thailand itinerary

Thailand: My 6-week itinerary from North to South

I travelled alone for 6 weeks across Thailand, from North to South. For the first time, it was a trip that I hadn’t planned or organised, so I travelled without an itinerary defined in advance, building it up as I met people and discovered new things. With 6 weeks ahead of me, I thought I’d have plenty of time to discover the whole of Thailand, but that was before I realised that Thailand – a country as big as France – is very rich and diverse in terms of landscapes, cultures and activities… You could spend your whole life there!
In this blog post, I’ll be taking you on a tour of my 6-week itinerary in Thailand, as well as the hidden gems, my favourites and the unforgettable encounters that marked my trip. From the ancient temples of the North to the white sandy beaches of the South, Thailand offers a rich cultural experience, exotic flavours and a warm welcome. Let me tell you about my highlights, the encounters that touched me and the exotic flavours that awakened my senses.

My itinerary in Thailand

 

I’d like to mention that during this trip I wanted to opt for a ‘slow’ and eco-responsible way of travelling, by train and bus. It’s very easy to go from north to south by bus or train, but it takes a bit more time and/or organisation (to book tickets in advance).
Thailand is a big country and I didn’t have the time to discover everything. If I’d had the chance, I’d have gone to the Mae Hong Son region, I’d have gone inland to the east of Thailand, to Koh Chang,… And there are so many other islands in the south that are well worth a visit. I’m sharing my itinerary with you to inspire you for your trip, but it’s up to you to choose the destinations that appeal to you and that you want to discover. And if you have any questions, leave me a comment. Enjoy your trip!



I. Northern Thailand itinerary: 3 weeks

I began my trip to Thailand by exploring the north of the country. Starting in Bangkok, I made my way to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and then Pai. I spent just over 3 weeks in this part of the country, which I really loved for its cultural richness and for meeting the different ethnic communities who live in the north of Thailand. I spent 3 incredible weeks, taking the time to talk to the locals and discover Thai culture, which is more than just a postcard.

Bangkok: 4 days in the Thai capital

Coup de coeur à Bangkok. Quoi faire ?

My journey began in the Thai capital. It’s a city I didn’t expect to enjoy, as I prefer nature and peace and quiet, but I was pleasantly surprised by this immersion in Thai life. Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city, a megalopolis of more than 11 million people teeming with people, taxis and two-wheelers. But, surprisingly, even though the city is bustling, the atmosphere is not stressful and is rather quiet. There’s not much honking (unlike in other major Asian cities).
After a day recovering from the trip and jet lag, I spent 5 intense days wandering the streets and districts of Bangkok, despite the heat, marvelling at every scene of life, every temple I discovered with my mouth agape and passing through dozens of street markets and street food. Bangkok is a fascinating city, full of hidden treasures and wonderful surprises, including culinary delights.
From Buddhist temples to scenes of daily life, bustling markets and delicious street food, I found Bangkok to be authentic, charming and bursting with life. It’s a city where you can immerse yourself in Thai culture and meet the people who come from all over the country, and even from neighbouring countries, to work. For me, Bangkok is an adventure in itself and I recommend spending a few days there to take the time to appreciate it. I’ve shared my top 10 places in Bangkok to make you want to go there. In any case, I’ll definitely be going back one day!

What to do in Bangkok ?

Between the different districts to discover (including Chinatown), the temples which are among the most beautiful in the country, the street markets, the floating markets, the strolls along the Khlong and the rooftops, the list of things to do in Bangkok is quite long…
To tell you the truth, I didn’t have time to see and do everything in 5 days!

Bangkok: what to do? My 10 favourites in the Thai capital

My top places in Bangkok

To sleep

Bangkok Saran Poshtel
Marvellous location in a quiet street

From €14 per night for a single or double room
(See on Booking)

The LOL Elephant hostel
Superb youth hostel with several double and triple rooms
Great location, close to everything and the hosts are always willing to help
From €8 per night
(See on Booking)

To eat

I recommend trying street food, mainly in Chinatown
or eat local food in the “warung”.

Here are a few good places to try:

Jok Pachana
Renowned for its typical Thai dishes
(See on Maps)

Saneh Bangkok restaurant
Very cheap and very good
(See on Maps)

Nai Ngam Fish Balls
Known for its noodles and fish balls
(See on Maps)

And apart from the warung:
Mango Vegetarian & Vegan
(See on Maps)

NAAM 1608
(See on Maps)

For a massage
Darling Massage & Spa
Near Khao San Road
(See on Maps)

Wat Pho Massage School
Next to the Grand Palais
(See on Maps)

 

 

Ayutthaya: 2 days in a historic city

 

Ayutthaya is a historic city, once the capital of Thailand and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated just 76 kilometres north of Bangkok, I decided to spend a night there, even though it’s possible to travel there and back by train during the day. What I really wanted was to take my time and visit the temples early in the morning and at the end of the day, to enjoy the beautiful light and a bit of fresh air (well, if you can talk about fresh air in Thailand…) and above all to avoid the crowds, which are much bigger between 10am and 4pm. I have absolutely no regrets about my choice, as Ayutthaya turned out to be one of my favourites of the trip!
On leaving the train station, I order a Gojek taxi to take me to my hostel, which is located a little outside the historic centre. After putting my things down, I set off on my bike to get a map of the city and buy my pass to visit all the temples in Ayutthaya. In just a few moments, I’m captivated by the mysterious atmosphere that reigns in the city, on these relics steeped in history as I cycle around the various historic sites. It’s a setting that reminds me a lot of Angkor in Cambodia, even though the temples in Ayutthaya aren’t ‘lost’ in the jungle – you can see them from the road and they’re part of the city and part of everyday life.
I was completely charmed by the special atmosphere of Ayutthaya and especially the wonderful homestay-hostel where I stayed at. Two days weren’t enough to explore all the treasures of this historic city, but I would have appreciated having a guide to give me more explanations during my visits…

What to do in Ayutthaya ?
  • Discover the ruins of Ayutthaya, of course!
  • There is a pass for visiting all the temples (220 bath) or you can pay between 30 and 50 bath per temple, bearing in mind that many ruins are free.
  • It’s easy and advisable to visit the temples by bike, to make it easier to get around, but you can also hire a guide for the day or just to visit a few temples.
  • See the Ayutthaya site map here
How to get to Ayutthaya ?

There are several options for getting to Ayutthaya:

  • By train: This is the most practical and economical way to visit Ayutthaya. Trains are very frequent but it’s best to check the timetable on the internet or by going directly to the station. You don’t need to book your ticket in advance; you can buy it directly from the ticket machines or at the station ticket office. Departure from Bangkok train station (see here). Journey time: between 1h and 1h30. Price: 12 bath per person (€0.32). This is the solution I recommend, especially as it’s a great experience.
  • Taxi – all day: the most expensive option, but perhaps the “simplest” if you don’t want to travel by public transport. This could be an opportunity to take a guide with you on your visit to the temples. Price: to be negotiated with a driver or guide
My top places in Ayutthaya

To sleep
My fav’ ♡ Plus Hostel Ayutthaya
I stayed in a hostel, which is actually a large house shared with a Thai family and other travellers from all over the world.
The reviews were unanimous, and I agree: dream accommodation.
As well as being a warm and welcoming house, the hosts offered us breakfast and dinner (in the evening).
(See on Booking)

To eat
I don’t have an address other than Plus Hostel Ayutthaya
where the breakfast and evening meal, which we all share together,
were really delicious

 

Chiang Mai: 5 days in the Rose du Nord

Chiang Mai, nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, is a city that captivates visitors with its unique atmosphere, architecture, culture, hundreds of temples, bustling markets and old town on a human scale, vibrant with life and colour. Nicknamed the “Rose of the North”, it exudes a certain something that can’t be found anywhere else in Thailand. Chiang Mai is also the ideal base for trekking in the mountains or meeting the inhabitants and ethnic communities of northern Thailand.
I arrived in Chiang Mai with no set programme and for an indeterminate length of time. My first impressions weren’t necessarily very good, because I was craving nature, but after a first day in the streets of Chiang Mai, I changed my mind. I finally fell in love with the city and extended my stay by a week. I took the time to discover the dozens of temples, some very well known and others that you discover on a street corner, to do a bit of shopping, to have massages, to enjoy all the street markets (mainly at night) that come alive inside and outside the old town.
There’s a wonderful energy here and that’s probably why so many expats decide to settle here.
But my fondest memory will certainly remain the experience I had in Mae Wang national park, where I spent two days in the Karen community and in an elephant sanctuary. The Mae Wang region is around a hundred kilometres from Chiang Mai, and here you’re a long way from the infrastructure of Thailand’s big cities. In fact, it’s close to the mountains of northern Thailand where many communities, such as the Karen, live. I’ll tell you more about this experience in my other article, but I have no hesitation in admitting that it was a moment that will remain engraved in my memory (and in my heart) for the rest of my life! In short, I loved Chiang Mai!

How to get to Chiang Mai ?

When I left Bangkok, I was hoping to get to Chiang Mai by night train, but if you book the day before it’s impossible to find seats (tickets are booked more than 2 weeks in advance!). So I travelled the 700 kilometres between Bangkok and the largest city in the north of the country, Chiang Mai, by night bus.

Options for getting to Chiang Mai from Bangkok:

  • By train: There are several day and night trains. The night trains have the particularity of transforming at around 6.30pm into sleeper trains which allow you to sleep (more or less), provided you have an eye mask and earplugs.
    • Journey time: Approximately 12 hours. Please note that according to the many testimonies of other travellers, there are often delays. I personally had a 30-minute delay when I took the train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
    • Booking your ticket: It’s best to book your ticket in advance. As I couldn’t make the outward journey, I booked in advance for the return journey and was able to get a seat. The best way to book a ticket is to go to the station or to a travel agency ticket office so that you can choose your seat – preferably the lower benches as they are much more spacious. Alternatively, visit https://12go.asia/ to book your ticket or at least find out about the different train timetables.
    • Timetables: Timetables are subject to regular change, so I suggest you check the timetables on the internet or on the 12go.asia website.
    • The experience: Travelling by train is an authentic experience because you’re travelling with the locals, who travel a lot by train in Thailand. It’s not necessarily the most comfortable or quickest journey, but it’s clearly part of the experience 🙂
  • By (night) bus: A less authentic but more practical and quicker way to travel is by bus. The buses are run especially for tourists, so you won’t see any locals, but they do have the advantage of being able to be booked at the last minute. They generally leave from Kaoh San Road or the surrounding area and arrive at Chiang Mai bus station (Terminal 3), which is a little outside the old town.
    • Journey time: In theory the journey takes between 9.30am and 12.00pm, but in practice the buses often arrive quicker than expected. Good to know when the hotel doesn’t open until 7.00am but the bus arrives at 5.00am!
    • Booking your ticket: Your accommodation will certainly be able to advise you on how to book with a bus company. Alternatively, you can book your journey on the https://12go.asia/ website.
  • By plane: The quickest way, as the flight only takes around 1 hour. Perhaps the ideal solution if you have very little time…

What to do in Chiang Mai ?
  • Discover Chiang Mai’s old town and its magnificent hidden temples: I’ll tell you more about them here
  • Experience the traditional festivals and the Sunday Night Market
  • Follow the monks’ trail to Wat Doi Suthep temple: I love this little hike and the temples nestled in nature: I explain it all here
  • Venture into the local districts outside the old town: I love the Warorort night market, which is a 20-minute walk from the historic centre and takes you right to the heart of Thai life, where you can share a meal on a big table with the locals.
  • Go trekking and stay with locals for a unique experience: I talk about it in my article : Meet the Karen tribe of Thailand
My top places

To sleep
There are many hotels in Chiang Mai.
I recommend sleeping in the old town – historical city centre

Chada Mantra
Hotel with swimming pool and luxury rooms
In the bohemian quarter – very nice
30€ per night for 2 with breakfast
(See on Booking)

Pakping Hostel
Hostel with shared and double rooms
Very good value, between €6 and €11 a night with breakfast
In the area close to all weather
(See on Booking)

To eat
I really recommend going to the street markets to eat (especially in the evening)
There’s a street food market every evening in the south of the old town (just outside the gates).

