{"id":40655,"date":"2018-11-21T12:58:41","date_gmt":"2018-11-21T20:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=40655"},"modified":"2023-06-08T15:28:15","modified_gmt":"2023-06-08T22:28:15","slug":"how-to-travel-and-explore-thailand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-travel-and-explore-thailand","title":{"rendered":"How To Travel and Explore Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thailand has it all: pristine beaches, gorgeous mountains, relatively cheap costs, friendly locals and fantastic food. What\u2019s not to like? For American travelers especially, Thailand is a hot-ticket destination right now because it <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/th.usembassy.gov\/u-s-citizen-services\/thai-visas-americans\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doesn\u2019t require a visa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the exchange rates are friendly on the wallet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re just starting to explore the idea of traveling to Thailand, this guide is for you. It covers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#why-visit\">Why Visit Thailand?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-activities\">The Top Outdoor Activities in Thailand<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#best-places\">The Best Places to Visit in Thailand<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-plan\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"why-visit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Visit Thailand?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thailand has something for everyone. Travelers who love the outdoors will revel in the pristine, glittering beaches of the south. In the north, the mountainous, green provinces offer crystal-clear waterfalls and meandering paths into the highlands. In the major cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, things are bustling: Food stalls waft tempting smells into the streets, which are full of motorbike-riding commuters carrying baskets, infants and stuffed shopping bags. Everywhere you look, there is something to explore and tempt your curiosity.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40710\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40710\" class=\"wp-image-40710 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Parrish_021412_0382.png?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"The day's haul.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-40710\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A local fisherman shows off a haul of clams fresh from the sea.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thailand also offers relatively low costs for travelers from Western countries. At the time of writing, $1 USD is equivalent to about 32.9 baht. For reference, a basic Thai meal costs around 150 baht maximum, which means travelers typically pay $5 or less for dinner. If you eat street food while in the country (and you should!), the costs are even lower. Although the costs of hotels in Thailand have grown in recent years as more tourists visit the country, the rates are still low compared to typical rates in the U.S. (Often, mid-range rooms in Thai hotels cost less than $50 USD\/night).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"top-activities\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Top Outdoor Activities in Thailand<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Hiking &amp; Backpacking: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thailand is a beautiful place to hike: Pristine rain forests, stark mountains and refreshing lakes abound. But unlike the U.S., where trails are well-marked, Thailand rarely offers established hiking trails, which means your hiking excursions will require a bit of extra planning. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most popular trekking routes in Thailand include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Khao Sok National Park<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is located in Surat Thani, in southern Thailand, and it boasts sandstone and mudstone rocks rising up above the blue sea, backed by karst limestone topography filled with green foliage. While trekking in the jungle here you\u2019re likely to see elephants, tigers, Malayan sun bears and more than 180 bird species. There are also waterfalls and caves interspersed throughout<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">but you\u2019ll want a guide to help you find them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiking <\/span><b>Doi Luang Chiang Dao<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is an hour north of Chiang Mai, offers views of hill tribe villages, riverside landscapes and forests. It\u2019s a tough hike to the top of the mountain, but you can make it up and back in about 8 hours, as it\u2019s roughly 7.5 miles round trip, with or without a guide.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Umphang Valley<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is about halfway between Chiang Mai and Bangkok and is best explored on a guided three- or four-day trek that takes you to a tribal village and the Thi Lo Su waterfalls.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are few better vantage points over the Andaman Sea than the&nbsp;Kho Phi Phi Viewpoint, which takes you 600+ feet up and away from the tourist crowd. You can accomplish this hike in 30 minutes or less, and there are snacks and cold drinks for purchase at the top.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hire a guide to take you to the&nbsp;<\/span><b>Chiang Rai hiking trails in&nbsp;<\/b>the forests of Chiang Mai\u2019s sister city, Chiang Rai, where you can spend up to a week trekking to waterfalls and vistas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Climbing:<\/strong> Lovers of limestone flock from all over the world to pay homage to Thailand&#8217;s infamous karst formations, particularly at Railay and Tonsai beaches. For some ropeless (and wet) action, try one of the deep-water soloing excursions on tap off the Krabi coast.<\/p>\n<p><b>Yoga: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thailand is a hot spot for yoga, and specifically yoga retreat centers and teacher training programs. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai house much of the yoga scene because of their reputation for being a haven for expats, artists and Buddhist thought. The southern islands also offer many idyllic yoga chalets and practice centers for yogis from around the world, especially on Koh Chang and Koh Samui.