Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world because of its paradisiacal beaches, rich culture, and fairly safe and great tourism infrastructure. The magic of Buddhist temples, festivals, and traditions enchant and bring even more “exotic” air to the environment. All at well-priced precincts, which only increase the desire to explore the country from north to south, through its islands, waterfalls, and magnificent forests – some even inhabited by elephants! Check out our roadmap with essential tips on how to travel around Thailand.
How to get to Thailand
You will need to make at least one connection. Most routes have stops in Europe (Air China, Swiss, Lufthansa), Africa (Ethiopian) or Middle East (Qatar and Emirates).
Ticket prices for Thailand vary according to the season and airline of your choice. Finding lower flight rates is difficult, but not impossible. Cheap flight deals to Thailand can come at any time. Not only to Thailand from other countries, but cheap flights between cities in Thailand, for example from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are also affordable.
Airport departure, visa, and vaccine
We don’t need a tourist visa to enter Thailand. The yellow fever vaccine card is compulsory though. You must present it upon arrival at the Health Control desk. You will need to fill out a form, get a stamp and then be released to the immigration queue. It is possible to be vaccinated at the airport at the cost of 700 baht ($23).
What’s great is that Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport has an Airport Rail Link to the city center. The hours of operation are from 6 am to midnight, with rates ranging from 15 to 45 baht, depending on the distance.
Taxis are available on the first floor of the airport, but you will need to get in line and get a password from the surrounding machines. Require the taximeter. There is a 50 baht fee to be added at the end of the race.
Thailand travel map and route
When it comes to setting up your itinerary, how many days you are planning to spend in Thailand will depend on your travel style and what you want to do.
There are those who have only one week in the country, which is hardly enough to explore the capital of Bangkok and some beaches. Other travelers reserve at least twenty days, which is the recommended minimum for exploring all regions.
Check out our script suggestion in Thailand:
Bangkok
Bangkok is a big, modern city full of attractions! Please, do set aside at least 3 full days to explore it.
Wake up early on the first day and visit the city’s main temples. The Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and the Grand Palace are not to be missed!
In the afternoon, it’s worth checking out Wat Traimit, a sanctuary famous for housing the largest solid gold statue in the world!
One of Bangkok’s symbols, Wat Arun is a grand temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River that guarantees great picture-perfect moment during sunset.
For those who prefer more loud music and entertainment, Khaosan Road is nice. Known as “the world capital of backpackers”, this street has 410 meters of pure entertainment! Check out the exotic products from creative local vendors, take a break for a Thai massage, and be sure to try the infamous Thai drink bald and scorpion skewers of dubious origin. It’s a must.
If you want something more sophisticated and less noisy, Asiatique is ideal. A riverfront night fair that draws crowds every night in search of fine dining and shopping opportunities. It even has a 60-meter high Ferris Wheel, guaranteed fun for the whole family if you are traveling with your loved ones!
On the second day, book a guided tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Train Fair, two exotic and popular attractions. Guaranteed spectacular photos! If you are looking for a more cultural activity, make a round trip around the ruins of the ancient capital Ayutthaya. The archaeological park reserves several remnants of a glorious era with centuries-old temples and statues.
Finish the day in style by watching the sunset from a rooftop bar! Hotel Lebua’s “Sky Bar” is undoubtedly the most famous, featured in the movie “Don’t Drink.”
Other equally luxurious and less touristy options are the Vertigo & Moon Bar (Banyan Tree) and the brand new Mahanakhon SkyWalk, in Bangkok’s tallest tower.
For those who want to spend less but not overlook the privileged view, the great dining options Bayoke and Brewski, which specializes in craft beers, are great alternatives!
Leave buying the souvenirs to the last day –– Bangkok is home to some of the largest malls in the world, such as Central World, Siam Paragon, MBK, and the brand new Iconsiam. On Saturdays and Sundays, the gigantic Chatuchak Market is also a great choice. Just be careful not to get lost there!
Chiang Mai
Just north of the country and far from the coast, Chiang Mai enchants with its preserved nature, cultural activities and contagious peace. If you have some time and want to experience “the real Thailand”, far beyond the beaches, it is worth visiting the city and seeing the best it has to offer.
Thailand beaches
It is impossible to talk about Thailand without mentioning its paradisiacal beaches!
Thailand’s most famous beaches are in the South. So it is common to fly to Krabi and Phuket (Andaman Sea) or Koh Samui (Gulf of Thailand), destinations with hotel infrastructure, airport and frequent flights from Bangkok. Koh Samui Luxury Villas offer great places to stay too and in addition to local attractions, it is also possible to explore other islands around, such as the trendy Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tao, among other destinations.
There are countless fascinating places to visit but the three above are considered to represent the sensation of traveling in the Thousand Pagoda Land.
What are you waiting for? Get ready to travel to Thailand soon!
picture source | pexels