Planning a Trip to Thailand? Avoid These Mistakes!

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. Especially for budget travellers, but that doesn’t mean planning a trip to Thailand is always easy.

I made my fair share of mistakes when planning my first trip to Thailand. I could have made a lot more if I hadn’t done my research ahead of time though.

I’m going to share with you all the major mistakes you need to avoid when planning a vacation to Thailand.

White Temple, Chiang Rai

Mistake 1: Not Downloading Grab Before You Leave

Grab is the Uber of Southeast Asia. You’ll become very familiar with Grab and will learn to love it.

Seriously. It’s probably the most important app you need on your phone for your Southeast Asian trip.

Taxis can be a bit of a wild card in Southeast Asia. Especially in Thailand. There are a lot of taxi scams and a lot of drivers will refuse to turn on the meter and try to get you to agree to an inflated set price.

This is especially true if you’re taking the taxi from the airport.

Using Grab is the best way around this. You pay a set price in the app and don’t have to worry about being scammed. You do have to pay for any tolls your car passes on your drive so be aware of that.

The Most Important Thing You Need to Know About Grab

There is one catch with Grab.

You have to download Grab and input your credit card details while you’re in your home country. You cannot download and input your credit card details into Grab when you’re already in Southeast Asia.

I have no idea why this is, but it causes a lot of problems for tourists who learn about Grab when they’re already in Thailand.

If you do happen to read this article when you’re already abroad and aren’t able to add your credit card details to your account, there is a work around. It’s a bit annoying, but it’s better than nothing.

You can ask a friend or family member in your home country to create a Grab account with your email address for you and give them your credit card details to input into the account.

Then they log out of the account on their phone, and you log into your account on your phone.

It can be a pain (especially with the time zones), but it’s worth the effort. Grab will save you a lot of time and money on your trip to Thailand.

But you can avoid the headache of it all and just make sure you have Grab downloaded and ready to go before you arrive in Thailand.

Statue of Three Gods in Chiang Mai

Mistake 2: Not Using an Esim

Esims are my new favourite travel technology. I learned about them for my 2022 trip to the UAE and Turkey and have used them on every single trip since them.

I’ve also rather aggressively insisted that every single person I know who goes on a trip downloads an esim. Even my accountant.

Esims are cheap, affordable, and convenient.

You install it onto your phone by scanning a QR code after purchasing a package for your travel destination (in this case Thailand or a regional esim for Southeast Asia) and then it automatically activates when you turn it on in Thailand.

My favourite part about esims is that you can install them before you arrive in a country.

You can turn on your data as soon as you arrive and don’t have to worry about finding wifi in the airport and downloading an esim when you arrive in Thailand.

This is especially nice since the immigration lines in Thailand are always super long, so you can scroll on your phone and pass the time quickly.

An esim is also soooooo much better than getting a physical esim at the airport when you land. Most people get physical esims in Thailand, and the line to get the esim can be very, very long.

If you do want a physical sim, be sure to order it online in advance to cut down on some of the wait time.

But it’s better just to get an esim and install it on your phone before you arrive in Thailand. Trust me on this. It’s 100% worth it and not having an esim is in my opinion one of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning a trip to Thailand.

That’s how much I love them and swear by them.

Airalo is the best esim on the market and the one I recommend to everybody. I’ve used it in dozens of countries (including China) and have never had an issue with it.

You can even top up and add extra data to your esim directly in the app without having to reinstall a new esim.

Okay. I’ll stop gushing about esims now and move onto the next mistake you don’t want to make on your trip to Thailand.

Mistake 3: Not Dressing Modestly

Normally when I have to talk about dressing modestly, it only applies to women/female-presenting people, but that’s not the case in Thailand.

Everybody is expected to dress modestly when visiting temples.

Shoulders and knees need to be covered by everybody no matter your gender.

I can’t tell you how many people I saw getting turned away from temples because they didn’t have the appropriate clothing.

That’s why you see so many people in the famous elephant pants. They had to buy them from a nearby vendor to get into the temple.

I’m on team dress modestly every where you go because it’s respectful of the culture in Thailand. You won’t get stopped or scolded if you wear shorts and a tank top outside a temple, but modesty is always appreciated by locals.

If you do want to wear shorts and a tank top, here are a few ways to make sure you stay modest while visiting temples.

Learning Buddha Bangkok

Modesty Tips

I know Thailand is hot. Very hot. But you still need to make sure you’re dressed according to their standards.

Covering your shoulders is easy if they aren’t already covered. Just keep a small scarf in your bag and throw it on whenever you want to go into a temple.

The knees are a little bit more challenging. I always suggest just wearing a skirt or pair of shorts that covers your knees, but some people don’t want to do that.

So either buy some elephant pants or carry a second long scarf around that you can wrap around your waist when you’re in the temple.

Also be aware that the majority of temples require you to take off your shoes. You’ll be walking around in bare feet if you’re wearing sandals.

If you’re like me and hate the feeling of your bare feet touching anything but socks or slippers, throw an extra pair of socks in your day bag/purse just in case you stumble on a temple and want to go in but are wearing sandals.

That saved me a few times in Bangkok. There are temples everywhere. Even on days when you aren’t planning on visiting a temple, there’s a solid chance you’ll stumble on one anyway.

Mistake 4: Thinking You Can Bus/Train Everywhere

Thailand is a huge country. If you’re used to primarily travelling in Europe, you’re used to overlanding everywhere and never thinking about flying to another city in the same country.

I was definitely under the impression that I could bus or train everywhere when I was in the early stages of planning a trip to Thailand.

I was quickly humbled and realized that sometimes it’s just easier to fly.

Technically, you can bus or train from Bangkok to pretty much anywhere in Thailand, but it takes a long time.

Trust me when I tell you that unless you’re on a super tight budget, flying is the best way to cover long distances. Then you can take the bus within the region you’re visiting.

For example, I flew from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand and then took the bus everywhere else in Northern Thailand that I visited.

I recommend flying between the different regions of Thailand (north, south, central) and then overlanding within the regions.

Trust me. Overnight trains that you see a bunch of travel content creators make videos about are not as cool or fun as they make them seem. If you have the budget, fly.

Buying Bus and Train Tickets in Thailand

While we’re on the top of transportation in Thailand, I want to quickly touch on the best place to buy bus and train tickets.

When I was planning my first trip to Thailand, I read blog after blog after blog that said I didn’t have to buy bus tickets ahead of time. That I could just show up at the bus station and get a ticket for the next bus for wherever I was going.

I showed up at the bus station in Chiang Mai half an hour before the bus I wanted to take to Chiang Rai was due to leave, tried to buy a ticket, and the lady at the counter said all the buses were sold out, and the next available bus was four hours later.

So, I learnt my lesson that you do need to purchase your bus tickets in advance, and now I’m sharing that information with you to save you from the pain of having to sit in an uncomfortable bus station for four hours before your bus leaves.

The best place to buy your bus tickets in advance is through 12Go.

It’s the most reputable and reliable place to purchase tickets online in Southeast Asia. I’ve used it tons of times and have never had an issue with it. It saves you having to go all the way to the bus station (which often isn’t walking distance to the touristy areas) and purchase a ticket in person.

Buddha in the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai

Thailand Transportation Guides

I’ve written a few guides to help you figure out how to easily travel within popular cities in Thailand. Hopefully reading these will help you with planning a trip to Thailand!

Mistake 5: Staying in the Wrong Area (Especially in Bangkok)

Bangkok is one of the few cities in Southeast Asia that has a metro system (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila also have a metro system). Unfortunately, the metro system isn’t great.

The metro system in Bangkok is very limited. It doesn’t go everywhere you want to go as a tourist. It is expanding and will become more robust in the future, but, for now, there are definitely places where there isn’t a metro station within a reasonable walking distance.

Specifically, there isn’t a metro station within a decent walking distance of the Royal Palace.

There is one that’s about a 30 minute walk away, but it’s a brutal walk in the Bangkok heat and humidity. You’ll definitely be super sweaty if you try to walk it.

The first time I visited Bangkok, I decided to stay in the Khao San Road area rather than the Sukhumvit Road area. It didn’t take long before I really regretted that decision.

I thought it’d be nice to be able to walk to the Royal Palace and the nearby temples. I didn’t realize when planning my trip to Thailand that you could do everything in that area in a day.

The nearest metro station was a 20 minute walk from my hotel. I either had to walk to the metro station, take a bus, or call a Grab/TukTuk.

Without a doubt, the best place to stay in Bangkok is in the Sukhumvit area. It makes getting around so much more convenient. Trust me. Not staying in that area was the worst mistake I made while planning a trip to Thailand.

I guess the moral of my story is to stay along a metro line anywhere you travel if you can. This applies to anywhere you travel. Being able to get around quickly and easily is going to make your trip so much better.

Mistake 6: Only Visiting Bangkok

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning a trip to Thailand is only visiting Bangkok.

In my opinion, Bangkok is the least exciting place in Thailand. I know some people adore the city and want to keep going back over and over again, but it fell flat for me.

I left Bangkok wanting more, and I found what I was looking for elsewhere in Thailand.

Thailand has so much to offer outside of Bangkok.

There are stunning beaches, amazing nature, wildlife, and the best temples are outside of Bangkok.

You’re really doing yourself a disservice if you only visit Bangkok.

I know a lot of people don’t have a lot of time off work to travel and want to see as much of Southeast Asia as possible, but it’s worthwhile to slow down and really get a taste of Thailand outside of Bangkok.

It’ll elevate your entire vacation and make you want to go back to Thailand to explore more.

I know there are a lot of other really interesting places to visit in the region, but they’re all so diverse and special. It’s definitely worth the time and effort to stick to one or two countries in Southeast Asia if you don’t have much time then come back and explore more at another time.

I think you absolutely need between 10-14 days in Thailand at a minimum. That’s still only going to dip your toe in the water of Thailand, but it’s better than just visiting Bangkok for a few days then moving on.

I think the perfect two week trip to Southeast Asia (with Thailand as the main focus) is to spend 10 days in Thailand then 3 days in Siem Reap to visit Angkor Wat.

Doi Suthep Mountain Scenery Chiang Mai Thailand

Mistake 7: Getting Carried Away with Haggling

Haggling for souvenirs and clothing is a common practice in Thailand. In a lot of places it’s expected.

A lot of tourists take it too far though. They’ll keep pushing and pushing and demand a lower price then get upset if they don’t get the price they think they should get. Normally based on some outdated information on the internet that is giving them the wrong target price to hit.

I personally despise haggling so avoid it all costs, but if you do want to haggle, remember the situation.

You have enough money that you’re able to go on a trip to Thailand and buy souvenirs. The person who is selling you the souvenir may not have a ton of money and is trying to feed their family.

The amount you’re haggling over isn’t that much. Maybe a dollar or two.

Is it really worth getting upset and aggressively haggling with someone over a couple of dollars?

Probably not. And if it is, you may want to rethink whether you can afford to go to Thailand and buy that souvenir.

Haggling is fine but don’t be super aggressive about it. Treat everybody you haggle with with respect, and don’t come back to them and get angry if you find out that someone got a cheaper price at a different vendor.

It’s not that serious.

Find something you like, agree to a price you’re comfortable paying, and if you can’t come to an agreement, move on politely.

And please do not haggle over the price of street food.

Mistake 8: Trying to do Too Much

It’s easy to want to see and do everything Thailand has to offer. One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when planning a trip to Thailand is trying to cram way too much into their itinerary.

They’ll spend one or two nights in a ton of cities and constantly be on the move without really seeing much of Thailand.

You’ll probably fly into Bangkok. Spend three or four days there then choose one other region of Thailand to visit.

Stick to that region and don’t try to do every region of Thailand in one trip. You’ll be exhausted by the end of your trip and leave feeling like you didn’t really see anything.

I love Northern Thailand, but most people will probably enjoy Southern Thailand or going to one of Thailand’s many beaches and islands.

There are lots of possibilities.

They key is to identify what’s important to you to see on your trip to Thailand and then build out your itinerary from there.

You can’t do it all and don’t try to. Take your time. You’ll enjoy what you see far more than if you rush around the country trying to see everything in two weeks.

Silver Temple, Chiang Mai

Conclusion

I hope this article helped with your Thailand trip planning.

And hopefully you learned something new. I tried not to include information that always comes up when you research planning a trip to Thailand.

Thailand wasn’t high on my list of places to visit, but it should have been. I loved my time in Thailand (especially the food) and think it’s the perfect country to introduce you to Southeast Asia.

It’s a relatively easy country to travel in (even as a solo traveller), has amazing tourist attractions with a variety of things to do, and it won’t break the bank.

Planning a trip to Thailand may feel daunting at first. There’s so much to see and do, but once you narrow down where you want to go and what you want to see, it becomes way easier.

18 Essential Tips for Solo Travel in Thailand

Solo travel in Thailand is one of the best experiences many solo travellers have.

Thailand is one of the best countries for new solo travellers and one of the best countries to start your trip around Southeast Asia. It’s super easy to travel through Thailand, the tourist attractions are unique, and the food is incredible.

Plus there isn’t a language barrier in major cities, so you won’t have communication issues if you only speak English and don’t speak Thai.

The only other country in Southeast Asia that I think is as easy to travel through and has the same charm is Malaysia, but it’s more expensive.

Thailand is a super popular tourist destination and has amazing tourism infrastructure. It makes solo travel in Thailand super easy.

Even though it’s easy to travel through Thailand and the country has amazing sites, there are some things I need you to know about solo travel in Thailand before you arrive in Thailand.

Some of these are mistakes I made on my first solo trip to Thailand. Some of them are things I’m so glad I did, and I want to make sure they’re on your radar too.

I don’t know anybody who has visited Thailand who regrets going there.

I never really had the urge to visit Thailand, but after I went, I started to understand why it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Falling in love with Thailand isn’t something I planned to do, but I did, and I’m already planning my next trip.

Wat Rong Suea Ten Temple

1. Install an Esim Before Arriving in Thailand

This may seem like a weird tip to start with, but it’s one of the biggest tips I can people who plan to travel solo in Thailand.

It’s so convenient and saves you a lot of time. Two things that are so important when you’re travelling alone.

A lot of people who want access to phone data while in Thailand get a physical sim at the airport. I’m here to tell you that’s not what you should do.

I highly recommend you install an esim on your phone before you arrive in Thailand.

It’s the easiest and most convenient way you can get phone data in Thailand. This is especially important for people travelling alone in Thailand.

You install the esim on your phone before you leave for Thailand then turn it off as soon as you land. This is so convenient when standing in the long immigration line. You can scroll on your phone and let your loved ones at home know you land safely.

With your esim already installed on your phone, you also don’t have to worry about finding wifi in the airport to purchase and install an esim when you land in Thailand.

I used an esim while in Thailand. It was one of my first times using an esim, and I didn’t realize I was able to install it on my phone in advance. I wasn’t able to get my computer or phone to connect to wifi in the airport for some reason, so I wasn’t able to install an esim on my phone at the airport.

This meant I couldn’t request a Grab and had to argue with a taxi driving who was trying to scam me. That could have been avoided if I had installed my esim ahead of time. I also would have saved money by using Grab instead of a taxi.

Live and learn. Now I always install my esims before I arrive in a new country.

Get My Favourite Esim

Esim vs Physical Sim

Esims are a newer technology and not everybody knows about them just yet. I have no doubt they’ll become more and more popular as more people learn about them.

An esim is an electronic sim that you can install on your phone. It gives you access to the local network’s data without having to take out your home country’s sim card and install a sim card for the country you’re travelling in.

You get to keep your home phone number. You still receive texts, iMessages, and WhatApp messages that are sent to your home country’s phone number.

They make getting data in foreign countries so convenient. I don’t think I’ll ever travel without an esim again.

If you want to get a physical sim in Thailand, most people get their sim when you land in Bangkok.

That’s the most convenient place to get it, but it is often very busy. Everybody is trying to get their sim at the airport.

To avoid waiting in long lines, pre-order your Thailand sim card online. You’ll pre-pay for your sim card, so all you have to do is pick it up at the airport.

Plus you save a bit of money when you purchase your sim online in advance versus buying it directly at the airport.

Who doesn’t love more convenience and saving money?

Pre-Order Your Thailand Sim Card

2. Install Grab Before Arriving in Thailand

Grab is the Uber of Southeast Asia. It’s a ride hailing service, and I recommend everybody who visits Thailand use Grab. This is even more true for people who are travelling alone in Thailand.

There are two great things about Grab:

1. It saves you money. Grab is more affordable than taxis. We love to save some money!

2. It’s safer. Especially for solo female travellers. You pay a set price, so you don’t have to worry about being scammed by taxi drivers. It also have in-app tracking. The driver knows they can’t go off course or abduct you because of the in-app tracking. You can even share you location with a third-party (like a family member back home) if you want to. If you have an esim or physical sim, and you’re not feeling safe, you can also chat with someone at Grab or report the driver in real time.

Grab also has food delivery through the app. That may not sound like something you need, but it’s nice to have in case you get in late one night or don’t have the energy to go out for dinner after resting in the hotel after an early morning.

Travelling in Southeast Asia is so much easier when you have Grab. You don’t want to travel without it.

Why You Need to Install Grab Before You Leave

Now that I’ve convinced you that you need Grab in order to solo travel in Thailand effectively, you’re probably wonder why you need to install it in advance.

And trust me when I say you need to install it in advance.

You need to be in your home country when you install Grab. If you try to install Grab when you land in Southeast Asia, you won’t be able to.

The app doesn’t accept a foreign credit card while you’re located in Southeast Asia. And changing your VPN to your home country won’t help you either.

I have no idea why the app will accept your credit card while you’re in your home country then won’t accept the exact same credit card if you’re already in Southeast Asia. But it won’t.

If you find yourself in Thailand without Grab installed on your account, you may be able to have someone at home create an account for you and add your credit card to your account. Then you just have to download the app and log into your account on your phone.

I’ve heard quite a few people have success with that, but I’ve also heard of the odd person where that didn’t work for them. Plus you have to deal with time zones and time changes and arranging a convenient time for the person back home to help you.

Now that you know about Grab, stop reading this article, install it on your phone, and then start reading the article again.

This isn’t something you want to accidentally forget about!

Royal Palace Bangkok

3. Get Outside Bangkok

Bangkok is the most popular tourist destination in the world. Over 22 million tourists visit the city every year.

Too many people go to Thailand, visit Bangkok, and then go back home. They don’t take the time to see any other part of the country.

When you take a solo trip to Thailand, you have the flexibility to plan the trip exactly as you want it. You don’t have to worry about what anybody else wants to do and see. You have complete control of what your Thailand trip looks like.

This means you have no excuse to just visit Bangkok and then leave.

Honestly, Bangkok was my least favourite part of my solo trip to Thailand.

Please don’t cancel me for saying that!

Thailand has so much more to offer than just Bangkok. There is beautiful nature, hiking, beaches, laid-back small towns, rich historical centres, and the best temples are outside Bangkok.

I know it’s tempting to spend all your time in Bangkok. Especially if you don’t have much time to solo travel in Thailand.

But trust me when I tell you it’s 100% worth it to get outside Bangkok and experience another part of Thailand.

4. Have the Right Travel Insurance

You need travel insurance. More importantly, you need the right travel insurance.

I spent far too many years travelling with the wrong travel insurance, and I want you to do better than I did.

If you’re going on a short trip to Thailand and have a job, you probably don’t have to worry about travel insurance. Most companies include short-term travel insurance in their medical benefits package.

However, that doesn’t work for everybody.

Thailand is a hugely popular destination for young backpackers, digital nomads, and people taking a gap year.

If you fall into one of those categories, you need to think about what travel insurance to get. It’s not always an easy choice.

There are lots of things to consider including price, coverage, and reliability of the insurance you’re getting.

It’s not always best to go with the cheapest option. It’s cheap for a reason, and lots of times there are tons of exclusions or it’s nearly impossible to make a claim.

My dad got injured sand boarding in Dubai and had to go to a clinic. He tried to make a claim, was told he was able to make a claim, and then had to submit his entire medical history and fill out dozens of pages of paperwork to get reimbursed for the treatment. He ended up not completing the claims process because it was too much work and too invasive.

So, having the right travel insurance matters.

Safetywing vs World Nomads

Safety Wing Digital Nomad Insurance

Travel Insurance I Use

I personally use Safetywing as my long-term travel insurance.

There are a few reasons I love Safetywing and recommend it as the best digital nomad travel insurance.

  • You can start your coverage even while abraod.
  • You pay monthly and can cancel at anytime. This sets Safetywing apart from a lot of other digital nomad travel insurance companies.
  • Your policy includes coverage in your home country for 30 days after you’ve been out of the country for at least 90 days.

Safetywing is the most comprehensive, flexible, and reliable travel insurance company for long-term travellers.

Learn More About Safetywing Nomad Insurance

5. Be Careful Crossing the Street

You’ve probably seen at least one video or picture of the streets in Thailand when planning your solo trip to Thailand.

They’re chaotic and busy. There are scooters everywhere, and they don’t always stop even when pedestrians have the right of way.

I just want to remind you to be extra safe when crossing the streets in Thailand.

A lot of streets don’t have pedestrian crossing areas, so you just walk across when you can. You need to walk quickly and keep your eyes on a swivel. In every direction.

Cars and scooters won’t run you over when you’re walking across the street. But they will honk and drive closer to you than you may feel comfortable with.

Of course, if there is a dedicated area for pedestrians to cross, use it. But even then, be aware. Keep your head on a swivel and be aware of your surroundings. Scooters have the right of way, and you need to be aware as a pedestrian.

