plan a trip to thailand: destination guide 🇹🇭
see the land of smiles for yourself (it's as good as everyone says)
Thailand is commonly referred to as the land of smiles and for good reason. In my humble opinion, it offers an unbeatable combination; Thai people are incredibly hospitable and kind, the food is spicy and delicious in equal measures and the natural beauty? Don’t get me started.
It’s no wonder it’s been one of the most popular tourist destinations for decades. Regardless of whether you want to spend two weeks on the beach in Phuket, or you’d rather get lost in the thick jungles of the northern regions, Thailand has your perfect holiday ready and waiting.
I was fortunate enough to spend 7 weeks (!) exploring Thailand. Everywhere was part of the popular backpacking route, meaning if you’re looking for underappreciated locations this probably won’t be the guide for you. Saying that Thailand is a HUGE country, so, pick and choose the places that excite you the most - I’ve added in a few places I haven’t yet been able to visit that look incredible!
So without further ado…
This is a mega one, so if you’d like to read my full guide head over to the substack website or read via the app <3 thanks!
my itinerary 🗺️
Bangkok - The bustling capital city, bursting with night markets, cosy cafes, and historic Thai sites such as Wat Pho and the reclining Buddha (4 days)
Chiang Mai - Thailand’s northern second city and foodie capital, it’s also a jumping-off point for visiting the remote jungle, waterfalls and glittering temples (5 days)
Pai - The rural hippy backpacker town surrounded by rice paddies and rolling mountains, loved for its walking street, hot springs and party bars (5 days)
Chaing Rai - Set only a short distance from Laos, this city is a fab stopover if you’re planning to cross the border and explore the neighbouring country, Chaing Rai is famous for its array of temples and nearby tea plantations
Phuket - Thailand’s largest Island and hub for holiday-makers, home to a picture-perfect colourful old town and stretching white sandy beaches (3 days)
Koh Phi Phi - These islands are slowly becoming the country’s most popular best destination, this remote archipelago offers crystal clear waters, soaring limestone cliffs and Maya Bay, aka, the setting of Leonardo Dicaprido’s movie The Beach (4 days) (4 days)
Railay Beach - Maybe the nicest beach I visited in Thailand, Railay Beach can only be accessed by a thrilling long-tailed boat ride across the bay, which means you’ll have to wade waist-deep into the sea — suitcase travellers, you have been warned! (3 days)
Koh Tao - Heaven is a place on earth, and I know because Koh Tao exists. The smallest out of the triad of islands in the Thailand Gulf, this spot is heaven for budding and experienced scuba divers alike (7 days)
Koh Pha Ngan - The middle child, Pha Ngan is the perfect for two things: relaxing on the beach and partying all night long (3 days)
Koh Sumi - Sumi is the largest of all three islands, and coincidentally the third largest Islands in all of Thailand - it’s got a bit of everything, tropical greenery, white sandy beaches and plenty of nightlife to keep you entertained (3 days)
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key info ✍️
Currency: Thai Baht — £1 = 45 TBH
Language: Thai
Religion: Primarily Buddhist
Visas: British passport holders are elegible for a to get a 60-day visa on arrival for no cost, then extend for an additional 30 days (total of 90) while in the country — you may be asked for evidence of onward travel (coach, plane or train ticket) to gain entry
snaps from koh sumi Weather: It’s hot and humid for most of the year, experiencing two distinct monsoon seasons — the Northeast Monsoon (nov to march) and the Southwest Monsoon (may to sept) however these are being increasingly affected by climate change
LGBTQ+: I can hand on heart say that I felt totally safe as an LGBTQ+ traveller during my travels through Thailand. It is the most queer-friendly country in the region, with an open culture, in fact, in June of this year (2024) Thailand’s Senate passed a bill to legalise same-sex marriage. Gender fluidity and transpeople are commonly represented and seen in popular culture and nightlife. However, always air caution and apply safe travel measures where possible and discrimination happens everywhere
my highlights! 🍜
Trekking through the Thai Jungle - One thing you should know about me is that I was a cub scout as a kid, consequently, my idea of fun was formed around campfires and outdoorsy adventures. Unsurprisingly, I bloody loved my first multi-day trip to the lush forests of Namtok Mae Surin National Park in Northern Thailand. I booked a tour with San from Abuja Trekking who guided us on a 3-hour hike through the jungle to Karen Hill Tribe village where we stayed overnight.
There, we cooked up a delicious dinner followed by plenty of guitar songs and beers (yes, somebody sang Wonderwall) The next morning we started the day with a refreshing dip in the river, and breakfast accompanied by the sounds of the jungle before setting sail downstream on handmade bamboo rafts.
Food tour around Chiang Mai - Another major highlight from Northern Thailand was without a doubt the food. If you consider yourself a foodie, get yourself on a walking tour around the city of Chaing Mai. We would found one through Guruwalks which combined local history with the culinary culture of the region, tasting treats such as กล้วยแขก Gluay kag (Thai Fried Bananas), ขนมเบื้อง Khanom Buang (Sweet Thai Pancakes) and ขนมไข่นกกระทา Khanom khai nok kratha (Panfried Quail’s eggs) Beyond the tour, you’ve got to try Khao Soi, a coconut broth curry with noodles, chicken or tofu which is literally my new death-row meal.
