Table of Contents
The Capital Bangkok
The Temples
Wat Arun was the most impressive temple for me. It is unique in its style. It can be crowded, but visiting in the afternoon or evening is magical. You get to see the temple at sunset, with lights turning on, changing the atmosphere completely.
Not all temples are worth visiting though. The Grand Palace was a disappointment. I expected a calm and beautiful temple, but it was overcrowded with noisy tourist groups. I made a specific video about it.
There are many other temples around the city, like the Wat Pho with its impressive laying buddha. Visiting less famous ones allows you to take your time and enjoy the serenity. This is a tip I always share in my Thailand travel guide: sometimes, the less hyped places are the most peaceful.
The Districts of Bangkok
Bangkok has various districts, each with its own vibe. Chinatown is vibrant and full of street food stalls, markets, and a lively atmosphere. It is a must for food lovers and photographers. The Sukhumvit area is modern, with shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife. If you want a taste of urban Thailand, this is the place to go. The Old City offers historical sites and a glimpse into traditional Thai life, perfect for those wanting to see the roots of the city.
Cool Activities in Bangkok
Shopping is a must in Bangkok. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is huge and diverse, perfect for souvenirs and local crafts. The floating markets, like Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, offer a unique shopping experience on boats, with fresh food and local products. Each market has its own character, so try to visit more than one if you can.
Exploring Outside Bangkok
If you want to explore beyond the city, Ayutthaya is a beautiful ancient ruin city perfect for a day trip by bicycle. The historical park is vast, with temples and palaces to discover, and cycling is the best way to see it all.
Kanchanaburi is known for the Bridge over the River Kwai and beautiful natural parks. You can visit waterfalls, caves, and learn about World War II history. Another famous nearby place is Lopburi, known for its monkey population and ancient ruins. Each destination adds a new layer to your Thailand travel review.
The North of Thailand: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
The north is famous mainly for two cities: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, with similar names but very different atmospheres.
Chiang Mai: Temples, Markets, and Mountains
Taking the night or day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a cool experience I highly recommend. Chiang Mai is popular with digital nomads and known for elephant activities. The city has beautiful temples like Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Umong. Nearby, you can trek to Doi Suthep mountain, which offers stunning views and is a highlight in any Chiang Mai attractions list.
Chiang Mai also has two great night markets: the Sunday Walking Street and the Night Bazaar, both perfect for local food and crafts. The city center itself is not exceptional, and there might not be much more to do, which makes me question the hype around it ( it’s a famous destination for digital nomad). Still, it is a cool city to experience once.
Chiang Rai: Temples with a Twist
Chiang Rai is often the second city people visit after Chiang Mai. It is famous for two temples: the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten). The White Temple is a large complex created by an artist, with many things to see. It is a bit touristy but worth visiting for its unique design. The Blue Temple is smaller, fully blue as its name suggests, and can be toured in about 15 minutes. Both are must-sees in any Thailand travel guide.
The Islands: Honest Thailand Island Reviews
Koh Kood: The Hidden Gem
Koh Kood is my favorite island I have visited so far. It is still relatively unknown, as many people choose the bigger nearby island, Koh Chang. On Koh Kood, there is not much to do besides enjoying the beach, relaxing, visiting waterfalls, and scuba diving or snorkeling. The island is charming, with one main road and hotels and beaches along it. For those looking for a peaceful Thailand island travel experience, this is the place.
Koh Samui: Crowded and Commercial
I went to Koh Samui expecting a bigger island with a dense population, but I was surprised by how crowded it was. There is one big road circling the island, lined with industries, supermarkets, factories, and construction companies. The beach near where I stayed was not very charming. I did a scuba diving tour, but it lacked a good vibe and felt crowded, so it was not the best island for me.
Nevertheless, you have plenty of activity I haven’t done that would have enlighted my trip there, like feeding elephant in a sanctuary, go on a boat tour to see the islands nearby, do some quad tour in the jungle or flying through it with a zipline.
Koh Tao: Overrated and Packed
I was also not very impressed by Koh Tao. I heard many good things about it, but I question why. It is much smaller than Koh Samui and close by. People often combine visits to Koh Samui and Koh Tao, sometimes passing by Koh Phangan, famous for its full moon party. The island is small, so some streets near the port are dense with hotels, bars, and restaurants. It is designed for socializing and partying, but for nature lovers, there are not many things to do. Most beaches are private, requiring payment to access, or free but small and sometimes dirty. Many famous islands are now packed with businesses trying to attract tourists, which makes sense in a capitalist world but loses the natural vibe and uniqueness.
I didn’t do any snorkeling tour here as I already did some from Koh Samui nor boat tour. From the island you have various options that are worth it too.
The Little Gem: Khao Sok National Park Experience
Khao Sok is a place I visited that still feels untouched, with few businesses around. The national park is amazing, with huge rocky mountains embracing a lake in the middle of the peninsula in southern Thailand. To get there, you first spend a few days in a village 40 minutes from the park entrance. You can do tubing, trek in another park, and see animals like monkeys. You can also do this trek during the night to see other type of wildlife ! It is very nice.
The Khao Sok National Park experience is unique. You can stay in floating bungalows on the lake for one or two nights. This is an amazing experience, sleeping on the water surrounded by stunning landscapes. The tour usually includes excursions to caves, morning boat tours to see wildlife, and walks to sticky waterfalls. For me, it was the best destination outside Bangkok, with a nice mix of nature activities. The landscape is surreal and makes you feel thousands of kilometers away from home. A real adventure.
Conclusion: Honest Thailand Travel Review
FAQ
The main religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism, practiced by over 90% of the population. Islam and Christianity are minority religions, with small communities of Hindus, Sikhs, and followers of other faiths.
Thailand is generally safe for tourists, with most destinations considered low risk and a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. Exercise normal precautions, watch for petty theft and scams, and avoid the far southern provinces due to occasional unrest.
Yes, Thailand has a rainy season that typically lasts from May to October, with heavy but often sporadic rainfall. The timing and intensity can vary by region, with southern islands like Koh Samui experiencing their wettest months from October to December.
The currency in Thailand is the Thai baht (฿, THB). As of June 2025, 1 US dollar equals about 37.7 baht and 1 euro equals about 32.7 baht.
Thailand experiences about 18 small to moderate earthquakes per year, mostly in the northern and western regions. Strong or destructive earthquakes are very rare, and most quakes are not felt by residents or tourists.
The best time to visit is from November to March, during the dry season. This period avoids heavy rainfall and unpredictable weather. It’s ideal for both city and beach travel.
Seven to ten days is a sensible minimum for a focused trip. Ten to fourteen days allows you to see highlights like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands. Longer stays are perfect for deeper exploration.
Domestic flights connect major cities and islands quickly. Trains and buses are budget-friendly and comfortable for longer distances. In cities, use taxis, tuk-tuks, or the efficient metro systems.
Most travelers can enter visa-free for up to 30–60 days, depending on nationality. Check your passport validity and visa requirements before traveling. Always confirm current entry rules online.
English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and major cities. In rural areas, English proficiency may be limited. Learning a few Thai phrases is helpful and appreciated.
Most street food is cooked fresh and is safe to eat. Choose stalls with high turnover and local customers. Watch out for pre-cooked food left out at room temperature.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropical climate. Bring a travel adapter for type A, B, or C sockets. Don’t forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
