll want to know the best area to stay in during your visit but otherwise, you’ll have a fun time in Ayutthaya.

Kanchanaburi

Another great historic city in Thailand is Kanchanaburi. The sad story of the Death Railway and Hellfire Pass can be found there with much of the city’s tourism-focused around the events which took place during WW2.

There are, however, two popular national parks close by which also make Kanchanaburi worth visiting . I mentioned earlier two national parks in the area and specifically Erawan Waterfalls which is superb. So, a visit to Kanchanaburi doesn’t have to be totally historic. It’s a place that anyone can enjoy with a busy nightlife scene too!

I love Chiang Mai , and I think so does everyone else! It’s a fun city with a laid-back vibe, filled with ex-pats and digital nomads, it’s a home away from home. The beautiful city has many temples and historical sites for those of you interested in history and culture.

It’s also a great place to visit in Thailand if you’re travelling with a pet as it’s got many pet-friendly hotels!

It’s also surrounded by national parks, filled with elephant sanctuaries and has one of the best routes for riding your scooter along: the Chiang Mai to Pai Road 1095 . You’ll need to rent a scooter of course but luckily, Chiang Mai is full of motorbike rentals so it won’t be an issue.

Is Thailand Safe?

We feel that Thailand is a safe country, and we had no issues when we were travelling around. In general, the country is considered safe , but like any destination, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. 

Here are some tips for practising safe travelling in Thailand:

• Watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash or wearing expensive jewellery in public.
• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in deserted areas.
• Be cautious of scams, such as tuk-tuk drivers who offer to take you on a tour of the city for a very low price and then take you to shops where they get a commission.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or scooter, and only rent from reputable companies.
• Respect local laws and customs, and dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites.
• Stay up to date on any travel warnings or advisories from your home country.

⭐ Pro tip >>  If you’re going to be using your phone, don’t forget about overseas data roaming. You’ll get charged for using your data. Try  Airalo’s eSIMs and download a digital data pack.

Is It Expensive To Visit Thailand?

The cost of visiting Thailand can vary depending on your travel style, budget, and itinerary plans.

Accommodation

Options range from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Average prices start from around £10+; however, in less touristy areas, I’ve seen prices for as little as £4.

You’ll also be happy to know that because Thailand is generally considered a cheap country to visit , you’ll be able to find really great affordable accommodation!

Transportation

Options include cheap local transport, domestic flights, and private taxis. You can jump in a local tuk-tuk for more affordable prices. However, prices vary depending on where you are. These days, it’s becoming more cost-effective to use an Uber or similar company in larger cities. These are just some prices I remember from Phuket to give you an idea.

Thai street food is delicious and affordable, but eating in restaurants and cafes can be more expensive, especially in tourist areas . These are just some prices I remember from Phuket to give you an idea.

Activities and Attractions

Massively vary in price, with some being relatively inexpensive and others costing more. The larger cities such as Bangkok and tourist hot spots like Phuket will always be more expensive.

⭐ Pro tip >> Thailand can be an affordable destination if you choose budget options and street food, but it can also get expensive depending on your travel style and itinerary.

How Many Days In Thailand Is Enough? 

The number of days you need in Thailand depends on your travel goals and interests. However, I would suggest a minimum of at least 10 to 14 days in Thailand. To maximise your trip, 3 -4 weeks would be ideal!

⭐ Pro tip >> 2 weeks would give you enough time to visit some of the country’s main attractions, experience the local culture, and relax on some of the beautiful beaches.

Is It Worth Going To Thailand For A Week?

In my honest opinion, unless you’re going to Thailand for a specific purpose or planning a week of beach bumming (by which I mean, I wouldn’t blame you),  I don’t think a week is worth it .

Logistically speaking, you’ll miss out on many amazing locations and experiences because you won’t be able to fit it all in, and it will feel rushed. The point of a holiday is to relax right? 

Something that can’t be overlooked is that Thailand is a huge country that is very diverse. In the south, you have tropical islands and sandy beaches, while in the north, you have cooler mountains and rugged terrain. It’s nice to experience all of this while in Thailand.

So, to experience the best of Thailand, you’ll need to move around . At least 10 days but I would say this is only a good amount of time for visiting either the south or the north.

⭐ Pro tip >> Give yourself 2 – 3 weeks, and you’ll be able to travel to the south, the capital and the north! Whoo.

Are There Any Reasons Not To Visit Thailand? 

Thailand is a popular tourist destination and there are some negative impacts of tourism that are worth discussing.

👉  Overtourism is one of the main issues and in popular areas like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket it can lead to crowded streets and environmental damage. That said, there are many other places to visit in Thailand which are not on the tourist route and offer unique experiences.

👉  Thailand has also experienced issues with plastic pollution, overfishing, and damage to coral reefs. This is due to various reasons including tourism activities like snorkelling and diving.

👉  Although things are changing, some tourist activities have been criticised for exploiting animals . There are many issues surrounding animal welfare issues such as elephant riding. Do not participate in any form of elephant riding. 

👉  Most shockingly, Thailand has been identified as a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking , with some cases involving sex tourism. 

👉  The country has also experienced political instability, occasional protests, and demonstrations that can impact travel plans. This coincides with safety and it’s your responsibility to keep up-to-date with current affairs.

✔️ Responsible travel practices , such as choosing eco-friendly tours and avoiding activities that exploit animals, are important steps to take as a traveller.

Should You Go To Thailand Or Indonesia?

We spent a lot of time in Indonesia, basing ourselves in Bali and then travelling around the country. Although we loved our time in Bali, we preferred travelling around Thailand.

Indonesia is worth visiting but if you have to choose, then visit Thailand. These days, Thailand is a much cleaner country with good infrastructure for tourism and fewer stray animals. One thing which saddened us in Indonesia was seeing the poor health of their animals and the amount of pollution and roadside rubbish.

However, if you like that raw travel style then Indonesia might be a better option for you. This, of course, excludes Bali which is highly developed – is Bali worth visiting? If you can, why not visit them both and decide for yourselves?

And, in the meantime why not stop by Singapore as it’s in the middle of the two countries? Singapore is not a cheap country, however, there are a few Singapore on a budget tips you can follow to make it as affordable as possible!

Is Bali Cheaper Than Thailand?

Good question! From my experience, Indonesia is more affordable than Thailand, but not by much. If you’re visiting lesser-known tourist spots in Thailand the prices are on par.

Bali, on the other hand, is more expensive than the rest of the country but Bali is still very cheap and you’ll be able to find some amazing deals. Is Bali cheaper than Thailand? If you eat locally and stay in homestays you’ll find that travelling to Bali on a budget is very possible and it will be cheaper than in Thailand.

That said, if you’re not travelling on a budget, Bali can quickly become a very expensive destination. So watch your wallet!

Conclusion: Is Thailand Worth Visiting 

So, is Thailand worth visiting? I hope by now you agree that it is, although maybe I didn’t sell it to you enough…

Thailand is a magnetic country which draws its visitors in, people return time again to experience its warm culture and fascinating history. It literally has something for everyone from sunny beaches to rolling mountains. Rice paddies galore, cascading waterfalls and lively parties make it a fun and exciting place to take your holiday.

And the best part? It’s an affordable country too! You’ll be able to have an incredible vacation in Thailand without having to worry too much about affordability. You’ll get to experience spas, massages and wellness on a level we could never get back home.

✔️ Thailand is one of our favourite countries and it’s definitely somewhere worth visiting in 2023!

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Abigail Dalton is the owner and creator behind I’m Going On An Adventure, a blog which helps travellers find unique destinations worldwide. She focuses on offbeat travel and road trips, giving first-hand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect trips and make the best memories. She also helps travellers plan their dream holidays with bespoke travel services where she creates fun-packed itineraries. When she isn't writing about her travels you'll find her on long country walks foraging for mushrooms or enjoying a cool fruity white under the sun, toes tucked in the sand.

Why Thailand is Worth Visiting. Everything You Need to Know.

Having traveled from the north to the south of Thailand, we’ve got a pretty good idea of where to go and what to do. It’s a pretty amazing place that’s culturally very cool too. With lots of adventure and breathtaking scenery too, it is a no-brainer destination in our opinion. Anyway, let’s get into it.

So here are our top reasons why Thailand is worth visiting :

• It’s Cheap – Food, Trips, and Accommodation – It’s all affordable
• Fantastic Food – It’s a tour of the taste buds. If you like spices and coconuts, this place is for you.
• Beaches – Stunning powdery beaches and warm waters.
• Activities – From Temples to Trekking, Thailand really has it all
• Our Kick-Ass Itinerary – That you can follow

These statements are relatively generic. Depending on where you go, prices, the food, the beaches, and activities are all different. Luckily for all of you though, we can give you our view on all of these as well as a view of what we got up to.

Thailand is a cheap place to visit – It’s worth the trip

One of the reasons we chose to travel to Thailand is that it is more affordable than a lot of luxury travel destinations , and still has beautiful powdery beaches.

The Thai currency is Baht. Here are some currency conversions you can use as a guide in terms of cost.

As we mentioned before, prices vary depending on where you are in Thailand.

Where should I travel when I visit Thailand?

We visited the following areas:

• Bangkok – For the City life
• Chiang Mai – For the great outdoors and local feel
• Koh Samui – For the beaches and fish
• Krabi – For the beaches and fun

We’ll go into each of these places in our itinerary but before we get into that, here’s a view of what you can expect to be paying when you’re out there.

So let’s look at a few important categories per place to give you a full overview.

When you are in Thailand remember to BARGAIN with everyone, not just in the markets! You’d be crazy not to. So much is negotiable in Thailand including group and private tours. Prices above should be used as a benchmark of what you should be paying.

How much should I pay for a hotel when I visit Thailand?

It depends where you go, but here’s a guide you can use for the areas in Thailand that we visited.

Here’s how much you should be paying for a hotel in Thailand . Below are approximate prices per room per night, during peak season (November – March).

These prices have been validated using data from Trip Advisor and Booking.com.

We have some hotel recommendations below . We always link to Trip Advisor reviews rather thank the main hotel websites.

We link to Trip Advisor because they represent experiences of real people. We review our experiences there too. Here’s a link to our profile if you want to check out our thoughts on some of the places we’ve been to.

Whenever we travel to any country, we try to see and do as much as possible. Location is therefore key to maximize your time and reduce your costs in terms of travel fares.

So it’s useful to know where to stay, as it just makes your holiday better!

What are the best locations to stay when visiting Thailand?

We try to strategically pick an area where we can get to attractions on foot if possible or as close as possible. The hotels we have recommended above are picked with the location in mind.

What is the best area to stay in Bangkok?

Iconic tourist points in Bangkok, including the Grand Palace, the Reclining Buddha, the Wat Arun Ratchavararam and Asiatique are all along Chao Phraya River. This will include the Sukhumvit area .

With that in mind, it’s best to stay as close to the River as possible . This will save you money on taxi fares.

There is also a hop on hop off river taxi costing around 150 Baht , a for a day pass, so you can travel in between points without spending additional money. We’ll go into this in a bit more detail when we go through our travel itinerary.

This is a great way to save money if you don’t want to go on a group tour.

What is the best area to stay in Chiang Mai?

In Chiang Mai, you want to stay in the Old City. It’s a great central location to explore and is within walking distance of great restaurants, bars, and major tourist points such as Wat Prasingh (A beautiful temple nearby).

If you are around on a Sunday, the night market is fantastic. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs, try some street food, and experience some local music.

What is the Best Area to stay in Koh Samui?

In Koh Samui, the best places to stay are in Chaweng, or in close proximity to the Fishermans Village.

Koh Samui is a Fishermans town, and because of that all the great restaurants and markets tend to be around the Fishermans Village. We found taxis to be more expensive than other areas of Thailand, with that in mind it’s worth staying closer to the tourist attractions.

What is the best area to stay in Krabi?

Rather than staying in Krabi Town, which is extremely congested, it’s better to stay in Ao Nang . From here you have access to Ao Nang night markets, you’re right on the coast to watch the sunrise and sunset from one of the lovely bars.

From Ao Nang, there are lots of Tourist Information Points where you can book tours, and be sure to bargain with the vendors! There’s also a shuttle taxi boat service to Railay beach which is fun.

Thailand Food is fantastic! We visit countries with our noses and our mouths!

So whenever you travel anywhere, it’s always worth jumping on a computer and googling foods to try. We always ask our friends too and make a food hit list. So here’s our ticked list for your notes!

So what Thai food should you try when you visit?

• Kow Soy – A crunchy noodle soup. With tofu, shrimp, chicken – whatever – it’s amazing.
• Morning Glory or (Pad  Pak Boong  ) – looks like stir fry green beans, spicy but great!
• Tom Yum Soup – Probably the best soup you’ll ever have. Vegetable, chicken it’s all good.
• Mango and Sticky Rice – It’s a weird combination, but it does work.
• Pad Thai – Thai staple! Our go-to dish before we started sampling. We still love it.
• Red Penang Curry – cashew infused red curry with chicken, shrimp or vegetables. Yum!
• A coconut with a straw – Buy great fresh coconuts, and the water is so sweet! Try it.

We love the food so much, we even tried a Thai cooking class, which was fantastic by the way. You’ll find Thai cooking classes everywhere.

We decided to give it a try in Krabi but you should be able to do it anywhere. We did hear that this course is cheaper in Chang Mai , so it may be worth a try there.

In any case, It was a brilliant experience. We were given a choice of four dishes to pick from (a mixture of mains, desserts, and starters), taught how to make them, and given a certificate and recipe book afterward.

Cost: roughly around 1200 Baht per person which is around 31 GBP or 36 USD.

It’s super professional, you get picked up and dropped off, really worth it! If you decide to try it out in Krabi, we reviewed our experience on Trip Advisor which you can check out here, as well as others.

Which part of Thailand has the best beaches? – These ones are worth visiting

Thailand has some gorgeous beaches , and warm waters but what’s even more amazing is the iconic, breathtaking scenery you get with them in our opinion.

We went to two coastal towns, Krabi and Koh Samui. To be honest they were both pretty similar. The beaches and scenery are great too. If we were going to pick one, we’d probably go for Krabi.

The reason being is that we prefer the surrounding town that we stayed in Ao Nang, it’s just more relaxed and it’s less busy. Nevertheless here are some beaches worth checking out in both towns.

Visiting Beaches in Ko Samui, Thailand

• Chaweng Beach – Probably the most popular beach in Koh Samui. Chaweng is the busiest town in Koh Samui, so there’s plenty around in terms of bars and food too.
• Lamai Beach – This beach is fine for a meal, and a view of the sunset, but the beaches are pretty standard.
• Boput Beach – This beach is lovely, but this area is more about the Fishermans market on a Friday and its fantastic restaurants.
• Beaches at Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park – Islands just of Koh Samui. Our Favourite! You’ll need to take a boat ride but it’s so worth it! Soft sands, warm waters and a view of all the small neighboring islands, it’s just perfect. You can go kayaking too!

Visiting Beaches in Krabi, Thailand

• Ao Anang Beach – Just a beautiful beach. Ideal for a little picnic. Watch the longboats take people over to neighboring Railay Beach.
• Railay Beach – Only accessible by boat from Ao Anang beach. Worth a visit for sure. With its beautiful limestone cliffs, you won’t be disappointed.
• Phi Phi Islands – Travel by speed boat to uninhabited islands, more limestone cliffs, and stunning scenery.

Activities in Thailand, Tours you need to do when you visit and costs!

There are loads of activities, historical sites, scenic views and natural wonders in Thailand. Our advice is to do as many of them as you can when you visit . Group tours and private tours comparativel y more affordable than many other countries and the service is generally really good.

We went on a few because you can get great deals with tourist Information vendors out there. There are loads of them, and they’re all prepared to do a deal.

Here are our top picks of activities when you visit Thailand

Bangkok Visit – Advice on Tours and Activities in Thailand

Bangkok is a pretty busy place, as you would expect from a capital city. It’s easy to judge this city, but there are some cool places to go to and some must-see activities.

There are tours and things that you can book, but honestly, in Bangkok – for the cultural and culinary enthusiasts, you are much better off booking a Chao Phraya Tourist Boat hop-on hop-off boat ticket .

Cost: It’s 150 Baht per person for the tourist boat pass (around 5 USD). We’d recommend this one as you get a bit of information about the sites before you dock at your stop as well as a handy leaflet.

Here’s the link to Chao Phraya Tourist website for more information about pick up, drop off points and current prices.

Covering basically all of the important cultural must-visit places in the city, its the most time-efficient and cost-efficient way of seeing Bangkok’s most important sights.

The following sites are included:

• Grand Palace – Thailand most famous landmark and temple – 500 Baht entry fee
• Khao San Road – For nightlife and street food
• Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) – Unesco World Heritage site – A beautiful temple – 50 Baht entry fee
• Pak Klong Taladd (Flower Market) – Wholesale flower market – good for pictures
• Asiatique – Markets, food, and a ladyboy show
• Iconsiam (Shopping Mall) – Probably the most luxurious mall we’ve ever been to

This is already a bargain, but if you want to save more money there is a local boat service that you can take which is around 15 Baht per person.

The Views in Bangkok , Thailand

For probably one of the best views you will ever see, take a trip to Moon Bar – Banyan Tree Bangkok . We were genuinely STUNNED . Shoot up to the 75th floor, and then take the stairs to enjoy this once in a lifetime panoramic view of Bangkok.

Cost: Free entry

The deserts and drinks are overpriced, but it’s one of those places that you have to visit. Here’s a link to their official site where you can find out more.

Chiang Mai – Advice on Tours and Visits in Thailand

Chiang Mai is probably our favorite destination in Thailand . It was the cheapest, the most chilled out and friendly place that we visited.

There are also loads of really cool things that you can do in Thailand.

Bua Tong Waterfall (Sticky Waterfalls) Trek

We had the best time on this tour. You’ll be trekking through Pui National Park, jumping into a waterfall, and climbing the sticky waterfalls. You’ll also climb 306 steps to a beautiful temple in a cave.

We were so excited by the concept of the sticky waterfall we had to try it. You can literally climb up the waterfall. You get picked up about 8 am from your hotel, dropped back around 4 pm and they give you lunch.

Full disclosure : We loved this trip thoroughly, the only thing we would say is that the sticky waterfalls may not be as sticky as you expect and can be slippy in places. Remember your swimming gear.

Cost: It’s advertised for about 2500 Baht per person, but with negotiation, you should be able to get it around 1900.

Here’s a link to Get your guide to give you a view of what to expect on your trek.

Elephant Sanctuary

You have two options here. The half-day tour where you’re briefed, you walk with the elephants to a river, feed them, bathe them in a river and then have lunch. There is a full day option where you also give the elephants a mud bath.

Full disclosure : The elephants are lovely, there were no signs of any animal abuse which was really important to us, we’d definitely recommend it to anyone.

Cost: The half day s advertised at around 1500 Baht per person, the full day is around 2000 Baht.

Here’s a link to Banana Elephant sanctuary who we decided to do our tour with should you want more information.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – Go at night for the best view of Chiang Mai & Wat Umong (The Tunnel Temple)

An incredible temple on the top of a mountain, that you can drive to. You still have to walk up some dragon steps (the gateway to heaven) until you reach the temple. At night Chiangmai is beautiful.

