WanderSnapshot: Thailand
Pristine beaches, hidden waterfalls and golden temples
Introduction
Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia—and for good reason. Known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, flavorful cuisine, and affordability, it’s an ideal location for both seasoned travelers and first-timers. From lush jungles and golden beaches to ancient temples and bustling night markets, Thailand offers a little something for everyone.
The country is generally divided into two main regions for travelers: the North, known for its rich culture, scenic mountains, and adventure activities, and the South, famous for its tropical islands, marine life, and laid-back beach towns. It’s also a hotspot for younger travelers, especially due to its infamous party scene.
Thailand is affordable, safe, and easy to navigate—making it the perfect destination for first-time solo travelers. The locals are warm and welcoming—it’s not called The Land of Smiles for nothing.
This is a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know: where to go, what to do, how much to budget, how to get around, what to eat, and what to expect.
The country is generally divided into two main regions for travelers: the North, known for its rich culture, scenic mountains, and adventure activities, and the South, famous for its tropical islands, marine life, and laid-back beach towns. It’s also a hotspot for younger travelers, especially due to its infamous party scene.
Thailand is affordable, safe, and easy to navigate—making it the perfect destination for first-time solo travelers. The locals are warm and welcoming—it’s not called The Land of Smiles for nothing.
This is a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know: where to go, what to do, how much to budget, how to get around, what to eat, and what to expect.
Top Sights & Experiences
Bangkok (2–3 days)
Most people fly into Bangkok, and while the city is worth a visit, 2–3 days is plenty. The temples are stunning, but after visiting a few, they can start to blur together. Here are the highlights:
- The Grand Palace – A massive, stunning complex that sets the gold standard for Thai architecture. Be sure to dress modestly and wear shoes you can easily remove.
- Wat Saket (Golden Mount) – A scenic temple at the top of a hill with great views. Watch out for scams—if someone tells you it’s closed to tourists, they’re lying.
- Wat Arun – A beautiful and unique temple on the other side of the Chao Phraya River. You’ll need to take a quick ferry to get there.
- Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) – A lesser-known gem with striking white marble and gold-lined rooftops. Ironically, I discovered it via a scammy TukTuk driver—but it was worth the visit.
- The Grand Palace – A massive, stunning complex that sets the gold standard for Thai architecture. Be sure to dress modestly and wear shoes you can easily remove.
- Wat Saket (Golden Mount) – A scenic temple at the top of a hill with great views. Watch out for scams—if someone tells you it’s closed to tourists, they’re lying.
- Wat Arun – A beautiful and unique temple on the other side of the Chao Phraya River. You’ll need to take a quick ferry to get there.
- Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) – A lesser-known gem with striking white marble and gold-lined rooftops. Ironically, I discovered it via a scammy TukTuk driver—but it was worth the visit.
Other Bangkok Highlights:
- Chinatown (Yaowarat) – One of the largest in the world, known for its street food and festive energy, especially during Chinese New Year.
- Khao San Road – Bangkok’s legendary backpacker party street. Quiet during the day, wild at night. Don’t leave without trying a Roti.
- Pratunam Market – Great for budget shopping and street food. Ideal place to grab souvenirs (don’t forget your elephant pants!)
What to Skip:
- Floating Markets – Expensive and touristy. Often involves scams, and many travelers say it’s not worth the effort.
- Bang Kachao – A green escape in the city, but pales in comparison to Thailand’s true nature elsewhere.
What I Wish I Had Done:
- Ayutthaya – A UNESCO World Heritage Site about an hour from Bangkok. The ancient ruins, statues, and temples are supposed to be incredible.
The North: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai & Pai
Chiang Mai (4–5 days)
Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand, full of charm, adventure, and culture. Give yourself at least 4–5 days here.
Top Experiences:
- Cooking Class – A must-do! I went with Thai Kitchen Cookery Centre—easily some of the best food I had in Thailand.
- Gate Market – Cooking classes will bring you here, but even if you don’t do a cooking class, explore this bustling market for its unique ingredients and snacks.
- Elephant Sanctuary – The main reason people visit the north. Be sure to only visit ethical sanctuaries (no riding or bathing).
- Lanna Square – Central hub for food and nightlife. Zoe in Yellow is the go-to backpacker bar.
- Sunday Night Market – If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, don’t miss this epic street market.
What I Missed (but wish I hadn’t):
- Doi Inthanon National Park – Home to Thailand’s highest peak. Tours available from Chiang Mai.
- Dan Tewada Land of Angels Waterfall Park – TikTok-famous, but said to be genuinely worth it.
- Doi Suthep – Another popular temple, located in the mountains. I skipped it, but it’s one of Chiang Mai’s top attractions.
Top Experiences:
- Cooking Class – A must-do! I went with Thai Kitchen Cookery Centre—easily some of the best food I had in Thailand.
- Gate Market – Cooking classes will bring you here, but even if you don’t do a cooking class, explore this bustling market for its unique ingredients and snacks.
- Elephant Sanctuary – The main reason people visit the north. Be sure to only visit ethical sanctuaries (no riding or bathing).
- Lanna Square – Central hub for food and nightlife. Zoe in Yellow is the go-to backpacker bar.
- Sunday Night Market – If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, don’t miss this epic street market.
What I Missed (but wish I hadn’t):
- Doi Inthanon National Park – Home to Thailand’s highest peak. Tours available from Chiang Mai.
- Dan Tewada Land of Angels Waterfall Park – TikTok-famous, but said to be genuinely worth it.
- Doi Suthep – Another popular temple, located in the mountains. I skipped it, but it’s one of Chiang Mai’s top attractions.
Pai (3–4 days)
A small town reached via a winding 3-hour road from Chiang Mai. Word of advice: don’t be hungover for that drive. Pai is laid-back, quirky, and heavily populated by backpackers. It’s known as “The Pai Hole” because many people arrive for a few days and stay for weeks.
Top Activities:
- Tipsy Tubing – The thing to do in Pai. A half-day float down the river with stops at riverside bars. Tuesdays and Fridays from October to May/June.
- Pai Night Market – Best night market in Thailand, hands down. I went every night.
- Nightlife – Jazz House, Boom Bar, Almost Famous, and BROS were personal favorites. Chill, fun, and social.
- Wat Phra That Mae Yen (Big Buddha) – A nice break from the party scene. Reach it via a hike or scooter.
- Just Chill – Pai’s vibe is about doing nothing. Hit a café, grab a hammock, and relax.
What I Missed:
- Pai Canyon – Known for breathtaking sunsets. I skipped it because I couldn’t get a scooter, and I regret it.
Chiang Rai (1–2 days)
Most people do a day trip from Chiang Mai, though I rented a scooter and explored it solo in a day.
Must-Sees:
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) – Iconic and surreal. Unlike any temple you’ve ever seen.
- Rong Suea Ten Temple (Blue Temple) – Stunning blue architecture with a massive Buddha inside.
- Wat Tham Pla (Monkey Cave) – A temple in a cave with wild monkeys at the base.
Skip:
- The Golden Triangle – Where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Cool to say you’ve seen it, but there’s not much else there and it’s a long way out.
The South: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan & Khao Sok
Koh Tao (4–7 days)
Less crowded than other islands, and a top spot for scuba diving. Stay 6–7 days if you’re getting certified, 4 days if you just want to enjoy the island.
Check out my full itinerary here.
Top Things to Do:
- Snorkeling Tour – Circle the island, including Koh Nang Yuan.
- Tanote Bay – Great beach with a cliff-jumping rock for strong swimmers.
- Freedom Beach – Smaller, quieter beach with chill vibes.
- John Suwan Viewpoint – Short but steep hike with amazing island views.
- Grape Viewpoint – Can hike or scooter (though it’s steep). Overlooks Koh Nang Yuan.
- Queen’s Cabaret – A must-see drag show. So fun.
- Fizz Beach Club – Chill bar, perfect for sunset.
Top Things to Do:
- Snorkeling Tour – Circle the island, including Koh Nang Yuan.
- Tanote Bay – Great beach with a cliff-jumping rock for strong swimmers.
- Freedom Beach – Smaller, quieter beach with chill vibes.
- John Suwan Viewpoint – Short but steep hike with amazing island views.
- Grape Viewpoint – Can hike or scooter (though it’s steep). Overlooks Koh Nang Yuan.
- Queen’s Cabaret – A must-see drag show. So fun.
- Fizz Beach Club – Chill bar, perfect for sunset.
Koh Phangan (3–5 days)
Known for its wild parties, but also home to gorgeous beaches and great hikes.
Top Things to Do:
- Full Moon Party – Massive beach party. Personally, I skipped it—lots of crowds, high prices, and safety concerns. Your call.
- Eden Garden Party – Held every Saturday in a more “secret” location. Many people prefer it over the Full Moon Party.
- Bottle Beach – Stunning and secluded. You can drive directly there or hike the steep trail (~1 hour) and return by boat.
- Phaeng Noi Waterfall – Great central hike. Bring your swimsuit.
- Mae Haad & Hin Kong Beaches – Great for swimming and sunsets.
- Phangan Food Court – Tons of cheap, delicious food options.
Khao Sok National Park (3 days)
This was one of my favorite stops—expensive but unforgettable. I went with Coco Hostel, a popular budget option. If you can splurge, book a luxury floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake. Check out this photo essay.
Places I missed but wish I hadn’t
- Koh Phi Phi: Beautiful island in western Thailand, known for its incredible Scuba Diving.
- Koh Lanta: Known for its beautiful beaches and a less-touristy version of Phuket.
Budget & Money
The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht. Obviously currencies fluctuate so these conversions are approximate.
1 USD = 30-35 THB
1 AUD = 20-25 THB
1 EURO = 35-40 THB
1 GBP = 41-46 THB
Thailand is also heavy on liquid cash, so make sure you have an easy way to withdraw money. Wise is a great way to get your money with the best conversion. This is what most travelers use.
Here is how much you should expect to spend:
Average Daily Spend: 1,000-1,800 baht
- Activities – 90-1,800 baht depending on the experience. Scuba diving is 6,500-14,000 baht.
- Food & Drink – Meals can be as cheap as 60-100 baht (street food), but sit-down meals or drinks can push 300+ baht
- Transport – Includes intercity buses (1,000-1,800/way), scooters (200-300/day), and Grab (60-300/ride).
- Accommodation – Hostels range from 200-350/night. Budget hotels: 650-1000/night.
Here is how much you should expect to spend:
Average Daily Spend: 1,000-1,800 baht
- Activities – 90-1,800 baht depending on the experience. Scuba diving is 6,500-14,000 baht.
- Food & Drink – Meals can be as cheap as 60-100 baht (street food), but sit-down meals or drinks can push 300+ baht
- Transport – Includes intercity buses (1,000-1,800/way), scooters (200-300/day), and Grab (60-300/ride).
- Accommodation – Hostels range from 200-350/night. Budget hotels: 650-1000/night.
Budget Tips
Make rules regarding what you’re willing to splurge on and what you want to save money on a stick to it. Whether that’s always finding the cheapest meal, no spending on alcohol, or prioritizing activities.
General Monthly Budgets:
- Backpacker: ~35,000 baht per month
- Comfortable: ~70,000 baht per month
- Luxury: ~100,000-170,000 baht per month
General Monthly Budgets:
- Backpacker: ~35,000 baht per month
- Comfortable: ~70,000 baht per month
- Luxury: ~100,000-170,000 baht per month
I personally spent 53,000 baht ($1,600 USD during my month in Thailand. I traveled as a budget backpacker but splurged on Scuba Diving, tattoos, spa visits and a few nights out.
Pro Tip: Always budget a bit more than you think you’ll spend for emergencies or spontaneous plans.
People & Culture
Local Interactions
Thai people are incredibly kind and helpful. Most speak enough English to help you get around. Theft is rare, but scams are common—stay alert and do your research.
Cultural Norms
Thailand is a Buddhist country, and respecting the culture is important:
- Remove shoes before entering homes or temples
- Dress modestly at religious sites
And remember to always be kind. You are a visitor in their country.
Local Interactions
Thai people are incredibly kind and helpful. Most speak enough English to help you get around. Theft is rare, but scams are common—stay alert and do your research.
Cultural Norms
Thailand is a Buddhist country, and respecting the culture is important:
- Remove shoes before entering homes or temples
- Dress modestly at religious sites
And remember to always be kind. You are a visitor in their country.
Food Scene
I didn’t know Thai food well before my trip—now it’s one of my favorites. It’s spicy, flavorful, and incredibly diverse.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Pad Thai
- Khao Soi (northern curry noodle soup)
- Spring Rolls
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Mango Smoothies
Dietary Needs:
Vegetarian options are common. Vegan and gluten-free travelers may need to ask carefully, but it’s manageable.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Pad Thai
- Khao Soi (northern curry noodle soup)
- Spring Rolls
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Mango Smoothies
Dietary Needs:
Vegetarian options are common. Vegan and gluten-free travelers may need to ask carefully, but it’s manageable.
Transportation & Navigation
Getting around Thailand is incredibly easy. There are a couple of apps you should have downloaded to make getting around easier, these are 12Go and Grab.
- 12Go is for longer distances across the country or between cities.
- Grab is for shorter distances… it is essentially Uber, although it is not always available on the islands.
For local transport, public buses and TukTuks are also available in Bangkok and some northern cities.
For the islands, renting a scooter might be your best option.
Weather & Packing
Thailand is a tropical country near the equator so expect heat, rain, and humidity.
November to February is the cool season in Thailand but day time temperatures still range from 26°C to 32°C (79°F-90°F). This is also typically the busiest season.
March to May is the hottest season, where daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C or 104°F.
May to October is the rainy season, with September being the wettest month.
What to Pack:
- Light clothing
- Swimwear
- A light shirt that covers shoulders for temples (pashminas aren’t always accepted)
- Sweater for cool northern nights
- Sandals or shoes that are easy to take on & off, and that dry quickly
- Suncream
Tips for Travelers
Before you go
- Don’t over-plan: I only booked my first stay and played it by ear after that. Thailand is flexible and spontaneous travel is easy.
- You’ll probably get sick: New bacteria = new digestive challenges. You’ll become very comfortable discussing bowel movements with strangers.
- Scooter Safety: It’s not a matter of if you’ll crash, but rather, when. I saw everything from scrapes to internal bleeding. Be cautious.
Photo by Kacey Mortenson @_kacemort_
Best for…
I recommend Thailand for anyone and everyone. It is a safe and easy place to navigate, making it perfect for first time travelers and female travelers. It is also incredibly welcoming, perfect for solo travelers.
Even if you are an experienced traveler, Thailand is still a must-visit destination.
Ideal Length of Stay
Aim to stay for at least 1 Month. This gives you enough time to see parts of both the North and South. I only had one month and didn’t even visit everywhere I hoped to.
If you only have 2 Weeks, choose either the North or South—don’t try to do both. You’ll feel rushed and exhausted.
Photo by Kacey Mortenson @_kacemort_
Best for…
I recommend Thailand for anyone and everyone. It is a safe and easy place to navigate, making it perfect for first time travelers and female travelers. It is also incredibly welcoming, perfect for solo travelers.
Even if you are an experienced traveler, Thailand is still a must-visit destination.
Ideal Length of Stay
Aim to stay for at least 1 Month. This gives you enough time to see parts of both the North and South. I only had one month and didn’t even visit everywhere I hoped to.
If you only have 2 Weeks, choose either the North or South—don’t try to do both. You’ll feel rushed and exhausted.
Quick Snapshot
Category | Info |
Visa Required? | No (30–90 days depending on nationality) |
Language | Thai, English |
Currency | Thai Baht (30 THB ≈ $1 USD) |
Daily Budget | 900-1,500 THB |
Best Time to Visit | November-February |
Safety Rating | 9/10 (very safe – watch for same) |
Solo/Female Friendly? | Yes |