Thailand stands out as one of the leading travel destinations globally, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and budget-friendly options. It’s an ideal choice for travelers looking to save money. The vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere contribute to Thailand’s immense popularity. I spent three weeks exploring both the northern and southern regions. In this blog, I invite you to join me as we explore Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, along with a visit to the Phi Phi Islands. This guide covers everything you need to know to avoid the same pitfalls I encountered!
Getting There
- Traveling from California (USA) to Asia turned into the longest journey of my life, taking over 24 hours. I lost all sense of time and felt incredibly sleep-deprived. In choosing our flight, we aimed to reduce layovers, which is why we selected a one-stop option. This led us to fly out of the nearest international airport, SFO (San Francisco International Airport), located three hours away, but it provided savings by avoiding an additional flight.
- Once we arrive in Thailand, likely at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, I strongly recommend exploring Bangkok, as it holds the title of the most visited city in the world.
- The best time to visit Thailand is generally considered to be from December to February when the weather is warm and sunny. Although the winter months can be quite crowded, I suggest considering a trip in May or June, which tends to be less busy. During my own visit to Thailand in June, I encountered some tourists, but nowhere near the numbers found in other popular summer spots. We didn’t have to pre-book many activities and never felt overwhelmed by large crowds.
Destination 1: Bangkok
The majority of international flights arrive in Bangkok, a city celebrated for its vibrant culture and bustling urban lifestyle. This region is well-known for its stunning temples, lively markets, shopping opportunities, and vibrant nightlife. Bangkok also boasts some hidden gems that provide one-of-a-kind experiences not found anywhere else. Skipping a visit to Bangkok would be a missed opportunity, considering it is the most visited city in the world!
Where to Stay
- While in Thailand, we set out to explore a range of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, Airbnb, and more. In Bangkok, we opted for a private hostel that resembled a cozy hotel room. The hostel offered a variety of room types, and it was a popular choice for many families as well.
- We decided to stay slightly outside the city center for a more budget-friendly option compared to being right in the heart of it all. Fortunately, the abundance of taxis and scooters made transportation easy and convenient.
- We stayed at the Chern Hostel.
What to See and Do
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market *Go with a tourguide
- Lumphini Park – the “Central Park of Bangkok”
- The Grand Palace
- Iconsiam – “the mall of all malls”
- Wat Arun
- Manohra River Cruise
- Klong Bang Luang Floating Market
Where to Eat and Drink
- Jelly Fish Bar (Tichuca Bar)
- Above Eleven
- Toby’s on Sukhumvit 38
Destination 2: Phuket & Phi Phi Islands
Phuket is a lively town filled with tourists, and while its beaches may not rival those of the Phi Phi Islands, its charm is found in its contemporary restaurants and vibrant nightlife. It’s an ideal place to connect with locals and meet fellow solo travelers. Known for its energetic ambiance, this city offers a unique experience, especially since many rural cities in Thailand lack such nightlife.
Where to Stay
- During my time in Phuket, I opted for a moderately nice hotel due to its affordability. My friend and I decided to stay in the Patong Region since it is conveniently located near the clubs and city center. We chose Wyndham Resort primarily for its private hot tubs, which was a significant factor in our decision. While there are certainly better accommodation options available, we couldn’t secure rooms in our preferred choices because we didn’t book in advance.
What to See and Do
- Old Phuket Town
- Big Buddha
- Wat Chaithararam (Wat Chalong)
- Monkey Hill Viewpoint
- Freedom beach
Where to Eat and Drink
- Three Monkeys
- Ma Doo Bua Cafe – famous for its giant floating Amazonica leaves, a popular backdrop for photos.
- Phuket Town Market
- Mom Tri’s Kitchen
- Black Ginger
Overnight day trip to Phi Phi Islands:
When visiting Phuket, I highly suggest taking a speedboat to spend a few nights at the Phi Phi Islands. Phi Phi is a compact, walkable island featuring breathtaking beaches and vibrant nightlife. There are also tours available to gorgeous nearby spots that are perfect for capturing that Instagram-worthy Thailand vacation. I strongly recommend staying a few nights in the Phi Phi Islands; while it is possible to visit in a single day, it can be quite overwhelming. Personally, I found the Phi Phi Islands more enjoyable than Phuket, so I chose to spend more time there.
