THE COUNTRY
If this is your first time travelling or travelling solo, this is the best option for you to test out the waters. Thailand welcomes tourists with open arms. Though over run by tourists, it is sill a vibrant and amazing country to travel to! I've been to Thailand.. well I've lost count! Let's just say ''several'' times. I find myself going back to this country over and over as it's fairly cheap to fly into Bangkok as it is one of the major hubs for flights and I mean, it's Thailand! Why not go!?
Thailand has plenty of temples, spectacular viewpoints, elephant sanctuaries, plenty of entertainment (from fire shows to lady boys - whatever you're into. I won't judge..), and great water activities for those looking to dive or simply snorkel. I've been to the Philippines, and I have to admit, several places along the coast of Thailand offers clear turquoise water just like in the Philippines!
VISA/ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Before entering Thailand, ensure that your passport is valid for the next 6 months from the date of your entry into the country. A 30 day tourist visa on arrival is available which will cost you $30 USD.
If you end up staying in the country beyond the expiration date of your visa, the overstay penalty cost is $15 USD per day. If you stay for 40 or more days beyond the expiration date, it's $580 USD (yikes! so make a note - extend or do a visa run and do not overstay!). Visa extensions are available. For 30 days it's $55 USD.
CURRENCY
Baht is the currency used in Thailand. ATM's are practically everywhere, even on the majority of the islands. Debit and credit cards are accepted in most places like hotels, hostels, restaurants etc.
The Thai Baht both have notes and coins, as with any other types of currency that have both, get rid of your coins as quickly as possible to decrease weight in your pocket. This will also ensure you are squeezing your budget to the last cents.
TRANSPORTATION
Tuk Tuk! - Just like in Cambodia, these are everywhere! Convenient for getting from one place to another in a city/town. Before you get in one, be sure to bargain and always agree on a price before getting in.
Scooter - Scooters are also available for rent and they are very cheap in Thailand. Definitely my preferred transportation getting around town.
Bicycle - The cheapest way to get around the city/town. Of course depending on how far your destination is or where you're trying to get to, within cycling distance, then this could be the most effective means of transportation.
Bus service/Night bus/Boat service - The most common way to get around from one city to the other is to go through a travel agency in the city/town you're in and buy a ticket. There's a lot of them, hostels/hotels also sells tickets. It's safe, cheap, and easy.
Take night buses as much as possible, because it allows you to not pay for a place to stay for the night which stretches your budget even further.
THINGS TO DO
Mae Hong Son Loop (Chiang Mai to Pai) - Rent a scooter and enjoy this 600 km ride from Chiang Mai to Pai! The route itself takes about 3 days, has 1864 turns, and is sure to be one amazing adventure!
Diving in Koh Tao - Probably one of the cheapest places to obtain a PADI license.
Grand Canyon (Chiang Mai) - Take a dip in the water after a stroll around the canyon.
Songkran (Chiang Mai or Bangkok) - Depending on when you're in Thailand, join in on the biggest celebrations of the year - Songkran. Songkran is a multiple day water festival to celebrate the New Years for the Thai people. Takes place mid April. Try to be in Chiang Mai for this if you can! When I was there it was about for 3 days and it was one of the best experiences of my travels!
Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai) - There are plenty of elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Be sure to support the ones that don't let you "ride" the elephants or where companies are doing unethical things to these beautiful creatures. Do spend a bit of time on research to see if the company you're going to do this with is reputable.
Live The Island Life (Southern Thailand) - As vague as this may sound, go island hopping, snorkel/dive and get a tan down south of the country. There are plenty of islands to explore. I will probably have to do a separate post just for things to do on the islands so I'll just point out a few on here.
John-Suwan Mountain Viewpoint (Koh Tao) - Wake up early for this amazing viewpoint, catching the sun at 6 am here is amazing!
Mango Viewpoint (Koh Tao) - Another spectacular panoramic view of Koh Tao.
Nangyuan Island (Koh Tao) - Soak in the views at the viewpoint then go for a swim in the clear waters.
Koh Samui - Rent a scooter for the day and explore this cool little island.
The White Temple (Chiang Rai) - Definitely a one of a kind temple. Cartoon characters? And somewhat a goth themed temple? Go there and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Pai Canyon (Pai) - Take a stroll on the this beautiful canyon and soak in the views.
Pad Thai - You have got to try this traditional food. It is delicious, cheap.. well, and delicious! Did I say it's delicious?!
Fruit Shakes - Another thing you have to try.. fruit shakes! They are deliciously fresh and cheap!
Thailand is unique in a sense that it really does have something for everyone. If you're a backpacker on a budget, a first time solo traveller, a vacationer looking to get away for a week, a honeymooner looking to go somewhere romantic, a family looking for comfort, or if you're a flashpacker - a traveller who can splurge, this country can be all of that and more whatever it is you're looking for. I hope you found this guide useful and if you have any questions or feedback, do comment down below.