Your Guide to Visiting Thailand for the First Time
Are you thinking about visiting Thailand but not sure how long you should stay? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Many people ask this question because Thailand is a big place with lots to see and do. Whether you have a big budget or a small one, lots of time or just a little, and whether you’re coming from near or far, there’s a perfect trip waiting for you. But one thing is clear: you can’t see everything in Thailand in just one trip. From the beautiful mountains in the north to the busy streets of Bangkok and the stunning beaches in the south, there’s too much to explore in just one go.
For Those Coming from Far Away (Long Haul travelers)
If you’re flying from places like Europe, the Americas, or Australia, you should plan to stay in Thailand for at least 10 days. This is because it takes a long time to fly there and back, almost two days! If you can, staying for two weeks is even better. This way, you can visit the north, Bangkok, and the south too. Choosing the right duration of visiting Thailand can really vary based on several factors. First, is your budget. Setting up the trip budget will allow you to figure out how long this budget will allow you to stay and how many destinations in Thailand you can include within this budget. In addition to the budget are your special interests. Thailand has a lot to offer and choosing the right destinations to include in your itinerary can be quite challenging. You have to decide whether you are interested in Cultural exploration, Wildlife expeditions, or beach holidays to be able to include the right destinations accordingly. Below are the recommended travel plans in case you decide to go for a 10 days or 2 weeks in Amazing Thailand.
If You Have 10 Days
Usually the best Thailand itinerary for 10 days should include a Visit to Bangkok, the north (Either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai) and one of the islands in the south, this allows you to explore different regions and landscapes. You could start in Bangkok, the big city full of life. Spend three days there seeing famous places like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, and walking around the markets. Then, go up north to Chiang Mai. It’s a place with lots of culture. Spend three days there visiting temples, trying a cooking class, or even going on a trek in the jungle. After that, head down to the islands in the south. Places like Phuket or Koh Samui are great for relaxing on the beach. You’ll have four days to swim, check out other small islands nearby, or just enjoy the sun.
If You Have 2 Weeks
With two weeks, you can see even more of Thailand. Do everything we talked about for the 10-day trip but with more time to explore further in each destination and to relax in the chosen beach destination. During your stay in Bangkok, instead of Just visiting the temples and the markets, you can also book a day trip to the Historical city of Ayutthaya, located about 1 hour drive from Bangkok. You can also visit one of the beautiful National Parks located near Bangkok such as Khao Yai National Park or Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi. In the north, you can visit 2 destinations instead of one. You can split your stay between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and have the chance to explore the Golden triangle region in Chiang Rai province and other interesting temples and attractions such as the White and Blue temples. And in the south, you will have the chance to relax for one extra day, and maybe book a day trip to one of the nearby islands around the destination you will be staying at. For example if you will be staying in Phuket, you can visit Phi Phi islands or James bond island, and if you will be staying in Koh Samui, you can visit either Angthong National marine Park or Koh Tao. These trips allow you to explore the islands and beauty of the Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea.
For Those Coming from Nearby (Short Haul travelers)
If you’re coming from a country close to Thailand, or you only have a short time for your trip, you have a couple of options
A Short Visit to One Place
If you can only stay for 3 to 5 nights, you might want to stick to just one place. Bangkok is a good choice because there’s so much to see and do. You can explore the beautiful temples, Bangkok canals, and visit the local markets located around the city such as Damnoen Saduak or Chatuchak Market. If your time allows for a 5 Nights trip, you can combine your trip with Kanchanaburi or Khao Yai to visit the beautiful national parks, or you can include Pattaya for a Short beach getaway within 2 hours drive from the Capital without the need of a domestic flight. You can also consider going to Chiang Mai to see the beautiful temples and nature, spend some time with the elephants and visit the beautiful mountains and national parks located nearby the city. 3 Nights in Chiang Mai can be a great trip, and if you have the chance to extend 2 more days, you can then visit Chiang Rai and explore the amazing Historical attractions located in the region.
Visiting 2 destinations in one trip
If you can stay for 5 to 7 nights, you can visit a couple of places. Start in Bangkok, then maybe take a day trip to Ayutthaya to see the ancient ruins. After that, go to Pattaya or Hua Hin for a few days by the sea. This way, you get to see different parts of Thailand in one trip
In Conclusion
What is the best trip duration to visit Thailand? It really depends on what you want to do and see. But if you want to see a lot of different places, a two-week trip is a good idea. This gives you enough time to travel around and not feel rushed. No matter how long you stay, Thailand has so much to offer that you’re sure to have an amazing time.