Thailand is one of the leading countries in reopening to international tourism in the new normal. Don’t hesitate to visit and check out the latest travel information now that the Land of Golden Temples has reopened and is ready for you to explore!
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Travel Experiences in Thailand
After over two years of closure due to the pandemic, countries are finally ready to welcome back tourists, with Thailand taking a leading position in the reopening. This beloved country holds an irresistible allure for avid travelers. The period of social distancing due to the pandemic left many longing for vibrant Bangkok, Pattaya’s blue seas and white sands, or Chiang Mai’s lush mountains.
Thailand has officially reopened to tourism, so get ready to embark on your journey! Here are some of the latest travel tips from Explore Earthly to help you prepare for your trip!
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Though there is no winter, Thailand’s climate can be divided into four distinct seasons: the dry season from January to February, the hot season from March to May, the rainy season from June to October, and the cool season from November to December.
Explore Earthly suggests visiting Thailand from November to April of the following year. This period offers relatively cool weather and features numerous special festivals, such as the Songkran Water Festival in mid-April and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in late November.
Transportation to Thailand
Airfare to Thailand
From your country, you can book direct flights to Bangkok with Any Airlines.
Thailand currently has the Test & Go program for international travelers. Tourists are required to obtain a Thailand Pass by visiting the website https://tp.consular.go.th, selecting the Non-Thai option, choosing Test & Go, and submitting a passport photo, vaccination certificate, scanned insurance document, and hotel booking confirmation.
Under the Test & Go program, travelers entering the country must have received all three vaccine doses and are required to take an RT-PCR test upon arrival at Bangkok airport. Travelers will be required to undergo a 5-day quarantine and take an antigen (rapid) test at their place of residence on the 4th or 5th day after arrival.
Transportation in Thailand
When visiting the capital city or major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya, you can use one of the following options for convenient and cost-effective travel:
Bus and Coach: Buses are a common mode of transport in Thailand, suitable for long-distance travel. With a network of routes covering most provinces, you can travel anywhere at an affordable price. You can purchase bus tickets at city bus terminals when you want to travel to provinces outside of Bangkok. The buses run on schedule, are clean and professional, and are popular with tourists.
Train: Trains are also a budget-friendly mode of transportation in Thailand. Most trains often run late and move quite slowly, so they are generally not the preferred choice for tourists.
Boat and Ferry: If you want to visit Thailand’s islands like Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi, besides traveling by plane, you can also consider taking a boat or ferry for a unique experience.
Songthaews and tuk-tuks: Songthaews and tuk-tuks are also popular modes of transportation within cities and are commonly used by locals. Most tourists visiting Thailand tend to try traveling by these means of transport at least once.
While tuk-tuks are prevalent in the capital and Pattaya, songthaews are more common in Chiang Mai. Fares for these transport options are quite affordable, but you should know how to negotiate and always ask for the price before getting in.
Hotel Booking Tips in Thailand
Thailand is a traveler’s paradise for everyone, so the accommodation options in Thailand are also very diverse, catering to all needs. Accommodation services range from 5-star hotels to budget hotels or unique homestays, all offering distinct characteristics that you can only experience when traveling in Thailand.
Hotels in Bangkok
Pullman Bangkok Hotel
- Address: 188 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok.
- Reference room price: from 110$ per night.
The Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
- Address: 991/9 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Siam, Bangkok.
- Reference room price: from 314$ per night.
The Yard Hostel Bangkok
- Address: 51 Soi Phaholyothin 5, Samsennai, Phaya Thai, Chatuchak, Bangkok.
- Reference room price: from 53$ per night.
Movylodge Hostel
- Address: 505 Petchaburi Rd., Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok.
- Reference room price: from22$ per night.
Bed Station Hostel
- Address: 486/149-150 Siam Square District, Soi Petchburi16, Ratchthewi, Siam, Bangkok.
- Reference room price: from 20$ per night.
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of accommodation options available in Bangkok. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure you find the best options for your preferences and budget.
Entertainment Spots in Thailand
After a long period of closure due to the pandemic, every traveler visiting Thailand brings with them a sense of excitement and readiness to fall in love again with familiar tourist spots: from majestic temples and vibrant entertainment venues to unique festivals and the experience of shopping for high-end goods at affordable prices.
