Here’s the itinerary I’ve planned for this new trip to Thailand:
Arrival – 2 nights in Bangkok (any hotel recommendations? Very quiet, near Chinatown or by the river)
Train or taxi (which app should I use for Thailand?) to Phetchaburi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations?)
Daytime train to Surat Thani – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)
Pick up the rental car and head to Khao Sok – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)
Drive to Ko Kho Khao – 3 nights – relaxation (any hotel recommendations?)
Drive to Phang Nga Bay – 1 night (any base recommendations?)
Excursion in the bay, then drive to Krabi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations) or any other spot with beautiful, quiet beaches that you might know?
Return to Surat Thani – overnight train to Bangkok, then Ayutthaya (any hotel recommendations?)
Visit the site and transfer to the airport – sniff, time to head back!
If you have other suggestions, keeping in mind the trip’s vibe: beach time without crowds or entertainment, a bit of nature, a bit of culture, no stress...
No domestic flights and charming accommodations (not at 150 € per night, even though the budget is reasonable!)
Not sure I’ll follow them all, but all your ideas are welcome! 😉
Hi everyone,
I’m starting to plan my next trip to Southeast Asia this winter (2.5 months, leaving in early December), and here’s a rough outline of my route—I’d love to share it with you and hear your thoughts and tips.
- I’ll start in Bangkok and already have three spots I’ve marked: Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Uthai Thani (I haven’t been to any of these places yet).
- Next, I’d like to cross the country from west to east to reach the Laos border. I’d love suggestions for any interesting stops along this route—I don’t know this part of Thailand at all...
- Then I’ll head into Laos, probably at Savannakhet (you can usually get a visa at the border).
- > I’m tempted to spend a week in Hoi An, Vietnam, since I loved that city and the area when I visited two years ago. No visa needed for Vietnam now, so it could be a nice little detour. On the map, it doesn’t look too far, but I know you’ve got to be careful with these things, and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. Any opinions on this?
- Back to Laos (maybe via Dakta), and I’ll head south along the Mekong, probably doing the Bolaven Plateau loop that I missed last time. Then Paksé, the 4,000 Islands... I’ve been before, but I’d happily go back.
- Crossing into Cambodia, I’ll follow the Mekong down to Phnom Penh (I know this area and love how untouristy it is). From there, I’ll probably spend a few days in Kep (quieter than Kampot). Still undecided, though.
- Then back to Thailand (BKK), likely by plane from Phnom Penh since the borders between the two countries are currently closed (plus, let’s be honest, Cambodian roads... ;-). We’ll see how things look when the time comes.
- After that, I’d like to explore southern Thailand, taking it slow with short hops. I’ve got my eye on Khao Sok National Park, and I’ve heard good things about Krabi... Again, I don’t know this region well, so any info or tips would be great.
So, I think this should be doable in 2.5 months, especially since I prefer short hops of 300 km max to avoid getting too tired, and I like staying 2-3 days in each place to explore. Plus, I’ll take a week off to relax if I find a spot I love—maybe by the sea for some real downtime.
Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your favorite spots!
Pascal
Hi everyone,
I’m a die-hard fan of India, but it’s time I discovered Thailand too to broaden my Asian horizons.
I’m heading there on January 19, 2025, for a 46-day trip (no visa needed as I’m French). I’ve pored over a few guidebooks and travel blogs. Based on what caught my interest, I’ve put together a rough itinerary and list of sights. But since I know absolutely nothing about Thailand, I’m kind of flying blind here.
Since I’m not exactly a spring chicken anymore, I’ve opted for a few bases where I’ll stay several days in the same place. That way, I won’t have to change locations and hotels every day or so, packing and unpacking my suitcase constantly. Instead, I plan to explore the surrounding area each day, within a maximum radius of 50 to 70 km.
So, first question: Is that kind of round-trip distance manageable in a day in Thailand?
In India, renting a car for a day—with a driver—currently costs around 35 to 40 € per day. Knowing that 1,300 to 1,500 THB would be my absolute max, and even then, only if I don’t rent a car every single day.
Which brings me to my second question: Am I being unrealistic?
Otherwise—third question—once I’m settled in the city I’ve chosen as my base, can I get around within that 50–70 km radius using public transport?
I’ve already booked all my hotels—with free cancellation—on booking.com at an average price of 950/1,000 THB per night. Does that put me in a good range for value for money? Or am I dreaming?
