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Thailand is the Southeast Asian country that attracts the most Vietnamese tourists for travel each year. Now, let's pocket the comprehensive A to Z travel experiences in Thailand that Vntrip.vn shares below if you're planning to visit this 'land of golden temples'.
Best Time to Visit Thailand?
Thailand's climate is distinctly divided into two seasons, including the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season, with hot weather, lasts from May to October. From November to April is the dry season, with less rain and cool weather. This is also the time for many major festivals in Thailand.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Thailand? (Photo: ST)
The ideal time for your trip to the 'Land of Golden Temples' is from around November to February. During this period, there is hardly any rain, and the weather is cool, making it perfect for your sightseeing and travel activities.
What Do You Need to Prepare Before Traveling to Thailand?
Travel Documents: According to regulations, Vietnamese citizens traveling to Thailand do not need to apply for a visa, but passports and personal identification documents such as ID cards are essential items to bring along. It's also advisable to make copies or take photos of these documents in case of emergencies, ensuring you have backup proof.
Passport and ID card are always important documents you need to bring along (Photo: ST)
Currency Exchange: Thailand uses the currency unit called the baht. You can exchange this currency right at the airport when you arrive in Thailand to pay for taxi fares, shopping, and expenses during your stay. However, based on the experience of many travelers, it's advisable to exchange Thai baht in advance at banks, gold shops, or currency exchange agencies in Vietnam. This will save you a lot of time when you arrive in Thailand.
It's recommended to exchange Thai baht before traveling (Photo: ST)
Clothing: The weather in Thailand is quite hot, so you should bring along light, breathable clothes to stay comfortable throughout your trip. Include 1 or 2 sets of formal, modest attire to wear during customs procedures or when visiting temples, palaces in Thailand.
Important Notes for Entering and Exiting Thailand
Completing entry procedures into Thailand (Photo: ST)
In addition to the documents related to entry and exit procedures such as passports, ID cards, or customs declaration forms, you should also know and pay attention to the following issues.
- According to regulations, Vietnamese citizens traveling to Thailand will be exempt from visas, so you do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to Thailand.
- You should dress appropriately and behave properly when going through immigration procedures because otherwise, you may be refused entry even if you provide complete documentation.
- You are not allowed to bring more foreign currency than declared to customs authorities upon entry.
- When leaving the country, you should not carry more than 50,000 Thai baht.
- If you want to bring antique items such as Buddha statues from Thailand back to your country, you need to have an export permit.
Means of Transportation
Arriving in Bangkok, Thailand
When arriving in Bangkok, Thailand, the most suitable means of transportation is still by plane. Nowadays, traveling by air is quite simple and the cost is not as expensive as before. You can check the ticket prices of some airlines with flights from Vietnam to Bangkok below:
- Hanoi – Bangkok Route (round-trip ticket): VietJetAir from 3 – 5 million VND, Air Asia from 4 – 8 million VND, Vietnam Airlines from 4 to 9 million VND
- Ho Chi Minh City – Bangkok Route (round-trip ticket): VietJetAir from 3 – 5 million VND, Vietnam Airlines from 4 – 8 million VND, JetStar from 5 – 7 million VND, Air Asia from 3 to 5 million VND
Airplane is the most convenient means to reach Thailand (Photo by ST)
The ticket prices above are for reference only and may vary depending on the time, but you can estimate the cost of traveling by plane to Thailand. However, according to the Thai travel experience of many previous travelers, it's advisable to book tickets about a month in advance to get better prices and save on travel costs.
Getting Around in Thailand
Bus: This is one of the most popular public transportation methods, especially in Bangkok. There are many bus routes with diverse itineraries, and the fares are very cheap, only a few baht, similar to taking a bus in Hanoi. However, when choosing the bus as your means of transportation, you need to be familiar with the routes and stops because the announcements on the bus are in Thai, which can be inconvenient.
Bus fares in Thailand are quite affordable (Photo by ST)
Electric Train: Similar to buses but more convenient, fast, and efficient. Electric trains in Thailand are always the choice of many locals and tourists. There are two types of electric trains in Thailand: MRT (subway) and BTS Skytrain (elevated train), both operating from 6 am until midnight, covering many tourist destinations and famous shopping areas. Therefore, this is also a means of transportation you can use when in Thailand.
Thailand's electric train system is also highly developed (Photo by ST)
Taxi: In places where you cannot travel by public transportation such as buses or electric trains, taxis will be the optimal choice for you. Taxi fares will be more expensive, but in return, it will be safer, and you won't have to worry about getting lost. However, you should also check the route on the map beforehand and ask the driver to turn on the meter instead of agreeing on a fixed price.
You can move around using a taxi when necessary (Photo by ST)
Tuk tuk: This is considered a common means of transportation and is also a distinctive feature of Thailand. This mode of transportation is suitable for short distances or to crowded market areas.
Tuk Tuk is a distinctive mode of transportation in Thailand (Photo by ST)
Where to go when traveling to Thailand?
Royal Palace Thailand
This will likely be the first destination you shouldn't miss when in Bangkok. The Royal Palace of Thailand is a grand architectural complex built for centuries, yet it still retains its inherent beauty. Comprising various structures with unique designs from many countries, the Royal Palace of Thailand is not only where royal events and ceremonies frequently take place but has also become a favorite tourist attraction in Bangkok.
The majestic Royal Palace of Thailand (Photo by ST)
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Market is one of the most famous weekend markets in Bangkok. Here, you can find a wide variety of items, especially clothes, shoes, jewelry, souvenirs... With an area of up to 1 km2, you can freely explore and shop in this market. Due to its large size and crowded atmosphere, you need to be careful when visiting to avoid getting lost.
Chatuchak Market is always bustling with shoppers and vendors (Photo by ST)
Sukhumvit Area
Sukhumvit is a district that attracts many tourists because it is home to numerous restaurants, bars, luxurious clubs, and especially a wide range of delicious street food. As night falls, the area becomes livelier and more vibrant. If you enjoy the lively atmosphere and want to experience something new, Sukhumvit is one of the must-visit entertainment destinations in Bangkok.
Sukhumvit Area in Bangkok (Photo by ST)
Khao San Road
Khao San is a bustling street, where many foreign tourists gather, earning it the nickname 'the Westerner's hub of Bangkok.' It's best to visit this area in the evening to experience its liveliness. The cafes, bars, and American-style music will surely captivate you. Moreover, you can indulge in a variety of unique Thai street food here.
Khao San Road comes alive at night (Photo by ST)
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple)
With over 600 years of history, situated atop Doi Suthep Hill, Wat Phrathat is considered the most sacred ancient temple in Chiang Mai. Locals believe that when their loved ones pass away, their souls return here. To visit this temple, you must climb 309 stone steps, flanked by majestic dragon sculptures. The towering gold-plated stupa is the highlight of the temple, mesmerizing all who behold it.
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a place of spiritual significance (Photo by ST)
Emerald Buddha Temple
Situated within the premises of the Royal Palace, the Emerald Buddha Temple is renowned not only for its unique architectural space but also for the meticulously carved Buddha statue from a large and extremely rare jade block. This is one of the most revered Buddha statues in Thailand, so the location where it is placed is also the most solemn in the temple. Interestingly, this temple does not have living quarters for monks but only Buddha statues and uniquely decorated and sacred houses.
Emerald Buddha Temple (Photo by ST)
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
When you visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you will see very familiar scenes similar to the floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. This place is considered one of the bustling floating markets with a wide variety of goods, especially fresh fruits and many enticing street foods. This destination attracts many foreign tourists to visit because here they can explore the authentic beauty of Thai people's lives.
Vibrant atmosphere at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Photo by ST)
Koh Larn Island
Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island, has long been a favorite destination for many tourists due to its incredibly romantic natural scenery. It is called Coral Island because this sea area possesses many unique coral reefs, diverse colors, and a high diversity of marine creatures. Besides admiring the picturesque and peaceful scenery here, you can also participate in many fun water activities such as surfing, parachuting, jet skiing, etc.
Koh Larn Island, Thailand (Photo by ST)
Ancient Capital Ayutthaya
Located about 80 km from Bangkok, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and was once the capital of Thailand until it was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. In 1991, this architectural complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, these structures are only ruins, but they still reflect the former glory of an ancient empire. When visiting the ruins, you'll be impressed by a Buddha statue enveloped in tree roots, a truly unique and spiritually serene sight.
PhraSriSanphet Temple (Photo: ST)
Koh Phi Phi
Located more than 50 km from Phuket Island, Koh Phi Phi shines like a gem in Thai tourism. The island boasts captivating beauty, enchanting countless travelers who have the opportunity to visit. Renowned as the cleanest island in the world, Koh Phi Phi is sure to offer you incredibly amazing experiences. With a sense of tranquility, enjoying the fresh air, the cool blue water, the picturesque scenery, everything seems to create a tourist paradise that few places can rival.
Koh Phi Phi, a tourist paradise in Thailand (Photo: ST)
Delicious Thai Cuisine
Fried Bananas
Fried bananas are among the popular snacks in Thailand. This dish is prepared quite simply: bananas are peeled, sliced thinly, marinated with coconut milk, sugar, salt, dried coconut, flour, and then fried until golden. When enjoying this unique dish, you will feel the aroma of bananas, the chewiness of flour, the creamy taste of coconut milk, and the delicious flavors blending together to create a truly unique dish. It's also one of the interesting dishes that can help you answer the question what to buy when traveling to Thailand?
Thai Fried Bananas (Photo: ST)
Grilled Skewers
In Thailand, you'll easily come across many stalls selling grilled skewers. Grilled skewers here may look similar to those in Vietnam, but they are much more diverse and varied. From familiar grilled items like sausages, pork, and fish to various types of animal organs, vegetables, and fruits.... The flavors are also more attractive due to the unique spices of Thailand.
Grilled skewers in Thailand are incredibly diverse (Photo: ST)
Khao Soi
Visiting Thailand without tasting this dish would be a missed opportunity. This dish is prepared quite uniquely, with crispy noodles mixed with curry sauce, accompanied by beef or chicken. To add more appeal to the dish, you can add lime, chili, shallots, or pickled mustard greens. As a popular dish deeply ingrained in Thai culture, you can easily find this dish from street vendors to upscale restaurants.
Khao Soi - a unique dish (Photo: ST)
Pad Thai
One dish you shouldn't miss when in Thailand is Pad Thai, also known as stir-fried noodles. The preparation of this dish is quite simple, with stir-fried noodles mixed with egg, accompanied by dried shrimp, peanuts, tofu, bean sprouts, lime, and tamarind sauce, sometimes served with squid and shrimp. This dish is very popular in Thailand, so you can easily find it and enjoy it. Especially in the Khao San area, this dish is widely available, attracting many foreign tourists who come here to taste this unique dish.
Pad Thai, a dish loved by many tourists (Photo: ST)
Thai Hot Pot
This dish is quite popular and beloved in Vietnam as well. However, when in Thailand, you shouldn't miss the chance to enjoy authentic Thai hot pot. The broth is prepared with the distinctive spices of the Thai people, bringing out a delicious and unique flavor. Thai hot pot is often enjoyed with seafood such as fresh squid, scallops, crab, shrimp, straw mushrooms, tomatoes, and more. Indulging in spicy and sour Thai hot pot in Thailand will surely bring you an indescribable sensation.
Spicy Thai hot pot (Photo: ST)
Grilled Coconut
You can easily find this unique snack in many streets of Thailand. Making this dish is quite simple, coconuts are grilled over charcoal. Grilling like this makes the water part become condensed, sweeter, and more fragrant. However, the coconut meat will turn purple and lose its crispness and fragrance. Each grilled coconut costs around 20,000 VND, which is quite reasonable for such a unique dish.
Grilled Coconut (Photo: ST)
Som Tum Thai (Papaya Salad)
This salad has green papaya as its main ingredient, mixed with a variety of spices such as lime, chili, palm sugar, fish sauce, etc. Traditionally, this dish includes: shredded green papaya, cucumber, yardlong beans, dried chili, garlic, lime juice, roasted peanuts, basil, etc. The ingredients are mashed together, blending perfectly to create the dish's name meaning 'mixed with a sour taste'.
Som Tum Thai, also known as papaya salad (Photo: ST)
Here are the comprehensive details of traveling to Thailand that you shouldn't miss for your trip. Hopefully, with this information, you'll have a delightful journey full of exciting experiences in the land of golden temples.
