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Thailand is a country full of rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, and picturesque beaches. In bustling Bangkok, you’ll find a modern cityscape along with ornate temples and ancient palaces. On the country’s coastline, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches are tucked away on tiny islands. No matter where your Thailand travels take you, you are going to have the experience of a lifetime! Here is our Thailand travel guide to help you make the most of your time in this fascinating country.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Thailand:
What to Wear
If you’re planning on visiting temples or places of worship while in Thailand (which you should!), be sure to pack long sleeved, conservative clothing. If your knees and shoulders aren’t covered, you won’t be allowed inside, and you don’t want to miss all the incredible temples! For the rest of your trip, pack lightweight, breathable clothing for hot days, and comfortable shoes for lots of walking and exploring.
Weather
Thailand is pretty much hot all year round, but the best time to travel is from November to February during the ‘cool’ season. Temperatures are mild and can be chilly in Northern areas! Summer (March-June) is the hottest season, with April being the hottest month of the year—temperatures typically reach 100+ degrees consistently. Monsoon season lasts from July to October, bringing a lot of rainfall and extreme humidity, so it’s best to avoid traveling during this time. For an ideal vacation, plan your trip in the cool season for pleasant temperatures and little rainfall!
Food
One of the best parts about visiting Thailand is the food! Thai food culture is full of traditional rituals, exotic flavors, and fresh ingredients. Popular dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup), Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad), and Red and Green Curries. Some Thai dishes are very spicy (much spicier than Westernized Thai food), so be warned! At restaurants, food comes out all at once and is meant to be shared. As for street food, it is a part of Thai culture and can be some of the best food you’ll have in Thailand! Be sure to stop at a stall or two for some delicious snacks like chicken satay or spring rolls. Try lots of different foods while visiting Thailand for a true Thai experience!
Tip: do not drink the tap water—order bottled water instead!
Places Not to Be Missed:
Bangkok
Bangkok is a melting pot of old and new cultures, and is a must on any Thailand itinerary. This metropolis is unlike any other! Streets are filled with bike taxis and enticing food vendors, and if you look up you’ll find skyscrapers lining the horizon. Be sure not to miss the city’s stunning temples such as Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Wat Traimit with its Golden Buddha. The spectacular Grand Palace is well worth a visit, as it is where royalty has lived for hundreds of years! Another must-see in Bangkok is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Picture hundreds of traditional long-tail boats selling fresh produce, delicious food, and local goods—this world-famous floating market is an unforgettable sight. Bangkok is a food-lover’s paradise, so make sure to sample some exotic cuisine while you’re there!
Chiang Mai
Thailand’s second largest city (Bangkok being the largest) is definitely one of the most beautiful in the country. Chiang Mai is set in the lush, green mountainous landscape of Chiang Mai Province and is much the opposite of Bangkok—it’s rural, charming, and life moves at a much slower pace. Take advantage of the slower pace of Chiang Mai and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere as you dine on local food, enjoy massages, and make friends with the locals. This city is full of ancient cultures and natural wonders! Trek to hill tribe villages where you can learn about their traditional ways of life, all while taking in the natural splendor of the scenery along the way (it’s some of the most beautiful in the country). The temples of Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are also beautiful and not to be missed!
Phuket
The island of Phuket is the biggest tourist destination in Thailand—and for good reason. The beaches of Phuket truly look like a postcard! If you do one thing while on Phuket, make it a cruise around Phang Nga Bay. You’ll get the best view of the beautiful green water and breathtaking limestone islands! If you’re looking for the beach, Patong is one of the main beach towns. While beautiful, it can be incredibly touristy, especially at peak travel times. Escape the crowds by visiting Karon Beach or Kata Beach! When you’re not at the beach, you must pay a visit to the famous Big Buddha that sits on top of a hill and offers sweeping views of the island, and Khao Sok National Park, where you can interact with elephants for the full jungle experience.
With so much to explore in Thailand, you’ll never get bored! Vibrant city life, charming rural villages, historical landmarks, and fantastic food (you’ll never look at American Thai food the same way) make this country a perfect choice for your next vacation.
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