On this page I’ve provided links and walk-throughs for many aspects of your trip. I’ve researched the best flight comparison sites, accommodation sites, travel insurance sites, and given walk-throughs on transportation use in Thailand along with any other tips I could think of.
Pre-Planning
To start your trip, make sure to have your passport ready to go a few months in advance as it might take some time to process. You won’t need a visa if you’re a U.S. traveler staying less than 30 days but you will need proof of return travel or an onward ticket to a different country. If you’re from a country other than the U.S., make sure to check if you need a visa at your country’s embassy.
Before booking your trip, it’s important to understand the climate and decide what time of year is best for you. I’d recommend avoiding monsoon season since flooding is very common during these months (July-October). Also, watch for Thai holidays as prices may be higher during peak seasons.
I’ve written a few articles that cover climate and give more detail into natural disasters and how to keep safe:
- Does Thailand Have Air Conditioning? How Hot Is Thailand?
- Does Thailand Have Tsunamis? List of Natural Disasters Included
- 10 Worst Natural Disasters in Thailand: Why to Avoid Monsoon Season
Travel Gear
I’ve gone through the trouble of researching the best deals on gear. These are the best bang for your buck products I could find after countless hours of product comparison. If you’re in need of new gear or just looking to upgrade, take a look at the links:
- Best Affordable Travel Backpack: M-L Size
- Best Value: Checked Luggage Buyer’s Guide
- Best Value Daypack: 20 Liters
Cell Phone/Thai SIM Card
Using Your Cell Phone In Thailand.
It’s cheaper to buy a Thai SIM Card than using U.S. international packages. I’d recommend using the AIS Traveller SIM 160 and purchasing add-on packages as you need. It will only cost you about $10-20 USD for a two-week trip and you’ll get 4G LTE coverage. Your phone will need to be quad-band and unlocked by your provider.
Flights
After you’ve got your passport, time of year picked, and planned where to visit – it’s time to start browsing flights.
When booking a flight, use the comparison sites below to find the cheapest flight, but don’t buy your ticket on the comparison site. Go directly to the website of the cheapest airline and book there.
Comparison Sites (For Flying to/from Thailand):
SEA Sites (For Domestic Thai Flights):
Accommodations
You won’t have trouble finding a place to stay last minute. Hotels, vacations rentals (Airbnb), and bungalows are always available. Booking ahead is an option, but remember that it can throw off flexibility with your plans. As I traveled throughout the country, we did not book ahead and had no issues.
I’d recommend making a paper copy of your passport as some locations may require to hold it during your stay. Also note that many cheaper locations might lack conveniences such as air conditioning or have squat toilets.
There are often surcharges for electricity use since air conditioning is expensive. Check the charges before you book and make sure air conditioning is used in the entire residence. Sometimes only bedrooms are equipped.
Also, check the place in person if possible before you agree to stay. If I were booking and did not speak Thai, I would book in major cities through Airbnb or another site listed below and find locations near Skytrain (BTS) stops. For rural areas, I would find local stays same-day:
Vacation Rentals:
Hotel Sites:
- Trivago (comparison site)
- Tripadvisor (comparison site)
- HotelsCombined (comparison site)
- Hostelworld (not included on comparison sites)
- Sawasdee.com (not included on comparison sites)
- Asiatravel.com (not included on comparison sites)
Travel Insurance
Check out this comparison site for U.S. travelers.
Transportation
If you’re trying to get somewhere cross country in a reasonable amount of time, flying is your best option. Rates are very low, you can often find flights for around $25-50 USD.
Flying within Thailand:
For travelers wanting to see the countryside and not worried about speed, there are a handful of options.
Train: Although trains travel very slowly and often take 12+ hours for longer destinations, they are a great way to experience Thai culture. There are 3 classes available:
- First Class – only available on night buses. Has A/C and comfort
- Second Class – soft seats and typically has A/C
- Third Class – hard seats, no A/C, but filled with food vendors who come and go
Train tickets must be purchased at the terminal, but there are reputable companies that will pick up the ticket and ship it to you. They will typically only ship to a Thai address, so it’s best to order after you’ve arrived in Thailand or pick it up at the terminal yourself.
I’d recommend booking online through 12Go Asia as it’s the most robust option with the best refund policy. The prices are just a bit higher on this site, so if you want the best rates book at the station. Tickets are easy to get and rarely sold out unless you’re taking a First Class night train. In that case, you’ll probably need to book at least 3 days ahead.
