Thailand welcomed a record-breaking 34 million visitors in 2024 and with more relaxed visa restrictions than ever, their tourism industry is set to continue on this booming trajectory.
I’ve visited last winter and such a blast scuba diving in Koh Tao and soaking in the hot springs of Pai that I already have my sights set on another visit next year.
So if you’re planning a trip to the Land of Smiles and want to experience its world-famous cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking islands for yourself, here’s what to include in your one month Thailand travel itinerary.
One Month Thailand Travel Route:
5 Days In Bangkok
4 Days In Chiang Mai
3 Days in Chiang Rai
3 Days in Pai
5 Days in Koh Tao
4 Days in Krabi
3 Days in Koh Phi Phi
4 Days in Phuket
One Month Thailand Travel Route
Is One Month Enough For Thailand?
How Much Does A Month In Thailand Cost?
When Is The Best Time To Visit Thailand?
Quick Tips For Planning Your Thailand Trip:
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Check your visa requirements before you book anything!
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Use 12Go to book transportation ahead of time. It gets extremely busy during high season and you don’t want to be stranded without a ride!
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Agoda is my favorite platform for accommodations in Thailand. Search by “homestays” for the most ethical and responsible options.
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Thailand is a huge country so if you plan on adding more stops to your trip, make sure to take geography into account.
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Come with some cash but you can always withdraw more from ATMs once you get here. Make sure to wait for the machine to fully eject your card though! I lost my debit card because I was in a rush to catch my ride. 🥲
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Always buy travel insurance when you’re abroad for a long time. You never know when you might get sick or hurt, and it’s better safe than sorry.
Check your visa requirements before you book anything!
Use 12Go to book transportation ahead of time. It gets extremely busy during high season and you don’t want to be stranded without a ride!
Agoda is my favorite platform for accommodations in Thailand. Search by “homestays” for the most ethical and responsible options.
Thailand is a huge country so if you plan on adding more stops to your trip, make sure to take geography into account.
Come with some cash but you can always withdraw more from ATMs once you get here. Make sure to wait for the machine to fully eject your card though! I lost my debit card because I was in a rush to catch my ride. 🥲
Always buy travel insurance when you’re abroad for a long time. You never know when you might get sick or hurt, and it’s better safe than sorry.
Bangkok – 5 Days
Begin your month-long adventure in the capital city of Bangkok.
This bustling metropolis once again topped the chart as the most internationally-visited city in 2024. Bangkok boasts a unique dynamic blend of rich cultural heritage and modern amenities so it’s the perfect starting point for your travels.
Things To Do In Bangkok:
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Visit the Grand Palace and go temple hopping in Old Town (Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun are some of the most popular ones)
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Shop small businesses at the biggest weekend market: Chatuchak Market
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Take a tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or Amphawa Floating Market
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Enjoy street food, rooftop bars and cultural creative parks
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Visit one of the many museums in the city (my favorite was MOCA!)
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Witness the chaos of Khao San Road
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Take a day trip to the Ayutthaya (a UNESCO world heritage site and the former capital of Siam)
Visit the Grand Palace and go temple hopping in Old Town (Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun are some of the most popular ones)
Shop small businesses at the biggest weekend market: Chatuchak Market
Take a tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or Amphawa Floating Market
Enjoy street food, rooftop bars and cultural creative parks
Visit one of the many museums in the city (my favorite was MOCA!)
Witness the chaos of Khao San Road
Take a day trip to the Ayutthaya (a UNESCO world heritage site and the former capital of Siam)
Where To Stay In Bangkok:
The best neighborhoods in Bangkok are the perfect blend of safety, convenience, and entertainment.
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Sukhumvit: business district with upscale dining, shopping, and nightlife
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Siam: shopping district with glitzy malls and wholesome weekend activities
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Riverside: luxurious neighborhood with 5-star hotels that overlook Chao Phraya River
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Old Town: the historic city of Bangkok where most of the cultural attractions are located
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Sathorn: trendy and commercial with skyscrapers, offices, and upscale condos
Sukhumvit: business district with upscale dining, shopping, and nightlife
Siam: shopping district with glitzy malls and wholesome weekend activities
Riverside: luxurious neighborhood with 5-star hotels that overlook Chao Phraya River
Old Town: the historic city of Bangkok where most of the cultural attractions are located
Sathorn: trendy and commercial with skyscrapers, offices, and upscale condos
Chiang Mai – 4 Days
Next on your itinerary is Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city!
