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Thailand Travel Guide for Filipinos – How to Make the Most of Your Trip

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by  Manoling Martinez

April 13, 2023

Note: This post may include affiliate links. Read more about this here .  

Thinking of going out of the country?

Thailand might just be the perfect destination!

Not only is it a fellow ASEAN country – so it’s easy and VISA-free to visit… 

But it’s also a VERY amazing country with delicious food, interesting culture, and breathtaking scenery to enjoy. 

In this Thailand travel guide for Filipinos, I’ll tell you everything you need to know from a Filipino perspective! 

This includes things like: 

• How Thailand is different from the Philippines
• Unique things to do in Thailand (that you can’t find in the Philippines)
• A list of must-try Thai food  
• How much I spent and how to budget
• My exact itinerary and planning tips

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s jump in! 

How Thailand is Different From the Philippines

One of the things that I love about Thailand is that when you first step into it, you won’t feel like you’re in another world. 

The people are warm and friendly. 

Their culture isn’t too different from ours (family-oriented, high respect for elders, etc.) 

And it’s a land full of smiles, even though Thailand is also a poorer country like us. 

But you’ll also find that despite the similarities, Thailand is also very different.

Their alphabet is different. 

Their language sounds so foreign. 

They drive on the left side of the road. 

Their food is PACKED with herbs and spices. 

And their cities are full of golden temples rather than old stone churches. 

The longer you stay, you’ll even start to notice more subtle differences like how Thai people respect nature so much more than we do. 

You’ll also find that Thailand is FULL of foreigners. 

Seriously. 

If you think the Philippines gets a lot of tourists, wait until you see Thailand. 

In some areas, it almost feels like the tourists outnumber the locals! 

And this is great. 

It’s great because Thais know exactly what tourists are and how to treat them. 

Note: Pinoys look like Thais. So many people mistook me for a local 😂. But the moment you say one English word like “Hi,” Thais will realize you’re a visitor! 

Where In Thailand Should You Visit? (North vs Central vs South vs Bangkok)

Now let’s get to a BIG question…

Where should you visit??? 

If you already have plans, you may skip this part. 

But if you don’t, well… I’ve got some good news and bad news for you:

The good news is that there are so many GREAT places you can visit. 

The bad news?

There are SO MANY great places. 

So many that you’ll have a hard time choosing! I certainly did. 

But here’s a quick summary of the three main regions and what makes them different! 

North Thailand

Main Tourist Zones: Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai

Best For: Mountains and Nature

North Thailand is probably the most different from the Philippines. 

It’s so far inland, things are not at all the same as the island life we’re used to. 

And it’s so far north, the air is noticeably colder here. 

There are a lot of things to do around here, but you’ll find that north Thailand has the best mountains and nature.

There even are cherry blossoms around here! 

As well as dozens of roses, yellow and orange trees, and all kinds of natural beauty you can enjoy. 

The main tourist zone here is Chiang Mai. 

Backpackers also love Pai. And Chiang Rai is well-known for its gorgeous temples. 

I chose northern Thailand mostly because I wanted to experience something different from the Philippines – and that’s exactly what I got! 

Absolutely no regrets! 

Central Thailand 

Main Tourist Zones: Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai

Best For: Ancient temples and off-the-beaten-path destinations

Kanchanaburi is known for the beautiful Erawan national park and the death railway. 

Ayutthaya is an ancient city that still has a LOT of its ruins standing. 

Both Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya are not too far from Bangkok, which is why they do get plenty of visitors. 

However, the rest of Central Thailand is the least popular amongst tourists. 

That can either be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what type of traveler you are! 

So if you’re someone who’d rather mingle with locals rather than other travelers…

Or if you like exploring places that aren’t super well-documented already…

Then Central Thailand might just be for you! 

There’s a massive expanse of land and more than a handful of cities that you can visit in this area! 

South Thailand

Main Tourist Zones: Too many, but some you can check out are Phuket, Koh Samui, Khao Sok, Krabi, etc.

Best For: Beaches and limestone formations

South Thailand is where most of the action is at. 

With a dozen of uber-popular destinations, you’re going to have a really hard time choosing just one! 

The main theme of southern Thailand though has to be its fine-white sand beaches, majestic limestone formations, and great diving. 

Sound familiar? 

Why… that sounds just like the Philippines! 

So while South Thailand is undoubtedly incredible…

And while so many tourists flock to this area…

As a Filipino, you should probably ask yourself if you really want to go abroad to experience something that’s so easily available in your own country! 

You do you, of course. 

But think about it! 😊

Main tourist spots: Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Khao San Road, etc. 

Not exactly a “region,” but Bangkok deserves its section! 

That’s because, for short-term travelers, I wouldn’t recommend venturing too far off Bangkok. 

Unless you take a plane, going north or south from Bangkok can eat up a whole day of travel. 

That’s why it’s better to spend your time exploring the city and making taking a few day trips to nearby attractions (like Kanchanaburi or Ayutthaya) . 

Bangkok is an enormous city.

It’s the capital and the center of Thailand (both literally and figuratively). 

You can easily spend 3-4 days here without getting bored! 

Unique Things to Do in Thailand for Pinoys

Once you’ve chosen the region you want to visit, the next question is:

What can you do there??? 

Each region has its specialties. 

But all of them do have some unique things to do. 

By unique I mean “can’t be done in the Philippines” unique. 

So with that said. 

Let’s get into some of the best things you can do in Thailand (that you can’t really do in the Philippines!). 

Unique Things to Do in Thailand #1: Mingle With the Elephants in an Elephant Sanctuary!

One of the must-dos in Thailand is visiting an elephant sanctuary! 

Yes, you can see Mali in Manila Zoo (the only elephant in the Philippines) . But in Thailand, it’s so much better! 

Elephants are a national symbol of Thailand. 

These animals have roamed the country for centuries, and are very well respected here. 

You can find these sanctuaries almost everywhere in Thailand. 

And in most of them, you don’t only get to look at the animal from afar, but you get to interact with them too! 

Here’s how the day went when I visited the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary (most sanctuaries will have similar activities as this) : 

Feeding 

The day started by feeding the elephants bananas. 

Our guide showed us how to place the bananas in the elephant’s trunk. 

They also showed us how to put a banana straight into the elephant’s mouth by shouting “Bon! Bon!” 

After feeding, we brought the elephants to a mud bath. 

The guides told us to cover the elephants (and ourselves!) in mud. 

Apparently the elephants like this treatment. 

It keeps them cool and safe from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. 

It can be a little gross to rub the mud on your skin though! 

Once the elephants – and you – are covered in mud, it’s a short walk down to a river where you’ll wash it all off. 

This part is a lot of fun! 

There’s something about splashing these gentle giants with the cold river water that’s so memorable. 

From there, my tour went on to visit waterfalls and a bamboo raft down a river. 

But other sanctuaries might also include other tasks like grinding elephant food and medicine. 

Cost: 

My whole-day trip (including lunch and river rafting) with the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary cost ฿2,000 (roughly ₱3,200). 

They also have half-day packages at ฿1,500 (₱2,400). 

And two-day packages for around ฿4,000 (₱6,400). 

Those are roughly how much you’ll spend for elephant sanctuary visits all around Thailand. 

Note: Some “sanctuaries” allow you to ride the elephants. However, this practice is heavily frowned upon, since it hurts the elephants in the long run. Try as much as possible to find an ethical sanctuary!  

Unique Things to Do in Thailand #2: Gaze at the Brilliant Thai Temples

Thailand is one of the biggest Buddhist countries in the world. 

It’s no surprise then when you find temples ALL over the place. 

Even if you aren’t looking for them, you’ll run into one. 

What makes them even better is that Thais put SO much effort into beautifying their temples. 

At times, it feels like they’re competing to get as much gold as they possibly can into their temples. 

And if it isn’t gold, they’ll try to make the most intricate and beautiful designs you’ll ever see. 

I remember when I first entered the Grand Palace in Bangkok – my eyes went into sensory overload! 

There was so much gold and so much to see, I had no idea where to look. 

Now here’s the thing about the temples. 

You really don’t have to try and see all of them. 

Yes, they’re amazing at first. 

But once you’ve seen 2-3 good ones, they begin to feel a little repetitive (unless you’re visiting to meditate of course) . 

Here are some of the more unique temples:

Grand Palace (Bangkok)

This one is a must-visit! 

The grand palace is more than just a temple. 

Instead, it’s a big complex full of beautiful Thai buildings – including the official residence of the kings of Thailand. 

This one is a complete overload for the eyes. 

There’s gold, purple, and all kinds of colors. 

Chedi, Yakshas, demons, and so many designs everywhere you look! 

Wat Arun (Bangkok)

I wasn’t able to visit this since I was out of time, but I regret it! 

It’s just walking distance from the Grand Palace, and it is one of the most decorative temples in Thailand. 

Don’t make the same mistake as me. 

Visit Wat Arun! 

Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai) 

Heading north, Doi Suthep is a must if you’re in Chiang Mai. 

This temple on the mountain provides you with a lovely overlooking view of Chiang Mai. 

Yes, you’ll have to climb 309 steps to get to the top. 

But it’s all super worth it. 

Doi Suthep isn’t nearly as fancy as the Grand Palace. 

But the nice view and lovely cool weather up on the mountain make it a nice place to visit. 

White Temple (Chiang Rai) 

Probably the prettiest temple in Thailand is the White Temple in Chiang Rai. 

I wouldn’t plan a Thailand trip around visiting this temple. 

But if you’re already in north Thailand and have a few days to spare, a trip to Chiang Rai wouldn’t be complete without a stop here! 

At first, it looks heavenly. 

When you come closer, you’ll notice the design is a lot “darker,” with desperate hands reaching out to the gates. 

It turns out, these hands symbolize that the way to happiness is to overcome cravings (it’s not some sort of depiction of hell) . 

Other Temples

Of course, there are going to be dozens of temples you’ll run into in Thailand – even if you don’t plan. 

And wherever you’re going in Thailand – whether that be north, central, or south, there’ll surely be a famous temple near you. 

So go and visit it! 

Because it’s one of the most unique things about this country. 

Unique Things to Do in Thailand #3: Eat As Much Thai Food as Possible

I’m going to have a separate chapter on this. 

But for now, let me just say:

EAT Thai Food! 

I challenged myself to never eat a single Western food when I was there. 

It turned out to be a great idea! 

Thai cuisine is one of the bests in the world. 

And they have SO many dishes to try. 

Because of this, Thai food needs a whole section for itself. 

Skip below if you want to check that out! 

Unique Things to Do in Thailand #4: Join a Thai Cooking Class

You’ll find flyers to join a cooking class all over Thailand. 

And for good reason! 

Thai cuisine is so good and popular, SO many people want to learn more about it. 

And the cooking classes are a lot of fun too! 

These aren’t actual cooking schools, where you’ll have serious lessons on how to cook properly. 

Instead, these are just quick and fun. 

You choose which dishes you want to cook, buy the ingredients at a market, drive out to a farm, and just follow your instructor to cook everything. 

Yes, you will learn more about the Thai food you’re eating, which is great. 

But the best part of these cooking classes is getting to meet other travelers in the area. 

This is especially great if you’re doing solo travel! 

Unique Things to Do in Thailand #5: Visit a National Park

As I said before…

Thais have HUGE respect for nature. 

One of the ways you can see this is by the number of national parks that they have. 

Now… we do also have some national parks.

However, what separates Thailand is the fact that nature there just seems so much more accessible. 

Yes, they have plenty of hikes for people who enjoy hiking. 

But even for a casual tourist, there are dozens of nature walks that you can take. 

I personally really enjoyed the Doi Inthanon national park – where you can almost drive right up to this stunning waterfall! 

Again, there are national parks all over Thailand – so go and visit one! 

Unique Things to Do in Thailand #6: Ride an Overnight Train! 

Riding public transportation doesn’t sound like the most exciting thing to do. 

But in Thailand, it’s different! 

One of my favorite memories was riding the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. 

It wasn’t so much the ride that I enjoyed. 

If anything, it just feels like a shakier bus ride. 

But pair that with the scenery of the Thai countryside, and the sleeper cars that these trains have, and it’s an experience to remember! 

Tip: If you’re heading somewhere far – like Bangkok to Chiang Mai – getting on a sleeper train can save you one night of accommodation! 

There are also very scenic rides, like the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi. 

If you’re brave – or stupid – enough, you can hang out of the train car to get some amazing Instagram photos. 

Unique Things to Do in Thailand #7: Check Out a Thai Market

One way to experience the uniqueness of Thailand is to go and check out a market. 

There you’ll see all the crazy spices and herbs that Thais use in their dishes. 

You’ll also find all kinds of unique snacks that you won’t find elsewhere. 

Now, there are tourist markets, and there are regular markets as well. 

In the tourist markets, you’ll find plenty of pasalubong items, such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum sets! 

These let you cook your own at home. 

Meanwhile, the regular markets are a maze of all kinds of food and items.

If you’re going for unique, you can even visit a floating market. 

I didn’t get to visit, but these markets are all on boats! 

Must-Try Thai Food (Everything I Ate in Thailand!)

Are you hungry?

If yes, then you might want to skip this section. 😂

And heading to a night market is one of the most exciting things about visiting Thailand. 

With that said…

Here’s everything I ate in Thailand! 

Must-Try Thai Food #1: Pad Thai

If you haven’t had pad thai, have you been to Thailand? 

Pad Thai is the #1 tourist food. 

It’s made from rice noodles mixed with a bunch of things like shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a variety of herbs and spices. 

Add a dash of Thai lemon, and you have a super delicious meal. 

Pad Thai goes for around only ฿40-50 (around ₱80), and is already a very good meal! 

Must-Try Thai Food #2: Tom Yum Soup 

Another uber-popular dish is tom yum soup. 

At first glance, it might look like tomato soup (even sounds like a bit).  

But once you take a spoonful, you’ll find that it’s anything but! 

Instead, you’ll be hit by a STRONG taste of kaffir lime leaves. 

If you don’t know what that tastes like… unfortunately for you… you’ll have to grab a bowl of tom yum to know. 😂 

Tom yum comes with a bunch of different proteins, but the most iconic is tom yum goong (shrimp) . 

Must-Try Thai Food #3: Thai Curries (Red, Green, Massaman, etc.) 

If you think Thai curry tastes like Pinoy curry, think again! 

Yes, they do have yellow curry, which tastes similar to the ones we have at home. 

But once you order a nice bowl of red curry, your tongue is going to taste something new and exotic. 

Red curry has a very unique blend of spices (of course), coconut milk, and little bits of meat. 

Somewhat surprisingly, Thai green curry is actually spicier than red curry! 

It uses a different type of pepper, which makes it feel like red curry on steroids. 

The other curries – massaman, yellow, khao soi, and a BUNCH of others – all taste somewhat similar. 

Must-Try Thai Food #4: Thai Basil and Pork (Pad Kra Pao Moo)

At first glance, this dish looks meh. 

It’s just rice with pork, something we’ve probably all had. 

But what makes this special is the herby-ness of it all! 

It’s a great dish to try to fully get the difference between Thai and Pinoy cuisine: 

While we PACK our dishes with salt and sugar, Thais PACK theirs with herbs and spices! 

Because otherwise, a lot of the dishes are very similar. 

This is especially obvious when you try pad kra pao moo! 

Must-Try Thai Food #5: Mango Sticky Rice

Up for dessert? 

Well, here’s a dish you can’t escape! 

Mango sticky rice is found ALL over Thailand – from street vendors, corner eateries, and even fancy restaurants. 

It’s a very simple dish: 

• Sticky Rice
• Coconut Milk

That’s all. 

But WOW. 

The combination of those ingredients makes for one of the most delicious things you’ll taste in Thailand. 

Yes, it does taste similar to Puto Sikwate with mango. 

But the rice isn’t gingery, and the peanuts add a unique crunch that I have no idea why isn’t a common thing in the Philippines. 

Must-Try Thai Food #6: Banana Roti

Sticking to the desserts, another must-have is banana roti. 

It’s another dessert that is incredibly simple, but at the same time SUPER delicious. 

The roti is made from flour that is stretched out in front of you. 

Then add a lot of butter and bananas to the thin flour, fold it a couple of times, and top it with something sweet like honey, condensed milk, Nutella, or any other flavoring you want. 

Easy 10/10 dessert! 

Must-Try Thai Food #7: Thai Tea (With Foi Thong) 

Thai tea isn’t your ordinary milk tea! 

This dark orange tea has a unique flavor that I haven’t tasted anywhere else. 

Try to find a shop that serves it with foi thong (egg threads) on top, and you’ll be craving for more – especially on a hot day! 

Must-Try Thai Food #8: Scorpion! 

Thailand doesn’t only have good food…

They also have weird food! 

Walk around a night market or Khao San Road, and you’ll find a bunch of different bugs to try. 

The scorpion itself doesn’t actually taste good. 

If you’re wondering, it tasted like salty cardboard 😂

It’s more of a fun experience than actual good food. 

If you’re trying one of these, make sure to bargain since there are no set prices. 

I got mine for ฿80, which I felt was a bit too much (but considering the first price was ฿ 150, I felt alright).  

There are a LOT of other Thai dishes of course. 

And I had the joy of trying a bunch of them on my visit. 

But if I wrote about everything I ate, this blog might never end 😂

That said, these 8 are my favorites, and some of the absolute must-trys in the country! 

Thailand Budget for Pinoys (How Much I Spent) 

This section is going to be a serious breakdown of exactly how much I spent in Thailand! 

I’ll start with a summary of everything I spent on. 

Then I’ll follow it up with some tips on how you can save! 

Note: This is how much I spent as a solo backpacker. 

If you’re traveling in a group, you can save more than me. 

But if you’re someone who enjoys fancy hotels and 5-star food, then you’ll probably end up spending more. 

Let’s go! 

How Much I Spent in Thailand (10 Days) 

Note: The exchange rate I used for this list is /1.6 for THB and /55 for USD. 

Total: ₱34,381.03 (฿21,488, $625) (note: airfare and pasalubong not included)

Accommodation: ₱5,481.83 (฿3,426, $99)

• The Cottage Suvarnabhumi (Hotel, 1 night, Bangkok) – ₱1,225.83
• Potae’s House (Hostel, 8 nights, Chiang Mai) – ₱2,752
• Baan Baramee House (Hotel, 2 nights, Chiang Rai) – ₱1,504

Transportation: ₱9,409.04 (฿5,880, $171) 

• Sleeper Train (Bangkok to Chiang Mai) – ₱1,586.64
• Busses (Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai 2x) – ₱548.8
• Sleeper Bus (Chiang Mai to Bangkok) – ₱1,104
• Taxi to and from Bangkok Airport – ₱1,392
• Habal-habal rides (6x) – ₱1,041.6 (this includes one time I got ripped-off for ₱640 😢)
• Motorbike Rentals (6 days) – ₱2,896
• Gas for Motorbikes – ₱840

Food: ₱6,496 (฿4,060, $118)

• Meals (23x, mostly street foods and mid-price restaurants) – ₱5,096
• Coffee and Snacks – ₱1,400

Activities: ₱7,360 (฿4,600, $133)

• Grand Palace entrance (Bangkok) – ₱800
• Doi Inthanon entrance (Chiang Mai) – ₱512
• Doi Intahnon trail entrance + guide (CM) – ₱416
• Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary (CM) – ₱3,200
• Doi Suthep temple entrance (CM) – ₱48
• Bhubing Palace entrance (CM) – ₱80
• Cooking class (CM) – ₱1,600
• Chiang Dao Cave entrance + guide (Chiang Dao) – ₱544
• White Temple entrance (Chiang Rai) – ₱160

Miscellaneous: ₱1,940.4 (฿1,213, $35)

• Sim Card (15 days unlimited calls/texts/data) – ₱1,118.4
• Thai Pants – ₱320
• Other small items – ₱502

How to Save Money While Visiting Thailand (Tipid Tips) 

Here are some things I WISH I knew before I visited! 

#1: Avoid Money Changers! (Use ATMs Instead)

In NAIA, I paid ₱4,200 and only got ฿2,000 in return. 

That means I lost roughly ₱1,000!!! 😭

Now, you can’t completely escape money changers. 

It’s always wise to carry some of the local currency whenever you enter a new country. 

But here’s my tip: 

Try to exchange as little money as possible. 

You only need ฿500 to get from the airport to central Bangkok by taxi (and only ฿20 if you manage to catch the airport bus) .   

The money changer in NAIA only has ฿1,000 bills, so that’s probably the minimum you can exchange. 

Just cut your losses, but for the rest of your money, get them from ATMs instead! 

#2: Withdraw As MUCH Money As You Can From ATMs

In Thailand, ALL international cards have a ฿220 withdrawal fee. 

That’s why the best way to save would be to withdraw as MUCH as you can in one go. 

Thai ATMs allow you to withdraw as much as ฿30,000 in one transaction. 

That’s why I recommend making a rough budget for how much you’ll spend. 

This way, you’ll know exactly how much you should withdraw. 

I ended up withdrawing ฿10,000 two times – mostly just because I didn’t plan properly. 

#3: Avoid the Airport ATM

The airport ATM has a pretty awful exchange rate too. 

It’s almost as bad as the money changers. 

Here’s a screenshot of my withdrawals, both for ฿10,000. 

You can see that the one at Suvarnabhumi Airport is significantly more expensive! 

#4: Use the Grab App For Transportation! 

Thailand uses Grab too. 

And you don’t even have to download another app. 

If you already have Grab on your phone, it’ll automatically switch to the Thai version. 

The reason you want to use Grab is not that they have cheaper rates, but it helps you avoid getting ripped off! 

The ONE time I hailed a motorcycle taxi without the app, I instantly got ripped off (I paid ฿400 for what should’ve been a ฿180 ride) . 

With the Grab app, you can see fair prices on your phone. 

Plus, in some parts of Thailand, there are even Grab Tuktuks! 

(Tbh, riding a tuktuk is just like riding a tricycle. I know foreigners love it for the experience. But c’mon… we’re Pinoy. It’s not a novel experience for us)

Note: If you ride taxis, also make sure their meter is turned on! I met some people who were scammed by unmetered taxis. 

#5: Don’t Buy a Sim in the Airport (Buy it in 7-11)

This is one of those things that, yes, it does cost more. 

But it’s also more convenient. 

I bought my sim card and unlimited 15-day data plan at the airport for ฿699. 

In a 7-11, it only costs ฿599 for the same plan. 

So if you want to save a hundred baht, skip the airport booths. 

The only downside is that you’ll be in a foreign country without any internet until you can find a 7-11 – which can be a little scary if you’re not used to traveling internationally. 

But it’s very doable! 

#6: Bring Pants! 

This might sound odd, but it’s true. 

In Thailand, you aren’t allowed to show your shoulders or your knees inside temples and other buildings. 

So if you show up to the Grand Palace in shorts, you’ll be forced to buy some Thai pants from the vendor nearby. 

It costs ฿200, which is SUPER expensive. 

In a market, the same pants would only cost ฿50. 

So make sure to bring some pants with you. 

Or… if you want to get into fashion, buy Thai pants from a market rather than right outside a temple. 

My Thailand Itinerary

Thailand is a HUGE country with SO much to do and see. 

You can stay for months and still not see everything! 

That’s why me giving you an itinerary just doesn’t make sense – I’ve only been there for 10 days! 

But what I can do is show you exactly what I did. 

Then I’ll follow that up with some planning tips for your trip. 

Shall we? 

Everything I Did in 10 Days in Thailand

Notes: This is exactly what I did as a solo traveler who isn’t in a hurry to see everything (I like chilling okay?)

Day 0: 

• 16:00 – Flight from Cebu to Manila 
• 17:30 – Pass the immigration officer 😅 

Day 1: Bangkok, Grand Palace, Saranrom Park, Khao San Road, Train to Chiang Mai

• 1:00 – Flight to Bangkok
• 3:00 – Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (flight is 3 hours, but Thailand is behind the Philippines by 1 hour) 
• 4:00 – Check in at the Cottage Suvarnabhumi Hotel
• 8:00 – Breakfast and Chill
• 11:00 – Checkout / Taxi to Grand Palace
• 12:00 – Arrive at Grand Palace, explore the buildings
• 14:00 – Lunch outside Grance Palace (tom yum)
• 15:00 – Walk to Saranrom Park 
• 16:30 – Grab Bike to Khaosan Road
• 17:00 – Khaosan Road! Eat pad thai, scorpion, banana roti, and passion fruit shake
• 19:30 – Bike ride to Don Meung train station (this is when I got ripped off for not using Grab Bike) 
• 20:30 – Arrive at Don Meung station, wait for the train
• 22:45 – Ride overnight train to Chiang Mai

Day 2: Train to Chiang Mai, Bicycle Around Chiang Mai Old City

• 7:00 – Breakfast in train
• 12:45 – Arrive in Chiang Mai! 
• 13:30 – Check in at Potae’s House
• 14:30 – Walk to Isaan Ros Sab for lunch (Thai red curry, Thai tea) 
• 16:00 – Rent a bicycle, ride around Chiang Mai old city, and the north/east/south/west gates
• 17:00 – Chill by the old city North gate
• 18:00 – Dinner at the Chang Phuak Gate night market 

Day 3: Doi Inthanon 

• 5:00 – Drive to Doi Inthanon on a rented motorbike
• 6:30 – Arrive at Doi Inthanon signage. Park bike. Have breakfast (there was a bicycle race going on when I visited, so I wasn’t able to bring my rented motorbike higher than this point)
• 8:00 – Ride a songthaew (Thai jeepney) to Kew Mae Pan nature trail
• 8:30 – Walk the Kew Pan nature trail! 
• 9:30 – Done trail, wait for a songthaew going to summit
• 10:00 – Doi Inthanon summit! The highest point in Thailand! 
• 11:00 – Ride songthaew going back down to Doi Inthanon signage
• 12:00 – Arrive at signage, eat lunch
• 13:30 – Coffee and chill at Wabi Sabi Coffee
• 15:30 – Drive to Wachirathan Waterfall
• 16:30 – Start driving back to Chiang Mai
• 18:00 – Back in Chiang Mai
• 19:00 – Dinner at the Chang Phuak Gate night market

Day 4: Elephant Sanctuary

• 7:00 – Free breakfast at hostel
• 8:00 – Pickup at the hostel, drive to sanctuary
• 10:00 – Arrive at the elephant sanctuary, get instructions from guide
• 10:30 – Feed elephants bananas
• 11:00 – Mud bath for the elephants
• 11:30 – Wash off the mud from elephants in river
• 12:00 – Have lunch with the elephants! 
• 13:30 – Walk down to waterfalls, chill
• 14:30 – Drive to river rafting area
• 16:00 – Bamboo river rafting starts! 
• 17:00 – River rafting ends, drive back to Chiang Mai
• 18:30 – Back in Chiang Mai
• 19:00 – Dinner at Jok Sompet (Thai fast food place)

Day 5: Doi Suthep and Thai Cooking Class

• 9:00 – Drive to Doi Suthep temple (rented motorbike)
• 9:30 – Arrive at Doi Suthep temple / explore
• 10:30 – Drive to Bhubing Palace / explore
• 12:00 – Drive to Hmong Village / eat lunch
• 13:00 – Coffee at Hmong coffee shop 
• 14:00 – Drive back to hostel
• 15:00 – Pick-up for cooking class
• 15:30 – Cooking class office / choose dishes to cook / visit market and buy ingredients / drive to farm
• 17:00 – Arrive at farm / start cooking class! 
• 19:30 – Dinner! Eat the dishes we cooked
• 21:00 – End of cooking class / ride back to hostel

Day 6: Chiang Dao

• 9:00 – Drive to Chiang Dao! 
• 10:00 – Arrive at Chiang Dao / explore temples and caves
• 12:00 – Done exploring cave / eat lunch
• 13:00 – Visit Wat Tham Pha Plong
• 14:30 – Coffee at Chai Cafe
• 16:00 – Visit Chiang Dao hot springs
• 17:00 – Drive back to Chiang Mai
• 18:30 – Back in Chiang Mai / dinner at Aroy Dee restaurant

Day 7: Chiang Rai and White Temple

• 10:00 – Bus to Chiang Rai! 
• 13:00 – Arrive at Chiang Rai / eat lunch 
• 14:00 – Check in at Ban Baramee House
• 15:30 – Drive to White Temple (rented motorbike)
• 16:00 – Arrive at White Temple / explore
• 17:00 – White Temple closes / drive back to Chiang Rai
• 18:00 – Walk aimlessly around Chiang Rai night bazaar
• 19:00 – Dinner at Chakrapad chicken rice

Day 8: Golden Triangle and Chiang Rai Beach

• 8:00 – Breakfast at hotel
• 9:00 – Drive to Golden Triangle
• 11:00 – Arrive at Golden Triangle / explore
• 12:30 – Lunch at a noodle stall
• 13:30 – Drive back to Chiang Rai
• 15:30 – Back in Chiang Rai
• 16:00 – Visit and chill at Chiang Rai beach
• 18:00 – Dinner at Laoma Express 

Day 9: Back to Chiang Mai, Hmong Village (again)

• 7:00 – Bus back to Chiang Mai
• 8:30 – Bus stop / eat breakfast
• 10:00 – Back in Chiang Mai! 
• 12:00 – Lunch in Isaan Ros Sab (green curry) 
• 14:00 – Drive to Hmong Village in Doi Suthep / drink coffee
• 17:00 – Stopover at Chaloem Phra Kiat Pavilion Viewpoint 
• 18:00 – Back in Chiang Mai / Dinner at Chang Phuak Gate night market 
• 19:00 – Last night in Chiang Mai! Drive aimlessly around the city

Day 10: Pasalubong Buying, Bus back to Bangkok

• 9:00 – Drive to tourist market / buy pasalubongs! 
• 12:00 – Check out of Potae’s House
• 13:00 – Wait in a CoWorking Space
• 13:30 – Order Thai KFC for lunch
• 17:00 – Go to bus terminal
• 18:45 – Ride overnight bus to Bangkok! 

Day 11: Going Home 😢

• 4:00 – Arrive at Bangkok bus terminal 
• 5:00 – Arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport
• 11:00 – Flight back to Manila! 
• 15:00 – Arrive in Manila! 
• 20:00 – Flight back to Cebu
• 21:00 – Home! 

Overall, I was pretty happy with how I spent my time! 

You can see that I started fast. With the first 5 days being PACKED with things to do. 

By the time I reached day 6, I started visiting other areas and taking things a little slower. 

On the night of day 7, I started my aimless walks and long chill sessions. 

If you wanna copy this itinerary, I recommend copying days 1-5, since those were well-planned and well-done! 

Days 6-11 were more spontaneous. 

Overall, I loved it! 

I actually wouldn’t change anything. 

Okay… maybe I should’ve visited Wat Arun or watched a Muay Thai fight. 

But overall it was really nice. 

Visiting Thailand is something I believe everyone should consider doing! 

It’s great for first-timers…

It’s not too different from what we’re used to…

But! At the same time, it’s also incredibly different in so many ways. 

I hope this Thailand travel guide has helped answer some of your questions about visiting our neighbors! 

If you still have questions, feel free to leave a comment. 

Or message me on my Instagram. 

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About the author 

Manoling Martinez

Hi! I'm Manoling, a 24-year-old backpacker from Cebu City. I'm on a mission to visit ALL 82 provinces of the Philippines. You can follow my adventures on my Instagram, or plan your trips here on my website!

