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

Hello,

Our flights are booked, and we’ll arrive in Thailand at the beginning of January.

Originally, we were supposed to spend 14 days there. But after booking the flights and seeing the prices, we’ll now be there for 20 days instead.

Our initial plan was: 2 days in Bangkok 1 day in Ayutthaya 4 days in Chiang Mai 6 days around Krabi

So we have 7 more days to fill. What do you recommend?

An extra day in Bangkok? Adding more days in the north? If so, where? Exploring another region, like Kanchanaburi or Cheow Lan Lake? Traveling north in stages instead of taking the overnight train?

A few extra details about us: For us, vacation isn’t about relaxation—we love walking, exploring, and packed days don’t bother us. Hiking for hours and doing active things is what makes us happy. That said, we also enjoy visiting villages and towns if they’re worth the detour. In Thailand, we’d like to visit temples too. We’re early risers, so our days tend to be long. 🙂 In short, we like to keep things moving during our trips. 😉

Unfortunately, seeing terraced rice fields isn’t possible in January. I read there are rice fields around Sukhothai. Are they green in January?

In the north, do you recommend Doi Inthanon, Huai Nam Dang, or Doi Chiang Dao National Parks? Which one is the most beautiful and best for January?

Hi there, I’m arriving in Thailand with my family on February 9th (2026). We land at BKK that day and then take a direct flight to Krabi.

My first little question is this: We’ve booked a hotel 4 km from the airport (B2Krabi). Should I reserve a taxi through an app (which one?) to get there, or do you think I’ll easily find a taxi/tuk-tuk on the spot, considering we’ll arrive around 8/9 PM? Any idea of the expected price (for three people) for this short trip?

For the Krabi/Ko Phi Phi route, I’m not entirely sure where the departure point is—I’ve attached a photo of the map. Which company is the most affordable? Do you think I can buy my ticket the day before departure and still be sure to get seats? Is it better to book in advance (and if so, on which site)? Same question for the return trip from Ko Phi Phi to Krabi!

Hello, After a lot of searching, exchanging ideas, and thinking it over, I’ve decided to go back to my original plan of spending two weeks in Bangkok. From January 19th to February 2nd. I’ll also take a quick trip for one night/two days to Ayutthaya (and return to Bangkok, where I’ll have kept the apartment I booked), and possibly the same for Kanchanaburi, depending on how I feel once I’m there—whether I find something more interesting in Bangkok or nearby. The key word is: taking my time to take photos, observe, taste, savor (in every sense of the word), and most importantly, not rushing. Beyond the must-see tourist spots, I’d love to wander around the city and maybe within a 40 to 50 km radius for a day trip to discover unusual and lesser-known streets, houses, temples, markets, gardens, and more. I’ll also be spending two weeks in Chiang Mai and two weeks in Nan. I’m open to any suggestions. Thank you so much!

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?

Here’s my plan:

BANGKOK (13 days, 14 nights): 1 week for exploring Bangkok – Kanchanaburi/Erawan National Park? – Ayutthaya/Lopburi? – Muang Boran – Samut – Songkram/Amphawa

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)

Day 46: BANGKOK -> KOCHI

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice!

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.

Hello,

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?

Thanks in advance for any info you can share!

Dear VoyageForum members,

For the past two months, I’ve been checking flight ticket prices to spend 4.5 weeks in Thailand from early July to early August. I’m traveling from Brussels with a young child, so I want to avoid layovers. That’s why I’m only looking at Thai Airways’ website and only choosing direct flights.

At the end of August, I saw tickets for 955 € per person. On October 1st, they were 1,225 €. Today (October 22nd), the price is the same as on October 1st. (Same dates: Departure: July 4th, Return: August 7th.)

My question is: Is it possible these prices will drop significantly in the coming months?

Note: I clear my browser cache before every search, which I always do during the week and in the evening. This time, I also checked with my work computer, which has a VPN. So, the price isn’t influenced by cookies.

Thanks in advance for your feedback and tips.

Damien

Hi there,

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?

Hi there,

I’m heading back to Thailand soon, and from what I’ve been reading, it seems some beaches/islands are infested with these dreaded sandflies!

I’ve noted the remedy: rub the bitten area with 90% alcohol, then apply soothing cream.

But prevention is better than cure!

Which areas should I avoid right now?

Are there seasons that are more prone to these itchy invasions than others?

I’ve already stayed in Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Krabi, and Phuket without any issues like this.

I’d love to keep it that way...

Thanks

struggling to find a decent flight to Thailand?????

Hi everyone, I’ve been traveling in Asia for over 30 years, often to Thailand, but only during the school holidays in February, April, and especially in the summer, departing from Marseille or Lyon.

For some time now, I’ve noticed it’s really hard to find a flight at a reasonable price (under 900 €) and, more importantly, with a decent itinerary (we’re often offered 2 or 3 layovers with total travel times of 40 or even 50 hours), and this is the case almost a year in advance. This is something we never saw even 4 years ago—I’m wondering: are there fewer flights available now...?

Marsyork

Hi there,

I’ve planned to visit Koh Chang during my trip in November. I booked the Bangkok to Koh Chang route on 12go Asia with the company: Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, departing from the "Boonsiri Khao San office." Has anyone tried this company before?

