I'm heading to Ko Mook, Ko Sukorn, and Ko Ngai in early February. Does anyone know if there are sand flies on these islands? And what product to use? Happy holidays to everyone

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, 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, 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, I’m Buddhist by conviction. Even though I don’t practice anymore, I have a Buddhist altar at home that’s becoming increasingly ecumenical—just like in India, it includes Ganesha, the Holy Family, a Virgin of Lourdes, several Shivas, Tara, Avalokiteshvara, and more... I was hoping to buy a beautiful wooden, stone, or metal Buddha statue in Thailand. On top of that, I wanted to have my statue "blessed." But then I heard it’s forbidden to take any statue or representation of Buddha out of the country... What’s the reality in practice? Have any of you brought back a Buddha statue or other representation in your luggage? Did you make the mandatory declaration? Thanks

Hi everyone, help! My wife and I love Thailand, but after a good dozen trips, we're out of ideas 🙂 We’ve pretty much done all the islands: Koh Ngai, Jam, Kradan, Lanta, Lipe, Muk, Pha-Ngan, Ngai, Samui, Tao, Phayam, Phi-Phi, Chang, Yao Noi, Yao Yai, Phuket, and now we’re looking for a quiet spot on the mainland. Last year, we spent 15 days on the east coast in Ban Kroot, north of Chumphon, and we’re looking for something similar. Thanks for any other suggestions!

Hi everyone,

So excited to be back on this forum of fellow travel enthusiasts to ask for advice about my upcoming two-week trip to Thailand in March 2026.

Given that it’ll be the start of the intense heat and burning season, I’m wondering about my itinerary, which would focus on the central/southern part of the country.

Ideally, I’d like a mix of relaxation in a nice setting, culture (temples or old palaces), and I’m keeping six days in Bangkok, which I love :)

I’m planning to get around by train, car (through an agency), or plane if it’s easier.

Option 1: HUA HIN – 3/4 days (day trips to PHETCHABURI + SAM ROI YOT + ARTISAN MARKETS) KANCHANABURI – 3/4 days NAKHON PATHOM – 1 day BANGKOK – 6 days

My doubts: -Will the sky be too hazy (from smoke) for good photos? -Will Kanchanaburi and its surroundings be less enchanting during this period (dry landscapes)?

Option 2: PHUKET (4 days): exploring the island + PHANG NGA Bay HUA HIN (3/4 days) BANGKOK (7 days)

My doubts: -How do I get from Phuket to Hua Hin? It seems like flying isn’t an option, and I’d have to take a long trip up the southern coast or return to Bangkok to catch the train. -Is Phuket even remotely pleasant during this ultra-touristy period? -Is Karon a good base for exploring Phuket?

Option 3: PHUKET KAO SOK SURAT THANI? BANGKOK

My doubts: -I’d like to add a destination with beautiful temples in this area, but maybe Surat Thani isn’t the best idea.

Option 4: SURAT THANI >> HUA HIN (6/7 days) BANGKOK

Doubts: -I’m worried this route might be too tiring if I have to move every two days.

I’m open to any tips—or even a completely different itinerary if you have other ideas.

Thanks so much / Khob Khun Krap :)

Hi there,

My friend and I are heading to Thailand for three weeks between December 14th and January 4th.

After a week of relaxation in the south by the beach, we plan to explore northern Thailand to see the mountains and discover the country’s history before wrapping up in Bangkok.

I’m torn about which region to explore. For convenience, we’ll arrive in Chiang Mai, spend a few days in the area, then head to Lampang, followed by Sukhothai, and finally Bangkok.

After Chiang Mai (1 or 2 days—I’m worried the period might be too crowded and we won’t enjoy it much), we’ll have 3 days and could go to: Mae Hong Son (with a potential return flight); Chiang Dao and Fang; or Nan province, though that seems a bit far for just 3 days. We could also spend only one day in Chiang Mai and have 4 days instead.

For these 3 (or 4) days between Chiang Mai and Lampang, we’d love to do some beautiful hikes, preferably on our own, and see stunning landscapes, nature, and small villages.

Among my options, which would you recommend? Or where can we find great hikes that we can do independently and that aren’t overrun by mass tourism? I’ll admit, I’m struggling to find info—there are lots of small national parks, but details are scarce, and even AllTrails doesn’t have much for some of them...

Just to clarify, we’re considering hiring a car with a driver if needed.

