How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps

Thailand, the land of smiles, No. 1 for travel in Southeast Asia, is rich in culture and history, and filled with golden temples, radiant beaches, cuisine that is adored around the world, and friendly smiling people.

If you're looking for a way to rekindle your spark or to enjoy quality time with your kids, it's time to book a trip to the best vacation spots for couples or families in Thailand.

Don't know where to start? Read on for your handy guide to planning a trip to Thailand.

1. Choose Where to Go

Based on our expertise and feedback from travelers, we recommend starting with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and a southern beach for your first trip. If you have extra time, consider adding Chiang Rai or a national park for a deeper experience.

1) Bangkok — The Perfect Start

As Thailand's vibrant capital and main gateway, Bangkok is a dynamic mix of ancient temples, bustling markets, and modern skyscrapers.

Spend 2–3 days exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, taking a foodie tour in Chinatown, enjoying a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, and experiencing a floating market.

For a unique getaway, consider spending a night in a floating house in Kanchanaburi, a peaceful riverside town just a short trip from Bangkok.

2) Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai — Yi Peng Lantern Festival & Elephants

If there's one time to visit Chiang Mai, it's during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November. Thousands of glowing lanterns fill the sky, creating a breathtaking, almost surreal scene. It's one of Thailand's most magical experiences and a bucket-list event for many couples and travelers.

Another highlight of Chiang Mai is its ethical elephant experiences. You can choose a hands-off observation or a hands-on experience, including feeding, walking, or bathing these gentle giants.

To enrich your trip, consider a hike in Doi Inthanon National Park, witnessing alms-giving at the foot of Doi Suthep, visiting a long-neck Karen village, or taking a day trip to Chiang Rai to see the stunning White Temple and the historic Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

3) The Thai Islands: Phuket or Samui?

Your Thailand trip would not be complete without visiting at least one or two of its beautiful islands. The only question is which island should you choose from so many islands on both the west and east coasts of Thailand.

Phuket, along with Krabi and Koh Phi Phi, on the Andaman Sea (west coast) is loved by families for its various exciting activities and family-friendly hotel options.

While Ko Samui, along with Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao, on the east coast is very popular with couples, due to their being home to luxury resorts and a quieter vibe.

If you are traveling in your summer vacation, Ko Samui is recommended for its sunny and dry weather, while Phuket is in its rainy season.

Can't make a decision yet? Suggested read: Phuket vs Koh Samui.

4) A National Park: Enjoy Jungle Hikes and Encounter Wildlife

To enrich your stay in Thailand, you should consider including a national park in your trip, such as Kao Yai or Khao Sok.

Located north of Phuket, Khao Sok National Park is home to some of the planet's oldest rainforests, with guided activities including jungle hikes and boat tours on scenic Cheow Lan Lake. Spending a night in a "tree house" (treetop lodge) could be an experience full of lifetime memories for your kids. For couples, there's the special and romantic experience of staying in a luxury tent surrounded by rainforest.

North of Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park makes an amazing day out.

If you're planning a trip to Southeast Asia, get some inspiration from our article: 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Couples, Families, and More.

Related article: on How to Plan a Family Trip to Thailand.

2. Decide How Many Days to Stay

10 Days for a Classic Trip

For a first-time trip to Thailand, we recommend spending 10 days exploring the country's highlights: Bangkok (2–3 days), Chiang Mai (2–3 days), and a southern island like Phuket or Koh Samui (3–4 days). This itinerary covers Thailand's top three destinations, offering a perfect mix of culture, nature, and beach relaxation.

See more details in our 10-Day Thailand Classic Tour.

10–15 Days for a Deeper Experience

With 10 to 15 days, you can explore more of Thailand, such as charming Chiang Rai or a national park. This extra time allows for a more immersive experience beyond the classic route. Check out our sample itineraries for inspiration:

• 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday
• 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour
• 14-Day Thailand Adventure Tour

For more itinerary ideas, visit our guide: The Ultimate Thailand Travel Itinerary (5 Days to 1 Month).

3 Weeks or More for a Multi-Country Trip

If you have 3 weeks or more, consider combining Thailand with Vietnam or Cambodia, two of the most popular extensions. Explore sample itineraries to plan a seamless multi-country journey.

For a fully customized experience, contact a travel specialist to tailor your itinerary based on your preferred destinations and trip length.

Extended reading: How Long to Spend in Southeast Asia (for First Timers)

3. Consider When to Travel to Thailand

November to February is the most comfortable time to visit, with cooler temperatures and little rain—perfect for sightseeing, outdoor adventures, and beach time. However, this is also peak season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.

