Hi everyone, despite my many trips to Thailand, I’ve never been to an elephant retirement center. This summer, I’m traveling with friends who’d like to spend a few hours with elephants. Obviously, we’re looking for an ethical center (if such a thing exists in Thailand) where the elephants enjoy a peaceful retirement, near Chiang Mai or in Samui if possible. Thanks for your help!

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.

Hi there, I can’t seem to find a car rental with a driver for several days in Chiang Mai to explore the surrounding areas, preferably in the countryside/mountains, villages, etc. Would anyone have a driver to recommend? Thanks

Hi, what’s the easiest way from Khao San Rd? Do the vans (used to be 120 baht) still run (hourly)? Any advance booking needed? Thanks!

Hey everyone! Apparently, e-cigarettes are banned in Thailand. But... can you still get through customs with one in your suitcase, just to vape indoors at your hotel or accommodation? Thanks

Hi there!

I think the question’s in the title...

What price can I expect to pay in 2025 for a ride of about two kilometers in the tourist center?

Thanks😉

Hello, I’ve been to Thailand three times a long time ago, and I’d love to visit neighboring countries too: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia (while returning to Thailand 😛). The catch is that I’d like to go at the beginning of the year, but I’ve heard that’s peak tourist season for these countries. Ideally, I’d prefer to avoid peak season to save money (I’m not exactly rolling in it) and to be able to travel without reservations—without being forced to take a room in the local "palace" that still has availability because of its exorbitant prices.

From my distant memories of Thailand, I usually paid around the equivalent of 20 € per night (with a hearty breakfast) for a hotel room with a mini-bar.

What are the average prices for this type of accommodation in Thailand and its neighbors during "peak" season these days? Do prices fluctuate a lot depending on the season, or is tourist demand not that different from one season to another, keeping prices relatively stable? Are the chances of finding a "budget" room without a reservation still high, no matter the season, in this part of the world? 😇

For those wondering about driving: no problem at all. The road network is excellent, with plenty of four-lane highways. Driving is easy if you're careful. Avoid driving at night and stay alert around two-wheelers. I’ve been driving there since 2016—I’m no spring chicken—and I’ve covered Thailand from north to south and east to west, even Bangkok. Maps.me and vigilance are all you need... It gives you incredible freedom and lets you discover places that aren’t too crowded yet.

Hi there, I’ve been visiting Thailand for about twenty years now. We’ve been there around 5-6 times, always spending 2-3 days in BKK and then heading to Koh Samui. This year, we wanted to explore the southeast coast of Thailand for a change—from Hua Hin down to Surat Thani. We were strongly advised against going any further south.

However, we noticed that the beaches in Hua Hin aren’t exactly stunning, and the further south you go, the more beautiful they get—white, fine sand like in Samui. Do you have any recommendations for gorgeous beaches along this coast? Thanks!

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. 🙂

What do you recommend visiting in Bangkok over 2 days during a cruise stop in January?

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 everyone,

My partner and I are heading to Thailand for three weeks (exactly 21 days there) at the beginning of July for our first trip to Asia. During this trip, we want to discover a new culture, beautiful landscapes, eat well, do some beach time (with snorkeling), all while trying to keep it authentic and close to nature.

After some research, I’ve come up with this itinerary—what do you think?

Arrival in Bangkok on Tuesday, July 7 in the morning = 2 days Ayutthaya = 1 day Travel to Chiang Mai = 1 day (flight) Chiang Mai = 2 days Trek = 2 days Travel to Khao Sok = 1 day (flight to Surat Thani + bus) Khao Sok = 3 days (4 nights total) = For this part of the trip, would you recommend staying in Khao Sok village and doing day trips, or planning an overnight stay on the lake? Travel to Koh Phangan = 1 day (bus + ferry) Koh Phangan = 4 days (we’re thinking of staying in the northeast part of the island) Koh Tao = 2 days Return to Bangkok = 1 day (taking a ferry to Chumphon then a flight) Bangkok = 1 day

Thanks for your feedback!

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,

I’d like to arrange a custom tour with a French-speaking guide, and I came across the "Destination Bangkok" website. Has anyone here used their services before? What did you think?

Thanks!!

Hi there, I’ll be spending a week in Ao Nang, including two days in Railay. I can’t find the exact info on where I can see bioluminescent plankton from the beach. I think it’s in Railay, but where exactly can you observe the phenomenon?

Hi everyone... I apologize in advance if some of my questions have already been answered on this forum—I didn’t have time to read through everything.

I’m planning a family trip to Thailand in July for 6 people: - 4 adults, 1 child aged 14, and 1 aged 9. We’ve started looking into travel agencies that specialize in the country and offer custom trips.

Our initial idea was a budget of 2500 € per person for a stay of around 14 days, including:

- 3/4 days in Bangkok (visiting temples, floating markets, Chinatown, river cruise, etc.) - Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya - 3/4 days in Chiang Mai (elephant sanctuary, rice field visits, temples, etc.) - Then a domestic flight to finish the trip in Krabi for 3/4 days (free time + excursions to Koh Phi Phi and/or Phang Nga, for example).

I’d also have liked to visit Chiang Rai, Lopburi, and Sukhothai, but we’ll have to make some choices.

So, my question is: - Is it better to go through well-known agencies to plan our trip, or is it possible to use local agencies for visits with French-speaking guides (if needed) and book flights and hotels on our own?

Does a budget of 2500 € per person seem reasonable for this kind of classic itinerary?

I’ve received (or will receive) quotes from agencies like Evaneos, Tourlane, Havas, Sawa Discovery, Nomade Aventures, etc. They all seem very professional but offer rather high-end services.

If any of you have recommendations for local agencies, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Also, is it possible to organize this kind of trip to Thailand on your own?

I know I’m not being very original, but I really want to make this a fantastic vacation with the best tips possible to avoid cutting the trip short to fit my budget.

Wishing you all a great day, and thanks in advance for your replies! Best regards, Julien

Hi Forum,

We’re planning a trip to Thailand for January 2027 and I’ve got some questions about visiting Phang Nga Bay:*

-I’ve read on this forum that it’s better to leave from the town of Phang Nga rather than Phuket, which makes sense, but I can’t spot any piers on Google Earth. Could someone tell me where they are? -Do hotels offer excursions that include transfers to the boat?

Thanks in advance for your replies. JauneSoleil

Hello,

We’re an adventurous couple in our 70s starting to plan around 3 weeks in Thailand in January 2027.

We’re not yet at the nitty-gritty stage, but we really don’t like wasting time on luggage, airports, or long journeys.

So, we’ll probably spend a few days in Bangkok, then head up to Chiang Mai by car at a relaxed pace, and fly back to Bangkok.

Any thoughts on this plan and, most importantly, recommendations for the Bangkok to Chiang Mai route that should take about 5 days?

Thanks in advance

Hi there, So many things to see that I’m not sure what route to take for my two-week trip at the end of February. I initially thought about spending a few days in Chiang Mai and then heading down to Koh Samui and Koh Tao, but the travel time is long, and the flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui is really expensive. So, I’m looking for an alternative after Bangkok while keeping Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Maybe this itinerary, but I’d love your thoughts: Day 1-3: Bangkok (3 days) Day 4-5: Kanchanaburi (2 days) Day 6: Transit Bangkok → Koh Samui Day 7-9: Koh Samui (3 days) Day 10-12: Koh Tao (3 days) Day 13: Return to Bangkok

Hi there,

I’m looking for a beach spot within 3 hours max of Bangkok for the end of my trip (January). I know full well I won’t find that postcard-perfect vibe of the more remote islands! But I don’t have a choice. If you’ve got any ideas... no high-rises, obviously not Pattaya, somewhere quiet, swimming possible, a hotel right on the beach (and not too dirty, the beach itself!) I’ve looked at hotels around Ko Samet or, across from it, on the mainland. I spotted the Bann Pae Cabana. But nothing really exciting on either side. New ideas welcome! 🙂

Hello,

After a successful first trip in 2025, with the help of forum members, we’d love to return to this amazing cultural melting pot in 2026 for three weeks (2 adults, 2 kids aged 13 and 16).