Chiang Mai is ancient city and former capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom. It’s most famous for its intricate temples, full moon lantern festival (Yi Peng), hill tribe villages, bustling night markets, and emerging digital nomad scene.
Things To Do In Chiang Mai:
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Enjoy the Yi Peng Lantern Festival if you’re visiting during the full moon in November
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Grab groceries and eats at the Chiang Mai Gate Morning Market
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Enjoy dinner and shopping at the Chiang Mai Night Market
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Visit Wat Chedi Luang, a 14th century temple located in the center of the city and Wat Phra Singh, the home of lion buddha
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Take a trip to Doi Suthep and hike The Monk’s Trail
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Visit an elephant sanctuary (but make sure to choose an ethical one!)
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Take a tour to Doi Inthanon National Park
Enjoy the Yi Peng Lantern Festival if you’re visiting during the full moon in November
Grab groceries and eats at the Chiang Mai Gate Morning Market
Enjoy dinner and shopping at the Chiang Mai Night Market
Visit Wat Chedi Luang, a 14th century temple located in the center of the city and Wat Phra Singh, the home of lion buddha
Take a trip to Doi Suthep and hike The Monk’s Trail
Visit an elephant sanctuary (but make sure to choose an ethical one!)
Take a tour to Doi Inthanon National Park
Where To Stay In Chiang Mai:
My favorite neighborhoods in Chiang Mai are Old Town and Nimmanhaemin but there are also a lot of independent homestays and eco lodges on the outskirts of town that are worth checking out!
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Old City: refers to the area within the original city walls of Chiang Mai
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Nimmanhaemin: trendy modern area of town famous for small boutiques and local coffee shops
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Sustainable Stays: the neighboring mountains of Chiang Mai are famous for some of the best eco lodges and homestays in the country
Old City: refers to the area within the original city walls of Chiang Mai
Nimmanhaemin: trendy modern area of town famous for small boutiques and local coffee shops
Sustainable Stays: the neighboring mountains of Chiang Mai are famous for some of the best eco lodges and homestays in the country
Chiang Rai – 3 Days
If you’re on social media, you’ve definitely seen videos of Chiang Rai’s White Temple (Wat Rong Khun).
This extravagant temple is located in Thailand’s northernmost city and while a lot of itineraries only have it listed as a day trip, I think the city is worth exploring for a few days.
As a responsible traveler, you know the value of slowing down and giving back to the local community. Each city is more than just its tourist attractions, and Chiang Rai gives you an authentic peek into small city local living.
Things To Do In Chiang Rai:
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Go temple hopping. Start with the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and Wat Huay Pla Kang
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Rent a scooter and enjoy the northern countryside
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Visit the Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
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Enjoy street food at the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
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Visit the border of three countries at once (Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos) with a day trip to the Golden Triangle
Go temple hopping. Start with the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and Wat Huay Pla Kang
Rent a scooter and enjoy the northern countryside
Visit the Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
Enjoy street food at the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Visit the border of three countries at once (Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos) with a day trip to the Golden Triangle
Where To Stay In Chiang Rai:
Chiang Rai is relatively small so there aren’t any specific areas that are better than others but if you don’t have access to transportation, it’s best to stay close to city center!
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City Center: close to the bus stop, clock tower, and night bazaar
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Rim Kok: charming riverside area that’s close to the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
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Ban Du: small village known nature and well-preserved Lanna-style architecture
City Center: close to the bus stop, clock tower, and night bazaar
Rim Kok: charming riverside area that’s close to the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
Ban Du: small village known nature and well-preserved Lanna-style architecture
Pai – 3 Days
Pai was my favorite place in Thailand!
While I’m normally a beach girlie, this hippie mountain town stole my heart in unexpected ways.
