Table of Contents
1. What to see and do in Thailand
With this selection of guides for travelling to Thailand, we hope to help you prepare for your trip to one of the most incredible countries in the world. Would you like to start preparing for your trip and have doubts about what to see and what to do in Thailand? Thailand is an ideal country for any type of traveller since there are cities and areas for everyone. There are cities both for lovers of big cities and for those who enjoy cultural destinations. And there are also areas for those who want to practice sports in the middle of nature or relax on the beach.
We recommend that you prepare your trip well informed about what to see and what to do in Thailand. So you can visit the areas that best suit your interests and tastes.
The most popular cities in Thailand are Bangkok, the capital of the country, Chiang Mai, the cultural epicenter of Thailand, and Chiang Rai, where the White temple is located, an authentic architectural jewel.
To complete your trip travelling to Thailand, we recommend you include other cities on your route, such as Ayutthaya, Lampang, Nan, or Phitsanulok to have a broader view of the country. The first and most important thing when travelling to Thailand is to determine which places you want to visit, which will be associated with the time you have.
1.1. Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the destinations that should not be missing from your list of destinations to discover during your visit to this country in Southeast Asia. This large city of 8.2 million inhabitants is the largest in the country.
In Bangkok you will discover a city of contrasts: you can visit everything from the ancient Buddhist temples –the majority religion in Thailand– to the most modern skyscrapers in its financial district. Its narrow streets will allow you to get to know the most authentic part of the city and discover the life of the locals.
Some of the essential visits when you are in Bangkok are the Royal Palace or Grand Palace, the Wat Pho temple, or the Wat Benchamabophit temple. But you will also find multiple leisure options, from large shopping centers and colorful markets for your purchases, to the possibility of attending a Muay Thai fight, the typical contact sport of Thailand.
1.2. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the cultural epicenter of Thailand. A city where you can delve into Thailand’s past and discover the cultural heritage that is currently preserved through temples and monuments.
This city is the largest in northern Thailand, with a population of 132,000. Get ready to discover the Doi Suthep temple, a place of pilgrimage for the Buddhist population and one of the most recognized temples in Chiang Mai. We also advise you to visit the What Phra Singh temple of the Wat Chedi Luang temple, located in the heart of the city.
If you are passionate about knowing the gastronomy of the countries to which you travel, take advantage of your time in Chiang Mai to savor the local dishes. It is one of the best places in Thailand to try Thai food, especially Khantoke cuisine, typical of the north of the country.
1.3. Chiang rai
If you don’t know where to travel in Thailand, another good option is to visit the city of Chiang Rai, which is home to one of the most famous monuments in Thailand: the White Temple. This contemporary temple has a groundbreaking aesthetic compared to traditional Thai temples. It is built entirely in white materials and innovative shapes and figures can be seen in it.
If you want to visit other temples, many other places of interest await you in Chiang Rai, such as the Black Temple, the Wat Phra Kaew temple, or the Wat Phra Singh temple.
1.5. Beach areas of Thailand
Thailand’s beaches are one of the main attractions of this Southeast Asian country. Many travellers choose Thailand not only for its cities but also for the beach destinations it offers.
Sun, pleasant temperatures throughout the year, relaxation, a photography environment and the possibility of practicing water sports are some of the main attractions of the beaches of Thailand.
We advise you to take a look at our definitive guide to the beaches of Thailand to learn more about the destinations that are worth the most.
If you have doubts about which beaches to visit, you should know that in Thailand you will find some of the most popular beach areas in the world such as Phuket, Phi Phi –where the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach was filmed– or Krabi. You will feel like in paradise.
1.5.1. Phuket
Phuket is one of the most famous beach destinations in Thailand. This island is perfect for travellers looking for a balance between relaxation and leisure. During the day, its beaches await you where, in addition to resting, you can practice water sports and other activities.
At night, the entertainment options in Phuket are very extensive. Patong Beach is one of the favorite destinations for party lovers, but also for those who want to go shopping or enjoy a good restaurant.
