Thailand Travel Guide by Luke DuBose
Golden temples in Bangkok, mountain calm in Chiang Mai, and limestone islands rising out of turquoise water. I’ll match your Thailand trip to the right coast and the right season.
Thailand is welcoming, affordable, and incredibly varied, which is exactly why it is easy to get wrong. The two island coasts have different rainy seasons, and trying to see everything leads to a trip spent in transit. I’m Luke DuBose, and I design personalized itineraries that pick the right mix of city, mountains, and beach for when you are traveling, with fewer moves and more time to actually relax.
Best for: first big trips abroad, food lovers, beach and island seekers, travelers on any budget.
Quick Facts
Best Time
Nov to Feb for the coolest, driest weather. The Andaman coast is best roughly Nov to Apr.
Trip Length
About 2 weeks for Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and one island region.
Budget
$ to $$$ (excellent value, from simple guesthouses to beautiful beach resorts).
Vibe
Temples, night markets, street food, jungle mountains, and island hopping.
Top Experiences
Bangkok’s Temples
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and Wat Arun at sunset across the river.
Street Food
Chinatown after dark, night markets everywhere, and some of the best cheap meals on the planet.
Chiang Mai
Old City temples, the views from Doi Suthep, cooking classes, and night markets in a relaxed mountain city.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries
Spend time with elephants at a sanctuary that does not allow riding. Choose carefully and do your research.
The Andaman Coast
Krabi, Railay, Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta, with dramatic limestone cliffs, boat trips, and rock climbing.
The Gulf Islands
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, with palm-lined beaches and some of the best-value diving in the world.
Sample 12 Day Route
- Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok. Rooftop views and an easy first night.
- Day 2: The Grand Palace and Wat Pho at opening, then Wat Arun by ferry.
- Day 3: Markets, canals, and a Chinatown street food night.
- Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai. Wander the Old City temples.
- Day 5: Ethical elephant sanctuary visit.
- Day 6: Doi Suthep in the morning, cooking class in the afternoon.
- Day 7: Free day or a trip to Chiang Rai’s White Temple.
- Day 8: Fly south to your island base.
- Days 9 to 11: Beaches, island-hopping boat trips, snorkeling, and slow days.
- Day 12: Fly back to Bangkok and connect home.
Where to Stay
Bangkok
Riverside for views and easy temple access, or Sukhumvit for restaurants, nightlife, and Skytrain connections.
Chiang Mai
Inside the Old City walls for walkability, or Nimman for cafes and a more modern feel.
The Islands
Pick one or two bases on a single coast. Railay or Koh Lanta on the Andaman side, Koh Samui or Koh Tao in the Gulf.
Logistics & Tips
Entry
Many nationalities can enter visa-free for tourism, but allowed stays have been changing. Complete the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before you arrive, and check current rules.
Choose Your Coast
The Andaman and Gulf coasts have different rainy seasons. Pick the one with better weather for your dates.
Getting Around
Domestic flights are cheap for long hops. In Bangkok, use the Skytrain, subway, and river ferries. Grab works well in cities.
Temple Etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering temple buildings, and show respect for the monarchy.
Avoid Scams
Agree on prices before tuk-tuk rides and be wary of anyone saying a temple is “closed today.”
Health
Drink bottled or filtered water, use reef-safe sunscreen, and talk to your doctor about recommended vaccines before you go.
Plan Your Thailand Trip
I’ll build a custom itinerary that pairs the right cities and islands with the best weather for your travel dates.