Hi there,

This will be my first trip to Thailand, which will be the first stop on my Asian journey. This time, I’d like to leave with a one-way ticket so I can return to France from the last country I visit.

First and foremost, I’d like to confirm whether it’s possible to get a VOA (Visa on Arrival) when I land in Thailand without any prior steps? Is proof of onward travel (like a return ticket) required to get this visa?

If so, does it have to be a round-trip ticket from the country I’m arriving from, or can I use a flight or train ticket from Thailand to a neighboring country as proof of exit?

For Cambodia and Vietnam, is it also possible to get a VOA on the spot?

I’d also love any tips or important info you think might be useful about Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—my planned destinations—especially regarding accommodation, transportation, points of interest, and, of course, any personal advice or experiences you’d like to share!

Thanks so much to everyone, and I wish you all an amazing 2025 filled with health, travel, and discoveries! !

Hello everyone,

I’m so happy Voyage Forum is back—it helped me plan trips (USA, Canada) a good ten years ago, and I love the quality of the discussions and the forum’s vibe. I’m currently putting together our itinerary for our first trip to Thailand from March 6th to 20th, arriving and departing from Bangkok, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice. I haven’t booked hotels or transfers yet. We’re traveling as a couple (ages 56 and 58). Our goal isn’t to "see it all" but to take our time. We love big cities, visiting museums, architecture, soaking up local life, walking, nature, swimming, and a bit of relaxation. Here’s how I’m envisioning the itinerary:

03/06: Departure 03/07: Arrival in Bangkok, night in Ayutthaya 03/08: Day in Ayutthaya, night in Bangkok 03/09: Exploring Bangkok, night in Bangkok 03/10: Exploring Bangkok, night in Bangkok 03/11: Departure for Ko Chang (flight, minibus, taxi?) 03/12: Ko Chang 03/13: Ko Chang 03/14: Ko Chang 03/15: Departure for Ko Kut 03/16: Ko Kut 03/17: Ko Kut 03/18: Return to Bangkok, night in Bangkok 03/19: Bangkok 03/20: Departure at 1:00 AM

What do you think? Is it possible to add Khao Yai National Park to this itinerary and shorten the beach stay without rushing too much? Open to your comments, suggestions, and great tips—thanks in advance!

Hello, We’re planning to fly from Paris to Bangkok at the end of June with my wife, our daughter, and the baby who’ll be 4 months old by then. The baby won’t be born for another 2 months, and I was wondering if it’s possible to book the 3 flight tickets now and add the baby after the birth? I read that a ticket isn’t necessary for babies. Can you confirm this for me? Is there a risk that in 2 months they’ll tell me the flight is full and we can’t add our baby? Finally, is it possible to reserve a seat in the first row (where there’s the most space) right now? Thanks so much for your help

Hi there,

We’re heading to Thailand in February 2026 and we’d like to take the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Can we book two first-class tickets? I’m only seeing second-class options.

Thanks

Hi everyone, I’ve spent two solid months reading the Lonely Planet and pretty much every post about Thailand here, plus French and English blogs. Now I’d love to get your expert opinions on our itinerary. We’re heading off in August 2025 with our 7-year-old daughter. We only have a maximum of three weeks off, and I’m keeping an eye on flight prices before booking (1400 € per person really stings 😕). So here’s what I’ve planned—let me know if you spot any major issues or if I’ve been way too "optimistic."

D1 - Arrival in Bangkok / rest, quick visit, overnight stay D2 - More temple visits, etc. D3 - Morning flight to Chiang Mai D4 - More Chiang Mai sightseeing D5 - Day trip to Chiang Rai (guided tour to book: blue and white temple), return to Chiang Mai late in the evening D6 - More Chiang Mai visits / Elephant Nature Park in the afternoon D7 - Morning flight to Koh Samui, sightseeing D8 to D10 - More Koh Samui visits D11 to D13 - Ferry to Koh Phangan D14 to D15 - Ferry to Koh Tao D16 - Return to Koh Samui, then flight to Bangkok D17 - Day trip to Ayutthaya, return to Bangkok in the evening D18 - Flight back to France :(

I know a lot of you recommend heading straight to Chiang Mai to recover from the international flight, but my partner and I NEVER sleep on planes (personally, I’ve been flying to Taiwan since I was little and have never slept more than an hour on a 14-hour flight...), so it’s essential for us to rest upon arrival . That’s also why I opted for domestic flights instead of the sleeper train—I know we’d lose over 10 hours and wouldn’t be able to rest properly in those conditions. And I’m sure you’ll also say BKK > North > South is too much for three weeks, but I really want to see as much as possible. Given how much the flights will cost, I’m not sure when we’ll be able to come back 🏴‍☠️.