I like 12Go Asia because it has comparable rates with buses, flights, taxis, and ferries. They might not ship to you if you’re out on the islands, but everywhere else should be covered in Thailand.
Another good website to use is Asia-discovery.com.
To visit the official Thai government website that manages train routes and check available seats, click here.
Bus: Traveling by bus is another slow option, but is often a bit faster and a cheaper than traveling by train. Each cross-country bus is classified by luxury class. The higher the class, the higher quality ride you will receive. Here are the classes to expect:
- Local (worst, cheapest)
- Express
- Second Class
- First Class
- VIP
- Super VIP (best, most expensive)
Almost all buses will have A/C that is extremely cold, so it’s a good idea to bring something warm.
I’d recommend booking directly at the bus station as tickets are rarely sold-out. If you want to book in advance, 12Go Asia is my preferred method.
Car: Make sure to bring a paper copy of your passport if you’re planning to rent a car in Thailand. I’d recommend a motorbike, but they can be dangerous. You’ll probably need an international driver’s license from your home country. Here is a general guide for U.S. citizens.
Many of the major car rental companies operate in Thailand, so it shouldn’t be an issue to rent.
In Thailand they drive on the left side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the right side of the vehicle.
There are many local agencies you’ll be able to rent from, but here are some big chains that operate in Thailand:
Ferry: If you’re visiting the islands, you’ll probably have to travel by ferry at some point. Ferries are run by private companies and there have been instances of capsizing boats due to overcrowding. If you’re concerned about the quality or safety, try to find a different ferry or find an alternate route by land or bridge.
Ferries are commonly booked on site, but if you wish to book in advance or check rates, I’d recommend 12Go Asia.
City Transportation
Skytrain (BTS):
How to Use BTS Skytrain in Bangkok
In Bangkok, the best way to get around is by Skytrain. Traffic is absolutely horrible and I actually wrote an article about it here. Try to book accommodations near a BTS stop.
To use the BTS, there are self-service kiosk at the BTS stops or you can talk to representatives in ticket booths. Kiosks might only accept coin, but change can be provided by a booth operator. You’ll have the option to buy one-day passes or single-ticket. I’ve one into full details on the BTS and how to use it in this article:
Taxis and Tuk Tuks:
- Using Taxis in Thailand (Complete Guide): Are Taxis Safe?
- Are Tuk Tuks Safe? (Guide for Tuk Tuks in Thailand)
Taxis are one of the most popular ways to get around in Bangkok. I’ve written guides on taxi and tuk tuk usage in these articles, as you’ll probably need to use a taxi in Bangkok a few times. I’d recommend using a tuk tuk once for the experience, but beware of scams:
Chao Phraya Express:
Complete Guide for Chao Phraya Express Boats
The ferry system in Bangkok has runs five variations. There will be a crew member collecting payment after you board, so make sure to have the following fares ready. Fares are subject to change, but here are estimates:
- Blue Line: 1 trip = ฿60 Baht, day pass = ฿200 Baht
- Orange Line: 1 trip = ฿15 Baht
- Local Line (no color): ฿10-20 Baht
- Green Line: 1 trip = ฿13-32 Baht
- Yellow Line: 1 trip = ฿20-29 Baht
Subway (MRT):
The subway is not often used by tourists, but it is easy to use nonetheless. As you arrive, before the gates you’ll encounter a self-service kiosk where you pay for a token. There’s also a manned kiosk if you prefer to do it that way. The token contains an RFID chip that will allow you access.
The cost of the MRT depends on what type of trip you’re taking. Again, fares are subject to change but this is what I’ve seen recently:
- One station: ฿16 Baht
- Full journey: ฿42 Baht
- Two lines full journey: ฿70 Baht
After you’ve completed your journey, your token will allow you to exit through the gates so make sure to keep it handy.
For more information about MRT maps and times, click here.
Buses:
Operate from 5am-11pm. Night buses run 24/7.
Payment is the same as Chao Phraya Express boats where an attendant walks around the bus collecting payment in a bucket, so make sure to have bills or coins ready.
I’ve taken buses in Thailand and it can be stressful, so I don’t recommend it. During heavy traffic you might be stuck waiting for a long time before your bus number arrives. There’s also a rapid transit bus that has it’s own lane I’ve linked information for below: