Tour Thailand: The Ultimate Guide

Thailand is an ideal holiday destination for everyone. Whether you want to backpack or go on a tour with a group. Even if you go on holiday with a family, Thailand is very accessible. In addition, you will find various types of accommodation to suit every budget.

1. Features Thailand

You can come to Thailand for an adventurous journey full of sporting activities and a relaxing holiday. You should definitely put a Thai massage on your to-do list. And of course don't forget to enjoy the delicious local cuisine with a curry dish. Along the way you will meet the friendly locals in this country that is nicknamed 'Land of Smiles'. In short, a Thailand holiday should definitely be done sometime.

2. Tips for a tour Thailand

• You will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Thailand.
• For a tourist stay up to 30 days you do not need a visa. You may travel to Thailand without a visa twice per calendar year.
• If you travel via Thailand you do not need a visa for a stay of up to 15 days.

On request we can show you some documents at customs in Thailand. You may be asked for proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of your stay. For example, you can bring a bank statement or a salary slip with you. If you enter the country from a yellow fever area you may be asked for a yellow fever vaccination certificate. There are also other things that are good to know:

• You can't drink the tap water in Thailand. So buy bottled mineral water.
• You need an adaptor plug or travel plug if you want to connect your electrical appliances to the wall socket in Thailand.
• Need not only flip-flops for your Thailand holiday, but also shoes. Flip-flops can be considered inferior footwear.
• Don't touch people, including children, by the head. For Thai, the head is literally the highest part of the body.
• Get dressed properly when you go to a temple. For example, your shoulders and upper arms should be covered. If you don't have anything with you, you'll often find wraps at the entrance to borrow.

3. Vaccinations Thailand

If you are visiting Thailand, vaccinations against DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) and Hepatitis A are recommended. In addition, you may need personalized vaccinations. You can discuss this with a consultant from a vaccination agency. Also keep in mind that malaria occurs in certain areas of Thailand. During your appointment, you can go through your route to see if you are going to travel through the malaria area. You will receive personal advice as to whether you need to take malaria protection with you. If necessary, you will be given a prescription for malaria pills. The costs of this are around €10.

It is recommended to make an appointment with a vaccination agency in your area 4 to 6 weeks before departure. This will allow you to go through your travel plan together with an advisor. And you will receive personal advice on which vaccinations you need. The most common vaccinations are often in stock and can therefore be put at the same time. The costs for the consultation, the vaccinations and any prescriptions differ per vaccination agency. You can ask for the exact costs at the office in your area. You can count on costs of about €24 for the consultation. The vaccination against DTP costs an average of €29. Hepatitis A is around €55. Don't forget to take a look at your insurance policy because many insurers reimburse these costs.

4. Travel advice for Thailand

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports security risks for Thailand. Check the current state of affairs before you go on holiday to Thailand. For example, it is indicated not to travel to the 4 southern border provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla. There are regular attacks here. Furthermore, security risks are reported for the rest of Thailand. This is because the situation may differ from the security situation in the Netherlands. We put a number of warnings for you in a row.

• In the border areas you have to be extra alert. There may still be unexploded mines here. Stay on the paths and preferably go out alone with an official (local) guide.
• Avoid political meetings and demonstrations. These can be violent.
• Pass on Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui for fraud in the rental of motorized vehicles. When renting a jetski or scooter for example, you will be asked to leave your passport as collateral. Always use a copy.
• If you rent a moped, make sure it is not stolen and you have to pay the new price of the vehicle. Landlords often don't insure the mopeds and have them stolen by accomplices to unleash money from landlords.
• In Thailand minor offences can already lead to a stay of several weeks in a prison. The circumstances here are very difficult both physically and mentally. So avoid doing anything that violates the law in Thailand.
• You can be arrested if you buy (sleep) medication without a doctor's prescription. You may be fined or imprisoned for this.
• Drugs, especially in tourist areas, are fairly easily available in Thailand. However, the penalty for possessing and trafficking drugs is much heavier than in the Netherlands. If you are caught by a real policeman, you can get a heavy punishment for this.

You can also be arrested by an agent who is playing together with drug traffickers and middlemen. If you have bought drugs, the seller will inform the agent. While you are captured, they will take your passport away from you. An agent will then mediate by indicating that you can only be released by paying an extremely high deposit.

Smoking on popular beaches is punishable. You can get up to one year in prison or have to pay a high fine. It is also punishable to introduce electronic cigarettes and refills for this purpose. You can also get a high fine or imprisonment of up to 10 years for this.

5. Best travel period Thailand

Thailand has a tropical climate. This means that it is almost always nice and warm, but also fairly humid. For an average temperature of 27 degrees Celcius you have to be in Thailand. The dry season runs from October to February where you have to deal with pleasant temperatures. These are ideal months to visit the country. Between March and May is the so-called warm season where it is really very hot in Thailand.

5.1. Rain season

The rainy season runs from May to September. In this period heavy storms can suddenly occur. Floods also occur then. Be prepared that the electricity can suddenly fail and that telephones and internet no longer work. Transportation problems sometimes occur in this period as well. Keep a close eye on the local weather forecast. This also applies to earthquake warnings. These can occur in the north of the country.

During the rainy season the prices are lower than during the rest of the year, because it is less crowded in Thailand. If you are looking for a low-budget holiday, you can use this period very well to visit the country. Furthermore, it is not that it rains all day, it is mainly short showers. During this period, nature is greener and the waterfalls will contain more water.

6. Transport in Thailand

It is about an 11 hour flight from the Netherlands to Thailand. Furthermore you will find several smaller airports in the country which are mainly used for domestic flights. If you have to travel long distances within the country, a domestic flight is a cheap way to travel.

The public transport in Thailand is well organized. Buses are a common means of transport. There are different categories, which differ in comfort, speed and of course cost. As a tourist it is best to choose first class or VIP buses. These are more expensive, but they are equipped with air conditioning. Always keep a close eye on your luggage on the bus. And keep your hand luggage with you.

In Thailand you can also travel by train. However, for longer distances the travel time is longer than for example by bus. This is because the trains don't travel very fast. For example, you can sleep in the train during a night trip. And train travel is generally considered safe.

6.1. Driving yourself is strongly discouraged.

In view of the unsafety of traffic where there seem to be no rules, it is not recommended to drive a car yourself. Driving motorcycles and scooters is also not recommended. Most mopeds are not insured. Also motortaxi's are labeled as unsafe and should not be used.

6.2. Ferries

Do you want to get from the mainland to the islands? Then you will normally have to use the ferries. However, do not travel with them if the weather is bad. It is also good to check that the ferry is not overloaded and that it is well maintained. And also check if there is any life-saving equipment on board.

6.3. Tuk Tuk

If you are in Thailand, you will find the Tuk-Tuk everywhere. This is a cheap way to get from A to B in a city. The advantage is that tuktuks can drive between the stationary traffic, so it is faster than for example a taxi. It is customary to negotiate the price. If you want to take a taxi, it is advisable not to negotiate about the price, but to turn on the meter.

7. Round trip Thailand is cheap

Thailand is a cheap holiday country. Therefore, even with a smaller budget, you can enjoy a wonderful holiday here. A tour through Thailand is therefore very accessible. You can also very well make an individual tour through Thailand. It is an easy country to travel through. And you will notice that you will quickly make enough contacts with other travelers along the way. Thailand is often referred to as the number one backpacker destination.

That Thailand receives millions of travelers from all over the world every year, the country is well prepared for this. You can tell by the transport, the accommodations and for example the restaurants. Everything is geared to travellers. So if you make an individual tour through Thailand, you will notice that everything has been thought of. So that you can enjoy it to the fullest.

8. Sights of Thailand

Thailand has a lot to offer. Browse the culture with centuries-old temples, take a trip through the jungle to reach spectacular waterfalls and relax on one of the islands. We would like to list the highlights that you should not miss out on during your tour of Thailand.

Wanna have time to explore the country? Then plan a 2 to 3 week tour of Thailand. This will give you time to travel from north to south, for example. If you fly to Bangkok, you can travel from here first to the north and then to the south. Or you can choose a part of the country to visit. Discover the most popular and special sights Thailand has to offer.

8.1. Some Chedi Luang

In the north of Thailand you will find Chiang Mai, an area with misty mountains. Here in the center is also the Buddhist temple What Chedi Luang. This complex is located in the middle of the old town, within walking distance of where many tourists will stay. Did you know that "Luang" from the old Lanna language means "very big"? The central structure of this complex more than lives up to its name. The main pagoda is about 80 meters high, making it the highest point of the ancient city of Chiang Mai.

The temple complex was originally built in the 14th century. However, during an earthquake in 1545 the pagoda partly collapsed. The reconstruction in the 1990s could not bear everyone's approval. New elements were added which were not in the typical Lanna style. In Wihan Luang, a building on the complex, you will find the central Buddha statue accompanied on both sides by disciples.

8.2. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Tip! Start at Tha Phae Road and walk south towards Loi Khro. When you

8.3. Wat Doi Suthep

The most visited and most famous temple in Chiang Mai is the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, in short the Wat Doi Suthep. To visit this temple you have to take the first part of a winding mountain road. After that you have to climb a staircase with over 300 steps to get to the temple. You can also take a lift. What you find at the top of the mountain, however, makes the road there more than worth it. You enjoy a 600 year old golden pagoda. This towers above the other smaller buildings. You will also find the living quarters of the monks here. Keep in mind that you have to dress appropriately and take off your shoes in this part of the complex. From the mountain you also look out over Chiang Mai.

8.4. Kanta Elephant Sanctuary

About 45 kilometers from Chiang Mai you will find this ethical and sustainable project. Here the welfare of the animals is central. This way you can get in contact with the elephants and for example take a bath with them. However, riding them is strictly forbidden. The Kanta Elephant Sanctuary was founded as a home for retired and injured elephants who previously had to work in, for example, the tourism sector. They can rest here in as natural an environment as possible.

8.5. Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai was Thailand's first national park. And it is probably the best place in the country to spot various animals. And it is only about 2.5 hours northeast of Bangkok. In the park you will find Khao Rom, with over 1300 meters this is the highest mountain in the park. Here you can see elephants, deer, porcupines and macaques. If you are lucky, you can also spot bears and jackals for example. The national park consists mainly of rainforest. Choose for a day visit or go on a private tour through the National Park for a few days.

8.6. Historic town of Ayutthaya

The world heritage of Ayutthaya was once one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Founded in 1350, it peaked between the 14th and 18th centuries. In 1767, however, the city was destroyed by the Burmese army. The ancient capital of the kingdom was Ayutthaya, about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. The city was located on an island formed by 3 rivers. Because of this, it was completely surrounded by water. After the attack by the Burmese army, the inhabitants had to take refuge somewhere else. After this, the city never flourished again. It is now an archaeological area. Special ancient monuments are for example the Buddhist monasteries and towers. These illustrate ¡the lost glory of the city.

8.7. Erawan Falls

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand is the Erawan Falls. You can find them in the Erawan National Park, in Western Thailand. The 7 stages waterfalls end in emerald ponds. Here you can see the fish swimming. And you can take a dip in the water yourself. You can reach the different stairs via a jungle path. The name of the waterfall is derived from a three-headed white elephant from Hindu mythology. It is said that the top layer of the waterfalls resembles an elephant's head.

8.8. Thai-Burma Railway

If you want to learn more about the history of Thailand during the Second World War, you should visit the Thai-Burma Railway. This Japanese railway bridge was built by prisoners of war. It is also called the Death Railway, because of the many people who died during its construction. A part of the railway is still in use. As a tourist you can take a ride with a train over the massive wooden bridges. The bridge over the River Kwai is still standing and you can also walk a bit over it on foot. For example, you can make a daytrip from Bangkok to this part of the railway.

8.9. The Grand Palace in Bangkok

If you are in Bangkok, don't skip The Grand Palace. This is a building complex that has been the official residence of the kings since 1782. The complex is completely walled in. The four walls have a total length of 1900 meters. Besides the royal palace and various buildings for the government, you will of course also find several temples on the complex.

Emerald Buddha carved out of a block of jasper stone. The 66 centimetre high statue is considered Thailand's most important Buddha statue. There are even 3 different costumes for the Emerald buddha; one for summer, one for when it rains and one for winter. On the complex you will also find 6 Demon Guardians to protect the Emerald Buddha from evil spirits. For Thai, entry is free, but tourists have to pay to enter the complex. And keep in mind that the closing time is early afternoon.

 

8.10. Some Pho

Surface behind the temple with the Emerald Buddha you will find Wat Pho. This is one of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok. And it is known for the 46 meter long, reclining Buddha which is covered with gold leaf. This complex is also known for the temple of the reclining Buddha. Do not leave immediately after viewing the golden Buddha. The rest of the complex offers a relaxing experience. This is a good place to get a traditional Thai massage. It is the school for Thai massage. And of course you will find several temples on the complex to visit.

8.11. Some Arun

Named after the Aruna, Indian god of dawn, Wat Arun offers an impressive picture on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. When you arrive, the entrance immediately attracts attention. You will be welcomed by two statues of guards with swords and a threatening look. The most striking element of this Buddhist temple complex is the 82 meter high pagoda. You can't miss it. Not only because of its height, but also because of the statues of warriors on a three-headed elephant. Also enjoy the details of the tower, it contains graceful flower mosaics. These are made of Chinese porcelain that the Chinese ships threw away when they sailed through the harbour of Bangkok.

You can climb the big prang. Keep in mind that this is a pretty steep climb. And the way down is not the easiest. At the top you can enjoy a fantastic view over for example The Grand Palace.

