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! 😉
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.
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.
We’re planning a trip to Thailand for January 2027 and I’ve got some questions about visiting Phang Nga Bay:*
-I’ve read on this forum that it’s better to leave from the town of Phang Nga rather than Phuket, which makes sense, but I can’t spot any piers on Google Earth. Could someone tell me where they are?
-Do hotels offer excursions that include transfers to the boat?
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!
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.
Hi there,
I’m finally planning to spend 9 days/9 nights in Chiang Rai. What’s the best area to stay in?
Do you know any interesting spots within a 50–60 km radius? Preferably ones that aren’t overrun by mass tourism (sorry about that).
Thanks!
Joël—I’m reading your latest travel journal on this region...😉
Hi there,
My questions might be repetitive, but I’d love to find a hotel close to a beach where we can swim without having to travel too far. The teens would stay at the beach while we go on excursions.
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!
Je suis allé en Thaïlande en novembre, j'y suis retourné en janvier.
Les deux fois j'ai constaté un truc très surprenant : Les conducteurs de minivan roulent en respectant les limitations de vitesse.
Franchement, cela fait des années que je pensais que les conducteurs de minivan étaient des espèces de fous, trompe la mort, sans aucun sens des responsabilités pour la plupart d'entre eux.
Et là, ça fait le deuxième séjour que je constate qu'ils roulent en respectant les limitations de vitesse.
Ce n'est pas juste un conducteur par-ci par-là, c'est vraiment une attitude générale.
Ai-je la berlue ? est-ce que je deviens sénile ? Ou est-ce que je prends mes rêves pour des réalités ?
Avez-vous constaté la même chose que moi ?
Dans ce cas, cela serait une très bonne nouvelle !
Retour sur notre voyage effectué ce mois de Janvier 2019 à propos de l'agence Thaïlande évasion.
J'attire votre attention sur quelques désagréments que nous avons eu avec cette structure, et pourtant après moult voyages avec beaucoup d'agence, je n'avais jamais rencontré autant de soucis de ce genre.
- A notre arrivée à aéroport de Bangkok, nous avons cherchés notre contact qui devait être là, personne.
nous avons essayer de contacter l'agence avec le n° de téléphone qu'il nous avait donné " personne au bout du fil".
Après 45 mn d'attente, notre contact arrive !!!! Bonjour le stress !
- Nous étions un groupe de 10 personnes pour 1 mini bus, 10 valises + les sacs, donc pas assez de places assises, un des nôtres à du voyager assis sur une valise, quel confort.
Rebelote 2 jours après, mais avec 3h00 de route, je ne vous dit pas les remarques désagréables du groupe envers Thaïlande évasion et son organisation d'amateur, même le guide qui était au top" heureusement" n'avait jamais vu cela.
Il nous à même dit que pour un groupe de 10 il fallait 2 véhicules. Il a fait remonter ce désagrément à l'agence, qui à partir de là a fait le nécessaire pour avoir un véhicule supplémentaire pour transporter les valises.
- Dans notre contrat il y avait une journée de trek, mais au final cette journée n'y était plus? on avait quand même payé la prestation!
- Par hasard des membres de notre groupe ont rencontrés la responsable de notre séjour à Chiang Maï, une certaine "Nathalie"en demandant des explications, mais elle a ouvertement refusée de venir discuter avec le groupe et a été à la limite de la correction et de la grossièreté.Pour un cadre de l'entreprise c'est du top !
-Nous avions demandés un transfert en avion en fin de circuit de Chiangmaï/ Phuket direct, mais nous avons eu un vol Chiangmaï/Bangkok et un autre vol Bangok/Phuket ! Incompréhensible et des heures de perdues en attente et transfert.
A part ces péripéties qui auraient pu nous gâcher le voyage, nous avons pris cela comme des erreurs de jeunesse, en espérant qu'ils se serviront de nos mésaventures pour les prochains groupes.
Il y a eu du positif quand même, durant notre séjour.
-Les guides étaient supers, très instruits et parlant couramment le Français, très intéressants dans leurs explications.
Le circuit lui même était bien équilibré, avec des distances raisonnables et des rencontres fortuites avec des populations locales où il n'y avait pas trop de touristes.
Le choix de hôtels bien pensé assez prés des quartiers animés ou vraiment dépaysants.
Fin de mon commentaire sur Thaïlande Evasion, avec qui je ne repartirai certainement pas.
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. ;-)
For those wondering about driving: no problem at all. The road network is excellent, with plenty of four-lane highways.
Driving is easy if you're careful. Avoid driving at night and stay alert around two-wheelers.