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Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

We love your content about the Philippines (super helpful for your travels around Bohol, Cebu, Coron and Palawan) and your take on Thailand has been also really interesting to read!

But please don’t describe your own country and Thailand as 3rd world countries (really outdated). Much rather use the world bank’s classification by income.

Thanks a lot and best, Michael

Hey Michael!

Thanks for the kind words!

I’m so glad my guides helped you out.

Hmmmm, it’s funny, most Filipinos don’t actually find “Third World” offensive. It’s a common way to describe ourselves around here.

But yeah, you’re right. I should probably change that for the international readers 🙂

Cheers! Manoling

This website is managed by Siam Legal International - a law firm in Thailand

Travel to Thailand from the Philippines

Most citizens of the world are now vaccinated, and after two years of pandemic conditions, countries are opening their borders and once again welcoming visitors.

Thailand is one of these countries. As a popular holiday destination for Filipinos, Thailand understands it is time to adapt to a post-Covid world and once again welcome visitors to its shores.

People are tired of being trapped at home, so to make it easy, Thailand removed the last of its travel restrictions on July 1st, 2022. It is as easy to visit Thailand now as it was before Covid. There are a few things to be aware of when traveling to Thailand, and as always it is up to the individual Filipino to travel responsibly.

These are the changes that affect Filipino travelers when coming to Thailand:

• Foreigners do not need to show proof of Covid Insurance.
• All mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.
• Thailand Pass is no longer required for Filipino Citizens travelers entering Thailand.
• Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination before arriving.
• Unvaccinated travelers (including children traveling with unvaccinated parents) need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) test 72 hours before departing for Thailand. Proof does not need to be uploaded before traveling.
• Airlines and Thai Immigration will do random checks to confirm travelers meet Covid prevention requirements (vaccination certificate or Covid test).
• Wearing masks is no longer compulsory.
• The TM6 arrival card has been temporarily removed when entering Thailand.

Thailand has always been an affordable holiday destination for Filipino travelers, so if you are ready to once again get out in the world and experience some freedom abroad, read on and see just how easy it is to visit the Land of Smiles.

Documents for Travel to Thailand in July 2022

• Visa (if required)
• Travel Insurance
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel booking
• Vaccination record (if vaccinated)
• COVID-19 test result (if unvaccinated)

Correct documents will speed up the entry screening to Thailand.

Easy Steps for Filipino Travelers Entering Thailand in 2022

Required Documents for Travel to Thailand

Please have the following documents ready.

• Passport with at least six month validity
• Visa or visa exemption qualification
• Buy Thailand Travel Insurance
• Boarding pass to be presented at Passport Control
• Hotel booking confirmation if asked by Immigration Officer
• Note: Vaccination record no longer required

Incorrect documents will delay the entry screening by rules from the Thai immigration bureau and its Thai immigration officials.

Buy Your Insurance Now

Apply for a Thai Visa

The philippines – a visa exempt country.

Filipinos are lucky because they can visit Thailand without a visa as long as it is for the purpose of tourism. A Filipino citizen can stay for up to 30 days through the Visa Exemption Program . If 30 days is not long enough, they can extend their permit to stay for a further 30 days at any local immigration office. This allows Filipinos to enjoy Thailand for up to 60 days.

If you want to stay in Thailand longer than the Visa Exemption allows, or are traveling for a purpose other than tourism, Siam Legal International law firm offers various Thailand Visa services  for travelers from the Philippines. You may check our services through our website at: https://www.siam-legal.com/legal_services/thailand-visa-services.php

Long Term Visas for Filipinos

Tourist visa and special tourist visa (stv).

Filipino citizens may apply for a Tourist Visa from the Thai embassy or consulate. There is the normal 60-day tourist visa that can be extended for additional 30 days, and the 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV), which allows two 90-day visa extensions at the local immigration office. There are certain requirements needed for the STV, but it allows a visitor to stay in Thailand for up to 9 months. The STV will be available until September 2022.

Thai Elite Visa

If you wish to make Thailand easily accessible for many years to come or are perhaps thinking of relocating permanently, it is worth having a look at the Thailand Elite Visa .

The Thai Elite Visa allows Filipino citizens to live in Thailand for 5, 10, or even 20 years. Thai Elite members do not need to worry about some of the eligibility criteria needed when applying for other long-term visas.

The Thai Elite visa is exclusive and offers a host of benefits to holders. If you want to enjoy “Thai life” for the long term, you can read more about the Thailand Elite Visa .

Non-Immigrant Visa

Foreigners may also apply for a wide range of non-immigrant visas:

• Non-immigrant B Visa – for conducting business or employment
• Non-immigrant O visa – for visiting Thai spouse and family
• Non-immigrant ED visa – for students of recognized institutions in Thailand and their Parents or Legal guardian
• Non-immigrant O retirement visa – for those who wish to retire in Thailand
• Non-immigrant OA and OX visa – for those who wish to obtain a Thailand retirement visa for a long stay (it differs from type O visa)

The above visas can be organized with a local Thai Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines. The paperwork can be quite involved, but there are companies that can help.

Siam Legal International is a reputable company in Thailand that has offered visa assistance to Indians for years. They are well versed in Thai immigration policies and processes. If you would like to streamline your long-term stay in Thailand, it is worth contacting them. You can reach Siam Legal at … 

For assistance in going to Thailand, there is a Thai Embassy at 107 Rada, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Metro Manila. 

For queries, you can reach out to them through  [email protected] or call them:

• (02) 8815 4219 – Thai Embassy, Manila

Or for more information, please visit the Royal Thai Embassy, Manila website. 

Vaccination status and entering Thailand

From July 1st, 2022, a Thailand Pass application is no longer required. Citizens from the Philippines will be able to enter the country one of two ways.

• Vaccinated Travelers – Vaccinated Filipino travelers do not need to complete any Covid tests before leaving the Philippines. They will need to have a copy of their vaccination certificate with them. Children under 18 who are traveling with vaccinated parents do not need to complete any RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test before departing.
• Unvaccinated Travelers – Before coming to Thailand, unvaccinated travelers will need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen (Pro-ATK) test through a clinic or medical professional. The test result must be issued within 72 hours before departing Singapore.

An ATK (RAT) home test is not acceptable. Children under 18 who are traveling with unvaccinated parents also need to complete a test.

Airlines and Immigration will conduct random checks of passengers to confirm Covid requirements are met. It is best to have your Vaccination or Covid test Certificate available to show.

Book your Flight to Thailand

As travel restrictions ease, many airlines are taking to the skies again. Filipinos can find competitive prices for international get-aways and booking flights is easy. Some common carriers for Filipino holiday makers are:

• Thai Airways
• Singapore Airlines

You can land at any international airport in Thailand and transit to other areas right away. There are no longer any “sealed” flights, though domestic flights may ask to see a vaccination certificate or test result before boarding. If you are traveling domestically, ATK self-tests are available at airports, pharmacies, and convenience stores.

Most international airlines follow the rules of the arrival country. If you are transiting through another country, it is best to check with the airline if you need to complete any tests before boarding.

Book a Hotel

Vaccinated travelers or unvaccinated travelers who complete a 72-hour pre-departure RT-PCR/Pro-ATK test are welcome to book any accommodation. There are no quarantine requirements. SHA+ quarantine packages have been removed from most booking sites.

If you see a “Quarantine Package” listed, you do not need to choose it.

To find and compare the best hotels available in Thailand, visit Agoda . They allow free booking and cancellation, confirm bookings with hotels and their web page is easy to navigate and compare hotels.

Travelers have always needed to enter an address when traveling to Thailand. The accommodation can be a hotel, home, or a friend’s address. This would normally be entered on the blue arrival card (TM6), but you will see below that things are changing here too.

Organize your Travel Insurance

If you are a foreigner, you should purchase a Travel Insurance policy. Though it is no longer an entry requirement, responsible travelers know the benefits of having insurance while traveling abroad.

Travel Insurance is one of those things that is better to have and not need than need and not have. Travel insurance doesn’t just cover Covid. Comprehensive travel insurance will also cover:

• Medical emergencies
• Personal injury & accidents
• Missed or delayed flights
• Damage to belongings
• Loss of luggage

The most important thing to know about insurance is that foreign travelers are not eligible for any form of free medical care in Thailand. No matter the circumstance, if a Filipino citizen needs medical attention, they will need to pay for it. Depending on the severity, this could amount to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.

There are multiple reasons to protect yourself when traveling. Many visitors to Thailand choose AXA Insurance Thailand. It is a trusted company that offers comprehensive insurance to travelers from around the world. Their policies are straightforward with good coverage.

Some advantages to AXA Insurance are:

• Recognized and trusted by Thai authorities and medical facilities.
• Easy to apply online and approved in minutes.
• Competitive pricing and cover.
• Has no 14-day waiting period and covers Covid-related incidents, including asymptomatic cases.
• Provides customers with a convenient 1-Page Certificate of insurance. This certificate contains all relevant information needed by medical professionals or if making a claim.

To see the cover offered and organize your insurance to Thailand in minutes. Visit AXA Thailand .

Travel Insurance: https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal

Arriving in Thailand – Best Practices

So what can you expect when landing in Thailand? Here are a few things that will help you enjoy your trip and show respect to local Thai people.

Wearing Masks

From July 1st, masks are no longer compulsory but still recommended when in public places. You see many Thai people (and visitors) still wear masks when out and about. It is recommended to wear a mask when visiting restaurants or public venues. You will not get in trouble if you don’t wear a mask, but it is a case of “do as the locals do”. It is about respect and consideration.

TM6 Arrival Cards

The Thai government has temporarily removed the need for visitors to complete the blue arrival card known as TM6. Their aim is to ease congestion at airports and remove another form that holiday makers need to complete. This initiative is in a testing phase, but it is hoped that the removal of TM6 will be successful and the change will become permanent.

Paperwork to Prepare

Though Thailand Pass is removed, and travelers do not need to provide a proof before entry, it is best to prepare a few documents before arriving.

• Certificate of Insurance
• Vaccination certificate (vaccinated travelers)
• 72-hour RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test result (unvaccinated)
• Covid-19 recovery certificate (if previously tested positive)

This will speed up your processing time before leaving your country, or if asked to provide vaccination or testing proof in a random check. These documents can be presented in digital form, but airlines, Immigration, and Health Officers will appreciate the extra effort if you print them.

It is time to get back into the world. International travel is almost back to pre-Covid conditions and Thailand is waiting to welcome its Filipino visitors back.

Travel to Thailand by Nationality

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Thailand Travel Restrictions 2023

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THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE with Multi-City ITINERARIES: 4, 6, 7, 12 Days

It’s not hard to imagine the backpacking scene in mainland Southeast Asia as an organism, something that is living, breathing, growing. And if you picture the roads and air routes as the veins and arteries, you’ll find the heart of this dynamic creature in Thailand.

Outside the region, when the term Southeast Asia is mentioned, Thailand is the first to come to mind. Although foreigners see it as an exotic destination, it is far from unfamiliar. Thailand has penetrated the international pop culture in many aspects. Countless classic movies have been either set or shot here. Thai food is one of the most globally revered Asian cuisines. And as far as tourism goes, Thailand is one of the most successful. Those traveling to Southeast Asia will most likely find themselves in Thailand at one point in their journey. In fact, its capital Bangkok is the most visited city in the world, welcoming over 30 million tourists per year.

Thailand will be taking over the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and currently preparing to host next year’s ASEAN Summit. If you’re traveling to Thailand soon, it will be an exciting time as the country prepares to showcase all the best that it has to offer.

Thailand: Essential Travel Information

Thailand is officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam . Locals call their country Mueang Thai.

At the very center of mainland Southeast Asia often referred to as Indochina, Thailand is bordered by Myanmar to the west, Laos to the north, Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia to the south. It is not completely landlocked though. The greater portion of its southern tail is caught in between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. This location allowed a diverse culture to grow and flourish.

Over centuries, the region is ruled by many states including the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the Lan Na, and Sukhothai Kingdom. It was unified by King Taksin the Great in 1767, signaling the start of Thonburi Kingdom. But in 1782, King Rama I established the Rattanakosin Kingdom and moved the capital to Bangkok.

Thailand takes pride in being the only Southeast Asian nation not to be conquered by Western colonizers, not counting some parts of the territory that were conceded. Today, Thailand is second biggest economy in the ASEAN region, third with highest human development index, and a leader in many industries including renewable energy.

Here are more information bits to know about Thailand.

• Language : Thai. Their language can be quite daunting to non-native speakers, especially its lengthy words and tongue-twisting pronunciations, but as with every other language, it only intimidates in the beginning. English isn’t widely spoken, but what the locals lack in English fluency, they make up for with their friendly attitude toward tourists.
• Religion : Theravada Buddhism. Around 94% of the population are Buddhists. Islam is the second biggest faith, making up almost 5% of Thais.
• Currency : Thai Baht (THB, ฿). THB100 is roughly USD3, EUR 2.6, SGD 4.2, PHP 164 (as of September 2018).
• Modes of payment : Cash. Although some restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, smaller establishments only accept cash.
• Electricity Info : 220V. Most common sockets are sort of a combination of Types A and C. They have two holes that can accept both flat and round pins. This type of socket can take plugs that are Types A, C, and F.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Best Time to Visit Thailand

December to April. Meteorologists usually divide the map of Thailand into six regions with distinct climate patterns. Each region feels different. For example, Phuket in the south provides a very different experience from Chiang Mai in the north.

However, December to April is generally the best time to visit. These months enjoy the most sunshine and littlest to no rain. January and February, in particular, are the most pleasant for sightseeing because these are the coolest months. Not surprisingly, they also make up the biggest chunk of the island’s high season so expect massive crowds.

Temperatures begin to rise and the monsoon kicks in mid-May lasting until October. August-October is the period that catches the most rainfall, so if you can avoid it, do so.

Aside from the weather, you want to consider the festivals too. Two of the most widely celebrated national holidays in Thailand are the following:

• Songkran, the Thai New Year, which usually happens around April 13-15. People splash water on each other, which symbolizes washing away sins and misfortunes.
• Loi Krathong, observed every 12th full moon of the year, which usually falls in November. Locals make baskets from leaves and wood and float them downriver. In Northern Thailand, it coincides with the Lanna festival called Yi Peng, wherein lanterns are launched into the sky.

If you don’t like big crowds, however, avoid these dates.

Where to Go in Thailand

Bangkok is the backpacking capital of Thailand and ASEAN in general. It has the perfect mix of modern comforts and exotic charms, pulsating with life and drawing in more tourists than any other city in the world and then pumping some of them out to other nearby destinations. From Bangkok, it is easy to visit other cities in Thailand and neighboring countries either by air or by land.

The four most visited destinations in Thailand are, in order, Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. We have specific travel guides for these cities (except Pattaya), so if you want to learn more about them, just follow the links below.

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) Best Time to Visit: November to April

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is the commercial, economic, and political center of the country. It is a wild, highly developed third-world metropolis but is still very much in touch with its past. Bangkok’s history as the Thai capital began in 1782, when King Rama I had the people move south following the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767.

Must-see Attractions:

• Grand Palace
• Temples and shrines
• Night markets
• Floating markets

Nearby Destinations:

✅ MORE INFO: BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE

Airports: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Best Time to Visit: November to mid-February

Chiang Mai has all the right qualities of a backpacking hub in perfect balance. It has a tourist-friendly atmosphere, vibrant markets, irresistible cuisine, affordable cost of living, and warm, helpful locals. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand with lots of commercial establishments, but it retains a peaceful, traditional vibe. No wonder it has become one of the most popular bases for digital nomads in Asia.

• Cooking classes
• Weekend markets
• Doi Inthanon National Park

✅ MORE INFO: CHIANG MAI TRAVEL GUIDE

Phuket & Krabi

Airports: Phuket International Airport (HKT) Best Time to Visit: December to April

An island off the coast of Southern Thailand, Phuket is the richest province in the country and one of the most visited destinations in ASEAN. It’s a favorite weekend getaway for domestic tourists, a common stop for cruise ships, and a bridge for Bangkok-bound backpackers from Malaysia and Singapore.

• Islands and beaches
• Diving spots
• Phuket Old Town

✅ MORE INFO: PHUKET TRAVEL GUIDE

Other Thailand Destinations

• Pattaya. A beach city just 2.5 hours from Bangkok, best known for its beach resorts, crazy nightlife and water sports.
• Ayutthaya. This is Thailand’s old capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 1.5 hours from Bangkok. Its map is dotted with countless ancient temples and shrines.
• Surat Thani. Best known for Khao Sok National Park and island destinations like Ko Tao, Ko Samui, and Ko Pha Ngan, which is famous (or notorious) for its wildly boisterous Full Moon Party.
• Chiang Rai. Another ancient city in Northern Thailand. Attractions include the stunning White Temple, the 9-tier Wat Huay Plakang, and the Golden Triangle, the area where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet.

How to Get Around Thailand

The fastest way to reach another city is by flying, of course. Plane tickets in Thailand are cheap so it doesn’t hurt the wallet that much to just book a flight. But land travel offers more experience as it allows you to get a glimpse of the Thai countryside.

For intercity land travel, you might want to book your train or bus in advance especially in high season. You may use this to search. Just enter your origin and destination. Book Bus or Train Here.

Sample Thailand Itineraries

In this post, we’re sharing with you sample Thailand itineraries for multi-city trips. If you’re planning on seeing only one destination in Thailand, we have separate posts for that. Here they are:

• Sample Bangkok Itineraries
• Phuket Itineraries
• Sample Chiang Mai Itineraries

Please note that the cost estimates at the end of each itinerary are inflated. Like we always say, it’s better to overestimate than under. However, they do not include airfare and accommodation costs.

Feel free to make some tweaking to these itineraries to match your flight schedule and travel habits and preferences.

Bangkok – Ayutthaya Itinerary: 4 Days

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights Stops: Bangkok with Ayutthaya Day Tour Entry point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Exit point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Day 1: RATCHADA NIGHT MARKET 12:10pm – Arrival in Bangkok 01:10pm – Airport Rail link to Makkasan Station, ฿35 01:30pm – Switch to MRT to Silom Station, ฿24 02:15pm – Walk to your hotel, check in, rest 04:40pm – MRT to Thaland Cultural Center, ฿29 05:00pm – Ratchada Train Market, Budget: ฿200 07:00pm – Dinner, ฿100 08:00pm – MRT to Silom, ฿29 09:00pm – Lights out

Day 2: BANGKOK TEMPLES 06:00am – Wake up call 07:00am – Walk to S2 Sala Daeng BTS Station 07:15am – Take BTS to S6 Saphan Taksin Station, ฿25 07:30am – Walk to Sathorn Pier 07:40am – Board Chao Phraya Express Boat, ฿15 08:00am – Get off at N8 Tha Thien Pier 08:10am – Take the boat to the other side of the river, ฿3 08:20am – Explore Wat Arun, ฿50 09:20am – Take the boat to the other side, ฿3 09:30am – Walk to Wat Pho 09:40am – Wat Pho, ฿100 11:00am – Lunch, ฿100 12:00pm – Walk to Grand Palace 12:30pm – Grand Palace, ฿500 02:30pm – Walk to N9 Tha Chang Pier 02:40pm – Ferry to N10 Siriraj Pier, ฿15 02:50pm – Walk to Sirijaj Museum 03:10pm – Siriraj Museum, ฿200 05:00pm – Walk to N10 Siriraj Pier 05:20pm – Boat to N13 Phra Arthit, ฿15 05:40pm – Walk to Khao San Road 06:00pm – Dinner at Khao San, ฿200 07:00pm – Explore Khao San Road 09:00pm – Taxi to Silom, ฿120

Cost estimate: THB 4900 (USD150, EUR129, SGD205, PHP7990), excluding hotel, airfare, and tips.

Bangkok – Phuket Itinerary: 6 Days

Duration: 6 days, 5 nights Stops: Bangkok, Phuket with Ko Phi Phi Day Tour Entry point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Exit point: Phuket Airport

Day 1: RATCHADA NIGHT MARKET, BANGKOK 12:10pm – Arrival in Bangkok 01:10pm – Airport Rail link to Makkasan Station, ฿35 01:30pm – Switch to MRT to Silom Station, ฿24 02:15pm – Walk to your hotel, check in, rest 04:40pm – MRT to Thaland Cultural Center, ฿29 05:00pm – Ratchada Train Market, Budget: ฿200 07:00pm – Dinner, ฿100 08:00pm – MRT to Silom, ฿29 09:00pm – Lights out

Day 4: PATONG 08:40am – Arrival in Phuket 09:00am – Shared taxi to Patong, ฿250 10:00am – Early check in or drop bags 11:00am – Early lunch, ฿100 12:30pm – Walk around, beach 02:00pm – Back to hotel to freshen up 07:30pm – Dinner, ฿200 09:00pm – See Patong nightlife

Cost estimate: THB 8300 (USD254, EUR218, SGD348, PHP13590), excluding hotel, airfare, and tips.