1.5.2. Krabi
Krabi is synonymous with calm, pleasant, and ideal beaches to spend a few days relaxing in a privileged environment. The beaches of Krabi province in southern Thailand are located on the Andaman Sea.
In this area, you will find long beaches with large stretches of white sand to smaller, solitary and especially relaxed beaches. If you are looking to relax and connect with nature, Krabi may be the destination you need.
1.5.3. Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands offer the typical postcard image that we have in mind when we think of the beaches of Thailand. On its beaches, you will find white sand and turquoise water, an ideal environment for diving and marveling at its rich seabed.
Phi Phi is made up of four islands :
- Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest and most developed island
- Koh Phi Phi Leh, an island full of nature
- Koh Pai (Bamboo Island), a quiet island without hustle and bustle
- Koh Yung (Mosquito Island), an island full of cliffs
1.5.4. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand. Its surroundings offer everything from urban centers to its main attraction: the beaches. In them, you will find the ideal place to rest and also practice water sports.
Chaweng beach is the largest beach on the island and has a great nightlife offer. If you prefer to opt for a more calm or traditional style, we recommend the beaches of Choeng Mon or Bophut.
Don’t know which one to choose?
All the beaches in Thailand are worth it and we know that it is difficult to choose. Take a look at the following articles to discover which beaches in Thailand you may like the most.
1.6. National parks in Thailand
Thailand is a country that will delight nature lovers, both for its landscapes and its animal wealth. In Thailand, you will find up to 102 national parks, where you can both hike through the jungle and discover its exotic flora and fauna.
Places like the Khao Sok National Park, where you can explore its forest and jungle to see animals such as elephants or a multitude of birds. Among the reasons to visit it also stands out that it is the home of the Rafflesia Kerri Meyer, considered the largest flower in the world.
2. How to organize my travel itinerary to Thailand?
Do you have doubts about how to organize your route in Thailand? At Direct Travel we want to help you configure your travel itinerary based on your preferences, whether you are interested in discovering the beaches, the cultural areas, or the more natural ones. In Thailand, there is much to choose from, as it holds some of the greatest tourist treasures in Asia. We explain what they can be, according to your tastes, the essential and recommended destinations. In this way, whether you are going to travel for a week, 15 days, or a month, you will know what you have to add to your route.
2.1. Combined with Thailand
Doubts about whether to combine Thailand with another destination in Asia? Thanks to its proximity to other countries, such as Vietnam and Cambodia, travelling to Thailand and visiting another destination is a unique opportunity. Among other reasons, to take advantage of the fact that the flights that connect them are of short duration and, usually, at cheap prices. We invite you to read this article in which we give you reasons to include Cambodia in your trip to Thailand.
3. The Best time for travelling to Thailand
Any time is a good time to discover Thailand. Taking into account the size of the country, we can say that the best time for travelling to Thailand depends largely on the islands you are going to visit.
For this, we take into account several factors such as the price, the weather in Thailand, the influx of travellers and the festivities that are celebrated during each season. So that you create an organized trip exactly according to your tastes and possibilities.
3.1. Thailand Climate
The climate in Thailand is tropical, so you will find warm temperatures throughout the year – which will come in handy if you plan to spend a few days at the beach. The average annual temperature in Thailand is 25ºC.
But if you are wondering when for travelling to Thailand, it will be useful to know that in this Asian country there are three different climates:
- November to February: mild weather
- March to May: hot weather
- June to October: rainy weather
When travelling to Thailand, precipitation should be taken into account. There is a monsoon season when the chances of rain are high (June to October). Despite this, the rains are intermittent and are concentrated at very specific times of the day. So, in general, the weather will not prevent you from continuing with your planned visits. Remember when travelling to Thailand in the high season, it is highly recommended to book flights, accommodation, and excursions in advance, to avoid high prices and have more options available.
3.2. Thailand festivals
If you are interested in the calendar of festivities when deciding when it is best for travelling to Thailand, you will see that, when you travel, you will have the possibility of experiencing some of its festivals up close. One of the most recognized is in April when Songkran is celebrated – the Buddhist New Year. This party has water as the protagonist and it is used to purify itself. The Songkran, which lasts three days, aims to welcome the rainy season.