There’s nothing quite like waking up in a little mountain cottage to the sounds of farm animals going about their daily existence in the lush fields outside.
Pai was a refreshing contrast to the chaos of Bangkok and Chiang Mai and I’m really glad I squeezed it in despite the complications with transportation.
Note:
To get from Chiang Rai to Pai, you have to transfer buses in Chiang Mai. It’s up to you on whether or not you want to stay overnight in Chiang Mai, but I opted to stack my itinerary and got on with the transport. (I booked all my tickets through 12Go.)
Things To Do In Pai:
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Hike Pai Canyon at sunset
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Rent a scooter and enjoy idyllic views of the countryside
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Soak in Pai’s hot springs (Tha Pai Hot Spring and Sai Ngam Hot Spring are the two most popular)
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Take a tour to Tham Lod Cave
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Admire the beauty Mo Paeng Waterfall and Pam Bok Waterfall
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Go tipsy tubing down the river
Hike Pai Canyon at sunset
Rent a scooter and enjoy idyllic views of the countryside
Soak in Pai’s hot springs (Tha Pai Hot Spring and Sai Ngam Hot Spring are the two most popular)
Take a tour to Tham Lod Cave
Admire the beauty Mo Paeng Waterfall and Pam Bok Waterfall
Go tipsy tubing down the river
Where To Stay In Pai:
Pai is again, a relatively small town. City Center and Riverside are the best areas but you can also explore further resort-like accommodations if you have access to a motorbike.
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City Center: walkable center of town with lots of cute shops and a night market
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Riverside: peaceful romantic accommodations that overlook the Pai River
City Center: walkable center of town with lots of cute shops and a night market
Riverside: peaceful romantic accommodations that overlook the Pai River
Five Days On Koh Tao
We’re done with the north! It’s time to go island hopping in the Gulf of Thailand. You can opt to stay on Koh Tao, Koh Samui, or Koh Pha Ngan for the next few days.
I chose Koh Tao for this itinerary because I wanted to do my open water diving certification. If you’re not interested in diving, Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan might be better alternatives as they’re larger islands.
Rainy season on the Gulf Islands runs roughly from October to December. I didn’t know this and it was caught in the downpour for a lot of my stay in November.
It’s honestly not that bad because there are still some sunny moments, but if you’re visiting in late fall and want to avoid the trouble, skip this region and go directly to the islands on the Andaman side (outlined below).
Things To Do In Koh Tao:
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Go scuba diving, take an open water diving course, or learn to freedive
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Hike the coast from Mae Haad to Chalok
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Snorkel and/or enjoy a beach day
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Visit John Suwan Viewpoint and Freedom Beach
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Catch the sunset at Mango Bay Viewpoint
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Take a day tour to Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island)
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Take a day trip to Koh Samui
Go scuba diving, take an open water diving course, or learn to freedive
Hike the coast from Mae Haad to Chalok
Snorkel and/or enjoy a beach day
Visit John Suwan Viewpoint and Freedom Beach
Catch the sunset at Mango Bay Viewpoint
Take a day tour to Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island)
Take a day trip to Koh Samui
Where To Stay In Koh Tao:
Koh Tao is a small island. The two main areas to stay are at Mae Haad and Sairee Beach. They’re within walking distance of each other!
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Mae Haad: port town where you disembark from the ferry. Ideal if you’re taking a scuba course or don’t have access to transportation
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Sairee Beach: neighborhood surrounding the largest and liveliest beach on the island
Mae Haad: port town where you disembark from the ferry. Ideal if you’re taking a scuba course or don’t have access to transportation
Sairee Beach: neighborhood surrounding the largest and liveliest beach on the island
Krabi – 4 Days
Now we’ll explore some islands on the other side of the country!
Krabi is a port town in southwestern Thailand located on the Andaman Sea. I chose this town because it had a more local vibe (and was budget-friendly) but you can choose to stay in Ao Nang if you’d like.
Rainy season on the Andaman side (west side) of Thailand runs from May to October. Visit during winter or spring to enjoy the white sand beaches at their best.
Things To Do In Krabi:
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Explore Krabi town and visit the night market
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Take a day trip to the beach town of Ao Nang
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Visit Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
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Soak up the rays or go rock climbing at Railay Beach
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Go on an Emerald Pool and hot springs tour
Explore Krabi town and visit the night market
Take a day trip to the beach town of Ao Nang
Visit Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Soak up the rays or go rock climbing at Railay Beach
Go on an Emerald Pool and hot springs tour
Where To Stay In Krabi:
While I stayed in Krabi Town because I wanted to stay away from the tourist areas, you can also consider staying on Ao Nang and Railay Beach. Ao Nang is a bigger party area and Railay Beach has some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen.
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Krabi Town: lowkey city center. No beach but it’s a central transportation hub that connects you to the larger province and surrounding islands
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Ao Nang: modern resort town with a huge bay, beautiful beaches, and access to 83 smaller islands
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Railey Beach: isolated beach village accessible only by boat
Krabi Town: lowkey city center. No beach but it’s a central transportation hub that connects you to the larger province and surrounding islands
Ao Nang: modern resort town with a huge bay, beautiful beaches, and access to 83 smaller islands
Railey Beach: isolated beach village accessible only by boat
Koh Phi Phi – 3 Days
Ah, here’s everything you imagine when you think of “Thailand beach vacation.”
Koh Phi Phi’s white sand beaches, stunning limestone rock formations, and crystal-clear turquoise waters are the perfect escape into nature.
If your primary aim for visiting Thailand is to unwind and bask in the beauty of unspoiled beaches, Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination.
Things To Do In Koh Phi Phi:
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Go shopping at Tonsai Village Market
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Explore the underwater world with snorkeling or freediving
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Relax on one of the beaches (Loh Dalum Beach, Ao Poh Beach, or Laem Tong Beach to name a few)
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Hike to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
Take a boat tour of Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay
Go shopping at Tonsai Village Market
Explore the underwater world with snorkeling or freediving
Relax on one of the beaches (Loh Dalum Beach, Ao Poh Beach, or Laem Tong Beach to name a few)
Hike to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
Where To Stay In Koh Phi Phi:
The three main areas to stay on Koh Phi Phi Don (the largest island in the Phi Phi archipelago where boats dock) are Ton Sai Bay, Ao Lo Dalam, and Long Beach.
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Ton Sai Bay: central area where the ferry docks
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Ao Lo Dalam: the north face of the island
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Long Beach: southwest beach area with the softest sand beaches
Ton Sai Bay: central area where the ferry docks
Ao Lo Dalam: the north face of the island
Long Beach: southwest beach area with the softest sand beaches
4 Days In Phuket
Wrap up your one month itinerary with four days in Phuket.
Thailand’s biggest island is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife (Full Moon Party, anyone?) and exquisite temples.
It’s an interesting blend of modern and commercial with several Michelin-rated waters and great access to nature.
If there’s anything that you haven’t seen or tried in Thailand, this is your opportunity to do so!
Things To Do In Phuket:
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Explore Old Town on foot and enjoy Michelin-rated eats
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Soak up the rays at one of Phuket’s famous beaches (Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, and Patong Beach to start with)
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Dine at one of the floating restaurants at Laem Hin Pier
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Join in on the festivities of a full moon party
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Visit The Big Buddha
Explore Old Town on foot and enjoy Michelin-rated eats
Soak up the rays at one of Phuket’s famous beaches (Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, and Patong Beach to start with)
Dine at one of the floating restaurants at Laem Hin Pier
Join in on the festivities of a full moon party
Visit The Big Buddha
Where To Stay In Phuket:
Phuket is a huge island. I didn’t even get to explore the majority of it! So where you stay is really important. For first-time visitors, it’s best to stay in Patong, Kata, Bang Tao, or Phuket Town.
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Patong: the biggest party hotspot o the island
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Kata: secluded beach area. Ideal for families or couples that want to get away
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Bang Tao: high-end area with some of the best beaches on the island
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Phuket Town: old town with colorful 19-century houses and great restaurants
Patong: the biggest party hotspot o the island
Kata: secluded beach area. Ideal for families or couples that want to get away
Bang Tao: high-end area with some of the best beaches on the island
Phuket Town: old town with colorful 19-century houses and great restaurants
Is One Month Enough For Thailand?