I’m not trying to scare you. You get used to crossing the street very quickly, but it can be intimidating the first few times you try it.

You’ll have to cross the street at some point while you solo travel in Thailand. Just be careful and alert when doing it!

6. Pack Appropriate Clothing

Thailand is hot, and you’ll be tempted to pack shorts, tank tops, and dresses. Those aren’t the right clothing options when travelling to Thailand.

Thailand is a fairly conservative country, and they dress modestly. It would be very rare to see a Thai woman wearing an outfit that showed off her shoulders.

Even though you’re a tourist, it’s important to respect local customs as much as possible. I like to wear skirts that fall past my knees and t-shirts that cover my shoulders when travelling through Southeast Asia.

You’ll see a lot of tourists that aren’t dressed as modestly as that, so it’s completely your choice what you wear.

Just know that there will be places you’re not allowed to visit if you’re not dressed appropriately.

This is mainly temples but also includes other tourist attractions like the Grand Palace.

There are signs outside temples and sites that warn you that you won’t be allowed to enter if you’re not dressed appropriately.

There will also be lots of street vendors yelling at you that you’re not dressed properly and then try to sell you proper clothing.

To enter temples, you need to have your knees and shoulders covered. The rules apply to everybody no matter your gender.

Sometimes they are more lenient with men and allow them in if their shorts aren’t completely covering their knees, but they’re not lenient with women.

So, if you’re planning on doing some solo travel in Thailand, make sure you pack appropriately.

Have at least a few outfit options that follow the modesty guidelines for temples. Something that will cover your knees and shoulders. You can put a shawl around your shoulders to cover them, but it makes walking around the temple and taking photos a little more difficult.

Also be aware that you have to take you shoes off to go inside the temples. If you’re like me and hate the feeling of having your feet touch the ground, make sure you always carry around an extra pair of socks if you wear sandals.

It’s also probably better for hygiene purposes to always have socks and not walk barefoot through the temples.

White Temple, Chiang Rai

7. Don’t Underestimate Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand is my favourite part of Thailand.

Chiang Mai is the most popular city to visit in Northern Thailand, but there are so many other places to see. My favourite is Chiang Rai.

I know a lot of people who visit Northern Thailand only visit Chiang Mai, but it’s worth it to visit some of the smaller towns.

There is a lot of nature in Northern Thailand. Not so much beaches like you see in Central and Southern Thailand, but lots of mountains and green nature.

It’s a nice contrast to other parts of Thailand and gives you a different taste of what the country has to offer.

Even if you just visit Chiang Mai and do a day trip to Chiang Rai or Pai, you’ll get to experience a different part of Thailand you wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.

8. Flying is Just Easier

Thailand is a huge country. It takes a lot longer to travel from one region to another than you might think.

For example, it takes almost 11 hours by train to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. That’s a long journey.

That’s a long time to sit on a train and stay entertained, but it’s even worse when you solo travel in Thailand because you don’t have anybody to talk to and pass the time.

I like to take public transportation and overland when I travel as much as possible, but I have my limits. There is never any guarantee that public transportation will run on time, and I’ve been in far too many scenarios where a bus or train ride said it would be 6 hours and ended up being 10.

I have a basic rule of thumb that if overlanding with public transportation is scheduled to take more than 6 or 7 hours, I’ll fly.

It’s so much more convenient and easier.

Flights within Thailand are very affordable and fly multiple times a day. It’s worth it in a lot of instances to fly to a different part of the country and then overland to other cities that are within a reasonable distance.

9. Be Aware of Local Scams

Just like anywhere else in the world, you need to be aware of local scams in Thailand. You’re at a higher risk of being scammed when you solo travel in Thailand.

You’re an easier target, and you’re more likely to be approached by scammers. You need to be aware of what scams to watch out for and try not to fall for any of them.

Easier said than done sometimes.

Below is a short (but not exhaustive) list of the most common scams in Thailand.

Statue of Three Gods in Chiang Mai

Taxi Scam

It seems like everywhere in the world some taxi drivers give the rest of taxi drivers a bad reputation because they try to scam people. Thailand is no different. Especially at the airport.

You have to take a number to get into a taxi at the airport in Bangkok, but that doesn’t mean the taxi driver won’t try to scam you. I don’t really know why they make people take a number, but they do.

The best way to avoid being scammed by taxi drivers is by taking Grab. You know the price before you get into the car, and it doesn’t change unless you go through a toll booth.

If you do take taxis, be sure that the driver turns on the meter. Most taxi drivers don’t and try to get you to pay a flat fee of their choosing.

They always charge you more with their flat fee than it would cost to use the meter. They won’t want to turn on the meter, but if you keep insisting, they will eventually turn it on.

Grande Palace Scam

There is an increasingly popular scam in Bangkok that happens around the Grande Palace.

You’ll be walking towards the palace, and someone will come up to you and tell you that the palace is closed. It’s either closed for lunch or for a local Thai prayer ceremony.

They say you won’t be able to enter the palace and that instead you should take their tour of other temples in Thailand.

Don’t listen to them. Go to the palace. If it is closed, there will be signs and officials will tell you. Most of the time it isn’t closed.

If you get in their Tuk Tuk and go on their temple tour, you’ll be driven around the city, likely never see anything, and then be told that the tour is actually three or four times more expensive than the personally originally told you it would be.

It’s a very profitable scam, and lots and lots and lots of tourists fall for it every day.

Fake Officer Scam

Sadly, there is a fairly common scam in Thailand where someone will dress up like a government official, stop tourists, ask to see their passport or ID, and then tell them they’re in the country illegally.

Not surprisingly, the charges against the tourist are dropped when the tourist gives the “officer” some cash.

It’s a scary scam for tourists. They think they’ve done something wrong and get nervous about being put into Thai jail.

You’re especially at risk for this scam when you solo travel in Thailand. You basically have a giant arrow pointing at you that you’re an easy target.

You don’t have a travel companion who can step in and suggest that something doesn’t seem right. And you’re more vulnerable as a solo traveller. Especially if you’re a solo female traveller.

If you’re stopped by someone dressed as an official, always ask to see their ID before you get too far in your engagement with them. If they refuse to show you their ID, there is a strong chance that they’re scamming you.

You also want to be cautious on who you give your ID or passport to. You don’t want to give it to just anybody. It’s important to make sure that if you give your ID or passport to someone, it’s someone who has a right to ask to see them.

If you are stopped by a legitimate police officer or government official and have to show them your ID or passport, be sure you don’t let them walk away with your ID or passport. That’s never a good idea. Your passport is one of the most important things you have, and you don’t want to let it out of your sight.

The Gemstone Scam

This is one of the most common scams in Thailand. A lot of tourists want to bring gemstones home as a souvenir from Thailand, and 99% of the time, they’re bringing home fake gemstones.

Sellers will swear that the gemstones you’re buying are authentic and real, but they likely aren’t. They’re worthless fakes the majority of the time. Especially if you purchase them in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

If you want to purchase gemstones in Thailand, make sure you do your research first. Google who sells authentic gemstones in Thailand and look at reviews. You want to make sure you’re buying an authentic gemstone, and it’s worth taking the time to research where to buy them ahead of time rather than making a purchase in the spur of the moment.

Khao Takiab Temple in Hua Hin Thailand.

10. Pack Cash

There is a misconception that you have to use cash in Thailand. That isn’t true. A lot of places accept foreign cards, but it’s important to have cash on hand as well.

Especially if you’re travelling Thailand alone. You won’t have a friend to bum money off of if you don’t have cash and need to buy something.

You need cash to buy street food, small trinkets at markets, and entrance fees for tourist attractions.

If you eat at small, local restaurants (I highly recommend you do), you’ll also likely need cash there as well. Some of the more popular restaurants with tourists accept credit cards but lots don’t.

You also need cash to pay for public transportation or Tuk Tuk drivers if you don’t use Grab.

There are ATMs you can take cash out of, but it’s best to have some cash on hand before you arrive in Thailand. If you use an ATM, be sure it’s attached to a reputable bank and that nobody is hovering too closely to you when you make your withdrawal.

That’ll give you the best chance of not being scammed, getting a fair exchange rate, and being given legitimate cash and not counterfeit money.

Never, ever exchange your money with someone on the street. I know that sounds pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised by the number of people who do that.

11. Be Weary of Strangers who Approach You

Thai people are very friendly. When you travel solo in Thailand, it’s likely that at least a few locals will approach you and start a conversation.

Most of the time the people who approach you are kind and genuine people who just want to get to know a little bit about you.

Sometimes there is a more sinister reason they’re approaching you. Solo travel in Thailand is generally safe, but talking to strangers who randomly approach you is one way to make it less safe.

I’m not saying not to chat with people who approach you. I’m just telling you to be cautious.

Never give out personal information. Never tell them where you’re staying. And never tell them any detailed plans for the rest of your day or trip.

That’s all information that they can use to target you in the future.

You should also be weary about telling them that you’re travelling alone. This is something you can feel out during the conversation.

It’s often easy to determine who is being genuine in their conversation with you and who is just prying for infomation.

Use your gut instinct to figure out whether it’s safe to be honest and tell them you’re travelling alone or if you should lie and tell them your friend is waiting for you at a nearby cafe.

12. The Food is Better than You Think It’ll be

I love Thai food and was so excited to try it. In fact, it’s what I was most looking forward to on my solo trip to Thailand.

Let me tell you that the food did not disappoint. It blew my mind.

Every single thing I ate in Thailand was amazing. If there is something you want to try, get it. You won’t be disappointed.

And don’t skip out on street food or food at the night markets. The food at the night markets is the best street food. You know it’s made fresh because so many people are buying it, and it doesn’t have time to sit out and get a little questionable.

And please promise me you’ll try mango sticky rice.

I waited until a few days before I left Thailand to try it. I don’t really like mango, so it wasn’t a top priority for me to try. That was a mistake. I wish I ate it every day I was in Thailand.

Bring your appetite and don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never heard of before. All my favourite dishes were dishes I hadn’t heard of or tried at my local Thai restaurant before.

Buddha in the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai

13. You Don’t Have to Stay in Hostels

A lot of the information and videos you see about Thailand highlight how affordable it is and how you can get a hostel for just a few dollars a night.

That’s very true, but it also paints a picture that hostels are the best places to stay in Thailand.

As someone who has stayed in one too many hostels as a solo female traveller, I can assure you that they aren’t as glamorous and enticing as people on the internet make them seem.

I’m happy to tell you that if you’re planning to solo travel in Thailand, its completely valid to stay in a hotel if you want to.

The best part is that hotels are very affordable as well, which is great for people on a tight budget. I stayed in pretty decent (and clean) hotels all throughout Thailand. The most expensive hotel was about $45/night in Bangkok. Most of them were about $25-$30/night in the rest of Thailand.

So it’s completely possible to stay in a nice, private, hotel in Thailand without breaking the bank.

You have the flexibility to stay where you want and where you feel safest as a solo traveller because the prices are so affordable. Not every region in the world is a s affordable as Southeast Asia so take advantage of it while you can!

14. Party within Reason

Thailand is known as a party country. Especially Bangkok.

I think this is due to a combination of the younger tourists who tend to visit Thailand, how affordable it is to drink, and the amazing rooftop bars and clubs Thailand has.

I’m not telling you not to drink when you solo travel in Thailand. I’m just telling you to be responsible about it.

You’re alone in a foreign country. Alcohol never makes anybody make better decisions than when they’re sober. Being drunk and alone in a foreign country can be extremely dangerous.

You need to be able to get yourself home safe and sound at the end of your night out. I never have more than one or two drinks when I travel alone.

If I want to drink more, I buy a couple beers from a store and drink in my hotel room or on the hotel rooftop if there is one. It may not be as fun, but it is safer.

The Safe Way to Party in Bangkok

The best way to enjoy Bangkok’s famous nightlife safely as a solo traveller is by joining a bar hopping tour.

The tour takes you to three or four different bars in Bangkok including one of Asia’s most famous bars. It includes transportation and a guide. This means you can drink a little more than you normally would but still be in a safe environment.

You also get to skip any lines there are to get into the bar, which is a huge plus.

Taking a nightclub tour is also a great way to meet other people travelling through Thailand. You can make friends, get travel tips, and potentially find someone to go to a few tourist attractions with the next day.

I highly recommend a nightclub tour for anybody travelling alone in Thailand who wants to get a taste for the nightlife but also be in a very safe situation and environment.

It’s truly the best of both worlds. Being able to drink and have a good time without putting yourself at risk.

Learn More About the Nightclub Tour

15. Internet Safety is Key

You rely on public wifi networks when you travel. Even if you have an esim or physical sim, you’ll be using the hotel wifi at a minimum.

Using public wifi puts you at higher risk of having your personal wifi information stolen. Even if the wifi network has a password, it isn’t safe. Anybody with that password can access and steal your private online information (like your banking information) if they want to,

Trust me when I tell you it’s no fun having to deal with cancelling bank cards while abroad because someone stole your credit card.

The only way to stay safe online when using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your online information. It makes using public wifi networks just as safe as using your home wifi network where you’re the only person who knows the password.

I always safe that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information with a VPN.

NordVPN

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my many years of travel. Most of them are awful to be honest. VPNs are notorious for slowing down your internet speed, and you can really feel the slow down with most VPNs.

I used to get so frustrated with how slow my internet was that I’d turn off my VPN and put my private online information at risk of being stolen.

All that changed when I started using NordVPN.

NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market, and you can really feel the difference compared to other VPN providers.

I’ve been using NordVPN since 2018 and have never once noticed a slow down of my internet speed.

I’m able to keep my online information secure without compromising my internet needs. I put my VPN and internet through a lot of tests with blogging and video editing. It’s nice to be able to rely on NordVPN to keep me safe without sacrificing internet speed.

The best part is that NordVPN is super affordable. A two-year subscription costs less per month than a Starbuck’s latte.

It’s a super small price to pay for the peace of mind you get knowing your personal online information is safe from prying eyes, and you don’t need to worry about your personal information being stolen while you enjoy your time in Thailand.

Learn More About NordVPN

16. Don’t be Afraid to Join a Tour

I’m not the biggest fan of joining tours when I travel alone. I normally find them a bit awkward and oftentimes overpriced. That isn’t the case when you solo travel in Thailand.

Thailand is one of the best places to join a group tour. They’re affordable, and they take you places that are often more difficult to travel to alone.

They’re a great way to learn more about Thailand and Thai culture, see something that would be difficult to experience on your own, and learn insider secrets about the best food to try and things to buy.

Tours are also a great way to meet people and make new friends. The people who travel in Thailand tend to be laidback, younger, and eager for new experiences.

I know it can be scary to join a tour as a solo traveller, but there is really no downside to joining on in Thailand. If you don’t enjoy it, you didn’t spend too much money, and now you know for the future.

Top Tours to Join in Bangkok

Top pick

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Half-Day Tour

Nature lovers

Khao Yai National Park Tour

beack town

Hua Hin Day Tour

city lovers

Ayutthaya Day Tour

Top Tours to Join in Chiang Mai

top pick

Explore Chiang Rai’s Temples

nature lovers

Tour Pai’s Natural Beauty

evening tour

Tour Chiang Mai’s Top Attractions at Night

Top Tours to Join in Phuket

top pick

Phi Phi, Maya, Khai and Bamboo Island Tour

nature lovers

Phang Nga Bay Tour

17. Expect Crowds- Especially in Bangkok

Bangkok is the most popular tourist destination in the world. I was surprised when I heard that. I always assumed it would be Paris or Italy, but it’s Bangkok.

Bangkok is a huge city, but it doesn’t have a ton of tourist attractions. Especially compared to other capital cities like London or Seoul.

This means there are a lot of tourists trying to see the same attractions every day. There aren’t enough attractions in Bangkok that people are going to different places and no single place is overly busy.

Every tourist attraction is busy in Bangkok (and Chiang Mai).

That doesn’t mean that the tourist attractions aren’t worth visiting. There is a reason Thailand is so popular.

It just means that you have to be patient and expect to deal with crowds.

If you know there will be crowds before you arrive somewhere, you can mentally prepare for it. You won’t be caught off guard.

I get anxious is crowds, so it always helps me better prepare for crowds if I know I’ll encounter them. The crowds is something I wish I was more prepared for on my first solo trip to Thailand.

Hopefully you’ll be better prepared for them than I was now that you know to expect them!

Silver Temple, Chiang Mai

18. Enjoy the Freedom

One of the best things about solo travel in Thailand is the freedom you get. You’re alone, so you get to make every choice on what you see, do, and eat.

It can lead to some decision fatigue, but if you’re tired of making decisions, you can just go back to the hotel and rest for a few hours. Easy as that.

The reason I love travelling alone so much is the freedom you get. It’s one of the few times in life where you get to do whatever you want without considering anybody else’s preferences or needs.

It’s one of the most freeing things you can do in your life. It also helps you grow a lot as a person.

I know that travelling alone can be scary at first, but it’s so worth it.

Thailand is one of the best countries in Asia to travel alone for the first time. It’s very easy to travel in Thailand, and there are tons of other tourists around if you want to be social and meet new people.

So, enjoy the experience. Take full advantage of the freedom you get when travelling alone in Thailand.

It’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.

Conclusion

I had no idea I had so much to say about solo travel in Thailand until I started writing this article. I hope I didn’t overwhelm you too much!

Thailand is a beautiful country. It’s diverse in natural beauty, tourist attractions, and food. No two cities are too similar, and you get a new experience everywhere you go.

That’s one of the things I love about solo travel in Thailand. It’s almost like you get multiple different types of vacations and experiences by just going to one country. It has a little bit of something for everybody no matter what your interests are.

I know this article was long, but I hope it helped you plan your solo trip to Thailand and helped you understand what to expect when on your trip to Thailand.

You now know everything I wish I knew before taking a solo trip to Thailand. You’re better prepared than I was, and that’ll help you have an amazing solo travel experience in Thailand.

Be sure to eat some mango stick rice for me while you’re there!

How to Easily Travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin

Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s most popular and laid back beach resorts. Approximately 3.8 million tourists visit Hua Hin every year. Luckily, if you want to visit Hua Hin, it’s very easy to travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin.

There are 5 ways you can travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin. You can take the bus, a train, a private transfer, a guided tour, or drive yourself. I think the bus is the best option. It’s quicker than the train and easier to purchase tickets online in advance.

Even though I think the bus is the best way to travel to Hua Hin from Bangkok, that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you.

This post will cover all the different ways you can travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin, so you can choose the best option for you. Your budget, travel needs, and time constraints will all play a part in you deciding what transportation option is best for you.

All five ways to travel to Hua Hin from Bangkok have their pros and cons. You need to weigh the pros and cons and decide what the best option is for you. I’m here to help guide you in making the best decision for you and your travel needs.

Looking to explore Northern Thailand? Check out my transportation guides on how to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai and to Chiang Rai. Also check out this post on the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai.

Royal Palace Bangkok

Taking the Bus from Bangkok to Hua Hin

I think the bus is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin. It’s reliable, comfortable, and there are 27 different departures from Bangkok each day. You can find a departure time that works perfectly with your travel plans.

When I talk about taking the bus to Hua Hin, I’m referring to both limousine buses and smaller vans. Whether you take a bus or a van depends on where you choose to depart from in Bangkok. We’ll talk about your options later on in this section.

Both the buses and the vans are comfortable. The buses are more comfortable. They have wider seats, and you’ll never be in squished in a middle seat.

The vans are slightly less comfortable. They have three seats in a row, so there will be one person per row who has to sit in the middle.

In the whole big scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter whether you take a bus or a van. You’ll get to Hua Hin safely and in relative comfort no matter what you ride in.

The only times where it really matters whether you take a bus vs a van is if you suffer from motion sickness or have a body shape or impairment that would make it more comfortable to sit in a larger seat on a bus rather than in a van.

The importance of gap year travel insurance

How Long Does the Bus from Bangkok to Hua Hin Take?

The bus from Bangkok to Hua Hin takes between 3.5 hours and 4 hours.

The difference in driving time depends on the traffic and number of stops you make along the way. Half hour isn’t a huge time difference, so it shouldn’t be the deciding factor on what bus/van you choose to take.

Choose a departure/arrival time that suits your needs the most.

How Much Does the Bus Cost?

The price of the bus to Hua Hin depends on a few factors. What time of day you’re leaving, whether you’re taking a bus or a van, and where in the bus you sit. Tickets in the first two rows of the bus are more expensive than seats in the back of the bus.

You can expect to pay between 200 Baht and 400 Baht for your bus ticket from Bangkok to Hua Hin. That’s between $6 USD and $11 USD.

That’s a little bit more expensive than the bus prices in Northern Thailand, but everything near Bangkok tends to cost a little bit more than the rest of the country.

Overall, that’s a pretty fair price to pay for a 3.5 to 4 hour bus ride.

Do You Need to Purchase Bus Tickets in Advance?

Yes! I highly recommend you purchase your tickets in advance. When I was preparing for my first trip to Thailand, all the blogs I read said you didn’t need to purchase tickets in advance. You could just show up at the station and get a seat on the next bus out.

That may have worked in the past, but that doesn’t work anymore.

Hua Hin is quickly becoming more and more popular with tourists. Both domestic and foreign.

The buses are selling out quickly, and if you show up at the station the day you want to travel, there’s a very good chance you won’t be able to get on the bus you wanted to.

Especially if you’re taking a van that has significantly fewer seats than the bus.

Learning Buddha Bangkok

Where to Purchase Bus Tickets in Advance

There are two places you can purchase bus tickets in advance. You can purchase them online or you can go to the bus station and purchase them.

Both options have their pros and cons.

You waste a lot of your precious time in Bangkok physically going to the bus station before your departure date and buying a ticket in advance. This costs not only extra money (you need to get there somehow- most likely by Grab) but also time.

The pro of purchasing your ticket in advance at the station is that it is slightly cheaper to purchase your ticket directly at the station with the bus operator.

I think purchasing your ticket online in advance is the best option.

You have to use a third-party website, and it costs a little bit more than purchasing your ticket at the station.

But the convenience outweighs the small fee for purchasing your ticket online. Plus when you consider the time and cost of going to the bus station to buy your ticket in person, it probably ends up being less expensive to purchase your ticket online.

12Go is the most reputable and reliable website to purchase bus and train tickets in Southeast Asia. If you’re purchasing tickets online, you should always use them.

They’re safe to use, sell legitimate tickets, and can help you if you run into any issues. I’ve used them lots of times during my time in Southeast Asia and have never had an issue with them.

If another website offers tickets at a much lower rate, there is a good chance they’re not selling legitimate tickets. It’s better to pay a small amount more and use a legitimate website than try to save a buck and likely get scammed.

Purchase Bus Tickets

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a huge city, and there are multiple locations where the bus from Bangkok to Hua Hin departs from. They are:

  • Ekkamai (van)
  • Khao San Mama (van)
  • Mochit New Van Terminal (van)
  • Southern Terminal (bus)
  • Khao San Tara (bus)
  • Suvarnabhumi Airport (bus)

Be sure to look at where the bus/van is departing from before you purchase your ticket. Make sure you’re choosing a departure location that is convenient and easy for you to get to.

You don’t want to buy a ticket and then discover that it’s going to take you an hour on public transportation just to get to where your bus/van is departing from.

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Hua Hin?

Just like where it departs from, there are a few different places that the bus/van arrives at in Hua Hin. They are:

  • Hua Hin Minivan Station (van)
  • Hua Hin Market Village (van)
  • Hua Hin Alley 51 (van)
  • New Hua Hin Bus Station (bus)
  • Hua Hin Bus Station (bus)

Be sure to check where your bus/van is arriving at in Hua Hin, so you have an idea on where you’ll arrive in Hua Hin and plan how you’ll get to your hotel.

It’s more important to choose a convenient departure location in Bangkok than arrival location in Hua Hin in my opinion. Hua Hin is much smaller than Bangkok. No matter where you’re dropped off, it won’t be too difficult to get to wherever you’re staying.

Safetywing vs World Nomads

Temple in Bangkok

Taking the Train from Bangkok to Hua Hin

The next best option is to take the train from Bangkok to Hua Hin. Trains in Thailand are comfortable, but they’re slow. They’re not the high-speed trains you’re used to in Europe or East Asia.

But they’re comfortable and reliable.

The train is a good option if you’re a train lover or staying super close to the train station in Bangkok.

How Long Does the Train from Bangkok to Hua Hin Take?

The train from Bangkok to Hua Hin takes 4.5 hours on average.

It may take longer if there is traffic on the railway line, but it shouldn’t take more than 5 hours.

The train is slightly slower than the bus, which is one of the reasons I prefer taking the bus over the train.

How Much Does the Train Cost?

The price of your train ticket depends on what seat you purchase. You can purchase a first-class sleeper seat or a second-class seat. The first-class seat is much larger, and you get a bed to sit or lie down on. The second-class seat is a normal train seat.

I find it a bit awkward to use a first-class sleeper seat when taking a daytime journey. I opt for a second-class seat if I’m travelling during daylight and don’t want to try to get some rest on the train.

If you’re travelling at night, it’s 100% in your best interest to purchase a first-class sleeper seat.

You can expect to pay 300 Baht for a first-class sleeper seat and 150 Baht for a second-class seat. That’s approximately $8 USD for first-class and $4 USD for second-class.

As you can see, the train prices are pretty similar to the bus prices. You’re not saving money by taking the train, but it takes longer.

The price of your ticket may not be exactly as listed above. Prices tend to change depending on the time of departure, time of year, and whenever the company decides to raise prices.

But it gives you a pretty good idea on how much you should budget for your train ticket from Bangkok to Hua Hin.

Khao Takiab Temple in Hua Hin Thailand.

Do You Need to Purchase Train Tickets in Advance?

It’s a little bit more difficult to know whether or not you need to purchase your train ticket in advance.

Trains seat more people than the bus, and it’s less likely to sell out, but that doesn’t mean it won’t.

There have been multiple times when I’ve gone to purchase a same-day train ticket and not had any luck because it was already sold out.

That’s not necessarily the norm, but it happens more than you think. Especially on weekends and holidays.

I think it’s in your best interest to purchase your train ticket in advance, but it’s not always 100% necessary.

Where to Purchase Train Tickets in Advance

The best place to purchase your train tickets in advance is at the train station.

You used to be able to purchase train tickets to Hua Hin from Bangkok on 12Go, but it currently isn’t offered.

They may start offering train tickets again the future so be sure to check 12Go for tickets before you go all the way to the train station to purchase your ticket in advance.

Another thing to note about purchasing train tickets in advance with 12Go is that they apply a higher fee for train tickets than they do for bus tickets.

Bus tickets with 12Go are very similar to buying a ticket at the station. A train ticket on 12Go can have a fee that’s between 1/3 and 1/2 of the ticket price. I’m not sure why there is the difference in fees associated with the bus vs train tickets, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Where Does the Train Depart from in Bangkok?

All the trains from Bangkok to Hua Hin depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station.

That makes it easy to make sure you know where you’re going and not accidentally go to the wrong departure station.

Where Does the Train Arrive at in Hua Hin?

All trains arrive in Hua Hin at the Hua Hin Railway Station.

The railway station is conveniently located less than 1km from the beach, so you’ll likely be able to walk to your hotel from the train station.

Taking a Private Transfer from Bangkok to Hua Hin

Your next option is to take a private transfer from Bangkok to Hua Hin.

This is definitely the most expensive option on this list, but it is also the most flexible. A private transfer picks you up directly at your hotel in Bangkok and drops you off at your hotel in Hua Hin.

You also have the ability to customize your trip. You can choose to stop along the way to Hua Hin and see things you’d never be able to see if you used public transportation.

If you have a larger group of people you’re travelling with, it might be the right decision to take a private transfer rather than the bus or train.

It can also be a great option for people with mobility issues or who tend to get motion sick. You can ask your driver to pull over and stop anytime you need. If you’re uncomfortable and need to stretch your feet or need some fresh air, your driver will happily pull over for you.

That’s a luxury you don’t get with public transportation.

While taking a private transfer isn’t for everybody, it’s definitely a great option for some people.

When I travelled through Vietnam for a month with my parents, they insisted on the convenience of having a private transfer between every city. It’s a luxury I wouldn’t indulge in as a solo traveller, but I’ll admit it was a very nice luxury when I was with them.

Royal Palace Bangkok
Book Private Transfer

Taking a Guided Tour from Bangkok to Hua Hin

If you’re on a tight itinerary and don’t have multiple days to spend in Hua Hin, taking a guided tour is your best option.

It’s a one day tour from Bangkok. It picks you up at/near your hotel, shows you the highlight tourist attractions in Hua Hin, and drops you back in Bangkok in the evening.

It’s a very long day, but it’s the best way to see Hua Hin if you only have one day to explore the area.

You get a taste of Hua Hin, and you can decide if you want to spend more time in the area if you ever come back to Thailand.

The thing I love about the Hua Hin guided tour is that you have the option to join a guided tour or go on a private guided tour. You can save some money by spending the day exploring Hua Hin with strangers or you can spend a little bit more money and explore Hua Hin with just your group and a guide.

I love the flexibility. One of my least favourite things about guided tours is having to make small talk with strangers, and I love that you can opt out of that by taking a private guided tour to Hua Hin.

Even though it’s a long day, it’s worthwhile taking a day trip to Hua Hin. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand for a reason and worth seeing even if it’s just for one day.

Book a Guided Tour

Driving from Bangkok to Hua Hin

Your last option is to drive from Bangkok to Hua Hin.

I don’t recommend this option.

Most people who visit Southeast Asia say something along the lines that there are no rules of the road in the region. That’s false. There are definitely rules of the road. You just don’t know them as a tourist visiting the region.

And because you don’t know the unspoken rules of the road, you put yourself and everybody else on the road with you in danger when you drive as a foreigner.

Unless you’ve driven in Southeast Asia a lot and are very confident, I don’t think you should drive from Bangkok to Hua Hin.

Take public transportation or pay for a private transfer.

It’ll be safer and less stressful.

Is Kuala Lumpur safe for solo female travellers?

The Importance of Internet Safety

One of the most overlooked travel safety tips is to be internet safe. You rely on public wifi when you travel, and that puts you at a higher risk of having your personal and private online information stolen.

Even if you install an esim on your phone, you still rely on public wifi some of the time (like in your hotel). Even if the wifi network has a password associated with it, you’re still not safe. Anybody who has access to that password (e.g. everybody staying in the hotel) is able to access your private online information if they choose to. Including your banking information.

Trust me when I say that it’s no fun having to deal with your bank and cancel your bank cards while on holiday because you weren’t being internet safe.

The only way to stay safe when using public wifi is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that keeps prying eyes out. It makes using public wifi just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

It’s one of the easiest ways to stay safe while travelling. I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to install a VPN on your devices.

Nord VPN

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my many years of travel. I honestly hated most of them.

VPNs are notorious for slowing down your internet speed, and you can really feel it with most VPNs. I used to turn off my VPN and put myself at risk just because I was annoyed at how slow my internet was with my VPN on.

All that changed when I started using NordVPN.

It’s the fastest VPN on the market, and you can really feel the difference compared to other VPNs. I’ve been using NordVPN since 2018 and have never once felt a slow down of my internet speed.

I love NordVPN and have no plans of ever switching to another VPN provider.

You can protect up to six devices with a single NordVPN subscription, so you can keep all your devices safe with one account. It’s super easy and convenient.

The best part is that NordVPN is super affordable. A two-year subscription costs less per month than a single Starbuck’s latte.

It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind you get knowing your personal online information is safe and secure from prying eyes when using a public wifi network.

Learn More About NordVPN

Conclusion

As you can see, it’s super easy to travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin. You have lots of different transportation options, so you can choose the best one for you and your travel needs.

I personally prefer the bus, but you may prefer the train or a private transfer. If you’re short on time, a guided tour is probably the best option for you.

I love that there is a transportation method that suits everybody’s needs. No matter how you prefer to travel or what your budget it, you’ll have no trouble getting from Bangkok to Hua Hin.