Thailand’s festivities are closely related to religion and superstition, although they are increasingly influenced by Western-style celebrations.
Before travelling, take a look at the updated calendar of festivities for that year. You must bear in mind that each year they are celebrated on different dates, depending on the lunar calendar.
3.3. Prices
In general, prices for travelling to Thailand are cheaper during the low season. From March to May you can find good prices, although it coincides with the hottest time of the year. In summer, which coincides with the monsoon, you can also find good deals.
3.4. influx of travellers
If you care about the influx of travellers and want to discover Thailand at its quietest, we recommend travelling in spring or autumn, as a general rule.
The end of August to September is a good time for travelling to Thailand if you can only travel in summer and you care about the influx of travellers.
4. Practical tips for travelling to Thailand
Before travelling to an exotic country like Thailand, it is important to take into account some practical advice. They will help you prepare for your trip, learn more about the culture and customs of the country and enjoy a vacation without unpleasant surprises.
Keep in mind the recommendations to visit Thailand to learn more about topics such as tips, visa, the typical food of the place, where to eat, vaccinations, currency, language or some simple security measures to take into account.
4.1. Tipping in Thailand
Tips in Thailand are common, although keep in mind that they are not mandatory. If the service that has been offered to you is satisfactory, it will always be appreciated if you show your gratitude with a small tip. The services in which it is more common to leave tips are guides, drivers, hotels, or restaurants.
4.2. Visa For travelling to Thailand
If you have Spanish nationality and you are going to travel for less than 90 days, you will not need a visa. You can travel with your passport, as long as it has a minimum validity of 6 months.
If you have another nationality, we recommend that you check with your embassy to find out if you need a visa and to have more complete information about the requirements and steps you must follow to be authorized for travelling to Thailand. If you have another nationality, the best advice for travelling to Thailand is to check with your embassy to have updated information.
4.3. typical Thai dishes
One of the dishes of Thai cuisine that you should not miss is padded thai, popular all over the world. These rice noodles sautéed with chicken, shrimp, or tofu and seasoned with fish sauce, soy sauce, egg, lime, chili and sugar have become the most international Thai dish.
We also recommend the typical Thai-style rolls ( Kuay Teow Lui Suan ), a refreshing and light dish in equal parts. For lovers of sweets, a good option is to taste the Khao niao Mamuang or, what is the same, the sticky rice with mango.
4.4. other tips
4.4.1. eating in Thailand
In Thailand, you will find plenty of options to eat. One of the most common is street food, which will be cooked in front of you and which you can taste at a generally very affordable price. These types of dishes are also common in markets.
If you feel like a more elegant option, in Thailand you will also find plenty of more sophisticated restaurants, especially in the big cities.
4.4.2. Partying in Thailand
Thailand is a country where night party is not lacking. Leisure options, with large nightclubs, are very present in cities like Bangkok. Keep in mind that the schedules are very different from Spain. Nightspots are usually open until 2:30 in the morning, so leave early.
On the beaches, you will also find nightlife options, especially in Phuket or in the well-known Full Moon Party, in Koh Phangan.
4.4.3. Vaccines
If you are wondering if you have to be vaccinated for travelling to Thailand, you should know that there is no compulsory vaccination for residents of Spain. Now, if you have visited a risky country before, you will be required to have the yellow fever vaccine. This also applies even if you have only been to the airport of these countries at risk. In addition, in any case, vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid are normally recommended when leaving Europe.
We advise you to consult with your doctor to have more detailed information about your specific case.
4.4.4. Idiom
The official language of Thailand is Thai or Siamese, originally from India and influenced by Sanskrit and Pali. English is understood and spoken in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist centers and major cities. However, knowledge of this language among the population is limited.
4.4.5. Currency
The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht, THB (1 euro is equivalent to approximately 37 bahts), which is further divided into 100 satangs.
