Welcome to our travel guide to Thailand, a country that has made us fans of the Southeast Asia and that we are sure will also make you want to come back every year. From the noisy streets of Bangkok to the almost deserted beaches islands, passing through the temples old and the markets Thailand offers a thousand adventures for all types of travelers.
In this guide, we will give you practical tips about where to stay, the best places to eat and taste the delicious Thai food, how to move around the country in the most efficient way and how to get to the different cities.
Best places to visit in Thailand
Thailand is a country full of breathtaking destinations, each with its own personality. Here is a list of the places we consider a must for your trip:
- Bangkok The capital par excellence. Do not miss the Grand Palace and the Wat Arun temple. The city is also a paradise for lovers of street food and shopping.
- Chiang Mai Explore its ancient temples and the famous night market. The surrounding hills are perfect for trekking and visiting local tribes.
- Phi Phi Islands: Ideal for beach lovers. Enjoy diving, snorkeling and the incredible views of Maya Bay.
- Ayutthaya A historical site full of ancient temple ruins, a short distance from Bangkok. Perfect for a day trip.
- Chiang Rai Known for the impressive White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the proximity to the hill tribe communities.
- Ko Lanta A quiet island, ideal for relaxing, with less crowded beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for families and travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
- Phuket Thailand's largest island, famous for its beaches, nightlife and diving opportunities.
Where to stay in Thailand
Bangkok:
- Riverside Ideal for those seeking luxury and spectacular views of the river.
- Sukhumvit: Modern area, perfect for shopping and nightlife.
- Silom Combines business with pleasure, with easy access to night markets and restaurants.
Chiang Mai:
- Old Town Historical heart, full of temples and local life.
- Nimmanhaemin Modern and youthful area, with cafes and trendy stores.
Phi Phi Islands:
- Tonsai Bay: To be in the center of everything, ideal for backpackers and party people.
- Long Beach More quiet and relaxed, perfect for couples and families.
Ayutthaya:
- Historic Center Near the main ruins and temples, ideal for cultural tourism.
- Outside the Center For a quieter and more rural experience.
Chiang Rai:
- City Center Near markets and the famous White Temple.
- Kok River: Quieter areas and natural views, ideal for relaxation.
Ko Lanta:
- Saladan Near the port and markets, with a good mix of locals and tourists.
- Long Beach Popular beach with a good variety of accommodations and restaurants.
Phuket:
- Patong The heart of the party and entertainment, ideal for those looking for action.
- Kata and Karon Beaches: Quieter beaches, good for families and couples.
Best places to eat in Thailand
The thai cuisine is known worldwide for its richness of flavors and variety of dishes. Here we talk about the best restaurants to enjoy this delicious cuisine and some dishes that you can not miss:
Bangkok:
- Chinatown (Yaowarat) Famous for its street stalls, ideal for tasting all kinds of local dishes.
- Sukhumvit Thai: Offers a mix of Thai and international cuisine, perfect for adventurous palates.
Chiang Mai
- Nimmanhaemin Modern area with a wide variety of gastronomic options.
- Night Market A classic to try street food at a good price.
Phi Phi Islands
- Tonsai Village Seafood: Offers a good selection of seafood and Thai dishes.
- Remote Beaches For romantic dinners by the sea.
Ayutthaya:
- Local markets To taste snacks and traditional dishes in an authentic atmosphere.
Chiang Rai:
- City Center Ideal for tasting northern Thai dishes and international options.
Ko Lanta:
- Saladan Where you will find from street stalls to fresh seafood restaurants.
Phuket:
- Phuket Old Town For a culinary experience with Chinese and Malay influences.
- Patong: A wide variety of options, from fast food to haute cuisine.
Typical dishes from Thailand
Here are some of the typical dishes that you cannot miss if you like Asian gastronomy:
- Pad Thai Fried noodles with tofu, shrimp, peanuts and bean sprouts.
- Tom Yum Goong Spicy and sour soup with shrimps.
- Massaman Curry Curry influenced by Persian cuisine, with meat, potatoes and peanuts.
- Mango Sticky Rice Glutinous rice with fresh mango, a classic dessert.
- Khao Soi Curry soup typical of northern Thailand with fried noodles on top, usually chicken.
- Thai Roti A kind of crepe usually filled with banana and with chocolate and/or condensed milk on top.
Remember that food in Thailand can be quite expensive spicy So if you are not a fan of spicy food, ask for your dishes "mai pet" (not spicy).
Getting around Thailand
Moving around Thailand is an essential part of the travel experience. Here we explain the best options for go to both within cities and between different destinations:
Inside the Cities
- Tuk-Tuks Emblematic and fun, ideal for short distances. Remember to negotiate the price before boarding.
- Cabs Available in most cities, we recommend negotiating the price before boarding or better to order them directly through the Grab or Bolt applications.
- Motorcycle cabs: Fast and economical, perfect for avoiding traffic.
- BTS Skytrain in Bangkok Fast and efficient to move around the city, avoiding traffic.
Between Cities and Destinations
- Buses An economical option to travel between cities and towns.
- Trains Scenic routes are offered, especially the route to Chiang Mai.
- Domestic Flights Fast and often inexpensive, they connect the main cities and tourist destinations.
- Ferries to the Islands Essential to reach islands such as Ko Lanta and Phi Phi.
Vehicle Rental
- Motorcycles and Scooters Popular in beach areas and small towns, but always remember to wear a helmet.
- Cars A good option for families or groups who want more comfort and flexibility.
Transportation Tips
- Planning During high season, book your bus, train or ferry tickets in advance.
- Security Always prioritize your safety, especially when renting motorcycles.
- Mobile Applications Apps such as Grab or Bolt can be very useful for ordering cabs or private transportation.
How to get to Thailand
Getting to Thailand is relatively easy thanks to its well-established international connections. Here are the main ways to reach this destination:
By Air
- International Airports Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok and Phuket International Airport are the main entry points.
- Direct Flights Many major cities in Europe, America and Asia offer direct flights to Thailand.
- Airlines Several international and low-cost airlines operate flights to Thailand, making it easy to find options that fit your budget.
By Land
- From Neighboring Countries It is possible to enter Thailand by road from Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos. These border crossings are popular with travelers exploring Southeast Asia.
Travel Tips
- Visas Check visa requirements prior to your trip. Many countries have visa waiver or visa-on-arrival arrangements for short stays.
- High Season During the high tourist season (November to February), flights and accommodations can fill up quickly, so it is advisable to book in advance.
- Travel Insurance Make sure you have adequate travel insurance, including coverage for adventure activities if you plan to do them.
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