And no matter how you choose to get there, you won’t regret going to Hua Hin. It’s one of the most beautiful and laid back areas of Thailand. Everybody who goes loves it, and it’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

How to Easily Travel from Chiang Mai to Pai

Pai is one of the most popular towns for tourists to visit in Thailand. Most people travel from Chiang Mai to Pai because Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand.

Luckily, it’s super easy to travel to Pai from Chiang Mai.

The easiest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai is by taking the bus. It’s affordable, reliable, and safe to use. You can also take a private transfer, go on a guided tour, or drive to Pai. But, taking the bus to Pai is the best option for most travellers.

While Pai technically has an airport, it doesn’t service commercial flights. If you’re trying to travel to Pai from southern or central Thailand and want to avoid a long bus ride, you’d have to fly to Chiang Mai and then follow the steps outlined in this article to get to Pai.

Even though it’s tough to get to Pai directly from Bangkok, it’s worth the effort. Northern Thailand is my favourite part of Thailand, and I always recommend people take the time to visit it.

If you’re interested in seeing more of Northern Thailand than just Pai and Chiang Mai, be sure to read my articles about travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and about the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai.

Anyways, you’re here to learn about travelling from Chiang Mai to Pai!

This article will cover all the different ways you can travel between the two cities as well as important tips and tricks about taking the bus.

Everybody I know who has visited Pai absolutely loves it. It’s one of the most beautiful and unique places in Thailand.

Statue of Three Gods in Chiang Mai

The importance of gap year travel insurance

Taking the Bus from Chiang Mai to Pai

The bus is the easiest way to travel within the different regions of Thailand. If you’re visiting multiple cities in Northern Thailand, the bus if the best way to travel. If you’re travelling from, say, Northern Thailand to Southern Thailand, planes are the best way to travel.

Since Chiang Mai and Pai are both in Northern Thailand, the bus is by far the best way to travel between the two cities.

There are 12 buses that run from Chiang Mai to Pai every day, so it’s easy to find a time that works best for you and your travel needs.

Plus the buses in Asia are so nice and comfortable. They often have a 1 by 2 seat configuration giving everybody way more space than you get on a normal bus in Europe or South America.

It’s important to note that most of the buses that run between Chiang Mai and Pai are actually mini vans. These are smaller vans that sit between 6 and 9 passengers in a 3 by 3 configuration.

They aren’t as nice or comfortable as the full size buses, but they’re still comfortable enough and get you where you need to go.

top tip

Installing an esim on your phone is the easiest way to get phone data in Thailand.

How Long Does the Bus from Chiang Mai to Pai Take?

Chiang Mai and Pai are 130km apart, which is pretty far.

The bus from Chiang Mai to Pai takes anywhere between 3.5 hours and 4 hours depending on traffic and the number of stops it makes.

That’s not bad considering the distance travelled and that the bus most likely will make stops between the two cities.

Sit back, relax, and put in an audiobook. You’ll be in Pai quicker than you realize.

How Much Does the Bus Cost?

The price of your bus ticket to Pai varies a bit depending on what time of day you travel. Off peak travel times will cost you slightly less than peak travel times. The difference isn’t very large and shouldn’t be a deciding factor on what bus you choose to take.

You can expect to pay between 200 Baht and 240 Baht for your ticket. That’s between between $6 USD and $7 USD.

That’s pretty dang affordable for a 3.5-4 hour bus ride!

Do You need to Buy Bus Tickets in Advance?

Yes! I highly, highly recommend you purchase bus tickets in advance. Most other blogs on the interest suggest that you can simply show up at the bus station the day of departure and get a ticket for the next bus from Chiang Mai to Pai, but that isn’t the case anymore.

Bus tickets sell out quickly, and you don’t want to end up in a situation where you arrive at the bus station and find out all the buses for that day are sold out.

I know some people like to travel super spontaneously, but you don’t need to buy your ticket too far in advance. Even a day or two in advance should be enough to guarantee you can get on the bus you want.

You’ll want to purchase your ticket further in advance if you’re travelling on or around a major Thai holiday though.

Temple in Chiang Mai

Where to Buy Bus Tickets in Advance

There are two options for purchasing your bus ticket in advance. The first is to go to the Chiang Mai bus terminal and purchase a ticket there. The other is to purchase it online.

The Chiang Mai bus station isn’t in the heart of Chiang Mai near the old city where most tourists stay. You need to take a Grab there and back. That’s annoying because it costs time and money.

I prefer to purchase my bus tickets online in advance. The downside to doing that is you have to purchase your bus ticket through a third-party website. The third-party is super reliable and legitimate, but it does cost slightly more than purchasing your bus ticket at the bus station.

However, if you consider the cost of going to and from the bus station to get your bus ticket, it ends up being cheaper (and more convenient) to purchase your ticket online.

12Go is the third-party you should be using to purchase all your bus tickets in Southeast Asia. They’re the most reliable third-party on the market.

I’ve used them lots of times and have never, ever had an issue with the ticket I purchased. Some other sites are less reliable, and it’s important to make sure you’re using a reliable site to purchase your bus tickets.

You don’t want to use a shady site to save a small amount of money then find out you don’t actually have a ticket for the bus you thought you did.

So, even though there is a small increase in prices to cover 12Go’s services of helping you get a bus ticket, it’s still the better option compared to buying your bus ticket in person at the bus station.

Purchase Bus Ticket

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Chiang Mai?

All buses from Chiang Mai to Pai depart from Chiang Mai Arcade 2.

That’s the main bus station in Chiang Mai. There are three different terminals at the bus station, so you want to make sure you’re in the right location.

Even though the bus station has three terminals, it’s fairly small. Even if you end up at the wrong terminal, it doesn’t take long to find where you need to be.

Just wander around for a while looking for the departure gate number on your ticket. If you still have trouble finding where you’re supposed to be, there is a help desk you can ask to point you in the right direction.

Silver Temple, Chiang Mai

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Pai?

All buses arrive at Pai Bus Station.

It’s a small station in the centre of the city. A lot of first time visitors to Pai choose to stay close to the walking street. If you’re staying near the walking street, you’ll be able to easily walk to your hotel from the bus station.

If you’re staying anywhere else in Pai (south Pai is another popular area to stay), you’ll want to take a Grab or TukTuk to your hotel. It’s most likely too far to walk. Especially in the heat.

Safetywing vs World Nomads

Taking a Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai

Your next option is to take a private transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai.

This is the most expensive option on this list, and it certainly isn’t the best choice for everybody. Especially not budget travellers.

There are definitely some benefits of taking a private transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai. The biggest is the freedom and flexibility it gives you.

You’re able to completely customize your trip. You have the driver for up to 8 hours. That gives you lots of time to stop and see things on your way from Chiang Mai to Pai.

If you have the financial means or travelling in a larger group of people and can split the costs, it’s one of the best ways to see Northern Thailand.

If you’re a solo traveller like I am, I don’t think it’s worth the cost.

It’s also a great option for people who may get motion sick or have mobility issues. A private transfer picks you up at your hotel and drops you off at your hotel. It takes a lot of the guess work and hassle out of travelling to Pai.

It’s definitely the most convenient way to travel between the two cities, but it’s also the most expensive.

Book Private Transfer

Taking a Guided Tour from Chiang Mai to Pai

The next option is to take a guided tour from Chiang Mai to Pai. The difference between a private transfer and a guided tour is that the guided tour is a day trip, and you’re dropped back in Chiang Mai at the end of the day.

A guided tour is a great option for people who have very limited time in Northern Thailand and don’t necessarily have the time to spend multiple days in multiple cities.

A one day guided tour to Pai will be rushed because there is a lot to see and do in the area, but it’s better than nothing.

Although if you can only do one day tour from Chiang Mai, I recommend taking a trip to Chiang Rai. You’re able to see and do more on that guided tour than the one to Pai.

I think that Pai deserves more than a single day to explore. The guided tour doesn’t include all the highlights you’d want to see in Pai, but it gives you a taste of the region.

Doi Suthep Mountain Scenery Chiang Mai Thailand
Book Guided Tour

Driving from Chiang Mai to Pai

Your final option is to rent a car or scooter and driver from Chiang Mai to Pai.

I don’t recommend this option. Especially for people who haven’t driven in Southeast Asia before and/or haven’t driven a scooter before.

A lot of tourists say “there aren’t any rules of the road” in Southeast Asia, but that’s simply not true. There are rules and driving conventions. You just don’t know them as a tourists.

Since you don’t know the driving conventions, you put everybody on the road at a higher risk of being in an accident.

I think it’s unsafe for tourists to drive in Southeast Asia. But if you choose to drive to Pai from Chiang Mai, I suggest renting a car not a scooter.

The roads are windy and sometimes not always the best maintained if you get off the major roads.

A car also gives you more protection than a scooter does in case you get into an accident. It’s also way easier to store your luggage in a car than on a scooter.

Renting a car and driving to Pai is definitely less expensive than hiring a private driver, but there are a lot of cons that come along with it to.

I only suggest people who have lots of experience driving in Southeast Asia rent a car to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai.

Rent a Car

The Importance of Internet Safety

You rely on public wifi when you travel, and that puts you at risk of having your online information stolen. Even if you install an esim on your phone, you still rely on public wifi at hotels (at a minimum).

Even if a wifi network has a password on it, you’re still at risk of having your online information stolen. Anybody who knows the password can access the network and steal your personal and private data if they choose to including your banking information.

Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to deal with the headache of having your banking information stolen while you’re abroad. You can’t get new cards, and you’re forced into a really uncomfortable position.

The only way you can stay safe while using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to see your personal online information. It makes using public wifi networks as safe and secure as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

Installing a VPN on your devices is one of the simplest travel safety steps you can take and not enough people do it.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect yourself and your private information by installing a VPN on your devices.

NordVPN

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my many years of travel. Honestly, I’ve hated most of them.

VPNs are notorious for slowing down your internet speed, and you can really feel the lag in your connection. I’d often get so frustrated with how slow my internet was that I’d turn off my VPN and put my personal information at risk.

All that changed when I started using NordVPN.

It’s the fastest VPN on the market, and you can really feel the difference between it and other VPNs.

I’ve never felt any internet slow down or lag when using NordVPN, and I’ve been using it since 2018. I’ve renewed my subscription with them once already and plan to renew it again next year when my current subscription is up. I honestly have no plans of ever switching from them.

The other great thing about NordVPN is that you can protect up to six devices with a single subscription. You can keep all your devices safe with one subscription.

Because of my job as a blogger, I use a lot of different technology. I have five different devices I use on a regular basis and am able to keep them all protected with one subscription.

If you have fewer devices than I do, you can potentially keep your whole family protected with one subscription, which is a great deal.

A two-year NordVPN subscription costs less per month than a single Starbuck’s latte, so you have no excuse not to protect your devices when you travel.

It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind and security you get knowing that prying eyes can’t access your personal online information.

Learn More About NordVPN

Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of different ways you can travel from Chiang Mai to Pai. I think the best option is taking the bus. It’s reliable and affordable. No matter your budget, the bus won’t break the bank.

