Thailand Travel Guide

   

The main regions of Thailand

Chiang Mai, the capital and northern province

To discover a luxuriant universe, this province created from scratch by King Mengrai in the 13th century is ideal. Trekking, cycling and rafting are the flagship activities of the “Rose du Nord”. Less frequented by tourists than the South of Thailand, this region is worth a detour. Not to be missed if you travel to Thailand in November, the Loy Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand behind Bangkok. La Rose du Nord is located in a fertile valley, that of the Ping River. This allows the inhabitants of the province to cultivate the poppy, thanks to which opium and morphine are created, and which are also used for pastries. The city is famous for its craftsmanship with objects made from silver, wood and ceramics. All around Chiang Mai, you will be able to go hiking and discover traditional villages…

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Bangkok, the city with two faces

The Thai capital counts nearly 10 million inhabitants and bustles day and night. Split in two by the railway line, the old town with its markets and numerous temples (more than 400) faces the new town and its countless buildings. One of the city's must-see monuments is undoubtedly the reclining Buddha: 45 m long and 15 m high. This statue of Buddha on his deathbed can be seen at Wat Pho, the oldest and largest of Bangkok's temples. Impossible to visit Thailand without going through the hectic Bangkok.

Koh Samui

In the south of Thailand, the island of Koh Samui is the largest island in the sector and the third behind Phuket and Koh Chang. Covered in coconut palms and lined with white sand beaches, Koh Samui is widely accessible by any means of transport.

Phang Nga

North of Phuket, the province of Phang Nga is a paradise for divers. Krabi is the best known spot for indulging in underwater activities. It is the bay that is really worth a look: it is speckled with a hundred uninhabited islets. There is no shortage of water in this region, since the bay is crossed by three rivers, thus offering different activities to tourists.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is an archipelago of about fifty islands. Most of them are classified as National Parks, covering an area of ​​152 km². These islands are covered with lush forest and bordered to the west by magnificent beaches.

Which season to choose to visit Thailand?

Thailand is a popular destination for tourists, who generally seek to enjoy its sun-drenched beaches and the smiles of its people. For those, the best time to leave is during the cool season which runs from November to February. Corresponding to the winter months in Western countries, the influx of tourists therefore increases drastically and the prices charged by airlines and accommodation providers with it. Avoid the holiday season to visit Thailand if you want to take advantage of affordable prices, especially on the islands and at the resorts.

From March to May, temperatures are at their highest in the kingdom.

Air conditioning, water within reach and a hatted head are essential! During this season, organize your excursions preferably in the morning and don't forget to hydrate yourself regularly to avoid heatstroke. You can also take part in the Water Festival, called Songkran, and splash around with the locals! From June to October, the rainy season significantly slows down the arrival of tourists on Thai soil. If you're a penniless adventurer, this is the best season to go, as some companies are cutting their fares in half!

When to go to Thailand?Consult all the data on the weather in thailand month by month.

What is the budget to plan on site?

Thailand is a country where life is, in general, very accessible for the budgets of Westerners on vacation. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that the season and the variations in the climate which result from it contribute for a large part to the prices posted by all the actors of the Thai tourist life. Similarly, the rates charged by hotels vary greatly depending on the geographical location of their establishment, as well as the standard offered. Thailand attracts penniless backpackers as well as the wealthiest travelers and the country has been able to adapt to meet the needs and desires of all categories of visitors it receives.

It is generally estimated that, for a couple of young adventurers who are not too fussy about the quality of accommodation, around fifteen euros is enough to accommodate two people in one of the many guesthouses that dot the country. Even for the demanding traveller, it will rarely cost more than 80 euros to afford a comfortable double room in a luxury hotel. Eating is also very cheap.You eat very well for less than 5 euros in the small stalls of the capital and with 20 euros, you can treat yourself to real high quality feasts. Transport, such as excursions are also very affordable, even with companies that offer all the advantages of high-end air conditioning and internet connection. In short, visiting Thailand is accessible to all budgets!

How to go to Thailand from France?

Unless you want to take up a sporting challenge or discover the Silk Roads, it is essential to fly to visit Thailand. A true crossroads in Southeast Asia, the country welcomes travelers from all walks of life who wish to enter the territory or simply pass through it to discover its close neighbours. From Paris, the flight lasts about 11 hours, to which you must add stopovers if you decide to opt for an indirect flight. Bangkok is very well served by many airlines as demand is high, especially during the winter season in Europe. French, Persian Gulf and even Thai companies provide connections all year round and widely vary their prices depending on the crowds.

