Can you enjoy Thailand for a week? If you’re wondering if a week’s vacation to Thailand is enough to make the most of your dream vacation time, the quick answer is obviously Yes! Having said that, it’s not completely irrational to have worried. Spending your vacation in Thailand will surely relax your spirit because of their well-preserved and vibrant culture mixed with modern and developed architecture. Thailand is one of the most costly destinations to visit in Asia due to its rising popularity. And, before going to Thailand, plan your schedule and itinerary to prevent unnecessary expenditures.
It is no secret that Thailand is achingly beautiful, but you likely knew that already. Nonetheless, prices are still far lower than in Western nations, and many people discover that they can spend weeks on the seaside or in other corners without going overboard. But, remember that the longer you stay, the more you spend. So instead, let us begin by explaining what makes a perfect Thailand-bound traveler.
HOW TO BE A GREAT TRAVELER?
Dear traveler, are you in pursuit of warm sandy beaches, island-hopping, and sweltering jungle treks, or simply on a budget and in search of a destination rich in affordable adventures? No matter what kind of experience you’re seeking, Thailand has it all. Then sit back, relax, and let us reveal why you should travel to Thailand.
Scheduling
While you’re only required to be as fit as the activities you wish to take part in, you should thrive in hot to extremely humid weather. Be a confident swimmer so as not to miss out on Thailand’s turquoise-colored waters and be ready to dive track, taste, kayak, sail, and even kickbox your way across the country. Be sure to have saved up at least 7 to 15 vacation days to experience the country at an enjoyable pace without rushing. You can also choose a DIY itinerary or book a travel package from trusted agencies for ease of travel.
Language
Don’t forget to learn a few key phrases in Thai to make your travels easier. But don’t worry too much as English is widely spoken. And while you can visit Thailand all year round, the best time to travel there is between November and early April. This is when rainfall is limited and temperatures are manageable.
So if your tour is booked, your bags are packed and you’ve secured a great deal on that flight into Thailand, it’s time to hit the bustling streets and backroads of this great Southeast Asian gem.
GREAT SPOTS IN THAILAND YOU NEED TO INCLUDE
🚩 Bangkok
Begin by visiting Bangkok’s Grand Palace, arguably the city’s most famous landmark and the spiritual heart of the Thai kingdom. You’ll surely be left in awe by the palace complexes, impressive and intricate buildings. And don’t forget to visit the spectacular Wat Arun, which sits dazzlingly on the West Bank of the Chau Pryor River. Or perhaps visit Wat Po and see the impressive reclining Buddha before carrying onto the temple Wat Rachna Daram. This temple’s design is said to derive from the metal temples built in Sri Lanka and India over a thousand years ago.
Reward yourself for days well spent by visiting one of the city’s many rooftop bars and unwinding with local brews while overlooking the feverish scene of Bangkok. And once you’ve sufficiently lost yourself in the chaos of the busy streets and back alleyway clubs, you’ll be free to move on to Thailand’s dazzling countryside to experience blissful rejuvenation.
🚩 Chiang Mai
Begin in the north and pay a visit to the mountaineering city of Chiang Mai. This is where you can first stroll past the hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples and explore the original capital of the Lan Na Kingdom.
Better to do this before venturing into the Thai jungle for a journey like no other. Hike past unexpected waterfalls while enjoying the sounds of babbling brooks as nature envelops you.
🚩 Chiang Rai
You’ll want to head to Chiang Rai, where you can explore the eclectic, starkly colored Wat Rong Khun. This is an unconventional art exhibition to which admission is free. But the real views arrive when you trek into the Thai highlands just outside the city. Reach the top of the Pu Chi Fa, a national forest park and one of the country’s most famous viewpoints. Time your visit for dawn and allow yourself a quiet moment to overlook the sea of mist that hangs atop the neverending hilltops. You will surely not be disappointed.
Head down south and take part in a little island hopping and swim or sail your way between famous and stunningly beautiful inlets. Ride longtail boats to Rayleigh beach in Thailand’s Krabi province. This area is famous for its sheer limestone cliffs, and dense mangrove forests, as well as hundreds of offshore islands, including the notable Pee Pee Islands.
🚩 Koh Samui
Visit Koh Samui and sip fresh coconuts before hiking along the lush trails and cooling off in secluded waterfalls and natural pools. Finish off your adventure through Southern Thailand with a visit to the west coast of the Malay Peninsula and explore Phang Na province. This province is famous for its national parks and rock formations.
You might be shocked to learn that Koh Samui is less expensive than other of Thailand’s major island attractions. It’s a very beautiful, soothing, and reasonably priced area to vacation, travel, or spend long periods of time. The summer season, from the end of the year to February, is the greatest time to visit here. Every season on Koh Samui does have something unique to show. Peak season is the dry season and is expected to be busy, but the weather is pleasant and there will be no rain.
HOW TO ENJOY THAILAND FOR A WEEK
There are many ways on how to enjoy Thailand. Generally, it depends on your budget and level of adventure skills. If you are a person who travels frequently, you can stroll Thailand without any rest. But if you are a first-time traveler, don’t get too excited because Thailand can make you really exhausted.
