If Thailand isn’t on your bucket list of places to see, it should be! It’s a very beautiful and unique country but make no mistake, it isn’t exactly a simple European vacation. Here’s a list I compiled of things that will hopefully help with your planning and make your Thailand getaway a little easier.
General Info:
Transportation:
Thailand doesn’t have Uber. You can get a Taxi or an Uber equivalent – Grab. ALWAYS make sure you confirm the price listed in the app (some drivers will try to charge you tolls, etc on top of that price). If you choose to hire a taxi, ALWAYS make sure the meter is running when you start the trip. If you prefer to take the more authentic type of transportation, tuk tuks (picture on the right) are the way to go, but make sure to negotiate the price prior to getting into one.
Tip: use rome2rio.com to check the approximate price, prior to walking by a tuk tuk and firmly tell them a price lower than the average price you found. If you opt to use public transportation (light rail, train, bus, etc), just know that it will take MUCH longer to get to where you need to go, however, it’s the cheapest form of transportation by far!
Also, DO download Google maps or the Maps.me app to your phone, so you can use maps offline (tutorial).
Thai Massage:
If you’re like me and don’t really know what a true Thai massage is, then here is a little pep talk for you. It means they beat and bend the living crap out of you! I am not kidding, I had bruises for 8 days after the first massage to show for it. Is it worth it? Well, yes. Especially at $10 a pop. But if you bruise easily like me, you might want to tell your masseuse to go easy on you or pick a hot stone or hot oil massage instead. Check out this neat little place, if you’re ever in Chiang Mai: Women’s Massage Center by Ex-Prisoners.
Cash:
Be prepared to pay cash for almost everything. If you want to use your card, you can at some hotels, nice restaurants and 7/11’s. Other than that, it’s a hit or miss. Carry cash with you and if you are running low, ask if they accept credit cards before you order, to make sure you have enough.
ATM:
While there are a ton of ATMs all over, some are definitely more expensive than others. Most banks and ATMs charge a ฿200 (about $6) fee for each withdrawal. Pretty ridiculous, I know. The exception is AEON machines found in many big stores and major shopping malls. Their fee is “only” ฿150. I suggest either bringing cash from home and exchanging that at any bank (exchange rates are actually really good there) or withdrawing a larger sum that will last you for a few days.
Always bargain:
Not only will that save you a few dollars, it will also make some locals respect you. I bargained a ฿400 cab ride down to ฿100. To put that into perspective, that is 3 dinners that I saved on one ride! Thai people bargain with each other, so no, you aren’t being disrespectful.
Temple FYI:
Most temples in Thailand require you to cover your shoulders and knees. That means no shorts, tank tops, etc. I found that elephant pants (you can find them near most temples and at night markets) and a t-shirt work best on days where you plan on seeing a lot of temples. Also, be prepared to take off your shoes and walk barefoot inside of the temples. If that creeps you out, bring a pair of socks. Those are allowed. Please be respectful and take off your shoes! The most disrespectful thing you can do in Thailand is disobey those rules! If you’re only planning on visiting 1-2 temples, there are “wraps” you can rent at some. Google them before you go and plan accordingly!
Street Food:
Eat it. Unless you have an extremely sensitive stomach and follow a very strict diet, street food in Thailand is harmless (for most part). Of course, I can’t speak for every vendor, but I have tried it all, soups, fish, fried, raw, insects, snacks, etc. Best places for street food are Chiang Mai and Bangkok. (A good general rule of thumb is to only eat cooked meat if is steaming)
Packing Must Haves: 
- Tevas – probably my favorite sandals of all time!
- Day pack or small bag to carry essentials throughout the day
- Waterproof bag for kayaking, etc
- Conditioner, Off/Deet and sunscreen – those are tough to find in Thailand
- Refillable bottle (most hostels/hotels will have a refill station, so you won’t have to keep buying water)
- Rain jacket – because you just never know (especially if you go during the shoulder season)
- Medicine (Tylenol, Benadryl, Antacids, meds for diarrhea, etc)
- Wipes and/or toilet paper – remote toilets did not have toilet
- paper!!!
Auytthaya:
Where to stay:
- Luxury: Sala Ayutthaya (roughly $175/night)
- Mid-range: Ruentubtim Resort (roughly $50/night)
- Budget/hostel: PK HostelOpens (roughly $8 for a shared room and $24 for private room)
Where to eat:
- Breakfast: Kaffa Cafe (mmmm coffee)
- Lunch: Burinda (have some great curry with great views)
- Dinner: Seven Seas Riverside (close to the train station)
Train to Chiang Mai:
There are multiple ways to get from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai, however, the best option, in my opinion, is the overnight train. You get on, go to sleep, wake up and BAM, you’re in Chiang Mai. Trains to Chiang Mai leave 10 times a day, and take around 10 – 12 hours. Depending on the time of day you want to go and the cabin of choice, prices usually range form $25 to $60. Simply go to 12Go.asia and select your date/time/cabin preferences. You will receive an email within a couple of days with a confirmation. The website is 100% legit and is not a scam!
Note: You have to book your seat in advance as they usually sell out ahead of time.