Full Disclosure: There’s nothing to hide. Doi Suthep as an incredible story regarding its location dictated by an elephant (you can find out more when you go there yourself) which makes the experience even more special.

When you get to the top, you also get to sign your name on a large scroll that they have there.

Wat Umong ‘The Tunnel Temple’ – was included as part of our tour, but is an interesting historical and spiritual site. It’s called the tunnel temple because the temple consists of several tunnels that lead into one another.

The temple was built this way for a monk who had Alzheimer’s Disease. The king at the time (some 500 years ago) built the tunnels to protect him and prevent him from getting lost. It was also to ensure he could see him whenever he wanted. Lovely story hey!

Cost : We negotiated with our tour guide from the sticky Waterfall tour to take us for 800 Baht for two people, which was a great deal, given that it was a private tour.

You can, however, do this tour as part of a group for around 600 baht per person. Here’s a link to a tour operator in Thailand called PM tours for more information. Remember to negotiate.

Sunday Night Market at Chiang Mai

A quick note on this stunning market that we fell in love with. There’s music, food, souvenirs and its massive . If you are in Chiang Mai – do not miss it.

Top Tip: The Market goes on from around 5 pm till midnight, but most of the stalls start closing up around 10 pm, so don’t be too late.

Koh Samui – Advice on tours and trips

Koh Samui is a fisherman town, very commercialized, but don’t let this put you off visiting. You’ll find that prices are comparatively higher than Chiang Mai, but the sites and beaches are great.

Whilst we were in Krabi we visited Angthong National Marine Park by speed boat, a jungle discovery tour which includes temple visits and so much more. If you’re going to Koh Samui, do both.

Anthong National Marine Park – Speedboat, Sightseeing & Kayaking

So these are the main stops:

• Stop at Koh Wow Island for Snorkelling – It’s fun – There were not as many fish as we would have liked but it was cool.
• Emerald Lake – It’s a tough climb to the top. It’s not for young families, but it is worth it. Brace yourself though, there is another climb.
• Kayaking around Koh Samsao Island.
• a 500-meter panoramic viewpoint – another major climb.

Full Disclosure : Take trainers as well as swimming gear. The treks are treacherous and you need a grip! You also get breakfast and lunch included as part of the trip.

Cost: Expect to pay up to 2200 Baht per person, but remember you can negotiate on the price. We managed to negotiate a price of 1800 Baht per person.

Here is the trip advisor link to Mr Tu’s trip, that we went on. We were slightly apprehensive when booking this tour as google reviews were mixed, but our experience was excellent.

4X4 Full Day Safari Tour – We loved it!

Don’t let the off-road name fool you, as part of this tour you see so much more, including more temples (you may be templed out by now), huge Buddha statues, a coconut plantation, and a secret garden. You also get to ride on top of the 4×4 truck as well which is fantastic.

Cost: Around 1500 Baht per person

Here’s a get your guide link to the official tour to see the full itinerary.

Fishermans Village Market & Tree House Restaurant

The Fishermans village markets are meant to be the best in Koh Samui. Friday is the main day of the market. We couldn’t go but we hear great things. You can get more information through this link from hotels.com, so make sure you check them out.

Another place we wished we had visited, is the treehouse restaurant. It’s on the beach and apparently has great food. Its meant to be a perfect place to watch a sunset. Here’s a trip advisor link for more information.

Krabi – Advice on Tours and Visits in Thailand

Krabi felt similar to Koh Samui to us. The truth is you can do some pretty similar activities.

We decided not to do the Phi Phi Islands tour as it looked similar to the Anthong National Marine Park but we did go zip lining in the treetops and went for a dip in the hot springs..oh yeah and we visited more temples, well it would be rude not to!

The Krabi Jungle Tour

Probably one of the best tours that we did, which included a dip in the emerald pool , which literally feels like swimming in mineral water. The hot springs are nice too!

The tiger cave trek included as part of this tour was the hardest but the most incredible journey of our trip. You’ve got to try it. The views are amazing.

Cost: Around 1600 Baht, but again you may be able to get a deal at a tourist information point.

Tree Top Adventure Park

If you’re familiar with Go-ape, this is similar but about 20 times more exciting. With over 50 platforms and more zip lines than you can count it’s a fun experience.

We had a great time. If you are looking to do something different, this is worth trying.

Costs: 1700 Baht but again you can probably negotiate on this.

Here’s a Trip Advisor link to the Tree Top Adventure, should you want more information.

Want to Visit Thailand? Here’s our Itinerary exactly how we did it

Here’s the order in which we did things as well as how long we stayed in each of our destinations in Thailand. Links for all of the activities can be found in the activities section of this blogpost

2 nights in B angkok, Thailand – What we did

Where we stayed: Rembrant Hotel (Trip Advisor Linked)

Day 1 in Bangkok, Thailand

We arrived in Bangkok at 4pm on day 1 which meant we only had an evening.

• Moon Bar – Banyan Tree Bangkok – for the view. We took a grab from our hotel and paid 200 Baht each way.
• Dinner at the Local – Michelin Star Restaurant. We’re not used to eating at posh places, but it is more affordable in Bangkok. Our bill came up to around 46 USD.

Day 2 in Bangkok, Thailand

Our day of sightseeing, as mentioned earlier in the article we decided to use the hop-on hop off tourist boat to see the following sites costing us 150 Baht per person.

• Grand Palace – Thailand most famous landmark and temple – 500 Baht entry fee.
• Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) – Unesco World Heritage site – A beautiful temple – 50 Baht entry fee.
• Asiatique – Markets, food, and a ladyboy show.
• Iconsiam (Shopping Mall) – Probably the most luxurious mall we’ve ever been to.

Although we stayed in Bangkok for 2 nights we only had one full day in the city. We were initially worried this may not have been enough time but looking back it’s the perfect amount of time.

Top Tip: Buy a data sim if your mobile network is not supported. 17 USD for a sim card with unlimited data from any 7 – Eleven supermarkets.

We then took an internal flight with Bangkok Airways to Chiang Mai.

3 days in Chiang Mai, Thailand – Here is what we covered

Where we stayed: U Chiang Mai

Day 1 in Chiang Mai, Thailand

We arrived in Chiang Mai in the evening again, around 5pm this time on a Sunday. Our hotel was in the midst of the Sunday Night Market, which to be honest was amazing!

• We had a great evening wandering the Night Market and eating the amazing food, buying some awesome souvenirs and listening to some local music.
• We also found a tourist point to book an Elephant Sanctuary Tour and the Sticky Waterfalls trek.

Day 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The day that we washed the elephants and fed them bananas and had lunch too. We also had a chat with some monks about life in general.

• We were picked up at about 8 am, taken to the elephant sanctuary where we were greeted by a baby elephant and his mum.
• We had a quick briefing before we took the elephants down the river where we washed them. Really surreal experience. You don’t know how big an elephant is until you stand next to one
• Finally, we were treated to lunch – where we had Pad Thai. Lovely!

In the afternoon we decided to walk to the Temple of the Great Stupa (Wat Chedi Luang ). You have to pay around 20 Baht per person to enter. Here you can speak to young Monks. There is no set program and you can talk to them about whatever you want.

It was interesting to understand the lives of these young men, how much they understand at such a young age as well as their view on human life and purpose.

If you’re interested in this, here’s a link to a really good resource from a travel blogger, big boy travel.

Day 3 in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Our favorite day in Chiang Mai. We were picked up at 7.30 am as part of a group and did the following amazing activities.

We trekked through a jungle, climbed to the peak of a Buddhist cave , jumped in a waterfall and climbed up a sticky waterfall too. All worth it, all amazing! We were dropped off to our hotel at around 5 pm.

In the evening we decided to take a private tour to Doh Su Thep and the Wat Umong (The Tunnel Temple). The evening is the best time to do this mainly because of the views from the Temple of the lights at night in Chiang Mai. It’s gorgeous.

For dinner we tried Kow Soy, this is the place to have this dish as Chiang Mai is known for it, You can get it everywhere.

We flew out the next morning with Bangkok Airways.

3 days in Koh Samui – It’s got more than just beaches

Where we stayed: Rocky Resort Island Hotel (Trip Advisor Linked)

Our first beach town trip. Going from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui, you definitely notice the difference between the two places. Koh Samui is much more commercial and touristy. But I guess that is to be expected.

Day 1 in Koh Samui, Thailand

We arrived in the afternoon in Koh Samui. We decided to go to Lamai Beach as it was the closest to our hotel. We spent the afternoon eating and booking our tours (Angthong National Park & 4X4 Krabi Off-Road Major Safari Tour at a tourist information point.

There are loads of restaurants that border Lamai Beach, all relatively similar.

Day 2 in Koh Samui, Thailand

Angthong National Park was an incredible experience, the speed boat journey was long but worth it with the snorkeling, hiking and kayaking activities. It takes the whole day. You will be very tired by the end of it.

Day 3 in Koh Samui, Thailand

4X4 Safari Tour – Temples, Rocks, Waterfalls, Secret Gardens and coconuts. This was a good tour, we enjoyed it and the tour guides really made an effort in making this trip enjoyable. Riding on top of the car was also super cool.

We flew out the next day to our final destination – Krabi.

3 days in Krabi – Our Adventure town in Thailand

Where we stayed: Centara Anda Dhevi Resort and Spa (Link to Trip Advisor)

Day 1 in Krabi, Thailand

We booked a couple of tours, The Krabi Jungle Tour and the Tree Top Adventure at a Tourist information shop.

In Krabi, we visited the night market – We went as part of a group. Costing 300 Baht from Ao Nang as part of a return trip it wasn’t bad.

The night market was ok at best, we were not that impressed, to be honest. Prices were reasonable but there was not much variety in terms of items on sale.

Day 2 in Krabi, Thailand

One of our favorite tours of this whole trip – We’d recommend it for sure. The Hot Springs are good and relaxing, The emerald pool is refreshing.

The 2000+ steps at the tiger cave was probably the most challenging climb we had in our time in Thailand but was totally worth it.

Watch out for the monkeys though. One of them stole ice cream from me. I’m not even joking!!

Day 3 in Krabi, Thailand

On our final day we went Zip Lining and climbing in the Tree Top Adventure as part of the Tree which was an awesome experience. We were picked up around 8 am. Dropped off about 2 pm.

We also tried our hands at a Thai Cooking . This was probably one of the most worthwhile classes we did.

And that is our whole trip consolidated!

In Conclusion

We hope that you have found this article useful, and use it as a resource when you are planning your trip to Thailand.

Have we missed something out? If you want any more specific information, please let us know in the comments below.

Here are some of our picks that we hope you will enjoy.

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• Why Does London Have So Few Skyscrapers?

The Binge Traveller

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Is it worth going to Thailand for a week? Sample Thailand itinerary for 7 days

Table of Contents

So, is it worth going to Thailand for a week?

Yes! Visiting Thailand, even for a week, is worth it. Spending 7 days in Thailand is enough to get an excellent introduction to the country’s rich history and culture, delicious food, and beautiful and friendly people.

But, if you ask me –

Is 7 days in Thailand enough?

Then my answer is  NO . Thailand has so much to offer; one week is too short to explore the country fully.

For example, I first visited Thailand in 2012, backpacked Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya for a week in 2015 , and have returned to explore parts of the Kingdom a few more times since then. But there’s still so much more I want to see and experience in Thailand.

‘Cos there’s something about this country that would make you want to visit it over and over again.

But I do get it. If you’re from Southeast Asia, like I am, visiting Thailand whenever I want is easier. But, if you’re from, say, the USA or Canada and have a full-time job there, you need more planning to visit Thailand again, which may not be convenient for you.

So, how many days do I need to experience Thailand fully?

If you have the time, plan  at least three weeks for Thailand to experience more deeply what the country offers without rushing.

But if one week is all you’ve got for now, that’s perfect, too!  If you enjoy your first visit to Thailand, you can simply plan another vacation there, like many travelers before you.

Do I need a visa for Thailand?

It depends on where you’re from. For example, as a Philippine passport holder, I can enter Thailand visa-free and stay there for up to 30 days.

To be sure, you can check here if you need a visa to Thailand.

Planning your trip? Use my favorite resources.

🛌 Accommodation : I recommend Agoda.com ✈️ Flights : I recommend Trip.com 🚂 Land Travel (Bus, Train, Vans): I recommend 12go 🚗 Car rental : I recommend Klook 🏞️ Tours and Experiences : I recommend Klook 🛡️ Travel Insurance : I recommend SafetyWing * These are all the sites I personally use to book my trips, and if you use them, some of them will earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping my site up. Thanks!

Sample Thailand Itinerary for 7 days

Now, if you’re planning a trip to Thailand and would like to see for yourself if it’s worth visiting for 7 days, below is my  sample Thailand itinerary for a week , the same itinerary I followed during a week’s visit to Thailand a few years ago .

Since I had already visited Bangkok in the past and was looking for a bit more quiet and immersive experience during trip, my itinerary looked like this : three days in Chiang Mai (including a day trip to Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son), an overnight stay in Bangkok, and three days in Ayutthaya.

But, if it’s your first time in Thailand , you can spend four days in Bangkok (including a day trip to Ayutthaya and then to Kanchanaburi) and three days in Chiang Mai (including a day trip to Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son).

I do hope this sample itinerary will help you decide if it’s worth going to Thailand for a week. Enjoy!

Day 1: Travel to Chiang Mai

If you’re visiting Thailand for the first time, I recommend spending a couple of days in Bangkok first.

But, because I’d already been to Bangkok when I went on this trip, I decided to do things a little differently from my fellow travelers and began my Thailand adventure in Chiang Mai.

✔️ Travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand

There are a couple of ways to get to Chiang Mai if you are coming from overseas.

• You can fly directly to Chiang Mai. You can check below if direct flights are available from the airport you’re flying from to Chiang Mai.
• Or, you can fly to Bangkok first and then, from there, fly to Chiang Mai. If you’re taking this route and flying out of Bangkok on the same day, make sure to book a flight to Chiang Mai leaving from the same airport that you landed in Bangkok. Otherwise, you’d have to take a cab, rent a private car for convenience, or you can also take the free shuttle offered by Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport, if you still have the time.

✔️ Get to your accommodation from Chiang Mai Airport

From Chiang Mai International Airport, you can opt for a private airport transfer or take a taxi to your accommodation of choice. You can also check with your accommodation if they offer airport transfer.

✔️ Check in at your accommodation

There are a lot of options for accommodation in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They’re very much prepared to welcome tourists, and the options are very responsive to your budget as well.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

Here are the top-rated accommodations in Chiang Mai: 🏨 Hotel : POR Thapae Gate 🏠 B&B : M1 Chiang Mai Boutique Guesthouse 🛌 Hostel : Hostel One Art & Gallery

✔️ Enjoy Chiang Mai at night with your friends!

You have many options for enjoying your first night in Chiang Mai. You can  explore Doi Suthep and Wat Umong  at night, go on a  private street food tour , visit Chiang Mai’s night market and explore its temples at night through a  tuk-tuk tour , or if you’re tired from all the traveling, get a relaxing  Thai massage .

Or, if you’re into it, experience Chiang Mai’s nightlife, like what we did!

Day 2: Chiang Mai

You can do a lot of things while you’re in Chiang Mai. Like many travelers, you can visit the rescued elephants . Enroll in a cooking class and learn how to cook authentic Thai food . Or, you can explore Chiang Mai’s main temples through a walking tour , bike tour , tuk-tuk tour , or private tour .

✔️ Explore Chiang Mai Old City In a fun way!

In my case, I booked a tour with Segway Gibbon to explore Chiang Mai’s gorgeous temples in a fun way.

Segway Gibbon in Chiang Mai has permanently closed.  But there are still tons of tours that you can choose from to make your visit to Thailand for a week worth it. Here are some curated options for you:

Day 3: Chiang Rai & Mae Hong Son

There are many things you can do while you’re in Chiang Mai, Thailand. You can  learn how to cook Thai food  on a farm,  spend a day with rescued elephants , or go on a thrilling  white water rafting on the Mae Taeng River , to name a few.

However, because I believe that indigenous communities are an integral part of a country’s culture, I wanted to visit the Karen Hill Tribe. So, I looked for a tour that would allow me even just to have a glimpse of their community.

Below are the activities you can do during a day trip to Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son.

✔️ Admire the artistry of Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

Wat Rong Khun, or more famously known as the White Temple, was designed by the local artist Chalermchai Khositpipat. Admiring its architecture and artistry was one of the reasons why I felt my 7-day visit to Thailand was worth it.

✔️ Experience The Golden Triangle

Have you ever experienced being in three countries at once? That unique experience is what you’re getting when you visit The Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet!

✔️ Visit the Karen Hill Tribe at Mae Hong Son, Thailand

If you’re interested in Thailand’s rich history and culture, visiting the Karieng Tribe at Mae Hong Son is something you wouldn’t want to miss. Spending time with them made my visit to Thailand for a week worth it.

Day 4: Travel to Bangkok

Spend your last morning in Chiang Mai with a food trip ! My roommate and I roamed around the Old City and had the best pad thai I’ve ever tasted.

After that, I spent the rest of my stay in Chiang Mai writing postcards for my family, friends, and myself!

✔️ Travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok

The cheapest way to get to Bangkok from Chiang Mai is by  train . But because you only have a few days left in Thailand, I encourage you to fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok , like what I did.

✔️ Travel to your accommodation in Bangkok

Check with your accommodation if they offer airport transfers. Otherwise, you can use the public transportation, hail a taxi, or book a private airport transfer to get to your accommodation in Bangkok.

✔️ Check in at your accommodation in Bangkok

Bangkok is a famous tourist spot, so there are tons of options that you can choose from, depending on your budget and your itinerary in Bangkok.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Here are the top-rated accommodations in Bangkok, for your convenience: 🏨 Hotel : Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai 🏠 B&B : Noursabah Boutique Bed 🛌 Hostel : Siam Eco Hostel

✔️ Enjoy your night in Bangkok

There are tons of options for you to enjoy your night in Bangkok. You can go on a  food trip  and have a taste of authentic Thai food. Or, if you’re feeling a bit fancy,  eat at one of Bangkok’s Michelin-star restaurants . Or, you can also go on a  tuk-tuk tour  and see the famous temples beautifully lit at night.

As for me, though, I just spent the night at my hotel and rested. Looking back, I could’ve gotten myself a relaxing  Thai massage  to prepare myself for the remaining leg of my Thailand vacation.

Day 5: Ayutthaya

If you’re interested in learning about history and culture, like us, you should include Ayutthaya in your Thailand itinerary.

✔️ Travel to Ayutthaya

The  cheapest  and  fastest  way to  travel to Ayutthaya from Bangkok  is by taking the train. It takes about 50 minutes from Don Mueang, and the train fare starts from 2 USD.

If you’re planning to spend more time in Bangkok, you can just book a day tour to Ayutthaya from Bangkok .

As for us, we planned on staying overnight in Ayutthaya, and we rode the train to Ayutthaya from Hualamphong Train Station, which was nearer our hotel.

✔️ Travel to your accommodation in Ayutthaya

From the train station, you can easily find a tuk-tuk driver who can bring you to your hotel. Just have the address of your hotel written in Thai to avoid miscommunication.

We stayed at  Baan Thai House Ayutthaya . We loved it so much that we extended our stay for another night!