So, questions: 1. Since we’ll only be in Bangkok for a maximum of two nights and need to easily reach the airport with luggage (and a child), which neighborhood should we prioritize? We’d love to experience the evening vibe of Asian night markets, ideally within walking distance of the hotel or just a few metro stops away. I’ve looked at Chinatown, but the BTS seems far... Should we go for somewhere near BTS Saphan Taksin or BTS Krungthonburi? But is the area lively in the evening with food courts, etc.? We’d also like to treat ourselves to a hotel with a pool.

2. Have we planned too many days in the south? Should I skip Koh Tao and just do Koh Samui + Koh Phangan? My partner and daughter aren’t strong swimmers, so we’re looking for beautiful beaches without too much current. Crowded beaches don’t bother us—we just want stunning turquoise waters without killer waves . Going all the way to Koh Tao and then back to Koh Samui to catch the flight to Bangkok seems too stressful. Is it still possible these days (I haven’t seen any recent posts on this) to head to Koh Samui in August and decide on the spot how many nights to spend in Koh Phangan or Koh Tao based on how we feel, booking hotels as we go? Or is that too risky?

If you have any better suggestions for fitting all this in while reducing internal flights, I’m all ears for your great tips

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, I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...

Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.

Hello! 🙂

January 2026 Here we go again for new adventures and the pleasure of sharing them with you here! First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who helped me with the preparations, even with some last-minute improvisations just days before departure. Thanks to Montagnard74, Jojoone1, Songsam, Attila, Dennis2, NadegerFERM, and the authors whose travel journals about Laos inspired me (Montagnard74, Muriel18, Mavietongs...).

In this story, written by Richard and illustrated by me, we’ll tell you about the journey of four friends: Catherine, Richard, Nathalie, and Bruno. A reinvented but overall successful trip, filled with discoveries and surprises, the scents of spices and frangipani flowers, (too) spicy food, sunsets, and... one big mess.

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, I’ll be in Thailand in February near Ban Wa Tabaek with a group (there are 8 of us). I’d like to spend 2 days in Ayutthaya. What’s the best way to get there? Do you have any recommendations for authentic accommodation in the area? Any other tips? What are the must-see spots to visit? Thanks so much for your help, Muryel

Sometimes a trip to Thailand starts in a hotel near an airport, where guests have misunderstood the meaning of the name easyJet...



We know all too well that this long flight will leave us a bit jet-lagged when we arrive...



all while hoping we won’t start our stay completely...



Still, we’re lucid enough to notice that they could’ve at least leveled the ground before adding the decor at the airport:



As always, our arrival is under the watchful eye of some...



under the frankly curious gaze of others...



but of course, there are plenty who couldn’t care less...



All that’s left is to set off exploring, while staying cautious so we don’t get caught off guard...

I’m sharing my successful e-Visa application experience because I’ll admit—I really struggled with the website and gathering all the required documents. https://www.thaiembassy.fr/fr/visa-rdv/les-types-de-visa-et-les-documents-necessaires/visa-touristique/ I recommend preparing everything in advance according to the instructions below and trying to complete the 60-day TR tourist e-Visa application in one go. You can save and return to it later, but I didn’t find the site very intuitive (it took a lot of time to figure out how it works, etc.). For the 60-day TR tourist e-Visa, it took me about 2 to 3 hours to prepare all the required documents and fill out the online form completely. (Next time, though, it’ll take me much less time since I’ll know how it works better, etc.). I received my e-Visa 15 days later, but according to the embassy, the processing time can be much longer (the embassy recommends in section 4.3: “We advise you to submit your visa application between 2 and 3 months before your planned departure.”) https://www.thaiembassy.fr/fr/visa-rdv/infos-generales/ ⚠️ RECOMMENDATION: 4 months before applying (so 6 months before your trip if you apply 2 months ahead), make sure your bank statements show a minimum balance of 700 € for each of the 3 months prior to your application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE 60-DAY TR SINGLE-ENTRY E-VISA IN THAILAND

A digital copy of your passport: Color copy of the double-page spread with your photo. It must show the entire machine-readable zone (the two lines of characters at the bottom) and all four corners of the page. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date. (Format: JPEG or PDF) A color ID photo: Official ID photo on a plain white background, max 3 MB in size, and taken within the last 6 months. If you use the same photo as the one printed in your passport (if it was issued 2 years ago, for example), the system will detect the inconsistency and reject your application. The background must be strictly white, with no shadows, no glasses, and your face must be fully visible. Proof of financial means: Official bank statements (checking and/or savings) for the last 3 months. They must clearly display your name and show a minimum balance of 700 € for each month (1,000 € is preferable), per person (even for couples). Bank statement format and date: Screenshots from mobile banking apps (without your name or the bank’s logo) are systematically rejected. You must provide the full official statement in PDF format, downloaded from your online banking. Additionally, the most recent statement must be less than 30 days old at the time of submission. Don’t forget to merge the 3 statements into a single PDF, as only one document can be uploaded per category. Entry and exit tickets: A reservation or confirmation of flight tickets showing your entry into and exit from Thailand. The document must include the PNR (Passenger Name Record: a 6-character booking code used as a reference by the airline) and/or the e-ticket number.