Scuba diving in Koh Tao - I fulfilled so many childhood dreams on my Southeast Asia trip, but the absolute pinnacle was learning to scuba dive. Nothing compares to spending an hour deep underwater, bobbing around spotting orange clownfish as they buzz around anemones, stingrays hiding in rocky crags and great schools of Trevally zooming past you.
The small island of Koh Tao is one of the cheapest and best places on the planet to get your Open Water certification — The warm temperatures year-round combined with sheltered dive sights are super beginner-friendly, plus there are so many great dive shops to choose from. I opted for Big Blue and had a swimmingly smooth experience.
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The staff and instructors were incredibly clear communicators, prioritising safety and education as well as fun throughout the 3-day course. We started practical lessons in the onsite pool, mastering breathing, mask clearing and safety drills. Alongside this, we learnt the theory about the physics and dangers of diving.
Honestly, I haven’t been able to dive since my trip to Asia and I’m hoping I’ll be able to afford a few on my upcoming Mexico trip because it’s the best thing I’ve ever done!
my thai bucketlist 🌙💭
As I’ve already mentioned, Thailand is a pretty big country, roughly twice the size of the UK. Here are a few things that I’d still like to do and see in Thailand, and that you may want to squeeze into your itinerary…
Sleep on a floating bungalow at Khao Sok National Park - Located on the Southern peninsula of Thailand, only a few hours away from Phuket, Khao Sok National Park is home to the crystal blue Cheow Lan Lake. Keen explorers can spend a few days exploring the park via the waterways, kayaking, swimming and even sleeping on the lake!
Visit the Bridge over the River Khwae Yai Kanchanaburi - Historians may recognise this name, although not ‘Instagram-able’ I think this sight is a super important relic of past horrors of war. 60,000 or so Allied prisoners of war, including British, Australian, Dutch and some US troops, alongside more than 200,000 civilian labourers were pressed into service of building the Burma-Siam railway. Forced labourers were labourers taken from the populations of Japan-conquered territories. Nearby there are also fantastic turquoise Erawan waterfalls in Kanchanaburi, a pleasant break from the history lessons.
See the ancient temples of Ayutthaya & Lopburi - Often referred to as the city of monkeys, Lopburi is home to the beautiful temple of Prang Sam Yot. The 13th-century Angkorian temple was built to showcase the prestige of the Khmer Empire and holds up today. It’s gained the nickname ‘the monkey temple’ thanks to its large number of hairy residents.
I’d also want to visit the Old City of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site which was founded in 1350 as the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. Here you’ll archaeological ruins including tall prang (reliquary towers) and Buddhist monasteries. History buffs will be happy to learn that both are only a short distance from Bangkok, meaning you could add an overnight stop to Lopburi en route to Chaing Mai, or even a day trip to Ayutthaya.
accommodation suggestions 🏡
I was backpacking on a budget and enjoyed almost all of the spots I stayed in Malaysia. My only major flag would be Perhentian Islands: There were two types of accommodations there, super bougie or incredibly basic. I arrived during a thunderstorm and opted for the first place which was very leaky and filled with mosquitos. If you have the cash I’d splash out on one of the resorts.
budget options
Bangkok - Lamphu House Bangkok or Bed Station (If you’re looking for near Khao San Rd) - But personally, I’ll be opting for The Yard in the laidback Ari neighbourhood which offers more chilled vibes, it offers private loft rooms and shared dorms
the yard, bangkok Chiang Mai - The Common Hostel
Pai - Villa de Pai (Central location, but bring earplugs)
Chaing Rai - Chian Guesthouse (Very budget but charming)
Phuket Old Town - Capzule Bed
Railey - Blanco Hideout Railay
Koh Phi Phi - Budget is hard to find on Phi Phi, I stayed at Phi Phi Sand Sea View Resort, yes, the room with the Chelsea FC Blankets
Koh Tao - Taco Shack or Live in Leaf
bougie options
Bangkok - Bangkok Publishing Residence is a boutique hotel/museum of wonders or Volve Hotel or Ad Lib Bangkok
Chiang Mai - Hidden Garden Hostel looks like the nicest hostel I’ve ever, who said bougie means breaking the bank! U Chiang Mai is the ultimate premium option in the city centre, or head out of town to Raya Heritage Resort
Pai - Reverie Siam Resort
Chaing Rai - Riva Vista Riverfront Chiang Rai
Phuket Old Town - Hotel Verdigris
Railey - Rayavadee- SHA Extra Plus
Koh Phi Phi - Tucked away in the jungles of Phi Phi, I think I want to honeymoon at Zeavola (Will need to find somebody to marry first, any takers?)
Koh Tao - View Point Resort
my google maps 🗺️
So, planning your trip to Thailand? Save my Google Maps list here to check out my recommendations for yourself.
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I love Thailand and wish I’d read your guide before! There’s a lot I missed. I was there for a few weeks back in 2019. Loved the food, and the people were nice but I found many were trying to sell things the whole time. Krabi was my favorite spot to relax.
How incredible!! It looks like such an amazing trip. This guide is just as amazing and so thorough, you can tell how much heart you put into it!