This guide covers cultural highlights, off-the-beaten-path beach destinations, trekking and nature spots, as well as beautiful and genuine towns that are some of our favorites in Thailand. This guide to Thailand is also not for those rushing through. We spent weeks and in some cases months in some of the places covered in this guide.
BUT โ you have to experience Bangkok. I usually tell people to give it 3 days at the very least. All are located very close to each other but you can easily spend the whole day visiting just these 3 sites.
Essential experiences : boat ride on the river, night time drinks at a bar with views overlooking the city the Lebua Hotel is a good option , a Thai massage, street food, a ride on the skytrain, and walking around Patpong at night. Accommodation in Bangkok. Mid-priced one of our favorites right on the river: Ibis Bangkok Riverside. Right next to it, even more moderately priced, is the Naga Residence. The 3 rd and current capital is Bangkok. Based on that, I think a day trip to Ayutthaya is best which you can either do by taking the train to Ayutthaya and hiring a tuk tuk, or by booking a tour from Bangkok.
The closest beach destination to Bangkok. I came here years ago and loved it: the beaches are great white sand! Very romantic. How to get there: take a bus or taxi from Bangkok to the town on Ban Phe. From there you take a ferry which brings you to the island in 20 minutes. You have to pay a small entry fee to visit the island because of its National Park status.
Pattaya has very little going for it. Really, Pattaya is pretty shitty. BUT: we came here a couple of years ago for the Songkran festival and had an absolute great time much better than Songkran in Bangkok. Its small streets and many, many bars just make for the perfect party place. Otherwise forget I ever mentioned Pattayaโฆ.