Chiang Mai:
Where to stay:
- Luxury: Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Resort (roughly $500/night)
- Mid-range: Pak Chiang Mai (roughly $50/night)
- Budget/hostel: The Entaneer Poshtel (roughly $12 for a shared room and $20 for private room)
Where to eat:
- Breakfast: Cafe Amazon (try their Amazon Extra coffee)
- Lunch: Khao Soi Khun Yai (WOW! Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai)
- Dinner: Dash (Great food and great drink selection)
Khao Soi: An amazing Northern Thailand curry dish. If you ever find yourself in Chiang Mai, this dish is a must try. I think I ate this daily.
Mobike App:
If you’re wanting to temple hop or just get to the other side of the Old City, Mobike is your friend! Just download the app, attach your credit card and start peddling. When you’re done, just place it out of the way of cars and pedestrians and lock it. You don’t have to worry about not being able to find one. They are literally everywhere.
Sadly, I only found these bikes in Chiang Mai. They are super convenient, so hopefully Bangkok will get them soon as well.
Ao Nang:
Where to stay:
- Luxury in town: Holiday Inn (roughly $185/night)
- Luxury by boat: Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi (roughly $200/night)
- Mid-range: Krabi Resort (roughly $50/night)
- Budget/hostel: Balcony Party Hostel (roughly $11 for a shared room and $20 for private room)
Where to eat:
- Breakfast: Cafe 8.98 (Great coffee)
- Lunch: Luna Beach Bar (the food looked great, but I didn’t eat here)
- Dinner: Sunset Bar (Great food right on the beach. Directly across the street from Reset Hostel)
Longtail boats:
Longtail boats are very easy to find in Ao Nang. The best place to is outside of Wang Sai Seafood restaurant. You will see a booth for longtail boat rides to Railay/Tonsai beach. It will cost you ฿100/person ($3) each way. The boats leave when they sell minimum of 10 tickets. So, if you don’t want to wait you can simply pay ฿1000 and be on your way immediately. Otherwise, you’re looking at a short wait (unless you are the 10th+ person).
Tab Kak Hang Nak:
Gorgeous hike in Krabi province, also known as the Dragon Crest Trail. This trail is quite challenging so I highly recommend doing it as early in the morning as possible. Because you can’t get to this trail by taking public transportation, the amount of tourists you encounter is very limited. Which is very awesome! I suggest bringing a minimum of one liter of water. Two, if you’re hiking in the afternoon. It is located roughly 25 km (30 minutes) north of Ao Nang. Very quiet drive. Perfect for scooters. Once at the Tab Kak Hang Nak trailhead, you will be required to “sign in” at the ranger station, providing details of yourself, vehicle (if any), time you started the hike and number of people in the group. The hike is free, but you can (and should) make a donation of ฿20 (less than a dollar)!
Trail is roughly 5km each way, with a steady climb all the way to the top. It is open from 8am-4pm. If you choose stay for sunset, make sure to let the ranger know. Otherwise, you will be asked to pay a ฿1000 fine ($35).
Railay Beach:
Where to stay:
- Luxury: Rayavadee (roughly $550/night)
- Mid-range: Avatar Railay Resort (roughly $70/night)
- Budget/hostel: Railay Rapala Rockwood Resort (roughly $16 for a double room and $45 for deluxe room)
Where to eat:
- Coffee: Railay Coffee (most hotels offer free breakfast)
- Lunch: Local Thai Food (good curry, small portions)
- Dinner: Avatar Railay Resort (Good food, great drink happy hour and outdoor entertainment every night)
Island tours:
If you’re staying on Railay or Tonsai beach and would like to take a trip to one of the nearby islands beware of SUPER touristy attractions. If you plan to visit the Phi Phi islands for a day, for example, try to go with a smaller group. Yes, it will cost you more, but you will thank me later when you see just how many people they put on the regular tour boats. Also, note that if the company mentions that you will be going to Maya Bay, that it’s not 100% accurate. You will be allowed to stop about 200-300 ft off the shore for a quick picture, but you will not be able to visit the famous beach, as it’s permanently closed to all visitors!
Bangkok:
Where to stay:
- Luxury: Mandarin Oriental (roughly $624/night)
- Mid-range: Millennium Hilton Bangkok (roughly $128/night)
- Budget/hostel: ISSARA by d HOSTEL BANGKOK (roughly $25 for a double room)
Where to eat:
- Breakfast: Millennium Hilton Bangkok (SO MANY CHOICES – massive all-inclusive buffet)
- Lunch: Home Cafe Tha Tien (good curry, great price)
- Dinner: THE SIXTH 6th (Convenient location – next to Wat Pho, yummy food)
Taxi:
Beware of taxi rip offs! Thank goodness I’ve read up on this before I arrived in Bangkok, because they are easily the rudest and careless drivers in all of Thailand. When you negotiate the price, make sure that you write the number down (or in your phone) and show the driver. Some will try to act confused and say that they through you said 300, not 50! Also, make sure you have maps pulled up, so you can see where the driver is going.One of my drivers tried to take me the opposite direction once and luckily I noticed and corrected him before we drove in circles for a few hours.
Wat Pho in Bangkok
Thanks for the useful information