Thailand Travel Guide – Best Places to Visit

Located at the centre of Mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand is one of the world’s most unique places to spend your vacation because of the beauty of its beaches and islands. Thailand offers travellers a wide variety of experiences, things to do and places to see. You can have a memorable holiday enjoying Thailand’s culture, religion, food and nature, and filled with water, sports, adventure or relaxing activities. With a huge number of healing and detox centres, Thailand is also known as a health and wellness destination. There is something for everyone to do in Thailand!

Getting to Thailand.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is Thailand’s main air gateway into the country. Serving more than 50 international airlines, it is Thailand’s busiest international airport. Apart from this, there are many other international, regional and privately owned airports as well as heliports.

Travel requirements for Thailand.

Visitors to Thailand are required to obtain a tourist visa from the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country. One can also check for eligibility to enter Thailand under Elite Visa on arrival and the Visa Exemption rule. The tourist visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival at the airport in Thailand. Certain tourist visas can also be extended if necessary. Always ensure you have the right information on the validity of the Tourist Visa and the Permit to Stay, which are two different things.

Thailand entry requirements.

From 1 July, 2022, revised entry measures for foreign nationals into Thailand have been in place. Thailand has removed the requirement for Thailand Pass registration for all travellers. Travellers are only required to show print or digital format proof of either a certificate of vaccination or a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK COIVD-19 test result within 72 hours of travel. Random checks will be made on arrivals at Thailand’s international airports or land border checkpoints.

As in most countries now open to tourism, both vaccinated and unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers are advised to strictly follow health and safety standards.

Best places to visit and things to do in Thailand.

Bangkok, Central Thailand

Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. Bangkok is easily one of the world’s top tourist destinations due to its historical and cultural tourist attractions. A shopper’s delight, one can never get enough of Bangkok with its shopping centres and department stores. Bangkok city is also famous for its dining experiences and dynamic nightlife. Besides the museums and cultural centres in Bangkok, there are numerous venues that regularly feature a variety of performances throughout the city. Tourists also enjoy rides in the motorized rickshaws called ‘tuk-tuk’.

Best places to visit in Bangkok, Central Thailand.

Grand Palace, a complex of palace buildings.

Wat Arun, one of Thailand’s best known Buddhist temple with its distinctive prang (spire).

Wat Pho, a Buddhist temple housing the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including a 46 metres long reclining Buddha.

Best activities in Bangkok, Central Thailand.

Experience the nightlife scenes of Khaosan Road and Patpong.

Float a ritual vessel or lamp during the Thai festival Loy Krathong.

Venture into Bangkok’s Chinatown, a bustling shopping district and a popular street food destination.

Pai, Northern Thailand.

The small town of Pai, once a quiet market village inhabited by Shan people, now thrives on tourism. Pai is almost a hippie destination, well known among backpackers and alternative travellers for its relaxed atmosphere. The town is full of cheap guesthouses, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Some tourists use the town of Pai as a base for trekking and visiting hill tribes as it lies at the foot of the mountains.

Best places to visit in Pai, Northern Thailand.

Take a meditative 353 stairs walk up the mountainside leading to the majestic White Buddha.

Enjoy brilliant views and fun hikes at Pai Canyon.

Cool off in the shade of the cliffs and the refreshing water at the Pam Bok Waterfall.

Best activities in Pai, Northern Thailand.

Go motorbike riding along the Mae Hong Son Loop, one of the best circuits in Southeast Asia.

Soak in the Tha Pai Hot Springs, a cold-water stream flowing over boiling-hot rocks, creating a soothing, heated pool surrounded by lush scenery.

Wander through Pai’s Walking Street Night Market with street food vendors and market stalls.

Pattaya, Eastern Thailand

After Bangkok, Pattaya is the second most visited city in Thailand. The Pattaya Bay area is one of Asia’s largest beach resorts. Tourists can enjoy beach sunbathing and spectacular views. Water sports activities are in plenty at Pattaya and one can choose between sailing, yacht racing, water skiing, windsurfing and many more. Several world-class golf courses are located in Pattaya. And it is also home to one of Thailand’s biggest Muay Thai training centre.

Best places to visit in Pattaya, Eastern Thailand.

Visit the Wat Phra Yai or Big Buddha Temple, which is home to a giant 12 metres tall gold-painted Buddha statue.

Go to the Walking Street with its night life, seafood restaurants, live music venues and much more.

Have fun at Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark, the world’s first cartoon network-themed waterpark.

Best activities in Pattaya, Eastern Thailand.

At Pratumnak Hill, try your hand at the fitness and beach leisure activities. Visit the flamboyant kathoey cabaret shows where transsexual and transgender entertainers perform to packed houses.

Experience Thai culture on a riverside ride at the Pattaya Floating Market, showcasing the beautiful ancient Thai riverside village lifestyle.

Sangkhlaburi, Western Thailand

The secluded town of Sangkhlaburi tucked away in between the forests and mountains of Tenasserim Hills, is stunning and culturally diverse. Sangkhlaburi is perfect for tourists who just want to hang out, kick back, and relax for a couple of days. One of the best known tourist spots is the Mon Bridge, the longest handmade bridge of its kind in Thailand. It is quite a photogenic wooden bridge that stretches over the area’s enormous man-made lake.

Best places to visit in Sangkhlaburi, Western Thailand.

When the water level of the lake is low, hire a boat to see the three Sunken Temples.

Visit the Buddhist temple Wat Wang Wiwekaram featuring a multi-tiered roof of the main temple.

Camp at the stunning Pom Pee Viewpoint in Khao Laem National Park and get an unobstructed view of the Vajiralongkorn Dam.

Best activities in Sangkhlaburi, Western Thailand.

Participate or observe the early morning alms giving ceremony, from the main temple through the village, where people line up as the monks walk by accepting the alms.

Walk over the Mon bridge to explore Mon Village, where you can even spend a night or two on the raft houses.

Within Khao Laem National Park, relax at the Kering Kawia Waterfall a beautiful collection of small waterfalls.

Phuket, Southern Thailand

Phuket is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, as well as the country’s largest island. Known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket has many beautiful beaches, off the coast attractions and in land attractions. Visitors to Phuket can discover the island’s getaways, admire unforgettable views from its stunning bays, or explore its beautiful national parks. Phuket offers a broad array of cultural and entertainment attractions such as serene temples and engaging museums. There’s no shortage of adventure activities at Phuket, and one can choose from hikes into the island’s mountainous interior, and water-based activities such as snorkelling and deep-sea diving.

Best places to visit in Phuket, Southern Thailand.

Wat Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkhon, ‘The Phuket Big Buddha’ or ‘The Great Buddha of Phuket’, is a 45m tall statue made of concrete and covered with Burmese white marble and offers the best 360° views of the island.

Old Phuket Town showcasing many fine mansions and shops of the 19th century with Sino-Portuguese and Mediterranean character that are still well preserved.

Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most visited temple, which shelters a splinter of bone from Buddha.

Best activities in Phuket, Southern Thailand.

The Upside Down House located on Bypass Road is a pink house that presents a fun attraction for families and kids as it actually stands upside down!

Dino Park Mini Golf, located on an 18-hole mini-golf course, featuring dinosaurs and an erupting volcano, and uses light and sound techniques to provide great fun for families.

Book a tour at any of the zipline adventure parks where one can climb or walk through rainforest and adventure lovers can swing, fly or soar.

Nakhon Ratchasima / Khorat , North Eastern Thailand

Some of the most beautiful highlands and gorgeous plateaus can be found in Nakhon Ratchasima province of North Eastern Thailand. It has splendid natural scenery and awesome historical sites. Thailand’s oldest and most visited nature reserve is Khao Yai National Park. Nakhon Ratchasima city is the largest city and is also more popularly known as Khorat which is its older name. Nakhon Ratchasima is known for its local ceramic handicrafts and silk weaving industry. Khorat is also rich in culture and proudly boasts its own folk song called ‘Pleng Korat.’ Khorat is Northeastern Thailand’s main transportation hub and economic center.

Best places to visit in Nakhon Ratchasima , North Eastern Thailand.

The town square, where a statue of national heroine Thao Suranari stands in its centre.

Prasat Hin Phanomwan monastery is filled with many Buddha images, most of which are covered with patches of gold leaf.

Korat Zoo Lagoon and Water Park, a unique and the biggest park of its kind in the area.

Best activities in Nakhon Ratchasima , North Eastern Thailand.

Enjoy jungle trekking at Khao Yai National Park, featuring the 20m high Haew Suwat waterfall and 150m Haew Narok falls.

Dino Park Mini Golf, located on an 18-hole mini-golf course, featuring dinosaurs and an erupting volcano, and uses light and sound techniques to provide great fun for families.

The Lam Takhong River, a soothing river where novice rafters as well as families can try simple rafting adventure.

Ban Koh night market, the best spot to enjoy the city’s nightlife while relishing a host of culinary delights.[……]

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5 stunning ways to step off the beaten path in Vietnam

Does Vietnam tickle your travel taste buds? If so, you’ve got great taste. This country is mesmerizing and addictive (trust me, I’m on my fifth visit).

And you’re not alone – there were 13 million international visitors in 2017, and the numbers are rising. But don’t let the crowds put you off – this country has so much to offer that there’s plenty to go around. You needn’t be overwhelmed by queues or have to jostle for photo ops in competition with other tourists, instead you can delight in undisturbed villages, hidden (I mean seriously difficult to find) coffee shops and stunning landscapes as if you were the first person there.

Cruise through Lan Ha Bay

Ha Long Bay is a, if not the, Vietnamese icon. It’s really quite a phenomenal experience to cruise among the 1600 limestone islands and islets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. But I insist on trying an alternative – Lan Ha Bay. This is actually the less crowded, southern section of Ha Long Bay.

Lan Ha Bay

Just as stunning, it is easier to appreciate nature’s beauty here thanks to the reduced number of boats cruising around. Oh, and there’s the added bonus of white sand beaches among the limestone towers, as well as many floating fishing villages (and spot the adorable dogs that live on these tiny floating homes).

When we cruised through Lan Ha, it felt notably calmer than Ha Long, and cleaner. With warnings spiking this year about the environmental impact of Ha Long Bay’s crowds, you’ll not only be seeing somewhere more beautiful, but also supporting sustainable tourism by sidelining to Lan Ha Bay.

Venture to Ha Giang province in the mountainous north

I can’t believe I still haven’t been to Ha Giang (see, I’ve been here five times and still not seen everything there is to see!). It’s top of my to-do list.

Lonely Planet calls it Vietnam’s final frontier, the last area of wild Vietnam. The scenery is breathtaking, with the dramatic mountain peaks of Dong Van Geo Park and the Mai Pi Leng Pass attracting motorbike enthusiasts from all over the world. The deep valleys of Hoang Su Phi – a district in Ha Giang province – have rice terraces stacked dramatically up steep hillsides and the area has been identified as a National Heritage site.

Since Ha Giang is that bit farther from Hanoi than its popular cousin Sapa, the province sees less visitors and tourism here is not developing as quickly. Get there soon, this place is sure to see a peak in visitors over the next few years.

Experience country life with Vietnam’s ethnic minorities

Did you know that Vietnam has a staggering 54 ethnic groups? With distinct languages, cultures and traditions, they make Vietnam the most diverse of South-East Asia’s populations. Though the Viet people make up the majority of the population, the other 53 ethnic groups number 8 million people and cover two-thirds of the country’s land, contributing significantly to Vietnamese life, especially outside the big cities.

