If you want to know how to plan a trip to Thailand, you've come to the right place. That might sound a bit arrogant, so let me put my statement into perspective.

First of all: I've been exploring Thailand – meaning I plan my own trips through the country – for almost 20 years as I write this. Furthermore, during that time I've created bespoke Thailand itineraries for literally hundreds of other travelers.

No matter where you are in your Thailand holiday planning, I hope you'll spare me a few more minutes. You'll be ready to book flights and hotels by the time you reach the end of this page!

Planning a trip to Thailand isn't difficult, but…

Believe me, I could plan a trip to Thailand in my sleep: Thailand has a special way of deceiving travelers. And I'm not just talking about the scams you sometimes encounter on the streets of Bangkok; I've already written separate posts about those. Rather, both Thailand's apparent size from afar and its reputation as a relaxed country where you can drift along lead many travelers to inadequately plan their trips.

For example, a private client I recently helped booked international flights to and from Bangkok, a domestic flight to Phuket (and from there back to the capital), and seemingly random hotels in both cities. However, since he hadn't researched his planned activities, these accommodations proved impractical for his actual travel plans. Had he not contacted me to resolve the issue, his trip would likely have been a complete disaster.

What you should consider when planning your trip to Thailand

Thailand is bigger than it looks

I've mentioned it elsewhere on this website, but it can't be stressed enough: Thailand is not a small country! Even with a well-developed network of budget airlines and excellent public transport in Bangkok, it takes weeks (not days) to explore Thailand comprehensively. If you haven't been there before, I would advise you to extend your trip by at least 50% (or, if you can't spare more days, reduce the number of destinations accordingly).

(And more expensive than you think)

Another unpleasant truth about traveling to Thailand? It's more expensive than ever – and this trend is accelerating. When I first went to Thailand in 2010, it was easy to find a three-star hotel in Bangkok or an air-conditioned bungalow on one of the Thai islands for 1,000 THB (about 33 USD) per night or less. Nowadays, I think it's difficult to travel in Thailand for less than 100 USD per person per day; this amount is easily exceeded, especially if you're flying Thai Airways business class.

Bangkok is underestimated

When I was planning my first trip to Thailand, the advice was almost unanimous: skip Bangkok and fly directly to your dream island. I followed this advice and ended up in Bangkok rather by chance, as my camera broke down on Koh Mak and I had to replace it. And what can I say? I immediately fell in love with the aptly named "City of Angels." From the temples and flower markets of old Rattanakosin to the imposing steel and glass shopping malls along Rama I Road beneath the towering BTS Skytrain – Bangkok never fails to make my heart skip a beat.

(And many islands are overrated)

Conversely, if you plan a trip to Thailand without focusing on the country's islands (however vague that term may be), you'll quickly be surprised. And I love many Thai islands, from tiny Koh Lipe in the far south to the unjustly underrated gem Koh Tao in Chumphon, and even the legendary Koh Phi Phi, despite its recent overcrowding. Nevertheless, many Thai islands, especially the very large ones like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Chang, simply fail to live up to the high expectations.

You need to be vigilant, but not paranoid.

Is Thailand safe? Yes, generally speaking, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, Thailand's roads are among the most dangerous in the world. Always wear your seatbelt; don't ride a motorbike unless you are extremely experienced, even before your plane has landed (driving a car is safe). You should also be vigilant, but not overly cautious, about other hazards (scams in Bangkok, flooding during the rainy season, pollution during the dry season). Thailand is not a dangerous country, but it can become dangerous if you are not careful.

The easiest way to plan your Thailand trip

The vast majority of travelers can easily plan their Thailand trip themselves. Ironically, those of you starting from scratch are in a better position than the travelers I mentioned earlier whose trip planning involved a fair amount of chaos. All you really need to plan a trip to Thailand are firm travel dates, a list of the places and activities you want to visit, and a rough idea of ​​your budget.

Well, all of that, plus time. Especially if you don't have the time to sit down and put together the details of your trip yourself, hiring a Thailand travel planner like myself is incredibly helpful. I only need 30 minutes from you to discuss your dream trip via Zoom. Afterwards, I'll create a personalized itinerary for you with daily recommendations for activities, meals, and accommodations, as well as detailed transportation information.

Other frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Thailand

How do I plan my first trip to Thailand?

Planning your first trip to Thailand is simple, even if it's not always easy. You'll need travel dates, a list of destinations and experiences (ideally prioritized), and a budget, either per day or overall. Once you have all that, you can start planning your first trip to Thailand almost immediately.

How much would an average trip to Thailand cost?

In the nearly two decades I've been planning trips to Thailand, the country has become more expensive—and prices have risen faster than in the rest of the world. As of the late 2020s, I recommend budgeting around US$100 per person per day, not including round-trip airfare. This means that if you're spending about two weeks in Thailand (like most travelers), you should expect to spend at least US$1,400 per person during your stay.

Is it currently safe to travel to Thailand?

Thailand is a safe travel destination, despite reports of sectarian violence in the far south (which travelers generally avoid), flooding (which is frequent but usually short-lived and occurs only during the rainy season), and air pollution that affects the country from about January to March. It is important to check the current situation shortly before traveling and adjust plans accordingly, although the circumstances are rarely so severe as to require this.

Conclusion

I'm an expert at planning a trip to Thailand. From sightseeing and the best time to travel to the culinary specialties of each city and region – I could put together a Thailand itinerary in my sleep, without exaggerating. No wonder: I've been coming here for almost 20 years. The good news for all Thailand first-timers: if you keep a few key points in mind (Thailand is bigger than it looks and, in my opinion, safer than you might think; when island hopping, it's more about selection than completeness), the planning becomes significantly easier. Provided, of course, that you don't simply commission me to plan your Thailand trip.