5 Steps to Plan Traveling to Thailand for the First Time

Tourism is well-developed in Thailand, and with 5 easy steps, you can plan a perfect tour for your first visit. Decide when and where to go, and no matter how long you can stay, there are countless places to explore.

Professional speaking, the best time to visit is from late October to April. Consider starting your first-time trip with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket. Since you're in Thailand, don't miss the pristine beaches. Read on to learn detailed steps to create your own Thailand itinerary.

Step 1: Your Travel Time - End of October to April

The first step in planning your trip to Thailand is deciding when to go. On a first visit, it can be easiest to choose the travel time with the best weather. From the end of November until March, Thailand has a cool, dry season.

You might hear it called Thailand’s winter, but it just means that daytime highs stay mostly below 30°C. At this time, temperatures generally range between 25-32°C. Rain is infrequent, and the lower humidity and clear blue skies are perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

However, it’s also the busiest time of year. Top destinations are crowded during the peak season, and you’ll have to book well in advance. The shoulder season in October and April can be a good compromise for best time to Visit Thailand. It is a little hotter and wetter but still comfortable. Fewer tourists visiting the country makes it a less expensive and quieter time to visit.

Thailand high tour in December.

Step 2: Tour Length in Thailand – 1 or 2 Weeks in Thailand Are Enough

There’s a good chance that once you’re there, you won’t want to leave, so too long in Thailand is not a problem. When deciding on your tour length, you want to have enough time for a rich experience without feeling too rushed. One to two weeks can usually fit into people’s schedules while being an unforgettable trip.

On a seven-day tour, it’s best to focus on one or two destinations, with a few days at the end to relax on the beach. Bangkok is a great place to get your first taste of Thai culture and food, then you can go to the Chiang Mai to see the northern mountain area, or visit one of famous islands like Phuket or Koh Samui.

For a 10-14 day tour, you can add areas to see the north and south of the country. Chiang Rai is the gateway to the Golden Triangle in the north. Khao Sok National Park in the south has stunning limestone cliffs, a blue lake, and sprawling rainforest. There will also be time to take excursions from Bangkok to visit sites like the historic Kanchanaburi, famous for the Death Railway built during WWII, and the ancient capital, Ayutthaya.

12 Days Highlights of Thailand Tour Package

Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Khao Sok National Park - Koh Phangan – Koh Samui – Phuket - Koh Phi Phi - Phuket

Step 3: Your Travel Destination – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket

You’ll want to see the top highlights of the country on your first visit by choosing where to go in Thailand. While there is a lifetime of adventures, planning a trip to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket will give you the quintessential Thailand experience.

Bangkok is a vibrant metropolis and a melting pot of traditional and modern life. Historic sites like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun will immerse you in Thai culture. You can cruise the ancient canals, visit floating markets, and enjoy the exciting nightlife on Khao San Road. Bangkok’s food scene is also unmatched. From street food to fine dining, you’ll discover why Thai cuisine is so renowned.

Bangkok Grand Palace.

Chiang Mai is a hub in the mountainous region of northern Thailand. The area is home to stunning nature reserves, where you can trek through the breathtaking scenery of Doi Inthanon National Park. There are beautiful temples like the silver temple of Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep n Doi Suthep Mountain.

Doi Inthanon National Park.

Phuket is a famous beach destination with vibrant nightlife. Spend your days in the calm blue waters swimming, snorkeling, or diving, then enjoy the fresh seafood cuisine at a beachfront restaurant. From Phuket, you can go island hopping to other stunning destinations like Koh Phi Phi.

Snorkeling on Phi Phi island.

Step 4: Top Things to Do – Beach Relaxing, Thai Temples, Street Food

Your first visit to Thailand should include what the country is famous for. Top of the list are the beautiful beaches in Thailand. Iconic beaches like Kata Beach in Phuket and Railay Beach in Krabi are renowned for their long stretches of pristine white sands and gentle, blue waters. Or, visit beaches like Koh Phangan famous for its Full Moon Party.

Phang Nga full moon party.

The stunning temples of Thailand are a symbol of the country’s deep Buddhist roots. Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most sacred. Located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it is a sacred image of a meditating Buddha. In Chiang Rai, you can see Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple, for its unique appearance.

Chiang Rai White Temple.

