I’m a 31F and looking to go to Thailand in March. This will be my first solo trip and first time in Thailand/SE Asia so it’s exciting but also somewhat overwhelming haha.

From research I’ll probs avoid northern Thailand during this time of the year and spend a full day in Bangkok before flying down south to a couple islands like Koh Samui and Krabi.

I was just wondering if it’s worth the extra spend going with a group? As I do like the idea of picking my own accommodation etc and not feeling too restrictive but of course there’s a comfort knowing you’re with a group as well as not dealing with the stress of planning your own trip.

Keen to hear from people around my age that have done either option as their first trip to Thailand! As it seems like many people just go there solo and meet people once they are out there.

My girlfriend and I have the opportunity of staying 2 weeks in Koh Phayam, to guard a friend's house who's traveling. For those who've been there, what's it like in the island? How did you like it ?

Hey everyone, my girlfriend and I are traveling Thailand & Vietnam for 90 days and looking for advice on the best route!

Our plan so far:

• Arrive in Bangkok, stay a few days.
• Head north to Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai.
• Fly to Hanoi and travel south through Vietnam (Where?).
• Return to Thailand (not sure where—any recommendations?).
• End in Phuket for some beach time before flying home.

Is this the best way to do it, or would you recommend a different route? Also, what’s the best way to get back into Thailand from Vietnam? Any must-visit places we shouldn’t miss?

Appreciate any tips—cheers!

My fiancé and I are thinking about going to Thailand for our honeymoon and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for hotels/ specific areas we should go? My grandpa lived in Thailand from when I was born up until he passed, and he always talked about how beautiful it was! Since hearing his stories I have always wanted to go. I am really excited to see everyone's suggestions on what they love to do and where they love to stay! We are big outdoorsy people, looking for something beach front for maybe a week then going into the city for the second week? I feel like any research I do is only bringing up touristy things, so looking for good local recommendations :) TYIA!

I've confined myself to my room. It felt like a cold first, and figured I just needed rest. It's been two days of misery and can't really sleep. I'm 45 minutes to the nearest country hospital (Mae On) 90 minutes to McCormick Hospital and Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai (private hospitals).

My last booster shot was three years ago, but now I realize I should have gotten a booster here, assuming they have a slight variant.

Suggestions and advice most welcome

Edit: I've been drinking lot of water and have Ibuprofen (which doesn't seem to do much). No stores with cold medicine. I guess I'll skip the hospital, but what I need more than anything right now, is a soft bed. Can anyone recommend a hotel in Chiang Mai with a very soft bed, one I can burrow into? I'm sure the hard beds I've been on is keeping me from sleeping as much as anything. The Marriott would destroy my budget, but I can't find anything else that I trust will have a very soft bed.

#Hi everyone,

I’m planning a 12-day trip to Thailand in March with my girlfriend (we’re 28M and 28F, respectively) and I could really use some advice to make the most of it given my tight budget situation.

#My Situation:

##Flights & Itinerary: I booked my round-trip tickets to Bangkok a while back. Recently, I also booked a flight from Bangkok to Phuket on the same day I arrive. My plan is to spend 3 days in Phuket, then take a bus+ferry to either Ko Samui (3 days) or Krabi (3 days), and then head back to Bangkok for another 3 days. Financial Crunch: I’m already feeling financially stretched. I have some reserves, but I’m not confident they’ll cover all my expenses for 12 days. I didn’t pay extra for cancellation flexibility on any flights in order to save money.

##Regrets & Considerations: I regret structuring my flight tickets in this way, which kind of forced me into a 12-day trip. I’m also second-guessing the decision on which destinations to choose. Alternate Options I’m Considering: Replace Ko Samui with Chiang Mai: Flights to Chiang Mai are a bit more expensive, but the overall cost of stay might be a bit lower. Cut Out One or Both Islands: Maybe I could just relax longer in Phuket or Krabi instead of trying to hit too many places. Questions for the Community:

##Itinerary Adjustments: Given the budget constraints, would it be wiser to simplify my itinerary (e.g., staying longer in fewer places) or try to stick with the original plan? If I choose between Ko Samui and Chiang Mai, which destination do you think is better from a budget and experience standpoint?

##Cost-Saving Tips: Any recommendations on affordable accommodations, local transport hacks, or budget-friendly activities in these areas? Has anyone done a similar trip on a tight budget? What were your must-know tips?

##Financial Planning: How can I maximize my funds? Any advice on daily budgeting or alternative ways to cut costs without missing out on the experience? Other Suggestions:

If you have any other route or idea that might help me avoid overspending while still enjoying Thailand, please share! I appreciate any insights or personal experiences you can share. Thanks in advance for your help!

Like should I use 12go.asia or klook or any online service for reliable bus+ferry or ask local guy around for such tours. If you guys have any contacts that might help me out please let me know.

I did the breakdown and did the research so you don't have to

This post is long overdue. I got open water and advanced certified in Ko Tao a few months back, in November 2024. I had the best time and so glad I did it on this island.

I live in the U.S. Getting certified here was out of the question. The prices have gone up insanely after COVID. I wasn't going to spend $1.2k+ to dive in cold water. Don't trust the Groupon deals or whatever deal you find online. The price doesn't include the $900 or whatever you pay on top for your personal fin, mask, learning materials etc.

So I did my research and these were the top contenders:

• Utila (island), Honduras
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Nha Trang, Vietnam
• Ko Tao, Thailand

These were the top places I found that were very well known in the dive community, affordable and competitive. These are all relatively cheap places to get your scuba license with Cozumel and Utila being on the "more expensive" side compared to Nha Trang and Ko Tao.

I booked my round trip flight in October (one month before) and spent around $750 round trip to Bangkok.

I decided to go with a dive shop called Hydronaut which has RAID certifications (will write about it more later). It's 11k THB (Thai Baht) = ~ 280USD. This is the standard price that every dive shop on Koh Tao charges. There are a few exceptions like Phoenix Divers which is cheaper.

I decided to combine my Open Water (Open Water 20) + Advanced (Explorer 30) and do it all at once. They charge 10K THB for the Open Water but for the combo it's discounted for 20K THB total ~590USD. Here in the US it would've cost ~2k USD or more.

How I decided to go with a RAID dive shop?

I'm sure just like you, every person who's thinking about getting SCUBA certified wants to go with PADI.

PADI, PADI, PADI... maybe SSI, but PADI is first choice. Trust me, that was me too. I spent hours researching. And I'm glad I did. The reason PADI is so popular is because it's the biggest name worldwide. That does not mean it's the best

I quickly learned, IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT ORGANIZATION YOU GO WITH. Once you have your license nobody cares. You can dive anywhere in the world PERIOD

I was initially hesitant to go with something that is lesser known than PADI. I ultimately decided to go with RAID. This organization is relatively young but has a TOP TRAINING PROGRAM. RAID for example doesn't require you to pay for learning materials. Everything is available online, even your certification. You also do the exam online. Unlike PADI and others, RAID has all the learning materials online for free. Even if you don't want to get a license you still can create a free account and go through all the learning materials for free online.

On Ko Tao there were only a handful of RAID dive shops. The most popular ones are Roctupus Diving Center and Hydronaut.

How I was the training and dive experience?

Breakdown:

• Open Water 20 – 3.5 days for training and getting certified
• Explorer 30 – 1.5 days for training and getting advanced certified

It took me 6 day on Ko Tao to get advanced certified.

The classes were super intimate. We were only two students. I can't imagine being in a bigger class more than 4 people. The instructor was amazing. It all starts with class room learning, then pool sessions where you have to swim 20 laps and float for 10min to proof your physical fitness.

The actual diving training in the pool was fun and scary for me at first.

The dives in the ocean were super fun. You see schools of fish, predators hunting, the ocean is fascinating. For the advanced one we did a deep dive, a wreck dive as well as night dive. Night dive was the best out of all.

How do I know RAID is actually better than others?

Well on the last day I finished my course, my group of dive friends arrived on Ko Tao. They are experienced divers. We kinda coordinated so I can dive with them once they arrived. For the recreational dives we went with Black Turtle Dive Shop. All the guides and instructors who work for RAID and SSI dive shops acknowledged that RAID has top training programs. Even my friends who had 200-500 dives logged told me that the stuff I learned was very much in depth and extensive, something they didn't learn in their open water and advance course.

For example at RAID we do a B.R.A.I.D. buddy check on the boat. Basically following a strict protocol and how to check your dive gear and so on. Once we jumped into the water RAID teaches you to do another S-Drill buddy check, basically checking for leaks and bubbles. Something my friend don't do. They know about this but these safety habits weren't really drilled into them so it didn't become a habit.

One of my friend got certified with GUE and she said that a lot of things RAID teaches is similar to theirs so based on that I guess GUE is a good organization as well.

RAID focuses on teaching students correct buoyancy. We learned to position (trim) our body horizontally and correctly. We learn how to control the ascend and descend with correct breathing techniques. We also never ever touch or kneel on the bottom of the ocean or trim vertically like many reels you see on IG. That's all BS and wrong.

Honestly, if it wasn't for the hours of research I did, I would've never gone with the small guys like RAID. I would've straight up done PADI. I'm super happy with the knowledge I acquired and can't wait to continue diving.

Price breakdown:

Around $750

Total for RAID scuba license around $590

Stay at Hydronaut resort around $40 (it was around $8/day)

Feel free to ask any questions you have.

Hi i am traveling to Thailand in February for 2 weeks. In the first week I will be with a friend and we will visit Bangkok for 3 days and then we go to Phi Phi island for 4 days. After that my friend leaves and I stay alone. I would like some recommendations on what i could do in that second week. Considering i am alone i would like some social places with beaches. I am open to any suggestions.

I don’t plan to buy expensive clothing, just the cheaper stuff.

So me and my friends are thinking about renting a scooter to ride around Koh Samui for as much as we can from morning to noon before flying back to Bangkok in the afternoon. We’re gonna be there early May and our hotel is near Chaweng beach. Is there a scenic route we can follow? Is it even safe at all?

I'm arriving in BKK and will have a couple boxes with along with luggage. Does BKK provide luggage carts and if so, will they allow me to take it to the Grab or Taxi area? Thanks in advance

We've just returned from Khao Lak Thailand. We have been to Thailand 4 times in the last 2 and a half years with our 5th trip planned for May this year. Every time we visit we then return home and discuss other holiday destinations but struggle to change from Thailand as for us it really is the all round perfect holiday destination. We are a married couple in our late 20's / early thirties and now have a 9 month old daughter.

My question is - where else in the world have you been which you love as much as Thailand? Is there any where that is up there for you? We want to try new places but the value for money and our love for the place we just keep on wanting to go back.

Hi everyone,

https://preview.redd.it/ij07msakedge1.png?width=1000&format=png&auto=webp&s=4cf304071b923a1609926d6f113f747274e14ab1

I came across this old blog post: [link] and really liked the idea of renting a bamboo raft to explore the Wang River on our own. Unfortunately, the café mentioned in the article has closed, and the post is quite outdated.

Does anyone know if it's still possible to rent a bamboo raft in the area? If so, where can we find one?

Thanks in advance for any tips!

Title

So I want to buy some tropical fruits to my destination country. Is it okay regarding airport customs rules ? Can I carry it with me in my cabin luggage? Thanks

HI, I'm just trying to find confirmation of what I need to visit Thailand for less than 60 days but more than 30 on a UK passport.

There seems to be some conflicting information

DO I need to apply for this visa https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/tourist-multiple-entries-visa

Or can I just turn up with my passport (and return ticket) here it says only 30 days on exemption https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/84498-faq?menu=5d6636cd15e39c3bd00072ef

https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/travel-to-thailand-from-the-uk

but here it says 60 days https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/exemp-visa

I’m trying to book a 2 day 1 night stay on the lake in Khao sok. I found this one resort called Phupha Waree but am not seeing a website for them or any way to book with them directly. Only seeing touring companies posting stays with them. Anyone know if it’s possible to book with them directly?

So, I'm going to Thailand in March for two months, any tips are welcome:)

I and my wife are on honeymoon and want to try some offbeat spa experiences in South of Thailand. We are currently near Khao Lak. Any good suggestions for some offbeat spa or massage experiences?

I'm not retirement age (still in my 30s) but I've sold my businesses and stopped working.

So I'm financially secure and want to get the DTV visa but am unsure if I qualify.

I just have savings and investment income... Which is plenty to support myself in Thailand or anywhere really. But will they allow DTV based on this?

Do I need to apply as a tourist essentially? Rather than remote worker?

Any help would be great. I just am unsure what angle to take when applying here.

Thanks.

Sorry for asking this question i know that it has been asked millions of time, it's just that most of the answers are for a much "night life" public... My wife and I would like a hotel at 150€ a night maximum in a clean place. We don't go out too much in the evening we would just like a good central point to do all the activities during the day and some shopping /restaurants in the evening.

Thank you in advance

I don’t know if it’s just but the locals kept mistaking me as a local and they would speak to me in thai. Each and every interaction I had so far. I’m kind of a shy person so I would give them a puzzled stare and would awkwardly say that I don’t speak thai and proceed to speak in english. When I do, they won’t say anything more and would just gesture with their hands like sign language. I get so embarrassed because they would give me this look like I’m a bother because I don’t speak thai. The only ones I remember who didn’t look differently at me after they learned I’m not thai are the vendors from Ancient City and the other tourist places I’ve been to. Probably because they’re used to foreigners.

Is internationaldriverassociation.com legit? I will be travelling to Thailand on 7th Feb and if I apply now for IDP, will I get it in next 3-4 days in India? Does anyone have experience applying IDP from the above mention site?