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Amsterdam
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Thailand sits in the heart of Southeast Asia, surrounded by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. It’s about the size of Spain, but feels like ten countries packed into one.
You’ve got busy Bangkok with its skyscrapers and temples. You’ve got northern mountains where hill tribes still live traditionally. You’ve got southern islands with water so clear you can see fish from your boat. And everywhere, absolutely everywhere, you’ve got incredible food.
I’ve been to Thailand seven times now, and I’m still finding new things to love.
Let me be honest: Thailand figured out tourism before most countries even tried.
It’s affordable. Your money goes far here. A plate of pad thai costs less than a coffee back home. A decent hotel room? Maybe $20-30 a night. A massage? $6-10. You can travel like royalty on a backpacker budget.
It’s easy. Signs are in English. People help you even when there’s a language barrier. Transportation works. You can figure things out without losing your mind.
It has everything. Want beaches? Check. Want mountains? Check. Want cities? Check. Want quiet villages? Check. Want to party till sunrise or meditate in silence? Both? Thailand’s got you.
It’s safe. I’ve walked around Bangkok at midnight. I’ve traveled solo through small towns. Thai people are generally kind and helpful. Sure, there are scams (we’ll talk about that), but violent crime against tourists is rare.
Buddhism isn’t just a religion here – it’s woven into daily life. You’ll see monks in orange robes everywhere, especially in the morning, collecting alms.
Some rules to remember:
Thais deeply respect their monarchy. Don’t joke about the King or royal family. Just don’t. It’s actually illegal, but beyond that, it’s disrespectful to something they hold sacred.
Thailand calls itself “The Land of Smiles” and it’s not marketing. Thais smile when they’re happy, when they’re embarrassed, when they’re uncomfortable, when they’re apologizing. Learn to smile back. It makes everything easier.
That prayer-like gesture with hands together? That’s a wai. It’s how Thais greet and show respect. As a tourist, you don’t need to wai shop workers or servers, but wai-ing back when someone wais you is polite. Higher hands = more respect.
I’m going to be real with you: Thai food in Thailand is different from Thai food back home. It’s spicier, fresher, and more complex.
I’m going to be real with you: Thai food in Thailand is different from Thai food back home. It’s spicier, fresher, and more complex.
Pad Thai – Yeah, it’s touristy, but it’s touristy for a reason. Stir-fried noodles with egg, tofu, peanuts, and lime.
Tom Yum Goong – Spicy and sour soup with prawns. It’ll clear your sinuses and change your life.
Som Tam – Green papaya salad. Looks innocent. Will blow your head off (in the best way). Tell them “pet nit noi” (a little spicy) unless you’re brave.
Massaman Curry – Milder, sweeter curry with peanuts. Perfect if you can’t handle heat.
Mango Sticky Rice – Sweet coconut rice with ripe mango. Simple. Perfect. Heaven.
Street Food Everything – Grilled skewers, fried insects (yes, really), fresh fruit, coconut ice cream. The street food is often better than restaurants.
Thai people are some of the kindest I’ve met traveling. They’re patient with tourists, helpful when you’re lost, and genuinely seem to care if you’re enjoying their country.
But there’s something important to understand: Thais value harmony and avoid confrontation. They might smile and say yes even when they mean no. They won’t tell you directly if something bothers them.
This isn’t being fake – it’s their culture. They’re avoiding making you feel bad or creating conflict.
Also, Thais are modest. Loud, aggressive behaviour stands out badly. Keep your voice down, stay calm, and you’ll get much better service everywhere.
Thailand has three seasons, and honestly, there’s no perfect time because it’s a long country with different weather patterns.
Best time for most people. Weather is warm but not scorching, less rain, clear skies. This is also peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. December-January is busiest.
Seriously hot. 35-40°C (95-104°F). April is brutal. But fewer tourists, better prices, and if you stick to islands and beaches, it’s manageable. Songkran (water festival) happens in April – chaotic and amazing.
Underrated. Yes, it rains, but usually just heavy downpours for an hour or two, then sunshine. Everything is green and beautiful. Fewer tourists. Great deals. Some islands close or have rough seas, though.
My pick? November or February. Perfect weather, festivals, and manageable crowds.
Get a tourist SIM at the airport. 15-20 days of data costs about 300-500 baht ($8-15). DTAC, AIS, and True are all fine. You need internet for maps and translation.
Thailand makes getting around pretty easy.
Tuk-tuks – Iconic three-wheeled rides. Always negotiate price BEFORE getting in. Should be 50-100 baht for short rides. Overpriced but fun.
Grab (like Uber)Â – Cheapest and easiest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Download the app.
Metered Taxis – Everywhere in Bangkok. Make sure they use the meter. Starting fare is 35 baht.
BTS/MRTÂ – Bangkok’s sky train and subway. Clean, modern, cheap, air-conditioned. Use these.
Songthaews – Red trucks that work like shared taxis in Chiang Mai. 30 baht per person for in-city rides.
Flights – Cheap domestic flights on AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air. Bangkok to Chiang Mai or islands is often $30-60.
Trains – Slow but scenic. Overnight trains from Bangkok to north or south are an experience. Book sleeper berths in advance.
Buses – Everywhere, cheap, range from basic to luxury VIP coaches. Use government bus stations when possible.
Minivans – Faster than buses, connect smaller towns. Can be cramped and drive like maniacs.
Ferries – For islands. Check schedules – some islands have limited service in rainy season.
Thailand isn’t perfect. It’s touristy in places. Bangkok can be overwhelming. Some beaches are overdeveloped. You’ll see poverty next to luxury.
But Thailand has this magic that keeps pulling people back. Maybe it’s the food. Maybe it’s watching sunset from a beach where your biggest decision is which restaurant to try. Maybe it’s the way Thai people welcome you with genuine warmth.
I’ve been seven times and I’m already planning number eight.
For first-timers, Thailand is forgiving. You can mess up, get lost, eat the wrong thing, and it’ll still be an amazing trip.
Just go. Book the ticket. Thailand is the perfect introduction to Southeast Asia, and honestly, to traveling in general.
Have questions about Thailand? Drop them in the comments. I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to.
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