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8.12. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is often seen as the most well-known floating market. You will find this floating market about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. From there you can easily make a daytrip here. The floating market is held on a maze of narrow canals. The sellers offer their merchandise on narrow wooden boats. This consists mainly of colorful fruits and vegetables. Be careful not to pay too much for e.g. a coconut to drink the liquid. Negotiation is customary. The market is the busiest early in the morning.

8.13. Prasat Sut Ja-Tum

In Pattaya, in southeastern Thailand, you will find The Sanctuary of Truth Museum. This is the only building entirely made of wood in the world. Different types of wood have been chosen because of their value, beauty and longevity. The building is filled with statues based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs. The project was started in 1981 and is expected to be completed in 2050. The design is based on Thai architecture with richly decorated, handmade sculptures. As it lies on top of a mountain, it looks as if the building rises from the sea. The idea behind the temple is to show that all religions lead to the only truth.

8.14. Cicada Market

If you are going to travel down from Bangkok through Thailand to visit for example the islands, you should definitely make a stop in Hue Hin. In the weekends the Cicada Market is organized here. What distinguishes this open air market is that you can find handmade items by artists here. Of course stalls with delicious food are not missing. You'll also find all kinds of entertainment at the market - from live music to street artists.

8.15. Thong Nai Pan Noi

On the east side of Thailand you'll find Koh Phangan. The northernmost bay here is Thong Nai Pan Noi. Here you can enjoy a relaxed hippy-feeling. To get there you either have to call an expensive speedboat or take a taxi or truck over a dirt road for about 45 minutes. Especially when it has rained this road is difficult to walk on. But once you arrive here you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, delicious local food and of course the soft white beach.

8.16. Wat Tham Suea

For tourists this Buddhist temple is known as Tiger Cave Temple. It is known for the prints of tiger legs in the cave, large Buddha statues and a challenging staircase to reach the top. You'll find this temple about fifteen minutes north of Krabi. When you've climbed up, you'll see an 18 meter high golden Buddha statue above. It is customary to pay your respects here before you go and see the rest of the area. You can enjoy a panoramic view over for example the rice fields and the Mae Klong river.

8.17. Phang Nga Bay

The Phang Nga Bay is known for its many limestone cliffs with caves. The most famous is the 20 meter high boulder Koh Tapu. The bay contains 42 islands with a wooded marshland. Because the water in the bay is shallow, the marsh falls dry at low tide. The bay is part of the National Park Ao Phang Nga. In the bay you can see different kinds of mangrove trees, all kinds of birds. Also all kinds of mammals, fish species and reptile species live in the bay. Take a boat trip through the bay and enjoy the beauty of nature.

8.18. Jungeceylon Shopping Center

On the southwest side of Thailand you will find several islands. Phuket is one of them. This island is one of the better beach destinations. And on this largest island of Thailand you will find accommodation for every budget. You also have to be here for the Jungleceylon Shopping Center. There are more than 200 shops in this mall. Everything from DVDs and computer games to cosmetics and shoes can be bought here. It also offers entertainment in the form of, for example, a bowling alley, a game hall and a cinema. And of course the hungry are not forgotten. You can also eat and drink something in one of the various restaurants.

8.19. Railay Beach

A peninsula that can only be reached by boat. That's Railay Beach. Its secluded location gives Railay an intriguing appearance. You really can't reach Railay by land, because enormous limestone cuts this paradise off from the rest of the mainland. Railay includes four beaches:

• Railay Beach West
• Railay Beach East
• Phra Nang Beach

On the east side moor the boats that will take you to Railay. This side is connected to the west side by jungle paths. There are no roads on Railay. For beautiful white beaches you have to be on the west side. On Railay you can enjoy beautiful views, caves and lagoons hidden in the cliffs.

8.20. Koh Phi Phi

Little to the east and below Phuket is Koh Phi Phi. This island is described as one of the most beautiful islands of Thailand. You will enjoy pearly white beaches, clear blue sea and magical bays. However, the island is also very touristy. So you will not have all this beauty for yourself. But the dazzling Maya Bay and Phi Leh Lagoon more than make up for this. Don't forget the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint for beautiful views over the island.

8.21. Coastline of Koh Lanta

If you are looking for an island where you generally find fewer tourists than on the surrounding islands, you should be on Koh Lanta. Here you'll find extensive beaches that are not just for partying on. Koh Lanta consists of over 50 islands. The three largest are Koh Klang, Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi. Ko Lanta is the largest of these three. You will find no less than 9 beaches along the entire west coast. The long sandy beaches are lovely to enjoy the sun. You can also dive very well in the area.

9. Book a round trip to Thailand: compare providers and accommodations

Select a Thailand holiday and enjoy all the beauty that this country has to offer. Whether you want to relax on beaches with hail white sand and an azure blue sea or enjoy nature in the jungle for example, it is all possible here.

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