90-day rule: Your exit flight date must not exceed 90 days after your arrival in Thailand. If you have separate tickets: If you have two different tickets for entry and exit, merge them into a single document showing only the entry and exit from Thailand within 90 days (exclude other flights). For example, if you have a round-trip Paris-Bangkok ticket spaced 6 months apart but plan to stay in Indonesia after 60 or 90 days, only submit the inbound flight to Thailand from your first ticket (exclude the return flight that’s 6 months later) and the outbound flight from Thailand to Indonesia (without the flight out of Indonesia, which is likely separate). Merge the two PDFs into one.

Proof of residence in France (less than 3 months old): Mobile phone, landline, internet, or electricity bill in your name. This document must prove that you currently reside in the country from which you’re applying. (Format: PDF or JPEG)

Hotel reservation in your name: Covering the first few nights with your name on it, or an official invitation letter signed by your host along with a copy of their ID. (Format: PDF or JPEG)

⚠️ FOR COUPLES: The official confirmation of your first accommodation in Thailand (hotel, Airbnb) must clearly display the names of BOTH members of the couple, as it will need to be attached to each individual e-Visa application. The second name is essential because each visa applicant must provide proof of accommodation in their name. If your partner’s name doesn’t appear anywhere on the hotel document, their visa application may be blocked or rejected, even if you include a marriage certificate. Prepare the addresses of the first two hotels for the online form; Write down (on paper) the exact address of the first hotel and the next one, as the form also asks for the address of the second hotel (without requiring proof of reservation). Look up the name of the sub-district, district, and province of these establishments online. When applying for the e-Visa, you’ll need to enter the exact address and select the province, district... from dropdown menus. How to add your partner’s name to the hotel reservation?

Log in to your account (Agoda, Booking, etc.), go to your reservations, and look for the option to modify traveler details. You can often add the second person’s name or, in the main traveler name field, enter both names separated by a slash or comma. If you can’t modify it online, ask the hotel for an official reservation confirmation letter (“Confirmation Letter”) explicitly stating: “Room booked for and ”. Thai hotels are used to this process for visas and will send it to you quickly by email in PDF format.

How to merge PDF files? To combine your multiple bank statements or flight tickets in the correct order into a single PDF, you can use a free and intuitive online tool like iLovePDF or Smallpdf. No software to download—everything is done online.

PS: I’ve shared the steps I followed to get my e-Visa. I put them together by comparing recommendations from several AIs and the official e-Visa website. ID photo: I had 6 ID photos taken in an automatic photo booth (found in shopping malls). I cut one out and scanned it in color with a regular scanner. Bank statements: I downloaded the last 3 official monthly bank statements in PDF format and merged them into one. However, 3 years ago, a friend told me he didn’t submit his statements but instead provided a document from his bank (requested from his banker, with stamps, the bank’s logo, and the banker’s signature) clearly stating he had the required funds. I don’t know if this option is still available, but I’m mentioning it. File names: For all files (PDF, JPEG) attached to my e-Visa application, I used my name followed by a description of the document (e.g., “Name photo”).

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, we’ll be in Thailand from August 2nd to 21st, arriving in Bangkok on the 2nd for a visit. From the 5th to the 8th: Angkor temples. Then, starting on the 9th, we’re planning to head to Chiang Mai, and by the 14th or 15th, we’d like to be on an island until the 19th, when we return to Bangkok. Five days in Chiang Mai seems a bit long to us. What do you recommend between the 9th and 15th, and which island? We’re not big fans of sunbathing—we’d love to snorkel and explore the island. Ideally, I’d have liked to find a house to rent, but every time, I end up with places far from the beach, whereas we’d really like to be able to walk to the beach for strolls. By the way, are there a lot of shells? Can we collect them? It seems that in August, swimming can sometimes be tricky due to tides—is that true? Thanks to all the contributors! 😊

Hello everyone,

We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places. We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.

This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok). We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th. We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok... Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya. From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th. On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.

Does this itinerary seem too packed? Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip? Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?

Thanks for your help

Direct flights PAR / BKK in business class: AIR FRANCE or THAI AIRWAYS – prices, comfort. Thanks a bunch!

hi everyone

We’ll be applying for a retiree OA visa by September. For our part, we’ll head back to France for a bit and return a month BEFORE our current OA visa expires to renew it at immigration. We’ve emailed several immigration offices but haven’t gotten any responses. We’ve searched online for info but haven’t found anything. What we’re really interested in is knowing which documents they’ll ask for at the immigration office in Phang Nga, for example, for our renewal. We’ve seen all the paperwork needed for the initial OA visa on the official online visa application site... but for the renewal, do we need to provide ALL the same documents? Thanks in advance

Here’s our third travel journal with photos, following Vietnam in 2012 and Southern Thailand + Angkor in 2013. Once again, we’d like to thank everyone who brightens up this site with their experiences and tips. Every year, some parts of our itinerary are made easier or richer thanks to your contributions. We hope our own story will do the same for other travelers.

**10 JULY 2014**

We booked our flight tickets back in September to get a better deal than last year. We were happy with the 1291 € price for two people from Paris—until mid-January, when several airlines started offering promotions we hadn’t expected for our travel dates. Next year, we’ll take the gamble and wait longer, hoping to fly with Qatar Airways, for example. Fate had us flying with Indian Airlines. The Paris-to-Delhi leg was on a brand-new Boeing Dreamliner—obviously fresh off the assembly line. After a quick four-hour layover to stretch our legs, we boarded an Airbus A321 that looked prehistoric for the Delhi-to-Bangkok flight. Honestly, if the outside of the plane had matched the inside, we’d never have made it. Broken screens, shattered armrests—you name it. As for the meal trays, we would’ve devoured them only after a week stranded on a desert island. The cabin crew didn’t win us over either. And we really didn’t appreciate the behavior, attitudes, or stares from most of the people we encountered during our layovers in Delhi. This year’s experience has definitely put us off flying with this airline again—or even setting foot in India ever again. That’s just our personal take, but it’s clear.

Stepping onto Thai soil was an immense relief. After exchanging just a few euros, we took a taxi from the designated spot and had a completely different experience from last year: the driver was normal and efficient. So efficient, in fact, that we arrived at our destination much earlier than expected. A well-deserved tip, and it seemed to make his day.

We dropped our bags at reception and rushed to Harmonique restaurant, just 300 meters away, just in time for the last dinner service. We’d talked about this place at length last year. We’d been looking forward to it for a year, but we only managed to nibble on some spring rolls because what we really wanted was a good night’s sleep. While quite a few customers were still around, four staff members walked through the dining area with two large trash bins from the day’s service. They were clearly pleased with themselves and having a good laugh. It made us chuckle too—seeing something like that done so naturally, when back home, some people would’ve been outraged to witness it in a similar establishment!

A quick word about the Swan Hotel: we’re grateful to those who recommended it on this site and on their blogs. It’s quietly located in the Silom district, just steps from the river. We have fond memories of the giant, ultra-comfortable bed and the well-maintained pool. It was very peaceful, though we were there during a quieter season. At 30 € with breakfast when we booked (and around 20 € without breakfast now), we can’t imagine finding a better-suited hotel in Bangkok.

**11 JULY**

We couldn’t find an open bank and had to withdraw cash from an ATM. Now we know: July 11 is a public holiday in Thailand. It suddenly occurred to us that next year, we’ll keep some baht from our return trip to save time at the airport and avoid little hiccups like this.

We decided not to head straight to Laos and instead spent the day visiting Muang Boran, also known as Ancient City, about 30 km southeast of Bangkok.

There are plenty of ways to get there. We ruled out taxis—too expensive. Besides, we enjoy using local transport; it’s more fun. We took a taxi to Democracy Monument, then found the bus stop about 100 meters from the roundabout, on one of the avenues leading to it. Someone always points you in the right direction. We hopped on bus 511 for a long ride, with two major slowdowns at red lights. The same happened on the way back, as our route crossed busier roads. We told the driver our destination, and he let us know when to get off. No problem—someone already flagged us down 20 meters later to put us in a *songthaew* (a shared taxi-van) that took us straight to the site. The bus and *songthaew* fares were minimal. Already, the people around us were smiling, and we were smiling back.

The entrance fee has gone up: 700 baht. That includes bike rental, a tour minibus, and a boat ride on the river. We still hadn’t fully recovered from the flight, and with the heavy, humid heat, we opted for the electric cart instead—no regrets. Still, 150 baht per hour.

We had an amazing day, beyond our expectations. The park features full-scale or scaled-down replicas of Thailand’s main landmarks, along with countless statues and landscaped gardens. There are also reconstructions of a typical Thai village, a northern Thai village, a farm with animals, and a floating village.