Then, on Koh Chang, do you have any tips for keeping busy for 3–4 days?

Finally, I’ll need to return from Koh Chang to Bangkok to catch my flight back to France. What’s the best option?

Thanks in advance! Florent

Hi there, I’m heading to Thailand at the end of June (I know it’s not the best time, but I don’t have a choice) for three and a half weeks, and I’d love your advice on the itinerary. I’d like to visit Koh Lanta, Ko Lipe, Ko Chang, and Ko Kood. What do you think is the ideal order based on the travel logistics? My initial plan was this, after a night in Bangkok to recover from the flight: 1: Flight Bangkok – Krabi, then boat Krabi – Koh Lanta 2: Boat Koh Lanta – Ko Lipe 3: Boat Koh Lanta – Krabi, then flight Krabi – Bangkok, then flight Bangkok – Trat, and finally boat Trat – Ko Chang (quite a long day!) 4: Boat Ko Chang – Ko Kood 5: Boat Ko Kood – Trat, then flight Trat – Bangkok for the return trip.

Is there a better order or a more efficient way to organize this? (For example, starting with Ko Lipe from Hat Yai and then taking a boat to Koh Lanta?) Anyway, thanks in advance for your thoughts and tips, and have a great weekend!

Hi there, we’re planning a trip to Thailand. Is the island of Koh Samui worth spending 12 days on? What is there to see and do? We’re not really into beach-only vacations. Thanks for your tips! Nath

Hi everyone,

We're leaving in less than a month, and I'm making a list of last-minute purchases. Could you please review/complete my list? We're traveling with no luggage, just one backpack per person. Here’s what I have on my list: - coral-safe sunscreen 100 ml – I started a separate thread on this topic, so if anyone can answer, thanks in advance ; - long-sleeve UV-protective t-shirts (for boat tours); - compression socks; - lightweight pants for visiting the Royal Palace (the schedule is tight, and I don’t want to waste too much time shopping at the start of the trip, unless we can find them at 7-Eleven); - waterproof pouches for phones and passports; - what else?

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hi there, During our Thailand trip, we're planning to arrive in Bangkok and then head up to Chiang Mai. So far, so good. But after that, we'd like to go to the islands—either Krabi or Koh Samui. However, the flights listed on 12go.asia seem complicated, with a layover of about 1 hour in Bangkok where we'd have to collect our luggage and check in for the second flight. That feels way too tight.

So, I'd love to hear about your experiences with this route and any tips you might have. Thanks everyone!

Hello everyone, Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good. I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want. So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan: Arrival in Bangkok Ayutthaya (2 nights) Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights) Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights) Sukhothai (2 nights) Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city) Chiang Mai Chiang Dao Pai Chiang Rai I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts? What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle? When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc. I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages. I’d love to hear your advice. Thank you all,

Hi everyone, thanks so much for all your great tips! Now for expenses: should we pay "big expenses" by card, the rest in cash, or exchange a large sum at the airport (with the risks that involves)? We’re staying for a month, mostly in the countryside rather than the city. Thanks a bunch!

Hi, I’m heading to Thailand (first time!) in a week. We planned to be in Khao Sok National Park on February 1st and 2nd. I got a message yesterday saying it wouldn’t be possible to do any activities on Lake Chiew Lan as planned because of “weather conditions.” Despite all my research, I can’t find any info that supports this. Does anyone have recent updates? Is it really impossible to visit the lake, and if so, are there any alternatives? They’re offering a walk to Bang Hua Rad waterfall instead. Any thoughts? We’re really disappointed—the lake looked amazing 😢

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

Good evening,

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!

Thanks in advance, and have a great evening! :-)

Hi there,

The round trip to Bangkok is almost booked.

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! 😉

Thanks. 🙂

Hi there, I’m finally planning to spend 9 days/9 nights in Chiang Rai. What’s the best area to stay in? Do you know any interesting spots within a 50–60 km radius? Preferably ones that aren’t overrun by mass tourism (sorry about that). Thanks! Joël—I’m reading your latest travel journal on this region...😉

Hi there, I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...

Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.

Hi everyone! Can anyone please tell me if there’s a ferry from Koh Chang to Koh Tao/Koh Phangan in August? If not, what’s the best way to get to Koh Tao from Koh Chang? Thanks so much!

Hi,

Can anyone tell me if there are taxis or minivans at the exit of the Lomprayah ferry in Chumphon port, and what the best way is to get to SAM ROI YOT?

Thanks in advance

Hi there, I’ll be in Thailand in February near Ban Wa Tabaek with a group (there are 8 of us). I’d like to spend 2 days in Ayutthaya. What’s the best way to get there? Do you have any recommendations for authentic accommodation in the area? Any other tips? What are the must-see spots to visit? Thanks so much for your help, Muryel

just one question for February—should I pick Phuket or Krabi?

Hi, I’m planning to travel from April 12 to 24, 2025, for my first solo trip. I’m torn between two destinations: Thailand or Vietnam. Which one would you recommend? Thanks so much for your advice!

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! !