Currently, there are coins of 25 and 50 satangs and 1, 2, 5, and 10 baht. There are bills of 20, 50,100, 500, and 1,000 bahts. It is not advisable to change euros for dollars since you will carry out one more operation and you will have to pay a double commission.
The use of credit cards is accepted in restaurants of a certain level and hotels for foreigners. You can also use it to withdraw cash from the ATM, although for each withdrawal you will have to pay a commission of about 8 or 9 euros. When it comes to exchanging euros for bahts, you will find the best exchange rate in banks, even though almost all of them charge commissions.
4.4.6. Security
Thailand is generally a safe country. You should take simple precautions, just as you would in any European city. You can walk quietly or calmly without fearing for your safety.
The most common thing in Thailand, in terms of security, are scams and scams. In the clubs (and even in some streets, although it is not common) you may be offered some kind of drug. It is enough to show no interest and there will be no problems. In Thailand, the issue of drugs is also harshly punished.
As for transportation, a good tip or suggestion is to agree on a price beforehand or, if you travel by taxi, make sure the meter is activated to avoid surprises when paying.
5. Types of trips to Thailand
As specialists in travel to Asia, at Directia Travel we can customize your trip according to your preferences or according to the type of trip you imagine. Whether you are travelling alone, as a family, in a group, it is your honeymoon or you fancy a luxury trip, we can organize a circuit tailored to your needs.
Here we leave you with some ideas. Remember that our advisors are always at your disposal to guide you.
5.1. Honeymoon trip to Thailand
Thailand is an ideal destination to spend your honeymoon: natural landscapes, relaxing beaches, resorts, exotic culture and cuisine, and big cities where you can get lost as a couple.
Without a doubt, Thailand has all the ingredients to guarantee that your trip will be one to remember for a lifetime. And, of course, Thailand will also make you spend a few dream days as a couple and enjoy the company to the fullest.
5.2. other trips
5.2.1. Group tours to Thailand
If you are a group, at Directia Travel we can help you organize your group trip. We can prepare a private and personalized group trip for you. If, on the other hand, you want to join an already formed group, you will also have this possibility. A group trip will allow you to share this incredible adventure with other travellers.
5.2.2. Luxury travel to Thailand
If what you are looking for is an exclusive trip to Thailand, at Directia Travel we can prepare a route, accommodation and visits according to your expectations. You can stay in resorts and luxury hotels on private beaches, without crowds. Tranquillity and relaxation will be assured. We will also recommend sophisticated restaurants where you can taste the best Thai food.
5.2.3. Family trips to Thailand
Thailand is the land of smiles, where families are welcome. It is the perfect opportunity for the little ones to discover natural landscapes and see a world different from Western culture.
At Direction Travel we will offer you the best hotels for families and we will advise you on the best routes and visits to do with children.
5.2.4. Relaxing trips to Thailand
If you are looking for calm and relaxation, if you would like to connect with yourself and with nature, in Thailand you will find the perfect landscapes to do so. In Thailand, you can rest lying in a hammock on lonely beaches, give yourself a world-famous massage, bathe in the calm and transparent sea or sunbathe and enjoy accommodations designed for personal well-being.
All the comforts at your fingertips so you can disconnect and come back with your batteries charged.
6. Map of Thailand
Thailand is distributed mainly in three zones: the north of Thailand, with cities such as Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, the center, where its capital, Bangkok, stands out, and the south, the beach area. From here, the south is usually divided into two zones, the beaches of the Andaman Sea, such as Phuket, Krabi, or the Phi Phi Islands, and the beaches of the Gulf of Thailand, such as Koh Munnork or Koh Samui.
As you have seen with this guide, updated to 2019, travelling to Thailand is discovering a destination of contrasts: from bustling cities like Bangkok -the capital-, to culturally outstanding cities like Chiang Mai or the historical ruins of Ayutthaya to its paradisiacal beaches of Phi Phi or Phuket. Thailand is a country of smiles, where the hospitality of its people makes it even more worth discovering every corner of the country.
Do not hesitate to contact our advisors who will accompany you at every step to design your perfect personalized trip and will guide you to plan your tour of Thailand.