🎒 Day 1 and 2: Bangkok
Experience this capital city noted for its grandeur during the first two days of your itinerary. Visit the must-see spots like the Grand Palace, Khao San Road, Wat Arun, and the city’s countless smaller temples. Consider having a Thai massage at one of the many spas and salons for a more pleasant daily schedule.
Climb to the summit of the Golden Mount or have a tea in some of the rooftop cafes and view the beauty of Bangkok before experiencing the city’s iconic nightlife. Always conclude your first day with breathtaking views of Bangkok. The scene is perfect for any angle if you are a traveler who wants to take a picture of every second. More information about Bangkok travel ideas may be found in the section above.
🎒 Day 3: Kanchanaburi
Bangkok and Kanchanaburi are 107 kilometers apart. Without the need for a car, the better option to go there is to take the train, which takes 2 hours only. Kanchanaburi has a variety of transportation options. You can take a group tour through a local agency or take in the sights using a motorbike. Motorcycles may be rented at fair rates.
The average rent for a motorbike is around 200 Baht per day, while a larger motorbike is around 500 Baht per day. It is well-known for the Death Railway, which was constructed during WWII. For a relaxing day, visit parks and landscapes like Erawan National Park to explore the waterfalls. If you still have time for leisure, go to the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Museum, which concentrates on the building of the passage by Allied POWs (prisoners of war) and local laborers.
🎒 Day 4: Ayutthaya
If you enjoy history, Ayutthaya Historical Park is an excellent choice. It encompasses two-thirds of Ayutthaya’s foundations, including the remnants of the Ayutthaya Dynasty Royal Palace and temples. There are 95 total historical buildings and 67 of them already have been destroyed, with only four remaining in operation.
You may enjoy a full day viewing the temple remains and discovering about the Buddhist tradition in Thailand. You can also use your half the day visiting the relics as well as seeing the neighboring Bang Pa-In Palace. To end your day, take an express train from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai for the next leg of the adventure.
🎒 Day 5: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the major city in northern Thailand’s upland areas. This city is most known for its magnificent historic temples, but there is far more to do out there. The magnificent mountainous scenery around Chiang Mai is home to two indigenous tribes as well as many great natural features. Chiang Mai does not have beaches, but it does have a plethora of other activities and trips. Here are a few suggestions for things to do here in lovely Chiang Mai.
Part of the itinerary that you must visit is botanical gardens, including the Royal Flora Exhibition and the Queen Sirikit and Tweechol Botanic Garden. Chiang Mai also has renowned caverns, such as Muang On Cave and Chiang Dao Cave, which add to the thrill. Before staying overnight in Chiang Mai, suggest going on night parties and night safaris. Don’t forget to shop in the night markets and pay a visit to the temples.
🎒 Day 6: Bangkok
Because your itinerary is coming to its end and you plan to take off from where you started, it is advisable to go back a day before your flight home. Chiang Mai to Bangkok may take up to 8 to 12 hours depending on what type of ride you are going to take. You can rest for a while after the long days of uninterrupted tours and travel. Depending on the spots you went to on your first day, you can also continue roaming around Bangkok and making your stay worthwhile.
🎒 Day 7: Souvenirs and Food
Because you only have a week itinerary to spend in Thailand, you can only enjoy the limited number of cities around. So I recommend preparing your stuff for take-off. You can buy souvenirs before packing your things. Also, hop on different restaurants to have a final taste of Thai local cuisine. And lastly, spend the last memory of your camera with a bunch of pictures. It is also important to consider the time of your arrival and departure because it may spoil your vacation.
FUN FACTS ABOUT THAILAND
| Every day, Thailand has different theme colors. (Monday is yellow, Tuesday is pink, Wednesday is green, Thursday is orange, Friday is blue, Saturday is purple, Sunday is red). This tradition is still used by locals to know what would be their lucky color on the day they were born. |
| Thailand also has its own beliefs. Though the majority of the people are Buddhist, they also have customs and beliefs. This is where you will notice some spirit houses with offerings to make the spirits happy. |
| Thailand is years ahead. The traditional Buddhist calendar is used as their official calendar. Thailand is 543 years ahead of the rest of the world because locals believe Buddha did die and crossed Nirvana in 543 BC. |
| Thai long names. Like the real name of Thailand, Thai locals also have very long names. Because of this, they decided to just think of a preferred nickname like a bird, beer, baby, and more! And because Thai people are used to their nicknames, they sometimes forget their real names! |
| Thailand has three New Year celebrations. They have the traditional every December 31, the Thai New Year every April, and the Chinese New Year. |
| The feet and the head are the two most important body parts. The head is considered sacred because it is the crown of every human; so patting the head is disrespectful. Also, the feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body. So avoid pointing something or someone with the use of your foot or not removing your shoes before entering a temple. |
| 555 means laugh. This is a shortcut message if you want to say in a text message that you are laughing. This is because five is called “ha”, so making it 555 means “hahaha”. So creative, right? |
BOTTOM LINE
You can go on about the endless types of itinerary, activities, and experiences ready to be had in this tropical paradise. It’s difficult to put into words how diverse Thailand travel can be. You may not be able to visit the entire nation in a single vacation, but the streets, islands, and adventures you must not miss when visiting Thailand are listed above. Consider the particular days and times of your vacation to Thailand before departing. This is to prepare you for the weather and celebrations that you may encounter.