Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia with fascinating attractions, from lush natural sceneries such as sandy beaches and lovely waterfalls to modern cosmopolitan cities teeming with great shopping centers. The country has a reputation for hedonism which attracts numerous backpackers and holiday-makers. It offers a memorable experience for anyone seeking to experience its rich history, unique culture, friendly locals, and interesting quirks.

Weather and Peak Seasons

Thailand has a tropical climate with cool, hot, and rainy seasons. Most tourists commonly visit Thailand between November and February since this is the period when the weather is not too hot and it rains the least. Additionally, it’s the major season for festivals like Loi Krathong. However, the cool season is generally the peak tourist season, so flights to Thailand and accommodation on islands and resorts are more expensive especially in December. It also tends to get crowded in popular tourist attractions like the Floating Market and the Grand Palace.

In the northern provinces, the hot season occurs from March to May while the rainy season starts from June until July. The secondary peak tourist season is in July and August. If you prefer to travel during less crowded and less costly months, you may want to consider visiting from April to June and from September to October. The rainy season roughly starts from July until October. During this period, there are fewer tourists due to hour-long downpours in some areas. Still, this season reveals verdant landscape and vegetation amidst cool temperatures, and many hotels and guest-houses slash their accommodation rates as much as 50 percent.

Flying to Thailand

You may find best travel tickets from all major airlines here.

How to Get Around in Thailand

Transportation in Thailand is diverse and very affordable. Here are the most common forms of reaching places within cities:

* By Train

The railway network of Thailand is extensive. It covers the entire nation, from the Northern city of Chiang Mai to the Southern city of Had Yai. You can explore every corner conveniently at cheap rates. The main drawback of traveling by train though is the slow speed. But for most tourists, this only enhances the picturesque journey along the captivating jungle-laden countryside.

* By Bus

Traveling by bus is the most popular and cost-effective way to travel long distances in Thailand. The country has a well-organized bus system that links the cities and provinces efficiently. There are various types of local buses swarming the cities including tour and VIP class buses. However, buses can be crowded since these are the premier choice of travel of most people.

* By Car

If that is your thing, you can rent your car here from selection of the best car rental companies.

* By Domestic Flights

The domestic flight system is the most convenient form of transportation within Thailand. There are 28 commercial airports that offer flights throughout the nation. The ticket prices are still affordable although more costly than other types of transport. If you’re after comfortable and quick journey, then traveling by plane is a good option.

* Alternative Transport

Other means of transportation include motorbikes, taxi, van, and boats in canals and rivers. There are also innovative and fun ways to travel such as tuk-tuk, songthaew, vanpool, and even elephants in rural regions.

Thai Cuisine

Thailand features one of the finest cuisines in the world and offers a wide variety of restaurants that serve global cuisines such as Middle Eastern, Japanese, and Italian. Thai cooking blends elements of different Southeast Asian traditions and emphasizes on lightly prepared dishes with spices. For food adventurers, there are also lots of street foods with unique local delicacies.

Money and Costs

Thailand is an affordable country for most foreigners thanks to advantageous foreign currency rates. Baht is the basic unit of Thai currency. To change money, you can go to banks or private moneychangers. US dollar, Euro, and British pound are typically the most accepted currencies when purchasing baht.

Top Destinations

Thailand is the place to see azure beaches, seaside cliffs, waterfalls, lush mountains, and elephants among other exciting attractions. Here are some of the most commonly visited Thai spots:

Bangkok

As the capital of the country, Bangkok is unsurprisingly crowded. It attracts millions of tourists every year, many of which are looking for a hedonistic vacation lifestyle. Foreigners’ first impressions aren’t always positive since the city bears a poor reputation for pollution and congestion. Nonetheless, Bangkok is famous for its historical sights, the well-known canals commonly called the “Venice of the East,” wonderful food, great shopping, and extraordinary nightlife. Some of the most incredible places of interest that Bangkok visitors shouldn’t missinclude the bejewelled Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Po (huge reclining Buddha), and the infamous Patpong Night Market.

The Floating Market

Damoen Saduk Floating Market in Thailand (Courtesy of <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ahoerstemeier">Ahoerstemeier</a>

Damoen Saduk Floating Market in Thailand (Courtesy of Ahoerstemeier

Located on the Damneon Saduak Canal, this major tourist spot is an interesting place to see traditional trading in Thailand before the modernization times. It’s a fun experience as you have to hail down a narrow boat if you want to buy something. The region also boasts lots of orchards, vineyards, and flourishing local businesses that you can see as you ride a canal boat towards the market.

Chiang Mai

Chaing Mai is a calm, spiritual city with numerous temples, craft shops, local restaurants offering the country’s finest delicacies, and lots of Thai massage parlors. It’s also an ideal base for mountain treks.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

San Kamphaeng is home to the best hot springs in Thailand. The hot springs are popular for their restorative properties as the springs are high in sulfur and are also over 100 degrees centigrade.

The East Coast Islands

Koh Nang Yuan Island (Courtesy of <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kohtao997001.jpg">Samoano</a>)

Koh Nang Yuan Island (Courtesy of Samoano)

Many vacationers and backpackers enjoy touring the Koh Samui and Koh Phangan islands because of the palm tree lined clear sandy beaches and laid back lifestyle of the people. These places abound with bohemian style cafes. Night time is packed with parties however, and may not be idle for Muslims. The good news is, you can get away from all of this and stay in a rather more isolated island, like Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao, which are excellent spots for tourists seeking a more peaceful island vacation.

Railay

Railay is a tropical paradise where you can enjoy scenic views such as towering limestone cliffs, blue waters, and white sand. It’s a lovely secluded beach that can be accessed only by boat. From this area, many backpackers easily take a trip to Phang Nga to get a look at the iconic “James Bond Rock.”

Hin Daeng

Diving at Hin Daeng (Courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jonhanson/">Jon Hanson</a>)

Diving at Hin Daeng (Courtesy of Jon Hanson)

Hin Daeng, which means the Red Rock, is the perfect haven for divers. It’s one of the best diving spots in the country with its beautiful waters, colorful corals, and underwater wonders.

Ayutthaya

Only an hour away from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a historical place that served as an important Siamese kingdom from 1351 to 1767. You can find remains of majestic temples classed by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Overall, Thailand is an interesting and intriguing destination that you’ll most likely find unforgettable. If you’re looking for an inexpensive yet enjoyable place to visit, then Thailand should definitely be on your must-visit list.

Best Way To Book Hotels in Thailand

We believe the best way is to compare hotel prices from different online booking sites, chose the best offer from the site you trust, and book online. You can do all of this here.

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