Neil Aronson Have you been thinking about, or are ready to plan your first trip to Thailand? Then we want to help you with advice from people who have taken the trip dozens of times. From my early days before meeting my Thai wife as a single guy from California, to current advice from experienced locals.
Some people are planners when it comes to traveling, while some people enjoy winging it, with little or no plan. Either way, we have got you covered for your first trip.
Don’t over think your first trip. This would be my first piece of advice for your first trip to Thailand. Same for your first trip anywhere in Southeast Asia.
It can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. So much information online is both a good thing and a confusing thing. Try and keep your first trip simple. Maybe take this advice from the late great Anthony Bourdain.
I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one. Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.
Anthony Bourdain
Typically this is how I usually travel to Southeast Asia. I only know when I am going, and when I am returning. Believe it or not, I am actually a planner in every other aspect of life. But Thailand in particular is one of those places you can just find your way once there.
A lot does depend on if you are taking your first trip by yourself or as a couple. Or if you are with a larger family or group of people. That said we will take you through a list of things to consider for your first trip. You should have some plans before you go.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes. Do the Chiang Mai Golf Challenge from Viator.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Consider When To Go
Once you have decided if you are going, then you need to figure out when to go on your first trip. If you have the luxury of being flexible when you can go, then you can avoid the tourist crowds and save a lot of money. For your first trip, avoid the holiday weeks if possible.
The best weather by far, especially in Chiang Mai, is November and December. The northern mountains of Chiang Mai are cool at night, and only in the low 80’s during the day. Far different than the rest of the year.
The dry season runs November through March/April, however in mid January the air pollution starts to get pretty bad until the rains come again in April. If you enjoy thunderstorms go in the summer.
As far as rates and deals go, other then Christmas time, airline pricing does not change that much. Deals on hotels can be found most of the year in the Chiang Mai area. As tourism gets better for Thailand post Covid, is it still not back to normal, so now is the time to go. Your best option for searching hotels in on Agoda.
Decide Where To Go
It may sound strange, but figure out what is your goal for your trip to Thailand. With so many different options of things to do and see, it will make a difference in your planning. Everyone has much different tastes when it comes to traveling.
Southern Thailand’s Beaches and Islands are completely different than the big city Bangkok vibe. While Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai is a far more slower, relaxed pace than Bangkok. If you want to spend a week on beautiful beaches and enjoy more of a party scene, then go to the south. Keep in mind it will also cost you double what you will pay in Northern Thailand.
Visiting Bangkok is visiting a huge city (nearly 11 million pop) with countless things to do and see, but bring your energy. It’s a must see city, but personally a couple days is enough.
All areas on Thailand are full of great food, endless activities, great people, magical temples, and all the culture you can handle. For my money however, Northern Thailand has it all, except the beaches.
If your looking for outdoor activities, great city life and culture, but at a more relaxed pace (and cheaper), than visit Chiang Mai and the surrounding region. You will also encounter some of the friendliest people on the planet.
Do Your Research
Depending on what type of traveler you are, do your research before you go on your first trip. You can get lost trying to figure out what to do once you get there, as there are so many options of things to do. However, if you want to lounge around by the beach for a week, then find your hotel and your set.
Thanks to the internet there is so much, maybe too much information. If your going to Chiang Mai, besides relaxing you have so many options. Depending on how long you will be there you should have some sort of plan what you want to do. Here is a list of pre-trip items to look into for your first trip.
Flights/ Airlines
Personally I have really never seen a difference in pricing from the US if you purchase flights far ahead of time or not. If your flexible then you can search ‘flexible dates’, to find the cheapest days.
If flying from the US to Chiang Mai, try to find flights with only 1 stop, and that don’t make you transfer in Bangkok. It’s may cost a little more, but will save time and the hassle of another transfer. Currently the best options are Korean Air, EVA, China Airlines.
If coming from Europe, there are less options going to Chiang Mai with only 1 stop. Flying to Bangkok is the cheapest city to fly to if that is your only destination, or are going to nearby beach cities of Pattaya or Hua Hin.
Hotel Searches
Depending on the day of the week, you can get a very good to exceptional hotel for 1000-1,700 Baht ($30-$50), in the city center of Chiang Mai. There are countless good options for much less.
I would recommend a Boutique style hotel in the old city, more charm and walkable to many sights and restaurants. However as I said in my opening don’t be afraid to show up with no plans for where you will end up staying. Have a first or second night booked. Then you will probably see somewhere you want to change to, or maybe head out of town.
Agoda is our choice for booking hotels.
Get Travel Insurance
Like me you may not want to spend the money, or think nothing will happen. That would be correct until something does happen. These days it is also inexpensive and a must have for your first trip.
When it come to International Travel Insurance, our first choice would be SafetyWing. They offer what they call Nomad Insurance, or Travel Medical Insurance for Nomads. Highlights of their coverage for only a few dollars per day include:
- Travel medical — Access a qualified global network of hospitals and doctors for unexpected medical problems and accidents. Includes coverage for: Doctors, Hospitals, Emergency medical evacuation.
- Travel — Includes coverage for: Travel delay, Lost checked luggage, Emergency response & natural disasters, Personal liability.
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Alternatively you can search multiple companies to suit your needs for your first trip. With SquareMouth you can choose from over 30 respected companies. Each has different specialties and options so please read up on each of your options.
Popular Activities
On your first trip to Thailand you will not be short of activities and places to see. Depending on how much time you have, I would at least plan some places and things you want to do. Beside eating great food and visiting unique coffee shops, some options of things to do in Chiang Mai are as follows.
1. Golf– Over a dozen great golf courses in and around Chiang Mai. Bangkok region has around 50 courses and Pattaya around 30.
2. Temples- With over 300 Temples in Chiang Mai you spend your whole vacation just visiting them.
3. Mediation and Monks- Stay at a Meditation Center or Chat with a Monk.
4. Museums/ Art- In the city center there is a Culteral Center, and a Photography center close to Wat Chedi Luang. Throughout Thailand there a amazing local museums, focusing on local history.
5. Parks/Zoo/Aquarium- Visit the Royal Park Rajapruek. For 100 baht entrance, this gigantic botanical gardens will take you hours to tour. Worth the visit. Chiang Mai Night Safari and Zoo Aquarium.
6. National Parks/ Mountains and Waterfalls- Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains with stunning waterfalls and rivers, including Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s largest. There are dozens of amazing National Parks all over Thailand.
7. Festivals and Events- Go during when one of the festivals is happening. Loy Krathong in November and Songkran in April are two of the most popular and fun. Learn more on our Events Calendar.
8. Hiking/ Walking- Besides walking the city streets, the surrounding mountains are loaded with trails. And if you can make it out to any of the National Parks, you will be treated with great waterfalls as well.
9. Shopping/ Markets- Outdoor markets are a staple in Chiang Mai, and two Night Markets are always a fun experience. Sunday walking street by the Tha Phae Gate, and the main Night Market open 7 days. Bangkok is a shopping capital.
10. Cooking Classes– This is a popular ‘touristy’ thing to do. Great for a date with your spouse. I had nothing to do one day 10 years ago when I was by myself, and decided to take one. Let me tell you it was a blast. Meet nice people, cook multiple local meals, for less than you would spend going out in the US. Many choices, no need to book before you get there.
11. White Water Rafting– Like the cooking class, another fun thing I did with a friend on the spur of the moment. Had a blast, this is an all day excursion as you need to go a ways outside the city on the MaeTang River. Unless you are really adventurous, I would not go in the rainy season when the rivers become class IV rapids. It gets crazy. Most of the same companies offer ATV tours in the mountains as well. Book Here.
12. Hot Air Balloons– Several companies off this newer activity to Thailand. Of course this will be probably the priciest thing you do.
13. Full and Half Day Tours– Local companies that do rafting, also do different types of tours. Hilltribes, Hot Springs, Wine Tasting, etc.
14. Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries – Explore an Elephant Sanctuary. Book them here on Viator.
15. Bird Watching- Bring your binoculars and take in tropical nature. Click for more.
16. Road Trips-
Day trip to Lamphun City. Many travelers visit Lamphun as part of a day trip from Chiang Mai, often to explore its two notable monasteries.
Drive or take a tour to the top of Doi Inthanon.
Drive north through Mae Rim and Mae Sa Waterfall.
Sameong Loop is a mountain road that goes around Doi Suthep and Doi Pui.
Day Trips from Bangkok are some of the best. Explore ancient ruins, National Parks, and strange sights.
17. Spas and Retreats- Inside the city and out in the surrounding mountains, there are many options for resort spas and different types of retreats.
18. Get a Massage- For less than 300 baht, and pretty much on every block, your never far from a massage. Buyer beware; they are serious, and you will be sore if your not used to it!
19. Music/ Night Life/ Karaoke- Live music is fantastic in Thailand. Local cover bands are some of the best in the world and Chiang Mai Music is no exception. Chiang Mai has a lot of great local bars and nightclubs. And plenty of Go Go Bars if that is your speed. Or sing Karaoke (drunk),when you come across one on a night out at the bars.
20. Muay Thai Boxing- Get a ticket to see a fight at the Chiang Mai Stadium.
What will it cost?
When budgeting for your first trip to Thailand. the big advantage over most other countries is that costs are relatively inexpensive.
The economy in Thailand is such that local costs of eating out, shopping, entertainment, are cheap compared to western countries. So if you partake in the local way of life, you can do a lot for little.
Typical Costs
- Accommodations for 2; Guest House $10-$30, Boutique or 3 star Hotel $30-$60. Resorts can be had for less than $100.
- Eating Lunch/Dinner at Local Thai Restaurant; 60-120 baht. Double or more for western or Japanese food.
- Capuccino; 40 baht
- Massage; 200 to 600 baht, depending on where you go.
- National Park Entrance; 300 baht non citizen.
- Temples; Most are Free, however you should donate.
- Walking the streets, seeing the sights, markets. Free! My favorite activity.
- Museums/Cultural Centers; 90 baht
- Cooking Class; 600 to 900 baht Negotiate!
