Travel-Guide
Welcome to Thailand - the land of beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and vibrant culture! In this travel guide you will go on a discovery tour and learn everything you need to know about Thailand. From top things to do, to tips for planning your trip and living locally... this Thailand travel guide will have you covered for your next trip.
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Geography 🗺
Thailand is the largest country in Southeast Asia and has an area of approximately 513,000 m² divided into 76 provinces. The landscape of Thailand is very diverse and includes tropical beaches, dense rainforests, fertile valleys and mountains. The largest city Bangkok is also the capital of the country. More than 10 million inhabitants live here.More on this -
Visa 🪪
German tourists currently have three options for entering Thailand: Visa-free (30 days), with the Tourist Visa (TR) or the Special Tourist Visa. Travelers require a visa if they cannot prove their onward or return journey by means of a flight ticket or bus or train ticket. The tourist visa is valid for 60 days and costs €35 (extension possible).More on this -
Entry requirements 🧳
You need a (temporary) passport to enter Thailand. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months. Foreigners are required to carry their ID with them at all times. A photocopy of the passport is sufficient, provided that the page with the Thai visa or entry stamp is copied and carried with you.More on this
FAQ
Vacation
🌦 When is the best time to travel to Thailand?
Thailand has two seasons, if you will... The dry season and the rainy season. It is best to plan your trip in the dry months between November and April. Temperatures are at their lowest during this period and there is less rain.
😍 What do I absolutely have to see on my trip?
Whether it's a beach holiday, city trip or hiking in the mountains... Thailand really has everything to offer. It is best to take 2-3 days to start your trip to visit the Royal Palace and the "Wat Phra Kaew" temple in Bangkok.
If you then decide to travel north, you should definitely plan a stop in the city of Siam. Siam was part of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. The city is full of temples, palaces and other historic buildings that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A visit to the city is a unique opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Thailand.
In the south of the country you can expect fantastic beaches for snorkeling and relaxing. You should definitely have seen the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phangan. You can read more travel destinations and sights in Thailand in my travel blog.
If you then decide to travel north, you should definitely plan a stop in the city of Siam. Siam was part of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. The city is full of temples, palaces and other historic buildings that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A visit to the city is a unique opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Thailand.
In the south of the country you can expect fantastic beaches for snorkeling and relaxing. You should definitely have seen the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phangan. You can read more travel destinations and sights in Thailand in my travel blog.
📅 How many days should I plan for a trip to Thailand?
The longer, the better... It's best to find out about your travel options in advance and then decide on a trip to the north or south of the country. For this I recommend planning at least 3 weeks to explore many parts of the country without time pressure. I would be happy to support you with your travel planning. Just send me a message using the contact form.
🧳 What should I pack for my Thailand vacation?
I have put together an extensive packing list for you that is perfect for a trip to Thailand (i.e. for the warmer regions in Southeast Asia). Here is my backpacking packing list for 2023.
📶 Is there good internet/wifi in Thailand?
Internet is reliable and fast in many cities and tourist areas. The selection of coworking spaces and cafés with WiFi is constantly growing. However, you cannot expect good internet in the more rural areas of the country.
If you are going to be in Thailand for a longer period of time, I recommend buying a prepaid SIM card. This means you always have access to the Internet and can always be reached via the mobile network.
If you are going to be in Thailand for a longer period of time, I recommend buying a prepaid SIM card. This means you always have access to the Internet and can always be reached via the mobile network.
🗺 What is the best way to get from A to B in Thailand?
It is best to rent a scooter at your travel destination. This will cost you between 2-5€ per day (depending on how long you rent the scooter). But beware... Road traffic in Thailand is very turbulent (especially in the cities) and even with experience, a scooter is not necessarily safe. Alternatively, you can always book a taxi or a pick-up that will drive you and other backpackers to the appropriate hostels.
The most beautiful accommodations
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Bodega Beach Party Koh Phangan
Book nowBodega Beach Party (formerly "Goodtime Backpackers") is more of a resort than a hostel. Here I probably had the best time of my life.