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Kayaking: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The southern islands of Thailand are full of sea caves, tunnels, wildlife and lagoons, which make them a perfect location for sea kayaking. This activity, too, is best undertaken with a guide, as the currents can be unpredictable and it\u2019s typically difficult to find your way in and out of the lagoons without expert help. There are also other places to kayak\u2014the River Kwai, which is a day trip from Bangkok, is a popular option.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40671\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40671\" class=\"wp-image-40671 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Parrish_021712_0230.png?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"Deep-water soloing near Tonsai Beach.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-40671\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A deep-water soloist negotiates a limestone stalactite near the climbing mecca of Tonsai Beach.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>Scuba Diving &amp; Snorkeling: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thailand is known to be one of the most affordable places in the world to get a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/travel.padi.com\/d\/thailand\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PADI<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Open Water Diver certification. Head to the Thai islands down south to check out a myriad of underwater glories: The Gulf of Thailand in the East and Andaman Sea in the West offer diving opportunities that include deep dropoffs, reefs, walls, caverns, tunnels, pinnacles, open ocean seamounts, wrecks and more. Lovers of pelagics will find whale sharks, manta rays, white-tip and leopard sharks, as well as seahorses, frogfish, ghost pipefish and a variety of crustaceans. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second only to Cairns, Australia, in terms of PADI certifications issued worldwide per year, Koh Tao is Thailand\u2019s diving mecca, and has dozens of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/locator.padi.com\/search?lang=en&amp;location=koh%20tao\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credentialed PADI dive shops<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can help you get started (or farther along) on your scuba journey. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those who would rather see underwater creatures from a distance, snorkel tours are offered daily from almost every hotel on most Thai islands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"best-places\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Best Places to Visit in Thailand<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><b>Bangkok<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visitors to Thailand typically fly into Bangkok International Airport (BKK &#8211; Suvarnabhumi), which is one of the busiest airports in southeast Asia. Bangkok, or Krung Thep Mahanakhon, as it\u2019s known to the Thais, is the capital of Thailand and its largest city.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40673\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40673\" class=\"wp-image-40673 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/FTA_120910_43256.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"A floating kitchen at market.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-40673\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A merchant prepares sweet banana snacks at one of Bangkok&#8217;s floating markets.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bangkok is a bustling, loud, crowded city that offers options for every traveler. While in Bangkok, visitors often explore Thai temples and eateries. Some of the most popular things to do in Bangkok include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Wat Pho: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This well-known temple is home to the Reclining Buddha, a 15-meter-tall and 46-meter-long golden Buddha statue. If you\u2019re wearing a tank top and shorts, bring a scarf to cover your shoulders and pants to cover your legs for entering the temple. (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wat<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means \u201ctemple\u201d in Thai.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Wat Arun:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Temple of Dawn is hard to miss, with its towering spires and radiant glazed porcelain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>The Grand Palace:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This palace was once home to the King of Thailand and much of the country\u2019s governmental business is still carried out there. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Chatuchak Weekend Market: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covering more than 35 acres, this<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weekend-only market has more than 8,000 stalls selling everything from toys and jewelry to Thai iced coffee\u2014and so much more.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>The River Ferry:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Thailand is sometimes called the \u201cVenice of the East,\u201d because it\u2019s built around the Chao Phraya River. While you can certainly get around Bangkok using cabs or tuk tuks (see our \u201chow to get around\u201d section below), a ferry ride is another fun transportation option. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Khao San Road: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want a bustling travel experience, look no further than Khao San Road. Packed with tiny stalls selling everything you can imagine and lined by hostels and hotels, Khao San is a street with a pulse. If you\u2019re looking for a night out on the town, Khao San Road is a great place to start.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other popular activities in Bangkok involve getting massages at local spas, shopping in the giant malls and eating street food. Some visitors also choose to venture outside of Bangkok to take popular day trips, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Ayutthaya: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/576\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> features the ancient ruins of Siam\u2019s former capital city. Many people choose to explore the vast ruins via rented bicycle, and you can visit by train or as part of a guided tour.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This floating market (one of many) is a bit of a trip outside of Bangkok (a little over 60 miles), but it\u2019s well worth it to see the more than 200 venders selling their wares out of boats. Come to the market via taxi or public bus and grab dinner before heading back to the city. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Koh Si Chang: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While most people head to the southern islands for beach time, this small island is a lesser-known but very enjoyable day trip from Bangkok. Take a bus or taxi to the ferry, which leaves hourly.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Erawan National Park: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Come for the emerald green ponds and stay for a seven-tiered waterfall. It\u2019s a possible day trip from Bangkok via minivan or guided tour, but an overnight stay in Kanchanaburi, the province where this national park is located, will permit more time for exploration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Chiang Mai<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After spending a few days in Bangkok sleeping off the jet lag, shopping, eating delicious street food and exploring temples, many travelers head up north by plane or bus, to Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and features a bohemian vibe and a centuries-old walled district that holds the lion\u2019s share of the action. <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40674\" style=\"width: 743px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40674\" class=\"wp-image-40674 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/FTA_120910_43222.jpg?resize=733%2C1100\" alt=\"Floating lanterns fill the sky.\" width=\"733\" height=\"1100\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-40674\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chiang Mai&#8217;s Yi Peng Floating Lantern Festival lights up the night sky.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When visiting, travelers typically enjoy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Doi Suthep: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This mountaintop temple is a 30-minute taxi ride from the old walled city and boasts golden spires, lovely gardens and far-reaching views.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Nimmanhaemin Road: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as the Nimman Road, this hip street is full of boutiques, restaurants, galleries and coffee shops. Check out the local art and grab a tasty snack at one of the many happening eateries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Huay Kaew Road Night Market:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This market, located outside of the old city\u2019s gates, focuses mostly on fashion. If shopping is your game, you can find (or haggle for) a great deal during this nightly affair.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>The Old City Temples: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wat Chedi Luang is located right in the middle of the old city, as are Wat Phra Singh and Wat Suan Dok. All are worth a visit as you wander by; just bring a scarf to cover your shoulders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Wiang Kum Kam:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Outside the old city, about 3 miles south of Chiang Mai, you\u2019ll find the ruins of an ancient city dating back to the eighth century that you can explore by horse-drawn cart or rented bicycle.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Elephant Nature Park: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several elephant sanctuary options in the Chiang Mai area, where you can visit elephants, assist with their rehabilitation and even donate your time to keep facilities clean.<\/span><\/b><b><\/b><\/li>\n<li><strong>Take a cooking class:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inquire with your hotel or hostel manager about taking a cooking class, which will help you understand the mostly vegetarian styles of cooking found in the northern province.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chiang Mai also serves as a jumping-off point for outdoor adventurers. Popular adventures in the northern provinces include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Pai:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Backpackers flock to Pai, a small riverside town in northern Thailand. Taking a motorbike, minibus or taxi to Pai will take four winding, potentially nauseating hours from Chiang Mai. Once there, you\u2019ll have your pick of hikes to various waterfalls in the hills.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Zip-Lining: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many zip-line systems in the forests around Chiang Mai, which make for a perfect day trip.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Trekking: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, offers trekking options for adventurous travelers. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doi Luang Chiang Dao is another popular hike in the area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Chiang Dao Caves: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just a few hours from Chiang Mai, you\u2019ll find two well-lit caves which can only be visited with guides.<\/span><\/b><b><\/b><\/li>\n<li><strong>Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A 90-minute drive from Chiang Mai will get you to the \u201cSticky Falls,\u201d a waterfall where the rocks are covered in a mineral deposit that allows your feet to stick to the rocks despite the cascading water.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Island-Hopping<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After spending time up north, many visitors head to<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the islands. This involves flying or busing south, then catching a ferry to one of the many islands surrounding the southern tip of Thailand. The most popular islands (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Koh<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means \u201cisland\u201d in Thai) include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Koh Phi Phi: <\/b>With its<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters, Koh Phi Phi is just a 90-minute ferry ride from Phuket. Although it\u2019s become touristy, you can\u2019t beat the warm water and views.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Koh Yao Yai:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Yao Yai island and its sister island, Yao Noi, are a quick ferry ride from Phuket. They are less developed than many of the other islands in the area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Krabi:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While not an island, the Krabi province offers a laid-back alternative to Phuket. Tonsai Beach and Railay Beach are the most popular places to visit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Koh Lanta: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This island is easiest to reach from Krabi, but you can also get there via a boat from Phuket. It\u2019s quieter than Phi Phi and while developed, you\u2019ll be mostly on your own with the locals during&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your adventures.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_40713\" style=\"width: 1110px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40713\" class=\"wp-image-40713 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Parrish_021412_0143.png?resize=1100%2C733\" alt=\"Kayaking amongst the karst formations.\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-40713\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sea kayakers explore the wonders of karst topography in the Krabi region of southern Thailand.<\/p><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Koh Samui:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Known as the \u201cglamour\u201d island and offering upscale resorts and high-end restaurants, this piece of paradise is best accessed by ferry from Surat Thani. You can also fly onto the island via a small airport. Koh Samui is home to many yoga retreat centers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Koh Phangan: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known for its wild full-moon parties, Koh Phangan can be reached by ferry from Koh Tao, Koh Samui or Surat Thani. There are 20 nearby dive sites, which makes this location a good one for scuba enthusiasts. Be careful with booking near the date of the full moon, as accommodations&nbsp;fill up quickly. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Koh Tao<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Located north of Koh Phangan, you\u2019ll find tiny Koh Tao, which means \u201cturtle island\u201d in English. This island offers spectacular diving, crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches and world-renowned dive centers (and rates) for certification. Catch an overnight ferry with the locals\u2014or a speedier vessel with other travelers\u2014from Chumphon.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"how-to-plan\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Best times to visit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Thailand\u2019s monsoon season lasts from mid-summer (usually beginning around mid-July) to mid-fall (ending around October). Most experts recommend avoiding travel to Thailand during these months; the northern cities are chilly and wet, and the islands are drenched. During this time of year, Bangkok is known to flood. In April and early May, temperatures can rise to 105 degrees F with plenty of humidity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most visitors choose to come to Thailand during the North American winter, when the weather is most temperate. From November to March, temperatures typically sit between 75 and 90 degrees, which is enjoyable at the beach and in the city.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Where to stay:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> From dorm bunk to private villa, Thailand offers the full gamut of hotel, hostel and bed-and-breakfast options for visitors. You should always check reviews before booking. Chiang Mai, in particular, is known for its many boutique hotel options within the old city\u2019s walls. Backpackers frequent Thailand because of the low cost of accommodation, especially in hostels (where a bed can cost less than $10 USD per night).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to pack: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack for warm weather. We recommend throwing the following items in your pack:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/rain-ponchos\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rain poncho<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightweight clothing (mostly shorts and T-shirts), to accommodate the humid weather<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/flip-flops\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flip-flops<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/shoes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supportive walking shoes<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/insect-repellent\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bug repellent<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sunscreen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sunscreen<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sarong (or buy one at the beach)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/first-aid\">Small first-aid kit with antibacterial lotion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan to dress in shorts and a T-shirt each day, bring a covering with you in your <a href=\"\/c\/day-packs\">daypack<\/a>. Temples require visitors to cover bare shoulders and legs, so packing a scarf to tie on as a skirt, or lightweight pants and a long-sleeve shirt, is a wise idea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, you can find whatever you need<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">but forgot to bring<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in the local stores.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Getting From Place to Place&nbsp;<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have several transportation options in Thailand, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Tuk tuks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> We recommend taking tuk tuks from place to place within Thailand\u2019s larger cities, like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A tuk tuk is a motorcycle with a cart attached to the back<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you\u2019ll see them everywhere in the country. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Official taxis: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cabs<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can be found throughout Thailand\u2019s major cities, and you can flag them down easily by waving. There are also taxi stops in busy areas. Make sure your driver starts the meter before you leave your initial location<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">otherwise, you may be overcharged. You should also make sure that they have official, government-issued cards on their dashboard, especially when you\u2019re traveling from airports into the cities. Most travelers take cabs from the airport to their hotel; simply walk up to a taxi stand and ask for a ticket, and you\u2019ll be directed to the nearest empty vehicle. You can also use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grab.com\/th\/en\/taxi\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GrabTaxi<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a well-known ride-hailing platform that offers a convenient way to get a taxi in many Asian cities.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40715\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40715\" class=\"wp-image-40715 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/FTK_122110_38838.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"Koh Phi Phi's iconic Maya Bay.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-40715\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Colorful long-tail boats sit anchored in Koh Phi Phi&#8217;s iconic Maya Bay.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>Songthaews: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cities, like Chiang Mai, you\u2019ll see <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">songthaews<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These are red pickup trucks with coverings in the back, and they act as shared taxis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people will get on and off throughout the ride, but you\u2019ll eventually get to your destination. You can also hire a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">songthaew <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for the day to take you to see destinations outside the cities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan to travel between the major urban areas, like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, you\u2019ll have several different options: overnight buses, trains and planes. Typically, because of the low cost of flights, airplane travel is the way to go. However, for travelers on a budget, trains and buses may offer a cheap option that can also double as a night of housing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Money: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thai currency is called baht. At the time of this writing, the U.S.-to-Thai exchange rate is $1 USD to 32.5 Thai baht. Exchange some money at a bank before you go\u2014or exchange money at the airport. If you need to break bigger bills once you\u2019re in the country (sometimes taxis and street vendors won\u2019t have change), head to the local 7-Eleven.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to eat and drink: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thai food has a reputation for being flavorful and delicious. As a tourist, it\u2019s still easy to get authentic Thai food from restaurants or on the street.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some may caution you against eating \u201cstreet meat,\u201d but most local Thais will tell you that street food is safe and also an important part of the Thai cultural experience. When you\u2019re choosing where to eat on the street, a good rule of thumb is to follow the locals. Another is to make sure that any food you\u2019re eating is made fresh, right in front of you. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key phrases to know:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHello\u201d: For women: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sawadee ka<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; For men: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sawadee krab<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThank you\u201d: For women: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kob Khun Kha; <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For men: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kob Khun Krab<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNo thank you\u201d\/ \u201cI don\u2019t want it\u201d (polite): <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mai Aow<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thailand has it all: pristine beaches, gorgeous mountains, relatively cheap costs, friendly locals and fantastic food. What\u2019s not to like? For American travelers especially, Thailand is a hot-ticket destination right now because it doesn\u2019t require a visa and the exchange rates are friendly on the wallet. If you\u2019re just starting to explore the idea of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":40737,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[15,588,734,707,1550,349,12,302],"internal-tag":[1582],"class_list":["post-40655","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-backpacking","tag-camping","tag-climbing","tag-hiking","tag-international","tag-paddling","tag-travel","tag-yoga","internal-tag-travel-guide"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-travel-and-explore-thailand","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"How To Travel and Explore Thailand","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-travel-and-explore-thailand","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-travel-and-explore-thailand"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Parrish_021112_4996.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Parrish_021112_4996.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000"},"articleSection":"Travel","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Beckindale"}],"creator":["Beckindale"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["backpacking","camping","climbing","hiking","international","paddling","travel","yoga"],"dateCreated":"2018-11-21T20:58:41Z","datePublished":"2018-11-21T20:58:41Z","dateModified":"2023-06-08T22:28:15Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"How To Travel and Explore Thailand\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/how-to-travel-and-explore-thailand\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/how-to-travel-and-explore-thailand\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/11\\\/Parrish_021112_4996.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/11\\\/Parrish_021112_4996.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000\"},\"articleSection\":\"Travel\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Beckindale\"}],\"creator\":[\"Beckindale\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"backpacking\",\"camping\",\"climbing\",\"hiking\",\"international\",\"paddling\",\"travel\",\"yoga\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2018-11-21T20:58:41Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-11-21T20:58:41Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-06-08T22:28:15Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Parrish_021112_4996.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40655"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":189794,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40655\/revisions\/189794"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40655"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40655"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=40655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}