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!

Hi everyone, We’ll be spending 3 days in Khao Sok during our trip to Thailand in March 2025. Could anyone share some great tips on: Accommodation, excursions, and dining? Thanks in advance!

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😉

Hi there,

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).

Thanks😎

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!

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! So happy the site is back up—it’s amazing, really!! I’m heading to Thailand solo for the first time, from February 22, 2025, to March 8, 2025: - 3 days in Bangkok - 4 days in Chiang Mai - 4 days in Krabi What are your must-do activities?! I’m active and looking for dynamic experiences but also cultural ones. Any favorites or great tips? Thanks in advance! Laurence from Bayonne

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!!

Well, yes, it'll be me, the one, returning to our travel or vacation site about this destination. A site still imitated, never equaled, and by far.

A country that, when you discover it, charms you. Then comes the time for nostalgia, followed by one or more returns to the Land of Smiles. It's almost inevitable.

It's a real gut punch when you've met and grown fond of locals, only to learn about all the hardships the Covid sequence brought upon them. Broken careers, shattered hopes, disrupted lives.

Like after the tsunami, life and activity have bounced back, sometimes in different forms. Many things haven't changed much: the exchange rate, the quality of the food, the politeness and kindness of the Thai people.

As for us, we've lost members of our VF Thailand community along the way, to whom we pay our respects, but we're now happy to reconnect with both old and new faces. Sometimes in life, it's a chance to start over, forget old worries and squabbles, and be able to exchange thoughts again on one of our favorite topics.

A quick shout-out to Monsieur François Boucher, without whom, as the saying goes, none of this would have been possible. The growing success of VF over the years silences any criticism on that front. He kept his word on both the maintenance and sustainability of the site. Finally, he can be congratulated for his courageous stances during this troubled period, which, in hindsight, we must admit he got right. On a personal note, it did me good to hear voices like his speak up.

Soon, for the Thailand destination and all others, the word Covid will finally stop appearing, and long live the new era!

Sawadee khrap, with my respects to the gentlemen, my regards to the ladies, and my greetings to everyone else.

hi fellow travelers,

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.

Thanks a million to everyone!

Hédi.

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, Has anyone got any great tips for long-term car rental (1 month, maybe more) in Chiang Mai?

passing through BANGKOK for 4 days in November with 3 PEOPLE, I’d love a French-speaking guide. Any suggestions or local contacts? Looking forward to your tips, thanks!

Hi everyone,

So happy to discover by chance that VoyageForum is back! We’re leaving in a few days for Thailand with our two kids, aged 12 and 15. We’re considering stopping by Khao Sok but don’t want to do a typical 2D/1N or 3D/2N excursion with an overnight stay on the lake—it’s way out of our budget 🤪. Still, the place seems worth the detour. We’ve planned to spend 2 nights there (arriving in the late afternoon on the first day) and I’d love to do a full-day private boat tour on the lake and a hike (half-day or full-day). Do you think it’s doable to book on the spot if we arrive a bit late on the first day? Or is it better to book in advance? None of the websites for booking these services inspire confidence—I get the feeling it’s a real lottery afterward for getting an interesting and friendly guide. But I’m worried it’ll be the same on-site since everything seems so standardized. Do you have any firsthand experience? Maybe even a Facebook contact or something for a guide? Are the prices still really that expensive if we don’t stay overnight on the lake? I’ll admit I’m not sure if we should even stop there anymore...

Thanks in advance!

Marmite

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

Hi there, We're heading to Thailand with our two kids (9 years old) for two weeks next February (2026). We plan to rent a car to stay independent and explore a bit off the beaten path. Still, we'd like to spend 1 or 2 nights on a nice, quiet island—just for some relaxation and especially snorkeling (even though I know it's not the best country for beautiful corals).

I've read dozens of forum pages and travel journals, but I'm still overwhelmed and can't decide where to go for a peaceful paradise-like beach with good snorkeling opportunities. We don’t need comfort—Robinson Crusoe-style camping or hammock nights work perfectly for us. No electricity or signal is totally fine. We just don’t want to pay 1000 € for a family of four to go to the Surin Islands, even if they do look like paradise.

Any suggestions?

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 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!

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!

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!

I really loved Thailand, but it was too touristy for my taste. So I'm hesitating about going back and wondering if Cambodia or Vietnam would be less crowded with tourists...

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 everyone, We’re planning a trip to Thailand and we’d like to go for rental accommodation. Is it easy to find, and is there a way to access offers from France? Thanks

Hi there, As we’re putting the finishing touches on our travel journal, we could really use your help, please. We’re heading to Thailand in three weeks and will be in Chiang Rai right during the burning season... Will the stunning road between Chiang Rai and Pai still be beautiful? Are the landscapes green like we’d expect at this time of year, or are they dry with gray and brown mountains due to the drought? We were planning to rent a car, but that’s a lot of time we could spend elsewhere if it’s not worth it! Thanks for your help.

Ideas for things to see and do

Hi there, for our upcoming trip, our flight to Phuket is scheduled to land around 10:40 PM. After that, we’ll need to collect our luggage, etc. Will we still be able to find taxis at that time at Phuket Airport? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Hi, I’m traveling with a small group for a volunteer mission near Ban Wa Tabaek station (Thep Sathit) next February. What would you recommend visiting from this station for a weekend (leaving Friday afternoon, returning Sunday evening)? The idea is to get away a bit by taking the train (natural park, cultural visit, or something else). Thanks so much in advance for your tips and valuable advice! Muryel

Hi everyone,

I’m heading to Thailand in February 2025 with my family (my partner and two kids), and we’ll be spending a few days in Khao Sok.

I plan to fly into Surat Thani Airport from Bangkok, but I haven’t booked the flight yet because I can’t find clear, up-to-date info on transportation between the airport and Khao Sok village (we’re staying at Green Mountain View).

If possible, I’d love to find a direct transfer that doesn’t require going through Surat Thani city.

The site https://12go.asia/ has a lot of options, but I’ll admit it’s pretty confusing—especially since I’m not sure which arrival time to pick:



Then there’s a mix of taxi and minivan offers, some with schedules, some without, and some that don’t even match the destination I chose. It’s all a bit overwhelming!

I’ve also read that Phantip Travel offers cheap transfers, but their website doesn’t list Khao Sok as a destination when you select Surat Thani Airport.

Basically, I just want to play it safe—book the right flight with a schedule that makes it easy to get to Khao Sok without any hassle...

Has anyone had a recent experience like this? Thanks so much!

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,

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.

Thanks in advance!