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 stars
💰 Cost: 11-55€ / night
📍 Location: Koh Phangan -
Happy Station Hostel
Book nowHappy Station Hostel is a newly opened hostel in Bangkok with family rooms and dormitories for 6-8 people. Especially good for travelers looking for a place to stay close to the main train station.
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 stars
💰 Cost: 16-120€ / night
📍 Location: Bangkok -
Lub'd Koh Samui
Book nowLocated right on Chaweng Beach, this hostel offers hostel, pool bar, beach club and beach restaurant at affordable price.
⭐️ Rating: 4.7 stars
💰 Cost: 25-120€ / night
📍 Location: Koh Samui
FAQ
Money
💵 What is the currency of Thailand?
The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). The Thai baht is a fixed currency and is not linked to the exchange rate of other currencies. Coins and bills are traded in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht. 1€ currently corresponds to about 36 Thai Baht.
💦 How much does an apartment with a pool cost me for one night?
The prices for a double room with pool in Thailand depend heavily on the travel time and demand. In Bangkok, an apartment costs between €45 and €150 per night. In Chang Mai, an overnight stay in an apartment costs between €20 and €60 per night. On Phuket you can find luxurious double rooms from around €30 per night.
💶 How much budget should I plan for two weeks in Thailand?
It's hard for me to give a blanket answer here, as costs vary depending on preferences and destination. As a low-budget backpacker, I think you can calculate 650€ for two weeks in Thailand. This includes overnight stays in the hostel, meals and activities (e.g. temple visits, boat trips etc.)
🌯 How much does food and drink cost in Thailand?
Compared to many Western countries, food and drink prices in Thailand are quite affordable. The tastiest dishes I've had at street stalls and local restaurants. On average I paid this:
- Drinks: 20-50 THB (about 0.60-1.50 EUR) per drink
- Street stalls: 40-80 THB (about 1-2.50 EUR) per meal
- Simple restaurants: 100-300 THB (about 3-9 EUR) per meal
- Mid-range restaurants: 300-700 THB (about 9-21 EUR) per meal
- Luxury restaurants: 700 THB (about 21 EUR) and more per meal
💸 How much will a day in Thailand cost me?
It all depends on your wallet. As a broker backpacker, I think you can do well with 20€. For this you get a night in the hostel (approx. 10€), a delicious breakfast with a café (3€) and other meals (4€). Depending on the activity, you have to budget €1-3 for parking and admission. You can get groceries like water or ice cream super cheap in every supermarket.
🛵 How much does a scooter cost per day?
You can rent a scooter on every corner in Thailand. I often rented my scooter directly at my hostel because it had a cooperation with a local company. The cost of a scooter in Thailand is between 180 and 500 THB (approx. 5-15 EUR) per day. With long-term rentals you often get hefty discounts of 20-40%.
The best restaurants
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Spectrum Lounge & Bar
The "Spectrum Lounge & Bar" is a great meeting point in Bangkok and rightly one of the best restaurants on Tripadvisor with delicious cocktails and a great view over the city.
👨🏽🍳 Cuisine: European, Grill
💰 Cost: 7-42€ / dish
📍 Location: Bangkok -
Thai Dutch Restaurant
The "Thai Dutch Restaurant" on the island of Koh Chang is a rather simple and inexpensive restaurant and offers typical Asian cuisine and delicious seafood dishes.
👨🏽🍳 Cuisine: Thai
💰 Cost: 1-14€ / dish
📍 Location: Koh Chang -
Khaothong Hill
The "Khaothong Hill" is (according to TripAdvisor) the best cafe and restaurant in Krabi Town. Tip: Enjoy one of the delicious cakes and the great view over the sea.
👨🏽🍳 Cuisine: European, Asian
💰 Cost: 3-10€ / dish
📍 Location: Krabi
FAQ
Miscellaneous
❌ What should I NOT do in Thailand?