So be careful when booking when choosing your dates. We strongly advise against the holiday season when prices skyrocket and it is difficult to book a flight. Be aware that some airlines (especially those in the Persian Gulf) sometimes offer return tickets for less than 400 euros during the off-peak period, i.e. during the rainy season, while it is not uncommon to see tickets leaving for more than 1000 euros in December! It's up to you whether you prefer to put your hand in the wallet or go on an adventure!

What are the culinary specialties of Thailand?

Visiting Thailand also means tasting Thai cuisine, which is considered to be one of the most varied and inventive in the world. Like the country, the locals explore with overflowing enthusiasm all the possibilities offered by the generous nature that surrounds them. First advice for fragile Western palates, beware of spicy dishes! Know that a good Cha nom, iced black tea mixed with sugar and condensed milk, is excellent for extinguishing the beginnings of mouth fire.

Thai curry ©Sharon Ang / Pixabay

For goodness sake… Most Thai dishes are served with a separate portion of rice, to which you will mix your preparation. Fried, sticky or steamed, rice is an essential component of the Thai diet. It accompanies in particular fried foods as in the famous Khao Phat where it is served with chicken, crab or shrimp. It is found with the famous Laab, finely minced and spiced pork or with Kai Yang, chicken that is always well grilled.

Noodles are also very present in Thai dishes. 

Pad Thai is universally known thanks to Thai restaurants that have spread all over the world. These stir-fried noodles are accompanied by various vegetables as well as meats or seafood. There are also many different soups, whose compositions often include coconut milk, ginger or lemongrass. They are sometimes spiced up with a very hot pepper, such as Tom Yam. Beware of burns!

Pad Thai ©Jonathan Valencia / Pixabay

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In the dessert section, Thais often prefer very sweet and industrial products that we do not recommend. An exception to the rule, the famous Mango Sticky Rice, sticky rice topped with coconut milk and set with thin slices of fresh mango, a delight! As for drinks, do not hesitate to taste the many fresh fruit juices offered along the roads or in the restaurant. And above all, don't miss Singha beer, not for its generally limited taste qualities, but for the national symbol it represents!

Which Thai region should you choose for your accommodation?

Visit Thailandcan meet various desires according to profiles and situations. A land of sunshine and smiles for some, spiritual and historical heritage or even a place of celebration and urban life for others… each traveler is always looking for a particular vision of this country as diverse as it is stimulating. For fans of scuba diving and idleness on paradisiacal beaches, the islands that dot its coasts will be perfect postcard-shaped refuges for their holidays. South, in Phuket: on the islands of Ko Phi Phi or Krabi, picturesque caves, snow-colored beaches and dense tropical forests will amaze lovers, who have come to visit Thailand for its golden finery.

To the east of Bangkok, unspoilt nature is the law here. Around Isan, a region still little visited, it is the natural parks, the rice fields as far as the eye can see and the historical heritage that give a more peaceful vision of a secular Thailand. Conversely, the central plains where Bangkok and its endless suburbs extend constitute the cradle of today's Thailand. Here, modernity rubs shoulders with tradition to the delight of tourists. Finally, in the North, the country deploys its many mountains around Chiang Mai. In the region of the Golden Triangle, land of legends and history, there are still many remote villages in which time still does not flow at the speed of new technologies that saturate the capital.

The walks and experiences to do in Thailand

Ayuthaya Historical Park

Less than 100 km north of Bangkok, Ayuthaya was the capital of the kingdom of Siam (former name of Thailand) from 1350 to 1767. Today, the hundreds of golden temples of this majestic city are nothing but ruins. . Ruins still classified as World Heritage of Humanity by Unesco and which extend over more than 10 km². The extraordinary discovery of the site can be done on foot, by bike or by boat!

Fine sand and turquoise sea

Pattaya and the seaside resorts on the east coast are worth a stop, but don't stay too long, because other places are more authentic and above all much more spectacular. You cannot visit Thailand without discovering its magnificent islands like Phi-Phi, still very wild or phuket. With its heavenly beaches and lagoons, this island is a delight for scuba diving enthusiasts. It was discovered in the 1970s by a handful of hippies who landed on Kata Beach. Tour operators offer treks, a sporty way to discover the island of Phuket during your vacation.

Beach in Thailand ©MustangJoe / Pixabay

In the province of Koh Samui, some beaches are absolutely magnificent. That of Chaweng is the longest and offers the highest concentration of hotels, and therefore entertainment in the evening. Suffice to say that going out will not be a problem! The beaches of Lamai are equally popular, which will give you plenty of choice when booking a hotel. The beaches of Bophut are lined with typical wooden houses, and the fishing village has managed not to deny itself, despite the various pressures linked to tourism. The result is a wonderful place to laze in the sun without fear of heavy traffic like the beaches of Chaweng. An ideal place to spend your honeymoon!

