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

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 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 everyone, I know my post might sound a bit repetitive with the questions asked regularly on this forum, but I’m feeling a little lost and thought I’d still ask for your help. Here’s my situation: I’m traveling to Thailand with my wife and 12-year-old son during the February 2025 school holidays. We’ll be spending 12 nights in the country. So far, I only have our flight tickets to and from Phuket. Now, I need to plan an itinerary that lets us discover beautiful places and the culture of this country. I’d like to stay by the sea, with stunning fine-sand beaches and breathtaking landscapes in areas that aren’t too urban, but also be able to see some beautiful monuments, typical villages, and wildlife not too far away. That said, I don’t want to be lost deep in the jungle either—I’d like a bit of atmosphere in the evenings (no nightclubs, but rather nice bars with music). I’ve done some research and here’s a first draft of what I might do:

Spend my first 3 nights in the suburbs of Phuket to explore the city and the province more broadly, Then head to Ko Yao Noi for 2 nights to discover the charms of Phang Nga Bay, Next, fly from Krabi to spend 4 nights on Koh Samui (maybe with a little excursion to Ko Pha Ngan?), Then fly back to Krabi to reach Koh Phi Phi for 2 nights, Finally, return to the Phuket area for my last night in Thailand to be close for my flight the next day.

The idea is to explore several places without having to pack and unpack every day, and to avoid spending hours on transport every day. What do you think? Do the places seem relevant? If so, does the number of nights seem appropriate? Thanks in advance for your help, Best regards, Lionel

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 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 everyone, I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river. Thanks for your suggestions! Premaria

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, 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

So happy to see that VoyageForum is back up! We're planning a trip to Thailand in October 2025. We're looking for quiet islands with nature/jungle, beaches, and pretty villages (no party scene!). We'll be traveling with our 5-year-old son. I've done some research and found a few islands that seem to fit our criteria. We're torn between the islands on the Gulf side (Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kood) and the Andaman Sea islands (Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai). What are your tips? Any area to prefer in October? Are there other islands you'd recommend? Thanks

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, 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.

Hi, I’m arriving in BKK in early January 2025 for 2 months. What should I do with my warm clothes? A locker? Sell them? Thanks!

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 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!

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!

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, 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:

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...

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,

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 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😎

Donc pour résumer tu cherches: - une petite ville ou un village, - avec un hôpital au cas où, - pas à la mer, - sans autres touristes ni étrangers ni thaïs, - hors des provinces "réputées" à brûlis*

Un critère à ajouter, soustraire ou modifier?

* qui selon les infos glanées ici et là sont celles de Chiang Mai et Chiang Rai pour les pires et dans une moindre mesure celles de Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Nan**, Lamphun et Lampang (voir carte ci-dessous pour repère)

** celle-ci listée selon ton indication concernant Thung Chang et Pua

https://ontheworldmap.com/thailand/thailand-provinces-map.jpg

Je n'étais pas venu ici depuis longtemps je vois que les beugs continuent de prospérer ici 😠

Oui, depuis quelques temps il refait des siennes.

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 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 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!

Hello, I’m traveling with 2 adults and 2 kids for the Christmas 2025 holidays. Here’s my plan: - 2 nights in Bangkok - 1 night in Ayutthaya (then an overnight train) - 3 nights in Chiang Mai (flight to Krabi) - 4 nights on Koh Lanta - 2 nights in Railay (flight back to Bangkok) - 1 night in Bangkok I have a few questions: 1) For Bangkok: how do you organize a visit to the klongs? Can I easily find an agency on the spot? 2) Do I need to book the bus or train to Ayutthaya in advance? 3) Chiang Mai. I’m planning one day for temple sightseeing + Doi Suthep, and I’m debating between two options for the other two days: - Option 1: Day 1: Doi Inthanon day trip + Day 2: elephant experience for the kids. - Option 2: 2 days/1 night for a trek, staying in a village, and seeing elephants. Whichever I choose, should I book in advance? Any tips or suggestions for good, affordable activities? What do you think of Get Your Guide excursions? Thanks for your advice!

Hi there, what’s good to do around BKK for 2 days outside of Bangkok? We’re wrapping up our Laos-Cambodia-Thailand trip. We don’t want to stay in BKK anymore (we’ve been there many times over the past 35 years), and someone mentioned Kanchanaburi. Is it worth it? Any other suggestions, keeping in mind we’re not looking for beaches (we already know Thailand’s beaches well). All recommendations are welcome—we’re on a tight schedule as we head back to Thailand on February 3rd and have 2 days to spend outside Bangkok from the 7th to the 9th of February. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help! Tialou

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, 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.