Next up on your travel bucket list: Thailand
Whether you’re inspired by the hit Netflix series, “Girl From Nowhere,” or just a huge sucker for spicy bowls, Southeast Asia’s Land of Smiles greets you with unique and terrific experiences! From bargaining like a pro at Bangkok’s floating markets to riding the tuk-tuk around the city, this tropical country’s got plenty of surprises waiting.
Stoked? As you should be! But, first, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details on how to travel to Thailand—scroll down.
Time for Thai adventures!
Who can travel?
Great news: all travelers, whether fully vaccinated or not, are welcome to enter Thailand. With more than 70% of the nation’s population fully vaccinated, tourism has eased and paved the way for more lax travel restrictions.
Though—just a heads up to all hopeful travelers—requirements depend on your vaccination status.
What are the entry requirements for vaccinated travelers?
If you’re fully vaccinated with two doses of any WHO vaccine or a single shot of Janssen, here’s a mini checklist of all the documents you need to prepare before the flight:
- Thailand Pass: Scan your passport and fill out your personal information, including the address where you’ll be staying in Thailand, on the official Thai Pass site.
- Proof of vaccination: Along with your personnel, vaccinated visitors should also submit their vaccination certificate or card on the Thai Pass.
- Medical Insurance: Lastly, a COVID-19 insurance policy that covers at least $10,000.
Note: Children ages under 18 are not required to be vaccinated.
Will I still need to quarantine upon arrival?
No! One of the perks of being fully vaccinated is you get to skip quarantine and head straight to the floating markets in Bangkok, Pattaya’s gorgeous beaches, and many more.
Under Thailand’s No Quarantine program, vaccinated travelers only need to prepare their passports, Thailand Pass, and COVID-19 insurance to fly to the country. You won’t even be required to take a pre-departure and arrival RT-PCR test. It’s just like flying during the good old times—aka the pre-pandemic period.
Enjoy a tranquil afternoon at Nang Yuan Island. Image credits: Darren Lawrence on Pexels
What if I’m unvaccinated?
If you’re not vaccinated or only partially vaccinated, Southeast Asia’s Pad Thai central still welcomes you, only with a few extra trade-offs.
First off, like vaccinated tourists traveling to Thailand, you’ll have to register for a Thailand Pass and avail of a medical insurance policy worth at least $10,000 to cover COVID-19 expenses. Now here’s where it gets a little complicated for non-vaccinated travelers.
If you fall under this lane, you’ll have to choose between two options: a 5-Day Quarantine scheme or the No Quarantine Program:
- 5-Day Alternative Quarantine Scheme
You’ll have to book five nights at an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) hotel accredited by the Thai government. If you test negative after the fifth day, you can blast off to your adventures!
- No Quarantine Program
Still, if you hate wasting time and want to make the most out of your trip, another option is to take an RT-PCR test 72 hours before the flight and upload the results on your Thai Pass.
Travel advisory: As of May 1, 2022, RT-PCR Testing will no longer be required on arrival to Thailand.
When should I apply for a Thailand Pass?
You should apply for the Thailand Pass at least 2 days before your flight to allow enough time for processing and approval. Keep in mind that there’s no definite approval time. Some travelers receive an approval just hours after submission, while others can take more than 2 days because of incomplete documents.
What are the two airports in Bangkok?
Completed your paperwork? Good, you’re almost ready to fly out!
In Thailand, you can book a flight to two international airports in Bangkok. The Suvarnabhumi International Airport(BKK) is the biggest and newest airport in the capital city. Consequently, this airport is also where the tallest freestanding control tower in the world stands.
On the other hand, there’s also the Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), which is older (built-in 1924) and closer to the city center.
Klook Tip: Make your life easier by booking a private airport transfer from the airport and straight to your destination with Klook. Discover airport transfers and taxi services here.
What are must-visit places around Bangkok?
Swadeeka! Now that you’re all packed, it’s time to brush up on your Thai. We’ll be heading to some of the coolest and most dazzling places in Southeast Asia. From Thailand’s Khao Yai to the floating markets in Bangkok—you’ll never go bored!
1. Pattaya
Sea, sun, and sand at the hottest beach destination in Thailand! Image credits: Ryutaro Uozomi on Unsplash
Get your dose of Vitamin Sea and escape to Pattaya! Just an hour and a half away from the capital city, this seaside town is the best place to work on your tan. Imagine sinking your toes into the sands and sipping a glass of Piña Colada under the swaying palm trees—that’s the dream turned into reality at Pattaya’s famous beaches.
From Jomtien’s lively beachfront to Koh Larn Island’s romantic shores, there’s a beach for your every need! And if you happen to run out of swimwear, hit up Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens and marvel at the elephants.
Location: Pattaya Beach, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
How to get there:
By bus - Take the first-class air-conditioned bus from either Mo Chit or Ekkamai bus terminals. From there, the seaside town is only two-and-a-half hours away from Bangkok by bus.
2. Ayutthaya
Find your zen when you visit the holiest temples around the ancient city. Image credits: Melissa Mullin on Unsplash
Tick off your travel bucket list when you visit this UNESCO World World Heritage Site. Ayutthaya, the historic city back in 1350, is an architectural wonder, filled with Buddhist temples with Khmer-style stupas, huge monuments, golden palaces, and crumbling ruins that’ll let out your inner Indiana Jones. While there, make sure to keep a lookout for the 42-meter-long reclining Buddha, Wat Lokaya Sutha, and pay your respects!
Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province
How to get there:
- By train - The cheapest way to get to the ancient city is by train from Hualamphong station. The scenic ride takes around an hour and a half from Bangkok.
- By bus - Another option is to catch the minivan from Mo Chit Bus Station. Although this is more expensive than taking the train, it’s faster and will only take an hour’s ride.
3. Khao Yai National Park
Meet adorable elephants when you visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Image credits: @ishanorsham on Instagram
Into nature? There’s nowhere else better in Thailand than Khao Yai, the country’s oldest national park. Inside this massive forest, you’ll spot wild orchids growing around the Nam Tok Pa Kluai Waterfall as well as Khao Khiau’s gorgeous green mountain peaks. Popular activities include wildlife watching, night safaris, and whitewater rafting.
Location: Hin Tung, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District, Nakhon Nayok 26000
How to get there:
- By bus - To get to Khao Yai from Bangkok via bus, you’ll need to catch the Bangkok-Prachinburi coach and get off at the Naresuan Shrine Roundabout. From there, you can take a motorcycle taxi to Noen Hom Visitor Center and access tourist attractions in Khao Yai National Park.
- By train - Ride the direct train to Pak Chong Station in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Afterward, board the songthaew bus from Pak Chong Market to Khao Yai National Park.
- By private car - Save yourself from the hassle of commuting and book your own private ride instead! Klook offers Khao Yai Car Charter, so you can explore Khai Yai at your own pace from 1 up to 5 days!
4. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
This market is the most famous floating market in Bangkok, known for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Image credits: Chait Goli on Pexels
What’s a trip to Thailand without shopping? Next to elephants and grand palaces, shopping is among the top things to do, and Bangkok does it with a fun twist: by floating around the river. The Damneon Saduak Floating market in Bangkok gives you the ultimate experience of bargaining with shopkeepers, munching on mini-coconut pancakes and boat noodles, and shopping for souvenirs—all while drifting along the lazy river. How sweet is that?
Klook Tip: Head out early to avoid boat traffic! Tourist crowds usually roll in around 9 AM, so it’s best to go to the market as early as 7 AM.
Location: 9 51 Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130
How to get there:
- By bus - Catch Bus 78 at the Southern Bus Terminal or its pick-up point in Siam Square right beside a tourism kiosk.
- By tour - Join the Klook Tour and visit Damneon Saduak, Maeklong Railway, and Amphawa Floating Market in one day! This tour covers transport from Bangkok and boat fees.
In search of a more laid-back experience? Here are the 8 best floating markets in Bangkok you need to check out!
5. Koh Kret
Enjoy a fun-filled day of Thai craft, culture, and food! Image credits: Mukiibi John Elijah on Unsplash
If arts and crafts were your favorite subjects in school, then a visit to Koh Kret is a must! Less than an hour away from Bangkok, this small man-made island sitting along the Chao Phraya River is Thailand’s pottery central with its cool collection of terracotta ceramics in markets, museums, and art studios. There are also temples on the island that features exquisite clay and glassworks, such as the Wat Paramaiyikawat, home of the famous leaning pagoda.
Klook Tip: Get crafty by trying pottery yourself at the Soon Hatakam Kreung Pan Din Pao Center. These make for a great souvenir!
Location: Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120
How to get there:
- By ferry - Head to Wat Sanam Nuea right beside the pier. Ferry trips come every five minutes, so you don’t have to worry about missing the ride.
6. Erawan National Park
Time to chase waterfalls in Erawan. Image credits: @travelsofsophie on Instagram
Be prepared for an adventurous day out to dazzling Erawan Falls. Perfect for the hike enthusiasts and nature-lovers, a day trip to Erawan National Park will bring you to see lush green forests, stalagmite caves, Erawan’s famous emerald green falls, and ponds, where you can swim and splash around. During your trek, you’ll also have the chance to explore the River Kwai on a bamboo raft and try traditional Thai dishes on the way home!
Location: Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi 71250
How to get there:
- By bus - Ride the BKS Bus Line 81 that leaves from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal and to Kanchanaburi. It takes about two hours to reach the city.
- By train - The nearest railway station in the city of Bangkok is the Thonburi Train Station. Once in Kanchanaburi, you can take a taxi or rent a moped to get to the park.
7. Floating Vineyards
Here’s another experience only you can find in Thailand! Image credits: @demi_cassiani on Instagram
In Samut Sakhon on the Chao Phraya River Delta, you can find the “floating” vineyards of Thailand. These magical vineyards are planted on little rectangular isles and separated by canals to make it seem like they’re hovering on the water. Locals harvest the grapes by floating down the canals on wooden boats and picking the grapes by hand.
Location: Bang Tho Rat, Mueang Samut Sakhon District, Samut Sakhon 74000
How to get there:
- By train - Take the train from Wongwian Yai Station and get off at Mahai Chai Station. From there, you can rent a moped to Siam Winery, where the floating vineyards are.
- By taxi - Or the fastest way to get to the destination is by riding a taxi and arriving at the vineyard in half an hour.