Women in Sapa, a region home to many ethnic minorities

Some of these groups have a mere hundred or so members, so the opportunity to understand and experience their way of life is very special. In Hanoi the Museum of Ethnology gives insight into the country’s cultural heritage, with full-size replicas of stilted houses set in tranquil gardens, and thousands of artifacts to browse.

If you have time, going beyond the museum and actually visiting ethnic minority communities is a great way to experience lesser-known areas of Vietnam. It’s super important to do this respectfully and in cooperation with the communities themselves, so do some research before you book.

Did you know? Intrepid offers 1-night homestays on their Scenic Vietnam and Vietnam Cambodia Adventure trips, so you can immerse yourself in the culture of the Dzao ‘Tien’ people in Sung Village. Visit a hundred-year-old tea plantation, embark on a short hike, enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner and get to know the local villagers.

Explore Phong Nha National Park and the world’s largest caves

Another dark horse in Vietnam’s catalog is Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. Buses didn’t come to Phong Nha until 2015, since there was just no demand for it. Until 2009, this small town in the Central Highlands was basically unknown to anyone outside of its dusty roads and rice paddies. But then a local man named Ho Khanh led the British Caving Association to discover the largest cave in the world, among many others, hidden in the jungle.

The peaceful vibes of Phong Nha

Since then, a lot has changed in a short time. Illegal timber-cutting previously dominated local industry, but the cave discoveries have had a beautiful effect on employment. Jobs have been created with the construction of new hotels and tourism’s emergence. Rent a bicycle and ride down to Ho Khanh’s riverside homestay where you can watch the sun set behind limestone peaks while sampling his signature chocolate coffee.

And I’ve not even mentioned the caves – there are many you can visit, Paradise and Jungle are the most popular – the former feels as if you’ve been transported to the moon and leaves you speechless, and Jungle can be reached via zip line.

Entering the caves

Caves, like sunsets, can’t be done justice by photos. You’ve simply just got to see them in person.

Seek out secret coffee shops galore

Vietnam is the world’s second largest coffee producer – they do coffee very well. Locals sit on tiny plastic stools and sip on their favorite beverage at all hours, day or night. Coffee here is strong, be warned, and tastes unique – like caramel to me, though I’m no expert. To offset this strength, the Vietnamese add condensed milk. It tastes like coffee ice cream – honestly so delicious.

Café culture is not a lesser-known activity in Vietnam, but with literally thousands of cafes, both independent and chains, it is still possible to find quiet, under-the-radar spots to get a caffeine hit. In a country where it’s a sin to go to Starbucks, here are my favorite alternatives…

A special coffee moment in Phong Nha

In Ho Chi Minh City, track down The Maker and Mockingbird (super fun to find); in Hoi An – Rosie’s (be sure to read the story on the menu) and The Espresso Station; and in Hanoi Café Nola and Pho Co (good luck finding the entrance). To go really local in the capital city, have an egg coffee at Café Dinh by Hoan Kiem Lake (another disguised entrance, and stir well before drinking).

I won’t go into any more detail about you why the above are so special, your challenge is to go and find out for yourself.[……]

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The Ultimate Thailand Backpacking Route

Okay, so you’ve made the decision to go travel around Southeast Asia and you’ve heard that Thailand is the obvious place to start. Well, my friend, you’ve got some solid advice coming your way because Thailand is the perfect place to begin that backpacking adventure. But where do you even start when planning your Thailand backpacking route?

By the end of this blog, you’ll be absolutely sure of which places you want to visit and how long you’re planning to spend in each place. Let’s make one thing absolutely clear: you’ve made the best decision already… you’ve decided to go backpacking through Thailand, and what an epic adventure it’s going to be!

Why go backpacking in Thailand?

Thailand is clearly at the top of every solo traveller’s bucket list, and for good reason. With its broad range of appeal, it’s easy to see why backpacking in Thailand is still trending in 2023.

If you’ve ever spoken to anyone who has been to Thailand, you’ve probably heard about the golden temples in Bangkok, the idyllic beaches of the southern islands, and the lush mountainous jungle in Chiang Mai. You may have even heard about some secret spots, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love insider knowledge?! Don’t worry, we’ll cover those secret spots a little later on. Let’s just say that you’d be crazy to miss these three secret locations when backpacking around Thailand!

SaveHow long to spend backpacking in Thailand?

There really is no simple answer to this game-changing decision, with so much to see and do you can easily get yourself stuck for weeks or even months travelling around Thailand. It’s important to consider that most nationalities get a free visa on arrival for 30 days and the average trip in Thailand is between 2 weeks to 1 month. I would personally suggest spending no less than 1 week especially if you’re doing a long-haul flight. At the same time if you’re passing through Bangkok on your way to another destination you would be silly not to make a trip of it for a few days (yes, we love Bangkok 🛺).

Where to start your backpacking adventure?

I think we’ve already made it very clear, Thailand is the perfect destination in South East Asia for first-time solo travellers. But, let’s get into why Bangkok is the perfect place to start when planning your route through Thailand. Here are 5 reasons why…

It has great connections to the UK, Europe, America, Australia, and beyond. Flight prices in and out of Bangkok are great and the airport itself runs like clockwork.

With it being a super popular destination for tourists, the locals are very used to chatting with foreigners coming through, and English is widely spoken, so the culture shock won’t be too overwhelming, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is.

Bangkok is the backpacker capital of the world! When you get to the infamous Khao San Road, you’ll soon realize what I mean. You’ll be surrounded by other travellers, and the fun really does begin when you’ve got yourself a bucket in hand with your favourite vodka/gin/whiskey mixer.

The food in Thailand is just yummmm… The street food in Bangkok will leave you wanting five meals a day (don’t worry, the portion sizes are enough to hit the spot but small enough to have you ready for more in no time!).

Finally, the last reason is the number of things to do both by day and by night: temples, tuk-tuk rides, river cruises, markets, restaurants, bars, street parties, and much more.

Tip: It is recommended to spend at least 2 nights in Bangkok to get a feel for the place, but 3 nights would be ideal, especially if you are prone to experiencing jet-lag.

SaveIs Thailand safe for backpackers?

When it comes to crime, Thailand is likely one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. The thought of someone getting mugged, robbed, or attacked in Thailand is unfathomable to me. In fact, you are more likely to run into trouble on the streets of London, New York, or Berlin. Walking around the cities in Thailand after dark is generally safe, but it’s always wise to take precautions and use common sense.

You may have heard stories about backpackers getting into a spot of bother… usually, this is due to bad decision-making and putting yourself in silly situations. This can involve driving a motorbike after a party night out or going swimming after dark (we don’t recommend doing either of these – just for the record 🙈). But seriously, the chances of something happening are pretty slim!

Where next after Bangkok?

When planning a backpacking route in Thailand, it’s important not to make the mistake of heading north instead of south. If you want to create the perfect backpacking itinerary, travelling south from Bangkok is a must. You can choose to take the train, bus/coach, or an internal flight. The most cost-efficient and comfortable option is an overnight sleeper train. You’ll depart Bangkok and travel south towards Surat Thani in an air-conditioned carriage with a semi-comfortable bunk, clean sheets, and bedding.

SaveWhere do I even start in the South?

You’ve got a few options in the south and to be honest, there is no right or wrong way of doing it. If we were going to give you 3 places you absolutely can’t miss, they would be; Khao Sok National Park, Railay Beach, & the Phi Phi Islands. All 3 of these destinations are different in their own right and visiting all 3 in that order is the best way to get the most out of your time and budget. Let’s get into all 3 below and see why they should be on your route when backpacking through Thailand.

Khao Sok National Park

SaveIn short, this place is Thailand’s best-kept secret and it’s by far the most incredible place I’ve ever visited in the 15 years I’ve been travelling. What makes it even more special is the fact it’s still very untouched because it’s not an easy place to get to as a solo traveller. That’s why group travel in Thailand is becoming more and more popular (more on that later).

So why visit the Khao Sok National Park?

It’s a pristine jungle with scenes similar to those in Jurassic Park… Honestly, this isn’t an exaggeration. Khao Sok National Park is next-level incredible!

It’s not uncommon these days to spot wild elephants roaming free, which was a rare thing in the pre-Covid world. Since the return of tourism, it has become a regular occurrence.

You’ll have the opportunity to stay in floating bungalows in one of the world’s oldest evergreen rainforests (pretty special 😍).

It’s the only place on your travels where you’ll be truly happy you’ve got no WIFI. Honestly, it’s the perfect place to disconnect and just hang with your new travel pals.

If the idea of floating in a rubber tube with a beer in hand excites you, this is the final seal of approval for why Khao Sok National Park is an absolute must when planning your backpacking route through Thailand!

Railay Beach, Krabi

SaveWhen you think of the picture-perfect beaches in Thailand, you’ll automatically think about towering limestone cliffs and traditional long-tail boats. Well, this is Railay Beach in a nutshell, it’s located in the Krabi region of South Thailand. It’s the gateway to the Phi Phi Islands and the perfect place to start your island hopping experience in Thailand.

Why should you visit Krabi & Railay Beach?

If you’re looking for idyllic beaches and plenty of them, the Krabi region is the place to be! Towering limestone cliffs surround the coastlines, and your Instagram and TikTok followers will find the 9-5 grind much harder watching your feed!

After a more rustic sleep in the floating bungalows of Khao Sok, you’ll be grateful for a nice comfy bed and even a rooftop pool if that’s your style!

If you’re ready for a break from local food, you’ll have no issues finding all sorts of western restaurants in Krabi (as well as plenty of local options and night markets). We take our groups to our favourite Mexican restaurant on our first night to mix things up a bit. After all… who doesn’t love wearing a sombrero while sinking a few cheeky tequilas?

Challenge yourself to the 1,237 steps leading to the summit of the Tiger Cave Temple. You’ll no doubt be joined by some naughty resident monkeys 🙈.

Koh Phi Phi Islands

SaveDid someone say island hopping in Thailand? Now we’re talking! Okay, so you’ve experienced the secret spots and idyllic beaches, now it’s time to take things up a notch and get your first taste of island hopping in Thailand. No backpacking trip to Thailand is complete without visiting the world-famous Phi Phi Islands.

Why visit Koh Phi Phi?

Spend a sun-kissed day island hopping around some of the most iconic locations in Thailand, including Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, and Monkey Beach. Other well-known locations include Bamboo Island, which is often substituted for Maya Bay due to its stunning beauty.

The yellow brick road from the pier is only accessible on foot, making it easy to get around Phi Phi on foot. Phi Phi Don is home to all the hotels, and you can walk from one end to the other in as little as 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic 😆).

Koh Phi Phi is home to some of the best beach parties in the world, and it doesn’t need to be a full moon to get the party started. Get out your brightest outfit and get covered in UV paint while dancing like nobody’s watching.

Had enough of the islands?

The chances are you’ll never have enough of the islands in the south of Thailand, but let’s be honest… your kidneys will thank you for planning the big escape and heading north. You’ve truly not completed Thailand without visiting the jewel of the north – Chiang Mai and its hippie little brother – Pai. These two destinations will leave your Thailand trip complete and you’ll be forever grateful for this guide (you can thank me later 😂). No backpacking route in Thailand would be credible without including the north of Thailand, let’s get into these two incredible spots and why they are important bucket list destinations to be added to your backpacking route through Thailand.

Chiang Mai

SaveThe chic and trendy city of Chiang Mai might be Thailand’s second biggest city, but it feels like a world apart from the bustling streets of Bangkok. Hip cafes and quirky bars scatter the streets of Chiang Mai. The good news for budget-weary travelers is that Northern Thailand is much cheaper than the south. Chiang Mai is famous for its markets, and there are plenty of them. The weekend markets are great for buying last-minute souvenirs and, of course, yummy street food!

Why visit Chiang Mai?

The city of Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains and lush jungle, which can only mean one thing… more ELEPHANTS! The north is known for hand-feeding elephants, and you won’t be short of options when it comes to elephant sanctuaries (be mindful of picking an ethical experience).

As I mentioned above, the night markets in Chiang Mai are pretty special. More often than not, you’ll hear people referring to Chiang Mai as the place where they enjoyed the best and cheapest street food. You’ll also get the luxury of trying northern dishes that are not available in the south.

Continuing on the topic of food… Chiang Mai is the BEST place to learn to cook the traditional way. It’s the home of Thai Cookery Classes and fresh ingredients. We actually take our groups to a local family home surrounded by rice fields. You’ll soon appreciate the local experiences while backpacking around Southeast Asia.

Chiang Mai is the gateway to Thailand’s second best-kept secret and is often referred to as ‘My favourite place in Thailand’ (said by almost anyone that visits Pai).

Pai

SaveThe hippie capital of Thailand and the place that will leave your heart complete. This is a destination missed by many and should be at the top of every traveller’s bucket list. If you’re planning your Thailand backpacking route and you’ve decided to skip Pai, you are a fool in my opinion (sorry…not sorry if I offended you 🤓). Ask anyone that’s ever been, “Should I go to Pai?” Their answer is almost certainly going to be “F*ck yeah!”

Why visit Pai?

It’s truly the most chilled and heart-warming place on earth. If you love the idea of local hippies where life stands still, this place is for you!

The local street food market is on every night and has some of the best eats in Thailand. You won’t only get local food but also other international delights for next to nothing 🤑. The options are endless, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and much more. You’ll be dreaming of the Pai street food for weeks after visiting! If you join us at Feel Free Travel, be sure to ask your Group Leader for Adam’s favourite Gyoza and falafel pitta recommendations (show the falafel lady my picture, and she’ll no doubt remember me as I’m her most loyal customer 😋🤪).

The Pai countryside is just magical in so many different ways. Take a day trip and visit the hot springs, Pai Canyon, and the IG famous – Bamboo Bridge. If you fail to get Tiktok content on this day, you’ll definitely struggle in the influencer game. Pai is a content creator’s dream #takemeback

I’ll arguably save the best until last, how about grabbing a rubber tube and floating down the river with a beer in hand? Well, that’s what our 1st day in Pai looks like on our South to North – 15 day trip. The only way to finish your tubing experience in Pai is sunset at one of our secret spots (insider knowledge; only available for those who decide to book on our trips… sorry 😬).

Ok, I did all that, now what?

The possibilities are endless, you can either revisit your favourite location on your trip or continue your backpacking adventure to another of South East Asia’s incredible destinations. We have many travellers joining us on our Best of Asia – 29 day tour (2 weeks in Thailand followed by 2 weeks in Vietnam). If you’re limited on time you might need to head home, but don’t worry… there is always next time!

Phi Phi Island features Thailand’s infamous fire shows every evening, and one of our favourite spots has some of the best fire dancers we’ve ever seen. Join us on our Thailand tours to witness them for yourself!

Where do I stay when I travel around?

This really depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a more chilled-out holiday with plenty of your own space, maybe hotels/guesthouses are for you. If you’re looking for social vibes, sharing a dorm room and heaps of partying, then a hostel is the way to go.

Or… if you’re looking for the best of both worlds – join us on one of our backpacking group tours. Our trips are designed to give you maximum comfort with the hotel standard of accommodation mixed in with the social vibes of a hostel. What makes joining us even more convenient is the option to share with another traveller or upgrade to a private room. There really is no better way to travel.

SaveWhat if I hate planning my own travel?

That’s where we come in. Even if you enjoy planning, but want to experience the best of Thailand, join us at Feel Free Travel as we take on the ultimate backpacking route through Thailand. It will be the best 2 weeks of your life as you’ll be sharing the whole experience with other travellers just like you. Yes, you can definitely do it cheaper on your own, but can you have the added experiences that we curate on our tours? The answer is no. We build experiences through years of trial and error. We are backpackers like you at heart and we LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of keeping it local. With Feel Free Travel, you’ll experience the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time, and party nights out.[……]

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The fullest Taiwan travel guide first-timers

Taiwan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, always is a favorite destination of many tourists. Visiting Taiwan, you can immerse yourself in the fresh air of the highlands such as Yangmingshan, Alishan,… Discover the old streets, the ancient villages, the traditional culture, the new cities with the unique buildings, history and culture through many times in Taipei, Jiufen, Shifen, Neiwan, Tainan, Taichung or Kaohsiung. Whether you love any types of travel experience: exploring nature with many national parks: Taroko, Yehliu, Alishan…, exploring Chinese cuisine, exploring Chinese’s traditional history and culture, or simply looking to see the development of modern cities, Taiwan will always be where you find what you expected.

Taiwan old street

Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung City

Follow the Living Nomads to explore Taiwan’s self-sufficient travel experience from A to Z and prepare your journey in the right way and fully through our Taiwan blog (Taiwan travel blog) — The fullest Taiwan travel guide blog for a budget trip to Taiwan for the first-timers below.

Feng chia Kaohsiung night market. Credit image: Taiwan travel blog.

Taiwan street food

So, is Taiwan worth visiting, how to visit Taiwan, what to do in Taiwan and how to plan a budget trip to Taiwan for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Taiwan travel blog (Taiwan blog) with the fullest Taiwan travel guide (guide to Taiwan, Taiwan tourist guide, Taiwan city guide, Taiwan guide) from how to get to Taiwan, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Taiwan to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Alishan Mountains

Taiwan is in the subtropical climate, with a high temperature range, high humidity, and the climate is divided into four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. So, when is the best time to visit Taiwan?

Sun Moon Lake.

Spring: Beginning in February and lasting until April. Around this time, Taiwan has a dry but fresh climate with spring flowers in full bloom. If you traveling to Taiwan in this time is also the beginning of the new year, so you will also be admired and participate in many traditional festivals early this year.

Alishan cherry blossoms, Taiwan

Summer: The season of sea breezes, seafood and night markets. From May to the end of August, Taiwan begins to receive the sea breeze to cool the sultry summer, this is also the time to harvest seafood. If you choose the summer is the time to travel to this country, you will be subjected to intense heat due to the very high temperature and humidity. Therefore, you need to have good health and equipped with enough equipment to cope with the hot weather.

Guishan Whale Watching

Autumn: The season of fall foliage, autumn leaves. The fall’s Taiwan starts from September to November, which is considered to be the most beautiful season in this land. The weather is quite cool, sunshine, standing between the space the dream of the yellow of Ginkgo leaves, the bright red of Maple leaves will make visitors the feeling of time to stop. So, that is the best time to visit Taiwan.

Winter: The Children’s season: The temperature of Taiwan falls down quite low, with snow falling everywhere but not too harsh. When the snow stops falling is really a paradise for visitors.

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Things to do in Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya offers many things to do, from partying to relaxing to sunbathing. Moreover, Pattaya has developed a reputation as a convenient place to enjoy the sunshine, sandy beaches, and sea over the years. Being only 2 hours (95 miles) driving distance from Bangkok; therefore, it’s definitely a perfect destination that can be considered when you have a limited stay in Bangkok and can’t fly to other distended beach destinations. Experience the beautiful beaches, great nightlife, floating market, and the picturesque Koh Larn also known as Koh Lan (Coral Island).

Getting There

We, a group of 4, went there by hired taxi from Bangkok and it took us a little over an hour. Little expensive, but we shared the cost of Bath 1500 (approx US$ 45). Many people travel by bus, and it is an inexpensive way to travel from Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Pattaya.

Ko Lan island, Thailand

Getting Around

Songthaew – A Songthaew is the primary mode of transportation in Pattaya. It’s a pickup truck, and the back area is converted with two benches as a sitting area for the passenger. They have services throughout the city and Jomtien, Naklua, Sriracha, Sattahip. It is cheap and convenient if you are brave enough. A single trip cost is around 15 – 30 baths ($ .5 to $1 ), to hire a songthaew one way only for yourself is going to cost you appx 3 – 5 dollars.

Grab (ride-hailing service) – If you have a working local cell phone, all you need is to install the Grab app to use their service Asian version of Uber. So so very convenient. I use them all the time.

Public Bus – The public bus network is good in Pattaya, but I never used it due to language barriers.

Things to do in Pattaya

Viewpoint Pattaya Sea island touch

Khao Pattaya viewpoint is on the top of Pratumnak Hill (elevation 2589 ft), a photographer’s heaven from where you get to see spectacular panoramic views of Pattaya City. The Buddhist temple Kho Phra Bat is also located on the summit is one of the main attractions in the city. I would recommend being the during sunset and in the evening.

Panoramic views of the city from the sacred Wat Kho Pha Bat Temple

Visit Pattaya Floating Market

The Four Regions Floating Market Pattaya is a perfect way to escape Pattaya’s chaos and enjoy the riverside experience and traditional Thai way of life back then. Pattaya floating market is located on Sukhumvit Road to Sattahip, about 8 miles (12 km) from Pattaya beach road. There are many boats for hire for a small cost, and enjoy shopping from the wooden boat, especially authentic Thai dishes, desserts, fruits, and much more. Besides food, you will find local handicrafts, other goods, and entertainment.

Famous Pattaya Floating Market

Explore Beach Road and Pattaya Beach

Pattaya beach and Pattaya road are very popular among tourists and locals alike. In addition, several large malls, Museums, and floating restaurants attract visitors during the day and become a party place at night. Beach Road is the best area to stay in Pattaya for those who love nightlife. Pattaya beach is not the most excellent beach compared to all other beautiful beaches the country offers, but it’s undoubtedly crowded due to its proximity to Bangkok.

Pattaya Beach near Beach Road

Visit Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is one of the most famous attractions in Pattaya. The botanical park is packed with plants, gardens, playgrounds, restaurants, entrainments, and shows. It is a day trip event about 16 miles (25 km) from Pattaya beach road if you add this to your floating market trip.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Gardenat sunrise

The Sanctuary of Truth

The Sanctuary of Truth is one of the most iconic architecture in Pattaya. It is a vast wooden castle still under construction based on the Ayutthaya era and Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. This majestic wooden building project was started in 1981 by Thai billionaire Lek Viriyahbhun and is located just a few miles north of of the city in the Naklua area.

For Nightlife Visit Walking Street

Regardless of whether you are a party person, it is worth checking out Walking street for nightlife activities. Not a good idea to visit this area with the family, though. All the action only starts in the evening with the business opening for tourists and never sleeps until early morning hours. You will find a lot of pubs, gogo bars, and other entertainment.