Where to stay in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya offers many accommodation options for its visitors. Here are some of the top-rated accommodations I found for you: 🏨 Hotel : Baan Thai House Ayutthaya . 🏠 B&B : Krodyle Mindfulness House 🛌 Hostel : Room Story Hostel

✔️ Go on a Sunset Boat Tour

To do things a little differently, go on a sunset boat tour to visit the lovely temples of Ayutthaya. We did this during our visit and it was indeed a fascinating way to explore the place, a different perspective from when you view Ayutthaya on land.

✔️ Eat like a local: Food trip at the night market

After our boat trip ended, we visited one of Ayutthaya’s night markets. With various food options, you will have a fill of their food culture. Helen, Justine, and I enjoyed their freshly made sushi!

Day 6: Ayutthaya

Your visit to the Historic City of Ayutthaya won’t be complete if you don’t explore its famous temples. Include the following in your itinerary to make your 7-day visit to Thailand worth the trip!

✔️ Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

✔️ Wat MahatHat

You’ve probably seen an image of a Buddha’s head wrapped around the roots of a tree when you researched about Thailand. And that you can find in Wat Mahathat.

✔️ Wat Na Phramen

Day 7: Last day in Thailand

Want to explore the Historic City of Ayutthaya on your own? Check with your hosts and see if you could borrow or rent their bikes to explore Ayutthaya. For example, at Baan Thai House Ayutthaya, where we stayed, they offer free bike rentals!

✔️ Travel to Bangkok

If your flight leaves from Bangkok, you can either take the train (fastest and cheapest option), ride the bus, or book a private ride from Ayutthaya to Bangkok .

In our case, we rode the van to Bangkok, then took the train to Makassan City Air Terminal and another one to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where my plane for Manila was flying from.

Enjoy planning your Thailand itinerary!

Thank you for reading this far. I genuinely hope this post helped you see that it’s worth visiting Thailand for a week and planning your Thailand itinerary. If you have any questions, please  feel free to contact me . I’d be happy to help!

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Monica is a traveler and the storyteller behind The Boho Travels. Since 2012, after backpacking to visit indigenous communities in the Philippines, she's been using her blog and social media accounts to inspire people to travel and live life fully - through her well-researched travel itineraries, guides, and tips (based on her own travel experiences). She's so far visited 34 provinces in the Philippines, and 15 countries in Asia and Europe - and excited to explore more!

6 Reasons Why Thailand Is The Best Place To Visit In The World

Thailand: The Land of Smiles

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and friendly people. But what really sets Thailand apart is its rich culture and history. From the ancient temples of Ayutthaya to the modern skyscrapers of Bangkok, Thailand has something to offer everyone. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, be sure to add Thailand to your list!

Table of Contents

Is Thailand Worth Visiting

1. Affordable. Thailand is one of the most affordable countries to visit in the world. You can easily find a hotel room for under $20 per night, and meals can be had for a few dollars. 2. Friendly people. Thai people are known for their friendliness and hospitality. They are always happy to welcome visitors to their country and make them feel at home. 3. Beautiful beaches. Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the white sand beaches of the Andaman Sea to the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, there is a beach for everyone in Thailand. 4. Rich culture. Thailand has a rich culture that is reflected in its food, music, and art. Visitors can learn about Thai culture by visiting temples, museums, and cultural centers. 5. Great food. Thai food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. It is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. There are many different types of Thai food to choose from, so there is something for everyone. 6. Easy to get around. Thailand has a well-developed transportation system that makes it easy to get around the country. You can travel by plane, train, bus, or boat.

Is Thailand Worth Visiting?

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country that is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. It is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason. There are many things to see and do in Thailand, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Reasons to Visit Thailand

There are many reasons to visit Thailand. Here are a few of the most popular:

Beautiful beaches: Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The white sand, crystal-clear water, and lush green mountains make for a stunningly beautiful setting. Some of the most popular beaches include Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Krabi. Lush rainforests: Thailand is home to some of the most lush rainforests in the world. These rainforests are home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and tigers. There are many opportunities to go hiking, trekking, and camping in the rainforests. Vibrant culture: Thailand has a vibrant culture that is influenced by its many different ethnic groups. There are many different festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about Thai culture. Friendly people: Thai people are known for being friendly and welcoming. They are always happy to help tourists and make them feel welcome.

Things to Do in Thailand

There are many things to do in Thailand. Here are a few of the most popular:

Visit the beaches: Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, scuba dive, or just relax on the beach. Explore the rainforests: Thailand is home to some of the most lush rainforests in the world. You can go hiking, trekking, and camping in the rainforests. Learn about Thai culture: There are many opportunities to learn about Thai culture. You can visit temples, museums, and cultural centers. You can also attend festivals and celebrations. Meet the friendly people: Thai people are known for being friendly and welcoming. They are always happy to help tourists and make them feel welcome.

Thailand is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists. There are beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and a vibrant culture. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there are many things to do. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Thailand is a great option.

You may Also Like To Read: How Much Are Meals In Thailand

FAQs: Is Thailand Worth Visiting?

Is thailand safe to visit.

Yes, Thailand is generally safe to visit. The crime rate is low, and the people are friendly and welcoming. However, there are some areas that are best avoided, such as the border regions with Myanmar and Cambodia.

What is the best time to visit Thailand?

The best time to visit Thailand depends on what you want to do. The peak season is from November to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also when the prices are highest. The shoulder seasons, from May to June and September to October, are a good compromise between weather and cost. The low season, from July to August, is when the weather is hot and humid, but the prices are much lower.

What are the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand?

The most popular tourist destinations in Thailand include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui. Bangkok is the capital and largest city, and it is home to many historical and cultural attractions. Chiang Mai is a popular destination for trekking and exploring the jungle. Phuket is a popular beach destination, and Koh Samui is a small island with beautiful beaches and clear waters.

What is the cost of a trip to Thailand?

The cost of a trip to Thailand depends on your budget and what you want to do. A budget-friendly trip can be done for as little as $50 per day, while a more luxurious trip can cost upwards of $200 per day.

What are the best things to do in Thailand?

There are many things to do in Thailand, including exploring the cities, trekking in the jungle, visiting the beaches, and taking cooking classes. Some of the most popular activities include visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, taking a boat trip to the floating markets, and hiking up to the Tiger Cave Temple in Chiang Mai.

Jeff Powell is a passionate traveler and the founder of this website. With over a decade of experience exploring Thailand, Jeff has gained valuable insights into the country's culture, cuisine, and hidden gems. His love for Thailand and his desire to share his experiences with others led to the creation of this platform.

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16 tips for a budget visit to Thailand

Oct 28, 2023 • 10 min read

These top budget tips with a guide to daily costs can help you keep your spending under control on a trip to Thailand © Chadchai Ra-ngubpai / Getty Images

Travelers looking for adventures on a shoestring flock to Thailand .

With its heady blend of pocket-friendly travel experiences, cultural surprises, easy transport, spicy-not-pricey food and one of the world’s friendliest backpacker scenes, Thailand could well be the perfect budget travel destination.

However, the cost of a trip can vary wildly depending on where you go and the levels of comfort you're looking for when you get here. Spend too much time in Bangkok, take lots of tours and drink lots of bottled beer, and you're looking at spending a whole lot more.

Here are our top tips for traveling further for less in Thailand.

1. Places to stay are cheaper in the low season

Prices for accommodations and transport shoot up from November to March, coinciding with the driest weather and travel-friendly temperatures. The July to September low season is the rainiest time of year; some ferry routes and island resorts close down completely, but accommodation prices drop significantly. Hotel rates also dip during the spring and fall shoulder seasons , which can be a rewarding time to visit without the winter crowds. 

2. Air travel into Thailand can be surprisingly low

Bangkok is one of Asia’s cheapest destinations to reach by air, particularly if you come with Qatar Airways, Etihad or another Gulf carrier, but prices creep upwards during the peak winter season. If flights to Bangkok are looking costly, investigate flights to Singapore , Kuala Lumpur and other Asian hubs, and see if you can find a cheap connection to the capital on Air Asia or another budget carrier.

Alternatively, connect to Bangkok by train . Regular trains run from Johor Bahru – just over the causeway from Singapore – to KL, Butterworth (for Penang) and north along the isthmus to Bangkok for around US$80 one way. It’s one of Asia’s most enjoyable rail journeys. 

3. Resist the taxis at the airports

Most new arrivals fly into Bangkok’s busy Suvarnabhumi International Airport, 30km (19 miles) east of Bangkok, though a few budget carriers still use Don Mueang International Airport near Chatuchak Weekend Market . At either hub, eager agents will try to talk you into expensive airport taxis.

Instead, take public transit; Suvarnabhumi has Airport Rail Link trains that connect with the downtown Skytrain and MRT network, and a free shuttle bus to a local transport terminus with cheap city buses into the center. Don Mueang has regular overground trains and slow but inexpensive local buses to the middle of Bangkok. 

At airports all over Thailand, you can often find a cheap taxi ride by flagging down a cab on the highway outside the airport-terminal complex, avoiding airport charges. Just remember to check if any highway tolls apply for the journey into town.

4. Stay in homestays or hostels

Accommodation prices in Thailand have been climbing steadily for years, in line with rising standards. Many backpacker places are edging into boutique-hotel territory, with cafes, bars, wi-fi and pools, and the US$5 box rooms of old are a dying breed.

To keep a lid on costs, sleep in dorms; rates start around 250B. For not too much more, you can find basic rooms and bungalows with shared bathrooms and fans rather than A/C (or central air-conditioning instead of a unit in every room). If you're traveling with friends, sharing triple and quad rooms can be a great way to save money.

Camping can be astonishingly cheap, with rates at many national parks starting from 30B per person. Homestays are another inexpensive option in rural areas; rooms tend to be rustic but comfortable, and you get authentic home cooking and cultural immersion in the bargain. Also, look out for discounted rates at hostels and budget hotels via booking sites such as Booking.com and Agoda.

5. Skip internal flights and tourist minivans for local buses and trains

Even if you stick to budget airlines, flying internally in Thailand and making use of those oh-so-convenient tourist minivans will jack up your travel costs. Instead, use public buses or travel in second or third-class carriages on the trains. 

If you don’t mind sleeping in a reclining seat, you can save the cost of a berth (and a hotel room) by taking a slow overnight train or overnight bus. Buy tickets directly from bus and train operators to avoid travel agent fees.

Buses run by the state transport company Baw Khaw Saw (BKS) are usually cheaper than private buses. Most bus stations have ticketing halls where all the companies advertise their destinations so that you can compare fares. Ordinary and express buses are cheaper (but less comfortable) than VIP buses or luxury VIP24 or VIP32 buses, named for the number of seats on board. 

6. Take taxis or a  sŏrng·tăa·ou  instead of tuk-tuks

For local trips, regard tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) as a travel experience rather than a serious means of transport. Prices are routinely hiked for tourists,  and trips often involve detours to commission-paying souvenir shops and other establishments. Sǎamláw – three-wheeled pedicabs – also work on a bargaining system, but they’re not too expensive for short hops. 

A metered taxi is usually a more stable bet – just be aware that traffic jams can make even a short journey slow and expensive. Rideshares can be summoned through Grab and other apps, but you’ll often pay more than you would for a regular taxi. For trips around town (or from town to nearby villages), by far the cheapest option is the sŏrng·tăa·ou – a pick-up truck with benches that operates like a local bus.

7. It's cheap to rent a motorcycle or scooter, but ride carefully!

Renting a scooter or motorcycle is a remarkably cheap way to get around in Thailand , particularly for local exploring. In most traveler centers, you can pick up a ride for as little as 150B per day, and petrol costs around 40B per liter. Thailand has a shocking rate of traffic accidents, so ride cautiously and slowly and make sure liability insurance is included as part of the hire. It may not be enough to rely on your own travel insurance.

8. Eat at street stalls and night markets

If you find restaurant dining is eating through your stock of baht, look to street stalls and wandering hawker carts that are always gratifyingly inexpensive. Stick to busy stalls and avoid uncooked fruit and veg.

As dusk falls across Thailand, street corners, parking lots, boat jetties and station forecourts transform into bustling night markets, where some of the best food in town can be had for low prices. Indeed, grazing from pàt tai noodle stall to sà·dé (satay) stand to ðôm yam soup vendor is one of Thailand’s great pleasures. For a real bargain, seek out the food courts attached to bus stations and other transport hubs, where bowls of noodle soup and other tasty local snacks can be had for penny prices.

9. Expect a high tax on alcohol

Going out in Thailand can be surprisingly expensive because of the taxes on alcohol. Knocking back the bottles of Singha or Chang beer can easily double your meal bill, so sip slowly or do as locals do and share a bottle of Thai whiskey or rum (usually enjoyed with ice and soda or cola). If only a beer will do, Chang is usually cheaper than Singha.

10. There's rarely a cover charge at live music bars

For inexpensive evening entertainment, a trip to a live music bar gives a lot of bang for not many bahts. There’s rarely a cover charge, and most venues have a rotating line-up of bands playing technically adept covers of popular songs. 

11. National parks have entry fees, and activities can be costly

Entry fees to Thailand’s many national parks are not too onerous – typically 200–300B – but they can add up. The big costs are usually associated with transport into national parks and organized activities such as guided hikes , boat trips and scuba diving. If you’re looking to save money, competition between operators keeps prices down at Khao Sok National Park and Khao Yai National Park . 

Accommodations at national parks, on the other hand, are very reasonably priced, with bungalows going for 350-500B and tent spaces costing from 30B (US$0.90) per person. Tents are often available for rent for around 150B. Most national parks with accommodations also have basic canteens offering simple Thai dishes at budget prices.

12. Thailand’s minor monasteries are often free to visit

Thailand’s most famous monasteries – including Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok – charge pricey entry fees for tourists. If you’re watching the pennies, smaller monasteries are often completely free to visit, and they are arguably more interesting because of the absence of photo-snapping crowds. In any town you pass through, ask a local for tips on the most interesting wát in the area – there’ll always be something intriguing to see.

13. Hot spring treatments are cheaper than spas 

Thailand’s spas are world-famous, and the sky is the limit when it comes to prices at the luxe end of the market. However, you can find therapeutic treatments for a song at dozens of natural hot springs dotted around the hills of northern Thailand. 

Chiang Mai in the north is ringed by government-run hot spring complexes, where therapeutic baths and other treatments come at highly agreeable prices. At Pha Daeng National Park , access to the pools costs just 100B, and you can camp for 30B per person; entry prices are similar at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs.

14. Seek out economical Thai massages 

Having a vigorously relaxing Thai massage is de rigueur on a trip to Thailand, and you can pay the earth at posh hotels and luxury spas. At the other end of the spectrum, you can enjoy a pocket-friendly pummeling from former convicts at Chiang Mai’s Vocational Training Centre of the Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Institution and Lila Thai Massage , where many graduates work full-time. 

Alternatively, head to the massage pavilions on the grounds of Thai monasteries, where massages are performed by people trained in traditional Buddhist massage, as taught by the monks of Bangkok’s Wat Pho , the spiritual birthplace of Thai massage.

15. Thailand is one of the cheapest places to learn to scuba dive

Budget travelers can breathe easy – Thailand is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to scuba dive. An open water dive certification course on Ko Tao will cost around 10,000B, and dives start from 1500B if you go in off the beach. While Ko Tao is the cheapest dive hub, other inexpensive spots include Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi .

16. Bring your own gear for free experiences

Every imaginable adrenaline activity is possible in Thailand, from canyoning and kiteboarding to bungee jumping, zip-lining and jungle trekking. However, prices can be steep, particularly for organized, tourist-oriented trips that include transport. If you want thrills at minimum cost, head to Railay near Krabi, Thailand’s favorite rock climbing playground, where epic limestone routes start right off the beach. There’s no charge to climb with your own gear (or it can be rented cheaply), and budget rooms are available at Hat Ton Sai. If you've got your own snorkeling gear, you can see the underwater world for free at beaches across Thailand .

A guide to daily costs in Thailand

• Basic guesthouse room: 500–1000B (US$15–30)
• Market/street-stall meal: 40–100B (US$1.20–3.00)
• Bottle of local beer: 80B (US$2.40)
• Organized tour or activity: from 1500B (US$45)
• Motorbike or scooter hire per day: 150–300B (US$4.50–9.00)

This article was first published Feb 2, 2022 and updated Oct 28, 2023.

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Is Phuket Worth Visiting in 2024? 11 Reasons to Visit Phuket

Planning a trip to Thailand and wondering if Phuket is worth visiting? The short answer is, yes, it is! This guide will cover the reasons why this island is a fantastic travel destination.

Phuket is the largest island and arguably the most popular part of Thailand for tourists. It is famous for beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and warm climate that attract visitors from all over the world. Away from the beach, Phuket also offers excellent food, unique culture and fun adventure activities.

Unfortunately, Phuket has also developed somewhat of a negative reputation. Some parts of the island have unfortunately suffered from overdevelopment and overtourism.

Thankfully, you can often avoid these negatives by heading to places that are not on the tourist radar. If you’re prepared to get slightly off the beaten track, you can still find many unspoilt areas that will give you a glimpse of a wilder Phuket.

I’ve been to Phuket twice now and would be more than happy to go back. It’s one of those destinations that truly offers something for everyone, often at a reasonable price.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the reasons why Phuket is worth visiting. We’ll also cover the practicalities of visiting the island to help you plan your trip.

Disclosure:  Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please note, I only recommend products and services that I know and love. Read full Privacy Policy  here .

11 Reasons Why Phuket Is Worth Visiting

Phuket is affordable for tourists.

Phuket is considered one of the more expensive destinations in Thailand. However, for overseas tourists who bring their stronger currencies with them, it remains very much an affordable place to visit .

Budget-conscious travellers will find that their money still goes far in Phuket. The island has a great selection of affordable hotels and transport costs are generally low. There is an abundance of street food stalls where you can still have a delicious meal for just a few dollars.

Those seeking a luxurious experience will be delighted by the fact that many high-end hotels and dining spots cost less than their equivalents in the US or Europe. Phuket is truly a place where you can enjoy luxuries for less.

Some of Phuket’s best attractions such as its beaches and natural beauty are free to enjoy anyway. So even with a limited budget, Phuket is still worth visiting.

Phuket is Well-Connected

Another factor that makes Phuket worth visiting is its excellent level of global connectivity.

Phuket boasts its own international airport, situated in the north of the island. It serves as a hub for flights from other parts of Thailand , as well as major cities in Asia, the Gulf Countries, and Australia.

Thanks to this connectivity, Phuket is relatively easy to reach from many parts of the world. You can typically get there with minimal stopovers, which makes travelling more convenient.

This is particularly relevant if, like me, you travel alongside a full-time job and often need to fit a destination into the two-week paid time off allowance. You might not want to spend 40 hours travelling to more remote destinations due to constraints like this.

Of course, if you have the fortune to travel for longer periods, the presence of an international airport might not be as important. However, for many, this aspect significantly enhances Phuket’s appeal.

Charming Phuket Old Town

The Old Town area of the city of Phuket, the capital of the Phuket province, is the cultural heart of the island. This is where you can experience its unique history and culture.

For centuries, the island’s rich natural resources, especially tin, attracted people from different parts of the world, from China to Europe, who hoped to make their fortunes. This melting pot of cultures produced a unique community that left their mark on the town’s architecture and cuisine.      