Almost everything we saw was well-made and aesthetically pleasing. The whole place is absolutely worth the trip. We spent six solid hours there without dawdling.

Here’s a very incomplete sample of what we admired:

























Visitors will find restrooms, restaurants, and a few shops scattered throughout the site. On the way back, just cross the road using the pedestrian bridge about 250 meters to the left of the exit. Flag down a *songthaew* as it passes.

The whole day flew by between the visit and the commute. We still had time to return to Harmonique to try their famous crab curry. Once you’ve finished it, you think—life isn’t so bad after all.

Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.

I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.

My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.

I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...

The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.

For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!

Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.

Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):

· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight) · Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok) · Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok) · Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x") · Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x") · Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x") · Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x") · Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x") · Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x") · Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok) · Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok) · Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok) · Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon

Here’s my account of our trip to Thailand with my partner from November 22 to December 5, 2025. First off, I’d like to wish all Voyageforum.com users a very happy 2026, full of happiness and amazing discoveries on your travels! It’s thanks to the tips I gathered on this site that I planned the trip. We traveled with Malaysia Airlines (the flight price was great, but no movies in French, not even subtitled) because we wanted to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit southern Thailand. Our departure from Roissy was delayed because the plane had to go through the robotic de-icing trucks—pretty impressive! After a 12-hour flight, we arrived at the beautiful Kuala Lumpur airport around 7 AM.



Don’t forget to fill out the immigration form requested by Malaysia 3 days before arrival. We left without any issues and took the Klia Ekspress train to KL Sentral station (30 minutes, 10 €). We’d booked accommodation in a tower near the station and had to communicate with the landlord to get the keys. But while we thought there’d be Wi-Fi at the station, there wasn’t—we asked the tourism office, and they said there wasn’t any. We didn’t want to buy a local SIM card since we were leaving the next day. Eventually, we went to a Starbucks to get online, but just as we decided to head to our place, a torrential downpour hit, and we couldn’t find a sidewalk to reach our destination. We went back to the station, took the elevated metro, and finally made it to our landlord and the room on the 45th floor.

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, I booked flight tickets with Turkish Airlines 15 days ago for a round-trip for 4 people to Thailand in August 2026. On my reservation, I only included my married name, but on my passport, my maiden name appears along with my married name. I only noted one first name—I didn’t include my second or third first name. For my husband and children, I only included their first first name. I called Turkish Airlines a few days ago as a precaution, and they were very helpful, guiding me through the process of adding a comment to request the modification with scanned passports. They confirmed it would be free of charge. Today, I received a response from TK saying I need to buy new tickets with the required changes and then provide them with the new reservation details to be reimbursed for the initially purchased tickets. I called Turkish Airlines again, and they advised me to file a complaint using the initial comment I made. I did that tonight, explaining that I made these requests as a precaution—I fly every year and have never included my maiden name or other first names on my reservations, and it’s never been an issue. Plus, I can’t afford to pay for new tickets since prices have skyrocketed (+1000 € for 4 people). I’m really worried and anxious about this situation. We’ve been saving for a while to afford this trip, and I hope it gets resolved favorably. Have any of you experienced similar issues or situations like this? If so, how did it go at the airport? Thanks in advance for your help

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!

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, it’s been a good 15 years since I last set foot in Thailand.

Back then, I spent 6 weeks there with my partner, traveling backpacker-style without ever booking anything in advance, and we always managed to find a guesthouse. Now we think our son is old enough to travel the same way.

Do you still find it just as easy to snag a guesthouse room everywhere?

What’s the average price range these days in the north and the south?

For our route, we’re thinking roughly BKK / Koh Tao / Koh Samui / Krabi, then the Chiang Mai area. Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hello,

Last year, we stayed for 3 months in Thailand, north of Khao Lak, and were able to benefit from the 2-month visa exemption, renewable for one month by going to Takua Pa to validate a 1-month extension (1,900 baht). This year, it’s a disaster for us—not only were we planning a 4-month stay, adding a visa run in between (which some say is quite risky), but the law is apparently changing in the coming months with the return of the 1-month exemption (plus the usual 1-month option). So, we looked into applying for a 6-month multiple-entry visa, allowing a maximum of 60 consecutive days in Thailand. However, I can’t find anywhere the minimum time required outside Thailand between two stays—do any of you have an idea? Thanks for the info! If you’d like tips on Khao Lak and the surrounding areas, we’ve got some experience, though things change fast! Cheers, Bruno.

Hello!

