10 Tricks About Thailand Travel You Wish You Knew Before

Going from Bangkok to Chiang Mai will take about 15 hours by train - taking a sleeper train is a good idea if you want to cover this part of your itinerary overland without eating too much into your travel time. For Bangkok > Chiang Mai > Pai I would probably say a week at bare minimum if you want to spend at least several days in each place, though there's enough to do in all of these places that you could spend two weeks or more.

It's always difficult to answer that question as it depends on how much you want to see! Just make sure you have a good book! The day trip remains one of my favorite experiences Top Hotel in Thailand Thailand.

Sure, you waste a day but you see the countryside, you experience how Thais take the train, and you're treated to vendors coming off and on every stop selling meals for 15 THB. Take the day train - Taking the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is not only cheaper but a much better way to see the countryside than the night train. Day trips start at 3,700 THB.

If you dive the Similan Islands, be sure to see Elephant Head Rock, and the reef houses plenty of fish, snappers, rays, and turtles. While you can dive all over the country, the Similan Islands offer the best diving. Most people don't go unless they're planning on diving.

The cheapest place to learn is on the island of Ko Tao, which caters specifically for dive trips. Go scuba diving in the Similan Islands - Scuba diving here is a popular activity because of the crystal clear waters and majestic sea life. Kanchanaburi sits about 120 kilometres northwest of Bangkok, and excursions here allow you to explore the region's rich and fascinating history.

Spending a night at The Float House, nestled on the banks of the River Kwai , lets you wake up amidst some of Asia's most breathtaking scenery. Beyond its world-class beaches and thriving urban areas, Thailand's interior is lush with vibrant jungles, soaring mountains and colourful river ecosystems. The surfing, diving and snorkelling are spectacular and there are plenty of bars and restaurants along the beach to sip a cocktail and people-watch.

The tranquility of the seaside is a welcome change after the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Lazing around on the beach is popular with Thai visitors, especially around the Phuket area. From national parks, waterfalls, to caves, Thailand provides many opportunities to experience the great outdoors.

As you cruise through Bangkok's canals and rivers, you might just find the best way to experience the country - but then there's the massages and the world-famous food. There's the glittering temple complex at Doi Suthep and the night bazaars of Chang Mai. There's the ancient capital of Sukhothai, with its sleek Buddhas and weatherworn pagodas.

Here you'll unearth a nation with so much more than happiness to offer.