Thailand Travel – a Beginner’s Guide

Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. In 2018 a whopping 38 million tourists made their way over to The Land of Smiles. Some people complain that Thailand has become overly touristy. I agree that some places are very busy indeed, but Thailand still has so much to offer. I’ve been to Thailand three times, and in this guide I’ll tell you all about the places you can’t miss when you travel to Thailand for the first time.

Where your journey begins: Bangkok!

Your Thailand travel adventure starts in The City of Angels. Bangkok is a true experience in itself and I would recommend staying at least two or three days in this awesome city. You can spend one day exploring the wonderful temples of Wat Arun, Wat Pho and – in this case all that glitters is cold – the Royal Palace.

Other must-do’s you should add to your Bangkok bucket list are exploring Bangkok and its surroundings by bike (I had a great time with Co van Kessel), buy some souvenirs at the hated-by-many Khao San Road (I love it) and taste the delicious Thai Street food. Mmm, just thinking of Pad Thai makes my mouth water….

Please be a smart traveler and don’t go to touristic attractions such as ping-pong shows. Watching girls pull meters long iron chains out of their vajayjays might sound funny (if you’re a bit fucked up, that is), but these ladies are often scarred for life not being able to carry children anymore.

Take a train up North!

Your Thailand travel trip then continues up north. From Bangkok you can take the night train to Chiang Mai. The night train is quite a comfy way to travel and will rock you to sleep within no time.

There are plenty of things to do in and around Chiang Mai. It is well-known for it’s many stunning temples, like the breathtaking Doi Suthep. You can follow a cooking class and learn how to prepare those delicious Thai dishes yourself. Or go to an Elephant Sanctuary to see these majestic animals from up close.

PLEASE NOTE: do your research before goint to an elephant sanctuary! Even though many of these sanctuaries claim they treat their animals well, this is unfortunately not always the case. If you are able to touch or bathe an elephant it means they have been cruelly trained. Please visit the website of World Animal Protection for a list of animal friendly sanctuaries in Thailand.

Pa-pa-pai!

Head further up north to the little hippie village Pai, where you’ll find tranquility, mountains and loads of travelers who came to this place and. never left. Rent a motorbike to explore Pai’s surroundings and visit sights like the Pai Canyon. Or kick back and relax in your hostel or resort.

Tip: the two times I visited Pai I stayed at Pai Chan. Beautiful wooden bungalows situated in a lush green garden with views on the rice fields. And oh, I shouldn’t forget to mention the deeeelicious food! Please know I’m not getting paid to say this and both times I paid the full price for my stay. I just really loved this place 🙂

Beaches? Southbound it is!

Sunbathers and tanorexics: this is what you’ve been waiting for. It is time to travel to the islands of Thailand!

There are many islands that are worth a visit. I personally have been to Koh Chang, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. My two absolute faves were Koh Chang and Koh Lanta, but the other islands are very much worth a visit as well. I’ll tell you a bit about these islands in short so you can decide yourself which one(s) fit your personal travel preferences best.

Koh Chang

Located about 5 hours from Bangkok you’ll find Koh Chang, a beautiful getaway with tons of pretty beaches. The vibe is super friendly and you’ll come across many families enjoying their well deserved holiday here. But party animals are also at the right spot on this island, as the lonely beach area has many bars and clubs where you can dance the night away.

Koh Tao

This island is divers paradise. There are many dive schools where you can get your PADI for nearly nothing and the surrounding reefs are stunning. Koh Tao is also a great place to dance with your bare feet in the sand and a bucket in your hand. The island is quite small, so if you’re not into diving/snorkeling there’s not an awful lot to do except for renting a motorbike to explore this cute little island.

Koh Phangan

You must have heard of the (in)famous full moon party at Koh Phangan. Some people love it, some people hate it. Me? I LOVED IT, and I’m not even that much of a party animal.

Next to a party island, Koh Phangan also has many beautiful and quiet beaches. The island is fairly large so if you’re not into binging buckets you can also find many peaceful hidden spots far away from the hustle ‘n bustle.

Koh Phi Phi

Did I hear someone say party? Ah, yes, Koh Phangan is not the only party island in Thailand. Koh Phi Phi is like Lloret de Mar, Magaluf or Cancun: straight up trashy partying. And no, this time I didn’t like it.

The fact that Phi Phi is kind of ruined because of all trashy party scene is a shame. This island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, like the famous Maya Beach. My advice? Definitely go to Phi Phi but just stay for two nights or so. Unless you love massive hangovers, in that case go to Phi Phi for as long as you like…

Koh Lanta

Ohhh Koh Lanta, with your beautiful long-stretched beaches and stunning sunsets! Koh Lanta is known as ‘the couples island’ and even though there are indeed plenty of lovebirds vacationing here, I can assure you it’s also a great place to go for solo travelers. You can rent a motorbike and explore the island (don’t forget to go to Bamboo Bay) or you can just chill at the beach. There are also a nice couple of bars where you can go for a Chang (or two!)

Whether you’re temple hopping in Bangkok, sunset gazing at Koh Lanta or going for the relaxed vibe in Pai – Thailand is always a good idea. After your trip don’t forget to read my article on 18 things you’ll recognize if you’ve ever been to Thailand and let me know which ones you now recognize as well 🙂

All pictures in this blog post were edited with Eef’s Presets – get yours here.

❤ Eef