After a long travel hiatus, we’re (finally) back on the road for some getaways! Now with two kids in tow, we’re heading to Thailand for two weeks next February (a destination that’s stood us up twice before but seems perfect for our first big family trip).

We’d have loved to stay longer, but two weeks is already a great start and will be plenty enjoyable.

Key points: - Experience Thailand, not just live our usual routine in Thailand - Avoid crowds as much as possible, even though February will be busy - Not big city fans, so Bangkok (BKK) will be kept to a minimum - Focus on nature, the sea, forests, waterfalls, hiking, kayaking...

At this stage, here’s the rough itinerary I’m considering: - Arrival at 7 AM + a day in BKK

- DEPART for SURAT THANI (BUS) - Transfer + Khao Sok (overnight on the lake / in the trees)

- RETURN to Ko Samui - Transfer to Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao (snorkeling)

- RETURN to Khao Lak. While there: * Visit Ao Phang Nga Park by kayak * Excursion to caves / Ko Khao Phing Kan (the "007 beach" lol) * ALTERNATIVE = SIMILAN ISLANDS

- RETURN to KRABI or Koh Phi Phi * Visit Koh Hong or Koh Yao Yai

* Flight from SURAT THANI to BKK - If time left in BKK: - Explore BKK: Wat Pho / floating market / Maeklong Railway Market / Chinatown... - Or a day trip to Ayutthaya - Or a day at Erawan Waterfall (Haew Suwat) - Day +1 = Return to France

Questions I’m pondering: - Is this too ambitious? I think it might be... but since we’d rather see as much as possible than just lounge on a beach... - How to get around on this route? Bus or rental vehicle (which I’d prefer to avoid) - Are there any inconsistencies in the plan I’ve outlined? - Should I adjust any connections or prioritize differently? - Krabi vs. Koh Phi Phi? - Koh Hong vs. Koh Yao Yai?

We’ve booked the first night (using some leftover backpacking perks), but nothing else—so open to all ideas!

If you know a local agency that can offer advice (for a fee), that could work too, since the options feel endless...

Thanks so much for reading this far, and even more if you’ve got tips or suggestions to share!! Best wishes ;)

We’re excited to share our sixth travel journal with photos from Southeast Asia, this one entirely dedicated to Thailand. As a reminder, our previous travel journals can be accessed directly by clicking on the username "jojoone1" to the left of each post.

For a change, let’s start with the conclusion: our trip left us with an excellent memory. Very often, everything went like clockwork—short wait times, quick problem-solving, and the curious feeling of being pampered. Sometimes, life isn’t so cruel after all.

It’s only fair to admit that day after day, we encountered Thais who were smiling, helpful, kind, funny, and sometimes even touching. There were a few exceptions, but they were just the trees hiding the (tropical) forest. After this year’s experience, we won’t be the ones to tell you that Thailand isn’t the Land of Smiles or that laughter is just for business. We’ve witnessed so many kind behaviors and gestures that we no longer understand how anyone could complain about the people here—except for bad experiences in ultra-touristy spots packed with travelers lacking any finesse. It got to the point where it made us reflect. And we concluded that we probably have funny, friendly faces (?). We also know we’re the first to smile at them, and every day there, we show respect to everyone we meet. In any case, we have fond thoughts for many of the people we crossed paths with. Thanks to them, our trip took on a whole new human dimension.

A quick note about the photos: last year, the VoyageForum team made a change to how photos are uploaded. This gives us the choice between displaying high-definition photos (but losing ownership rights) or non-HD photos (less sharp, but the originals won’t be spread online without compensation or credit). We opted for the second solution, if only as a matter of principle. It does leave us with some regrets, especially since Françoise switched to the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, whose performance is notably better than the 7D.

Our first trip with Emirates was satisfying but left a mixed impression. Sure, it was the first time all four of our flights were on an Airbus A380. The crews were super friendly, and the meal trays were the best on the first two flights. On the return flights, the meals weren’t great and weren’t filling enough. Overall, the crews seemed disorganized and rushed—clearly some new recruits. The Doha-Paris flight, if memory serves, was on an A380-600, and in that configuration, we were packed in like it hadn’t been in years. In conclusion, it’s hard to say at this stage whether Qatar or Emirates comes out on top.

From our perspective, the journey from northern Thailand to Bangkok can be done via two different routes. This year, we took one of them, which allowed us to alternate between well-known destinations and original visits. Note that some of this year’s visits include cities we’ve already been to. So for a more complete view (Bangkok and Chiang Mai, for example), you’ll need to check out our previous travel journals.

We’ve improved our Thai vocabulary with a few more words and hope next year to move from kindergarten to first grade... For those reading us for the first time, we can only advise against visiting this country on an organized tour or looking for a French-speaking guide. The Thais have organized themselves well—they now have proven tourism practices. Maybe a guidebook for culture, a few basic English words, and a little organization are all you need for a great trip.

CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai and its region are packed with treasures—so much so that one or two visits might not be enough.

At the airport, you go to a counter that provides a taxi ticket. The fare is 150 baht for a regular car and 200 baht for a larger vehicle. When our turn came, a large vehicle showed up, but we were only charged 150 baht. Okay, fine.

The hotels we’d selected three years ago had significantly increased their rates, so we had to find a new base. In the city center, hotels with large pools are overpriced, and despite the wide selection, it was hard to decide. We ended up at a hotel near the airport, the Baan U Sabai Boutique House. The superior room with a balcony can be negotiated for just under 40 €. It’s a beautiful, fairly new complex in traditional teak style, with very well-kept rooms and a long pool. Given the rather stormy weather in early July, it was the first time in Thailand we swam in cool water. It encouraged us to swim rather than just lounge...



At the end of the hotel street, you come out onto a busy main road where you can hail a songthaew (a kind of shared taxi). It’s easy to be offered a ride to the city center for 2 x 20 baht, but getting a return trip for less than 2 x 40 baht is tough, especially in the evening. Our red songthaew took us straight to Chiang Mai Gate, one of the city’s gates, located southeast of the historic square. We then took Phra Pok Khlao Road for a few dozen meters and chose the first little restaurant that looked nice. Within minutes, we had our dishes and smoothies for a total of 235 baht. Great quality, despite the place looking very touristy. The owner set the tone by handing out smiles left and right.

There’s an amazing spot in Chiang Mai to grab a coffee: Baan Phor Liang Meun. Once you reach Chiang Mai Gate, take Phra Pok Khlao Road for a few meters, then turn onto soi 2 (alley 2). It’s actually the first on the left. After a few dozen meters, you’ll find yourself walking alongside what looks like a Khmer temple.



When you enter, you’re in a vast space—like a temple-garden—where you can eat a small dish or sip a good café crème as if you were in Angkor. The tables are far apart, so you’re as close to birds and squirrels as you are to other customers.



In the small building where the staff works, they provide high-quality mosquito repellent for free—something we’ll now buy regularly at 7/11. They’re small plastic bottles, mostly pink or orange, with Thai writing and "floral fragrance" in English. The scent is actually pleasant. Remember to shake the bottle before opening and pressing, or you’ll end up with cream all over your shorts...

The creator of this space has been sculpting terracotta works since the early 1980s using clay from the Lamphun region—the most consistent clay found in all of Thailand. This café is like visiting an ancient temple, with its abundance of statues, high-reliefs, and bas-reliefs. It’s undeniably a romantic spot for couples—a haven of calm in a very lively city.

This travel journal is our second on VoyageForum, following last year’s where we recounted our four weeks in Vietnam. The goal remains the same: since some members on this site share tips, experiences, and great deals that help us prepare for our trips, we do the same after returning—both to give back a little and in the hope that our experiences might be useful to others in some way.

Our route was as follows: Bangkok, Siem Reap, Krabi, Suratthani, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chumphon, Bang Saphan, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Sam Roi Yod, Hua Hin, Phetchaburi, Bangkok.

Beyond rediscovering Bangkok, our objectives were the long-held dream of seeing Angkor and exploring southern Thailand, much of which isn’t overly touristy.

A quick big thank-you to Barbot, who took the time to answer several of our questions.

12/07/2013

The cheapest flight we found earlier this year was a Paris-Bangkok route with a layover in Moscow for 1440 €, total for two people. So, this time we tried Aeroflot. Airbus A318 for the first leg, A330 for the second. Nothing particularly annoying to report—the passengers were very calm, the cabin temperature was comfortable, and we had enough legroom. That said, the quality of the meal trays was pretty mediocre, and the flight attendants weren’t exactly comedians.

We’d like to remind everyone that it’s best to exchange as little money as possible at the airport upon arrival, since the rate is about 5% worse than at city banks.

Of course, we made sure to take the airport exit where you can catch official taxis to avoid getting scammed. So, we queued up, a little lady gave us the ticket, and off we went with the driver. Generally, this system works well because these drivers are registered, know their duties, and the risks they face if they break the rules. Except that day, right off the bat, we got the scammer of the day. His first move was to snatch the ticket from my wife’s hands—the one you’re supposed to keep in case of a complaint. My husband saw it, but after a full day of travel, we were a bit out of it, and honestly, there was no reason to be suspicious. But once we started driving, the guy refused to turn on the meter. We insisted more and more firmly, but nothing. So, I used the famous method of opening the door and starting to step out of the car. At 40 km/h, that scares the driver more than the passenger. He finally turned on the meter, but that didn’t calm him down—quite the opposite. For the next half-hour, he ruined the ride by demanding extra fees here and there. Having dealt with several scam attempts last year in Vietnam, this wasn’t exactly new, and we were proud of ourselves for staying pretty zen. Still, this guy was a little scary—he was completely wired and aggressive. Honestly, it was hard not to think he was on something. He’d be perfect for a *Scarface* remake. When we finally arrived at the hotel, he followed us to the entrance. We paid the two tolls (25 and 45 baht), gave him the usual 100 baht extra for the ride, and stayed polite but firm. So, meter: 245 baht + 100 baht + 25 and 45 baht for tolls—we paid the exact amount, no way we were tipping this guy. He left furious, but he was already like that before picking us up... Anyway, avoid Mr. Chartree Chidchen, number 089 826 7308, car E2663!

We were so relieved to finally settle in at Feung Nakorn Balcony hotel in the temple district. 42 € per night, great reception, all the staff is friendly. The AC works fine, the bed seemed hard at first but turned out to be comfortable. The hotel is quiet, away from the nightlife, but at this time of year, many places are less crowded than in high season. Even with a nice fish pond and outdoor breakfast area, it’s a decent hotel, though we felt we could’ve found something better.

After a night on the plane, the first afternoon is always a bit of a slog. We napped for a few hours, and when we woke up—guess what—we were starving. We visited a temple across from the hotel (nothing special) and then decided to take the Chao Phraya Express, the river shuttle that serves many piers along the river. It was a really enjoyable experience. The steel gangway wobbles when you board and disembark, the boat sits low in the water, and sometimes you get splashed. During peak times, you’re packed in like sardines, but most of all, there’s that exotic urban landscape passing by, especially the temple rooftops.



At that exact moment, the boat was packed. We didn’t see a ticket booth at the pier, and we tried in vain to pay the few baht for the ride. The cashier on the boat was too busy, and another employee we called didn’t have time to help us. Oh well, we weren’t going to force the issue. Still, this mode of transport is super practical for avoiding traffic, and at the piers, the lines with station names are clearly marked, with colors matching the flags on the boats. Combined with a map like the *Routard* guide, it’s easy to navigate.

We easily made it to the restaurant *Harmonique*, located near one of these piers. It’s a unanimous favorite on this forum, and let us tell you—it’s well-deserved. What a wonderful experience that evening! We only saw the outdoor gazebo because there was no way we were dining inside. It’s not flashy, so those looking for a luxurious setting should look elsewhere.



That night, the staff was a bit slow, and we had to track them down several times to move things along. But oh, my friends—what a feast on the plate! Start with the appetizer platter for two at 250 baht, featuring four specialties, each more tempting than the last, followed by their famous crab curry for 200 baht. There’s *so much* crab in there! The dish is so delicious and rich that when you finish, you feel—how to put it—like it was almost *too* good, to the point where you’re almost put off eating for days. And also, oh yes, we *will* be back. Their satay chicken is just as amazing, and it would be a crime not to mention their generous dessert with ice cream, warm banana, and chocolate, plus their *excellent* almond milkshake.

Later, we took a taxi to Kao San Road, mainly to book a Ko Tao-Chumphon trip for 600 baht per person at the Lomprayah counter. In hindsight, we should’ve booked all three of our trips there right away.

Kao San Road is *ultra*-touristy—better for younger crowds, but it’s still worth seeing. There’s rock ‘n’ roll, hippies, and crowds everywhere.

We walked back to the hotel, and when we got a little lost near a canal, a really nice older Thai man spontaneously appeared out of the night to kindly point us in the right direction.

Finally, a real long night of sleep ahead—we cranked up the AC. Sweet, the vacation has begun!

Hi everyone, I’m planning a solo trip for November. I’ve chosen Thailand because it’s my first solo trip and I wanted a country that’s easy and safe for a woman (though maybe you have other suggestions?), but also because of this time of year when the monsoon is hitting many Asian countries. A lot of people have confirmed that Thailand is a destination where everything is relatively easy for a first solo trip: getting around the country (buses and trains), great food, beautiful beaches, stunning countryside, decent safety, etc... This trip comes after a major burnout and professional exhaustion 😵‍💫. I quit my job this week and need to recharge and clear my head before diving back into the professional grind... I’m looking for peaceful landscapes away from mass tourism, combining mountains, countryside, and beaches. I need moments of free wandering, yoga, sightseeing, and maybe some woofing. I love authenticity, contemplation, and beautiful things in simplicity. Thanks for your route and accommodation ideas 😊! Armelle