Thailand is a huge country and one month just barely scratches the surface.
With only four weeks to travel, you’ll likely only be able to see the most popular tourist towns which are plenty of fun, but can be a little superficial in some ways.
I found myself wishing that I had one or two additional weeks to travel at a slower pace and explore some off-the-beaten-path destinations.
But for a first-time visitor, this one month itinerary covers a comprehensive introduction to the diverse experiences the country has to offer.
How Much Does A Month In Thailand Cost?
The minimum you can expect to spend in one month in Thailand is $30 – $40 a day or $930-$1240 a month.
This is on the low end of the budget and if you plan on taking tours, staying in more luxurious accommodations, and eating in restaurants, it can all add up quite quickly.
I will be sharing a more extensive breakdown of my budget in Thailand so hold tight and I’ll let you know when that post goes live! This budget also does not include airfare.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Thailand?
The best time to travel to Thailand largely depends on the region you plan to visit but here’s a general overview:
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Cool and Dry Season (November to February): This is considered the best time for most of Thailand, as the weather is relatively cool and dry. It’s ideal for exploring the northern and central parts (including Bangkok and Chiang Mai) and the Andaman Islands.
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Hot Season (March to May): This period can be quite hot, especially in the central and northern regions. Bust out your sustainable swimsuit and get your suntan on in the southern islands, as skies are relatively clear and ocean winds keep things cool(er).
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Monsoon Season (June to October): The southwest monsoon brings rain to most of Thailand during these months. While the rain can be heavy, it often comes in short bursts so you’ll still get some sunshine. Landscapes are most lush and green during this time of year. The Gulf of Thailand islands (such as Koh Tao and Koh Samui) usually have a later monsoon season from October to May.
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Burning Season (February to April): The farmers in the north of Thailand practice a slash and burn agricultural technique where they clear the land with fire before beginning and new crop cycle. This leads to pretty bad air pollution so I’d recommend escaping to the south if you’re visiting during this time of year.
Cool and Dry Season (November to February): This is considered the best time for most of Thailand, as the weather is relatively cool and dry. It’s ideal for exploring the northern and central parts (including Bangkok and Chiang Mai) and the Andaman Islands.
Hot Season (March to May): This period can be quite hot, especially in the central and northern regions. Bust out your sustainable swimsuit and get your suntan on in the southern islands, as skies are relatively clear and ocean winds keep things cool(er).
Monsoon Season (June to October): The southwest monsoon brings rain to most of Thailand during these months. While the rain can be heavy, it often comes in short bursts so you’ll still get some sunshine. Landscapes are most lush and green during this time of year. The Gulf of Thailand islands (such as Koh Tao and Koh Samui) usually have a later monsoon season from October to May.
Burning Season (February to April): The farmers in the north of Thailand practice a slash and burn agricultural technique where they clear the land with fire before beginning and new crop cycle. This leads to pretty bad air pollution so I’d recommend escaping to the south if you’re visiting during this time of year.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Thailand depends on your preferences and the specific regions that you have in mind.
If you plan on following this itinerary to a tee, then I recommend visiting during dry season. However, dry season is also high season so you”ll have to deal with lots of tourists and long lines in exchange for better weather.
Beyond Thailand:
Thailand is an incredible destination in Southeast Asia with unmatched nature and hospitality.
Its long-standing relationship with tourism makes it an approachable and convenient destination for first time solo travelers.
I hope that this one month Thailand itinerary provided you with a clear outline of how you should spend 30 days in the country. For further planning help, here’s how to pack a Travel Capsule Wardrobe and the Ultimate Thailand Bucketlist.
More On Travel In Asia:
The Ultimate Thailand Bucketlist
Hualien, Taiwan 3 Day Itinerary
Lanyu, Taiwan (Orchid Island) Travel Guide
Is The Ha Giang Loop Dangerous?
Is Hanoi Incense Village Worth It?
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