In Thailand, endless possibilities await, with locals who are incredibly kind and always willing to assist in any way possible. This country is known for being the most budget-friendly in Southeast Asia, where meals can be enjoyed for under 2€ and accommodation for less than 5€. Whether you seek white sandy beaches, lush jungles, majestic mountains, rice fields, visit temples or do meditation retreats – Thailand has it all. Indulge in delicious cuisine, rejuvenating massages, captivating museums; there’s something for everyone. Bangkok serves as a hub allowing easy access to the southern, eastern, and northern regions of the country – a city that truly deserves a visit.

General tips :

• When to come ? December to February
• Visa : 30 days free for almost every country
• Money : 1€ = 40 bath. You can always exhange money (I use xe currency to check the current rate without internet) or use ATM (I always withdraw the maximum amount allowed as they have a fixed charge around 5€) or pay by card in some places (3% charge generally).
• Transportation in the cities :
  • Bolt or grab taxi are very very cheap.
  • I also reccomend the app maps me to dowload the maps with wifi and then have free GPS without internet. You can save all your locations before exploring.
• Transportation in the country : bus (12goasia) and trains (SRT app) are the most common.
• Supermakets : 7 eleven and Circle K to break your 1000 bath and buy mineral water
• Basic vocabulary :
  • Thank you : khop khun krap
  • Hello : Sawadee kap
  • Yes / No : Chai / Mai
  • Very good (the food) : Aroi Mai
  • Take care / Good Luck : choc dee

Bangkok

I never thought I would be so drawn to the vibrant energy of Bangkok. Initially, I anticipated a bustling metropolis filled with noise and activity, but Bangkok surprised me with its diverse facets. A visit to Kaosan Road followed by a short walk to the nearby flapping duck hostel perfectly showcases this variety. The city offers affordability and endless possibilities around the clock. With numerous attractions and activities available, exploring Bangkok under the scorching sun requires ample time due to its vast offerings.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is the third largest island in the country. It is not heavily touristic and offers a wide range of activities to enjoy : beaches, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, massages on the beach … Renting a scooter is essential for getting around the island, with prices starting at 5€. The only area without road access is a small section in the southern part of the island.

Khao Sok National Park

Kao Sok National Park has a vast rainforest and incredible lake, easily accessible from Surat Thani by mini-van. The main highlight of the park is the amazing two-day tour that takes you deep into the park and includes an overnight stay in floating houses. All tour agencies offer similar tours at the same cost. Due to limited activities in the area, arriving a day before the tour and leaving after is enough.

Ko Tao

Although I didn’t plan to visit Koh Tao due to its popularity, I decided to go for its renowned diving spots. Unfortunately, bad weather in late December led to canceled tours. When conditions allowed, snorkeling and diving were amazing. However, beyond these activities, the small island didn’t offer much in my opinion.

Koh Phangan

I wasn’t initially excited about coming here, but with the full moon party approaching, I decided to experience it while I was in the area. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling quite disappointed. The weather was still poor since it was the end of December, and the island seemed to offer little more than a lot of parties.

Khao Yai

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest and one of its largest national parks, offers a stunning escape into nature. Located just a few hours from Bangkok, it features lush forests, scenic waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including elephants, gibbons, deers, hornbills and much more. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring beautiful viewpoints. With its cool climate and serene atmosphere, Khao Yai is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in northern Thailand, known for its mountains, temples, and markets. It combines old and new, with ancient city walls and over 300 temples to explore. Visitors can enjoy nature adventures outside the city, like trekking and visiting elephant sanctuaries. The city is famous for its friendly people, tasty food, and special festivals like the Lantern Festival.

Wat Pa Tam Mua Meditation retreat

I spent four days at the amazing Wat Pa Tam Wua Forest Monastery, located north of Pai in the mountains.The monastery offers a peaceful environment that’s ideal for meditation and self-reflection. The calm surroundings, next to the forest and surronded by mountains, help you disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself, find inner peace. It’s a perfect place to relax, meditate, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Pai

Pai is a small, hippie town in northern Thailand, surrounded by beautiful nature. It’s a peaceful place, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. You can explore mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs. The town has lively street markets, cozy cafes, and fun nightlife with music and shows. Many visitors stay longer than they planned because they love the calm and friendly vibe.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai city is not charming, but its surroundings are truly remarkable and authentic. The region (my favorite of Thailand) offers stunning mountains, jungle, rivers, rice fields, tea plantations … all set in fresh, pleasant weather. With almost no tourists around, you can experience the breathtaking landscapes and local culture in a peaceful, unspoiled environment.