You also have the option of taking a private transfer, a guided day tour, or renting a car and driving yourself.

Out of those options, I think the private transfer is the best choice. It gives you the most flexibility and convenience, but it’s also the most expensive option.

The guided tour is a great option for people who don’t have the time to overnight in Pai but still want to get a taste of the area.

Finally, renting a car and driving isn’t recommend unless you’ve done a lot of driving in Southeast Asia.

How you travel from Chiang Mai to Pai is ultimately your choice. Each option has it’s pros and cons. Each option also suits a different style of travel.

No matter how you choose to travel to Pai, you won’t regret it. It’s an absolutely stunning town and everybody who visits falls in love with Pai.

How to Easily Travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are located in Northern Thailand and are two of my favourite cities in the country. Luckily, it’s super easy to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai!

The easiest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is by taking the bus. You can also take a private transfer, go on a day tour, or fly to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. Although I don’t recommend flying. The two cities are very close, and taking the bus is more convenient (and less expensive) than flying.

Since it is so easy to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus, that’s what most people do. We’ll talk about it more later, but there are tons of buses each day that run between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. They’re quite busy, so you need to book your bus ticket in advance.

I’ll explain how to get your bus ticket in detail in the section talking about taking the bus to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, but I wanted to mention it up front as well just in case you don’t make it to that section of the post.

Chiang Rai is famous for it’s stunning temples. The White Temple is the most popular, but you also need to visit the Blue Temple.

I know there isn’t tons of things to do in Chiang Rai, but it’s 100% worth a visit. Especially since it’s so easy to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

No trip to northern Thailand is complete without stopping in Chiang Rai, so let’s go over how to get there from Chiang Mai!

Wat Rong Suea Ten Temple

Travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Bus

As I mentioned earlier, I think taking the bus to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai is the best way to travel between the two cities.

It’s quick, has many departures per day, and is comfortable. I don’t know why, but the seats on buses in Asia are so large and comfortable. They’re way better than taking the bus in Europe, North America, or South America.

top tip

Installing an esim on your phone is a way easier way to get reliable internet access compared to buying a local sim in Thailand.

How Long Does the Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Take?

The two cities are 186km apart, and it takes between 3.5 and 4 hours for the bus to travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

It just depends on how busy the traffic is and the stops along the way. Most of the time the trip is closer to 3.5 hours than it is to 4 hours.

How Much Does the Bus Cost?

The cost of a bus ticket varies based on a number of different criteria.

There are three different buses that run between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (all operated by the same company). They are: Greenbus, Greenbus Express, and Greenbus VIP. The Greenbus is the least expensive, followed by Greenbus Express, and Greenbus VIP is the most expensive.

It doesn’t really matter what bus you choose to take. They’re not that different so grab whatever one suits your time schedule the best.

The price also depends on where on the bus you sit. The first two rows of each bus are more expensive than the other seats. I think they’re more spacious, but I don’t think it’s worth paying more for a front seat unless you have motion sickness issues.

You can expect to pay between 250 Bhat and 450 Bhat for your bus ticket to Chiang Rai. That’s approximately $7USD to $13 USD.

Silver Temple, Chiang Mai

Do You Need to Purchase Bus Tickets in Advance?

When I was figuring out how to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, every blog I read said you can just show up at the bus station the day you want to travel and get a ticket for the next bus.

That was very, very wrong information. There are a lot of people who travel between these two cities- both tourists and locals-, and the buses are busy. I showed up at 8am hoping to get on the 8:45am bus, but the first bus that had available seats was for 1:45! I got one of the last tickets, and there was a long line of people waiting behind me to get tickets.

You absolutely should purchase your tickets in advance for the bus to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. Especially if you’re only visiting Chiang Rai for one day and need to arrive at a certain time to see everything you want in the city.

top tip

Install a VPN on your phone to keep your private online information safe and secure

Where to Buy Tickets in Advance

Now that you know you need to purchase tickets in advance, you need to know where to purchase those tickets.

There are two ways you can purchase your bus tickets in advance: at the bus station or online through a third-party provider.

Purchasing tickets at the bus station is pretty straight forward. You just go to the bus station a day or two before you want to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and purchase your ticket.

The downside to this is that the bus station isn’t walkable from the core part of Chiang Mai where all the tourists hang out. You’ll have to take a Grab to get there and back. Not only does that add to the price of the ticket, but it also eats into the time you have to explore Chiang Mai.

Purchasing tickets online through a third-party provider is easier but a little more expensive. Since you’re purchasing through a third-party provider, there is a bit of a mark up on the price of tickets.

But, in my opinion, purchasing tickets online is worth the small additional price for the convenience. Plus when you add in the cost of a Grab and the time it takes to get to and from the bus station to purchase tickets, it’s probably cheaper to purchase them through a third-party provider.

The most reliable third-party bus ticket provider in Southeast Asia is 12go. They’re honestly the only third-party company I trust to purchase bus or train tickets in Southeast Asia. They’re reputable and reliable. I’ve never had any issue using them.

Purchase Bus Tickets

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Chiang Mai?

The bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai departs from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3.

You’ll have to take a Grab to the bus terminal, and it takes between 10 and 20 minutes to get to the station depending on where you’re staying in Chiang Mai.

The importance of gap year travel insurance

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Chiang Rai?

The bus from arrives at the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal.

It’s right in the heart of Chiang Rai. You’ll likely be able to walk to your hotel in less than 10 minutes if you’re staying in the main touristy area and not across the river. You should definitely stay within walking distance of the bus station in Chiang Rai. It’s close to the night market and amazing restaurants.

Statue of Three Gods in Chiang Mai

Taking a Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Getting a private transfer to Chiang Rai isn’t the best option for everybody, but it can be a good option for larger groups or people on a time crunch.

You can select your pick up time, and a driver will arrive at your hotel and drive you directly to your hotel in Chiang Rai.

The selling feature for private transfers is you can customize your trip. If there is a place you want to stop and explore between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, you can arrange with your driver to stop there.

It gives you the ability to see more of Thailand than you would if you took the public bus.

I think a private transfer is best for three types of people:

  • Someone who isn’t on a strict budget (we love convenience!)
  • People with mobility issues or need to get out and stretch along the way
  • People who want to stop and see something between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

If you’re able to split the cost three or more ways, then it doesn’t feel too expensive and can be within most people’s budgets.

A private transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is definitely more expensive than taking the bus, but I know a lot of people are willing to pay more for the convenience of getting picked up and dropped off at their hotel.

I took my parents to Vietnam for a month, and they loved the convenience of taking private transfers between cities rather than the public bus. It’s hard to say no to convenience someitmes!

Book Private Transfer

Taking a Guided Tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Booking a guided tour to Chiang Rai is the best way to see Chiang Rai if you only have a day to see the area.

Not only do you get to visit Chiang Rai and it’s famous temples, but you also get to explore parts of Chiang Rai province that are harder to get to with public transportation. You’d need to rent a scooter to get to some of the places the tour takes you.

The guided tour to Chiang Rai packs a punch, and it’s a long tour. You leave at 7am and get back to Chiang Mai around 9pm. You’ll be tired by the end of it, but it’s well worth it. I don’t think you should go to northern Thailand and not see Chiang Rai.

The guided tour takes you to six different attractions:

  • Hot Springs
  • White Temple
  • Black House Museum or Mei Sai city
  • Golden Triangle by boat
  • Karen Hill Tribe
White Temple, Chiang Rai

It’s impressive that they can pack so much into one day. You won’t get to spend tons of time at each location, but you’ll be able to get a taste of them. Seeing them is better than not seeing them.

I do think that spending a couple days in Chiang Rai is worthwhile, but I know not everybody has that type of time in their Thailand itinerary. If you only have time for a day trip to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, it’s still worth it in my opinion.

Book Guided Tour

Flying from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have airports. You could fly from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, but I don’t recommend it.

It’s not the best use of your time or money.

It’s way more expensive than the bus and likely a similar price to a private transfer. Flying is time consuming, and there are rarely direct flights between the two cities. You normally have to fly to Bangkok then transfer to another flight to Chiang Rai.

It’s a headache that isn’t worth it so don’t fly to Chiang Rai. Take an overland method!

Driving from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Your final option is to drive to Chiang Rai.

I don’t recommend this option for tourists.

Driving in Thailand (or anywhere in Southeast Asia) isn’t easy. You have to know the local, unwritten rules of the road, and tourists don’t.

I truly believe that tourists driving make the roads more dangerous in Southeast Asia. I don’t recommend it unless you’ve spent a lot of time in the region, are very familiar with the local driving rules, and hopefully have had some sort of instruction on driving in the region.

So, while you can drive to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, I don’t recommend it. It’s better to take any other option on this list.

Safetywing vs World Nomads

Temple in Chiang Mai

Conclusion

I hope this article helped you figure out the best way to travel to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai.

There are lots of different ways to travel between the two cities. It’s up to you to figure out the best way based on your budget, travel needs, and how much time you have to explore Chiang Rai.

I personally like taking the bus, but I know a lot of people opt for a private transfer because of the convenience and relatively affordable price.

If you only have one day to explore Chiang Rai, taking a guided tour is your best option. You’ll see more and have a more relaxing time than trying to put together a day trip by yourself.

No matter how you choose to get to Chiang Rai, it’s well worth it. I loved Chiang Rai. It’s a beautiful and unique city. I don’t know anybody who has visited Chiang Rai who hasn’t loved it.

Tourist’s Guide to the Blue Temple Chiang Rai

If you’re going all the way north to Chiang Rai, you’re probably going to visit the famous White Temple. It’s absolutely worth the visit, but there is a lesser known and equally beautiful temple you also need to check out. The Blue Temple Chiang Rai is worth spending an extra day in Chiang Rai to visit.

Trust me. You’ll regret not seeing it.

The Blue Temple in Chiang Rai is actually called Wat Rong Suea Ten, but I’ll keep referring to it as the Blue Temple Chiang Rai. That’s what it’s colloquially known as.

Plus it’s easier to remember, and everybody in Chiang Rai knows exactly what you’re talking about if you ask about it.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Blue Temple Chiang Rai, so you can plan the perfect trip to see it.

Blue Temple in Chiang Rai

History of the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Suea Ten is also known as the Temple of Dancing Tigers. It’s called this because the story goes that there was an ancient temple where the Blue Temple Chiang Rai now stands.

It’s said that when the ancient temple still stood, tigers freely roamed around the temple and protected it. The ancient temple was abandoned over a century ago.

The Blue Temple in Chiang Rai is surprisingly young. Construction began in 2005 and was finished in 2008. I had no idea that the temple was so young when I visited it and only learned that after I left.

The temple was designed by Putha Kabkaew who was a student of the artist and designer of the White Temple also located in Chiang Rai. Again, I didn’t know that when I visited, but I did feel that the two temples felt a little similar even though I couldn’t put my finger on why. The main temple has a similar shape as the main temple of the White Temple.

