Hi, i am completely new to the world of travelling and backpacking, its something i have dreamt about doing and have always held back from.. I really want to see the world and for what it is, i have always travelled on packaged trips so i havent had the worry of accommodation and arranging my excursions etc..

I basically want to know what are the top places to explore in Thailand, the do's and dont's, and how long i would suggestively need? could i do this in 2-3 week trip due to my job and see enough to say i have done Thailand or would that not be enough time?

Any comments would be great, any places and hostels/hotels recommended and locations are a great help.

Thanks.

Where to start?

Don't see this as a trip of a lifetime, don't worry about trying to pack in every ounce of Thailand in 2 or 3 weeks. You say you want to see the real Thailand, to do that I think you need to allow yourself plenty of time in a place.

Thailand is a very easy place to travel around largely because you won't get out of your depth financially. There is a huge amount of accommodation available on a budget. I don't know what your budget is and that will largely dictate where you stay.

Resort areas tend to be more expensive, the "real" Thailand will be cheaper. If you find yourself in a market where you are the only western face you are unlikely to find yourself paying through the nose for goods.

So, what sort of budget do have and what sort of things do you like doing? Are you a lounge around the beach person, a scenery person, a culture vulcher or something else?


Henry

Agree with Henry - see this the first trip of many in Thailand. If you are totally happy in one place, why move on? Just take each day as it comes, see how you feel. Certain parts of Thailand give some people everything they want, so stay in that spot. See how you feel once you get to Thailand.

Hi.

Work up a budget. Your biggest expense is your hotel rooms. Food and transportation in Thailand is cheap compared to Western countries. If you need hotel suggestions also say what your budget is.

If you are coming from a long distance stay a minimum of 2 weeks. You can't go too wrong with a visit to Bangkok, Chiang Mai area and a beach area. If I had to choose between a beach area and longer in Bangkok and Northern Thailand I would skip the beach! All of Thailand is warm like summertime!

When you go on your own you set your own pace. It is not too difficult to book your own flights and book your own hotel rooms. In Thailand, during the off season, it is not difficult to get a hotel room with a walk-in.

A simple Google search will give you some of the "things to see and do" in Thailand. My advice is to start in Bangkok and end in Bangkok. A few nights in that city on arrival will allow you to arrange transportation to other areas. Transportation is pretty good. The overnight sleeper train up to Chiang Mai is very popular. Phuket is popular with honeymooners and women. A final night in Bangkok will allow you to buy last minute souvenirs and take a tour or evening dinner cruise.

In Thailand, for the big cities popular with tourists, you can sign up for tours through local travel agencies on short notice.

Wait until you get to Thailand to change any currency over for the best rates. Read up on scams, especially with tuk-tuks and gems and gold. If something seems too good to be true - it probably isn't!

Some of the suggestions you get will depend on your age, gender and individual preferences. If you are more into culture or nightlife also has a bearing too.