If you're visiting Thailand only once, I highly recommend timing your trip around the Yi Peng Festival (November) or New Year's Eve. Seeing thousands of lanterns floating into the night sky is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

March to May is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). If you can handle the heat, this is a great time for island-hopping. It's also when Songkran (April 13–15), Thailand's famous water festival, takes place—an exciting and unique cultural celebration.

June to October is the rainy season, but it doesn't mean constant downpours. Showers are usually short and bring cooler temperatures. If you don't mind a bit of rain, you'll enjoy fewer crowds, lush scenery, and lower prices. Some islands, like Koh Samui, stay relatively dry, making them a great option during this time.

Not sure when to go? Let us know what kind of experience you're looking for, and we'll help you plan the perfect trip!

You can get more detailed tips on Best Times to Travel to Thailand.

4. Consider Your Budget for a Thailand Trip

Thailand is known for offering incredible experiences at great value, and your budget will depend on your travel style. A private tour is an affordable luxury in Thailand!

Here's a general idea of what to expect:

Mid-Range Comfort ($150–$200 per day per person)
For a comfortable trip, including 4-star hotels, private tours, domestic flights, and dining at nice restaurants, expect to spend around $2,000–$2,800 for two people on a 2-week trip. This budget allows you to enjoy Thailand's highlights with a mix of convenience and local experiences.

Luxury Travel ($250+ per day per person)
If you're looking for 5-star resorts, private chauffeurs, high-end dining, and exclusive experiences, Thailand still offers fantastic value compared to Western destinations. A luxury 14-day private tour typically costs $3,500–$5,000 per person, depending on the level of exclusivity.

What Impacts Your Budget?

• Hotels: A 4-star hotel averages $80–150 per night, while a 5-star beachfront resort can be $250+ per night.
• Transport: Domestic flights between cities are affordable (around $50–$100 per person). Private transfers cost more but add comfort.
• Activities: Entrance fees and tours are reasonable—expect to spend $30–$100 per day for guided experiences.
• Dining: Local street food is as low as $3–5 per meal, while a nice restaurant costs around $20–40 per person.

Need a budget-friendly yet personalized trip? Let us help you design the perfect Thailand experience within your price range! or check out some private Thailand tours and private Southeast tours to get a general idea of the cost.

5. Consider Traveling Independently or Taking a Guided Tour

While Thailand is easy enough to travel to independently for backpackers, it is at the same time very time-consuming (if not troublesome) to choose the most suitable hotels and arrange all the best activities for you, while seeking value for money and great service.

A private guided tour is a great way to maximize your time, eliminating any frustrating time spent on planning and traveling and ensuring a smoother, stress-free, and more enjoyable journey.

Work with our travel consultant to create an itinerary that fits your schedule and focuses on the places and experiences that matter most to you. Our consultants can not only help you sift through thousands of hotel and restaurant options to find the right one for you, whether it's for couples or families but also quickly provide alternative solutions in case of any changes.

Contact us to enjoy a quality service.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

6. Check Out Thailand's Visa Policy

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a tourist visa to enter the Kingdom of Thailand, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Most travelers can stay in Thailand without a visa for 30 days. We have more information on Thailand visas and visa requirements for other Asian countries.

7. Getting to and Around Thailand

Getting to Thailand

Flying from North America to Thailand usually involves a connecting flight. Popular transfer cities include Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Hong Kong, Taipei, and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

Direct flights operate between Bangkok and the main cities in Europe and Oceania.

We are confident that our private tours are the most convenient option for your trip to Thailand. We can make an itinerary according to your flight times and arrange trouble-free private transport.

Connecting to Other SE Asian Countries

Bangkok is the top gateway city for travel to Southeast Asian countries. From there you will find frequent flights to other major cities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. This makes Thailand not only a popular destination stop but also a gateway to its neighboring SE Asian countries.

Booking a private tour with us, we will arrange your transportation within Southeast Asia. Our travel consultant will search the flight schedules, arrange the best connections, and book the air tickets.

You're in Good Hands with Asia Highlights

At Asia Highlights, we have created over 10,000+ big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples. We truly understand that every single big trip planned for our clients is not just for good holiday memories but also for joyful celebrations of life's milestones.

Read comments from our clients on TrustPilot, for example:

Daniel Ponce:

• "Everything went better that we'd expected! Our guides were local people who knew about the city, the people, and how to solve problems. They were really punctual and had the best attitude!

Rosangela Campos:

• "Traveling with Asia Highlights is a guaranteed wonderful experience in Asia! I highly recommend them!"

Get a wonderful Thailand vacation by sending us a message. Or check out our sample itineraries for inspiration:

• 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday
• 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
• 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
• 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples

Further Reading

• 2 Weeks in Thailand – 3 Perfect Thailand Itineraries
• 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Couples, Families, and More
• How to Plan a 3-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary