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 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 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

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

Hello everyone,

A lot of articles and replies about southern Thailand are quite old...

I’m arriving at Trang Airport in mid-November. What’s the going rate for Pakmeng Pier and then for Koh Mook? Also, what’s the cheapest way to get from Koh Mook to Noppharat Thara (Ao Nang)? After that, I’ll be heading from Railay to Koh Yao Noi. Should I buy tickets from a local agency or at the pier?

Thanks also for your great tips! What are the must-see spots during 5 nights on Koh Mook, 3 around Ao Nang, and 3 on Koh Yao Noi? After that, I’m planning to visit Phuket City, Khao Lak, Surat Thani, Ao Khanom, maybe Koh Samui... and Bangkok for 4 nights. I’m retired and looking for places still off the beaten path, away from mass tourism... Thanks in advance, Jacques from Brussels

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 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.

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, 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.

Kanchanaburi:

Kanchanaburi:

Sri Chiangmai:

Soppong:

Tha Wang Pha:

Hi everyone, During my upcoming trip to Thailand in summer 2025, due to organizational reasons, I’ll be staying in Ayutthaya for 3 days. On the last day, I’m thinking of visiting Wat Muang and doing something else nearby—but what? That’s the point of this post... What can I do around Ayutthaya or near Wat Muang?

Thanks for your suggestions!

Marsyork

PS / So happy to be able to post on VoyageForum again

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!

Bonjour,

Auriez-vous connaissance d'une compagnie de transferts privé ou taxi qui organise des transferts depuis la latitude de Sukhothai jusqu'à Chiang Mai ? Nos trajets sont Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong et Chom Thong-Chiang Mai. Mes recherches sur google map, 12Go et autres ne donnent pas grand chose...

Pour nos trajets Bangkok-Sukhothai j'utilise une compagnie que j'ai déjà testée mais elle ne dispose pas de flotte à partir de Sukhotai et doit passer par des compagnies tierces qui prennent, et c'est normal, leur commission. Ce qui quasi double les prix...

Nous sommes 4 et ne voyageons pas léger donc le mini-bus n'est pas une option. ;-)

Merci pour vos retours. DrSnuggle

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 everyone,

I’d like to add some info about the shrink-wrapping service for luggage at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand. The service is available all along the departures terminal (top floor). Some stations also have a luggage scale, while others don’t. A small cutter is provided and inserted into the protective plastic. In February 2026, the cost is 250 baht per bag and 10 baht for weighing. I’ll share some photos.

Best regards

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!

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

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.

Hi, we arrive in Bangkok Thursday around noon and take the overnight train to Chiang Mai (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station-Chiang Mai). Since Chatuchak Market isn’t far from the station, we’re planning to spend the afternoon there—but how do we get there from the airport? Thanks

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?

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... 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, 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.

Hi, I’m arriving Wednesday night in Phuket and I’d love to get an idea of the taxi fares to get to Old Town. Thanks

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

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,

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