Dream of Siam

On this page you can find some tips on planning your holiday to Thailand. Thailand is a land of virtually unlimited possibilities, so don't think for one moment that this is meant to be the only options available, however these suggestions should be enough to get you started and perhaps give you some useful ideas.

What to see?

From a holiday perspective there are three main aspects to Thailand:

1. Bangkok
2. Beaches and Islands
3. The North

What you actually get to see will depend on your preferences, your budget and how long you'll be spending in Thailand. Further down I give some example itineraries which you may find useful.

Bangkok

Many people travelling to Thailand go there with a plan of getting out of Bangkok as quickly as possible. This is because of what they may have heard about Bangkok. I think this is a real shame as Bangkok actually has a lot to offer. Yes it is sometimes a noisy, busy and dirty city, but there are many good things about Bangkok, such as excellent accommodation, the amazing temples, great nightlife, food, shopping and parks. I would recommend that most travellers try to spend two days at least in Bangkok.

If you are wondering what there is to see in Bangkok then this page will give you some ideas to start with.

Beaches and Islands

No trip to Thailand is complete without a trip out to at least one island. Whether it's to simply relax on the beach or to engage in adrenaline pumping water sports Thailand is one of the world's premier beach holiday destinations. The swimming, snorkeling and diving is first class.

There are many beaches and islands in Thailand and that choice can sometimes prove bewildering, so here are some suggestions to get you started.

The North

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are very popular destinations in the North of Thailand. Chiang Mai is in the North West heartland, and Chiang Rai is the Far North of Thailand.

The climate is somewhat cooler than that of Bangkok and the Islands as the altitude is much higher - the terrain can be mountainous. Attractions of the north include the nature, plants and wildlife, the elephant trekking and of course the Hill Tribes of Thailand. There are plenty of opportunities for photography in the north too. The towns tend to be less touristy in the main and less crowded. Things tend to be cheaper in the north of the country compared to say Bangkok.

So when planning your holiday to Thailand, think about the type of holiday you'd like and incorporate some time in any or all of the above locations for the best Thailand holiday.

Example itineraries

One week holiday:

Friday evening: arrive Bangkok, checkin to hotel
Saturday: Bangkok
Sunday: Bangkok. Evening bus to Ban Phe
Monday: Early a.m. boat to Koh Samet, checkin to resort
Tues: Koh Samet. Diving.
Wed: Koh Samet. Boat trip, tours.
Thur: Koh Samet. Relax, eat.
Fri evening: Checkout, travel to Bangkok, flight home.

Two Week holiday:

Friday evening: arrive Bangkok, checkin to hotel
Saturday: Bangkok
Sunday: Bangkok. Evening bus to Ban Phe
Monday: Early a.m. Flight to Phuket. Transfer to resort, checkin. Swim in sea/pool.
Tuesday: White water rafting
Wednesday: Elephant trekking
Thursday: Sea Kayaking
Friday: Boat trip with snorkeling and lunch provided.
Saturday: Relax, eat.
Sunday: Diving trip
Monday: checkout, transfer to Koh Lanta by boat from Phuket Town. Transfer to resort and checkin.
Tuesday: swimming, relaxing, eating. Evening walk to town and do shopping.
Wednesday: hire 4x4, explore island, watch sunset.
Thursday: Checkout early a.m, boat to Krabi. Checkin to hotel. Explore Krabi.
Friday: Explore Krabi. Flight to Bangkok from Krabi Airport. Flight home.

Three week holiday:

As above but with a week in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Friday: Explore Krabi. Flight to Bangkok from Krabi Airport. Flight to Chiang Mai. Checkin to hotel.
Saturday: Chiang Mai
Sunday: Chiang Mai
Monday: Chiang Mai
Tuesday: Chiang Rai
Wednesday: Chiang Rai
Thursday: Chiang Rai
Friday: Flight to Bangkok. Flight home.