Cruise

The rivers, powerful means of communication in Thailand, are now used extensively for cruises. Take advantage of a stay in Bangkok to visit the Thai capital in a different light. At sea, cruises will allow you to get to know the marine fauna and flora.

Adventure

Thailand has staggering ecological and ethnic diversity. To cross this country is to cross different cultures: the Thais, of course, but also Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Cambodian communities... We must also mention the wonderful landscapes, many of which are protected by the designation of national park. 127 parks protect animals and are wonderful encounters with wildlife: dolphins, elephants, Asian tigers, monkeys, etc. If you like to test your limits, also go to a military camp. Many of them offer activities modeled on basic military training. However, you must be in good physical condition to participate in this type of adventure. For less extreme hikes, Chiang Mai is the place to go:

Massage / Fitness

Who has never heard of Thai massage? It is a massage using acupressure techniques, ie the meridians are used to relax the various parts of the body. For modest prices, you will be able to relax at the Wat Pho (a temple guaranteeing the traditional techniques of this massage), but also at your hotel, or even on the beaches. All opportunities are good to seize! However, massages in salons and hotels will allow you to benefit from other treatments such as manicures, body scrubs, etc.

Markets

One of the most well-known markets for tourists and locals is probably the one that takes place every weekend in Chatuchak, on the outskirts of Bangkok. You will find absolutely everything you want there: clothes, crafts, etc. Also remember to visit the floating market in Bangkok: everything is sold on canoes! An incredible experience.

Monuments and cultural visits not to be missed

In Thailand, far from the beaches, there are many cultural sites to visit that will allow you to tame a country that is often overlooked.

Buddhist Temples

There are many Buddhist temples that can be visited in Thailand. This polytheistic religion is present in the slightest gestures of Thai people and visiting one of these places of worship is always an extremely enriching and soothing experience.

Wat Pho

Near the Grand Palace of Bangkok, it is absolutely necessary to visit the Wat Pho temple and admire the superb statue of the reclining Buddha, extending its 46 meters and dominating its visitors from the top of its 15 meters. A magnificent artistic feat dating from 1832.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai is a sacred place for the Thais. It would contain in particular a relic: a bone from the shoulder of Buddha. This temple is especially worth for the magnificent view it offers on Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is the must-see place in Bangkok. It is extremely visible, with its sparkling tiles and its many gildings. Discover in particular Wat Phra Kaeo, a masterpiece of Thai art.

How to move around the country?

Inside cities, it is better to travel by public transport. In Thailand, they are extremely developed and you will have no trouble finding a bus to take you from one point to another. Buses are also to be preferred, especially since many are air-conditioned. There are also more original ways to get around. Thus, the tuk-tuk is a vehicle consisting of the front of a scooter, on one wheel with handlebars, extended by a covered "carriole" on 2 wheels, in which the passengers sit. Tuk-tuks are very numerous and advertise high prices that you have to haggle. However, they will not allow you to move faster than taxis.

Songthaews are pick-ups or vans

The rear of which is equipped with 2 benches to accommodate passengers. They follow a fixed line, but stop precisely where you want them to. In Bangkok, you will also find an aerial metro, modern and fast. The train is often considered to be very slow, but is very useful for getting out of the big tourist cities. Finally, motorcycle taxis are the fastest way to get around when traffic is saturated. However, they can be very dangerous!

Useful information

Before leaving to visit Thailand, here is a lot of practical information: jet lag, currency conversion, transport, useful links...

·       Formalities:Note that the formalities for accessing the territory are quite simple. From France,a visa will be necessary for any trip of more than 30 days and your passport must be valid for more than 6 months at the time of your entry into the territory. For a stay of less than 30 days: no visa necessary for members of the European Union!

·       VISITOR CENTER :The National Tourism Board of Thailand offers a lot of information in French. Take the opportunity to prepare your trip to Thailand!

·       Currency conversion:1 euro is equivalent to approximately 33.60 Bahts

·       Jet lag :The time difference with Thailand is 6 hours in Paris in winter, and 5 hours in summer. Thus, when it is noon in Paris, it is 6 p.m. in Bangkok in winter, and 5 p.m. in summer.

·       Recommended vaccines:Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B.

·       Malaria :Thailand is an area of ​​malaria endemic in its major form (falciparum), especially in rural areas. Urban and coastal areas are exempt. It is therefore highly recommended to seek treatment from your doctor at least 2 weeks before your departure. Other parasitic or viral diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes, the use of mosquito repellents is recommended.