Destination 3: Chaing Mai & Chaing Rai
Chiang Mai undoubtedly stands out as a remarkable destination in Thailand. This city is home to a beautiful humane elephant sanctuary, vibrant local markets, and an overall uplifting cultural ambiance. Nestled amidst lush greenery and away from the coast, it offers an incredible experience in a truly surreal environment. Many travelers often overlook the North of Thailand, focusing primarily on coastal attractions. However, there are countless places in the North that deserve a spot on your bucket list. During our time in Chiang Mai, we dedicated one day to exploring Chiang Rai, which completely amazed me and turned out to be an easier day trip than anticipated. I highly recommend a visit!
Where to Stay
- While in Chiang Mai, we decided to stay at a private hostel in the heart of the city, known as the Hidden Garden Hostel. In search of a more upscale experience, we picked a hostel that featured two beds, an open kitchen, and a pool.
- I recommend staying within the town like we did, as it allows for easier walking to various destinations and offers more opportunities to explore. Traffic can be quite hectic, so relying on taxis for every trip may not be the most convenient option.
What to See and Do
- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
- Chiang Mai Kalae Night Bazaar
- Personalized Passport
- Wat Phan Tao – Temple
- Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall
Where to Eat and Drink
- Huen Muan Jai
- Carp Cafe
- Mars cafe
- Street Food @ Kalare Night Market
Chaing Rai Day Trip
- Chiang Rai is renowned for its intricate temples, including Wat Rong Khun, also known as the “White Temple,” and Wat Rong Suea Ten, referred to as the “Blue Temple.” Located about a three-hour drive from Chiang Mai, we chose to take a day trip since we didn’t have enough time for an overnight stay. Renting a car at the airport was a breeze and quite affordable. While buses and tour guides are available for transportation, we prefer a more flexible option.
- This is an experience you won’t want to miss! During your visit, I highly recommend checking out Wat Rong Khun, Wat Rong Suea Ten, and Lalitta Cafe, which is famous online for its enchanting fairy waterfall. If you plan to stay overnight or extend your visit beyond a day, there are certainly more activities to explore. These are just my top recommendations, so be sure to research additional attractions.
Practical Tips
- Feel empowered to embark on solo travel adventures or stay in hostels in Thailand, as the country is incredibly welcoming to solo travelers and is considered a safe destination, even for women traveling alone.
- The easiest way to get around Thailand is through Grab, which is similar to Uber and offers scooter (“tuk tuk”) or car options. Riding scooters is not only a fun experience but also budget-friendly.
- Tip: To get accustomed to the app and its features, be sure to download it before your trip.
- While Thailand is generally safe, travelers might face health issues related to food and water sources.
- Be sure to take necessary health precautions and consider obtaining health insurance during your stay.
Cultural Insights
- Thailand is a sought-after destination for gender-affirming surgery, particularly in cities like Phuket and Bangkok. It’s important to be aware and considerate, as transgender individuals often face significant discrimination in Thailand, so kindness is essential.
- Additionally, Thailand has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Asia and the Pacific, with a notable impact on the under-25 age group.
- Show respect for Thailand’s rich religious culture by dressing modestly. While the country is accustomed to tourists, it’s crucial to cover up when visiting towns and temples. Many temples may require you to purchase additional clothing if your knees and shoulders are not covered.
- Savor authentic Thai cuisine at local markets. Personally, I enjoyed dishes featuring noodles, rice, eggs, meat, and vegetables. This affordable dining option is perfect for those on a budget.
- Keep in mind that some beach access may require an entrance fee; always carry cash, as it is the only accepted payment method.
- If possible, obtain local currency (Thai Baht) in advance, as we did, which saved us a great deal of time. While credit cards are commonly accepted, having extra cash on hand is handy, especially since tipping is customary.
Thailand is an exceptional destination that enchants visitors with its breathtaking beauty and rich culture. It’s always at the top of my list when someone seeks travel recommendations. I hope you had an amazing experience discovering Thailand, and don’t hesitate to explore my other blog posts while you’re here!
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