Crowded night street full of discotheques and bars

Day Trip to Coral Island (Koh Larn)

Koh Larn, also known as Ko Lan or Coral Island, is a small picturesque island about 7 miles (11 km) boat ride from Pattaya. A great day trip location but, definitely worth staying over for a day or two. There are a couple of beautiful quieter beaches around, and my recommendation is Ta Yai Beach, Tawaen Beach, Tien Beach, and Samae Beach. Since the island is only 2.5 miles (4 km) long and 1.5 miles (2 km) wide, getting to and from is not difficult.

Day Trip to Coral Island (Koh Larn)

Where to stay in Pattaya, Thailand

If you like to be in the City Center, don’t mind dealing with the traffic, and want to experience the look and feel of any other metropolitan city in the world. The beachfront area around Beach Road may be an excellent place to stay. For travelers to experience its nightlife, the walking street area is the place for you. Alternatively, Jomtien Beach and the North Pattaya area are family-friendly and quieter experiences. Here are a few hotels I stayed during my multiple trips to Pattaya, take a look!

Dusit Thani Pattaya

Located on a quiet beach stretch along Pattaya Bay, Dusit Thani Pattaya offers sweeping sea views. It features three restaurants and two swimming pools. Guests enjoy free parking. Dusit Thani Pattaya is 4.3 mi from the Elephant Village and 5.9 mi from the Floating Market. Bangkok City is a 1.5-hour drive from the hotel. A family friendly great place to stay in Pattaya.

Holiday Inn Pattaya, an IHG Hotel

Located on the popular Beach Road, Holiday Inn Pattaya features sea views from all 567 guest rooms and suites with the added comfort of a private balcony. The guest will have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast or evening drinks while enjoying the panoramic view of Pattaya city. In addition, the hotel features 4 outdoor pools and a fitness center. Holiday Inn Pattaya is a 90-minute drive from Bangkok Airport. Central Festival Pattaya Beach is a short walk away, and The Sanctuary of Truth is 2.5 mi away.[……]

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TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE

Despite its relatively modest size Taiwan offers everything from super modernity to carefully guarded history, everything from mountains to beaches and an amazing mix of cultures and food. This Taiwan travel guide aims to neatly summarize everything you need to know to explore this fabulous destination. It is all based on our first hand experience traveling around Taiwan.

When To Visit Taiwan

Taiwan has a subtropical climate. That means that it never experiences extreme cold but summer can bring heat and humidity. June to August can see maximum temperatures of 38C (100F). The southern end of the island is generally a few degrees warmer than the north.

June to October is typhoon season while May and June typically see the most rainfall. If visiting during this time an umbrella can be handy. November to April is typically the best time of year to visit Taiwan.

We were in Taiwan during July, August and September (ie typhoon season) and had no major issues. We actually experienced a typhoon while in Taipei. The electricity and Internet stayed on the whole time but it did rain heavily for a day or two. For a longer trip spending a day inside is fine. If you are planning a shorter trip you may want to avoid typhoon season.

Despite occasional rain during our stay there was still plenty of sunshine and we wore t-shirts every day.

Getting To Taiwan

Taiwan is not yet as popular a destination as Japan, China or the various countries of south east Asia so flights to Taiwan are not quite as abundant. There are however plenty of airlines that fly there from all over the world. It may however be necessary to stop at a hub along the way. For example you will likely need to stop at either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur if you are coming from either south east Asia or Australia.

Check Expedia to start looking for flights. They do a lot of the legwork for you including pointing out cheap flights on airlines you might not have thought to check.

Eating In Taiwan

There are plenty of fantastic, distinctively Taiwanese ways to eat your fill in Taiwan. Probably the most famous is Taiwan’s many night markets. These bustling open air markets are jammed with food vendors. Look for ones that seem popular with the locals if you are not sure what to get. Pointing and smiling can help with the language barrier. In the end they are in the business of selling food and you want to buy food so you will muddle through.

Steamed dumplings are a very common and very delicious option day or night. Look for restaurants with stacks of large bamboo steamers out the front. The dumplings come with an assortment of fillings and both meat and vegetarian options are available. You make up your own dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, vinegar, chili and sesame oil in whatever proportions you desire.

Often there is a menu on the wall near the front in both English and Chinese. You specify your order by putting numbers in boxes on a piece of paper that will usually only have Chinese on it. We worked out which box to mark by comparing the characters on the paper to those on the board at the front. Awkward but the food more than made up for any minor inconvenience.

A sushi chain called Sushi Express provides extremely cheap yet surprisingly good sushi. Sushi Express was a great option for when we needed a cheap, delicious and healthy meal while we were out exploring Taipei. For approximately $1 a plate from the sushi train we happily filled our bellies before going on our way.

You may not know this but bubble tea actually originates in Taiwan. Make sure to try it if you have not had it before. As a starting point we recommend a “milk tea with bubbles, less sugar, less ice.” Be warned that “normal sugar” is like drinking candy floss.

Do not worried about being limited in your food choices. Particularly in Taipei there is food available from all over the world if you want to branch out from the local fare. Taipei has lots of food options.

Although much of the food in Taiwan is fairly meat-centric there are vegetarian food vendors and restaurants around. Look for this character 素 prominently displayed. A swastika may also be displayed as the swastika is associated with religion, a common reason for being vegetarian in region.

Taiwan Attractions

A view of Taipei from the Xiazhulin hiking trail

Taipei

We spent six weeks house sitting in Taipei. That gave us plenty of time to find our way around.

If you will be in town for more than a couple of days get an EasyCard. You can get one from Metro stations and some 7-11s and FamilyMarts. They allow you to quickly and easily pay for the subway, buses, and even some supermarkets and department stores.

While in Taipei check what concerts will be on. We were able to see Radiohead in Taipei and it was an incredibly memorable experience.