Blue was chosen as the colour for the temple because in Thai culture blue is the colour of healing.

Top tip

Installing an esim on your phone is a lot more convenient than getting a local sim when you arrive in Thailand.

How to Get to the Blue Temple Chiang Rai

Most tourists who visit Chiang Rai stay near the bus station and night market. It’s the most central area of Chiang Rai and where most of the hotels are.

The Blue Temple is located on the other side of the river from the bus station and main tourist area.

Walking

You can walk from the bus station area to the Blue Temple. That’s what I did. It takes about 45 minutes. You have to walk on some unpaved sidewalks and down into an underpass to find a staircase to cross the bridge.

It took me a while to figure out how to cross the bridge and thought I might have to give up and call a car to take me, but there is a staircase even though you can’t see it when you first walk up to the bridge.

Even though I walked to the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai, I don’t recommend it. It was hot and a much longer walk than I anticipated. There also wasn’t any shade covering.

Luckily, there are other easier ways to get to the Blue Temple.

Wat Rong Suea Ten Temple Chiang Rai

Tuk Tuk

The first is to take a Tuk Tuk. They’re all over Chiang Rai, and your hotel could even arrange one for you. There are also lots of Tuk Tuks waiting in the Blue Temple parking lot waiting to bring tourists back to their hotel.

If you want to take a Tuk Tuk, just be sure to negotiate a price before you get in. Otherwise there is a chance that you’ll be overcharged and end up paying way more than you thought. And once you’ve already arrived at your destination, it’s pretty hard to get the price lowered.

Grab

The next option is to take a Grab. Grab is the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber, and I rely on it a lot when in Southeast Asia. You have to download the app and input your credit card information while you’re in your home country. If you try to add a foreign credit card while already in Thailand, it won’t work.

Once you have the app downloaded, you use it just like you would Uber. A car or bike will come pick you up and drive you to the Blue Temple. It’s super affordable, and I recommend everybody going to Southeast Asia get the Grab app before their trip.

The importance of gap year travel insurance

Songthaew

The final way to travel to the Blue Temple Chiang Rai is by Songthaew.

Songthaew is a form of shared taxi in Thailand. They’re big trucks with a covered back, and you sit on benches in the back. They’re very common in Thailand and one of the most affordable ways to get around.

The downside of using Songthaew is that they don’t always run on a set schedule. Drivers tend to wait until there are enough people wanting a ride to make it worth the money.

If you’re visiting the White Temple, they run every 10 or so minutes, so you never have to wait long, but that isn’t always the case with the Blue Temple.

A Songthaew left about five minutes before I was ready to go. I waited for about half an hour for another one to show up but none did. So I walked home. I’m weirdly stubborn about walking if I can. About 10 minutes into walking, a Songthaew drove past me. I assume it was coming from the Blue Temple.

Just like with a Tuk Tuk, if you take a Songthaew, be sure to ask the price before you get in. I’ve never had a driver tell me the price, and I’ve always had to ask.

Songthaew are very affordable, so they won’t break the bank.

In Chiang Rai, they typically drop the tourists off at the bus station. If there is somewhere else you specifically want to go, you have to ask the driver before getting in.

Wat Rong Suea Ten Temple

Cost of Visiting the Blue Temple Chiang Ria

The Blue Temple is first and foremost a temple for the locals. It was built for the locals because there were no other temples in the area, and it’s primarily used by the locals.

It isn’t a tourist destination like the White Temple. Tourists just happen to visit it.

Since it was built for and used by the locals for their religious practices, there is no costs to visit the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai. Even if you’re just visiting it as a tourist and not using it for religious reasons, there is no fee to enter.

This is a nice change to a lot of the popular temple tourists visit in Thailand that often have entrance fees.

Hours of Operation

Now that you know how to get to the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai and that there is no fee for visiting, I’m sure you’re wondering when you can visit this beautiful temple.

The Blue Temple is open every day from 7am to 8pm.

It gets pretty crowded in the late morning until the early evening. If you want to avoid the crowds, be at the temple as close to 7am as possible.

I got there around 11am, and it was pretty busy especially inside the main temple. It was hard to get good pictures without a ton of people in the frame. I often had to stand around for five or so minutes to get a quick picture without people in it.

The Importance of Being Respectful

I mentioned earlier that the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai is primarily used by the locals. You should be respectful at every temple you visit in Thailand, but I think it’s even more important when you’re visiting a local temple and not a super touristy temple.

No Shoes

This means taking off your shoes before you go inside. There are lots of places to store your shoes on the outside of the temple. There are lots of signs reminding you to take off your shoes before you go inside, and you’ll remember when you see everybody else doing it.

If you’re like me and have a weird thing about not having your bare feet touch the floor, be sure to store an extra pair of socks in your purse or bag just in case you’re wearing sandals when you visit a temple.

Picture Etiquette

The Blue Temple like most temples in Thailand is a Buddhist temple. It’s often considered rude to take pictures of Buddha, but there aren’t signs in the Blue Temple telling you not to take pictures.

Almost everybody is taking pictures of the Buddha in the main temple, so you shouldn’t have any issues if you want to take a pictures.

That being said, if someone asks you not to take pictures of the Buddha or if signs appear in the future saying no pictures of the Buddha, it’s important you respect those signs.

Along the same lines, please don’t take pictures of people praying or of random people. It’s just rude. Nobody consented to you taking their picture.

People end up in the background of photos all the time. That’s not the issue. It’s rude when you make someone who hasn’t consented to being in your photo the primary focus of your photo. Tourists need to stop doing that.

Buddha in the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai

Dress Appropriately

There are rules on how you must be dressed to enter a temple in Thailand and normally there is someone watching people who enter and stopping people who don’t meet the dress code.

You have to have your shoulders and knees covered to enter the temple.

A lot of tourists don’t realize this when they plan their trip to Thailand and only pack shorts and tank tops. That’s why you see so many tourists wearing those elephant pants with a shawl over their shoulders inside temples.

There aren’t really any clothing stores or stands near the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai, so you can’t quickly go out and buy something if you don’t meet the dress code.

So make sure you’re wearing the right clothing or have extra clothing packed before you leave to visit the Blue Temple.

Otherwise, you’ll be disappointed and not be able to visit the temple.

Hushed Voices

The final reminded is to keep your voice hushed if you’re talking to someone else. The Blue Temple is a religious place, and it’s respectful to keep your voice down and whisper if you’re going to talk inside the temple.

Can I Visit the White Temple and Blue Temple on the Same Day?

Technically, it’s possible to visit both temples on the same day, but I don’t recommend it. You’ll be rushed and tired. But if you only have one full day in Chiang Rai and want to visit both temples, it is possible.

The easiest way to visit both temples in the same day is by using Grab. You don’t have to rely on the timing of public transportation and can move at your own pace. It is going to be the most expensive way to see both temples though.

The next best option is taking the 8:10am bus from the bus station to the White Temple. The White Temple opens at 8am, and you’ll arrive around 8:30.

Arriving this early also means there won’t be many other tourists, and you’ll get some amazing pictures!

After you’re done at the White Temple, take the bus or Songthaew back to the bus station. From there, take a different Songthaew or Tuk Tuk to the Blue Temple.

Your Songthaew driver from the White Temple probably won’t drive you all the way to the Blue Temple, but you can ask. Maybe you’ll get lucky.

I recommend people allot at least four hours to visit the White Temple. This includes the time to get to and from the bus station to the White Temple and visiting the temple.

This is the minimum amount of time. You can easily spend an entire day at the White Temple it’s such a huge complex with so many things to see and do.

I recommend people allot about two hours to visit the Blue Temple including the time it takes to get to and from the bus station.

So, while it is possible to visit both temples in a day, you’ll be tired at the end of the day and won’t be able to see much else of Chiang Rai.

There aren’t a ton of other tourist things to do in Chiang Rai, but it is nice to not be rushed.

Tips for travelling alone for the first time

The Perfect Amount of Time in Chiang Rai

I think a day and a half is the perfect amount of time to spend in Chiang Rai. Most people come to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai by bus.

Catch a morning bus and be in Chiang Rai by noon. The day you arrive, you can visit the Blue Temple and the next day you can visit the White Temple.

The only tricky part about this is that a lot of people travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai every day.

When I travelled between the two cities, every blog post I read said that you could just show up at the bus station and easily get on a bus to Chiang Rai. That’s not the case anymore.

I got to the bus station at 8:30 hoping to get on a bus that left just after 9am, but the first bus that had an empty seat left at 1pm.

The only way your 1.5 days in Chiang Rai plan is going to work is if you buy your bus ticket in advance and don’t rely on just showing up at the bus station.

Learn from my mistakes!

Blue Temple Chiang Rai

The Importance of Internet Safety

You rely on public wifi when you travel. Even if you have an esim on your phone, which I highly recommend, you at least rely on the hotel’s wifi when you’re there to save your data for when you don’t have access to wifi.

Using publici wifi, especially when travelling, puts you at high risk of having your personal and private online information stolen. Even if you use a wifi network with a password, anybody who knows that password can use it, and it isn’t very secure.

Trust me when I say you don’t want to have your banking information stolen while you’re abroad and have to deal with the headache of cancelling your bank cards while trying to enjoy your relaxing vacation.

It’s a nightmare I wish on no one!

The only way you can protect yourself while using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your online information and steal it.

A VPN makes using public wifi networks just as safe as using your home wifi network where you’re the only person who knows the password. It is one of the simplest ways you can stay safe while travelling.

I always say that if you can afford travel, you can afford to protect your online information.

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My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my years of travel and hated most of them. VPNs are notorious for slowing down your internet speed. I would get frustrated at how slow my internet was and then would turn off my VPN and put myself at risk.

That all changed when I started using NordVPN. It is consistently ranked the fastest VPN on the market, and that’s why I love it so much. I never notice a slow down in my internet speed.

I use my phone a lot when I travel, and I’ve never been tempted to turn off my NordVPN because of internet lagging.

It even works perfectly with my esim.

I’ve been using NordVPN for over 5 years and have no plans of ever stopping. It’s the VPN I make all my friends and family sign up for when they travel as well.

You can protect up to six devices with a single subscription, so you can easily protect all your devices with one account.

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Conclusion

Visiting the Blue Temple Chiang Rai is a must do activity in Northern Thailand. It’s one of the most beautiful temples in all of Thailand, free to enter, and easy to get to.

It’s well worth arranging a little bit of extra time in Chiang Rai and adding the Blue Temple to your itinerary. You’ll probably regret it if you don’t!

I put up an Instagram poll after my trip to Chiang Rai asking people if they thought the White Temple or the Blue Temple was more beautiful.

The overwhelming majority of people voted for the Blue Temple. I still can’t decide which one I liked better, but if the poll is any indication, the Blue Temple can’t be missed when in Thailand!