Bangkok -> Chiang Mai by overnight train in first-class sleeper
CHIANG MAI (6 days/6 nights): Mae Hong Son – Hot springs – Chiang Dao – caves – Lamphun – other places to be decided on the spot based on what’s worth seeing and transport options
Chiang Mai -> Chiang Rai
CHIANG RAI (7 days/8 nights): Fang – Tha Ton – Chiang Saen – Doi Tung – Chiang Khong – Doi Ang Khang, Phu Chi Fah, etc.
Chiang Rai -> Phrae
PHRAE (4 days/5 nights): Lampang and surrounding areas, depending on what’s interesting to see
Phrae -> Loei
LOEI (4 days/5 nights): Phu Kradung – Chiang Khan and surrounding areas, depending on what’s worth seeing
Loei -> Buriram
PHIMAI (Nakhon Ratchasima/Khorat) (5 days/6 nights): Phimai – Prasat Muang Tam – Phanom Rung – Prasat Phanom Wan
Phimai -> Khorat (airport or train station) -> Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
I'm "finalizing" a trip with my adventurous family (wife + 3 kids aged 16, 14, and 8) for this Easter break in Thailand (we'll be there from 04/19 to 05/01).
I'm going through the site and wanted to thank you all for the tips and insights you share on the forum. They're really valuable. But boy, it's tough to sketch out an itinerary
Of course, my backpacking route might be debatable, but I'm trying to target this path to get a first taste of the country's different "facets" and keep everyone in the family happy 😛
For this first trip, we're sticking to the classics and planning to explore a different side of the Land of Smiles in the future:
- arrival in BKK at 4 PM on 04/19 ==> leaving the same day at 7 PM for Chiang Mai (I "hesitated" with the 5:30 PM flight but was worried we wouldn't have enough time to switch from British AW to Thai Airways + airport fees + baggage + customs, etc. )
- from 04/20 to 04/23 ==> Chiang Mai with the main highlights (we've picked: Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat, elephant sanctuary, Doi Inthanon, the old city, Wat Chedi, Wat Phra Singh).
==> For the elephant sanctuary: any recommendations? Morning or afternoon visit?
==> It might seem ambitious, but we're considering a day trip to Chiang Rai—though it's not a must. Yes, we know it means ~6 hours of travel in one day.
- direct flight on the morning of 04/24 to Krabi ==> Railay - Phang Nga ==> this part isn't finalized yet (we won't stay in Krabi).
For those who've been there, which part of the south would be best weather-wise during this period?
We'd stay in the south until 04/28 and take a 8 PM flight to BKK.
- BKK on 04/29, 04/30, and part of 05/01 before our flight to London at 11 PM.
We'll hit the must-see/classic spots there.
If you have time to share some insights, I'd really appreciate it.
Hello Forum,
we’ve planned a trip to Thailand in January 2027, including an excursion to Phang Nga Bay from Phuket.
- Could anyone recommend a local tour operator that offers boat excursions?
-Is it worth taking a BUS to Phang Nga Bay from Phuket and then catching a boat locally? Which BUS should we take?
Hi, just a quick note mainly for Samsong, even if he’s still giving me the silent treatment.
I’ve been in Nan since yesterday and... I love it! So thanks, Thierry. It’s exactly the kind of place I’d been dreaming of... Even if communication is a bit tough, it’s not impossible. They don’t even know the most basic English words! Everyone laughs and they’re the first to pull out their phones to... translate. They’re even quicker on the uptake than I am.
And then there’s the time I say Nan (pronounced "Nane"). They don’t understand me. After a while (sometimes a long one), they reply: "Ah, Nan?" (pronounced "Nane") 😵🤳😃
The town is exactly how you described it back in 2022.
Though I’m surprised to find so many trendy, slightly intellectual "Cafés." Apparently, coffee—excellent everywhere—is king in Nan. It feels like a university town. And it seems pretty lively at night! But for now, I’m going to bed early. I caught a nasty cold, which didn’t stop me from walking 12 km this morning. But I came back to my accommodation by 3 PM (gorgeous and luxurious with top-notch service for 800 baht—even a cute local welcome gift this morning, plus other unexpected touches like a bottle of honey and chrysanthemum flowers for tea. The lady must’ve guessed I was coming down with something yesterday). I thought about going out for dinner but didn’t have the energy. I think I’ve got at least 39°C fever...
Anyway, I’m sending you this message, Thierry, because you mentioned a daily bus to Chiang Rai, so I didn’t look into it. But now it’s a real problem—no buses to Chiang Rai, only taxis. At least 2,500 baht for the cheapest one! I’ll check the bus station directly tomorrow. Online, it’s all taxis, no buses.
I’d like to explore the countryside/mountains if I can find an affordable driver. Any ideas for destinations or itineraries?
Thanks.
Hello,
I’m heading to Thailand for two weeks at the end of February with my family. I went there 20 years ago.
I’d love your thoughts on a relaxed two-week trip that lets me show my kids the joys of travel while also taking time to unwind (after all, it *is* vacation! :))
I’m planning to spend 2 days in Bangkok, then take the overnight train to Chiang Mai (so my kids can experience that) and stay for 2-3 nights. After that, I’ll fly to Phuket for a few nights, then head to Koh Lanta for a few days before returning to Phuket to make my way back to Bangkok for the last two days before departure.
Tons of people travel for two weeks during this time—any recommendations? So far, I only have my round-trip flight ticket to Bangkok.
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hi there,
As mentioned earlier, we're heading off for a month to explore some parts of Thailand in July/August, and I’ve got a few practical questions I’m hoping you can help with based on your experiences. Thanks in advance!
- Can you choose the denominations at exchange bureaus/ATMs? How do you avoid ending up with only 1000-baht notes when exchanging large sums?
- If not, is there an easy way to get change? Any alternatives to buying stuff at 7-Eleven?
- Can you buy train tickets from Thonburi to Kanchanaburi in advance? Is there usually space available, considering some people do the Death Railway day trip from Bangkok to Sai Yok Noi?
- Is there room for luggage on the trains to Kanchanaburi? We’ll be traveling as a group of four with two large checked-baggage-sized suitcases (25 kg each).
- Kanchanaburi: Most day tours allow around 3 hours at Erawan Falls. Is that enough, or is it worth spending the whole day there, especially at the start of the rainy season when it’s a bit greener?
- In Sam Roi Yot, are there taxis/Grab/Bolt available for exploring the surrounding areas? I’d appreciate any numbers or addresses.
- Does True (7-Eleven) have good coverage across Thailand, from Sam Roi Yot to Chiang Rai, or should we go with AIS?
- In Bangkok, if you need to switch BTS lines, do you need a new ticket, or can you change lines as long as you don’t exit the station?
Happy to provide any additional details if needed.
Hey everyone,
We're currently in Thailand. I'm opening this thread to share practical info for those planning their trip. As for impressions and feelings—I love it, but I'll let everyone form their own opinions. The goal here is more about: how to do this or that, how to get there, etc.
Our family trip (2 kids, boys aged 6 and 9) is coming up fast, and I have a few questions. I’ve seen that quite a few people on this forum are active about Thailand, so I hope you can help me out :-)
- I have a Free mobile plan with a good amount of data abroad (35GB). Do you know if the Bolt or Grab apps work well with a French SIM? I’ve read that the app might not work if the SIM isn’t Thai, but I’ve also seen French travelers using their SIMs in Thailand, so I’m not sure what to think.
- What tips do you have to avoid traveler’s diarrhea (especially for our 6- and 9-year-olds)? I’m already preparing them to wash their hands often and not put their hands in their mouths or brush their teeth with tap water (they’re still little and might not control the water well in their mouths). Are there certain dishes or food stands to avoid? Are ice cubes really off-limits too?
- We arrive in Bangkok at 9 AM, and we have a French-speaking guided tour scheduled for the next morning (all day). The itinerary isn’t finalized yet with the guide—I need to get back in touch soon. What do you recommend doing on that first day, which might be tiring after the long flight and jet lag? Our hotel has a nice pool, but I’d love for us to get out and explore a bit :-)
- Is the Grand Palace really best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds?
- I’d love to visit a night or floating market, but they’re all on weekends. Unfortunately, we’re in Bangkok from Wednesday to Saturday morning (then we take the train to Ayutthaya in the morning). Is there a market on Friday night? I saw Chatuchak, but Friday night doesn’t seem like the best time—is it still worth going?
I’ve looked for answers to these questions, but I’m either not finding a definitive answer or I’m overwhelmed by all the things to do/see in Bangkok. So, I’m hoping your advice or experiences can help me out!
My husband and I are planning a trip to Thailand from January 2 to 10.
Departure from Brussels on January 1 – arriving in Bangkok at 6:00 AM on January 2.
Departure from Bangkok on January 11 at 2:00 AM, arriving in Brussels at 1:25 PM the same day.
For professional and personal reasons, we can’t extend the trip.
I don’t plan on just lounging on a beach in Phuket, so with 9 days on the ground, I know it’s short... But having done this before in Hong Kong and Shanghai, I know it’s doable, refreshing, and enjoyable. We did it with the kids and included a 2- or 3-day stay at Disneyland in each city. Basically, we spent 5-6 days in each city.
Anyway, I’m reaching out because I’ve heard and read so many conflicting opinions that my head is spinning.
Following the saying, "don’t bite off more than you can chew," I’m assuming I should keep it simple.
So I’m torn between just Bangkok or Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
If I go with the second option, I’m debating whether to head straight to Chiang Mai on the day we arrive (but given the flight times, we’d lose pretty much the whole day) or spend two days in Bangkok first, then go to Chiang Mai for 3-4 days, and return to Bangkok.
I have a question about the Rome2Rio app. Can you set it up to show routes using the BTS and MRT (for Bangkok) instead of buses or taxis? For example, I’d like to know how long the trip from Chong Nonsi to Bang Khun Non will take, but the app doesn’t suggest the MRT or BTS, even though it’s totally doable. Any tips on how to fix this?
Hello,
We’re heading to Thailand for 26 days (excluding flights) next July with our two teens (12 and 15 years old).
My husband and I have been there several times before they were born—so that’s 15 years ago—and I’m a bit worried about some of the changes that might have happened since, especially with the rise in tourism...
I’d also like to keep a pace that allows us to settle in a bit and enjoy local life beyond just the main sights. Plus, we’re pretty active.
For now, our plan looks like this:
Arrival in Bangkok, where we’re thinking of spending several days (minimum 4)
Chiang Mai for about a week
2 or 3 islands in the Gulf
Return to Bangkok for 2 days before departure.
We’re pretty set on Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but we’re unsure about which islands to visit—I’ve read such mixed things that I’m even wondering if we should consider the coast instead.
Organization-wise, I’d love any tips or feedback on whether we need to book in advance at this time of year, which transport options to prioritize (train, bus, or plane), and of course, any suggestions for stops or routes.
Thanks in advance to anyone kind enough to help us prepare for this amazing trip!
I’m so happy Voyage Forum is back—it helped me plan trips (USA, Canada) a good ten years ago, and I love the quality of the discussions and the forum’s vibe.
I’m currently putting together our itinerary for our first trip to Thailand from March 6th to 20th, arriving and departing from Bangkok, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice.
I haven’t booked hotels or transfers yet. We’re traveling as a couple (ages 56 and 58).
Our goal isn’t to "see it all" but to take our time. We love big cities, visiting museums, architecture, soaking up local life, walking, nature, swimming, and a bit of relaxation.
Here’s how I’m envisioning the itinerary:
03/06: Departure
03/07: Arrival in Bangkok, night in Ayutthaya
03/08: Day in Ayutthaya, night in Bangkok
03/09: Exploring Bangkok, night in Bangkok
03/10: Exploring Bangkok, night in Bangkok
03/11: Departure for Ko Chang (flight, minibus, taxi?)
03/12: Ko Chang
03/13: Ko Chang
03/14: Ko Chang
03/15: Departure for Ko Kut
03/16: Ko Kut
03/17: Ko Kut
03/18: Return to Bangkok, night in Bangkok
03/19: Bangkok
03/20: Departure at 1:00 AM
What do you think?
Is it possible to add Khao Yai National Park to this itinerary and shorten the beach stay without rushing too much?
Open to your comments, suggestions, and great tips—thanks in advance!
So happy to see that VoyageForum is back up! We're planning a trip to Thailand in October 2025. We're looking for quiet islands with nature/jungle, beaches, and pretty villages (no party scene!). We'll be traveling with our 5-year-old son. I've done some research and found a few islands that seem to fit our criteria. We're torn between the islands on the Gulf side (Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kood) and the Andaman Sea islands (Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai). What are your tips? Any area to prefer in October? Are there other islands you'd recommend?
Thanks
Hi,
I’m heading to Thailand for the first time in early 2026 and I’m really struggling to pick a neighborhood to stay in Bangkok. Apart from being close to public transport (metro, skytrain, BRT), I’m torn between several areas. I don’t mind using public transport or walking long distances, but if every trip takes 45 minutes or an hour, it’ll quickly become a hassle given our relatively short time there.
We’ll be in Bangkok twice during our trip: first for a “short” 2-night stopover (arriving from France in the mid-afternoon, then leaving the day after next for southern Thailand by plane), and then again for 3 nights before flying back to France (arriving at the airport in the late afternoon, 3 nights there, then departing for France in the late morning).