I’ve been driving there since 2016—I’m no spring chicken—and I’ve covered Thailand from north to south and east to west, even Bangkok. Maps.me and vigilance are all you need...
It gives you incredible freedom and lets you discover places that aren’t too crowded yet.
Hi there,
As mentioned earlier, we're heading off for a month to explore some parts of Thailand in July/August, and I’ve got a few practical questions I’m hoping you can help with based on your experiences. Thanks in advance!
- Can you choose the denominations at exchange bureaus/ATMs? How do you avoid ending up with only 1000-baht notes when exchanging large sums?
- If not, is there an easy way to get change? Any alternatives to buying stuff at 7-Eleven?
- Can you buy train tickets from Thonburi to Kanchanaburi in advance? Is there usually space available, considering some people do the Death Railway day trip from Bangkok to Sai Yok Noi?
- Is there room for luggage on the trains to Kanchanaburi? We’ll be traveling as a group of four with two large checked-baggage-sized suitcases (25 kg each).
- Kanchanaburi: Most day tours allow around 3 hours at Erawan Falls. Is that enough, or is it worth spending the whole day there, especially at the start of the rainy season when it’s a bit greener?
- In Sam Roi Yot, are there taxis/Grab/Bolt available for exploring the surrounding areas? I’d appreciate any numbers or addresses.
- Does True (7-Eleven) have good coverage across Thailand, from Sam Roi Yot to Chiang Rai, or should we go with AIS?
- In Bangkok, if you need to switch BTS lines, do you need a new ticket, or can you change lines as long as you don’t exit the station?
Happy to provide any additional details if needed.
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!
Hello,
After a lot of searching, exchanging ideas, and thinking it over, I’ve decided to go back to my original plan of spending two weeks in Bangkok. From January 19th to February 2nd. I’ll also take a quick trip for one night/two days to Ayutthaya (and return to Bangkok, where I’ll have kept the apartment I booked), and possibly the same for Kanchanaburi, depending on how I feel once I’m there—whether I find something more interesting in Bangkok or nearby.
The key word is: taking my time to take photos, observe, taste, savor (in every sense of the word), and most importantly, not rushing.
Beyond the must-see tourist spots, I’d love to wander around the city and maybe within a 40 to 50 km radius for a day trip to discover unusual and lesser-known streets, houses, temples, markets, gardens, and more.
I’ll also be spending two weeks in Chiang Mai and two weeks in Nan.
I’m open to any suggestions. Thank you so much!
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!
My husband and I are planning a trip to Thailand from January 2 to 10.
Departure from Brussels on January 1 – arriving in Bangkok at 6:00 AM on January 2.
Departure from Bangkok on January 11 at 2:00 AM, arriving in Brussels at 1:25 PM the same day.
For professional and personal reasons, we can’t extend the trip.
I don’t plan on just lounging on a beach in Phuket, so with 9 days on the ground, I know it’s short... But having done this before in Hong Kong and Shanghai, I know it’s doable, refreshing, and enjoyable. We did it with the kids and included a 2- or 3-day stay at Disneyland in each city. Basically, we spent 5-6 days in each city.
Anyway, I’m reaching out because I’ve heard and read so many conflicting opinions that my head is spinning.
Following the saying, "don’t bite off more than you can chew," I’m assuming I should keep it simple.
So I’m torn between just Bangkok or Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
If I go with the second option, I’m debating whether to head straight to Chiang Mai on the day we arrive (but given the flight times, we’d lose pretty much the whole day) or spend two days in Bangkok first, then go to Chiang Mai for 3-4 days, and return to Bangkok.
Bonjour, J'ai vu sur le site «Trip Advisor» une excursion à Chiang Rai organisée par « Yada travel Chiang Rai » pour 1000 Baths. Visite du Temple Blanc, Black house, et surtout, Long Neck village qui m'intéresse particulièrement. J'aimerais savoir si cette agence est fiable. Habituellement, je passe par Expédia pour mes excursions, mais ce n'est pas offert sur leur site. Y a-t-il d'autres activités intéressantes à Chiang Rai en novembre. Merci.
Bonjour,
Je recherche un retour d'expérience récent sur la location de voiture en Isan pour novembre prochain (recommandé par le GR !)
Agences internationales plutôt que locales ? Itinéraires ? Documents, le permis international est il suffisant ?
Merci d'avance
PS j'ai circulé pendant 15 jours au Sri Lanka, l'an dernier
Je retourne fin novembre jusqu'à fin décembre en Thaïlande, ou je resterai basé sur Jomtien ou j'y ai un trouvé en juin un hotel bien sympa et calme et suis devenu pote avec les gérants .