Bangkok – Chiang Mai Itinerary: 6 Days

Duration: 6 days, 5 nights Stops: Bangkok, Chiang Mai Entry point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Exit point: Chiang Mai Airport

Day 4: CHIANG MAI TEMPLES AND STREET FOOD 08:40am – Arrival at Chiang Mai Train Station 09:20am – Transfer to Old City: ฿60 09:40am – Hotel check-in or drop bags 10:00am – Breakfast, early lunch, ฿100 11:00am – DIY Old City Temple Tour 03:00pm – Back to hotel, rest 06:00pm – DIY Street food trip, ฿200 08:00pm – Night bazaar (or weekend market if weekend) 09:00pm – Lights out

Cost estimate: THB 6900 (USD211, EUR182, SGD290, PHP11300), excluding hotel, airfare, and tips.

Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai Itinerary: 7 Days

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights Stops: Bangkok and Chiang Mai with Chiang Rai day tour Entry point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Exit point: Chiang Mai Airport

Phuket-Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai Itinerary: 12 Days

Duration: 12 days, 11 nights Stops: Phuket, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai Entry point: Phuket Airport Exit point: Chiang Mai Airport

Day 1: ARRIVAL, PATONG 01:00pm – Arrival in Phuket 01:30pm – Bus to Patong, ฿150 03:00pm – Check in at hotel 04:00pm – Walk along Patong Beach 06:00pm – Back at hotel to freshen up 07:30pm – Dinner, ฿200 09:00pm – See Patong nightlife

Day 4: REST DAY, TRANSFER TO BANGKOK 11:00am – Check out 12:00pm – Lunch, ฿200 01:00pm – Free time 05:00pm – Transfer to Bus Terminal 07:00pm – Bus to Bangkok, ฿1111, Book here 09:00pm – Dinner at stopover, ฿200

Day 5: RATCHADA NIGHT MARKET, BANGKOK 09:00am – Arrival in Bangkok 09:30am – Taxi to Silom, ฿300 10:30am – Hotel check-in or drop bags 11:10am – Lunch, ฿100 02:00pm – Back to hotel 04:40pm – MRT to Thaland Cultural Center, ฿29 05:00pm – Ratchada Train Market, Budget: ฿200 07:00pm – Dinner, ฿100 08:00pm – MRT to Silom, ฿29 09:00pm – Lights out

Day 6: BANGKOK TEMPLES 06:00am – Wake up call 07:00am – Walk to S2 Sala Daeng BTS Station 07:15am – Take BTS to S6 Saphan Taksin Station, ฿25 07:30am – Walk to Sathorn Pier 07:40am – Board Chao Phraya Express Boat, ฿15 08:00am – Get off at N8 Tha Thien Pier 08:10am – Take the boat to the other side of the river, ฿3 08:20am – Explore Wat Arun, ฿50 09:20am – Take the boat to the other side, ฿3 09:30am – Walk to Wat Pho 09:40am – Wat Pho, ฿100 11:00am – Lunch, ฿100 12:00pm – Walk to Grand Palace 12:30pm – Grand Palace, ฿500 02:30pm – Walk to N9 Tha Chang Pier 02:40pm – Ferry to N10 Siriraj Pier, ฿15 02:50pm – Walk to Sirijaj Museum 03:10pm – Siriraj Museum, ฿200 05:00pm – Walk to N10 Siriraj Pier 05:20pm – Boat to N13 Phra Arthit, ฿15 05:40pm – Walk to Khao San Road 06:00pm – Dinner at Khao San, ฿200 07:00pm – Explore Khao San Road 09:00pm – Taxi to Silom, ฿120

Day 9: CHIANG MAI TEMPLES AND STREET FOOD 08:40am – Arrival at Chiang Mai Train Station 09:20am – Transfer to Old City: ฿60 09:40am – Hotel check-in or drop bags 10:00am – Breakfast, early lunch, ฿100 11:00am – DIY Old City Temple Tour 03:00pm – Back to hotel, rest 06:00pm – DIY Street food trip, ฿200 08:00pm – Night bazaar (or weekend market if weekend) 09:00pm – Lights out

Cost estimate: THB 16,000 (USD489, EUR420, SGD670, PHP26150), excluding hotel, airfare, and tips.

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Very detailed itinerary. I love to travel and through your article now I know how to travel cost effectively. Thanks.

Very useful! Huge help in planning!

Thanks, Juan!

Very informative! Will use this guide on my Thailand travel ☺️

Thanks, Jenny!

Thank you so much Jenny

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Thailand Travel Guide

Your ultimate thailand travel guide, with tips, ideas on things to do, and best things to see in thailand. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Known for its famous cuisine, Thailand is also a country full of history and culture and home to many sacred sites and temples.

Add in plenty of shopping venues (both on land and on the water), friendly locals, and many natural wonders like beaches, lagoons, and caves, and it all makes a memorable trip.

There are many things to see and do in Thailand.

This Thailand travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular City Guides

Our highlight.

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Thailand

• Currency: The official currency is the Thai baht and 1 baht is equal to 0.032 USD.
• Power: Power voltage is 220 V at 50 Hz.
• Visa:  To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 6 months after your departure date and a return plane ticket. You can stay for 30 days without a visa.
• Getting Around The best way to get around Thailand is by bus or train.
• Sales tax The sales tax rate is 7%.
• The Capital City of Thailand is Bangkok

Things to See and Do in Thailand

• Climb in Railay  – We went Rock Climbing in Railay for the first time in 2000 and each time we go back to Thailand we climb, King Klimbers and Hot Rocks are our go-to shops. 
• Go Sea Kayaking   – through the Hongs of Phuket
• Volunteer or  visit an Elephant Sanctuary
• Take Part in Songkran  – It’s the world’s largest water fight. Actually, it’s the Thai New Year and they ring it in in style with a lot of water. 
• Take a Muay Thai Kickboxing Course  – Sign up for a month and really delve into the culture.
• Take a Cooking Class –  Thai food  is a favourite around the world and cooking courses are popular around the country. Sign up for a multi-day course to really get to know the cuisine.=
• Beaches  – Thailand has the most beautiful beaches in the world. Places like Phuket and Kho Samui are popular with the tourists but there are many other beaches like Railay and Ao Nang in Krabi, Kho Lanta and Kho Lipe near the Malaysian Border. 
• Tip: avoid Pattaya Beach it’s overrun and just downright depressing. 
• Bridge on the River Kwai – Made famous by the movie it was a strategic location during WWII. There is a war memorial here for soldiers who were kept as POWs in unbearable conditions.

Thailand Travel Guides

• Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand
• The Best Things to do in Koh Samui
• Best Things to do in Krabi
• Best Things to do in Phuket
• 35 of the Best Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Loy Krathong and Yi Peng – A Guide to The Lantern Festivals of Chiang Mai

Accommodation

Budget: You can find a number of backpacker hostels in the range of 250-700 baht per night. Enjoy dorm-styled or private rooms, shared kitchens, lounge areas, free Wi-Fi, and great locations.

Mid Range: For mid-range hotels, expect to pay 1,500-2,750 baht per night and enjoy private rooms, free breakfast, an outdoor pool, a hotel restaurant and bar, a gym, and nearby attractions.

High End: Upscale hotels will range from 3,00-12,000 baht per night, with the mostluxurious going all the way up to 76,500 baht. Take in the best of Thailand with top-of-the-line hospitality, polished rooms, and suites with flat-screen TVs, beautiful hotel architecture, rooftop pools overlooking the city, multiple dining options, fitness centers,tennis courts, and more.

If you are starting your trip in Bangkok check out our suggestions for where to stay in Bangkok.

Thai cuisine favors rice, noodles, nam pla (fish sauce), vegetables and fruits, seafood or meat, and herbs and spices. Pad Thai is one of the national dishes in Thailand.

Soups and curries, with various combinations, are also popular dishes. Thailand has many street vendors where you can sample great Thailand cuisine.

When out and about, try some mango sticky rice or banana roti (banana pancake). Expect to pay 90-150 baht per meal when dining in a restaurant.

The Best Ways to Get Around Thailand

Getting to thailand:.

Getting to Thailand: The Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the main airport to fly into and is about 19 miles from Bangkok. The Phuket International Airport (20 miles from Phuket city center) and the Chiang Mai International Airport (2 miles from the city center of Chiang Mai) are alternatives.

You can check for the best flights to Thailand on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Transportation: Trains are a fast way to get around, especially the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok. Tickets cost 16-59 baht depending on how many stations you pass through, or you can pay 120 baht to get a one-day pass with unlimited rides. The Skytrain runs from 6:30 AM to midnight and passes by many attractions, including more rural areas

Buses : are a good way to get around and travel through most parts of the country. Pay just 7 baht for shorter rides or 9-19 baht for air-conditioned buses that cover longer distances.

Taxis:   Taxis are an alternative way to get around. In major cities like Bangkok, the taxis are metered, and prices start at 35 baht, with 2 baht being added per kilometer traveled

Car Rental:   To rent a car, you need to be at least 21 years old and have a U.S. license that you have held for at least one year prior. Prices start at 700 baht per day

When to go To Thailand

When to visit Thailand: Thailand mainly has two seasons, wet and dry.

Thailand’s high season is November to February.  This is when it is the driest but this is also when you’ll be swarmed with the most tourists.

Southern Thailand is hot all year long, but has a very wet rainy season:

The West Coast of Southern Thailand is wet between April to October.

The East Coast is wet from September to December.

June to October is the rainy season and temperatures soar with high humidity.

Northern Thailand’s dry season stretches from November to May.

Temperatures are less hot between October and January and can actually be a little cool in the North especially in the evening and early morning.

Where to Stay in Thailand

Hansar Hotel Bangkok : This five-star hotel in the Pathum Wan District of Bangkok is the place to be. Enjoy private suites with glass showers, an infinity pool and hot tub, a hotel restaurant and bar with live music, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast and room service. Shopping centers and the Lumphini Park are nearby.

Royal Phuket City Hotel : Just a short trip to the Tiger Kingdom animal park and Wat Chalong temple, and a short walk to the Trickeye Museum, this four-star hotel is the place to stay in Phuket. Enjoy private rooms with sea views, a day spa, the hotel’s three restaurants, a karaoke lounge, and a rooftop pool, plus more.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and Air B&B for the best deals on accommodation in Ireland.

Thailand Accommodation Guides

• Where to Stay in Bangkok – A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
• The Best Things to do in Pai Thailand

What to Pack for Thailand

We have been back numerous times and have come up with these Thailand travel tips to help you pack right.