I’ve seen so many different recommendations that I’m having a hard time deciding. I’ve read that staying near the river is great for sightseeing, and that taking the boat to get around is really pleasant. But I’m worried about being a bit isolated for evening outings (eating at a cheap little restaurant, having a drink—nothing too wild!).
Chinatown is tempting for the food—it looks amazing—and it doesn’t seem too far from the main sights with public transport. But I’ve read that it’s very noisy because it’s super touristy and there’s constant truck traffic. My friend isn’t thrilled about it, especially since another neighborhood interests her because she has a great discount at a hotel near Victory Monument/Phaya Thai (the Pullman hotel). Even though it’s close to public transport, I’ve seen that it’s mostly a shopping district? And even with transport, isn’t it a long trip to visit places like the Grand Palace?
We also had a plan to stay at an ibis near BTS Nana station in the Sukhumvit area, but again, I get the feeling it’s mostly a shopping district?
Anyway, I’d love to hear your thoughts because I’m really torn!
It’s also true that I haven’t really planned our Bangkok stays yet. I’d like to do the “classic” tourist sights like the Grand Palace and eat really well! Someone told me that the big shopping malls also have amazing food 🙂
I’m about to take a trip around the region in March. According to the "experts," which cities are really worth the detour? My key criteria: a slightly lively downtown + walkable. I’ve already been to the region a few years ago, but my memories are pretty mixed (Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen).
Hi,
I’m really interested in the "SUPREME bus" and especially the "Wiang Ping Super VIP Class Bus" with Sombat Tour for traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. But you can only book through their website, and it’s entirely in Thai. No agency allows booking for these buses from this company either.
I haven’t found any way to make a reservation for either of these two buses...
Has anyone traveled from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on one of these buses?
Thanks so much
Departure is fast approaching. The decision is made—we’ll be returning to Laos via the north.
We land at BKK at 7:30 AM. Buses to Chiang Rai leave in the evening starting at 5:30 PM.
We’ll head straight to Chiang Khong afterward.
Now, a lot of questions remain:
What’s the most budget-friendly way to get to Mochit 2 terminal?
Can we buy the bus ticket the same day at the terminal, or do we need to book it in advance?
So far, all my searches point me to 12GO for reservations.
Where can we leave our luggage while waiting for the bus to Chiang Rai?
In Chiang Rai, where can we take the bus from Bus Terminal 2 to Bus Terminal 1?
Do you know the bus number?
On Thailandee.com, the price is 70 THB/person, but on 12GO, the minimum price is 17 €—can you spot the mistake?
Do we need to redo the TDAC when we return to Thailand, or will the departure one still be valid?
I’ve got a question about buses, which we love using in Bangkok, but it’s always a bit of a challenge to figure out how to get around.
We always (eventually) reach our destination because there’s always someone willing to help us find our way, but this year, I’d like us to be a bit more independent.
We’re a bit old-school—we like traveling without phones for a real digital detox (no judgment, everyone travels how they like! :) ), so ideally, we’d find an up-to-date map of Bangkok’s bus network, but we don’t know where to buy one...
We managed to get one back in 2015, but I think it’s outdated now, and during our last trips, we couldn’t find any...
And if traveling like this is really outdated, could you recommend a reliable app for buses?
That way, we could plan our routes using the hotel’s Wi-Fi before heading out.
Thanks in advance for your help, and have a great day!
Hello,
I’m planning to leave on April 27th for Bangkok via AF (Air France), direct flight. We’re quite familiar with this destination (we’ve been there about a dozen times).
My question is: what’s the current situation and atmosphere like there? Is it easy to get around—taxis, buses, flights, etc.?
I know there’s always a gap between what the articles and French TV news say and the reality on the ground.
Thanks in advance!
Hi,
As the title says, I want to get to Chiang Khong after arriving at Chiang Rai Airport at 7 PM. At that time, there are no more buses. So I’ll have to take a taxi.
Should I book it in advance? If so, through which service? Or are there taxis available at the airport? What’s the most cost-effective way? And what’s the approximate fare? Booking offers it for 66 euros, but I have no idea what the usual rates are.
Thanks for your help!
MarieJo
We (5 adults and 1 child) want to travel from Battambang to Chanthaburi via the Ban Pakkad border crossing. I’d like to know what transport options are available (bus, taxi, songthaew). Are there any direct buses from Battambang to Pailin (I haven’t found any) or from the Thai border to Chanthaburi? If you know of any taxi companies that might cover these routes, I’d really appreciate the info.
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)