Street food is one of the best ways to sample famous Thai food. Classic street food includes pad Thai noodles, mango sticky rice, and spicy papaya salad. Dishes like grilled pork skewers and Hat Ya style fried chicken are available everywhere, and there are great desserts like coconut ice cream and khanom buang, Thai crepes.

Thai Tom Yam Gong.

Step 5: Traveling Routes – Most Classic Thailand Tour Itineraries

One of the most popular tours is the classic 7-day tour of Thailand, which focuses on major highlights. Start by exploring Bangkok. Take a tuk-tuk through the city to visit the Grand Palace and famous temples like Wat Arun. Try the incredible street food at a night market, and relax with a traditional Thai massage.

Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand, is a great place to experience nature, culture, and food. See the animals and Elephant Nature Park, and try northern Thai delicacies.

Going to the beach is a must-do. Phuket has some of the most famous in Thailand like Patong Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach. Enjoy the white sands and calm, clear waters. You won’t need a detailed itinerary, there are lots of activities like water sports, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

7 Days Classic Thailand Tour Package

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Phuket

With more time, you can take a 14-day luxury tour in Thailand. Spend more time in Bangkok getting a deeper impression of the city, and taking day trips to sites like Ayutthaya, the ancient capital. There are authentic markets, traditional boats, and iconic temples like the 60-meter-tall stupa of Wat Yai Chai Mongkol.

Visit the Golden Triangle from Chiang Rai. There, you can explore the mysterious region and go to ethnic villages like the Long Neck Karen Village, where ancient traditions live.

Chiang Mai also has much more to explore, like Tiger Kingdom, where conservationists work to protect the endangered cats. Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand. From the 2,565m high peak, you can see beautiful panoramas of dwarf rhododendron groves and evergreen forests. Also, you can explore the natural beauty of the northern region on zipline and hiking tours.

Two Weeks In-depth Thailand Historical Tour Package

Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Sukhothai – Doi Inthanon – Chiang Mai – Pai – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle - Hua Hin - Bangkok

$1000 for a Week Is Enough for a Comfortable Thailand Tour

Budgets for a Thailand tour are flexible, but 1000 USD a week is enough for a comfortable tour. Accommodations are the biggest cost. 3-star hotels in popular destinations like Bangkok and Phuket cost around 50-60 USD per night, and 4-star hotels range from 80-150 USD. Prices are a little lower in the shoulder season, and booking early can help you find the best rates.

Great food is not expensive in Thailand. Plan to spend 15-25 USD per day for authentic Thai cuisine. Street food usually costs between 1-3 USD, and a meal at a small eatery is around 2-4 USD per person. Seafood and more formal dining is a little more expensive, but the occasional meal at a nicer restaurant will only cost 10-15 USD.

Top attractions are very affordable. Entrance tickets for the Grand Palace are 500 THB (14 USD), and visiting famous temples like Wat Arun costs 50 THB (1.5 USD).

Transportation is also not a big cost. Taxis and tuk-tuks average 5 USD per trip. The Bangkok metro is a great way to beat the traffic, and tickets are around 1 USD. Domestic flights are very cheap. Tickets from Bangkok to Phuket, for example, start from around 26 USD.

Thailand Tuk-tuks.

Insider Tips for Traveling to Thailand for the First Time

- Be respectful of local culture. Keep interactions friendly, and never touch anyone on the head.
- Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is needed when visiting temples.
- Pack lightweight, breathable clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget sun protection including a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.
- The ride-hailing app Grab is very helpful for booking taxis. Download it before you leave, and it can be linked with your local debit or credit card.
- Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments but carry cash in local currency for most daily transactions.

8 Days Thailand Island Hopper Tour Package

Phuket – Koh Phi Phi – Krabi

Conclusion

Thailand is a top travel destination for good reason. With a vibrant culture, stunning beaches and natural landscapes, and incredible local cuisine, millions of people visit every year for unforgettable experiences. Bangkok is a great introduction to Thai culture and food, Chiang Mai will immerse you in nature, and the beaches of Phuket are a guaranteed hit for relaxing in the sun.

Check out our full range of Thailand tours for more ideas on exciting itineraries. Our experienced travel consultants are always ready to help you plan the perfect trip. Contact us for more information anytime.