- Full Day Tours-;To Parks, Elephant Sanctuaries, Jungle and Zipline, etc $900-1,500 baht. Negotiate!
- Golf; 400 to 2,500 baht. Check there websites or Facebook pages for offers.
- Thai Beer at a store- 40 baht. Thai Beer at a bar 80 baht.
- River Rafting; Guided All day with food 2,000 baht.
How will I get around?
This is an often asked first trip question. The answer to this question is one of the best parts of visiting (or living in) Thailand. Especially if you are staying in a city such as Chiang Mai. Getting around is easy and cheap. No rental car needed. My wife and I live an hour outside the city center, but when staying in the city we park our car and don’t use it.
When you land at the airport in Chiang Mai you are already minutes from your hotel, so no ling distance shuttles or taxies needed. Many places in the city can be reach just walking.
For sure the most fun way to get around on your first trip, maybe anywhere in the world, is by Tuk Tuk. Just go out on the street and it should only take a couple minutes to pick one up. Rides on one will cost around 60 baht to go around the city, or more if going further out.
You can also jump in the red bus, which are small (seen above). Most locals chose this option, as it is the cheapest. It may be a little tricky on your first trip, as you may not know where you are going. They have a route but will stop and drop you anywhere. It helps when your with a local or know where your going.
Grab, is Thailand’s version of Uber, and is very popular, especially among people much younger than me! From the app you can summons and ride, and yes have food delivered.
12Go is the place to book transportation for your first trip such as trains, buses and flights.
There are also regular air conditioned taxies, but you may have to get your hotel to call for one, they are not everywhere like the Tuk Tuk. This might be a good option on your first trip, if you want to ‘rent’ one for a half day to take you to the mountains, or somewhere outside the city. If you do make sure you negotiate.
Bikes and Motorbikes are easily rented. Many hotels have bikes you can use for free. You can rent a motorbike (scooter), for cheap, about 200 baht/day. However they will require a large deposit.
What to bring
With warm weather and everything available to buy in Thailand, my advice for your first trip is to always travel with the least amount possible. A medium size suitcase and one carry on is all you should need to 2 weeks. If your traveling all around, then even a backpackers pack will do.
I always take photography equipment so that backpack is my carry on. In that bring your medications, money, passport, and anything else small you cant lose. You don’t need to bring 2 weeks worth of toothpaste and other supplies. You can buy them anywhere. There is a 7-11 on just about every block if you need something.
Common prescription medications can be found at pharmacies. As well there are pharmacies everywhere. Most common medicines you need prescriptions for in the US, you can buy over the counter in Thailand. Such as blood pressure, antibiotics, etc. Shopping in the city abundant, so you can always go get something you may have forgotten, and you will pay less than home.
Money
Bring western cash, as much as you feel comfortable carrying. Many people feel they need to exchange money before they go on their first trip. Or even worse it to exchange money at the airport. This is a mistake, they will take their big cut. You will get great rates at banks or exchange centers in the city, of which there are many. They love new $100 bills.
We use Wise, for great exchange rates.
We have an article on just this topic.
Phone Service
On my first trip to Thailand, I would got a cheap unlocked phone. Then I would buy a phone card from 7-11 or any other store. Now most cell phone carriers provide free international data and text with no activation.
T-Mobile connects automatically when you land. The free version is low speed data, but in Chiang Mai it worked fine. And Wi-Fi is so abundant you can connect anywhere you go. You can pay your phone company for high speed data, but I haven’t found the need for it.
Or you can pop a pre-paid sim card into your unlocked phone. This may be a good option if you really need to make calls instead of texts.
Visa’s / Passport
Most people especially from the US and Europe can go to Thailand with Visa on Entry or Visa Exemption. No need to get a travel Visa before your first trip. It will be issued at Thai immigration. Good for 30 days if from the US, and extendable up to 90 days.
There is a new government Visa site, Thai E-Visa, which is super helpful for planning your first trip. Things are changing all the time, so you need to follow us on Facebook for updates.
Visa Exempt Countries
Language
On their first trip to Thailand, people are often concerned about language differences. Most every Thai in the cities, especially the younger generations speak good English. Therefore most people working in hospitality will speak English.
It’s always a good idea to try and learn someone else language. There are some good free apps to learn Thai you can use before your trip.
Medical
Finally, people are, and should be concerned if something happens to them medically. The good news is that Thailand has great hospitals, I have used them in Chiang Mai myself. And if you happen not to be covered, minor medical care is relatively cheap.
That said, for your first trip, and any trip, it is recommended that you get Travel Insurance. It not only covers your trip, but medical expenses. Also check with your credit cards, they may cover parts of travel. As well as your home insurance.
Safety Wing and AXA Insurance are the two most popular choices and ones we have used.
Not only does travel insurance cover medical, it also includes travel coverage including travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response, and more. We have put together more information in the following article. Why do I need travel insurance?
We hope you get the opportunity to take your first trip to Thailand soon, so you can enjoy this paradise as we and many others have. If you have further questions please send us a note.