Bangkok
When mentioning the most famous tourist city in Southeast Asia, Bangkok comes to mind. This city is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, featuring skyscrapers and bustling city life alongside royal palaces and ancient temples rich in architecture and ancient culture.
Explore Earthly suggests some places you can visit in Bangkok, such as the Grand Palace, Vimanmek Palace, Wat Pho, Safari World Bangkok, or the Siam Paragon complex in central Bangkok. You can also visit traditional markets such as Chatuchak, known for its affordable and delicious street food.
Pattaya
Dubbed one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world, Pattaya is consistently a top destination for tourists after the pandemic. Its stunning natural landscapes, white sandy beaches, golden sunshine, blue seas, and exciting entertainment options make Pattaya a top choice for travel. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, unique shows, and bustling bars and clubs.
When visiting Pattaya, Explore Earthly suggests exploring attractions such as Pattaya Walking Street, Pattaya Beach, Pattaya Sheep Farm, Naklua Bay, and Pattaya Elephant Village. You can also enjoy special shows like Tiffany’s Show, featuring performances that showcase the cultural essence of the Land of Golden Temples.
With its blue sea, white sand, and golden sunshine, Pattaya is one of the most famous destinations for visitors to Thailand.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand and is the second-largest city in the country, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges. The city is home to hundreds of Buddhist temples, historical landmarks, and primary forests with diverse ecosystems.
When visiting Chiang Mai, don’t miss out on places like Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Ku Tao, Chiang Mai Walking Street, the Summer Palace, and Chiang Mai Zoo. Baan Kang Wat and One Nimman are must-visit places for the younger crowd.
Chiang Rai
Located not far from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is known for its ecological tourism and as one of the cities offering peace and tranquility to visitors.
The city is most famous for Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, with its unique, intricate architecture that is centuries old. Other attractions include Namtok Khun Korn Waterfall, King Mengrai’s pilgrimage site, and the famous Golden Triangle area between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.
Andaman Coast & Phuket Island
This area boasts Thailand’s most charming islands such as Koh Phi Phi and Krabi, which have received countless praises for their emerald green, crystal-clear waters, long stretches of white sandy beaches, and pristine underwater ecosystems.
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most famous islands, located in the southern part of the country. The island is surrounded by lush tropical forests, limestone mountains, and many beautiful beaches such as Kata Yai, Kata Noi, and Karon. It is also home to the sacred 45-meter-tall Big Buddha statue, as well as the breathtaking experience of watching the sunset from Promthep Cape. These are all must-visit spots when exploring the island.
Koh Phi Phi is also located in this area and is renowned for its landscapes, often described as heaven on earth. The only way to fully appreciate the beauty of this place is by taking a boat tour around the island or participating in snorkeling to explore the colorful coral reefs and swim with schools of playful fish. Notable attractions include Maya Bay, Loh Samah, and Koh Phi Phi Lee.
This area also includes the Ko Tarutao National Marine Park, which is known for water sports like snorkeling and relaxing on sparkling white sandy beaches.
Famous dishes in Thailand
Like Vietnam, Thailand also has a tropical monsoon climate, so the general taste of the Land of Golden Temples consists of many spicy, refreshing, and sour dishes. Thai street food has long left an unforgettable impression on travelers, not only because of its deliciousness and variety across different cities but also because of its affordability and the friendly, enthusiastic locals.
Explore Earthly is sure you will regret it if you don’t try the following dishes:
Tom Yum: Spicy and sour shrimp soup is considered Thailand’s national dish. With its distinct sour and spicy taste, the broth is rich with lemongrass and other herbs blended harmoniously. Tom Yum is a must-try dish for any visitor to Thailand.
Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, peanuts, bean sprouts, and scrambled eggs. This dish is available on every street in Thailand, making it both affordable and easy to find. The sourness of lime combined with the rich flavors of chicken, pork, and shrimp creates an unforgettable taste.
Som Tam: Papaya salad is one of Thailand’s must-try street food specialties. Made from shredded green papaya mixed with live crab and a spicy sauce, it creates a sweet and mild flavor that leaves a lasting impression on travelers.
Khao Niew Ma Muang, or mango sticky rice, is a popular street food dessert in the Land of Golden Temples. The sticky rice is soft, white, and fragrant, paired with ripe, sweet, and refreshing mango slices, and topped with creamy coconut milk. This combination creates a perfect dessert to beat the heat in Thailand.
