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Helena Blackburn
Cristytravels
If Thailand has been sitting on your “someday” list, let this be your sign. My husband and I spent just over two weeks working our way from Bangkok, up to the temples of the north, and finally down to the island of Koh Samui for a proper beach-and-sunshine finale. I came home with a full camera roll, a slightly sunburned nose (courtesy of that island sun), and a very long list of things I wish someone had told me before we boarded.
So consider this your friendly pre-trip briefing. This is the home base for our whole Thailand series, and I am linking out to two deeper temple guides plus our Koh Samui escape at the bottom. But first, the practical stuff: when to go, how to get around, what all those baht are worth, and what to actually pack so you are not sweating through a temple dress code at 9am.
Thailand runs on three seasons, and none of them line up neatly with the calendar you are used to.
The honest truth from us: we went in the thick of the heat, and while I would not trade our trip, I will tell you plainly that the cool season is the easier ride if this is your first time.
Here is the part nobody tells you at the same time as the weather chat: the season with the best weather is also the most expensive and the most crowded.
My rule of thumb: go in the cool season if the weather matters most, and go in the green season if the budget and the elbow room matter most. There is no wrong answer, just a trade.
Getting around is honestly half the fun, and I say that as someone who does not usually enjoy transit.
Tuk tuks. You cannot come to Thailand and skip a tuk tuk. These little open-air three-wheelers are loud, breezy, slightly chaotic, and the most fun you will have getting from A to B. A few tips, learned the practical way. Always agree on the price before you climb in, since they are not metered. Keep small bills handy. And treat the ride itself as the attraction, not the fastest way to your destination. My husband thought I was being dramatic photographing every single one until he realized he was doing it too.
Grab. This is the local ride-hailing app and it will become your best friend. Prices are set in-app so there is no haggling, no language barrier, and no wondering if you are overpaying. Download it before you land.
Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT. In the city, the elevated Skytrain and subway are clean, cheap, air-conditioned, and blissfully above the traffic. When Bangkok gridlock hits (and it will), these save your day.
Domestic flights. Thailand is bigger than people expect. Hopping between Bangkok, the north, and the islands is usually a quick, affordable domestic flight rather than an epic drive. Book these a little ahead for the best fares.
Ferries and songthaews. Island-hopping runs on ferries, and around the north you will spot songthaews, the red pickup-truck shared taxis you flag down and pile into. Cheap, local, and part of the experience.
The currency is the Thai baht (THB), and the single most important thing to know is this: cash is still king.
My move: keep a mix of small bills for tuk tuks and street food, and never let yourself get down to your last few notes before a temple day.
Two forces are at war in your suitcase here: the heat, and the temple dress codes. You are dressing for both.
I break all of this down temple by temple in the guides below, because the rules do shift slightly from place to place.
I cannot write a Thailand guide and stay quiet about the food, so I will just say this: come hungry and stay curious. From late-night Chinatown street stalls in Bangkok to a bowl of khao soi in Chiang Mai that I still think about, the eating was every bit as memorable as the sightseeing. I fold my specific restaurant and dish recommendations into each regional guide, right alongside the temples, because half the joy of temple-hopping is where you refuel afterward.
Don’t want to miss them? Subscribe below and you’ll be the first to know when each one drops. I’m sharing sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes along the way over on Instagram [@cristytravels], so follow along there too.
And if you’re ready for the beach right now, this one’s already live: The Most Romantic Getaway in Koh Samui, Thailand.
What is the best month to visit Thailand? November through February brings the best weather. If you want lovely weather with lower prices, November is the sweet spot. For the cheapest rates and thinnest crowds, aim for June through early October.
Do I need cash in Thailand? Yes. Many temples, markets, tuk tuks, and small eateries are cash only, and several major temple entrances do not accept cards. Carry Thai baht and keep small bills on hand.
Is Thailand a good destination for couples? Absolutely. It blends culture, food, adventure, and genuinely gorgeous adults-only and boutique resorts, which makes it one of our favorite spots for affordable-luxury couples travel.
How many days do you need in Thailand? For a first trip covering Bangkok plus the northern temples, plan for at least a week. Add a few more days if you want to fold in the islands.
What should I wear to Thai temples? Cover your shoulders and knees, choose breathable fabrics for the heat, and wear slip-on shoes since you will remove them often. A light scarf or sarong is the most useful thing you can pack.
Ready to start temple-hopping? Begin with the best temples in Bangkok, then head north to the temples of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
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