Thailand
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THAILAND
Nature at it’s Finest
Thailand is so beautiful and naturally endowed. Many tourists visit Thailand for its picture-perfect islands, white-sand beaches, and majestic waterfalls.
One sight I recommend is the seven-tiered waterfall in Erawan National Park. This dreamy waterfall is surrounded by numerous caves full of glistening limestone formations. Its emerald green waters are home to several species of fish. You can take a refreshing dip in the water, or if you’re an adventurous hiker, take on the challenge of reaching the very last tier of the waterfall.
For a wildlife adventure, visit the The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. It is a responsible tourist destination where rescued elephants and other animals are rehabilitated. Here’s the exciting part: You can become a volunteer! Spend up to two weeks feeding, bathing, and caring for these gentle giants. It’s a truly rewarding experience.
Or maybe you fancy a playful encounter with Irrawaddy dolphins in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. This stunning park has many caves, beaches, and mountains to explore. Here, you can spot over 300 bird species, including migratory water birds, and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the park’s mountains, forests, and coastline from the Khao Daeng Viewpoint.
Believe it or not, those pictures barely begin to capture the true magnificence of this place. You can’t fully grasp it until you’re there in person, taking it all in from different angles. I had to pick my jaw up from the ground several times, as I was left in a state of awe throughout my visit.
It’s the perfect getaway for everyone looking to leave the stress of their mundane life for a place of true beauty and relaxation.
With over 35,000 temples, destinations, and popular attractions, I invite you to get lost in the beauty that is Thailand.
Temples
There are over 40,000 temples in Thailand. Every one of them is architecturally stunning, each with its own unique design and story to tell.
- Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) shimmers like a pearl. It is actually an art exhibit rather than a temple, with a very intentional and immaculate design symbolizing the purity and wisdom of Buddhist teachings.
- The Sanctuary of Truth at Pattaya is a masterpiece in building form. This colossal wooden structure is still under construction and yet, a testament to Thai craftsmanship. Explore its detailed carvings, each representing the philosophy of life across different cultures.
- Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok is a truly glorious sight to behold at sunset. As the sun paints the sky red and purple, watch the spires of the temple ignite. This iconic landmark is shaped like a missile, and you’re encouraged to climb the staircase to the top for breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River and the Grand Palace.
There’s a rich and colorful history to be discovered at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, in Ayutthaya. It’s one of the oldest temples—constructed in the 14th century—yet it still houses active monks. Within the courtyard of the temple, a reclining Buddha, draped in golden cloth, invites you to ponder on the teachings of peace and enlightenment.
Contemplate the meaning of life in any one of these magnificent temples.
Best Times to Visit
December to February in Thailand is usually marked by comfortable temperatures and low humidity, just in time for the holidays. It is also the time when festivals like the Burning Man-inspired ‘Wonderfruit festival’ are held. This makes it the most popular time to visit. There is usually a huge crowd, and the prices of things skyrocket, so it’s best to book ahead so you don’t end up stranded.
March to May are hot and humid months, especially in Bangkok. However, April brings the chance to experience the thrill of Songkran (the Thai New Year festival). Join locals and tourists in a nationwide water fight, and you won’t be hot for long.
June to August brings a welcome relief from the scorching heat. You will experience more frequent rain showers, as well as lower prices for tourists.
Enjoy milder temperatures and less rain from September to November, right before the peak season for tourism. This period is also filled with vibrant festivals, such as Loy Krathong (the Thai Festival of Lights), where people float flower offerings and incense on bodies of water to pay homage to the water goddess.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THAILAND
TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING
On a Budget
- Secure a comfortable hostel bed in Thailand for as low as $5 a night.
- For a slightly fancier hostel experience, you can get a bunk in a popular spot for $11-$13 a night. These often come with hot showers, decent beds, and sometimes even breakfast!.
- Live with a local family for around $12 a night—a steal considering you get a roof, a meal, and a chance to practice your Thai with friendly faces.
Mid-Range Hotels
- In cities like Bangkok, a mid-range hotel room costs $40-$80 a night.
Luxury Hotels
- Luxury hotels can range from $100 to $300+ per night.
Beachfront Hotels
- Popular beach paradises like Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi offer mid-range hotels for $30-$100 a night, with luxury options reaching up to $400 or more.
Food – Prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing trip to Thailand, where every meal is an adventure! From sizzling street food stalls serving up spicy Pad Thai to bustling markets brimming with exotic fruits and fragrant curries, Thailand is a culinary paradise. Whether you’re diving into a bowl of Tom Yum soup or savoring the sweet delights of mango sticky rice, every bite is a burst of flavor that tells a story. Hungry yet? Thailand’s food scene is calling your name!
Budget-Friendly Food
- For under $4, you can enjoy iconic dishes like pad thai or fragrant curries cooked fresh right before your eyes.
- Convenience stores also offer delicious and affordable snacks and drinks, perfect for a quick bite on the go.
Mid-Range Restaurants
- Expect to pay between $3-$10 for a satisfying meal of local specialties or familiar tourist favorites.
Luxury Restaurants
- Enjoy delicious Thai and international cuisine in a beautiful beachfront setting or in a private dining room. Be prepared to spend $25+ per meal for this level of luxury.
Transportation – You might be tempted to rent a “scooty” (i.e. Vespa style scooter), but beware – unless you have an international driver’s license, expect a high probability of being pulled over by local police and receive a pricey traffic ticket.
- Local Buses & Songthaews: Hop on bright orange local buses for ridiculously cheap rides, often under $1. Songthaews are iconic red passenger trucks. Pile in with fellow travelers and enjoy the open-air ride for around $2.
- Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain & MRT: The BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit) Skytrain is a cool and comfortable way to get around the city. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) subway is another great option, taking you underground and out of the traffic.
Both systems are easy to navigate with clear signage in English, and prices are super reasonable, typically less than $2 per ride. For unlimited travel within a day, you can purchase a one-day ticket for less than $4.
- Trains: Train prices start at just $0.60 for short hops and can go up to around $15 for longer journeys.
- Long-Distance Buses: These air-conditioned coaches connect major cities and tourist destinations. While slightly pricier than trains, they’re still budget-friendly, with prices typically not exceeding $6.
- Taxis: Taxis are a convenient way to get around, especially in cities like Bangkok where the public transportation system might not reach every corner. They’re readily available and flagged down easily. However, they’re pricier than public transportation.
Prices start at around $1, but, that’s just the flagdown rate. Taxis use meters, so the final cost will depend on the distance and time of your journey.
- Rental Cars: It’s a fantastic way to explore Thailand’s off-the-beaten-path destinations, especially if you’re traveling with a group or family. Basic car rentals start at $30-$45 per day, which is a very reasonable price compared to many other tourist destinations.
Suggested daily budget – Expect to spend around $20-50 USD per day in Thailand if you plan to stay in hostels, enjoy delicious street food, and use local transportation like buses and trains.
With some planning and resourcefulness, you can even lower this budget by cooking some of your meals and taking advantage of free activities like exploring temples and markets.
You can increase it if you plan to stay in fancier accommodations or eat out more often.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THAILAND
- Greet people with a “wai,” a palms-together gesture.
- Thai cuisine is known to be spicy. If you can’t handle the heat, say “Mai Ped” (meaning “not spicy”) when ordering.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples. Your shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Thai is the primary language in Thailand, but English is widely spoken in major cities and by younger generations. Learning a few basic Thai phrases will go a long way toward enhancing your experience.
- Always remove your shoes before entering temples and homes.
- Only use credit cards at reputable businesses to avoid scams.
May 5, 2024