We’d like to explore new places in the Northeast: fly into Khon Kaen and explore the region—Loei, Nong Khai, perhaps? A detour to the center to visit Sukhothai would be a great addition.

I’ll admit, planning this itinerary is a bit trickier for me since I’m less familiar with these areas and what they have to offer. The distances also seem longer than our previous transfers (BKK-Kanchanaburi-Kaeng Krachan-Sam Roi Yot...).

Do you have any suggestions or hidden gems to explore in the Northeast and Central regions that keep travel time between stops reasonable (3-4 hours)?

Thanks for your input!

Hi there, I’m arriving in Thailand with my family on February 9, 2025. 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 book 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 price to expect (for three people) for this short trip?

About 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 on the day just before departure and still be sure to get seats? Is it better to book in advance (if so, on which site)? Same question for the return trip from Ko Phi Phi to Krabi!

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

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!

Hi everyone! I see that Kasikorn Bank has set up a phone payment solution. Has anyone here already used it, and what are the implications for bank fees?

Hi, Does anyone know if it's still advised against traveling to Chanthaburi, Trat, Ko Chang, and Ko Kood? On thailande.gouv, they recommend staying more than 10 km away from the borders with Cambodia. I don’t know if that’s a good idea. But on TripAdvisor, it seems to be discouraged.

Hi everyone,

I’m heading to Thailand for the first time at the end of January 2026 for two weeks. I’m traveling with someone who’s already been there, so we’re planning to hit some of the must-see spots but also visit places my partner wants to see—like Krabi, for example. We want a bit of everything: cities, food, culture, walks, but also beach time and relaxation. I’d love your thoughts on this itinerary idea—is it doable without feeling too rushed? We’ve got 16 nights there. There’s a part of the trip that’s still up in the air where I’m not sure what to do. Either we add a national park or a city like Erawan? The goal is to see beautiful landscapes, waterfalls (if there’s water at that time of year!), and wildlife... Or maybe we don’t add anything and just extend our time in the other stops! Depending on the final choice, the order might need adjusting 🙂

Day 1: Land in Bangkok from Paris at 2 PM—either we take a direct flight to Krabi to start our trip there (and end in Bangkok on the way back), or we stay in Bangkok for 3 days. Day 1/Day 2/Day 3/Day 4 (3.5 days, 4 nights): Bangkok (temples, floating market, possibly a day trip to Ayutthaya) Day 5/Day 6/Day 7/Day 8: Travel to Krabi, Railay, and day trips to the surrounding islands Day 9/Day 10/Day 11/Day 12: Travel to an island (probably Koh Tao), snorkeling, diving, trekking, Ang Thong excursion? Day 13/Day 14/Day 15: Leave the island for an undecided destination—a national park (Khao Sok? Khao Sam Roi Yot?)? Or Phang Nga Bay? Or Erawan? Day 16: Return to Bangkok Day 17: Departure (flight at 2 PM)

What do you think? Any advice or tips on the itinerary or the ideas for Days 13-15? (Which could be moved to another part of the trip depending on the route.) Just to note, we’re not big hikers or adventurers, but we do enjoy discovery, nature, and cultural visits like temples. Thanks in advance for your valuable tips 🙂

Florence

Since I have reduced mobility, which hotels would you recommend? All the ones I’ve seen have stairs and are on steep slopes ¾.. I’d love one by the beach and close to a diving center. Thanks in advance

Hi everyone! I’m reaching out because we’re planning a trip to Thailand next year (around March/April), and we’d like to visit Chiang Mai and then Krabi, plus a few islands near Krabi. We’ve been to Thailand before, 10 years ago, and this time, we’d just like to focus on 5 days in Chiang Mai and 10–12 days in the Krabi area. I’ll admit, I’m really struggling to pick an island near Krabi. We hated Phi Phi: dirty, noisy, and the food was gross… such a letdown! Which island would you recommend for snorkeling, nature walks, and beautiful beaches? Maybe we could also make a stop between Chiang Mai and Krabi—perhaps Sukhothai? Is it easy to travel between these three cities? Thanks so much for your help! 🙂