What comes to your mind when you think of a small but stunning country with miles of white powdery beaches, limestone cliffs, amazing marine life, lush green forests, dynamic cities and hundreds of intricately carved temples? A place with year-round sunshine, postcard-perfect islands, divine flavors and warm-hearted and smiley people? A place that makes you want never to return home?
Sawasdee Thailand – my theme for the #AtoZChallenge 2017
This is my fourth consecutive year, participating in the #AtoZChallenge and I am thrilled to experience the madness and chaos (not to forget fun) all over again. I am taking for granted that you know what the #AtoZChallenge is all about. If not, check my video here. Oh and I promise, it is not as grumpy as I look like!
That said, you can expect 26 posts on my Trip to Thailand – the fun I had, the many things I could tick off from my bucket-list, the culture, the practical tips, things you need to know and much more.
Our trip to ‘The Land of Smiles’ happened in the blink of an eye. Believe me when I say we had planned only 20 days before the day of departure. That says how smooth and effortless, planning a trip to Thailand is.
Where is Thailand?
Thailand is that dab in the middle of Southeast Asia, sharing its land borders with four countries -Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The capital is Bangkok, and the currency is Thai Baht.
One Baht = 1.88 INR as on date.
The official language is Thai. The country is deeply spiritual, and Buddhism is the main religion.
Destinations in Thailand
The main destinations in Thailand include Bangkok, Chang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and Krabi. There are thousands of islands, and the popular ones include Phi Phi Islands, Ko Samui and Ko Lanta.
How to Reach?
Getting In
Bangkok is well connected with rest of the world by air, and there are two international airports in the city. The Suvarnabhumi Airport is located 25 kilometers east of Bangkok and the Don Mueang Airport is located 24 kilometers to the north. While most international and domestic airlines operate at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, the latter is the hub for most Thai airlines. You can reach the airports by buses and taxis, and the Airport Rail Link -a high-speed train service into downtown Bangkok.
Moving Around
You can move around Thailand as the popular destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Chang Mai has got an airport of its own. There are also overnight luxury buses for you to travel to your destination. Taxis are available for hire for long distance, but it is expensive. You can always opt for mini-vans (sharing), taxis, motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks (our good old auto-rickshaws). You can also rent a bike for a day for local sightseeing. One can also go for ferry service which has got excellent connectivity as well. The most efficient way of traveling within Bangkok is the Bangkok MRT and BTS Skytrain.
What’s the Weather like in Thailand?
The weather in Thailand is warm and humid for the majority of the country during most of the year.
When is the Best Time to visit Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February. Summer is from March to June and avoid April unless you plan to be submerged in the ocean all the time. It is going to be bloody hot! Monsoon is from June to October and flooding can wreck the country.
Where to Stay in Thailand?
Thailand is one of the most tourist-friendly countries in the world. One can find a beach view resort to a dormitory room in a hostel, in a jiffy – for they are lined up in every nook and corner of the country. Be it the rich city like Bangkok or the quiet and relaxing Krabi; one can easily stay for 500 to 2000 Baht (budget rooms) a day.
What to Eat in Thailand?
Thai food is a celebration. Get ready to be exposed to the abundance of delicious flavors by the world famous Thai cuisine. Seafood and meat lovers will especially relish the experience. But there are very many options for vegetarians as well. You can also find many Chinese, Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants. Continental food is also available in most restaurants.
That’s all, for now, folks!
Stay tuned and let me know in the comment section if you want me to cover any particular topic related to Thailand. Also, subscribe to receive a newsletter straight to your inbox on the first of every month. Oh, exclusive goodies too!
Love love.
P.S: If you love Indian food, you ought to head over to my food blog to know the #AtoZChallenge theme.
Ah ha..
I was looking for an international trip plan and now its a whole month !!
Looking forward to reading you 🙂
Thank you Sam 🙂 I hope you’ve figured out something for..well, the challenge!
I caught your theme and I thought to myself .. Now that’ll be fun .. Travelling to Thailand with you all through April and then I read the elaborate post and I wondered what’s more that you’ll cover In the remaining 26 posts ! I guess I’ll have to wait and watch .
Chandni recently posted…Women In Movies #AtoZChallenge #ThemeReveal
Thanks, Chandni. I hope you will enjoy reading the posts.
There are a good many places like Thailand that I’ll likely never make my way to physically, but at least posts like yours afford me another means of visiting. Never been to Thailand, but I eat at my local Thai restaurant on a regular basis.
Have fun in April! Sounds like a great theme.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thanks much, Arlee. I hope you’ll find the posts entertaining 🙂
Sounds really interesting and looking forward to reading your blog. Good luck with the crazy month and may we both survive.
Ditto! I look forward to reading your posts on Scottish Highlands 🙂
Oh ….4th time AtoZ challenge. Thats marvellous. You are a blogging ultimate star. Congrats. Thailand is in my bucket list too. So your posts will be another inspiration for me. Super excited to travel around Thai with you. My best wishes to you, Shalu !!!
Vasantha Vivek recently posted…Benefits of Journaling : Guest Post By Romilaa Aka Novemberschild
Hee.. just trying my bit deaar Vasantha. And blogging becomes easy when I have encouraging friends like you <3
You always come up with the most fun and interesting themes, Shalini, and this year is no exception.
Thailand is one of my favourite countries and I look forward to reading about it.
All the best for April
Thank you, Mayuri. I wanted to come out of the ‘Army Wife Tales’ 🙂
Whoa! Shalzzy this is stupendous stuff. I am waiting for your posts with bated breathe! All the best for the challenege darling!
shalzmojo
SHALINI BAISIWALA recently posted…[ Theme Reveal ] Peregrination Chronicles | #atozchallenge 2017 |
Thank you Shalini. I am looking forward to reading your travel tales as well.
Travelogues are always so interesting! Thailand looks fascinating, and I’m looking forward to learning more about it through your posts. Good luck with the challenge. 🙂
Debbie D. recently posted…THE GREAT THEME REVEAL OF 2017! #AtoZCHALLENGE #AtoZREVEAL
Thank you, Debbie. Let’s have an amazing April 🙂
This is going to be fun and intresting for sure. All the Best
Thanks Manisha. Aren’t you participating in A to Z? You should 🙂
Travel stories are fun to read. Will look forward to your posts. I enjoyed your wedding series.
Suzy recently posted…Theme Reveal #AtoZReveal #atozchallenge
That’s so sweet of you. Thank you, Suzy. I am so glad you are taking part in the challenge this year 🙂
I look forward to reading your take on Thailand – I hear such mixed reviews – I myself only went for a short trip! I hope you will also share the EASY to Make version of some popular VEG Thai Dishes 🙂 Good Luck!
Definitely! Thank you, Ishieta. Let’s have a Happy A to Z 🙂
Looking forward for to this !!
Thank you, Ruchie 🙂
This is going to be fun Shalini! A whole month of Thai goodness. I still can’t forget the awesome shopping we did at Bangkok. I feel like going back and get some dozen shoes! Looking forward to your Thai stories.
Tina Basu recently posted…A to Z Challenge 2017 Theme Reveal – All About Life
Oh shoes! Tell me about it. I have regretted not buying enough since the day we landed back home. 😛
Happy A to Z, Tina.
Thailand sure is a rich destination with so much to explore. I have been to Bangkok, and enjoyed the whole experience. Through your posts I hope to discover more of Thailand.
Thank you, Vinodini. Happy A to Z 🙂
Not sure if I want to follow these posts as I will probably end up having travel envy! 😛 Good luck with the challenge!
Sanch @ Sanch Writes recently posted…A to Z Challenge 2017 Theme Reveal
Haha 😀 I hope not. Happy A to Z, Sanch 🙂
Travel posts are always fun read .Looking for inspiration for planning a trip.Best of luck with A to Z
Thank you, Amrita 🙂 Aren’t you participating this year? You should.
I’ve been to Thailand and I can’t wait to catch up on the stories you’re about to bring on the plate! Thailand is one destination which one can visit as many times as possible, without getting bored!
Looking forward to read more about it!
Cheers
Thank you, Geetika. And yes, I have been wanting to go back since we were back. Happy A to Z 🙂
We visited Thailand last near in November and are heading to Bangkok in April. That’s one of the reason I won’t be taking up the A-Z Challenge as I will be traveling for the first two weeks. Can’t wait to see your Thailand posts.
Harini recently posted…17 in 2017
Oh, will miss you then. But you have a fun time in Thailand. Gosh, I want to go back. 🙂
I cannot really travel international for atleast the next year cause of certain constraints, so looking forward to this virtual travel throughout April to Thailand!
I’m sure you will be able to form an itinerary from here, Namrata 🙂
Another one to watch out for. 26 posts on Thailand. I am sure you will bring such great things that I can’t resist travelling 🙂 Good luck, Shalini!
Parul Thakur recently posted…Let’s spill the beans #AtoZChallenge
Thank you, Parul. Happy A to Z 🙂
Awesome theme! This is like tripping thailand without leaving my home. Looking forward to it.
Thanks much, Neha. Glad you like it. 🙂
wow – I think we will know Thailand inside out after you write 26 posts for it. am impressed that you plan to do two challenges. Good luck – it’s going to be a blast.
Thank you, Kalpanaa and that’s my aim! 🙂
I’m on board for this. I only visited Bangkok for five days back in 2002, but I remember my time very fondly. I’m sure my mouth will be watering at the food blog too!
Thanks very much, Nick. I am glad you liked my themes. Looking forward to seeing you here. Happy A to Z 🙂
What a helpful, informative post. I can’t wait to see what your other a to z challenge posts cover on traveling to Thailand. Weekends In Maine
Thank you, Karen. Stay tuned. This is just a teaser 🙂
Shalini, I so love Thailand and your posts will
Be an incentive to explore more of this stunning country. Great to stumble upon another travel theme for AtoZ 2017.
Have a great ride.
My Theme:
#AtoZChallenge2017- Theme Reveal : {Travel Epiphanies} » Natasha Musing
http://natashamusing.com/2017/03/atozchallenge-2017-theme-reveal-travel-epiphanies/
Ditto, Natasha! I will be looking out for your travel posts this April 🙂
Profound theme.
Excited and get to learn and discover a lot about it during this period. Thanks for sharing & best wishes for A to Z challenge 2017
Thank you 🙂
This is awesome… and again, two blogs in one month for the challenge! Hats off!!
Roshan Radhakrishnan recently posted…My 2017 #AtoZChallenge Theme: Real Life Heroes
Thank you, Roshan. Just trying my best 🙂
I remembered that I have been there more than 20 years ago with my hubby. I think it is a lot different now. I like to have visited there again if I can! 🙂
Wow! 20 years ago! I wish I could see Thailand then. It would definitely be unexplored and less touristy. 🙂
Wow! This is so interesting. Looking forward to experience Thailand through your posts.
Preethi recently posted…April A-Z Blogging Challenge: Theme Reveal
Thank you, Preethi. Happy A to Z 🙂
Omg omg omg, one of the best themes I’ve read about today! I soooo look forward to this one – truly!!
Sreesha recently posted…Theme Reveal! #AtoZChallenge – 2017
Wow! I’m so happy that you love it, Sreesha. Thank you. Hope to see you around. Happy A to Z 🙂
Sounds like a ton of fun is gonna be had over here in April! I’ll be sure to hop over to get a little taste of Thailand!
Modern Gypsy recently posted…April A to Z 2017: The Artists Toolbox
Thank you, Jini. You are always welcome here 🙂
How fun – I look forward to traveling with you.
I loved your theme as well, Deborah. Happy A to Z 🙂
26 posts about Thailand? Wow! That’s fun. May be your posts will take me to Thailand- an international trip is way out of my league 😛 You indeed are a wonder woman. I am struggling with 26 posts and here you are planning to write 52.
Reema D’souza recently posted…#AtoZChallenge : Theme Reveal
Thank you, Reema. Just doing my best 🙂 Happy A to Z!
Whoa! my favorite A to Z star has a theme that’s going to keep me cool in the soaring temperatures of April.
I can’t wait to read it all and yes, the gorgeous pictures are much awaited.
Good luck for the challenge <3
My Era recently posted…The Glass of Milk
Thank you, ME! I am floating on air right now 😀
This sounds exciting and Thailand is on travel list soon. Surely going to get lot of information from your posts and it help be helpful to plan a trip 🙂
Deepa recently posted…#AtoZChallenge Theme reveal- #Parenting
Thanks much, Deepa. Glad you like my themes 🙂
I personally have Thailand in my travel wishlist.. so awaiting your posts.. travel tales are awesome … planning to travel to Thailand next year.. 🙂 Would love to read the tips and info.. 🙂
Pratikshya Mishra recently posted…#AtoZChallenge Theme Reveal: Hallyu
Definitely Pratikshya. I hope you get to prepare an itinerary from my posts. 🙂
Woohoo this is exciting… I am so looking forward to this… Might as well plan my itinerary too. All the best.
Rajlakshmi recently posted…5 things I did last Week
Thanks, Raj. Happy A to Z to you too 🙂
Awesome writeup.
Thank you, Humaira 🙂
Yayy…lovely theme! Have been looking forward to your Thailand posts and now we get a full month! I am sure many will be planning a trip to Thailand after this 🙂
Aditi recently posted…Guerrilla Wars #WomenOfBlogging
Thank you, Aditi. I’m glad you like it 🙂
Hot Theme! Loved it !I am really looking forward to lay my eyes on it asap….
Roma Gupta Sinha recently posted…April #AtoZChallenge Theme Reveal: The Fragrance of Relationships ‘Not Love’
Thank you, Roma. I love your theme as well 🙂
Hey Shalini! Your theme is so perfect for me as we are planning a vacation to Thailand in a couple of months. So really looking forward to reading your posts dear:)
Thanks Radhika. Hope my posts will help you make an itinerary! 🙂
I’ve never been to Thailand, but I would love to visit. Great theme!
The Multicolored Diary: WTF – Weird Things in Folktales
I’ve never been there. Sounds exciting! Looking forward to your posts.
The holidays of April is my #AtoZchallenge Theme.
http://uniquelymaladjustedbutfun.blogspot.com/2017/03/april-holidays-atozchallenge-2017-theme.html
-Jamie @PenMinion
What a super cool theme!! My tickets are booked and I’m ready to travel to Thailand with you!! See you around.
OMG ! This is soooo exciting. I’m looking forward to both your series Shallzzz ! <3
Much Love !
I’m so excited to read both your blogs!
Way to go 4th year wow!
I’m so excited to read both your blogs!
Way to go 4th year wow!
Wooo, a nice theme. I would love to explore Thailand with you. You are a master of A to Z. Its my first time here.
upasna recently posted…Unique Indian Pickles at your Doorstep
thank x for sharing swasdee thailand article. It’s Helpful to me. good work keep it up dear.
I just came back from a wonderful vacation to Thailand yesterday and I’m so looking forward to comparing notes here 🙂
Lovely lovely theme!
Soumya recently posted…A to Z Challenge 2017: Theme Reveal #atozchallenge
I am definitely looking forward to my trip to Thailand this April via your posts, Shalini! I loved your video about the AtoZ! Love and hugs to you. See you from A to Z!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Mission Collecting Smiles #AtoZChallenge
I will never make it to Thailand so thank you. This is as close as I will get and I am sure I will leave lots as I read your posts this month. Thank you!
Oh! But I hope you do! Thak you, Lianne 🙂