Guide to Thailand
Thailand is by far our favourite country in the world! Between us we have travelled to Thailand 5 times, one of those times we travelled together. With its lush jungles, famous beaches, friendly locals, great food, snorkelling, diving and cheap prices it keeps drawing us back for more!
Arrival
There are many ways to arrive in Thailand such as; by plane, bus or boat depending or where you have come from or where you are going too.
Visa
Many countries are exempt from Visa Requirements in Thailand and will be granted a stay of up to 30 days. See here for a full list of countries this applies to.
Getting Around
Like everything in Thailand, getting around is cheap! Travelling by bus is the cheapest method of transport followed by Uber and Grab taxis. Tuk-tuks can be expensive so be sure to negotiate a price before hopping aboard. Taxis can be corrupt setting their meters high so be sure to check before you get in or negotiate a price beforehand.
Where to go?
It can be hard to know where to go in Thailand, especially if you are going for a couple of weeks you simply cannot see everything. Here is a little guide of our favourite places in order to help you plan your trip!
Bangkok
Welcome to the capitol of Thailand! A place that is not everyones cup of tea but the more we return the more we love the place! Many travellers use Bangkok as a gateway to get to the islands or as a stop-over before they leave – Its a great place to stock up on clothes, fakes and gifts either way!
What to see and do? Visit temples, the Kings Palace, Bangkok Zoo, get a tuk-tuk ride, go shopping at the markets, eat delicious Thai street food, get a massage, explore the nightlife or take a river boat tour.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand and with its friendly locals and many activities, it is quickly becoming a base for many travellers.
What to see and do? Explore the many temples, incredible food markets, go jungle trekking, visit the elephant nature park, go white water rafting, zip-lining and bargain at the night bazaar.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui has grown as a tourist attraction but it is still a great place to escape the craziness of larger cities. It is a place for every type of traveller – With beaches bungalows for couples seeking a romantic getaway, big complexes for families and hostels for budget travellers. Samui is great for those wanting to miss Bangkok as you can fly straight to the island and it is really easy to boat hop from here to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
What to see and do? Hire a scooter or tuk-tuk and explore the whole island. Eat at the street markets, watch a fire show on the beach, check out the nightlife in town, go shopping and relax on the beaches.
Koh Phangan
Being home to the Half and Full Moon party, Koh Phangan has a reputation of being the party island – And yes it sure does throw a great party! However the island also a romantic getaway and a great place for those seeking a little adventure.
What to see and do? Go to the half or full moon party, zip line, quad bike, visit the temples, watch a Thai boxing match, get a boat trip to the national park, snorkel, learn to cook, trek to a waterfall, eat at the street markets and get a Thai massage.
* We highly recommend staying at Santhiya Resort if you are looking for a romantic getaway!
Koh Tao
The little island of Koh Tao (also known as turtle island) is smaller and less developed than Koh Samui and Koh Phangan and makes for a perfect relaxing getaway. Its a haven for scuba divers or for those looking to achieve their diving certificate as the small island has over 50 dive shops! There is a lot of choice on the island for dive schools, instructors and sites so if you fancy a dip into the deep blue, this is the place for you!
What to see and do? Snorkel, dive, swim with Blacktip Reef Sharks at Shark Bay, paddle board, check out the many amazing viewpoints like the ever popular Nang Yuan and enjoy a fire show on the beach with dinner or drinks.
Get out
Fancy something a bit different? While you are so close, why not take a trip across the boarder to the stunning Cambodia.