Thanks so much to anyone who can help, and have a great weekend!

Leslie

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, 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 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:

Hello everyone! :)

Our next trip to Thailand is coming up, and we just can't wait! We talk, eat, drink, and dream Thailand 😏

Our itinerary is mostly set, and we’ve found quite a few new things to explore, but I’d still love to hear your recommendations for Bangkok. Just so you know: we love this city, and every time we visit, we spend several days there without ever feeling like we’ve seen it all. So this year, we’re staying for 8 days! Here’s what we have planned this year: * Exploring Nonthaburi * A day trip to Nakhon Pathom (to test out our basic Thai skills 😛) * Khlong Lat Mayom floating market (we went 10 years ago—it’s probably changed a lot!) * The Erawan Museum (we visited Muang Boran on our last trip) * Finally taking the time to check out Wat Phra Sri Maha Mariamman and Wat Yannawa (we’ve planned to go several times but never made it—are they worth a visit?)

This is what we’ve picked so far, but I’d love to hear about the favorite spots and recommendations from travelers who, like us, adore Bangkok.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Laetitia and Benjamin.

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.

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, 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 🙂

Thanks for your input!

I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination? Thanks for your thoughts. Dayi

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 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, We're thinking of spending 3 weeks in Koh Samui at the start of 2026. Where can we find accommodation close to a pretty beach that's not too touristy but not isolated either, near a small town or village? We've already been to Surin Beach on Phuket Island. We really liked that spot, but we've heard Koh Samui is great too. Thanks for your tips!

Hi there,

We have the opportunity to get away for a little two-week trip at the very beginning of January, just the two of us, without our kids. Because of the kids, we haven’t traveled much in Asia, so we’d love to take advantage of their absence to explore Thailand. Even though I’m used to planning our trips, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed this time.

We’d like to visit Bangkok and head south by renting a car (we have an international driver’s license, and my husband has driven on the left before). I’ve managed to sketch out a rough itinerary that might work for us, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.

To set the scene: we haven’t booked anything yet, we don’t like spending hours on the beach (though a little time at the end of the day is fine), we love walking and sightseeing, and what we enjoy most is being independent (so if we can avoid group tours, that’s ideal).

After that intro, here’s the rough outline of our itinerary: Day 0: Paris-Bangkok flight Days 1, 2, and 3: Bangkok (Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Arun, markets, boat ride through the khlongs, Jim Thompson House) Day 4: Ayutthaya Day 5: Pick up a rental car and head to Sam Roi Yot Day 6: Sam Roi Yot and Prachuap Khiri Khan Day 7: Drive south – overnight near Surat Thani Day 8: Uthayan Tham Khao Na Nai, then drive to Ao Nang (staying near Tubkaek) Days 9 and 10: Boat trips (Railay, Ko Hong, etc.) Day 11: Drive to Phang Nga with a few stops along the way Day 12: Boat tour (mangroves and Ko Tapu) Day 13: Drive to Phuket Airport and return flight

A few questions and doubts: - I’d considered Cheow Lan Lake but read some not-so-great reviews (crowds, just 3 viewpoints, and the rest was meh). What do you think? - Can we start from Ao Thalane Pier for trips to Ko Hong and Ko Tapu? - I’m not thrilled about driving through Bangkok, but I’m not sure where to rent a car west of the city (since we won’t return it to the same place, I assume it’s best to target rental companies at airports).

Thanks in advance for any tips or feedback you can share to help me (or not 😛) refine this plan before I start booking!

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 everyone, great to be back here. In 10 days, we're heading to Thailand to escape the gloomy weather here and warm up our old bones over there. On the southeast coast, we're torn between Ko Chang and Ko Kood—we're looking for tranquility and the chance to do some snorkeling along the coast. Do you have any great tips for accommodation (max 30 €)? Maybe we should head straight to the southwest coast instead. Thanks for your input!

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😉

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

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,

I’m about to head to Thailand with my kids and I’ve been put in touch with a French-speaking driver who’ll be with us for 3–4 days (for a little "tour" around the provinces near Bangkok).

I’d love to know what the "going rates" are for this kind of service so I can make sure I’m not overpaying.

So if any of you have used this kind of service recently and could let me know what you paid, I’d really appreciate it!

Thanks in advance and have a great week! 😉

Amy

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 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

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

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! 🙂