For a massage
One of the best places for a massage in Chiang Mai is:
Women’s massage Center by ex prisoners
(See on Google Maps)
A big favourite and really good prices

 

Chiang Rai: 3 days off the beaten track

 

Chiang Rai is a small mountain town located in the Golden Triangle in the very north of Thailand, on the border between Laos and Burma. Many travellers passing through the town of Chiang Rai are coming from or heading to neighbouring Laos. This was initially my plan, before I was tempted by the south of Thailand (which I’ll share with you a little further down in this article). Chiang Rai is a small town surrounded by nature, but many visitors come here for just one day, from Chiang Mai, to visit two of the most famous temples in the area: Wat Rong Khun (known as the White temple) and Wat Rong Suea Ten (known as the Blue temple). But let me tell you, coming to Chiang Rai just for these two places – as beautiful as they are – is too bad…

Chiang Rai is indeed the gateway to venturing off the beaten track, to meeting ethnic communities, to escaping into nature and to getting away from the tourist tours, if you give yourself the opportunity. What I loved was being able to explore the surrounding area on a scooter, passing through villages, fields and rice paddies, all the way along the Kokh River… There are lots of parks, waterfalls, nature spots and, of course, temples and temples. Being on my own, I didn’t dare venture too far, for too long, but if I were to come back I’d go on more adventures in these parts for several days.
After two nights in Chiang Rai, I decided to spend a night in a homestay that I found by searching on Google maps. What I liked was the proximity to nature, far from everything but close to the villages. The authentic contact with the locals gave me a better understanding of their culture and way of life. It was a wonderful experience and I certainly could have spent more time there.

What to do in Chiang Rai ?
  • Visit the centre of Chiang Rai, with the clock tower and walking street (see here on Maps)
  • Visit Wat Rong Khun (known as the White Temple): it’s about a 20-minute drive from the centre of Chiang Rai.
    I went there by scooter at the end of the day when the temple was closed, so I didn’t have the chance to visit it from the inside but it’s a real architectural masterpiece. (See here on Maps)
  • Visit Wat Rong Suea Ten (known as the Blue Temple)
    Take a stroll through the night market and enjoy the dance and music shows every night
  • Favourite ♡: Escape into the Khun Korn forest to reach the magnificent Khun Korn waterfall (see here) – Just the scooter ride to get there was worth it!
  • Staying with local people
  • Experience a Farmstay with Adventhaï: Adventhaï is a project created by Marine, a French adventurer who fell in love with Thailand, where she decided to settle years ago with her husband, whom she met there. They live in the Chiang Rai region where they run a farmstay called ‘La Maison Chiang Rai’. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to meet Marine in person or spend a few days at her Farmstay because I got there too late, but we chatted a lot on Instagram and Marine gave me lots of advice for my trip to northern Thailand. Advice on ethical, responsible travel that’s close to the locals. She also offers to help you organise your trip, so don’t hesitate to contact her and check out her services 🙂 )
How to get to Chiang Rai ?

Chiang Rai is easily reached from the city of Chiang Mai. There is also an airport, but it is much smaller and has limited flight options.
From Chiang Mai, there are several public buses that make the journey several times a day. The journey takes around 4 hours.

My top places in Chiang Rai

To sleep

In Chiang Rai: Connect Hostel

I stayed in this youth hostel which was really top notch
(See on Booking)

Homestay: Hill Tribe Art House
In the village of the Lahu and Akha communities
Price: between €13 and €20 per night for 1 or 2 people
Tep, the host, can pick you up in Chiang Rai at an extra cost.
(See on Booking)

To eat
I ate mainly at the Chiang Rai night market.
I have no particular address to share 🙂

To rent a scooter
NICE Rental
(Voir sur Maps)

 

 

Pai: 5 days in Mae Hong Son province

 
Pai is a tiny town in the province of Mae Hong Son, in the very north of Thailand, but to the west of Chiang Rai. To get there, you have to go back to Chiang Mai and take a small shuttle bus that crosses the mountains. I had absolutely no intention of coming to Pai because I’d heard it was a “backpacker party destination”, which didn’t particularly appeal to me. But after hearing many testimonials and, above all, meeting some very nice backpackers in Chiang Rai, I decided to make the trip together and see for myself the place that people talk about so much… Initially, I had planned to stay for 2 days but, once again, I extended my stay because I really enjoyed it there!

What I liked was the very relaxed and peaceful atmosphere in Pai, it’s a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Thailand’s big cities, and even though there are more westerners than locals, I have to admit that I’ve found it to my liking after more than 2 weeks on the road. There are probably different ways to visit and experience Pai (because yes, you can party and smoke marijuana – which is legal – at all hours of the day and night) but you can also take a nice break. (And doing both is not forbidden, of course).
Personally, Pai offered me a haven of peace, conducive to relaxation and introspection, between yoga classes, relaxing by the water and scooter rides. The scooter rides were moments of freedom and wonder. Every turn revealed breathtaking panoramas, from mountains to lush green valleys, from waterfalls to winding rivers. If I’d had the chance, I would have continued my journey in the province of Mae Hong Son by doing a loop of several days. As I needed to rest, I found accommodation that allowed me to settle down and perfectly conclude this first part of the trip, in the north of Thailand.

How to get to Pai ?

There aren’t many ways of getting to Pai other than by shuttle bus:

  • Shuttles/bus from Chiang Mai: From Chiang Mai, you have to take a shuttle bus (10 to 12 seats) which leaves about every hour from Chiang Mai Arcade 2 (Terminal 2) and takes between 2h30 and 4h00 to cover the 130 km of winding roads, through the mountains, which separate the two towns.
    The shuttle is often referred to as a “vomit bus”, but personally I was lucky enough to have very careful drivers on both the outward and return journeys, who made the journey go smoothly.
What to do in ?
  • Balade en scooter dans les rizières en allant vers le Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge (ici) ou direction les sources d’eau chaudes Sai Ngam hot spring (ici) ouo dans la direction du Wat Phra Phutthabat (ici)
  • Monter les marches jusqu’au Big Buddha Pai, pour admirer la vue sur tout Pai (ici)
  • Visiter le Canyon au coucher du soleil (ici): C’est THE activité que fait absolument tout le monde, mais c’est plutôt sympa, on a une magnifique vue et il suffit de s’éloigner un peu pour trouver une petite place loin de la foule
  • Se baigner dans des sources d’eau chaudes, comme les Tha Pai Hot Springs
  • Prendre un cours de Yoga: J’ai testé à ces deux adresses:
  • Profiter du marché du soir ‘night market’ qui a lieu tous les jours à partir de 18h00 (les rues du centre ville deviennent piétonnes) où l’on peut déguster tous les plats typiques de la Thailande du nord à petits prix
My top places in Pai

To sleep

Here are some great accommodation options.
I personally stayed in the first two.
Perfect places to relax, for their location and also to enjoy nature.
I recommend them all 1000%.

Vimarniki Resort
Everything was perfect: the location,
the bungalow rooms, the view…
Between 15 and 19€ per night with breakfast
(See on Booking)

Up2U Guesthouse
Incredible youth hostel
Magnificent view of the river – good breakfast
(See on Booking)

Pai Country Hut
Magnificent, inexpensive and superb location
(See on Booking)

Deejai Pai Backpackers
Unfortunately the accommodation was full when I was there,

but it was recommended to me for yoga lovers
(Book it here)

 

 


II. Southern Thailand itinerary: 2 weeks

For this second part of the trip, I’m discovering a completely different side of Thailand. Postcard Thailand, with its magnificent beaches, its karst rocks, its traditional wooden boats, its paradise islands… A Thailand that’s more of a holiday destination and also more touristy. These were aspects that didn’t necessarily appeal to me, but I have to admit that the beautiful landscapes and beaches of the Thai islands ended up winning my heart. Yes, the landscapes are splendid and yes, it is possible to find authenticity and adventure in the south of the land of smiles!

Kaoh Sok: 3 days in the national park

 
Kaoh Sok National Park is a little nugget we don’t hear much about. It has to be said that the journey to get there is not the easiest, but that’s the price you have to pay to find yourself totally disconnected from nature, both literally and figuratively. Nestling in the heart of a lush forest, the village of Kaoh Sok is a jewel case of wilderness. Just a few kilometres from the village, you enter the national park, which is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna, including wild elephants that can be seen from afar. To enter the national park, you must be accompanied by a guide, which is why I went on a tour that organised 2-day stays in the natural park, with 1 night’s accommodation in small floating houses on Lake Cheow Lan.

I enjoyed boat trips on Lake Cheow Lan, where the rock formations emerging from the water created a breathtaking spectacle. I was also lucky enough to spot a variety of animals, from monkeys to exotic birds. The peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of Kaoh Sok allowed me to disconnect from everyday stress and recharge my batteries in the middle of nature. If you’re looking for an authentic experience in Thailand, Kaoh Sok is an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers.

How to get to Kaoh Sok ?

Getting to Kaoh Sok depends on your point of departure:

  • If you’re coming from the north and/or Bangkok, you’ll probably arrive by train or bus in Surat Thani.
    • There are private shuttle buses from Surat Thani to Kaoh Sok (approx. 2.5 hours).
  • If you are arriving from the south, Phuket or Krabi province, there are shuttle buses.
    • From Krabi/Phuket, the journey takes around 3h-3h30.In any case, I advise you to ask at your accommodation or at an info point.
What to do in Kaoh Sok ?
  • Visit Kaoh Sok National Park by boat, spending a night in the park ♡
    Unfortunately, I don’t have an agency to recommend for this experience….
    Depending on when you go to Thailand, during the high tourist season, these “tours” can be packed and you end up with 40 – 50 people, which takes away a little of the authenticity of the experience… The best thing to do is to find out about it on the spot and ask other travellers what they think.
    All experiences are unique in any case.


Ao Nang : 5 days in Krabi province

 
 
 
Ao Nang, in Krabi province, is the perfect central destination for exploring the region and the surrounding islands. Much quieter than its neighbour Phuket, Ao Nang is a much less touristy alternative, even though it’s clearly not an undiscovered place. I spent four days of pure bliss exploring these heavenly spots. After more than 3 weeks of adventures, this was a ‘holiday’ stage in the trip for me. For the first time, I decided to take it easy without planning my days too much. From the small beach of Ao Nang, I set off early one morning for Railey beach, where I could see for myself that the postcard images of Thailand are real. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, wooden boats, karst formations… It’s just splendid!

What to do in Ao Nang ?
  • Tonsai beach
  • Visit Railay beach: to get there, take a small wooden boat from the main beach of Ao Nang.
  • Take a boat trip to explore other islands, such as Hong Island
  • Climb to the top of Dragon Crest Mountain
  • Watch the sunrise from the top of Din Daeng Doi
  • Visit the night market in Krabi town
itinéraire Thaïlande

My top recommendations in Ao Nang

To sleep

WakeUp Ao Nang
This is the hostel adjoining a 4* hotel.

The advantage is that you can take advantage of the hotel’s magnificent swimming pools.
Superbly located!
(Book it here)


To book a boat tour

Baracudas Tour

With other travellers we met there,
we hired a private boat with Baracudas Tour to Hong Island.
We paid 5000bath (135€) in total.
Group tours cost between €30 and €40/person.

Koh Lanta: 5 days on a natural and authentic island

 

To finish off this great trip to Thailand, I have to admit that it wasn’t easy to choose an island from among all the paradise islands in Thailand. In the end, my choice was to spend 4-5 days on the island known as Koh Lanta, reputed to be a calm, family-friendly island, unspoilt by mass tourism. In fact, I also came to meet up with a friend I’d met a few weeks earlier in Chiang Mai. The verdict? It was an excellent choice!
We rented a bungalow on the west side of the island, next to Long Beach, a very long sandy beach where you can watch the sunset every evening. On our scooters, we explored the island to our heart’s content, going from beach to beach, viewpoint to viewpoint, taking the time to stop and drink fresh fruit juice, eat with our feet in the sand and enjoy the Thai dolce vita. The most beautiful beaches are on the west coast from Long Beach to the south of the island at Mu Ko Lanta National Park, which you can visit. Each beach had its own charm and I was especially surprised to find that we were often alone – or almost.
I also loved visiting Koh Lanta Old Town, which I highly recommend. In short, our four days on Koh Lanta were perfect. I have wonderful memories of Koh Lanta!

What to do in Koh Lanta ?
  • Explore the island from beach to beach
  • Visit Koh Lanta Old Town: The shopping streets are super cute and there are several really cool shops offering handicrafts unlike anything you’ll find in the rest of Thailand.
  • Take a horse ride on the beach with Pirates Bar Horse riding (see here) or with Horse Riding Koh Lanta & Archery (see here): actually all the rides are on the same beach in the north of Koh Lanta, where the sand is very hard.
  • Take a boxing class at Nicha Muay Thai Gym (see here): Offers private and/or group lessons in the morning or afternoon
  • Spend half a day at Lanta Animal Welfare (see here)
  • Visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park
  • Take a day trip to snorkel and visit other small islands in the area

My top recommendations
I will complete this part very soon 🙂

To sleep

Leaf House
Small bungalows a stone’s throw from the beach

To eat & drink

Sam Pee Nong Family Seafood
We come here mainly for the magnificent view of Bamboo Beach.
(Open in maps)

Why Not Bar
To eat with your feet in the sand
in front of the “Koh Lanta” statue
for all fans of the show
(Open in maps)

 

Diamond Cliff Beach Restaurant
Also a good place to eat
at sunset overlooking the beach
(Open in maps)

 

Practical information for travelling and preparing your itinerary in Thailand


How do I get to Thailand?

  • By plane: You’re likely to arrive in Thailand via Bangkok, but there are also international flights to Chiang Mai (in the north) or Phuket (in the south).
  • By land: If you are already in South-East Asia, you can arrive by bus from Laos or Cambodia, but you will have to change buses and pass through the immigration office before entering the country.

Which visa do I need to enter Thailand?

  • EU citizens can apply for a tourist visa on arrival, which allows them to stay for up to 30 days. The visa is free (2024)

How do I get around?

  • By bus or train: The bus and train network is very well developed. The cheapest way to book is to go directly to the ticket office or 7 Eleven supermarkets, otherwise the easiest way is to book on the 12go.asia website (payment by visa but a little more expensive).
  • By Grab: This is Thailand’s ‘Uber’ and the advantage is that you can order a car-taxi or a scooter-taxi which goes faster and costs next to nothing.
  • With Songthaew: Songthaew are red pick-ups that operate like shared taxis in most Thai towns. For 20 to 50 baths per person, you can get around on the main tourist routes. It’s not always easy to work out where the stops are, but it’s easy to find out if you ask the locals!
  • By scooter (to hire): If you have an international motorbike licence, you can hire a scooter and go wherever you want. Prices vary from 200 baht (€5.40) to 250 baht (€6.80) a day.

What currency ?

The currency in Thailand is: THB baths
1€ = 37,77 THB

How to withdraw cash in Thailand ?

ATMs are very easy to find throughout the country (except on small islands and in more remote areas).
All ATMs charge around €6 (220 baths) for each withdrawal – regardless of the amount withdrawn.

How to get and use a Sim card ?

It’s very easy to find local sim cards for a 5G package. All you have to do is ask at a 7-Eleven supermarket. To make yourself understood, you’ll often need to use “Google translate”, but the process is simple and takes about ten minutes.

When to go to Thailand: When is the best time to travel??

The best time to visit Thailand is during the dry season from November to April.
However, in the north of Thailand, from mid-February onwards, farmers practise “brûli”, which consists of burning the land before replanting the new seeds. This practice is banned by the government, but is still very much alive, causing smoke, pollution and cloudy skies for several weeks. The very northern areas of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Pai should therefore be avoided from the end of February until when the first rains arrive, usually in April-May.

What insurance do I need for my trip? ?

  • Before you leave on your trip, don’t forget to take out health and cancellation insurance, which covers you even when you’re travelling outside Europe. I always go through Chapka Assurance for their tailor-made CAP Assistance 24h/24 insurance, which I recommend. It also includes remote consultations with a doctor, which is very useful when you don’t speak the language 🙂

 

Any questions for your trip?
Leave me a comment ⤵

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  1. says: Nishi Mor

    Hello Florence!

    What an amazing and detailed itinerary. I have just 1 question… since Bangkok and Pattaya are famous for its sex & night life, How can I travel with my Kid? Its not safe to leave my 7 yr old in a day care. I don’t want to leave Bangkok and Pattaya untouched! Please suggest.