If you arrived here, it means you are ready to start planning your adventurous trip to Thailand. The land of smiles is a good place to start exploring Asia. Let me show you what to consider so you can include as many fun things to do in Thailand as possible while having a smooth and enjoyable trip.
My top tips for travelling smarter to Thailand
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Thailand
The best way to go to Thailand is by flying. As Thailand is a highly popular destination, the time of the year you’re going to will have an impact on fares (the highest prices are usually found in December), but also on how long you are willing to travel.
A return ticket to fly to Thailand starts from:
- £450 from London
- 500€ from Germany
- 350AUD from Perth
- 600 USD from Los Angeles
Learn more about how to get to Thailand from different places around the world, including the leading airlines serving these destinations and alternative routes that can help secure better deals.
The best season to visit Thailand, away from the crowds
It is important to note that Thailand has two main seasons, dry and rainy. In reality, these two distinct seasons vary by location. While the part of Thailand from Chiang Mai to Phuket via Bangkok (Northern, Central and Andaman Coast) has its rainy season from May to October, the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui and Koh Tao) has its rainy season from October to January.
The best season to go scuba diving in Thailand, on both the West and East coasts, is from February to April. The weather is mostly sunny, with temperatures around 30°C and humidity around 80%. Note that December and January are the peak tourist season on the Andaman coast, May and June on the Gulf of Thailand, when you’ll run into more people and can expect to pay more for both transportation and accommodation.
This being said, the rainy season is not as scary as it sounds. Yes, it will rain, heavy but also short. Unlike other places, it still feels warm, with humidity around 80%. Also, keep in mind that some areas in the Andaman Sea close their marine national parks during the low season to protect nature and due to sea conditions. Plan your trip accordingly if you intend to visit during this time.
If you want a good in-between, choose the beginning or end of the high season. For the Andaman coast, October-November and April-May are perfect, whereas for the Gulf of Thailand, January-February and September-October are ideal. It has reasonable fares, good weather, and fewer people. And scuba divers will love the uncrowded dive sites.
How to explore Thailand efficiently
Depending on where you want to go, there are plenty of ways to get around Thailand. From flights, to trains, buses, mini-buses, cars, ferries, speedboats, longtail boats, to Songthaews, Tuk-Tuks and Scooters. The good news? All means of transportation are affordable in Thailand.
As a scuba diver, the easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel or dive shop is either by shuttle bus or private driver. You can talk to your hotel or dive shop. Renting a car is possible, but you need to be aware of left-hand traffic and carry an international driver’s license. Affordable public transportation is available all over the country with many different options and complete flexibility. In my opinion, it´s not worth the hassle in Thailand.
Book a place to stay that matches your preferences
Best areas to stay based on your preferences
Considering where to stay in Thailand depends on the trip you want to take. A lot of people plan round-trips, going around the north, or island-hopping in the south. Sometimes, even a combination of both. Thailand offers a wide variety of destinations and activities, making it a suitable entry point for first-time visitors to Asia. Whether you’re drawn to bustling cities, tranquil beaches, or cultural landmarks, Thailand has something to match your preferences:
- Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai area (North):
Northern Thailand offers a wide range of opportunities for nature and culture lovers, from motorbike/scooter road trips to hiking trails and riverboat tours. You can visit stunning temples, such as the world-renowned White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, in Chiang Rai.
- Bangkok area (Central):
Not only is Bangkok home to its vibrant districts and stunning rooftop bars, but it also offers its shopping malls, boat tours and culture. Wat Pho, with its 46-meter-long, golden reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace are must-sees.
- Andaman Coast (South-West):
The Andaman Coast offers world-class dive sites for experienced divers, stunning white beaches, rock climbing around Krabi town, and nature hikes in Khao Sok National Park, featuring a vast lake with floating bungalows.
- Gulf of Thailand (South-East):
Koh Tao is known for its beginner-friendly dive sites, but it also offers rock climbing and hiking. Koh Samui is better suited to a family vacation, with quiet beaches and fewer parties, while Koh Phangan is known for its full-moon parties.
Everyone can find a suitable accommodation in Thailand.
Thailand has it all: from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts, there is something for every budget. Backpackers love it thanks to its affordable accommodation and transportation options. For those interested in more comfortable options at a good value for money, there are various guesthouses and homestays run by local families to choose from. But Thailand also offers luxury resorts with high standards of quality and service, comparable to the world’s best destinations.
- Hostels/Dormitories: from 2€ per night
You can find bunk beds in hostels for 2€ per night. It depends on your preference, and you might consider paying a bit more if you prefer a same-gender dormitory, a private room, or a quiet area away from party zones.
- Homestays/Guesthouses: from 10€ per night
You can find low-budget private rooms with basic facilities starting from 10€ per night. So, if you travel as a couple or with friends, it´s easy to find affordable rooms by sharing the costs.
- Beachfront Bungalows: from 20€ per night
Those who want to wake up overlooking the beach and fall asleep to the sound of waves can choose from a variety of rooms or bungalows, starting at 20€ per room per night. Please keep in mind that these prices will rise during peak season around Christmas and New Year.
- Luxury hotels & resorts: from 50€ per night
5-star luxury hotels can be found from 50€ per night per room during low or shoulder season. During high and peak season, expect much higher prices.
No matter the budget, you can expect excellent hospitality in Thailand: clean rooms, good mattresses, and clean bathrooms. Your chosen standard depends on your budget, but even small guesthouses usually offer great value for money, and a small breakfast is generally included. The standards, service, and food in luxury resorts in Thailand can sometimes even surpass those of many other countries known for luxury accommodations.
Top tips for scuba divers going to Thailand
Thailand offers great places to dive, no matter what level of scuba training you have. There are plenty of easy dive sites for beginners, and advanced divers are not forgotten with world-class dive sites in highly protected marine national parks. When planning your trip, don’t forget to check the season and if the national parks are closed during the rainy season.
Koh Tao is a great place with easy and shallow dive sites for beginners. Besides, it is a known place for encounters with whale sharks. If you are a more experienced diver, a liveaboard in the Similan Islands is a great place to experience this type of diving trip for the first time, thanks to its shorter duration and affordability. For advanced divers with extensive experience, I recommend the South Andaman coast between Phuket and Koh Lanta. The area has pristine reefs, offers opportunities to meet leopard sharks, and hides exciting shipwrecks to explore.
Depending on the location, the price of a fun dive starts from 700 THB. You´ll see a difference, e.g. between Koh Tao and the Andaman Sea. The dive sites around Koh Tao are closer to the island, so dive prices are lower than in the Andaman Sea, where dive sites are 1 to 2 hours away in the marine national parks.
Do you need more information to plan your dive trip to Thailand?
Check these additional articles about travelling and scuba diving in Thailand: