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 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 just had a really bad experience leaving for Thailand with Etihad Airways, along with my partner and her 11-year-old son. We were denied boarding because the child’s passport was invalid (by about 3 days), as it’s indeed required to have 6 months of validity. But come on—just 3 days over! On top of that, we were able to check in online for our round-trip flight (just the flights, no extras), entered our passport numbers and expiry dates, and even had to check in online again 30 hours before departure, where we got our boarding passes without any issues. How is it possible that no one called, warned, or even blocked us online? Instead, they waited to tell us at the airport during baggage check-in. I’ve asked the airline for a full refund of our expenses—do I have any chance? Thanks for your help

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 everyone, thanks so much for all your great tips! Now for expenses: should we pay "big expenses" by card, the rest in cash, or exchange a large sum at the airport (with the risks that involves)? We’re staying for a month, mostly in the countryside rather than the city. Thanks a bunch!

Hi there! I’m heading to Thailand for two months. So I thought I’d get a Thai SIM card to use Google Maps for getting around cities, mostly. Here’s my question: will this SIM affect my apps? Or will they work the same as with my Orange SIM? Is there any setup I need to do, or can I just pop in the Thai SIM? I’d also like to switch back to my Orange SIM now and then while I’m in Thailand—on the same phone. Will I need to reset the phone, or will it reconnect without any issues? Thanks in advance for your tips! Best, Huiclos

Good evening and best travel wishes to everyone. I’m leaving soon for a two-month road trip in Southeast Asia. Arriving in Bangkok on January 14th, returning from Ho Chi Minh City on March 13th. I don’t have an exit ticket from Thailand because I’d like to keep some flexibility in my itinerary. Do you think my return ticket from Vietnam will be enough to prove that I’ll have left Thai territory within 60 days of my entry? I hope I won’t run into any issues boarding at Roissy or at immigration once I’m in BKK. What do you think? Thanks for your help. Christine

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,

I’m heading back to Thailand soon, and from what I’ve been reading, it seems some beaches/islands are infested with these dreaded sandflies!

I’ve noted the remedy: rub the bitten area with 90% alcohol, then apply soothing cream.

But prevention is better than cure!

Which areas should I avoid right now?

Are there seasons that are more prone to these itchy invasions than others?

I’ve already stayed in Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Krabi, and Phuket without any issues like this.

I’d love to keep it that way...

Thanks

Hi there, I just got back to France and realized I don’t have a stamp in my French passport. Is it normal that at Suvarnabhumi Airport customs didn’t stamp my passport? I’m really worried because I have to go back in a month and I don’t know what to expect when I arrive at Thai customs. I’m afraid of the consequences, like a fine or worse—being blacklisted from entering Thailand. Has anyone else had this happen? And if it’s not normal, what can I do to avoid any problems?

Hi, Has anyone else run into problems renting a car with a French credit card at Bangkok International Airport with international rental companies (like Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz)? These international car rental companies require a "credit card" to hold the deposit when picking up the vehicle. However, in several countries, French credit cards are considered "debit" cards rather than "credit" cards (even if "credit" is printed on your Visa bank card, for example). The rental agencies can't "block" the deposit with certain bank cards (though paying for the rental itself isn’t an issue), and they’ll refuse to give you the vehicle even if the rental was already paid during booking. I’ve already had this issue in several countries (Chile, Canada) with international rental companies that refused my bank card for holding the deposit, even though "credit" is clearly printed on my Visa Premier card. Has anyone encountered this problem in Bangkok? Thanks for your help! P.S.: I have a valid international driver’s permit, and I’ve searched the forum for answers about Thailand.

Hi there.

I’m planning my trip for July–August 2025. After Bangkok and the Chiang Mai area, we’re heading to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. I read on Le Routard that the water level is low during this period. On Koh Phangan, I’d like to stay on the west/northwest side of the island (Koh Ma? Haad Khom?) Could you let me know what the water level is like there? Will we be able to swim during this period? And if you have any beach/hotel recommendations for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, that’d be great! Thanks!

Hello, we’d like to return to Thailand after having been there as a couple. We’d love to focus only on beach and island spots, especially Phuket, while avoiding Patong. Which area would you recommend for a rental? Best regards

Hello again!

For an upcoming trip to Thailand, I’m looking for names of reliable car rental companies based in Phuket.

I’d also like to know about local road rules and the current amount of traffic "fines."

Are foreigners targeted or profiled when driving a rental vehicle?

The routes I’d be taking aren’t in Phuket itself—Phuket would just be the arrival point—but rather around Khao Lak, Krabi, Surat Thani, and the inland areas in that region.

Thanks! :)

Good evening, I’m leaving next Tuesday, January 14, 2020, with Thai Airways for Bangkok, and I just noticed that my husband’s flight ticket was marked as "Mms" (Mrs.) instead of "Monsieur" (Mr.). I called the airline, and they told me I have to pay at least 50 € (okay, I guess that’s manageable), but they also said I have to pay the difference between the ticket price at the time of purchase (April 2019) and today’s price—huge difference. Has anyone else had this issue, and more importantly, can anyone tell me if there’s a risk in showing up for check-in? The first and last names are correct. Thanks for letting me know as soon as possible because I’m starting to panic a little.

Michou

Hello, I’m slowly making my way down toward central Thailand and then Cambodia.

Today I’m heading to Chiang Rai, then on to Phrae and Sukhothai next.

Are there any buses that run between Phrae and Sukhothai? I can’t find anything very clear :(

Thanks

It's all in the title: I'm heading to Krabi soon and want to rent a scooter for a few weeks, but after reading comments about all kinds of scams, I'm reaching out to ask where and how (read: *the right way*) to rent one. Thanks for your tips and advice.

hi everyone, I’m French and live in France, and my Thai girlfriend just told me she’s pregnant—she lives in Thailand. First step, a paternity test to set my mind at ease. What steps do I need to take to recognize the child? Can I do it before the birth or only after? Where do I need to go, and what paperwork is required?

Just to clarify, I want him to stay in Thailand but be able to come to France anytime without any issues! Thanks for taking the time to read and reply.

Hey everyone! New to the forum, but not so new to Asia 😄 I’m Nico, from Switzerland, currently based in Bangkok. I love taking my motorcycle out to get lost in the mountains and small villages of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and more. I’ve been roaming around this area for a good fifteen years now, racking up quite a few kilometers—especially in northern Vietnam. This time, I finally decided to tackle the Mae Hong Son Loop, clockwise. I’d been to Pai several times before, but oddly enough, I’d never done the full loop. So, I’ll try to give you a little recap here, day by day, with the roads, stops, places worth checking out… and those that didn’t quite blow my mind 😅 I also filmed the trip, so I’ll post the corresponding video at the end of each day if that’s okay. If it’s not allowed here, just let me know, and I’ll remove them without any issue. DAY 1 — Chiang Mai → Doi Inthanon → Mae Chaem → Khun Yuam I left Chiang Mai after renting a Honda ADV 160 from Pop Motorbike. Not exactly an Africa Twin, but for what I had planned, it was more than enough. Quick hotel note: I stayed at the Lanna Thaphae Hotel before leaving. Around 30 € per night, super well-located, and probably one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. A crucial detail for any motorcycle road trip, obviously. The plan for the day was pretty straightforward: Head toward Doi Inthanon… and see what happens. Flawless Swiss organization. First stop along the way at Wachirathan Waterfall. A really nice waterfall, very easy to access, but don’t expect to channel your inner Indiana Jones—it’s crowded, touristy, and swimming isn’t allowed. Still, it’s a pretty stop along the way. Next, up to Doi Inthanon. The road climbs steeply, and my little 160cc started to realize that carrying my 80 kg to Thailand’s highest point probably wasn’t part of its youthful dreams. I was maxing out at 34 km/h in some spots. But it made it. Good little bike. The summit is nice—the forest is beautiful, and it’s cool—but I have to admit, it didn’t completely wow me. Glad I went, but not necessarily the highlight of the day for me. Because then comes Route 1192. And that’s *much* more my thing: small mountain roads, beautiful scenery, hardly any traffic… the kind of road where I usually start taking way too many unnecessary detours just because a little side road “looks fun.” Stopped in Mae Chaem for a bite to eat, then headed to Khun Yuam to finish the day. A little over 200 km in total. Khun Yuam is… quiet. *Very* quiet. 😅 A cute little market, a couple of cafés/restaurants, and zero chance of ending up in a club until 4 AM. But after a day on the bike, it was perfect. Stayed at the Mit Khun Yuam Hotel, around 20 € for a small but very decent room. All in all, a solid first day and a pretty relaxed start to the loop. Part of this leg is mostly about getting out of Chiang Mai and really diving into the mountains, in my opinion. Because for me, the really interesting stuff starts over the next two days… And a few slightly questionable route decisions will also make an appearance 😅 If anyone’s planning the Mae Hong Son Loop, feel free to ask your questions—I’d be happy to answer! I also filmed this first day, so for those who’d rather see the roads and landscapes than read my rambling, here’s Day 1 😊 DAY 1 VIDEO I’ll post the next part in the coming days with Day 2: Khun Yuam → Mae Surin → Mae Hong Son. And that’s where it starts getting *really* fun. 😉 That’s all for now! Looking forward to contributing as much as I can to the forum!

I have two questions about applying for a Non-Immigrant O Visa at the Thai embassy in France for someone over 50: - - Do I need to provide the address(es) of stay in Thailand (hotels, staying with a Thai friend)? - - Financial proof: Is a retirement statement showing over 2,000 € per month sufficient, or are bank statements also required?

I know there’s already a lot of information about the visa requirements on the embassy’s website, but from my experience—having dealt with embassies in other countries in previous years—I know that the information is sometimes (!) incomplete or inconsistent. So, I’d rather hear from people who’ve recently gone through this process to avoid any surprises after submitting my application, which could cause unpleasant delays.

Hi there,

Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai? Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai. My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...

For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...

There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)

Thanks for your tips! DrSnuggle

Hi everyone, My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news. I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us? • Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia? • Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)? The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !

Hi,

For my trip to Thailand with two teens aged 13 and 16, do you have any info or tips to share? I’d like to go jet skiing, either in Phuket or Koh Samui, but I’d need at least two jet skis since there are three of us. Can my 16-year-old ride alone? Is it better to rent on-site or book an all-inclusive excursion online or in person?

Thanks

Is hitchhiking in Thailand a good idea? A bad one? Safe or not?

Instead of sharing my thoughts on the subject, I’ll tell you about my four short hitchhiking "adventures" over 40 years of traveling there. Hopefully, this will help you form your own opinion.

First, a general rule I always follow in Southeast Asia: whether you're a woman or a man, in the city or the countryside, if you're a foreigner—even in a small group—never let yourself get completely isolated once night falls.

Okay, here we go.

My first time:

This happened in the late 80s in Kanchanaburi province, on route 3272/4088, somewhere between the charming Thong Pha Phum and that spot on the Burmese border where a gas pipeline—owned at the time by a major French company—crosses. I don’t remember why or how I ended up on that remote road, but since I love getting lost, it was fine. Except that it was already mid-afternoon, no songthaew had shown up after an hour of waiting, and I wanted to get back to T.P. Phum before dark. So I started walking, keeping an ear out for any approaching engine to flag down (hand flat, palm down, waving as if saying goodbye). Soon after, a slightly upscale car stopped—a high-end Japanese model. Inside was a couple in their thirties. "You guys headin’ to Thong Pha Phum?" "Sure, no problem, my good farang, hop in." I was saved. We drove for 20-30 kilometers, then the guy pulled over: "Come on, let’s grab a drink..." Later, I’d learn we were near the spot where they were spending a short vacation, south of the reservoir stretching from T.P.P. to Sangkhlaburi—a place (that part of the lake) known for its waterfront resorts for couples, families (next stop...), and other Thais out for a good time (I’d stay there myself a weekend a few years later, in a dorm room with about thirty Thai friends). We had a drink. The woman barely sipped hers. We had a second. She didn’t say anything, but I could read in her eyes what she was thinking (no language barrier for that kind of communication). Then he ordered a third. She shot her husband a disapproving, embarrassed look. As for me, aware I was still far from "home" and that night was falling, I started pretending to drink too. You can guess the rest: the guy kept ordering, got drunker and drunker, and his wife didn’t dare scold him in front of me, but the looks she gave him—and her discomfort around the other people in the roadside joint—spoke volumes.

After a (very) long while, the woman couldn’t take it anymore and finally reminded him, I assume, that they still had to take me to T.P.P. But given his state, it was unanimously decided—by both of us—that there was no way he was driving. I felt stuck, especially since I don’t drive. And her? Oh, she could. I helped the guy as best I could, and the joint’s owner, taking pity on me, lent a hand. We got him into the back seat, where he fell asleep almost immediately. It was around 8 PM when, with her husband still snoring in the back, she dropped me off at the entrance of the guesthouse in Thong Pha Phum, near the market square. I thanked her, feeling a pang of sympathy for the moment she’d have to haul her husband from the car to their room. They drove off. I was hungry. At the far end of the market square was a great restaurant with a direct view of the Mae Nam Khwae. I headed that way.

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, I’m Ruben, I’m 22, live in the south of France, and I’m finishing my studies. I’d like to plan a trip for September-October or October-November. Since this would be my first long-haul experience, I’m a bit hesitant to go alone. So if anyone’s interested in traveling with me—or even sharing several parts of the trip together—I’m open to it. I don’t have any specific expectations. Age and gender don’t matter. I’m pretty mature, open-minded, and can hold a conversation or build a temporary friendship with just about anyone.

For this trip, my main interests will be: cultural visits, sports (personal hobby), nightlife, meeting locals, and fun activities.

DM me if you’d like more details. Thanks.

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, I’m arriving in Thailand with my family on February 9th (2026). We land at BKK that day and then take a direct flight to Krabi.

My first little question is this: We’ve booked a hotel 4 km from the airport (B2Krabi). Should I reserve a taxi through an app (which one?) to get there, or do you think I’ll easily find a taxi/tuk-tuk on the spot, considering we’ll arrive around 8/9 PM? Any idea of the expected price (for three people) for this short trip?

For the Krabi/Ko Phi Phi route, I’m not entirely sure where the departure point is—I’ve attached a photo of the map. Which company is the most affordable? Do you think I can buy my ticket the day before departure and still be sure to get seats? Is it better to book in advance (and if so, on which site)? Same question for the return trip from Ko Phi Phi to Krabi!

Hi there, I'm looking for a way to unwind and planning a trip to Southeast Asia starting in Thailand with a stop in Bangkok. To shake off the stress, I'd love to treat myself to a massage at Wat Pho. But while researching, I read somewhere (on a temple page I can't find anymore) that they offer massages with CBD among other things. Hmm... why not, I'm up for almost anything to feel better. 😐

That said, I've also heard that recreational cannabis use is still illegal in Thailand. Even though CBD isn't exactly cannabis and it's supposedly "therapeutic," is there a risk of a "misunderstanding" with police waiting for me after my massage session, especially if my body smells a bit... distinctive? 🤪

Hi everyone,

I’m applying for an O-A Visa from France, and they’re asking for a criminal record extract. In the site’s FAQ, there’s a question that interests me: "I want to present my criminal record extract to the administration of another European Union state. What do I need to provide?" But when I click for the answer, I get a "404 error"... of course 🤪.

My questions are simple: - Is it really the "extrait n°3" that’s required for the O-A Visa application? - Do I need to have it translated into English?

Thanks in advance! Olivier