The streets of Old Town are lined with distinctive Sino-Portuguese shop houses. Many of these colourful buildings have been converted into cafes, restaurants, hotels and boutique shops. Apart from admiring the town’s elegant architecture, you can also check out a number of Chinese shrines, museums and street murals. 

Phuket Old Town is also the culinary capital of the island, famous for its fresh seafood and delicious curries. From street food stalls to upmarket establishments, there is lots to try. Some local eateries, including Khao Tom Thanon Di Buk have even been featured in the Michelin Guide. Another opportunity to enjoy delicious food is the Sunday Walking Street Market. That’s when the central Thalang Road comes alive with street food stalls, live music and street performances.     

Phuket Old Town deserves at least a day trip, but if time allows, it will be worth staying there for a couple of days to explore it in more depth. We only did a day trip there, but I would definitely love to come back and stay for longer.  

Amazing Beaches

Incredible beaches are one of the main reasons why Phuket is worth visiting. From busy tourist hotspots brimming with activities, bars and restaurants to remote stretches of sand to get away from it all, there is something for every taste.

Patong, Kata, Kamala and Karon are some of the more popular beach towns. As a result, they are also busier. If you’re after a high end experience, head to Surin or Mai Khao beaches that have a concentration of luxury resorts. Mai Khao is also part of the Sirinath National Park and it’s much quieter than many other beaches in Phuket.

Phuket also has plenty of wild beaches on offer. To reach some, you might need to rent a car or a moped. Others are accessible only by boat. For a less developed side of Phuket, we visited Freedom Beach near Patong. Surrounded by lush greenery, it boasts soft white sand and crystal clear waters. It’s absolutely perfect for a swim. 

There are two ways of getting there. The easier option is to get a long-tail boat from Patong. The other is to drive there and then walk down a hill for 15-20 minutes to the beach itself. The walk is steep, uneven and has a few steps, so be very careful if you do decide to attempt it. 

You might also bump into locals who will try to charge you 100 baht for entry to the beach. This is a scam as all Thai beaches are public. However, we ended up paying as we were not sure what the alternative was.

Lively Nightlife 

If you are after an unforgettable night out, head to Patong, Phuket’s party capital. It is the main tourist hub on the island with hotels, restaurants, shops and bars for every budget.

Bangla Walking Street, lined with bars, clubs and go go bars, is the heart of it all. Even if you’re not planning on partying, people watching there can be quite fun. After a big night out, you can relax at the Patong beach, a 3-km stretch of golden sand that can get incredibly busy during the high season.

We visited Patong in January 2022, just as Thailand started opening up post-pandemic. As a result, many places in the town, including major shopping malls, were closed. The beach was relatively busy, but not as crowded as it would have been before the pandemic.

In normal times, I imagine, Patong might feel too crowded. It’s also a place where overdevelopment rears its ugly head with its negative effects on the local communities and the environment.

However, I believe it’s important to form your own opinions. If you’ve never been and would like to have a memorable night out, it’s still worth a visit.

Some visitors to Phuket go to Patong and get disappointed because of how crowded and overdeveloped it is. They may assume that the whole of Phuket is not worth going to because of their negative experience.

However, there are many other parts of Phuket worth visiting instead. If you are after secluded beaches and a relaxing setting, I would advise to avoid Patong and head somewhere else.

Excellent Thai Cooking Schools

If you love Thai food and you would like to learn the secrets of local cuisine, Phuket has many high-quality cooking classes on offer. There are a few different schools scattered around the island, so you can choose a class that works best for your location.

A typical cooking class is a small-group activity that takes 3-4 hours. A friendly instructor will introduce you to the principles of Thai cuisine and popular local ingredients. Then you will get to try your hand at a few different dishes. Some classes, normally the morning ones, include a visit to a local market. 

We did a cooking class at Pum’s Cooking School in Patong. We selected 3 dishes (Pad Thai, Green Curry and Tom Yum) and Pum’s excellent team has shown us all the ropes. Needless to say, we were very happy with the results. Pum focuses on simple and healthy food which is easy to replicate at home. We also got to go home with a little cookbook by Pum so we can relive our memories of Thai cooking. 

Thanks to the school’s relaxed atmosphere, Pum’s great humour and, of course, delicious food, this class was a highlight of our trip to Phuket. The class that we took is called ‘Pum’s Little Shoes’ and costs 1,500 baht (43 USD) per person. The price includes a hotel transfer.   

Cruises to Phang Nga Bay

Beautiful natural landscapes is another reason why Phuket is worth visiting. Personally, I feel a trip to Phuket would not be complete without a visit to the stunning Phang Nga Bay.

Phang Nga Bay is a natural wonder just off the coast of Phuket, famous for its dramatic limestone formations towering over calm turquoise waters. Sections of the bay have been incorporated into the Ao Phang Nga National Park. 

The best way to explore the bay is by boat. We did an Early Bird James Bond & Beyond tour   and it was one of our favourite activities in Phuket. There are, however, many tour operators offering similar itineraries. They can vary by the number of islands visited, start times and luxuriousness of the boat. 

We selected our tour because of the earlier start to make sure we can beat the crowds at one of the most famous spots in the bay, James Bond Island (Ko Tapu is its original name). You might recognise its unique shape from ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ James Bond film. We arrived there quite early and there were not that many people there, so we had this beautiful spot almost to ourselves. More boats started arriving as we were leaving.

Other interesting stops on the tour included a visit to Koh Panyee, a unique over-water village built on stilts. It was an opportunity to get a glimpse of a very different lifestyle. The guide showed us around the village and told us about the people living there. I believe that on some other tours you can have lunch at one of the restaurants there, so you can enjoy a longer visit. 

Our tour also included a lunch at Koh Yao Noi, a much less developed island with just a handful of resorts. Despite its proximity to Phuket, Koh Yao Noi isn’t plagued by the same mass tourism issues. In addition to that, we also got to explore the caves on the Koh Phanak island, did some canoeing in the mangroves and had a stop over on another island for a swim. 

All in all, it was a day packed with fun activities and I would definitely recommend it. 

Enjoy Island Hopping

Another reason why Phuket is worth visiting is because it is the perfect base for exploring other islands in the Andaman Sea. In fact, you will be spoilt for choice. From busy party hubs to uninhabited slices of paradise, there is something for everyone.

Getting to those islands is pretty straight forward. You can opt for an organised tour, hire a long-tail boat or, in some cases, take a ferry. Organised tours are great if you would like to visit multiple locations in one day. Hiring a boat would give you the most freedom though.   

One of the most popular island destinations from Phuket are Koh Phi Phi islands. The islands are famous for their natural beauty, but also their party scene. The place can feel like it’s overrun by tourists, but you can still find quieter areas away from the crowds. There are a couple of resorts located on the island if you would like to stay there for longer.

If you’re into snorkelling or diving, Similan Islands should be at the top of your list. This archipelago is actually a national park and famous for its rich marine life and crystal clear waters. These are best reached with an organised tour, either for a day trip or a multi-day adventure.   

Impressive Phuket Big Buddha

Perched on a hill with sweeping views of the beautiful surroundings, the Big Buddha is one of the most well-known landmarks in Phuket. It is an impressive 45-meter tall statue of the Buddha in a sitting position, covered in Burmese white marble. Although its construction began in 2002, it is still ongoing. 

Phuket Big Buddha is located in the south of the island. You can actually hike to it from Kata Bay. The trail is 8 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete. It is challenging, so only attempt it if you have a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi that will take you up the hill. 

The entry to the site is free, but you can leave a donation that will go towards the completion of the site. As this is a place of religious significance, you need to dress appropriately. Make sure to cover your legs and arms. There is an option to borrow a sarong if required. 

One of the World’s Most Beautiful Rooftop Bars

Baba Nest is a luxury rooftop bar that sits on the southern tip of Cape Panwa, a quiet area with a handful of resorts just a 30-munute drive from Phuket Town. It is part of the high-end Sri Panwa resort, but you don’t have to stay there to book a table at the bar.  

Baba Nest features a stunning rooftop terrace with a wraparound infinity pool. Guests can enjoy incredible 360-degree views over the Andaman Sea and southern Phuket’s coastline. You can even spot the Big Buddha from there.

The bar serves up cocktails and a small selection of Mexican tapas.  The drinks and the food are on the pricey side by Thai standards. Remember, in this case you mainly pay for the views and an exclusive setting.

The bar is open daily between 5pm and 8pm, so you can first enjoy a stunning sunset and then get dinner elsewhere.  

The bar only has a dozen or so tables, so reservations are essential. Email the bar directly at [email protected] to book a table. To avoid disappointment, try to book about a month in advance, as this is when the new dates get released.  

There is a minimum spend of 2,000 baht (US $60) per person. You will need to make this payment to confirm your booking.  

Incredible Diving and Snorkelling

Phuket is also worth visiting for its amazing diving and snorkelling opportunities, suitable for all levels of experience. 

The waters around the island teem with diverse marine life such as tropical fish, turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and even whale sharks. Additionally, thanks to the tropical warmth, visibility in the water is high. 

Unsurprisingly, there are many spots in and around Phuket to explore its rich underwater world. The Similan Islands, located to the north-west of Phuket, are among the best destinations in the world for diving and snorkelling. 

The journey there does take a few hours, but you will be rewarded with incredible coral formations, home to many marine species. There are liveaboard tour options there as well, although they may not be for everyone. 

Other popular spots for diving include Shark Point, Karon Bay, and Koh Racha Yai. Snorkellers can also add Coral Island, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Raya to their list. All these are easily accessible on day tours from Phuket. 

You don’t need to leave Phuket to enjoy snorkelling either. Although you won’t find the same diversity of marine life as in places like the Similan Islands, locations such as Ao Sane, Yah Nui Beach, and Kata Beach are still worth visiting. 

Phuket is home to many established diving schools, such as SSS Phuket, Sunrise Divers, and Raya Divers. They offer diving courses for different levels of experience, as well as diving and snorkelling day trips and liveaboards. 

The best time to visit Phuket for diving and snorkelling is between November and April when the weather is most pleasant and stable. However, since this is the peak season, you may have to contend with crowds at some locations. 

If you don’t mind slightly reduced visibility, you might consider travelling to Phuket outside of this peak period. 

Is Phuket Really Touristy ?

Phuket has a reputation for being overly touristy, and unfortunately, it is not underserved. A recent study by  MoneyTransfers.com (September 2023) named Phuket the most overcrowded tourist destination, with nearly 120 tourists for every local. 

To be fair, Thailand takes up the top three spots on this list, with Pattaya and Krabi being the second and third most crowded destinations in the world. This is, of course, a testament to Thailand’s enduring popularity as a travel destination. However, it brings its own challenges. 

 Going back to Phuket, its high popularity with tourists has resulted in overdevelopment and sometimes irreparable damage to what was once a pristine natural environment. Crowds are also incredibly common at some beaches and towns. 

Patong, in particular, has a reputation for being busy. Its main beach can become so crowded in the high season that you might not particularly enjoy it. Other popular areas that attract tourist crowds include Kamala, Kata, and Karon. Phuket Old Town can also get really busy, especially when the market is on, but I don’t think that’s a reason not to go there. 

On the flipside, crowds in Phuket can be avoided by simply travelling to less popular and developed places. For example, we spent a week in Cape Panwa on our second trip to Phuket. It was incredibly quiet and relaxed, with no loud nightlife. Beaches like Nai Harn and Mai Khao are also famous for their seclusion. 

All in all, if you are strategic about where you travel in Phuket, crowds can be avoided. Although it’s very much on the beaten trail, Phuket is still worth visiting despite its reputation. 

Animal Tourism in Phuket

Unfortunately, Thailand, in general, does not have the best record when it comes to animal rights, and Phuket is no exception. When visiting the island, you will notice attractions like Tiger Kingdom and elephant trekking being advertised everywhere. 

These should be avoided as the animals are often mistreated. For example, tigers are wild predators and should not be used for close contact with human entertainment. They are frequently abused to make them behave in a subdued manner. 

Riding elephants is another harmful practice. It hurts the animals and is completely unnecessary. Again, the animals are mistreated to ensure they comply with their human handlers’ demands. 

Nowadays, there are many elephant sanctuaries that claim to be ethical. However, if they include activities like bathing and feeding, they should be avoided as this can still be detrimental to these animals. 

 For your next trip, choose an observation-only sanctuary instead. 

When is the Best Time to Go to Phuket 

Phuket has a t ropical climate , so the temperatures are warm all year round. November to early April is considered the best time to go, with December being especially busy due to Christmas and New Year holidays around the world.

These are the driest and sunniest months. This is the perfect time to make the most of Phuket’s beaches. However, this is also the high season meaning that flights and accommodation prices are higher.  

The rainy season in Phuket is between May and October. You will still get plenty of sunshine overall, but the weather is more unpredictable. Tropical showers are common, but they often last for just a few hours in the afternoon. This is the time when the island is quieter, and the prices are lower.  

How to Get to Phuket 

Phuket is home to an international airport connected to major European, Middle Eastern and Asian cities.

There are a handful of bus routes that will help get you to the most popular areas of the island. The Airport Bus Phuket connects the airport to Phuket Town. The Phuket Smart Bus route goes all the way to Rawai in the south of the island with stops at the likes of Kamala and Patong. 

Alternatively, you can take a taxi to your destination. If you would like to book a private airport transfer in advance, you can use this online service . This way you can reduce the hassle and waiting time when you arrive in Phuket. 

If you are travelling to Phuket from other parts of Thailand, you may be able to take a coach. You can use the Easy Book website to check coach routes, timetables and prices, as well as book your tickets.  

How to Get Around Phuket  

Getting around Phuket is not always easy. The public transport system is limited. There is a bus network that connects Phuket Town with popular beach destinations. These buses (blue songthaews) are not particularly luxurious but are quite affordable. It’s important to note that there are no set schedules for these.  

Other options for getting around Phuket are taxis and, for shorter journeys, tuk-tuks. Foreigners are charged a tourist rate for these, but there might be room to negotiate a slightly lower price.  

Renting a car or a scooter offers the most flexibility. The latter seems to be especially popular among tourists and many bloggers recommend it as a “local” experience.  

However, driving not just in Phuket but in Thailand in general is dangerous. The country has one the highest rate of road fatalities per capita in the world with around 20,000 preventable deaths a year. The majority of deaths involves motorcyclists and pedestrians. There are many reasons for this tragic statistic, from weak law enforcement to careless driving.  

I would personally recommend staying away from hiring a car or, especially, a scooter. The costs of taxis and tuk-tuks add up, but it is a safer option as the drivers are more used to the local road conditions. 

If you do feel that having your own transport is the best option for you, make sure you have insurance. If you are renting a scooter, wear a helmet.   

Where To Stay in Phuket

The choice of where to stay depends on what you’re after. If you’d like to be close to nightlife, Patong is the place to be. If you’re after a quieter place away from the crowds, check out Rawai or Mai Khao. Another popular option is Kamala, especially for families. It’s not as busy as Patong, but still has a good choice of eateries and activities. If you’d like to spend some time exploring Phuket’s heritage, make sure to spend some time in Phuket Old Town.  

We stayed at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach near Patong. We wanted to be close to different activities, but at the same time have a relaxing experience. Marriott Resort & Spa is located a 20 minute drive away from Patong and has regular daily shuttles into town. Getting a taxi is also quite easy there. There wasn’t much around the resort in terms of dining and shops though. If you want to be within walking distance from these, I would recommend staying closer to Patong. 

Final Thoughts

So, is Phuket worth visiting? Absolutely! It is still very much a beautiful part of Thailand that offers a raft of activities and experiences for every taste and budget.

Like everywhere else, Phuket has own cons. However, with research and planning you can avoid the downsides and enjoy the best the island offers.

I think that Phuket makes a great destination for a romantic couple’s retreat. If that’s what you have in mind, check out this guide to the best places to stay in Phuket for couples .

Those looking to combine a tropical holiday with a visit to Thailand’s bustling capital should check out these guides to the top things to do in Bangkok and where to stay .

To make trip planning even easier, I’ve put together a one-day and two-day Bangkok itineraries that cover the city’s most iconic attractions and neighbourhoods.

FAQs: Is Phuket Worth Visiting

I would allow for at least three or four days for your Phuket visit to see the highlights. However, you can easily spend two weeks there and only scratch the surface of what the island offers. 

Phuket is famous for its stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes and fun activities. It is also a destination where you can enjoy delicious food, quality accommodation and great service at a reasonable cost. It’s a place that you just want to keep coming back to. 

Phuket is generally a safe destination for tourists with low crime rates. Petty theft is the most common type of crime, so always keep an eye on your belongings and don’t carry too much cash or other valuables on you. Also, trust your gut instinct. If something seems dodgy, try and remove yourself from the situation.  

In general, Phuket is an affordable destination for tourists from developed countries. There are luxury hotels, restaurants and activities that can still cost a significant amount of money, but they are not necessary to enjoy the island. 

They are very different in nature. Phuket is a tropical island that boasts incredible natural beauty while Bangkok is a busy metropolis, so it possesses an urban charm instead. If you can, visit both to experience the different vibes these places offer. 

Enjoyed this guide to whether Phuket is worth visiting? Bookmark or pin it for later.  

Related Reads: Thailand

• Is Thailand Worth Visiting in 2024? 17 Best Reasons to Visit Thailand
• What is Thailand Famous for? 23 Things You Need to Know
• How Long Does It Take to Get to Thailand: Everything You Need to Know
• Phuket or Bangkok: Which Should You Visit?

Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok in 2024

• 2 Days in Bangkok itinerary
• 24 Hours in Bangkok: The Ultimate Itinerary
• Is Bangkok Worth Visiting in 2024? 17 Best Reasons to Visit Bangkok
• Where to Stay in Phuket for Couples: The Best Areas and Hotels
• Phuket in December: Everything You Need to Know in 2024
• Why Is Thailand So Cheap? Cost of Travel to Thailand in 2024
• Is There Uber in Thailand? Everything You Need to Know
• Does It Snow in Thailand? Everything You Need to Know

Ksenia is the creator and writer behind Explore with Wonder. As an avid traveller, she has ventured to more than 20 countries and resided in four. Currently based in Manchester, she has a passion for exploring both the UK and exciting destinations worldwide.

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I’ve always wanted to see Thailand. This is a great post. Thsnks for the info.

Thanks Margarita, glad you’ve enjoyed the post!

Fantastic guide to Thailand, which we will read again and fully research your in-depth advice to get the best of our first visit. Myself and my husband hope to visit for the first time December/January 2024/25 We are in our young healthy 60’s, and live in Blackpool!

Hi Elaine, thanks so much for your comment! Glad you’ve enjoyed this guide and hope you have a wonderful time in Phuket!

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• Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? + 19 Pros and Cons

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If you’re wondering is Chiang Mai worth visiting? – that’s a big YES from me!

Nestled among the lush mountains and ancient temples of Northern Thailand, lies the enchanting city of Chiang Mai. 

Often referred to as the “Rose of the North,” this captivating destination has captured the hearts of travelers from all corners of the globe – including me!

After spending a couple of weeks using Chiang Mai as my home base during my first 2-month trip to Thailand in 2021, I knew I wanted to return. So in 2023 when I was looking for a place to settle for a couple of months, Chiang Mai was an obvious choice. 

But what makes Chiang Mai so great to visit, and is it truly worth adding to your Thailand itinerary? 

Let’s dive into the many great reasons that make Chiang Mai an unmissable gem – from its rich cultural tapestry and stunning architectural wonders to its mouthwatering cuisine and warm-hearted locals. 

Buckle up as we embark on a journey to uncover the magic that awaits you in the charming city of Chiang Mai.

My Top Picks for the Best Tours in Chiang Mai

👉 doi inthanon national park, waterfall & royal project small group tour, 👉 chiang rai day trip from chiang mai small group tour, 👉 half-day cooking class in chiang mai, 👉 chiang mai hot air balloon adventure, 👉 full-day chiang dao kayaking, caving, and jungle tour from chiang mai, 👉 full-day tuk tuk adventure and rafting (+ learn to drive a tuk tuk), 👉 chiang mai northern food tour by songthaew truck, 👉 whitewater rafting adventure.

Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?

The short answer is YES! Chiang Mai is worth a visit – there are so many great reasons to visit Chiang Mai!

We’ll jump deeper into the many reasons why Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination – as well as a popular destination for digital nomads and expats – down below. 

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a food enthusiast , or a spiritual seeker, Chiang Mai has something magical in store for you. 

👉 I took this 5-Star Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall & Royal Project day tour from Chiang Mai . See stunning views, visit the highest point in Thailand, and visit a local market. Sometimes, it’s nice to sit back in an air-conditioned vehicle and let a tour guide do all the work.

Pros and Cons of Chiang Mai from a Local (Reasons to Visit Chiang Mai)

Is it worth going to Chiang Mai? If you have the time, you definitely should visit Chiang Mai.

But it’s not for everyone…there are many great reasons to visit Chiang Mai, as well as some reasons why not to go to Chiang Mai.

I made Chiang Mai my home for a couple of months, so now I have a very good idea about the pros and cons of living in Chiang Mai . And I was here as a solo backpacker first, so I know all the reasons to visit Chiang Mai, as well as the reasons not to. 

I wish I had all of this information before renting my apartment in Chiang Mai. Let’s dive in!

1. Pro: 300+ Temples to Explore Including Doi Suthep

Each temple has its own distinct charm and architectural style, making temple-hopping an exciting and enriching experience. 

When you’re visiting a temple in Thailand, bring something to cover your shoulders and knees – I’ll usually wear a short-sleeve shirt and tie a sarong around my waist for these visits. You’ll also be asked to remove your shoes before entering the temple.

My favorite temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – a must-visit in Chiang Mai. It’s about a 40-minute drive uphill, and then 306 steps up the Naga staircase. Once you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding area . My favorite time to go is very early or at sunset. 

👉 My pick for the best Chiang Mai temple tour is this City Tour of Viewpoints, Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Pha Lat with a near-perfect 5-Star Rating.

2. Con: There Are No Chiang Mai Beaches

Let’s face it, when most travelers plan their trip to Thailand , they’re probably imagining themselves lounging on the picture-perfect white sand beaches that the country is famous for. 

Unfortunately, Chiang Mai is located in the northern mountainous region of Thailand and far away from the stunning shorelines that other areas offer. There are no beaches in Chiang Mai .

However, Chiang Mai makes up for it in many other ways – from its rich history and ancient temples to its stunning natural beauty and vibrant street markets, there’s never a shortage of things to see and do in this amazing city. 

So is it worth visiting Chiang Mai? While you might miss out on the beach experience in Chiang Mai, you’ll be more than compensated with an unforgettable cultural journey.

3. Pro: Delicious Thai Food (Khao Soi!) 

Chiang Mai, a city in Northern Thailand, boasts a rich culinary heritage that tantalizes food lovers from around the world. 

From the iconic Khao Soi, with its rich and creamy coconut curry, to the fiery and aromatic Sai Ua sausages, Chiang Mai’s culinary delights will take your taste buds on an unforgettable adventure . 

Explore bustling night markets , cozy local eateries, and vibrant street food stalls to fully immerse yourself in Chiang Mai’s gastronomic treasures. 

Don’t miss Changphuak Suki , an unpretentious yet very popular food stand that always has a line. Take a number and explore the other stands while you wait. My go-to is the dry stir fry with pork for 55 baht ($1.58 USD). 

Not only is the local food in Chiang Mai cheap, but it’s delicious!

🤩 My favorite way to get to know a new city is by taking a food tour. This Northern Thai Food Tour will change your life. You’ll try hidden restaurants, street stalls, and local markets that most tourists never find and be transported in an iconic red rod daeng truck with a small group of hungry travelers. Come hungry because you’ll be trying more than 15 different dishes!

4. Con: Time-Consuming to Get to During Short Vacations

While Chiang Mai’s charm and allure make it a desirable destination, travelers on shorter vacations may find it time-consuming to reach this northern gem. 

Unlike Bangkok or Phuket, Chiang Mai is situated farther north and requires additional travel time, which may not be feasible for those with limited vacation days. 

Flights can be quick (1.5 hours) but expensive, while train and bus journeys (about 12 hours or more) are more budget-friendly but significantly longer. As a result, travelers with tight schedules may need to weigh the benefits of exploring Chiang Mai against the time constraints of their trip.

I had so much fun taking the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai as a solo backpacker and actually ended up making friends with all of the other backpackers in my car. And the rocking of the train lulled me right to sleep in my cozy bed!

👉 Pro Tip: Taking the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is a classic Thailand experience! I use this site to look up train and bus routes in Southeast Asia. Try to book at least a few days in advance because the trains do sell out, especially the lower beds. I recommend first or second-class sleeper cars that have air conditioning.

Is Chiang Mai worth it? I understand why travelers with just a week or two in Thailand often decide to focus just on Bangkok and the islands in the south, but Chiang Mai is worth it if you have the time!

5. Pro: Night Markets and Walking Streets

The famous Sunday Walking Street transforms the Old City’s Ratchadamnoen Road into a bustling pedestrian-friendly zone, while the Saturday Walking Street comes to life along Wualai Road. 

The Night Bazaar , located on Chang Klan Road, is open every night and offers a more tourist-oriented experience with a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

You’ll find unique and locally crafted items from intricate silver jewelry to handmade pottery, and not-so-unique items like cheap elephant pants, a backpacker’s right of passage.

For me, it’s all about the food , with countless stalls serving up everything from fragrant curries and zesty salads to sweet treats and refreshing beverages. 

I like to grab a fresh coconut for 40 baht and stroll around for a while, working up an appetite. Then I find the stall with the longest line and start eating! 

6. Con: Chiang Mai’s Burning Season (Late February to April)

Chiang Mai’s burning season refers to the period when farmers in the region practice slash-and-burn agriculture, clearing land by setting fire to crop residue and vegetation. 

This results in a significant increase in air pollution, with smoke and haze enveloping the city and surrounding areas. 

The burning season typically occurs between late February and early April, though it can sometimes extend into May.

In 2023, Northern Thailand had an especially bad burning season. Chiang Mai was the most polluted city in the world for seven days straight, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Tourists may want to avoid visiting Chiang Mai during the burning season due to air quality issues, reduced visibility, outdoor activities limitations, and flight disruptions.

7. Pro: Getting Around Chiang Mai is Easy

Chiang Mai, while a bustling city, has the added perk of being relatively compact. 

Getting around is quick, simple, and inexpensive. With a variety of transportation options from tuk-tuks, songthaews (local bus), and motorbikes, to bicycles and on-foot exploring, travelers are free to roam without breaking the bank. 

I didn’t know how to ride a scooter during my first visit to Chiang Mai , so I used the Grab app to call a tuk tuk taxi whenever I needed, for just a dollar or two. You can also hail one on the street, but be prepared to haggle before you get in.

This time around, I rented a scooter for just a few bucks a day, and use Google Maps to zip around town. A lot of tourists like renting a bicycle, since it’s a fairly flat city. 

You can also hop on a songthaew and experience Chiang Mai like a local! These red trucks are the city’s most popular mode of public transport. Flag one down, tell the driver your destination, and jump in. It usually costs 20-30 baht (less than $1 USD) for a ride.

If you plan on exploring other parts of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a great base for renting a car and seeing more of the country.

8. Con: City-Lovers Sometimes Find Chiang Mai Too Boring

I personally don’t agree with this one – that’s saying something since I lived in New York City for 14 years! 

But some people find that Chiang Mai lacks the grit and excitement of cities like Bangkok. 

Chiang Mai’s charm lies in its rich history, chill vibes, and surrounding natural beauty, which doesn’t always resonate with travelers seeking fast-paced urban adventures or a party-centric atmosphere. 

Each traveler’s preferences are different, and what may seem boring to some can be a haven of tranquility and cultural immersion for others. 

A couple of months living in Chiang Mai is just what I need after 2 years of solo backpacking around the globe. 

9. Pro: Lively Nightlife 

While Chiang Mai may be known for its laid-back vibes, the city also boasts a lively nightlife scene.

From bustling night markets and walking streets filled with local food stalls, to cozy bars and pubs scattered throughout the city, there’s something to suit every taste.

The Nimmanhaemin area is particularly popular for its trendy bars, chic restaurants, and stylish cafes, while the Old City is home to more traditional Thai-style watering holes and live music venues. 

For those interested in dancing the night away, Chiang Mai has several clubs playing a variety of music genres. 

The city’s nightlife may not be as wild as Bangkok’s, but it provides a charming mix of local flavor and modern entertainment, making it an enjoyable aspect of any visit to Chiang Mai.

10. Pro: Friendly Locals + Big Hub for Backpackers and Expats

Why visit Chiang Mai? The locals here are the friendliest! I’ve found them to be friendly, warm, and welcoming towards tourists. 

Chiang Mai is the ultimate hub for backpackers, digital nomads, and expats, and that’s just one more reason to visit Chiang Mai! 

As a backpacker, it was easy to make new friends at my hostel in Chiang Mai . Friends became my travel buddies to nearby places like Pai.

Connecting with people now that I’m living in an apartment takes more effort. Luckily there are active Facebook groups and coworking spaces that bring expats together.

👉 My pick for the best hostel in Chiang Mai is Hostel Lullaby . I stayed here multiple times when I was backpacking Thailand. It’s a quiet hostel that attracts more mature backpackers and is in a great location with super comfortable beds with curtains and rooms with A/C. I made so many friends who I traveled with all over Northern Thailand at the complimentary breakfast.

11. Pro: Lots of Nature & Adventure Activities Nearby 

One of the best reasons to visit Northern Thailand is the beautiful nature and the adventure activities that come with it.

Chiang Mai serves as a gateway to Northern Thailand’s stunning mountains, national parks, and lush jungles. 

You name it, Chiang Mai’s got it. Treks, ziplining, white-water rafting, mountain biking, hot springs, waterfalls, and ATV excursions are all doable near Chiang Mai. 

Doi Inthanon National Park and the Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall (free to enter!) are two of my favorite things to do near Chiang Mai.

👉 Check out this full-day Chiang Dao Kayaking, Caving, and Jungle Tour from Chiang Mai . You’ll get to kayak along the Mae Ping River, surrounded by a tranquil forest and a bamboo jungle, greeted by water buffalo and birds. After a local lunch, you’ll explore the Chiang Dao Cave System with headlamps and flashlights.

12. Pro: Lots to Do In Town 

Why is Chiang Mai a popular tourist destination? Although Chiang Mai isn’t as big as Bangkok and doesn’t have the beaches of the islands in the south, there’s still a lot to do.

When you need a break from temple hopping, treat yourself to a rejuvenating Thai massage at one of Chiang Mai’s many spas. 

The city is known for its affordable and high-quality massages, with options ranging from traditional Thai to aromatic oil treatments. A foot massage is just a couple of dollars for an hour at the Sunday night market!

Another favorite of mine is taking a Thai cooking class . Schools like Smile Organic Farm or Thai and Akha Cooking School offer hands-on experiences and market tours.

👩‍🍳 My pick for the best cooking class in Chiang Mai is Benny’s Home Cooking course with a small class size, robust menu, and a near-perfect 5-star rating!

I love eating at the night markets as often as possible. There are also art galleries and workshops, museums, a million cafes, big shopping mall . 

13. Pro: Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries

One of the best reasons to visit Chiang Mai is to interact with elephants at ethical sanctuaries. 

Ethical elephant sanctuaries, such as Elephant Nature Park and Patara Elephant Farm, provide a safe haven for rescued and rehabilitated elephants while educating visitors on the importance of protecting their natural habitat and ending harmful practices like elephant riding.

In 2021, I spent a week volunteering at Elephant Nature Park , seeing firsthand the incredible work they do for elephants. I was fortunate to participate in a rescue of 3 working elephants while I was there.

When choosing a sanctuary to visit, research and select one that adheres to strict ethical guidelines. Good indicators include sanctuaries that:

• Do not offer elephant rides or performances.
• Provide spacious, natural environments for the elephants to roam freely.
• Ensure limited and respectful interactions between visitors and elephants.
• Support local communities and contribute to conservation efforts.

14. Pro: Perfect Base for Day Trips In Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai’s strategic location in Northern Thailand makes it an ideal base for a variety of captivating day trips, allowing travelers to explore the region’s diverse attractions and stunning landscapes. 

My favorite Chiang Mai day trips:

• Doi Inthanon National Park : Home to Thailand’s highest peak, this park features cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and picturesque hiking trails.
• Chiang Rai and The White Temple : Visit the strikingly beautiful Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and explore Chiang Rai’s fascinating attractions. Best done overnight if you have the time.
• Lampang : Discover ancient temples, such as Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, and experience the city’s charming horse-drawn carriages.

👉 If you’re short on time and don’t want to spend hours in crowded public transport, check out this Chiang Rai Temples Private Tour from Chiang Mai . It has over 200 5-Star reviews and includes the most famous White Temple plus lesser-known ones without so many tourists.

My favorite Chiang Mai multi-day trips:

• Pai : This charming mountain town boasts picturesque landscapes, hot springs, and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and outdoor adventures.
• Golden Triangle : Discover the historic region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, and learn about its fascinating history, including the opium trade.
• Mae Hong Son Loop: This scenic route takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Nothern Thailand, covering approximately 600 kilometers of winding mountain roads, lush forests, and quaint villages. It takes 4-5 days to complete and includes a stop in Pai.

15. Pro: Songkran and Yee Peng Lantern Festivals

Chiang Mai is renowned for its vibrant and unique celebrations of the Songkran and Yee Peng Lantern Festivals, which offer travelers an unforgettable cultural experience.

Songkran Festival (mid-April) – Also known as the Thai New Year, Songkran is celebrated with joyous water fights, traditional rituals, and lively street parties. Chiang Mai hosts one of the largest and most spirited celebrations in Thailand, where locals and visitors alike participate in good-natured water-splashing fun while honoring ancient customs.

Yee Peng Lantern Festival (usually November) – Coinciding with the Loy Krathong Festival, Yee Peng is a mesmerizing event where thousands of illuminated paper lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a magical spectacle. The festival also features colorful parades, floating krathongs on the river, and traditional performances.

Another great one is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival , held the first weekend of February when flowers are in full bloom.

Chiang Mai is worth visiting just to experience these festivals!

16. Pro: Chiang Mai is Cheap

Chiang Mai’s affordability compared to other Thai cities is a significant reason to visit for many travelers seeking to explore the country without breaking the bank. In comparison to bustling Bangkok or popular tourist destinations like Phuket, Chiang Mai offers a more budget-friendly experience without compromising on quality.

Accommodation options in Chiang Mai cater to all budgets, from affordable hostels and guesthouses to luxurious hotels and resorts. Dining is also wallet-friendly, with a wide variety of delicious street food, local markets, and inexpensive restaurants serving authentic Thai cuisine.

Activities such as temple visits, exploring night markets, and café hopping are either free or reasonably priced, while attractions like cooking classes, elephant sanctuaries, and spa treatments typically cost less than in other parts of Thailand.

As a backpacker, I spent about $20-50 USD per day, including accommodation, depending on what activities and tours I did.

Best Booking Sites:

The two best places to read reviews and book hostels and hotels are HostelWorld and Booking.com .

17. Pro: Weather is Cooler

Chiang Mai’s weather is another great reason to travel for those seeking a more comfortable climate. 

Situated in the mountainous region of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai experiences cooler temperatures and less humidity than cities like Bangkok or coastal areas like Phuket.

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool season (November-February), when temperatures range between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) with low humidity, providing pleasant weather for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Even during the hot season (March-May) and the rainy season (June-October), Chiang Mai generally has milder conditions compared to the tropical heat and humidity found in other parts of the country.

I lived here June-August and it was really nice, with just a couple hours of rain per day, and much cooler than when I was here in December-January 2021.

18. Pro: The Ideal Blend of Authentic Charm and Modern Comforts

Chiang Mai offers the perfect balance between off-the-beaten-path vibes and Western amenities, making it a great place to visit for travelers seeking authentic experiences without sacrificing modern comforts.

While Chiang Mai boasts a rich cultural heritage, with ancient temples , traditional markets, and local customs, it also provides a wide array of Western amenities, including international restaurants, shopping malls, fast internet, and reliable transportation options. 

This harmonious blend allows visitors to immerse themselves in Thai culture while still enjoying familiar conveniences.

In essence, Chiang Mai’s unique mix of local charm and Western amenities creates an inviting and versatile destination that appeals to travelers from all walks of life.

19. Pro: Chiang Mai is Safe for Tourists

Chiang Mai is generally a safe destination for travelers , with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. Its safety is one of the many reasons it’s a great place to visit. 

As a smaller city compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai offers a more relaxed environment, allowing visitors to explore its rich culture, history, and natural beauty with peace of mind.

The locals are known for their friendliness and helpful nature, which adds to the overall sense of security. 

While petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, exercising basic precautions will minimize risks. 

You should also be careful when riding a scooter in Chiang Mai , and be sure to have travel insurance just in case.

Chiang Mai’s well-regulated tourist industry ensures that activities and accommodations adhere to safety standards.

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip .

Things to Do in Chiang Mai

• ✨ Conquer the Mae Taeng River with thrilling whitewater rafting .
• 🎈 Soar over stunning jungle landscapes in a hot air balloon ride you won’t forget.
• 🚚 Hop on a Northern Food Tour by Songthaew Truck for a tasty adventure.
• 🚣‍♂️ Immerse yourself in nature with kayaking and caving jungle tours .
• 🌄 Feel the adrenaline rush as you zip-line through majestic mountains .
• ⛩️ Explore art and culture at the renowned White Temple in Chiang Rai .
• 🍳 Master your Thai cooking skills with fun cooking classes .
• 📸 Embark on an Instagram-worthy photo tour .
• 🥾 Take on the challenge of hiking The Monk’s Trail .
• ☀️ Witness the enchanting sunrise from the sacred Doi Suthep .

How Many Days in Chiang Mai?

For a well-rounded experience, plan to spend at least 3-4 days in Chiang Mai . If you don’t have that much time, 2 days will do.

This allows sufficient time to explore the historic Old City, visit temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, wander through lively night markets, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. 

If you’re interested in venturing outside the city, consider allocating additional days for excursions to nearby attractions such as Doi Inthanon National Park , elephant sanctuaries, or the White Temple in Chiang Rai.

Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool season (November-February), when temperatures range between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) with low humidity. 

The weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor exploration. And the famous Yee Peng Lantern Festival typically occurs in November, offering a unique cultural experience. 

The rainy season (June-October) is still manageable due to Chiang Mai’s milder climate, but the cool season remains the most popular choice among travelers.

I lived in Chiang Mai during the rainy season , and it’s fine. The showers keep the temperatures down and the countryside lush and green. Plus, there are fewer tourists and accommodations tend to be more affordable. 

The worst time to visit Chiang Mai is during the burning season, which occurs between late February and early April, though it can sometimes extend into May.

How to Get to Chiang Mai

There are several ways to travel to Chiang Mai:

• By air: The easiest and fastest way is to fly to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), which offers domestic flights from Bangkok and other Thai cities, as well as international connections from nearby countries.
• By train: Overnight trains from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station take approximately 12-15 hours, providing a scenic and budget-friendly option. I enjoyed this option as a backpacker and found it to be quite comfortable.
• By bus: Buses from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal or other cities in Thailand take around 10-12 hours, catering to various budgets and comfort levels.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

If you’re coming to Chiang Mai for the first time, or only have a few days, I recommend you stay in the Old City. Nimman is my preferred neighborhood for longer stays and digital nomads. There are several other Chiang Mai neighborhoods worth considering , too!

Old City Neighborhood

The heart of Chiang Mai, features historical sites, temples, and walking-distance attractions. Ideal for first-time visitors. This is where I stayed as a backpacker.

Budget : Hostel Lullaby – where I stayed as a backpacker, and I loved the comfy beds and social breakfasts.

Mid-range: POR Thapae Gate – the complimentary bikes and outdoor swimming pool are a plus.

Luxury: The Inside House – luxurious suites with private pools, first-class service, and complimentary afternoon tea.

Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) Neighborhood

A trendy neighborhood with boutique hotels, hip cafes, and vibrant nightlife. Perfect for those seeking a modern atmosphere. This is where my apartment was, and it was super convenient.

Budget: Box Hostel n Cafe – great backpacker hostel in a convenient location.

Mid-range: U Nimman – great value, prime Nimman location, and a rooftop pool !

Luxury: Akyra Manor – luxurious hotel with rooftop infinity pool, top-rated Italian restaurant, and located in the heart of Nimman.

👉 My top pick for a hotel in Chiang Mai is POR Thapae Gate because it’s in the perfect location and has a great breakfast! The staff here is amazing, and you’ll love having a relaxing place to come home to after a full day of exploring.

Is Chiang Mai Safe?

Chiang Mai is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. I traveled here solo – and then later lived here – for several months, and never had any problems.

The city has low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. 

Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so it’s important to exercise basic precautions. 

The locals are known for their friendliness, and the tourist industry is well-regulated to ensure safety standards. 

Always remain vigilant and use common sense when exploring any new destination. Negotiate fares with tuk-tuk or taxi drivers before starting your ride to prevent overcharging. 

Rent motorbikes from reputable companies and always wear a helmet. Drive cautiously. 

Purchase travel insurance to cover medical expenses, theft, or other unexpected situations.

Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai

Both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are fascinating destinations in Northern Thailand, each with its unique charm. Chiang Mai is larger and more bustling, offering a broader range of activities, attractions, and amenities. It’s ideal for those seeking a mix of culture, nature, and urban experiences.

Chiang Rai, on the other hand, is smaller and more laid-back, with a focus on natural beauty and cultural attractions, such as the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Black House (Baan Dam). It’s perfect for travelers looking for a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Bangkok vs Chiang Mai

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is known for its vibrant street life, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It’s a dynamic urban metropolis that never sleeps, with an abundance of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

In contrast, Chiang Mai offers a more relaxed atmosphere, showcasing the rich history and culture of Northern Thailand. With cooler temperatures, lush landscapes, and a slower pace of life, Chiang Mai provides a different perspective on Thai life and is an excellent complement to the excitement of Bangkok.

I really enjoyed my time in both cities, but felt an instant connection with Chiang Mai from the beginning, and knew I’d be back to live someday (which I did!). 

⭐️ My pick for Best Bangkok Food Tour is this Bangkok Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk with a near-perfect 5-star Rating.

Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting FAQs

How many days in chiang mai is enough.

2 days is the minimum I would recommend for visiting Chiang Mai. 3-4 days in Chiang Mai is enough to explore the city’s main attractions, including temples, markets, and local cuisine. If you plan to venture outside the city for activities like trekking or visiting elephant sanctuaries, consider allocating additional days to fully experience what the region has to offer. 

Is Chiang Mai good for tourists?

Yes, Chiang Mai is an excellent destination for tourists. It offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and modern amenities. With its diverse range of attractions, activities, and dining options, Chiang Mai caters to various interests and travel styles, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking an authentic Thai experience.

Is Chiang Mai better than Phuket?

Chiang Mai and Phuket offer different experiences, making it a matter of personal preference. Chiang Mai is ideal for those seeking cultural immersion, cooler temperatures, a laid-back atmosphere, and lush mountain landscapes. Phuket is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water-based activities. Consider your travel priorities and interests when choosing between these two remarkable destinations.

Which is better to visit Chiang Mai or Bangkok?

Choosing between Chiang Mai and Bangkok depends on your travel preferences. Bangkok is a bustling metropolis with vibrant street life, iconic landmarks, and extensive shopping options. In contrast, Chiang Mai offers a more relaxed atmosphere, rich cultural experiences, and cooler weather. Visit both, then decide!

Why is Chiang Mai so popular?

Chiang Mai is popular due to its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere. The city boasts ancient temples, vibrant markets, and a thriving arts scene. Its cooler weather, affordability, and range of activities make it an attractive destination for tourists seeking an authentic Thai experience. Additionally, Chiang Mai serves as a gateway to explore Northern Thailand’s natural beauty and diverse attractions.

Which is better Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai?

Choosing between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai depends on your preferences. Chiang Mai is a larger city with more attractions, activities, and dining options, making it ideal for a diverse experience. Chiang Rai is smaller and quieter, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and easy access to natural attractions. Both destinations have their unique charm, so consider your travel priorities when making your decision.

Which month is best for Chiang Mai?

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool season, between November and February. During these months, temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), and rainfall is minimal. This period also coincides with the popular Loi Krathong and Yi Peng festivals, making it an ideal time to experience Chiang Mai’s rich cultural offerings and pleasant weather.

Is Chiang Mai a party town?

Chiang Mai is not primarily known as a party town, but it does offer a modest nightlife scene. The city has a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to various tastes. While Chiang Mai’s nightlife is more laid-back compared to destinations like Bangkok or Phuket, visitors can still enjoy a fun night out, especially in areas like Nimmanhaemin Road and the Old City.

What should I be careful of in Chiang Mai?

In Chiang Mai, be cautious of the following: pickpocketing in crowded areas, overpriced tuk-tuk or taxi rides (negotiate fares beforehand), scams targeting tourists, and road safety when renting motorbikes. Also, respect local customs by dressing modestly at temples and avoiding disrespectful behavior towards monks. During the burning season (March-April), be mindful of air quality issues and take necessary precautions for respiratory health.

Why Chiang Mai is better than Bangkok?

Chiang Mai is considered better than Bangkok for travelers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, cooler weather, and a closer connection to Thai culture and history. The city offers a slower pace of life, lower cost of living, and easier access to nature, making it an appealing destination for those wanting to explore the charm of Northern Thailand without the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Is there a lot to do in Chiang Mai?

Yes, there is plenty to do in Chiang Mai. The city offers a wide range of activities, including exploring ancient temples, visiting vibrant markets, and engaging in cooking classes. Adventure-seekers can enjoy trekking, zip-lining, and elephant sanctuaries. Chiang Mai also boasts a thriving arts scene, numerous cafes, and diverse dining options. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring Northern Thailand’s natural and cultural attractions.

What is the best part of Chiang Mai to stay in?

The best part of Chiang Mai to stay in depends on your preferences. The Old City is ideal for first-time visitors, offering easy access to historical sites, temples, and markets. Nimmanhaemin Road (Nimman) is a trendy area popular for its cafes, restaurants, and nightlife. For a more local experience, consider staying near the riverside or in the Santhitham district, which both offer a mix of attractions and accommodations.

Wrap Up: Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?

Chiang Mai is undoubtedly worth visiting for its captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and modern comforts. 

So, why go to Chiang Mai?

With its unique festivals, affordability, pleasant weather, and the perfect balance between local charm and Western amenities, Chiang Mai offers travelers an unforgettable experience that sets it apart from other destinations in Thailand.

When you get here, I highly recommend booking one of these tours that will help you fall in love with the city just like I did.

I hope this travel guide has convinced you that Chiang Mai is worth a visit!

Whether you’re looking for a chance to relax, explore, or simply experience life at a slower pace, Chiang Mai is sure to have something special for everyone. 

So come and discover the beauty and chill vibes of this ancient city – you won’t regret it!

Find the best local tours with Viator (and the best deals)!

Read More About Chiang Mai:

• Ultimate Chiang Mai Travel Guide for Solo Travelers
• 3 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary + 15 Bonus Things to Do
• 37 Pros and Cons of Living in Chiang Mai (Expat Guide)
• 16 Best Hotels with Rooftop Pools in Chiang Mai
• Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai (And The Worst Time!)
• Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: 7 Best Neighborhoods
• Buying a Chiang Mai SIM Card: Everything You Need to Know
• Doi Suthep at Sunrise: A Must-Do in Chiang Mai
• 9 Best Doi Suthep Tours in Chiang Mai
• 15 National Parks in Chiang Mai You Can’t Miss
• 11 Best Ways for Getting Around Chiang Mai
• Renting a Scooter in Chiang Mai: Ultimate Guide
• Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Chiang Mai
• How to Get From Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon
• 9 Best Chiang Mai Cooking Classes (By a Local Foodie!)
• Best Chiang Mai Food Tour for Foodies (Beyond Pad Thai!)
• Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai: 15 Must-Try Restaurants
• 3 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Thailand

📝 Thailand Travel Planning Guide 🇹🇭🌟

Before you embark on your unforgettable journey to Thailand here are the essential tips every traveler should know:

🚑  Should I buy travel insurance for Thailand?

✅ 100% YES!  — My #1 Safety Tip for all travelers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend and use SafetyWing  – it’s cheap and comprehensive.

💧 Can you drink the water in Thailand?

🚱 No  — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Thailand (but using tap water to brush your teeth is usually fine). I recommend this reusable water bottle! It works great, turning tap water into safe-to-drink water that tastes good.

🚙💨  Is it safe to rent a car in Thailand?

Yes  —  Renting a car in Thailand is one of the best ways to see the countryside! I recommend  Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local companies, so you get the best rates.

🏩  What’s the best way to book my Thailand accommodations?

My go-to for Thailand hotels is  Booking.com . For hostels, I use  HostelWorld . Or get free accommodations with  Trusted Housesitters!

✈️  What’s the best site to book Thailand flights?

For finding cheap Thailand flights, I recommend CheapOAir .

🎫  Do I need a visa for Thailand?

🙅🏻‍♀️ Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need visas for stays of up to 30 days in Thailand.

💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Thai baht, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate).

🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Thailand is a breeze! Grab is safe and cheap in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Bangkok has a modern metro. It’s easy to use local transport such as songthaews , too.

📶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Thailand has reliable internet connectivity. SIM cards are easy to find and cheap.

Cat is a 35-year-old American solo female traveler on a career break, traveling the world full-time since 2021. She loves meeting new people, considers herself to be a bit of a foodie, and reads a lot.

Thailand Trip Cost – Budget Tips and Prices in 2024

• Last Updated: January 17, 2024

Read on for a detailed breakdown of what it costs to travel to Thailand, whether you’re a budget traveler or looking to splurge. 

Before travelling to Thailand many travellers find themselves asking, “Is Thailand cheap?” or “What does a Thailand trip actually cost?” or “What are the best tips for saving money in Thailand?”

These are all valid questions and hopefully this article will answer them!

Thailand is a very affordable country to visit. Though it isn’t as cheap as its Southeast Asian neighbours, like Laos or Cambodia , Thailand is still a very affordable travel destination. 

Budget travellers can easily have an incredible time exploring Thailand cheaply.

Mid-range accommodations and restaurants allow travellers to treat themselves a bit more without spending a fortune, and there are lots of affordable activities to enjoy in Thailand as well. 

For those that want the real luxury travel experience, Thailand has that too, and it isn’t even out-of-the-question expensive.

But for the average traveller, who wants to have an amazing cultural experience without spending an entire years’ worth of savings, Thailand is the perfect country to visit. 

With this post, you’ll learn about what things actually cost in Thailand, and how to break down the cost of a trip. 

Of course, the actual cost of a trip to Thailand will depend on the individual traveller and their personal preferences. 

But for those looking for a general idea of a Thailand travel budget, this is the article for you!

While discussing prices in Thailand, I’ll be using USD. Because this is such a universal currency, hopefully, the prices will make more sense than if I list them in Thai Baht. (1 USD equals roughly 30 THB)

Table of Contents

Backpacker Budget: Average daily budget: $25-50 USD

Mid range budget: average daily budget: $60-100 usd , luxury traveler budget: average daily budget: $200-400 usd, getting to thailand by air, getting to thailand by land, public transport in thailand, long journeys, short journeys, street food, buying groceries, local restaurant, tourist restaurant, fancy restaurant, drinking in thailand, guest house/cheap hotel, mid-range hotel, luxury hotel, activity cost breakdown in thailand, thailand budget travel tips, thailand trip cost: how much does it cost to travel to thailand.

Wondering how much does it cost to travel to Thailand? Considering the information presented in this post, creating a Thailand travel budget can be quite simple. 

Think about whether you want to travel on a backpacker budget, a mid-range traveller budget, or a luxury budget. You can even mix-and-match, penny-pinching at times and splurging here and there. 

Formulating a Thailand travel budget is all up to the individual, but this breakdown of an average Thailand trip cost should help you get an idea of what you’ll spend. 

* Attractions vary greatly by personal interest and can be the same at any level of budget

If you live the backpacker lifestyle and always pick the cheapest options while travelling around Thailand, it is very easy to explore Thailand on a budget. 

There are plenty of free attractions to see, like temples, street markets, waterfalls, beaches, and viewpoints. 

Some popular attractions may have entrance fees, but they are usually close to nothing. 

A budget traveler in Thailand would have average daily expenses that may look something like this:

• Hostel dorm bed: 10 USD
• Fruit smoothie: 2 USD
• Temple entrance fee: 2 USD
• 2 street food meals: 8 USD
• Taxi ride: 2 USD
• 1 beer from 7/11: 1 USD
• Total Cost: 25 USD

But make sure you aren’t so stingy with money that you miss out on special experiences!

You can book activities with the cheapest companies and pack a few fun day trips into your schedule. 

Book a half-day island snorkelling tour for 30 USD, take a local cooking class for 30 USD, or hit up a Thai boxing match for 15 USD. 

Take cheap buses around the country, avoid drinking too much, and hang out with the locals. 

A budget traveler should have no problem enjoying themselves in Thailand!

If you’re willing to spend a bit more money than the average backpacker, you can upgrade your Thailand travel budget to include more fun things. 

Visit all the best attractions, even if they cost a bit more. 

Treat yourself to some nice cocktails on the beach here and there. Book a one-hour Thai massage, or maybe throw in a full-day scuba-diving trip. 

Stay in affordable hotel rooms and eat a wide range of foods that include cheap street food and some nice restaurant meals. 

An average day may look like this:

• Budget double room in a hotel: 22 USD
• Lunch in a restaurant: 6 USD
• Cocktail: 5 USD
• Street food for dinner: 4 USD
• Souvenir shopping: 5 USD
• Cabaret Show: 15 USD
• Taxi ride: 3 USD
• Total Cost: 60 USD

On a mid-range budget, you can dish out more money on the things that matter to you the most. 

You can pay for more day trips if you want to explore more, or you can treat yourself to more food and drinks if you like eating out. 

Whatever you choose, you can still have the trip of a lifetime without completely breaking the bank. 

If you really decide to lash out on a luxury vacation to Thailand, you’ll be surprised at how affordable it is. 

If you’re willing to spend lots of money, you can also pay for all the best activities. 

You can book guided temple tours, incredible speedboat island-hopping tours, spa and massage treatments, private cooking lessons, and everything else under the sun. 

You can indulge in all the best food and drinks, and stay in five-star accommodation. 

For those who dream of a vacation like this, but don’t think they can afford it, Thailand is a relatively cheap place to live like a king or queen, so take a look at this average daily budget breakdown. 

• Luxury suite in a nice hotel: 150 USD
• Private temple tour: 50 USD
• Thai cooking lesson: 30 USD
• Lunch in a tourist restaurant: 10 USD
• Drinks on the beach: 30 USD
• Spa treatment: 20 USD
• Dinner in a nice restaurant: 30 USD
• Total cost: 320 USD per day

Though most travellers won’t be living the luxury lifestyle in Thailand, it is interesting to see the actual costs. 

Probably the most rewarding way to travel Thailand is by using a mid-range budget. 

You can still kick it with the locals, eat street food and drink cheap local beer, but spend a bit of money on amazing activities and nicer accommodation. 

Backpacking Thailand is also a really fun and character-building experience. 

You’ll learn a lot from navigating public transport and deciphering foreign menus. While staying in hostels, you’ll also meet lots of incredible people. 

So a Thailand travel budget does not have to send you into bankruptcy. 

Travel with a frugal attitude, an open mind, and positive energy and you’ll have an unforgettable trip!

Breakdown of Thailand Costs

With a general overview of the Thailand costs at various budgets, below you will find information to help you navigate specific budget items.

These will include costs of:

• Transportation (to and around)
• Accommodation

I’ll also end the article with some budget travel tips. If you’re looking to save money, these tips will help you enjoy Thailand for cheaper.

Cost of Transportation in Thailand

Wondering how much does it cost to get around Thailand? Here is a breakdown of the costs of getting to Thailand, and getting around within the country. Local transportation is affordable here!

READ MORE: Check out my other guide on transportation in Thailand for a better idea of how to get around.

The cost of flying to Thailand depends on where you are travelling. 

If you are travelling from the Americas or Europe, chances are your flight will be very long and quite expensive. 

However, there are certain budget travel tips to keep in mind that will help you find the cheapest flight to Thailand. 

• Plan your trip to Thailand during the off-season (April through October) 
• Check websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights that show you the cheapest departure dates for an entire month
• Don’t be afraid to take weird layovers; the prices may be cheaper!
• Consider changing your departure airport if possible (For example, flying from NYC to Bangkok is cheaper than flying from Boston to Bangkok).

Use these same tips no matter where you are flying from, and you should be able to score a reasonably priced flight to Thailand. 

If you’re travelling to Thailand overland, your travel will most likely be incredibly cheap. 

The most affordable way to get to Thailand from bordering countries is by bus. 

Countless different bus companies travel to Thailand from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, and the journey will usually cost around 20-40 USD. Depending on where you are starting your trip to Thailand, it may be cheaper to travel by land.

Once you arrive in Thailand, you’ll be using public transport to get around the country (unless you rent a car). 

The typical traveller’s route in Thailand starts in Bangkok , then goes up to the north to Chiang Mai , Chiang Rai , and Pai , then goes down south to the islands. 

