Caleb Martin
2024-11-01
6 min read
Thailand is one of Asia's most visited destinations, and for good reasons: it's cheap, the food is incredible, there's so much to see and do, and the people are some of the friendliest on the planet. If you want to dip your toes into Asia but are a bit nervous, Thailand is a fantastic place to start. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is connected to almost any major global hub, and the country is nicely set up so tourists can get around smoothly. In terms of convenience, it doesn't get much better than Thailand. We've written this must-read article with all the information you need to have the best experience in Thailand, including the best time of year to visit, the best things to see, and so much more!
Before coming to Thailand, you'll want to pick the right time of year to visit. The country has a tropical climate with two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Most tourists visit during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this period, average temperatures range between 29°C and 34°C, but they can sometimes be higher or lower than that. Since this is the country's busiest tourism period, the cost of everything goes up, including flights and accommodation. But remember, Thailand is a very affordable country for tourists, so you shouldn't let this dictate your plans too much. Anyone after a quieter getaway can choose to visit Thailand during the rainy season between May and November. The country experiences heavy rainfall on most days during this time, with the wettest month being September, and temperatures average between 28 °C and 34°C. However, most showers are usually only for a short period and clear up fairly quickly; just don't forget your rain jacket. Visiting Thailand during the rainy season has its pros and cons. The cost of everything is much cheaper, but a lot of things are closed, such as some of the country's popular national parks, so your sightseeing plans may be impacted.
Getting around Thailand is very easy, regardless of whether you're an experienced traveler or a first-timer. Flights are available between all the major cities and islands, with airlines offering direct fares, such as Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and many more. Thailand's train network has five major lines connecting most of the country, from Chiang Mai in the north to Sungai Kolok in the very south, down beside the Malaysian border. The trains are comfortable, and night berths are available for longer journeys if you need to sleep. Buses are available in most parts of Thailand, connecting most cities with night and daytime routes to visitors interested in exploring various parts of the country. Considering taking a trip to some of the islands? You're in luck! Thailand has an extensive boat network with ferries and speed boats connecting the mainland to all islands along the Andaman Coast, Gulf Coast, and East Coast.
You could spend years exploring Thailand and not scratch the surface. It's easy to get carried away when there's so much to see and do, especially when you factor in the northern, central, and southern parts of the mainland and all the islands. To get a real taste of Thailand, you should try to include stops in the north and south, with some time in Bangkok, which is central. For some inspiration, follow this itinerary we've made below:
• Fly into Bangkok to see Wat Arun, Chinatown, Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace, and experience the havoc on Khao San Road (2 nights)
• Take a trip to Chiang Mai to climb up to Doi Suthep, see the elephants at Elephant Nature Park, and have a dip at the Grand Canyon Waterpark (3 nights)
• Venture down to Koh Samui to see the Overlap Stone, Mummified Monk, and Chaweng Beach, and take a snorkeling trip (3 nights)
• Hop on a boat to Koh Phi Phi to hike up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint and take a day trip to Maya Bay and Viking Cave (2 nights)
• Spend a couple of days in Krabi to see Railay Beach, the Hong Islands, and the Emerald Pool (3 nights)
• Finish your 14-night vacation with one last stop in Bangkok before your flight the following day (1 night)
Thailand's food scene is among the finest around the globe; you'll have the chance to sample some of the most delicious dishes, from Khao Soi to Pad Thai. Wherever you visit in Thailand will impact the style of Thai cuisine and how hot the food will be. The northern part of the country serves the least spicy dishes, but things progressively get hotter the further south you go. Additionally, the type of rice they cook in the north is sticky rice, whereas in the south, it's hard-boiled. Before you touch down in Thailand, make sure you add these essential dishes to your meal list:
• Khao Soi - A yellow coconut curry noodle soup with fish sauce, chili, limes, and chicken
• Pad Thai - A noodle stir fry with chicken, pork, or seafood sprinkled with crunched peanuts
• Green Curry - A green-colored spicy curry with chicken, coconut milk, potatoes, and shallots
• Khao Pad - A traditional fried rice with chicken, beef, pork, or seafood, fish sauce, garlic, onions, and on the side is usually a sliced lime or cucumber
• Tom Yum Goong Soup - A spicy shrimp soup with chili, galangal, lime, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce
Hopefully, this guide has answered any questions you might have about traveling to Thailand and will set you up for an incredible vacation in the Land of Smiles. It's not by accident that Thailand is one of Asia's premier tourist destinations. Regardless of what part of the country you visit, you'll enjoy every moment and return with memories of dramatic beaches, bustling cities, and seriously good food.
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