Planning a Trip to Thailand

Thailand is the most visited country in Asia and you'll understand why once you get there. Known for its stunning beaches, friendly locals, party life, and incredible scenery, Thailand is a true paradise on earth.

Planning a trip to Thailand can be a bit overwhelming as there are so many destinations to choose from. But don't fret, traveling to Thailand is easy and most of the popular destinations are easy to reach.

When planning your itinerary, make sure to check the weather first, depending on the area you're visiting, the weather can be entirely different.

You'll want to include a couple of the best national parks in Thailand to see some wildlife, go hiking, and go snorkeling or diving (the country counts many marine parks!). The most popular parks include Khoa Sok National Park, known for its tropical jungle, wildlife, hiking trails, caves, and traditional raft houses, and Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, near Koh Samui, known for its limestone islets, and amazing diving and snorkeling sites. Kui Buri is also a must-visit, it's one of the best place in Thailand to see elephants in the wild.

In northern Thailand, Bangkok and Chiang Mai are popular tourist spots. The area is ideal if you want to discover Thailand's rural life (once you're out of the cities), national parks, and visit temples. You can spend a few days in the area and fly to the south.

Tourist usually stick to visiting the island in the southern part of Thailand, except for Krabi. If you're short on time, you can base yourself in Krabi and go island hopping from there to visit some of the best islands in Thailand. Some you shouldn't miss are Ko Phi Phi, Maya Bay, James Bond Island, and Ko Lanta.

More towards the south, Koh Lipe is also worth visiting while the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha Ngan will make a perfect getaway on the east coast.

Once you have your itinerary ready, you can start booking hotels and flights, there's no need to book boat tickets in advance. The day before will be fine if you're visiting during a busy season, otherwise just show up at the pier. Some companies offer pick-ups at your hotel.

Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen (reef-safe), mosquito repellent, a plug adapter, comfortable shoes, and enough clothes for a week (you can easily find laundry services). Make sure to get travel insurance as well.

I share with you my travels around the world, the best places I visit, and useful travel tips on my travel blog Julie Around the Globe