(FREE TRAVEL TEMPLATE) Planning A Trip To Thailand: The A-Z Guide On What To See, Do And Pack

If you are planning a trip to Thailand, what should you be aware of? Thailand has just about everything a traveller could wish for. Think turquoise beaches, glittering temples, mouth-watering food and prices that are generally kind to your budget.

In this guide, you will find an available Thailand itinerary, the best places to visit, an idea of travel costs, a packing list, and plenty of tips to help you stay safe and get along well. And do not forget to grab our downloadable complete Thailand travel guide at the end of the article.

What is the best month to visit Thailand?

Just ask the locals, “Which month is best for a Thailand trip?” and most will tell you it’s from November to February. The days are dry, the air feels fresh, and the heat is much easier to handle. The only thing is, this is peak season, so flights and hotels can get a bit more expensive, especially around the New Year.

That doesn’t mean the rest of the year is off-limits. Thailand is warm all year, and each season has its own feel. It really comes down to what you’re looking for.

From March to May, it gets hot, properly hot. Some days are sticky, some are dry, and you’ll probably want to slow your pace. But this is also when the cherry blossoms bloom in the north, and in April, the whole country celebrates Songkran, the water festival.

If you prefer to save money, June to October is the low season. Rain is common, and the skies can be grey, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy. Just be careful if you’re planning to hop between islands, as rough seas sometimes mean ferries are cancelled at the last minute.

Big Buddha of Paknam Temple (Bangkok). Photo by dron285 on Adobe Stock

How Many Days Is Enough For Thailand?

It really depends on what you want to do and how much travelling around you’re happy with. Some people say five days is enough, but in truth, that barely scratches the surface.

A week is the absolute minimum, and ten days feels much more relaxed. Don’t forget, you’ll lose some time to jet lag and long journeys on buses, trains or local flights.

If you only have seven days, it’s best to keep things simple and focus on the must-see places in Thailand. Start in Bangkok, wander through the temples and palaces, pursue the food scene, and maybe enjoy a night or two out. From the capital, you could either fly north to explore old cultural sites and visit an elephant sanctuary, or head south for some time on the beautiful beaches in Phuket or Krabi.

Within ten to fourteen days, you can really get under the skin of the country. In the north, you might go walking in the rainforest, raft along rivers, or spend time in mountain villages. In the south, you’ll have the chance to add a couple of islands to your trip, like Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, where you can snorkel, spot sea turtles, and hire a scooter to explore little coves and winding coastal roads.

For Thailand backpacking routes like this, the bag you bring really makes a difference. A CabinZero Classic Backpack is a handy choice, with sizes of 28L, 36L or 44L to match how long you’re staying. It feels light, slips easily into overhead bins or under a seat, and saves you the stress of extra baggage fees. It also copes well with sudden showers or a dusty bus ride, so getting around becomes a lot simpler.

Do I Need A Visa For Going To Thailand?

Just like many other countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand is fully open to international travellers. If you’re from the UK or the US, you can enter and stay for up to 60 days without needing a visa.

The only thing is that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you travel. It’s worth double-checking this before you book your flight.

Another thing to keep in mind is the electronic entry registration. You can easily apply online here, and it’s free of charge. Just make sure you complete it within the first three days after you arrive in Thailand.

Where Is The Best Places To Go In Thailand For First Time?

Every place we stopped had its own character and charm. For anyone planning a trip to Thailand for the first time, we’d suggest starting with these areas. Think of it as a journey from the north, through the centre, and then down to the south.

1. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a mix of peaceful scenery, spiritual temples, and a slower pace of life. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand in November, make sure to be by the Mae Ping River during Loy Krathong, when people float lanterns on the water. 

2. Bangkok

Wat Arun temple in Bangkok. Photo by tonefotografia on Adobe Stock

Bangkok is big, busy and full of surprises, so it’s worth giving yourself at least three days here. The city has everything: rooftop pools and Michelin restaurants if you love something fancy, but also street markets, lively bars and traditional massages that won’t break the bank. For a place to stay in Bangkok, Khao San Road is popular with travellers. Hostels are usually clean and friendly, and you can often get a bed for around £11 a night, Wi-Fi included.

3. Phuket

If you are planning a trip to Thailand and your journey takes you to the west coast, Phuket will likely be on your list. Most people fly in from Bangkok; it’s only about 90 minutes and usually not too pricey. You can also get there by ferry from Krabi or Koh Lanta if you’re coming from another island.

4. Krabi

Getting from Phuket to Krabi is simple. A taxi or Grab will take you straight there, costing around 2,900 baht. If you are going to Thailand on a budget, you can also take a local bus, which is much cheaper. Krabi is made up of hundreds of islands and hidden spots, from the Phi Phi Islands to lush lagoons and forests.

How Much Does A Trip To Thailand Usually Cost?

Now for the part everyone worries about a little: budget. The main things to plan for are flights, places to stay, food, getting around, and a few activities and treats along the way.

If you’re flying from London Heathrow, return tickets in economy are usually between £400 and £600. From the US, such as New York or San Francisco, it’s more like 600 to 800 dollars.

To get a rough idea of your total spend, it helps to think about what you might spend per day, per person, and then multiply that by the number of days you’ll be in Thailand.

• For somewhere to stay, you can find clean hostels with air conditioning and Wi-Fi from about 700 baht a night. Beach resorts with private bungalows are more like 2,800 to 4,500 baht, while luxury stays on the busy islands can easily go from 7,900 baht a night.

• When it comes to getting around Thailand, the MRT or BTS in Bangkok costs between 15 and 60 baht per trip, and buses are even cheaper. A taxi starts at 31 baht for the first kilometre and about 9 baht for each kilometre after that. Apps like Grab are easy to use, though they’re usually a little more expensive than normal taxis.

• For food, street eats like pad Thai, grilled skewers, or mango sticky rice can be as little as 30 baht a dish. Meals in small local restaurants usually run between 63 and 320 baht, while a fancy rooftop dinner in Bangkok or Phuket will cost 1,500 baht or more.

• Another thing is sights. Many temples are free, but famous spots like the Grand Palace, Wat Traimit or Ancient City (Mueang Boran) charge between 500 and 700 baht. Activities like snorkelling, kayaking in Phuket, or visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai often start from around 2,700 baht.

• For extras, ferries or speedboats between islands, like from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi, are about 650 baht. Hiring a scooter is around 320 baht a day. Massages vary from 200 to 300 baht at a simple parlour, or 500 baht and up at a spa.

So, if you keep things simple with hostels, local food, public transport and free sights, you can manage on just over 1,100 baht a day. But if you’d like more comfort and a bit of luxury, a Thailand travel budget can easily go up to 6,500 baht or more.

Leaving international flights aside, a week in Thailand will usually cost from around 7,800 baht, which is roughly £180 or 245 US dollars.

A serving of mango sticky rice normally costs 30 baht. Photo by piyagoon on Adobe Stock

Book Your International Flights And First Few Nights

Thailand is one of those places where even last-minute plans usually work out. Booking flights to Thailand on short notice is pretty easy, and you’ll almost always find a bed somewhere. There are many travel apps to check.

That said, saving a bit of money is always nice. If you’re not in a rush, it’s better to book flights around six to eight months in advance, as prices are usually much lower. And if you’re travelling in peak dry season, booking ten months or even a year ahead really isn’t a bad idea.

Each region has one or two international airports, but if you’re mainly after Thailand highlights, flying into Bangkok makes things easier. From there, it’s very simple to reach other parts of Thailand.

Interesting Activities To Include For Your Thailand Trip

Here are a few ideas that let you enjoy the buzz, the island vibe, and everything in between in Thailand.

Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) in Bangkok. Photo by Willam D on Adobe Stock

Cultural Lovers

• Drop by Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) in Bangkok. It’s not right in the centre, so you might need to hop on a tuk-tuk.

• The ancient city of Ayutthaya is a must-see for anyone interested in Thailand’s history. The once capital of the Kingdom of Siam makes for a great day trip from Bangkok.

• Watch a traditional Thai dance performance. One of the best places to catch a traditional dance is at the Siam Niramit Theatre in Bangkok.

• Taking a Muay Thai class is a thrilling way to dive into the nation's history and traditions. Or simply watch some live matches or attend competitions at the gyms.

• Go to Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai. It’s the highest point in Thailand travel destinations, and in the whole country, too.

• Spend a day at Ancient City (Muang Boran). It’s a huge outdoor park with replicas of palaces, temples and monuments from some of the most famous Thailand travel destinations.

• Visit the Long Neck Karen village (Chiang Mai). This is where the Kayan people live, known for the brass rings they wear around their necks, arms and sometimes even knees.

• Spend a day sampling specialities. The night bazaar/night market is a great spot to try them all, full of long-standing food stalls and new flavours to discover.

• Don’t forget to hunt for Michelin restaurants dotted all over Bangkok.

Casual And Shopaholics

• In Bangkok, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat ride. You can get to Sathorn Pier by taxi and buy a ticket there. A single ride costs around 45 baht, or you can grab a day pass for about 150 baht.

• Simply spend a leisurely night taking in the skyline on a rooftop bar. Tichuca and Octave are the go-to places for such occasions.

• Take a long-tail boat tour to see Bangkok’s old riverside life and floating vendors from a slow-paced perspective.

• Spend a day at one of many, many shopping malls. Prominent names include Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, ICONSIAM, etc.

• Enjoy a Thai massage after a long day of exploring.

Adventure Seekers

• Zip down the zipline at Hanuman World. If your Thailand backpacking route takes you through Phuket, this spot is a must. 

• Do some rock climbing at Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach (Phuket). 

• Book a liveaboard trip to a protected marine park (open from mid-October to mid-May) at Similan & Surin Islands.

• Paddle your own way through the iconic scenery of Phang Nga Bay, near Krabi and Phuket.

• Hua Hin is a top spot for kitesurfing, with reliable winds and a long, open beach perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Beach Lovers

Koh Hong island in Krabi. Photo by tawatchai1990 on Adobe Stock

• Spend a day at Andamanda Water Park. It's breezy, clean, and features rides based on Thai legends. 

• Go diving or snorkelling at Koh Racha. It’s only about half an hour by boat. Most trips have an instructor looking after just two people, and you can even rent a GoPro if you fancy capturing the moment.

How To Get Around Thailand

Most ways don’t cost too much, unless you’re after something fancy like a cruise.

• Flying is the fastest way to get between the big places like Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai. Local airlines such as AirAsia, Bangkok Airways and Nok Air all run regular flights, and tickets are often quite affordable if you book early.

• Trains take their time, but that’s part of the charm. The State Railway of Thailand runs some lovely routes, and a classic one is Bangkok to Chiang Mai. It’s cheap, fairly comfortable, and you get to watch the countryside go by.

• Buses are everywhere. The most reliable ones are usually run by Transport Co., the government company. It’s best to buy your ticket directly at the station or online so you don’t get overcharged.

• Minivans are another option for shorter trips. They’re fast, though sometimes a bit crowded, and the drivers can be a little bold on the road. They’re also handy if you want to hop between must-see places in Thailand without spending too much.

• Longtail boats are fun for short rides, like along Bangkok’s canals, but do agree on the price before hopping in. For longer journeys to or between islands, ferries and speedboats are more comfortable.

• Taxis are fine if you’re in a rush or with a few friends to split the fare. Apps like Grab make things easy since you’ll know the price before you set off.

• Tuk-tuks are more about the experience than the price, and are best for short hops around town.

Health Advice: How to Look After Yourself

Always check the fare carefully before getting into a tuk-tuk. Photo by Olesia Bilkei on Adobe Stock

• Tap water in Thailand is generally not safe to drink, even in major cities like Bangkok. Stick to bottled, purified, or filtered water for safe measures.

• Follow the locals when it comes to food. Choose busy stalls or restaurants, and pick dishes that are served piping hot or freshly boiled. If something looks undercooked, leave it. 

• Have a quick chat with your GP or a travel clinic about a month before your trip, and ask whether you need any extra vaccines. The ones often recommended for Thailand are hepatitis A and B, typhoid, flu and sometimes malaria.

• For transport, using ride-hailing apps is usually the easiest option. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver uses the meter. With tuk-tuks, agree on the fare before you get in. Be cautious with strangers who suggest unusual attractions. That’s how many of the common scams in Thailand work.

• Travel insurance is not compulsory in Thailand, but it can save you a lot of stress and money if something goes wrong. Check carefully what it covers, such as hospital bills, lost luggage or cancelled flights.

• If you ever need medical help, private hospitals and clinics are clean, quick and reliable. You usually have to pay up front, but the cost is often reasonable, and travel insurance will usually reimburse you afterwards.

Do and don'ts in Thailand for tourists: Cultural Etiquette To Learn

People in Thailand are usually friendly and welcoming, but as travellers, we can sometimes be a little more vulnerable in a new country. It is always worth keeping a few do and don'ts in Thailand for tourists in mind, especially if you plan to wander around on your own.

Always dress modestly when visiting temples in Thailand. Photo by romaset on Adobe Stock

What you should know before visiting

• The Thai royal family and Buddhism are deeply respected. Be careful and polite when speaking about the King, monks, temples or shrines, especially in public.

• A wai, with palms pressed together in front of your chest, is the traditional way of greeting. The closer your hands are to your chest, the more sincere it feels, whether you are saying thank you or sorry.

• The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so avoid touching anyone’s head, even children. Feet are seen as the lowest part of the body, so do not point them at people, animals or even objects.

• When giving a gift, always use your right hand or both hands. Using only your left hand is considered impolite.

What is not Acceptable in Thailand?

• Do not walk on Thai money, whether banknotes or coins. Walking over them is deemed to be an insult to the royal family whose photograph is printed on the money. At best, it will offend people, and at worst, it will land you in serious trouble.

• Do not wear the wrong clothing when visiting temples or palaces. You might not always see a sign, but shorts, above-the-knee skirts, sleeveless tops or crop tops are all taboo. Taking pictures or videos of monks is not allowed either.

• Do not enter a person's home wearing shoes. They are deemed dirty outside, so it is expected that you leave them off upon entry. This also applies to certain restaurants and shops.

• Do not use, buy or carry e-cigarettes or vapes. They have been banned in Thailand for more than a decade. Even tourists are liable to heavy fines or detention if caught using them.

Finalise Your Packing List for Thailand

Planning a trip to Thailand is incomplete without sorting out your packing. It’s not about bringing everything, just the right things.

Keep your luggage organised with packing cubes.

Start with the must-haves:

• A passport goes without saying, but do check it has at least six months left on it. If you plan to hire a scooter, an international driving permit can be useful, too.

• A little cash is always handy for street food stalls and family-run places. You will often find the exchange rate better if you change your money into Thai Baht at the airport once you land.

• Toiletries are easy to buy in 7 Eleven shops everywhere, but you may want to pack your own sunscreen, shampoo, or any medicine you trust.

• Insect repellent is worth having, especially if you are heading to the jungle or anywhere green and damp.

Clothes and shoes should be light and practical:

• Cotton or linen keeps you cool in the heat. If you are planning a trip to Thailand during the rainy season, bring a light raincoat. A couple of modest outfits will be useful for temples; the rest is up to your style.

• Trainers or sturdy walking shoes are great for trekking. Sandals or flip flops will do perfectly on the beach.

• A sunhat and sunglasses make hot days easier. You could also throw in a few pegs for drying socks or underwear at small guesthouses.

• A small sling bag or hip pack that sits close to you is handy for your passport, phone and wallet when exploring markets or side streets.

For phones and gadgets:

• SIM cards are sold at the airport, and staff will usually help set them up in minutes.

• Bring your phone, tablet or whatever you cannot do without, along with chargers and a power bank.

That is really all you need. Packing cubes can also be a game changer as they keep things neat, make it easy to grab what you need and separate clean clothes from damp ones.

Get Your Thailand 10 Days Itinerary Now

The following is a simple itinerary for ten days travelling around Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai. You can have it printed out or on your phone to remind you of what to do next. It helps you to make the most of your time without being in a rush.

Have Fun Getting Ready for Thailand

Planning a trip to Thailand really starts with a simple thought: how long do you want to stay, and where do you want to go? Once you know that, everything else becomes easier, from working out your budget to deciding what to pack. A light backpack, like CabinZero, makes travelling so much smoother. It sits nicely on your shoulders and is built to last. Whether you are hopping on a short flight, taking the train or riding a bus, keeping things light means you can enjoy the journey without any hassle.

Quyen Pham