To maintain respect for local culture and traditions, there are some things you shouldn't do in Thailand. This includes:
1. Drug Use: Drug use and trafficking in Thailand is illegal and subject to severe penalties. In serious cases, there is even a risk of imprisonment and sometimes the death penalty. So definitely stay away from drugs. (Exception: alcohol)
2. Dressed too lightly: In Thailand, it often happens that visitors are turned away when visiting temples/places of worship because they are dressed too lightly. Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for local culture and traditions.
3. Insulting the royal family: In Thailand, for example, it is forbidden to touch pictures of the royal family. Wearing clothing printed with royalty is considered disrespectful in Thailand.
1. Drug Use: Drug use and trafficking in Thailand is illegal and subject to severe penalties. In serious cases, there is even a risk of imprisonment and sometimes the death penalty. So definitely stay away from drugs. (Exception: alcohol)
2. Dressed too lightly: In Thailand, it often happens that visitors are turned away when visiting temples/places of worship because they are dressed too lightly. Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for local culture and traditions.
3. Insulting the royal family: In Thailand, for example, it is forbidden to touch pictures of the royal family. Wearing clothing printed with royalty is considered disrespectful in Thailand.
🦠 Can I enter Thailand without a corona vaccination?
No vaccinations are currently required for Germans who want to enter Thailand (Status: 01/2023).
💉 What vaccinations are recommended for a trip to Thailand?
The Robert Koch Institute recommends keeping the so-called standard vaccinations up to date. Vaccinations against Hepatitis A are recommended as travel vaccinations, for long-term stays or special exposure also against Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies and Japanese encephalitis. You can get more information from your family doctor or from the travel medicine practice in your city.
⏰ What time zone is Thailand in?
Thailand is in the Indochina Time Zone, which is in the middle of China and Europe. Standard time in Thailand is UTC+07:00. This means that the Thais get up seven hours before us.
👤 What's the culture like? How are the local people?
Thailand has a deep-rooted tradition of respect and hospitality. The people of Thailand are very proud of their culture. They appreciate it when tourists abide by their customs and are respectful of their sacred places and landmarks.
In general, Thais are very helpful and friendly. I would describe Thailand as a particularly hospitable country.
In general, Thais are very helpful and friendly. I would describe Thailand as a particularly hospitable country.
🏥 Is health care guaranteed in Thailand?
There are many quality hospitals and medical facilities in Thailand, both private and government hospitals.
Important to know: Medical care in rural areas is not as good as in the cities. So if you are seriously ill, I recommend that you go to a hospital in the city.
In any case, you should take out good travel health insurance before your trip. In this article, I will tell you what you need to pay attention to.
Important to know: Medical care in rural areas is not as good as in the cities. So if you are seriously ill, I recommend that you go to a hospital in the city.
In any case, you should take out good travel health insurance before your trip. In this article, I will tell you what you need to pay attention to.
😵💫 Is there a lot of crime in Thailand?
Like any country, Thailand has cases of theft, fraud and assault. Basically, crime in Thailand should be lower than in Germany. I can confirm that from my own experience. I have always felt safe on my trips to Thailand. But beware: Some Thais try to cheat and are not so precise about the cost of a taxi ride.
💡 What other tips can you give me along the way?
Thailand is a diverse country with a rich culture and history. Thai culture is shaped by Buddhism, art, music, dance, architecture and cuisine. Be sure to find out about a cooking class at your travel destination and visit the many magnificent temples in the country.
Personally, I am an absolute beach fan and was totally amazed by the variety of islands in the south of the country. My tip: Take 2-3 weeks and explore the beaches of Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi while island hopping.
I've also heard a lot of good things about the Erawan National Park in western Thailand. The national park offers many opportunities for hiking, diverse wildlife and beautiful waterfalls.
You can find more tips and travel destinations in Thailand in my travel blog.
Personally, I am an absolute beach fan and was totally amazed by the variety of islands in the south of the country. My tip: Take 2-3 weeks and explore the beaches of Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi while island hopping.
I've also heard a lot of good things about the Erawan National Park in western Thailand. The national park offers many opportunities for hiking, diverse wildlife and beautiful waterfalls.
You can find more tips and travel destinations in Thailand in my travel blog.