Et de Jomtien, visiter d'autres endroits pas trop éloignés, mais surtout à aller en Isan via l'aéroport de Pattaya UTP vers khon kaen pour me rendre à Chum phae .
Pourquoi chum phae ? Tout simplement parce que ma copine thaie y a sa maison et famille près de chayaiaphum, à 7 kms de Chum phae.
Je regarde donc pour un hotel sympa sur chum phae (choix très limité lol )pour un séjour entre 5 et 7 jours max .
Car j'ai toujours voulu découvrir l' Isan, et de ce que je vois Chum phae n'est pas le meilleur des coins en Isan et pas grand choses à voir et faire... . Ma fiancée Thaie m'a déjà prévenu et me dis que je risque de ne pas aimer , pas de 7/11, etc....
Quelqu'un connait cet endroit et pourrais me conseiller ce que pourrais visiter et découvrir dans cette région, et pas trop éloigné ?
A savoir que je ne compte pas faire de trop longs trajet , genre 4 heures et + de routes .
Elle m'a parlé de Loei qui serait à 2h de route . donc pourquoi pas Loei déjà .
Merci d'avance , je suis preneur de tous conseils pour cette région qui n'a pas l'air très prisée, si je ne me trompe pas, car je ne connais pas du tout :)
bonjour
nous ferons un circuit en thailande en avril 2020 pendant 2 semaines.
vol arrivée et départ en thailande à Bangkok
visite de Bangkok
montée vers le nord en passant par kanchanaburi, ayuttaya, sukhotai, chiang rai, chiang mai.
vol chiang mai-phuket
baie de phang gna
et pour terminer le périple nous voulons trouver un petit coin de paradis au bord de mer/océan pour voir de beaux paysages, se détendre, nager et plonger avec masque et tuba.
Le problème c'est que je trouve de tout comme avis, du bon , du mauvais, une info et son contraire et je ne sais plus quoi penser.
je lis dans plusieurs posts que les îles de thailande qui étaient paradisiaques ne le sont plus, que ce sont des poubelles, qu'elles sont détruites par le tourisme de masse, que les coraux sont morts, que les poissons ne sont plus là, que l'on ne peut être que déçus...
Alors si vous avez fait un voyage en thailande récemment, dites-moi si c'est vrai, s'il vous plait.
ou bien donnez-moi une lueur d'espoir en me donnant une adresse, un lieu encore préservé où il reste quelques poissons colorés et exotiques à voir.
Est-ce que les requins et les tortues dont tout le monde parle sont là ou pas? si oui où sont-ils? Ou bien est-ce du bluff purement commercial?
We have the opportunity to get away for a little two-week trip at the very beginning of January, just the two of us, without our kids. Because of the kids, we haven’t traveled much in Asia, so we’d love to take advantage of their absence to explore Thailand. Even though I’m used to planning our trips, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed this time.
We’d like to visit Bangkok and head south by renting a car (we have an international driver’s license, and my husband has driven on the left before). I’ve managed to sketch out a rough itinerary that might work for us, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
To set the scene: we haven’t booked anything yet, we don’t like spending hours on the beach (though a little time at the end of the day is fine), we love walking and sightseeing, and what we enjoy most is being independent (so if we can avoid group tours, that’s ideal).
After that intro, here’s the rough outline of our itinerary:
Day 0: Paris-Bangkok flight
Days 1, 2, and 3: Bangkok (Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Arun, markets, boat ride through the khlongs, Jim Thompson House)
Day 4: Ayutthaya
Day 5: Pick up a rental car and head to Sam Roi Yot
Day 6: Sam Roi Yot and Prachuap Khiri Khan
Day 7: Drive south – overnight near Surat Thani
Day 8: Uthayan Tham Khao Na Nai, then drive to Ao Nang (staying near Tubkaek)
Days 9 and 10: Boat trips (Railay, Ko Hong, etc.)
Day 11: Drive to Phang Nga with a few stops along the way
Day 12: Boat tour (mangroves and Ko Tapu)
Day 13: Drive to Phuket Airport and return flight
A few questions and doubts:
- I’d considered Cheow Lan Lake but read some not-so-great reviews (crowds, just 3 viewpoints, and the rest was meh). What do you think?
- Can we start from Ao Thalane Pier for trips to Ko Hong and Ko Tapu?
- I’m not thrilled about driving through Bangkok, but I’m not sure where to rent a car west of the city (since we won’t return it to the same place, I assume it’s best to target rental companies at airports).
Thanks in advance for any tips or feedback you can share to help me (or not 😛) refine this plan before I start booking!
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 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
