Planning a THAILAND trip? Watch this first | Places to visit, itinerary, FREE resource, budget

Thailand Travel Guide Summary

The presenter argues that Thailand remains worth visiting for its affordability, food, beaches, mountains, culture, and range of less-visited destinations—not just its famous parties and tourist hubs. She recommends planning around the regions and experiences that interest you rather than following only the busiest routes.

When to Go

• Southern Thailand: December to May is recommended for clearer skies and diving conditions.
• Northern Thailand: Visit outside March to May, when smoke and haze from burning season can obscure the scenery.

Consider timing your trip around:

• Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, held in April.
• Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival, held around mid-November.

Suggested Places and Experiences

Phuket

The presenter prefers Phuket to Bangkok as a starting point. Stay in Phuket Old Town for its streets, cafés, shops, and market. Visit Bangla Road if you’re interested in nightlife, though she did not find it especially compelling.

Other recommendations include the Sunday night market, Freedom Beach, the Big Buddha, and Wat Chalong. Allow about two days, split between the start and end of the trip if convenient. You could also try a Thai massage or take a Thai cooking class.

At temples, cover your shoulders and knees. Men should wear long trousers.

Phi Phi Islands

Though popular, the islands are still worth visiting. The presenter recommends staying overnight rather than taking only a day trip.

Consider skipping crowded Maya Bay in favor of Nui Bay, reached by longtail boat, for swimming, kayaking, and a quieter beach experience. Phi Phi also offers nightlife, fire performances, and Muay Thai-themed clubs. Walk to Phi Phi Viewpoint for sunset.

Suggested stay: One night.

Koh Tao or Krabi

The presenter recommends choosing either Koh Tao or Krabi:

• Koh Tao: A relaxed island known for diving. The presenter says a certification course can be completed in about three days and is relatively affordable.
• Krabi / Ao Nang: A good choice for a longer stay or a couple of days of sightseeing. Visit Tiger Cave Temple, which involves a climb of roughly 350 steps, the Emerald Pools, and Railay Beach. Railay has a relaxed beach side as well as opportunities for rock climbing, and there are no cars.

Khao Sok National Park

A quieter highlight featuring ancient rainforest, limestone scenery, and floating bungalows. The presenter describes swimming, kayaking, cave hiking, and boat trips to spot wildlife. She suggests spending one or two days there.

Less-Visited Islands

• Koh Yao Noi: A short speedboat ride from Phuket, best suited to relaxing, beach walks, snorkeling, and water activities.
• Koh Mak: A more remote island near Cambodia, presented as a peaceful destination with an ecotourism focus and clear water.

Northern Thailand

• Chiang Mai: Explore the night market and take a food tour. The presenter especially praises the city’s vegetarian and vegan food. Other options include a sunrise ceremony with monks, hiking or mountain biking in Doi Inthanon National Park, visiting the tourist-frequented Sticky Waterfall, and exploring the craft workshops and shops at Baan Kang Wat art village. She also recommends attending a professional Muay Thai match.

For elephant visits, choose a genuinely ethical sanctuary; the presenter cautions that some places claiming to be ethical are not.

• Chiang Rai: Visit Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple.
• Pai: See Pai Canyon at sunset and visit local hot springs and waterfalls.

Itinerary Ideas

• 5–7 days in the south: Phuket, Phi Phi, and either Krabi or Koh Tao. Koh Samui is another possible southern stop.
• 10–12 days across north and south: Phuket, Phi Phi, and Krabi, then fly to Chiang Mai and continue to Pai and Chiang Rai. The presenter says this itinerary combines beaches and nature with northern culture.

Budget and Practical Planning

Approximate costs given in the video:

Item Approximate cost Ferries $10–$25 one way, depending on distance Domestic flights without checked baggage $30–$50 one way Local rides $1–$8, depending on distance Scooter rental $10–$12 per day Hostel beds $3–$8 per night Mid-range hotels $40–$50 per night

Adding checked baggage to a domestic flight can nearly double the price.

The presenter says buses, minivans, ferries, and inexpensive domestic flights make travel around Thailand relatively straightforward.

Food, Connectivity, and Scam Precautions

• Vegetarians should tell food vendors not to add fish sauce, which may otherwise be treated as acceptable.
• Use HappyCow to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
• Avoid buying a SIM card at the airport, where prices may be much higher. Buy one at a local shop or 7-Eleven. An eSIM with a small data allowance can help with connectivity immediately after landing.
• Use Bolt for rides rather than relying heavily on tuk-tuks; the presenter says it is often cheaper than Grab.
• Watch for tuk-tuk drivers who add unwanted stops at shops or travel agencies.
• Compare ferry, bus, and minivan prices with listings on booking platforms before negotiating with local sellers.
• Get a receipt when booking transport.
• Before renting a scooter, photograph its condition and send the pictures to the owner to document any existing damage.

Notable Locations, Resources, and Speaker

Locations: Phuket Old Town, Freedom Beach, Wat Chalong, Phi Phi Islands, Nui Bay, Koh Tao, Krabi, Railay Beach, Khao Sok National Park, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Mak, Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park, Baan Kang Wat, Chiang Rai, and Pai.

Apps, services, and resources: Bolt, HappyCow, GetYourGuide, Klook, Withlocals, Seek Sophie, and the presenter’s free Thailand guide, which she says includes activities, itineraries, and a packing list.

Speaker: Travel creator Aakanksha Monga.