So you’ll probably be travelling long distances within the country, and luckily these journeys can be very cheap.

Here is a general idea of what different local transportation options cost when you visit Thailand:

Here is the average cost of travelling long distances around Thailand via local transportation. 

Flights 

For covering long distances around the country, flying local budget airlines is the best option. You can get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or from Bangkok to the islands, in just one hour. 

Using budget airlines like Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Air Asia, Thai Airways, or Thai Vietjet, the average cost of a one-way domestic flight is between 30-50 USD. 

Keep in mind though that if you want to fly, your Thailand trip cost will go up.

Bus or Train

A long bus or train journey through Thailand, say from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, costs on average about 20-50 USD on local transportation. 

So the average price for buses or trains is very similar to flights, but they can take up to 12 hours instead of 1. 

If you’re a fan of slow travel and seeing the countryside, buses or trains are the way to get around on your trip to Thailand. 

But it is much quicker and just as cheap to catch a flight, so that’s probably the easiest way to travel long distances in Thailand. 

The best deals for internal ground transport in Thailand are on 12Go.asia .

For getting around one city or general area, here is a breakdown of the transport costs. If you’re in a big city like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, there are plenty of options to travel within and around the city.

Smaller towns have fewer options, but still should at least have the following:

These red-pick-up trucks serve as collective taxis, and they are the cheapest and easiest way to take day trips to a certain city or island of Thailand. 

If you wait for the whole truck to fill up, everyone can split the cost and the ride becomes cheaper. 

If you’re travelling 5-20 minutes within a city, your journey shouldn’t cost more than a couple of dollars. 

If you’re taking a long day trip and the drive is an hour, the whole journey may cost about 50 USD. But split between 10 people, you’re still only paying about 5 USD for a long trip. 

For travelling quick distances within a city, taxis are the second cheapest way to travel. 

Only use taxis that have meters, and your quick journey won’t cost more than 5 USD. 

These motorized, three-wheeled scooters are a fun way to travel in Thailand, but the drivers tend to overcharge tourists. 

It is common for a tuk tuk ride to cost up to 10 USD, which seems cheap but is definitely overpriced for local transportation in Thailand. 

Ask locals what a specific tuk tuk journey should cost and make sure you clarify it with the driver before you go so he doesn’t rip you off. 

For travelling through the Thai islands, you’ll have to take ferries. 

There is usually only one route to get from one island to the next, and the cost of the journey is in the same range regardless of which ferry company you take. 

An average ferry journey costs around 20 USD, give or take a bit depending on how long the ride is. 

Cost of Food in Thailand

Thailand is truly a foodie’s paradise. 

There is so much delicious Thai food and it is all very affordable, so food won’t take up a big portion of your Thailand travel budget.

Here is a summary of the different types of places to eat in Thailand and how much they cost. 

Eating at street markets is the cheapest way to eat in Thailand. 

You can get full plates of food for as cheap as 1 USD, and little snacks like fruit platters and spring rolls cost less than 1 USD each. 

This is also where you’ll find the most authentic local Thai food, so street markets are the way to go regardless of your budget. 

If you plan on cooking your own meals, street markets are still the best places to shop. 

Big western-style grocery stores are rare in Thailand. Occasionally you’ll find little markets or 7/11s that sell staples like rice, noodles, snacks, and processed foods. 

But for buying produce, meat, seafood, and spices, the street markets have the freshest and cheapest food. 

Produce costs barely anything; you can buy a bag full of fruit for only a couple of dollars. 

Cooking is a great way to save money, but honestly, street food in Thailand is so cheap that you might as well just eat the food cooked by the locals.

For eating out in a restaurant, the cheapest option is eating at a small, humble, local joint that only has a few menu items. 

A full meal in a restaurant like this can cost between 40 and 100 Baht, which is roughly 2-4 USD. 

In touristy areas of Thailand, you’ll find lots of restaurants geared towards foreigners. 

This is where you’ll find western-style food like pizza, burgers, and European food in addition to classic Thai meals. 

A meal in a tourist restaurant generally costs between 100 and 200 Baht, still only 3 to 6 USD. 

Even in upscale restaurants, the price of food is very cheap. 

A full meal in a super high-quality restaurant can cost a few hundred Baht, and it is rare to find something that costs over 30 USD. 

So Thailand is an awesome place to treat yourself to the nicest restaurants and still spend much less than you would at home!

The cost of alcohol in Thailand varies. 

Beer is the cheapest beverage, whereas wine and liquor are often imported so they are pricier. 

If you buy your beer from a convenience store like a 7/11, it will only cost 1 or 2 USD. 

Ordering a beer in a bar or restaurant is a bit more expensive, but is still the cheapest drink, costing only about 3 USD. 

As for liquor, a mixed drink or cocktail can cost between 3 and 6 USD depending on the venue.

So though drinking in Thailand isn’t expensive, one of the best tips for saving money in Thailand is to just cut down on drinking in general and saving your cash for food and activities. 

READ MORE: Make sure you know all of the best foods to eat in Thailand !

Accommodation Costs in Thailand

There are plenty of places to stay during your trip to Thailand for any type of travel budget. 

Accommodation tends to consume the majority of a Thailand travel budget, but it is still very affordable compared to other destinations around the world. 

The Thailand cost of living is cheap too, so if you plan to stay here for a while you can probably secure somewhere affordable to stay long-term.

The cheapest form of accommodation in Thailand is a backpacker hostel. 

The average cost for one night in a dorm room is between 8 and 15 USD. The $8 hostels will be more basic, whereas the $10-$15 hostels will be much nicer. 

Even though the cost is cheap, all of Thailand’s hostels are generally very well-kept and full of great facilities. 

Thailand has lots of guest houses that are like small, simple, and cheap hotels. 

You can find a basic budget double room for anywhere between 20 and 30 USD per night. 

If you’re travelling as a couple, it may be cheaper to split the cost of a budget double room in a cheap hotel rather than paying for two hostel dorm beds. 

Make sure you book your hostels ahead of time on Hostelworld if you want to get the best ones, as they often sell out.

Even a mid-range Thailand hotel can be very cheap compared to western standards. 

A beautiful hotel with a pool and lots of amenities can cost as low as 20 USD per night, though the average cost is anywhere between 30 and 60 USD per night. 

If you’re looking to treat yourself to the finest hotels and resorts in Thailand, there are so many amazing options. 

Especially when travelling in the islands, you can find stunning beachfront suites that will cater to your every need. 

True luxury hotels in Thailand can cost anywhere between 100 and 300 USD per night. 

There are a few rare finds that cost even more, such as renting an entire ocean view villa for thousands of dollars, but chances are most average travellers won’t be looking for places like that. 

After paying for all the necessities, like food, transport, and accommodation, you can start planning your budget for the fun stuff!

There are endless opportunities for adventure in Thailand, and you should at least participate in a few fun activities during your stay. 

Tours and activities in Thailand vary in terms of price and quality. Some tour companies are more upscale and established, so their tours cost more. 

The quality of your tour just depends on how much you are willing to spend. 

Here is a quick cost breakdown of some of the most popular tours and activities in Thailand that you may be interested in trying. 

The actual price will vary depending on the location and the company you book through, but here is a general idea of the average prices. 

• Island Hopping day trip: 30-100 USD
• Diving or Snorkeling day trip: 50-150 USD
• Thai Massage: 5-15 USD per hour
• Muay Thai Boxing Match: 10-20 USD
• Ladyboy Cabaret Show: 15-25 USD
• Cooking Class: 30 USD-60 USD
• Guided Temple Tour: 20-70 USD

READ MORE: Be sure to check out these incredible things to do in Thailand !

To summarise all the information throughout this post, here are some of the best budget travel tips for Thailand that will help you save money throughout your trip.

• Travelling during the off-season to enjoy cheaper flight prices
• Fly budget airlines to save money and time when travelling long distances in Thailand
• Try to share songtaews with other travellers so everyone pays a cheaper price and you can all limit transportation costs
• Don’t let tuk tuk drivers rip you off! Secure a fair price before you get in the vehicle
• Eat street food whenever possible. Not only is it super cheap, it’s authentic and delicious.
• Drink local beer when going out; it’s the most affordable option for alcohol in Thailand.
• If you’re a solo traveller, you can score a bed in some epic hostels for less than 10 USD per night.
• If you’re travelling as a couple, it may be cheaper to split the cost of a private double room in a guesthouse or hotel, rather than paying for 2 dorm beds.
• Treat yourself to a nice room in a hotel at least once in Thailand! Even if you’re on a backpacker budget, you can find some incredible deals.
• Take advantage of all the free activities in Thailand, like hiking, exploring temples, and visiting the beach.
• Attractions in Thailand are usually very affordable, so definitely spend a bit of money on some fun things like cooking classes, boxing matches, massages, or snorkelling tours.
• Spending money on experiences in Thailand is almost always worth it. Book tours with reputable companies and enjoy every minute of Thai culture!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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I am looking to travel to Thailand as well!!! I am apprehensive about travelling alone. I am 56 female and looking for an adventure: it will be my first time travelling over that way. I have done the Caribbean islands before. .

thanks for the tips,im 65 and would like to find a travelling companian that would like to say go from phuket to chang mai any sights that i can look on that you know of,thanks for your time.

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Thailand’s Golden Triangle, what’s left of the wild frontier of yore

The name of the Golden Triangle still conjures up images of poppy fields, opium-smoking hilltribes and clandestine laboratories hidden in the jungle.

The truth is that, currently, the dangerous border air of this region survives only in the past (at least in the Thai part), and the Golden Triangle of Thailand is a region that attracts many travelers , who decide to include this region within their route —often as a day trip from Chiang Rai city— lured by the myth.

In this article we tell you what Thailand’s Golden Triangle is, which are its main highlights for the traveler, and finaly we propose a complete two-day route to get to know Thailand’s Golden Triangle .

Here you can find:

What is Thailand’s Golden Triangle?

Golden Triangle is the name by which is known the mountainous area where the countries of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge :

• “Triangle” for being the meeting point of three countries.
• “Gold” because this precious metal was the payment system used by the first opium traders.

The cultivation of opium in this region is not an ancestral activity, since it was not until the end of the 19th century when the tribal populations that grew opium migrated from southern China to the highlands of Southeast Asia.

In the early 1940’s the Golden Triangle of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos produced a modest amount of opium, but the suppression of opium crops in China and later Iran in 1955 brought the bulk of the world’s opium production to move to this mountainous region of Southeast Asia .

The opium trade has historically been used in this area by insurgent groups to finance civil wars, as well as by government guerrillas and for the personal benefit of corrupt officials. In recent decades, the cultivation and trade of opium that made the Golden Triangle famous has been drastically reduced in all three countries and, in the specific case of Thailand, it was banned in 1959 and has been practically eradicated for many years.

What to see and what to do in the Golden Triangle?

The Thai part of the Golden Triangle is a large area in the northernmost part of the country, and the places that may be of greatest interest to the traveler are:

• Sop Ruak (the epicenter of the region).
• Chiang Saen (a quiet town on the banks of the Mekong).
• Mae Sai (a market town along the Burmese border).

Is the Golden Triangle worth visiting?

It should be mentioned that the Golden Triangle (used by travel agencies to name manypackage tours to Thailand) sometimes disappoints some travelers with inflated expectations who hope to find much more than a couple of rivers merging together. Deep down, the Golden Triangle tag has been used by the tourism industry to exaggerate the real appeal this area conveys to tourists.

For some travelers, the beautiful alpine landscapes and paddy fields that you pass by on the way are more interesting than the heart of the Golden Triangle itself, where the three countries meet.

So, in our opinion, Chiang Rai is well worth for most travelers, as is its surroundings . But, the Golden Triangle, despite being interesting if one has time, is not essential for every traveler, although it is for some.

Next we’ll see the main highlights of Thailand’s Golden Triangle, so that you can see if it sounds appealing enough to include in your trip to Thailand.

Sop Ruak: the crossroads of three countries

The nerve center of Thailand’s Golden Triangle is Sop Ruak , a small Thai town located right at the point where the Ruak River merges into the Mekong, forming the natural borders that delimit Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

Next to the river, at the spot that offers the best panoramic view, there is a viewpoint that allows you to contemplate a little piece of the three countries at the same time . This riverside area is striking for its Buddhist temples, altars and statues, a set in which a huge golden Buddha especially stands out, crowning a temple on a large structure in the shape of a boat.

Truth is that the best place to enjoy the views over the three countries is not here, but the top of the tree-lined hill next to the very center of the town, and which is accessed through a staircase that starts right next to the House of Opium museum. The short walk up there also allows to visit two Buddhist temples along the way.

Besides enjoying the views over the area where the three countries meet, the most outstanding activities you can do at Sop Ruak are taking a boat trip on the Mekong River, and visiting one (or both) of its two interesting museums devoted to the opium trade.

Boat on the Mekong River

One of the most popular activities among tourists visiting Thailand’s Golden Triangle is to take a boat tour on the Mekong , which allows to have a closer look at Myanmar and Laos land, and even stop in Laotian territory to stroll at a small local market (just a few souvenir stalls).

The standard tour lasts about an hour, and can be done by speedboat (500 THB/boat – up to 4 passengers) or by roofed slow boat (1000 THB/boat – up to 10 passengers). We certainly recommend the second option, less noisy and more comfortable. If you want to take a longer or different tour, you can negotiate with one of the local boatmen.

The Opium Museums: Hall of Opium and House of Opium

In Sop Ruak there are not one, but two museums dedicated to opium, and it is important not to mistake one for another since, although both are recommended, they are very different: one is old and quite discreet, the other modern and just amazing .

• The House of Opium (THB50) is a small museum located in the very center of Sop Ruak, making good use of its small space to inform about the history of the opium trade in the region (explanatory posters are in English), and display a bunch of opium-related objects.
• On the other hand, the Hall of Opium (200 THB; open Tuesday to Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00) is a large museum located 2 km. north of Sop Ruak, and is undoubtedly one of the most modern and spectacular museums in all of Thailand .

When I visited the Hall of Opium in 2015, I was lucky to have it practically all to myself, and I was impressed by the careful information and the quality of its exhibition rooms, with videos, photos, dioramas and the accurate recreations of all kinds of spaces and figures related to opium. Reserve a couple of hours for the visit, because it is really worth it!

Chiang Saen: tranquility and history along the Mekong

Just eight kilometers downstream from Sop Ruak is the pretty town of Chiang Saen, which is definitely worth a visit , and is also an excellent base camp from which to explore Thailand’s Golden Triangle.

Chiang Saen is today a quiet town away from tourism along the Mekong River, but during the 13th-15th centuries it was one of the most important cities in the kingdom of Lanna. We recommend spending a couple of hours exploring the ancient ruins of some of the more than 100 temples that existed in their heyday.

However, the best places to take the pulse of the city are:

• The promenade along the Mekong River , which at dusk fills with simple food stalls where you can eat and relax while enjoying the local atmosphere.
• Sinsombun market , Chiang Saen’s central market.

Mae Sai: the Burmese border

Less than 30 km northwest of Sop Ruak is Mae Sai, the northernmost town in Thailand.

It is advisable to take a walk through the bustling market area , a set of alleys with all kinds of shops, where you can take a break with a cold drink in one of its small cafes.

From Mae Sai it is even possible to cross the border through the bridge that leads to the Burmese town of Tachilek , in Myanmar’s Shan State. At the border post you can get a permit ($ 10 USD) that allows you to visit Tachilek for a few hours, which you can spend visiting the Chinese market or the huge golden Shwedagon pagoda, also on a nearby hill offering excellent views.

In any case, Thailand’s border policies vary very often, and you must obtain up-to-date information to ensure that on the time of your visit it is allowed to cross to the Burmese side.

Tham Luang: the ‘lost children’s cave’ of Chiang Rai

Tham Luang cave became worldwide famous in July 2018, when a group of Thai children from a local soccer team were trapped inside and, against all odds, all of them were rescued alive 17 days after. Tham Luang is very close to Mae Sai, so if you feel curious you can stop to visit it . Nowadays there is a small museum that remembers what happened in this place.

Choui Fong: The tea fields

On our Golden Triangle tours from Chiang Rai we always make a stop at the beautiful Choui Fong tea plantation .

It is a very photogenic place where you can try a delicious Thai iced milk tea. Highly recommended! They also offer a wide variety of cupcakes, making it a pleasant stop for a drink and enjoying the stunning scenery . In addition, the climate there is usually cool and very pleasant.

2-Day Golden Triangle Tour from Chiang Rai

We suggest a 2-day/1-night circular route through Thailand’s Golden Triangle to get to know the region , starting and ending in Chiang Rai, which can be done either independently by renting a car or motorcycle (only recommended for experienced drivers!), by renting private transport with driver or by hiring an agency tour.

It is also possible to do this route by public transport , combining songthaew (local transport) and bus. But the vehicles that cover some of the routes involved have few daily departures, and it would be necessary to add an additional day (besides lots of patience and a strong desire for adventure) to complete the route.

Day 1 : Chiang Rai – Mae Sai – Chiang Saen (via Sop Ruak)

• Chiang Rai – Wat Tham Pla (52 km) : starting from Chiang Rai, you can stop 13 km before reaching Mae Sai to visit Wat Tham Pla (literally the “fish cave monastery”), immediately west of Ban Tham Pla town.

It is a curious  monastery in an area crowded with monkeys , with a large pond full of carps, a cave-sanctuary and good mountain views, in addition to the colorful statues and monuments typical of Thai Buddhist temples.

• Wat Tham Pla – Mae Sai (13 km) : in Mae Sai you can stroll through the Market, the central streets around the border crossing with Myanmar, and climb the path that leads up to the hilltop monastery Wat Pha That Doi Wao.
• Mae Sai – Chiang Saen (37 km) : after eating in Mae Sai, you can continue on your way to Chiang Saen, passing by Sop Ruak, as it is a quieter and more pleasant place to spend the sunset.

In Chiang Saen there’s accommodation options for all budgets , from simple guest houses to the luxurious Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort . In any case, don’t miss dinner at the local food stalls by the Mekong River.

Day 2 : Chiang Saen – Sop Ruak – Chiang Rai

• Chiang Saen – Sop Ruak (8 km) : After visiting Chiang Saen Market and the main ruins of its golden age, drive north to nearby Sop Ruak, where you can enjoy the views over the three countries, visit the Hall of Opium museum and, after lunch, take a boat trip on the Mekong River.
• Sop Ruak – Chiang Rai (70 km) : it will be time to say goodbye to the Golden Triangle and return back to Chiang Rai, with the satisfaction of having known another beautiful region of Thailand that, despite preserving few traces of the opium trade that made it famous, will leave you a great memory.

📋 The Golden Triangle is on our 15 Days Recommended Itinerary for a Trip to Thailand

Golden Triangle Day Tour from Chiang Rai

Our excursion to Thailand’s Golden Triangle usually begins with a visit to the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), one of the new jewels of Chiang Rai . An impressive temple that began to be built in 2005 and is now practically finished. This unique blue temple houses the striking image of a huge white Buddha statue.

Afterwards, we continue to Choui Fong tea plantation , to admire the scenery and enjoy a delicious tea.

