Thailand has to be one of the most captivating countries I’ve visited. Last year, I was struggling with the reality of entering my third decade, so I dealt with it the best way I know how. I hopped on a plane and headed out of the country. Turning 30 in Thailand was the most rewarding experience. Beaches, jungles, Thai food, temples, massages—what more could you ask for? Thailand has such a rich culture, and the people are incredibly kind. I learned so much about what there is to see and do in this amazing country and I’m going to cover it all in this post.
What Cities should you visit in Thailand?
One of the best parts about Thailand is how quick and inexpensive it is to travel between major cities. My flights within the country cost an average $30-50 each and were about an hour long. I spent around four weeks in Thailand and visited Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi. Chiang Mai almost didn’t make the list, and it ended up being one of my favorite places. You can check out my travel guide to all things Chiang Mai here.
Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand. Its a tropical, mountainous region and is home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples. Bangkok, being Thailand’s capital city, is a major hub and is usually the cheapest place to fly in and out of the country. The busy metropolis has a very different pace compared to Chiang Mai. Phuket and Krabi lie in the southern region of Thailand and are known for their beautiful beaches. There are tons of smaller islands between these two cities, in Phang Nga Bay, that are worth a visit as well.
What to do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a charming blend of old and new. Nestled in the lush mountains of northern Thailand, the city is known for its historic temples and rich culture. I stayed in Old Town here, the heritage-rich heart of the city. Almost everything worth seeing is within the walls of this walkable district. There are hundreds of temples here, but my favorites were Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara, and Wat Phan Tao.
Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Sanctuary
One of the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai is to visit an elephant sanctuary. I would recommend doing your research beforehand, and choosing a sanctuary with ethical practices. If a sanctuary offers elephant rides or markets circus tricks this should be a red flag. Many “sanctuaries” do not provide a natural space for elephants to roam and graze, but rather keep them confined and chain them up for tourist viewing. I chose to visit Chai Lai Orchid. This sanctuary focuses on rescuing elephants from trekking camps, as well as empowering the indigenous Karen families who care for the elephants by providing employment opportunities and fair wages.
Chiang Rai
A visit to Chiang Mai wouldn’t have been complete without a day trip to Chiang Rai. This major city, located just northeast of Chiang Mai, is known for its stunning temples. I booked my day trip through Get Your Guide, which included transportation to and from Chiang Mai, visits to three famous temples — the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Red Temple — a stop at a natural hot spring, and lunch.
Chiang Mai is full of rich culture and history and definitely deserves a visit if you’re traveling to Thailand. As mentioned above I have a more detailed guide on exploring Chiang Mai here.
What to do in Bangkok
The capital city of Thailand offers a never-ending list of things to do. Here you’ll find some of the best authentic Thai street food, busy markets, more magnificent temples, and a bustling night-life. This vibrant city never slows down.
Bangkok Temples
With over 400 temples in Bangkok it’s impossible to see them all, but a couple of my favorites were Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The latter is located inside the grounds of the Grand Palace which also deserves a visit. You can either wait and buy tickets in person or find them here on their website.
Bangkok Markets
While in Bangkok I booked a day trip to two well known markets; Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and The Maeklong Railway Market. These two markets were at the top of my list due to how unique they both are. Thailand’s water markets have been around for over 100 years and are still used as major methods of transportation and trade. The Railway Market is also deep-rooted in history with vendors that set up stalls directly on the railway tracks, while trains run through the market several times a day. Both markets are major tourist attractions and, therefore, are very crowded even in the off-season. I would advise going as early as possible to avoid the masses. I booked this tour for both through Get Your Guide.
Phuket
The southern part of Thailand is arguably the most popular for visitors. It’s stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical islands create an oasis that will beckon any traveler. Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most famous island. Along with the numerous beaches it is well known for its vibrant nightlife, and is a great starting point for day trips and island hopping. For my trip I chose a quieter scene and stayed at a resort on Koh Maphrao (also known as Coconut Island) located just off the northeast coast of Phuket.
Island Escape by Bursari
The resort I stayed at was Island Escape by Burasari. This 5-star resort had everything I needed and more, with private beach access, gorgeous villas, an ocean-view infinity pool complete with a pool bar, and a full spa facility. The buffet style breakfasts were fabulous and for dinner the beachside restaurant served fresh seafood and authentic Thai favorites. The staff were incredibly attentive and provided the best experience during my stay.
Speedboat transportation to and from Phuket Mainland and the island was included, and they had a daily boat schedule if you chose to take a trip into Phuket during your stay. I did this once to visit Ma Doo Bua Cafe, which I highly recommend. This picturesque cafe is nestled among a stunning water lily pond. It was one of my favorite experiences, and I was able to get some great photos from it.
Krabi
Krabi was perhaps my favorite province in Thailand. I stayed at Railay Bay Resort and Spa on Railay beach, surrounded by massive limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. This is a great spot for kayaking, rock-climbing, and swimming. It is also a hotspot for island hopping. I booked a day trip via Get Your Guide that included a long tail boat ride to 7 different islands, time to snorkel and swim, a sunset Thai barbeque, and night swimming among bioluminescent plankton.
Koh Yao Noi
From Krabi I began my journey back toward Phuket with a stop at the island of Koh Yoa Noi. I spent one night here at Koh Yao Paradise in a gorgeous room with a private plunge pool. This island is more remote and a great escape from the bustling tourist spots. I highly recommend renting a motorbike here and exploring the island.
How to get around Thailand
As I mentioned, getting to and from different cities in Thailand is super easy. Flights are cheap and short, with a one-way trip from Chiang Mai to Phuket only taking around two hours. If you’re not a fan of flying, travel by train is another option. In the southern part of Thailand, the easiest way to get around Phang Nga Bay is by speedboat. Within the cities, the options for getting around are endless. Choose between tuk-tuks, Grab (Thailand’s Uber), buses, the subway/skytrain (in Bangkok), bikes, scooters, or simply walking.
Best time to travel to Thailand
The best time to travel to Thailand depends on the region you’re visiting and the type of experience you’re looking for. November to February is generally considered the ideal time to visit due to the weather. This is their cool and dry season, with little rainfall and comfortable temperatures. However, it is also the most popular time for tourists, so crowds may be high and accommodations more expensive. March to May is the hottest season, with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F (35°C). June to October is known as monsoon season, and you can expect lots of rain. I traveled to Thailand from the end of October into early November. Even though October is considered the rainy season, by going at the end of the month, I experienced fewer days of rain while still avoiding the larger crowds.
What to Eat in Thailand
One of the best reasons to visit Thailand is for the food. Its vibrant and diverse cuisine, offers a rich blend of flavors, textures, and colors. Street food is an integral part of Thai culture, and you’ll see vendors on nearly every corner. It’s affordable, delicious, and often freshly prepared right in front of you. Due to its extensive coastline, in Southern Thailand you can find a wide variety of dishes prepared from freshly caught seafood. A few of my favorite Thai dishes were Khao Soi, Pineapple Fried Rice, Mango Sticky Rice, and of course the classic Pad Thai.
How to Pack for Thailand
No matter what time of year, Thailand’s tropical climate calls for lightweight, breathable clothes. Fabrics like linen and cotton will keep you cool and dry. It’s important to remember that when visiting temples you’ll need to dress modestly covering your shoulders and knees. With long days of exploring and sightseeing comfortable walking shoes are the way to go, as well as water shoes for activities like kayaking and snorkeling. Thailand’s sun can be intense so, sunscreen is a must here and is much cheaper if you purchase it beforehand in the U.S.
Other things to pack include:
- Dry Bag – great for keeping valuables safe on those boat trip days
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Universal Travel Plug Adapter
- Portable Power Bank
- Kindle/eReader
- Sarong – These work well for swimsuit coverups as well as for covering shoulders and knees in temples.
- Insect Repellent – This is especially important for the rainy season.
- Motion Sickness Medicine- You’ll be thankful for it on the choppy boat rides.
- Day Bag- A small travel backpack will come in handy for storing your belongings.
- Folding Fan – I did not pack one of these, but I quickly purchased one at a market and it saved me in the heat.
- Beach Tote – This is also something I did not pack, but most of the resorts I stayed at provided one which came in handy.
And of course don’t forget your camera!
Thailand is a country that truly has it all—breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Krabi, every destination offers something unique. Hopefully this guide helps you plan your own incredible trip here. No matter where you go or what you do, one thing is certain—you’ll always find a reason to return to Thailand.
