International Romance: Our Travel Diaries

Thailand

I’ve been to Thailand five times and every time I leave I want to immediately go right back. Thailand is full of exciting things to discover. It’s known as the “Land of Smiles” since everyone there is super friendly. From big cities to beautiful beaches, Thailand has it all for people who love adventures and fun.

The island I have most recently visited is Ko Lanta, but the following information given is valid for cities and islands all over Thailand!

I stayed at the Laguna Beach Resort, and if you are staying on Ko Lanta, I recommend staying here. The service, location, and food is amazing and I will definitely be going back.

What It's Like

Thailand is like stepping into a different world and the country has so much to offer. You’ll see cities where skyscrapers litter the sky and temples scattered across the island. There are peaceful places like Chiang Mai with mountains and jungles, and amazing beaches on islands like Phuket and Koh Samui. 

I’ve been to Koh Lanta and Koh Samui, and both of them were amazing. The food is delicious, the people are friendly, and there’s always something fun happening.

Everything is extremely cheap in Thailand, which is great for traveling. I never spent more than 5 euros on a meal, and it was great every time. Also, the resort offered massages on the beach for only 3 euros for 45 minutes. Prices here are great and you should take advantage of all the opportunities that present themselves. 

When To Vist

The best time to go to Thailand is from November to April when the weather is nice and sunny. But even during the rainy season from May to October, there’s still lots of cool stuff to do. I’ve always been there for Christmas and New Years, and the weather has been perfect, so December and January is when I would visit. 

The weather during this time is around 90º fahrenheit or 32.2º celcius. The tanning during our trip was amazing, with high UV indexes, we were laying out in the sun as much as we could. 

Length Of Stay

At least for me, Thailand has always been a place where I can completely relax, enjoy the beach and the warm weather. I would say that it’s good to stay in Thailand for about two weeks. But once you’re there, you might not want to leave! Accommodation is pretty cheap just like everything else there, so the most expensive thing you’ll buy are your plane tickets, so you might as well stay there for a while. 

Things To Know

Before you go, learn a bit about Thai customs and manners. Carry cash as that’s what they use to pay most of the time. There are ATM machines in Thailand, but at least where I’ve been, it’s been hard to find them and they don’t work for a lot of the time, so make sure you have enough cash incase you run into these issues. 

Make sure you pack or buy bug spray as the mosquitoes are extremely annoying. You don’t want to be scratching your bites the whole trip, so plan accordingly. Also, don’t forget to purchase some sunscreen. 

Getting Around

Getting around Thailand is easy. They have buses, trains, and even tuk-tuks (3-wheeled taxis). In big cities like Bangkok, there are skytrains and subways that are super convenient. It is common to haggle about the tuk-tuk and taxi prices and it’s good to ask your resort and research about the normal prices of taxis.

Renting scooters is also good idea, because they’re really cheap and easy to get around. We’ve always done that for our stay, and it’s been fun driving around in different places with them.

Its also good to have a vehicle so you can do things on your time and don’t have to stress about finding taxis or wondering how you will get to your destination.

Food

The food in Thailand is amazing, and was one of my favorite things about visiting.  You need to try Pad Thai (noodles), Tom Yum (spicy soup), and Mango Sticky Rice (sweet dessert). And don’t forget to try the street food.  There are countless vendors littering the streets with their cheap, delicious food!

Alongside the classic Thai dishes, the fresh fruit offered in markets and stores is amazing. Pineapple is one of the most popular fruits in Thailand, and you can find them almost everywhere. Watermelon and mangos are also extremely popular in Thailand, so you can expect to see these along side pineapples. 

Nightlife

Thailand knows how to party! In big cities like Bangkok, there are cool markets and fun bars to explore. And on islands like Phuket, you can dance under the stars at beach parties! At least in the places I’ve been to, there is always the biggest party of the month during the full moon. While going out is fun, be careful of your surroundings and watch what you are drinking.

Crime, Scams, & Safety

Thailand is mostly safe in tourist areas, but you should watch out for people trying to trick you. Sometimes they might overcharge you or take you to the wrong place in a tuk-tuk. Just be careful and trust your instincts. Stick to well-lit areas at night and keep your belongings safe. 

Thailand is known for being the #1 sex trafficked country in the world. For girls traveling to Thailand, please take the time to find safe hotels/Airbnb’s. Also, watch your drink to make sure nobody slipped any pill or powder into it. Buying drink covers online is a great idea to maximize your safety. While things like this are uncommon, it is still best to put your safety as a top priority. 

Overview

Thailand is a destination that leaves a mark on every traveler. Its diverse landscapes, warm hospitality, and great beaches make it a place you never want to leave. From exploring ancient temples to relaxing on beaches, every moment in Thailand is filled with adventure and discovery. Whether you’re savoring the street food or gazing at the details of Thai architecture, Thailand promises unforgettable memories.