Then we continue to Sop Ruak, the heart of the Golden Triangle , where the Mekong River and Ruak River meet. There we usually take a brief boat tour (if weather allows), and then climb up to the viewpoint before returning to Chiang Rai.

Thailand’s Golden Triangle is an appealing tourist attraction for many travelers. Now that you know more about it, do you dare to discover it by yourself?

Author of ‘Laos, a cultural guide’, a very complete Spanish book about the culture, history and society of Laos. Jordi, from Barcelona, traveled to the region for the first time in the 1990s, and since then has worked as a blogger, tour leader and travel designer for Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

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Is Krabi Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Visit Krabi in 2024

Written by Josh Band

Posted, 19th October 2023

Find yourself asking the question “Is Krabi worth visiting?”

Don’t worry- thousands and thousands of people ask this question every year, and we’ve created a guide with the best reasons to visit Krabi.

Krabi is an incredible province in the west of Thailand which draws in millions of travellers every year looking for unique experiences and many people are left asking the question, “Is Krabi worth visiting?”.

The area is infamous for its white sand beaches and huge and unique rock structures. Krabi is full of luscious jungles and mangroves and the entire area is very much what travel brochures like to promote about Thailand.

Considering whether an area is worth visiting comes down to many factors as no one wants to waste their time or money on a place that they might not enjoy.

We run guided Thailand group tours so we consider ourselves experts in all things Thailand , and this article will give you the answer to “Is Krabi worth visiting?”.

So let’s get on with it!

Is Krabi Worth Visiting?

In a simple answer, yes ! Krabi is absolutely worth visiting . The area is so full of life both naturally and socially and it should definitely be on your Thailand itinerary.

We include it in all of our Thailand group tours for a reason 😉.

Krabi is one of the most visited parts of Thailand and it is clear to see why that is! It’s the part of Thailand with both the most incredible beaches and the best national parks.

It’s also the perfect place to start island hopping with infamous islands nearby like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. The port is always busy with ferries going to and from the islands making it easy to move on.

Quick ferry rides will find you in perfect spots for swimming and snorkelling, and white sand beaches for enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.

And Krabi Town – Krabi is actually a province in Thailand, not just a town like many people think – is a centre of culture with a huge list of temples to explore and admire.

For those that like to party, Krabi Town also has some of Thailand’s most thriving nightlife spots and it is relatively cheap too!

All in all, the answer to “ Is Krabi worth visiting? ” is a definite yes , and we’ll now tell you exactly why in our top reasons to visit Krabi.

Reasons to visit Krabi

Of course, there are endless reasons to visit Krabi and it would be impossible to list all of them. So we’ve narrowed it down to our 10 favourite things about Krabi, and after reading these, you will understand why we answer “yes” to “ Is Krabi worth visiting? “.

1. Gorgeous Beaches

Krabi is most well-known for its beautiful coastline and beaches. The white sand and crystal clear water come together to make the beaches in Krabi truly like paradise .

Railay Beach is the most popular of the beaches in Krabi, and many consider it the prettiest. It’s split into 3 sections meaning Railay Beach has space for all sorts of activities.

Railay Beach West is popular for watching the sunset and swimming while being surrounded by the famous limestone cliffs whereas the east end is popular amongst those more adventurous as it is the perfect spot for rock climbing.

Diving in Thailand is a must, and Krabi is the perfect part of the country to do so. The coastline has some incredible reefs and bays to explore, and there are endless diving opportunities .

The limestone rocks and cliffs have created the perfect environment for many different species of fish and marine life- yes, you can see turtles .

With a warm, all-year climate, Krabi is perfect for diving all year round. You are guaranteed an unforgettable experience in Krabi, no doubt about it.

It’s also a great place to get your PADI certificate , as you can get it for a fraction of the price compared to other countries.

3. Tiger Cave Temple

Tiger Cave Temple is a luxurious Buddhist temple found hidden among the jungle in Krabi. The temple is decorated with intricate religious figures and brightly coloured statues.

Tiger Cave Temple is the perfect spot for relaxation and reflection, regardless of whether or not you are religious.

Many people consider it to be one of the most impressive and exclusive temples in all of Thailand as the temple rests atop a tower of limestone rock and is only accessible by visitors willing to climb over 1,200 steps.

But rest assured, the climb gives an incredible view of the Krabi region.

4. Panoramic Views

Tiger Cave Temple isn’t the only place in Krabi with a wonderful view. There are countless locations across Krabi where you can find stunning panoramic views.

The most stunning viewpoints are the ones located on the Phi Phi Islands. To remind you, Krabi is a province of Thailand (kind of like States in America or Counties in the UK) and the Phi Phi Islands are a group of islands in the province of Krabi.

The views from the top of the Phi Phi Islands are amazing and well worth the climbs. It’s like looking into Pandora from Avatar but in real life. The views are hard to believe!

We love the Phi Phi Islands, and they’re a key stop on our Thailand island hopping tours .

5. Island Hopping

Island hopping is one of the most popular things to do when visiting the Krabi region and one of the main reasons that people visit.

The most popular are the Phi Phi Islands. These islands are just a short ferry ride from Krabi Town and draw in many travellers every year.

The vibrant coral reefs are one of the main attractions, perfect for snorkelling and Maya Bay is a popular Instagram spot due to its Leonardo di Caprio feature.

Hong Island is another popular island destination with hidden lagoons and turquoise waters that are so dream-worthy. It’s also a great spot for kayaking and other water activities.

6. Hot Springs

If all of the talk about stunning beaches wasn’t enough to persuade you that Krabi is worth visiting then maybe the hot springs will be.

Krabi has some wonderful hot spring locations – perfect for a period of relaxation on your trip. The most-visited hot spring park is the Emerald Pool in Khlong Thom Nuea.

The Emerald Pool has extremely mineral-rich water which is believed to have therapeutic properties that can soothe muscles and promote relaxation.

Krabi is essentially one huge spa retreat. Clear your mind at Tiger Cave Temple then allow your body to unwind in the hot springs!

7. Waterfalls

Krabi is pretty much a nature lover’s heaven , as it’s also home to an impressive amount of beautiful waterfalls.

The region has lots of natural parks which contain the majority of the hundreds of waterfalls in this area of Thailand. Many waterfalls are popular in Krabi, but Huay To has had a huge rise in numbers over recent years due to social media.

Huay To is known for its stepped formation, travelling through the rainforest in many tiers. Than Bok Khorani National Park is another popular location.

The Than Bok Khorani waterfall is a stunning example of Krabi’s natural beauty. You can also swim in the waterfall’s pool at the bottom which is pretty epic!

8. Night Market

The best place to head in the evening while in Krabi Town is the Krabi Town Night Market. It’s the heart of Krabi and keeps the city beating.

The market is always busy with locals and tourists, all on a mission to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking for food, clothing, souvenirs or handmade crafts, you’ll find it all at Krabi Town Night Market. There is, quite literally, everything you could possibly think of.

The huge range of street food available is the perfect chance to try some local delicacies and get a taste of Thailand. It’s also a great place to meet new people if you travel Thailand solo .

9. Opportunities to get active

As we said earlier, there are lots of ways to get active in Krabi. Whether you’re interested in water sports or are more comfortable on the gold old dry land, you’ll find something you’ll love in Krabi.

Kayaking in Mangrove Forest is one of the top-rated locations for the sport and the views from the water are incredible. A kayaking excursion is a great way to get a glimpse of hidden parts of Krabi and get a unique perspective of the region.

Rock climbing is an equally popular activity. Railay Beach has some incredible cliffs worth climbing and the views are well worth your energy. Rock climbing at Railay is relatively inexpensive and so is a perfect way to spend your time if you’d rather not lounge at the beach.

10. It’s Affordable

One of the top reasons that Krabi is worth visiting is due to it being inexpensive- which is why it’s on our ultimate Thailand backpacking route .

Krabi has a huge range of accommodation options and activities that will suit very low-budget travellers. There are lots of hostel options to choose from.

Meals can be made a lot cheaper by eating from local markets and street food stalls while transportation costs can be exceptionally low when you choose to rent scooters or take tuk-tuks.

Watch out for scammers who might try to take advantage of you and make sure you are always clear on prices before committing to paying for things – this will save you from any heated disagreements caused by simple misunderstandings.

It’s the perfect place for anyone on any budget. It’s great that somewhere as magical as Krabi can be visited on a luxurious budget but also on a shoestring.

BONUS: Our group tours 😉

Lastly, one of the best reasons to visit Krabi is our guided tours. We run tours all over Thailand and Krabi features on both our South to North Thailand tour and our island hopping tour.

Whichever you choose, we will help you tick off all of Krabi’s popular locations and hidden gems.

We’d love for you to join us on one of our tours of Krabi, so don’t delay your booking as spots are limited and trust us, they fill up FAST!

And we’d hate for you to be disappointed.

Reasons to visit Krabi: FAQ

Below are some common questions about the reasons to visit Krabi, along with our answers to each question.

Both Krabi and Phuket are incredible destinations. Both offer beautiful beaches, lots of culture, opportunities to get active and in general, have very similar vibes. Choosing between the two destinations is impossible and many people choose to visit both for this reason.

Krabi is an amazing location for a holiday due to the huge range of activities on offer and the warm weather that lasts the entire year.

Absolutely, yes! Krabi is definitely worth visiting. The region’s stunning natural beauty with beaches, jungles, waterfalls and more is the perfect combination for a trip to paradise.

Final Thoughts: Is Krabi Worth Visiting

And there you have it, a complete guide to “ Is Krabi worth visiting? “

The answer is yes, Krabi is definitely worth visiting on a trip to Thailand.

Krabi has so much opportunity for adventure and there are plenty of cultural areas that should be explored. Not to mention, it’s relatively cheap and so there are so many chances to try new things and make some memories.

While Krabi is incredible, it would be sinful to stay on the mainland! While visiting Krabi you have to travel to the nearby exotic islands and we promise you will have some unforgettable experiences . The crystal blue water is the perfect place to relax and reflect on how special this corner of Thailand is.

And remember, if you’re thinking of visiting Krabi, make sure to consider one of our amazing tours that will guarantee you the trip of a lifetime!

Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.

Here are a few useful links to help with that planning; 👉🏼  View all Trips 👉🏼  Frequently Asked Questions 👉🏼  Check out our Reviews 👉🏼  Why choose us? 👉🏼  How does it all work?

If you’ve got any burning questions or just need a little travel inspo… jump in the DM’s with the team via either  Whatsapp , Livechat or  Instagram .

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Josh is one of our travel writers here at Feel Free Travel. You'll find him anywhere in the world typing away at what he sees in front of him. When he's not submerged in his laptop, he'll be in a local gym he's found while travelling or hiking up to the nearest viewpoint, especially if there’s a sunset pending.

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This Is How Far You Can Get With $100 USD In Thailand

Quick links, trying thailand's food for $100 usd/day, accommodations on a budget in thailand, thailand has a low cost of living, traveling to thailand during the 'off season' will save you money.

Aside from its Insta-worthy beaches that everyone has added to their bucket lists , Thailand is a beautiful country that should be appreciated for its culture as well as its scenery. Everything about Thailand is exotic to travelers, from the sights and sounds to its regional cuisine and the best part? It usually comes at a pretty affordable rate for those planning a budget. With many wondering how far 100 USD can get them in Thailand (USD to Baht), it's no surprise this comes up a lot for potential vacationers. Just how far can someone spread their money abroad?

The toughest part about sticking to a budget will be deciding where to spend that money since there's so much to experience in such a country . The good news is that $100 USD is quite a solid amount to start with per day in Thailand, and this is what it will get travelers while they're there.

UPDATE: 2023/06/27 17:28 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Coming To Thailand In The Off Season Might Be Worth It

This article has been updated with new information for budgeting a trip to Thailand. One of the cheaper times to see this stunning country is from later spring/early summer to the beginning of fall, so that's worth considering. It's certainly possible to get by in Thailand with 100 USD a day: so have fun!

Related: Visiting Thailand For The First Time? Here Are The Biggest Dos And Don'ts

Right off the bat, according to Money , the best place to go for an affordable Thailand visit is Phuket. This is where USD will travel the furthest, and it's one of the cheapest cities in the country for travelers in nearly every aspect. To start, we first need to know the conversation rate.

• Conversion Rate: $100 USD equals 3,554 Thai baht

While this might not mean much now, this should put into perspective how far that will travel: $17 USD equates to roughly 600 baht, which is the same price as an expensive silk scarf or covering. So, not only is it enough to purchase high-quality goods, but it'll also be more than enough to spend on food per day. According to Budget Your Trip , the average cost of meals per day in Thailand is 481 baht. Since $100 USD equal 3,554 baht, this means that a traveler can probably get about seven full days of meals in Thailand if they stick to a budget.

This could include trying street foods, opting for local restaurants rather than high-end dining establishments, and scoping out the grocery store for ready-made meals or cooking dinner at the hotel or rental. With the average meal being priced at about 198 baht per person per day, this is more than doable for a week-long vacation.

• Pro-tip: Thailand is home to some incredible street foods that should not be missed; not only are they delicious, but they'll fit perfectly within a budget.

Related: Wondering Why Thai Food Is So Popular? This Is Why It's Worth Visiting Thailand For

When it comes to finding affordable lodging accommodations in Thailand, this will come down to where travelers choose to stay. As stated before, Phuket is very affordable to most travelers , with plenty of options depending on one's budget. The pricier, higher-end accommodations can be found closer to the city of Bangkok, so those should probably be left out when determining a Thailand budget.

Chiang Mai is a great alternative for those who wish to explore Bangkok but don't have it in their budget to stay within the city limits. The best way to do this is to arrange an overnight train trip into the city while making Chiang Mai a traveler's home base for the duration of the vacation.

Occasionally, it's even cheaper to stay in Chiang Mai as opposed to Phuket, depending on the time of the year. In order to avoid the peak season costs, travelers could opt to stay during the off-season which will afford them a bit more in the way of what can be spent on accommodations. The cheapest option (as with any country) is a hostel; on average, one night in a hostel for one person is roughly 1,000 baht.

In USD, that's well under $100, and a traveler could afford to spend a full $100 on three nights with some extra baht left over. Combined with food costs - which are usually well under 1,000 baht or $30 USD - and travelers can afford to fill an itinerary with a budget of $100/day.

Tips For Saving Even More Money

Some of the biggest costs for any traveler are food and transportation. In order to cut down on these, travelers might want to consider opting for street foods. Thailand is home to some of the best food in the world, and many dishes are simple and quite affordable.

Those who opt to stay in a hostel or go with a rental such as Airbnb or another rental service are also in luck. More often than not, the neighborhood one is staying in has its own local food hub. This means that a good, affordable meal might be right around the corner without a person even realizing it - don't be afraid to ask hosts or the front desk for suggestions! Additionally, relying on transportation methods such as walking, bicycles, or scooters can be a huge help when it comes to cutting down the costs of a taxi or public transportation.

Overall the cost of living is very low in Thailand (after all, the average monthly salary in Thailand is $550). Services in Thailand are also very affordable. It is always important to know how much money one will need while in Thailand .

According to Numbeo.com, some of the costs of living in Thailand are:

• Inexpensive Meal At Restaurant: $2.00 (Range $1 to $6)
• Cappuccino: $2.00
• Domestic Beer: $1.70 (0.5 liters)
• Public Transport: $0.90

Of course, prices are often higher for tourists. This is not because Thais scam international tourists but because many international tourists may not be willing to dine in inexpensive restaurants where the meals cost $2.00. Instead, most tourists choose to dine at more modern and flashy establishments and pay $10-15 for a meal - but that's their decision.

So a budget-originated backpacker can easily live in Thailand for $20 a day (stay in cheap hostel accommodation and eat local food). That means backpackers can live in Thailand for $100 for around five days. Some may be even able to make a $100 stretch for a week, but there will be little or no money left for a beer or some other treat (and activities are restricted to walking around taking pictures). Very basic hostels can be booked in Thailand for only $5 per night.

• Flights, hotels, and attractions are typically cheaper during the off-season months of April, May, September, and October.
• Late spring and early fall are the cheapest times to see Thailand.

One of the little-known facts about visiting Thailand is that the late spring and early fall is the cheapest time to come here. Beginning in the late spring (April), Thailand begins to see fewer travelers due to the hotter, more humid climate. Therefore, from April to May, there will be cheaper pricing, as well as throughout September and October. On top of that, Skyscanner reports that flights to Thailand are cheapest during July, August, September, AND October: so that could be a prime time to go.

Because of the inclement weather throughout the country during this time, tourists can expect lower overall pricing for their stay. Especially with $100, that can make a world of difference. For instance, saving a few hundred dollars on flights means more money on the mainland. What once might have been $100 a day could become much more because of these flight savings, which nobody will argue with. Planning a vacation at off-season times in Thailand and around the globe is always a good idea.

• Travel Planning Guide

Is Sairee Beach Worth Visiting in Koh Tao?

Sairee Beach is a fairly well-known attraction in Koh Tao, and is known for its soft white sand and vibrant nightlife.

This is one of the more popular attractions in Koh Tao. If you have time, it's worth seeing. The crowds here are not as busy as with other attractions, but it still sees quite a few visitors. The crowds tend to get larger duing the peak travel season, too.

What is Sairee Beach?

Sairee Beach is the longest and most popular beach on Koh Tao, known for its soft white sand, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. The beach offers a range of activities including snorkeling, kayaking, and beach volleyball. Visitors can relax in beachfront bars and restaurants while enjoying spectacular sunsets. It's a lively hub perfect for both relaxation and entertainment.

Families with children absolutely love it, as it offers plenty of fun. You'll make some great family memories from your trip here, as it's one of the top family-friendly attractions in the area. Also, couples will love it, as it's very romantic. Definitely check it out if you're on a couple's trip. Since it's free, fun, and interesting, budget travelers and backpackers love visiting the beach.

Visiting Sairee Beach

How much does sairee beach cost.

Sairee Beach is free.

Do I need a tour for Sairee Beach?

You'll be exploring Sairee Beach on your own.

Do I need to book in advance?

No, you don't need to book in advance. Just arrive when ready. There's no entry fee and your visit is free.

How long does it take to visit Sairee Beach?

Many people will spend around 2 hours during their visit. Also, this is mostly an outdoor attraction, so you might need to plan for the weather.

When is the best time to visit Sairee Beach?

As for the time of year, Sairee Beach is equally busy year-round. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early or later in the day. Visit on weekdays, and avoid the high season if possible. It's only possible to visit during the day.

Sairee Beach Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Thailand

More things to do around Koh Tao

For even more trip ideas, check out these other articles about Koh Tao.

• Is Scuba Diving Worth Doing?
• Is Ao Leuk Bay Worth Visiting?
• Is Chalok Baan Kao Bay Worth Visiting?
• Is Mango Bay Worth Visiting?
• Is Shark Bay Worth Visiting?
• Is Nang Yuan Island Worth Visiting?
• Is John-Suwan Viewpoint Worth Visiting?
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Thailand targets tourism boost with longer stays for visitors, students, 'digital nomads'

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Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanant and Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Martin Petty

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South Africa heads for coalition as ANC support plunges

Voters appear to have punished the former liberation movement for years of decline.

The U.S. on Friday issued sanctions targeting entities it accused of enabling Iran's drone program, in Washington's latest action seeking to disrupt the production and proliferation of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used by Russia against Ukraine.