There is an abundance of interesting food available in Taipei. For cheap but surprisingly good sushi try a chain called Sushi Express. Steamed dumpling places are very common around Taipei. Look for stacks of steamers near the front. We never had a bad experience with dumplings in Taipei. There are also plenty of international food options as well as fine dining establishments.

Day Trips From Taipei

One of the nice surprises about Taipei was how easy it was to take a day trip. Thanks to the excellent train system there are quite a few places easily accessible from Taipei, either on the outskirts of the city or nearby.

Walking to the Shifen waterfall

Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan is a mountainous national park just outside of Taipei. It offers spectacular views, abundant greenery and the chance to work up a sweat climbing some of the many peaks in the area. Read more about Yangmingshan national park

Keelung

Keelung is build around its port. There is abundant seafood, a wonderful night market and a curious clone of the statue of liberty. Read more about Keelung

A steaming hot stream in Beitou

Beitou

Technically within Taipei Beitou is home to some hot springs that are easily accessible via the Taipei MRT system. You do not need to head out into the wilderness to experience an authentic Taiwanese hot spring, you can get there on the subway. Read more about Beitou

Hsinchu

The oldest city in northern Taiwan and home to the oldest zoo in Taiwan. It is a comfortable one hour train trip from Taipei. Read more about taking a day trip to Hsinchu

The Maokong gondola overlooking Taipei

The Maokong Gondola

Right next to the Taipei Zoo MRT station is the bottom station for the Maokong gondola, a cable car which takes you up into the mountains overlooking Taipei. The cablecar ride is really spectacular and the mountain tops are occupied by an assortment of tea houses where you can take in the view. Read more about the Maokong Gondola

Things get a bit arty in Tamsui

Tamsui

Tamsui (or Damsui) has the feeling of a seaside vacation yet it is easily accessible from central Taipei. Get yourself an ice cream, stroll along the waterfront, maybe check out Fort San Domingo if you want some history. Read more about Tamsui

Things To Do In Taipei

Of course you do not have to travel from Taipei to be entertained. There are plenty of things to do in Taipei and Taipei Tourist Attractions for you to experience.

The Xiazhulin Hiking Trail

Located in the Taipei suburb of Tienmu the Xiazhulin hiking trail involves a rather steep stair climb up to a level track that winds its way through the trees. In only a few minutes you transition from being in the city to being far away from it all. Do not be surprised if you get overtaken on the stair climb by some very fit elderly Taiwanese people. Read more about the Xiazhulin hiking trail

Street Art In Ximen

Ximen is a popular area for young people. Its streets are crowded with teenagers and young adults hanging out with their friends. This youthful demographic has affected the area and led to some practices that might not be acceptable elsewhere, like allowing graffiti artists to decorate previously blank walls. Read more about street art in Ximen

Someone lurking in the background at the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan

The Miniatures Museum of Taiwan

You might not think that a museum full of doll houses and tiny statues sounds all that appealing but this stuff is genuinely amazing. Go in with an open mind and remember your glasses because some of the stuff in here is tiny. Read more about the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Taipei plays hosts to unusual art exhibits. When we visited there was an array of artwork inspired by the life of King Hu, a film director based in Hong Kong and Taiwan in the 1960s and 70s. Read more about the Taipei Museum of Contemporary Art

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A Detailed Traveler’s Guide To Universal Studios In Singapore

Stepping into the dreamland of Universal Studios is on the bucket list of every traveller. If you are planning a trip to Singapore you can not end it without taking out a day specially for this themed park straight out of Hollywood dreams. Designed for all, Universal Studios offers way more than you have seen on the feed of your favourite travel influencer.

Once you step inside the park it brings “Alice In Wonderland” essence in all senses. We have carved out a simple guide to make your time at the studios even more fun and to ensure that you do not miss out on the varied kinds of fun offered.

Things to do in Universal Studios:

1. Hollywood

As you step inside the magnificent Universal Studios, you will come across the famous Hollywood-themed setup that is designed to sway you away. Nothing like anything you have ever seen, Hollywood has vibrant colours to entice you and the ultimate Walk of Fame is a dream come true (whether or not you are a fan of movies). The architecture of the building creates an impression that you will never forget.

You can book tickets to amazing shows being held at the Hollywood Theater such as The Monster Rock, Mel’s Dinettes, and The Cruiser. Performances that will blow you away and respect art and artists even more.

Mel’s Drive-in is the place where you kill your hunger with the finest cuisine and get channeled for fun rides with coffee from Starbucks.

2. Ancient Egypt

Looking for an adventure that goes beyond all your expectations? Head to the Ancient Egypt land featuring structures and rides designed by taking inspiration from 1930s Egypt and mummy rides. The designers have excelled at each structure making the whole area come to life and giving you an experience of a lifetime.

Take the dark and exotic turn with The Mummy Ride and it will leave you an unforgettable experience.

3. The Lost World

Universal Studios is known for its fun and adventurous rides that you can not miss out on.

The charm lies in its division of differently-themed parks. From your childhood favourite Jurassic Park to evergreen waterpark, the Lost World offers exotic rides for visitors of all ages.

Make sure to spend an hour in the water world featuring truly amazing rides and kick your adrenaline to a whole new level with the rapid adventures of Jurassic World.

A perfect place for you and your family, here you can hop on to Canopy Flyer and Dino-Soarin. The park also offers spectacular life-action performances that will sweep off the land beneath your feet.

4. Sci-Fi City

Probably the most packed zone of Universal Studios, Sci-Fi City offers you a perfectly planned park. With amazing rides and hard-to-believe concepts, the Science City must be on your list. Its visual is a complete treat for all science enthusiasts and kids.

Battlestar Galactica and Transformers: The Ride, you are in for an experience of a lifetime. With long queues, even a glimpse of the ride is enough to make you stand in the land to live the experience.[……]

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