That being said, you don’t have to pack a lot to travel to Thailand, it is always hot! And whatever you don’t have, you can buy there, but here are our top suggestions for things to have while traveling in Thailand.

You can basically live in a bathing suit and flip-flops, although the cities are getting quite chic so it’s nice to dress up too.

Pack lightweight breathable clothing.

Thailand is hot and humid. You won’t need a lot of heavy clothing. A bathing suit, shorts, t-shirts.

Hiking boots or shoes are good for jungle and mountain treks

• Sarongs  – these can be used for anything. From covering up when visiting temples, being used as a towel or keeping cool on a hot night while using it as a light sheet. Check out our  Many Uses of the Simple Sarong  for more suggestions.
• Ladies, make sure to pack a light long-sleeved blouse for entering temples. A skirt is a good idea for the same reason, although I often just tie a sarong around my shorts.
• Flip Flops  – Flip Flops, Thongs, Jandals…whatever you call them in your part of the world, flip-flops are a must for Thailand. They are easy to slip on and off when entering temples. Since the weather is so warm, you don’t need a lot of footwear unless you are going for hikes. If you are planning on hikes, pack some lightweight hiking boots.
• Backpacks  – We prefer a backpack to a suitcase for Thailand as you’ll be on boats, tuk-tuks, motorcycles and trains. Backpacks are easier to carry and you don’t have to roll them through the sand of Thailand’s amazing beaches. We buy a lot of our clothing in Thailand. The fabric is lightweight and perfect for the weather.

Thailand Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Thailand  click here .

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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Thailand Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 22, 2024

Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia . It’s the region’s most visited country and most backpackers make it their starting point for traveling around the region.

With its lush jungles, postcard perfect beaches, world-class diving, mind-blowing cuisine, and cheap prices, Thailand is actually my favorite country in the world! I’ve been coming to the country since 2005, lived there for 2 years, and always seem to be pulled back. It’s an easy country to travel and, because of the backpacker scene, you can meet a lot of other people there. It’s just a phenomenal country.

Since the country is such a well-worn destination, everything here is convenient and easy. You won’t have any trouble traveling around here. But, despite the crowds, there are still many off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore.

This Thailand travel guide will show you how to travel the country like a pro, give you suggested costs, the best things to see and do, ways to get around, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Thailand

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in thailand.

1. Visit Bangkok

Bangkok is a chaotic, must-see city. Here you can explore temples, royal palaces, amazing markets, one of the craziest nightlife scenes in the world, and, of course, eat all the amazing Thai food. Check out Khao San Road to see the backpacker’s haven, Thong Lor/Ekamai for local Thai nightlife, see the Grand Palace’s beautiful artwork and the emerald Buddha, and shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok is an onion that requires time to peel back. Wander off the tourist trail, eat the markets, explore the nightlife, and just relax.

2. Adventure around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city filled with lots temples, incredible food markets, night markets, lots of cafes, and a chill vibe. It’s a good launching pad for multi-day jungle tours, adventure activities, or visits to the nearby elephant sanctuarys where you can volunteer to help rescued elephants. And be sure to head to Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of Buddha himself). Chiang Mai is also consdiered one of the foodie capitals of the country so be sure to get your fill of food. There’s also a big jazz scene here too!

3. Hike in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park , located about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok, is one of Thailand’s best national parks. It’s visually stunning, filled with lush flora and fauna, lots of waterfalls, hiking trails, and even a few wild elephants. It’s an absolute must-visit place. Stay at the Greenleaf Guesthouse for the best tour/accommodation deals in the area.

4. Celebrate Songkran

Every April, Thais celebrate their new year by holding an enormous, three-day water fight. Songkran is meant to wash away the old and begin the year anew. This once-in-a-lifetime water party is the biggest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai so book your hostel ahead of time. In Bangkok, there’s an opening ceremony at Wat Pho temple where they bathe the Buddha. The whole country turns into a big water fight and everyone plays along. If you’re around Songkran, be prepared to get wet everywhere you go those days (so keep your electronics sealed in plastic). Everyone outside is fair game.

5. Go to Ko Lanta

While Ko Lanta has become more developed in recent years, it’s still a paradise compared to its more developed neighbors. Wide, white sand beaches, cheap and delicious food, gorgeous sunsets, great caves, snorkeling, and diving make this one of my favorite spots in the country. It’s a really chill place where you still get a a taste of old Thailand. For fun day trips, check out the Trang Islands, with their beautiful limestone formations stretching out of the water or head to Ko Rok for kayaking. Ko Lanta is one of the best islands in all of Thailand.

Other Things to See and Do in Thailand

1. visit the grand palace and wat pho.

Thailand’s royal palace, built at the end of the 18th century by King Rama I, is the official residence of the current monarch (though he doesn’t live there anymore; now it’s just used for ceremonies). It’s a striking place filled with numerous temples, including Wat Pra Kaeo, which houses the 15th-century Emerald Buddha. The architecture here is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend taking a guided tour as the signage here is minimal. Nearby Wat Pho is famous for two things: a 150 foot (46 meters) reclining Buddha statue and a very relaxing massage school. The temple is wonderful and the statue really impressive. Both can be done back-to-back and should definitely not be missed. It costs 500 THB to enter the Grand Palace and 200 THB to enter Wat Pho.

2. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best national parks in the country, offering incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. The park offers semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife (including sun bears, elephants, gibbons, and more), walking paths, and incredible sunsets. Park entrance costs 200 THB. Half-day guided treks cost 940 THB. Try to spend at least one night sleeping on the lake as the stargazing is top notch.

3. Hop around the ancient capitals

Thailand’s three ancient capitals — Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya — lie between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Visiting them on your way north is a unique way to head between the cities. Lopburi, which is so old it is mentioned in texts by Marco Polo, was the capital in the mid-17th century while Sukhothai, founded in 1238, was the capital for over 140 years between the 13th and 14th centuries. Lopburi is famous for it’s monkeys (watch out as they are aggressive) and Sukothai is a massive complex that sees very few tourists! My favorite is Ayutthaya, which is located about 1.5 hours from Bangkok by train. It was the capital of Siam from 1350-1767 (it was razed in 1767 by the Burmese during the Burmese-Siamese War). You can visit on a day trip for just 900 THB.

4. Relax on the tropical islands

Thailand has tons of beautiful tropical islands. Some are grossly overdeveloped are still an undeveloped tropical paradise with few people and cheap accommodation. Some of my favorite spots are Ko Samet, Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang , Ko Tao , Ko Jum, Ko Lipe , the Similan Islands, and Ko Samui. It’s hard to go wrong here as they all have beautiful beaches but the atmosphere of the islands will decide how much you enjoy it so think about whether you want to prioritize peace, parties, activities, etc. Some of the most chill beaches have fewer activities and accommodation options while more touristy places provide a range of lodging and tons of activities and parties but can sometimes be a bit intense. Be sure to do your research before you select a spot.

5. Hit the Full Moon Party

There’s no better party in the world than the famous Full Moon Party . The Full Moon Party is a giant festival-like party with a lot of drinking, dancing, and drugs. Each bar has its own sound system, so you’ll hear different music loudly blasting onto the beach every few feet. The beach itself is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers putting on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint. Sure, it is super touristy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot of fun if that’s your vibe. Just don’t take part in the fire jump rope — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

6. Go jungle trekking

There are some great multi-day jungle trekking opportunities in northern Thailand. For longer treks, the biggest departure points are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. You can book these sorts of outings through the hostel or hotel you’re staying in. While day-trips are popular and cheap, try to head out for at least 3-4 days as you’ll be able to get to much more remote areas and see some incredible wildlife (there are tons of birds and bats, as well as lizards, monkeys, and even wild boars) as well as some gorgeous waterfalls. If you book online ahead of time, you will pay more. Skip the shorter day hikes that include meeting “authentic” hill tribes; they are exploitative and the visits are usually unethical. Expect to pay around 5,000 THB for a three-day tour.

7. Scuba dive in the Similan Islands

Scuba diving is a popular activity here because of the crystal-clear waters and majestic sea life. While you can dive all over the country, the Similan Islands offer some of the best uncrowded diving. Given the islands’ remote location, most of these dive trips last a few nights. If you dive here, be sure to see Elephant Head Rock, as the reef there is home to plenty of fish, snappers, rays, and turtles. Day trips start at 5,900 THB for two dives, including equipment and park fees.

8. Learn to cook

Thai food is delicious and it’s relatively easy to cook. There are cooking schools all over the country but the best are in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. It’s a fun experience as you’ll get to spend a day making and eating (hopefully delicious) food. I loved being able to go to the market and pick out my fresh ingredients and then learning how to make my own paste for a delicious green curry and a tasty shrimp pad Thai. A half-day cooking class in Bangkok (including a market visit) costs around 1,300 THB. Chiang Mai also has lots of cooking classes and, if you make it to Ko Lanta, Time for Lime is my favorite cooking school in the country.

9. Explore the Khmer temples in Isaan

There are many temples built throughout the Isaan region , all along the ancient roads connecting Angkor (the capital of the Khmer Empire) to the other villages. The largest of these is Phimai, located at the end of the ancient highway. It dates to the 11th century and is one of the largest Hindu Khmer temples in Thailand (and hardly anyone visits so you’ll get the place mostly to yourself). Two other magnificent Khmer temples (Phanom Rung and Muang Tum) can be found in the Buriram province, only a few kilometers apart. Phanom Rung is built on top of a hill, and Muang Tum is at the base of the hill. While in Isaan, be sure to spend a day or two in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) and visit Wat Ban Rai and Wat Phayap, two beautiful local temples that I especially love.

10. Take the day train to Chaing mai

Taking the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is not only cheaper but a much better way to see the countryside than the night train. Sure, you “waste” a day, but you see the countryside, experience how Thais take the train, and can eat from vendors coming on and off at every stop. The day train remains one of my favorite experiences in Thailand. Just make sure you have a good book as the journey is 10-13 hours long! You can also break up the journey by stopping in Lopburi and Sukothai.

11. Visit Elephant Nature Park

While you can come to Thailand and ride an elephant, once you know how they suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about this unethical activity. An even better way to get up-close-and-personal to the animals is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and letting you help these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will know why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs 2,500 THB for adults.

12. Admire Wat Doi Suthep

This stunning Buddhist temple lies in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, 16 kilometers (10 miles) outside of Chiang Mai. A tram or a trek up 300 steps takes you to the summit of Doi Suthep, where the glittering gold temple spire awaits you. The temple dates back to the 14th century and holds rare relics of Buddha. It’s too beautiful of a view to miss, so don’t leave Chiang Mai without visiting Wat Doi Suthep. Admission is free.

13. Visit the Golden Triangle

The point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is known as the Golden Triangle. It’s also the meeting point of Laos , Thailand, and Myanmar. Once known for its opium production (which is used to make heroin), today the region thrives on tourism. You can take a boat along the river and visit the Golden Triangle Park, check out some of the many Buddha statues, scenic viewpoints, and markets. It’s just 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of Chiang Saen. Golden Triangle day trips from Chiang Mai cost around 2,200 THB. If you’d rather visit solo, you can visit the region from Mae Sai or Chiang Saen via songthaew. Don’t miss the Hall of Opium, one of the most interesting museums in the entire country. It explores the history of opium production, shows how it was made and trafficked around the world, and more.

14. Party on Ko Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi is one of the most popular tourist islands in Thailand. From the infamous Maya Bay (made famous in the 2000 film, The Beach , with Leonardo DiCaprio) to the monkeys on the aptly named Monkey Beach, to the diving and nightlife, there are reasons people flock here. Destroyed by the tsunami in 2004, the island has been rebuilt and developed to an even greater extent than before. While I personally don’t love Ko Phi Phi , it’s nevertheless one of the most popular places in the country. You’ll just have to see for yourself whether it’s for you.

15. Relax on Ko Lipe

Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off the map island is one of my favorite places in the world. Here on Ko Lipe , the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood meals. The beaches are beautiful, the water is warm, and the island is cheap. I came for three days and ended up staying a month. In the last few years, it has become more developed and it’s not the sleepy little island it used to be, but it’s still way less developed than many other destinations in Thailand. Moreover, you’re near a pristine and undeveloped national marine park where you can snorkel and enjoy some beaches to yourself! It lives up to all the hype.

16. Explore Kanchanaburi Province

This region is home to a lush forest perfect for trekking, though the history of this area is rather dark. The infamous Death Railway linking Myanmar and Thailand runs through here, which was constructed during World War II by prisoners of war and civilians. Around 90,000 Southeast Asian civilian forced laborers and more than 12,000 Allied prisoners perished in the railway’s construction. The bridge over the River Kwai is also located here, built using POW labor and the subject of both a famous film and a book. While visiting is a haunting reminder, it is an essential part of Thailand’s history.

17. Motorbike through Northern Thailand

There are lots of picturesque routes for motorbiking all around the country, but especially near Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Many people rent bikes and tour the scenery, taking a day trip or a few days. The Mai Hong Son Province offers a great loop that you can do starting in Chiang Mai and ending in Pai. Note: Make sure that if you’re renting a motorbike, you’re comfortable with driving it and never (ever) drink and drive. Accidents are incredibly common.

18. Relax in Pai

Pai has grown as a tourist destination in more recent years, but it is still a great place to escape the crowds and noise of the larger cities. In the last few years, it’s become a big center for yoga and holistic living. Located in Northern Thailand, it’s nestled in rolling green mountains, surrounded by waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Pai itself but I loved the area. I spent a lot of time hiking and swimming. Be sure to take a day trip to the Tham Lot Caves, where you can stop off to swim in waterfalls and hot springs on the way there. It’s an awesome experience.

19. Bounce around Phuket province

Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand. There are great beaches and amazing activities on this island, and if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the over-development and crowds. The more north you go, the more relaxed it is. Phuket draws a lot of tourists, and if you really want to enjoy the area, get out of the main spots. Don’t miss visiting Wat Chalong, hiking to the Karon Viewpoint, and visiting the weekend Night Market.

For information on specific destinations in Thailand, check out the following guides:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
• Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide

( Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Thailand filled with even more detailed information as well as itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! So, if you want to go into more depth, click here for more about the book! )

Thailand Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Thailand is very affordable, though you should expect to pay more on the islands and less up north. Hostels range from 270-500 THB per night for a 4-6-bed dorm. Larger dorm rooms with 10 or more beds can be found for 170-250 THB. Private rooms in hostels cost 700-1,000 THB. Hostels on the islands are going to be on the upper end of that range. During peak season, expect to spend about 20% more.

Free Wi-Fi is common and many hostels also include free breakfast and have air conditioning. It’s not uncommon for hostels to have pools either (especially if they are a party hostel).

You can find cheap guesthouses for as little as 400 THB per night in cities and 300 THB per night in the countryside, though in the big cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, rooms cost about 1000 THB per night. On the islands or for a nicer room with an air-conditioner, expect to pay 1400 THB per night.

Budget hotels start at around 1,000 THB per night and go up from there. Big resorts on the islands start at 2,500 THB per night for a bungalow on the beach.

Airbnb is very popular in Thailand and you’ll find a lot of options in most major cities. Renting private rooms is not common, but renting full apartments is very affordable for the quality you get, starting at around 600-900 THB per night.

Food – Thai food is spicy and flavorful and uses many ingredients to create layers of flavor. Typical spices and fresh herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Thai food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas. Popular dishes throughout the country include pat tai (a fried noodle dish, more commonly known to Westerners as pad thai), tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

Street food can cost as little as 20 THB, though on average you’ll spend about 40-70 THB per meal.

Sit-down Thai restaurants begin at 65 THB for a dish. For larger dishes or curries, you pay spend up 120 THB per dish. In bigger cities, the malls have huge (and popular) food courts where you can get a filling meal for around 70-100 THB. On the islands, you’ll probably pay about 30 THB more per dish than you would on the mainland.

Western food is pricey compared to Thai food. Most Western dishes (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) cost between 170-340 THB, though they can be higher in fancier establishments. Most Western food also pales in comparison to its original so it’s best to skip it altogether. I mean, you didn’t come all this way to have a crappy burger or pizza, right? If you’re looking for sushi, expect to spend 2,000 THB or more for a meal and drinks.

Fast food like Burger King or McDonald’s begins at 150 THB for a sandwich and 300 THB for a meal.

When it comes to drinking, the cheapest beers cost about 60-85 THB each for a small one and 100-120 THB for a large. A glass of wine costs 180 or more THB and cocktails cost between 300-450 THB. You can save money by buying beers from 7-Eleven for half that price. In most places, especially tourist areas, you’ll find happy hours for 60-90 THB for beers and basic cocktails.

And, since food is so cheap, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. If you do decide to shop, expect to pay 600-800 THB for a week’s worth of basic staples like rice, veggies, and some meat.

Backpacking Thailand Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Thailand, budget between 800-1,125 THB per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, eating food from the street vendors, enjoying a couple of drinks per day, using public transportation, and doing mostly free or cheap activities like swimming, hiking, and relaxing on the beach.

On a mid-range budget of 1,750 THB per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or guesthouse with air-conditioning, eat a few meals at Western or sit-down restaurants, rent a motorbike or scooter, and do more paid activities like jungle treks and diving.

On an upscale budget of around 3,725 per day or more, you can do anything you want. There’s nothing you can’t do. After this amount, the sky is the limit and Thailand does luxury really well!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). I just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Thailand Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Thailand is an inexpensive country and it’s hard to overspend here unless you’re trying to splash out on high end meals, imported alcohol, and fancy resorts. If you stick to traveling like how Thais live (street food, public transportation, etc), it’s hard to spend a lot of money. To save money when you visit, here’s my tips on cutting costs in Thailand:

• Go local – The easiest way to save money in Thailand is to simply live like a local. Take local buses, eat street food, and drink local beer. The average Thai lives on less than 7,750 THB per month in Bangkok and on even less in the countryside. Keep it simple to keep it affordable.
• Eat street food – Thailand’s best food is on the street, and it costs a fraction of a restaurant meal. Stick to street food if you’re on a budget. There are plenty of delicious curries and rice, fresh juices, and meat skewers. Eating around the markets is a must-do in Thailand. Really that’s where you’ll find rhe best food anyway.
• Take advantage of happy hour – Thailand’s many happy hours have half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials. If you want to hit the bar, stick to drinking during happy hours. If you visit the areas frequented by backpackers, you’ll find even more drink specials.
• Buy beer at 7-Eleven – Buying beer at Thailand’s ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drinking outside will save you quite a bit on your bar tab. While you can’t get wrecked on the street, you can take drinks with you to sit outside your guesthouse or while on the beach. These places are usually 50% cheaper than drinking at the bar and they have tons of snacks.
• Don’t book tours before you arrive – Want to take a cooking class? Go zip-lining? Trek in the jungle? Dive? Wait until you get into Thailand to book anything. Travel agencies are located all over the tourist areas, looking to sell their tours. While you’re able to purchase these tours online before you arrive, you’ll be paying a lot more that way. Instead, book when you arrive so you can haggle for a better deal.
• Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who give you not only a free place to stay, who can introduce you to all the great places to see. Just make sure to send your requests early!
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia as the tap water isn’t potable. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too).

Where to Stay in Thailand

Thailand has every type of accommodation you can think of. Here’s my list of the best hostels and budget hotels in Thailand:

• Lub d Bangkok Siam (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• Smile Robotist Hostel (Chiang Mai)
• Chang Puak Hotel (Chiang Mai)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Balcony Party Hostel (Krabi)
• Noom Guesthouse (Lopburi)
• The Famous Pai Circus Hostel (Pai)
• Old City Guesthouse (Sukhothai)
• Mut Mee Garden Guest House (Isaan)
• Bodega Party Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)
• Echo Beach Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)

For more specific recommendations, visit the city and island destination guides as I have even longer lists there.

How to Get Around Thailand

Public transportation – Local buses cost as little as 8 THB per trip (for buses with no AC) and around double that for buses with AC. A week-long pass in Bangkok costs between 120-255 THB, depending on if you want buses with AC or no AC. The Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost 16-52 THB per trip.

In Chiang Mai, the buses have AC and cost around 20 THB per ticket. An unlimited day pass is 180 THB.

In many places, songthaews are the most common mode of local transportation. These converted pick-up trucks don’t follow set stops, simply going wherever their riders ask. They generally cost 30-50 THB for a ride.

Taxi – Metered taxi rides are usually 60-100 THB each. Always stick to the metered taxis, otherwise, you’ll get charged an overpriced ride. If you notice your driver not using the meter, get out and find a driver who will.

Tuk-tuks are un-metered and generally more expensive, costing 100-235 THB per ride. Be sure to agree on a price before you take off. I generally try to avoid tuk-tuks, but for very short distances they can be fun.

Motorbike taxis (in orange vests) are available all over the country with short trips costing about 35-80 THB, but you need to negotiate the price.

Bus – Coach buses in Thailand are incredibly cheap and a great way to get around the country. For intercity travel, you’ll pay more for better services like sleeper buses and air-conditioning. A budget bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 10 hours and costs about 529-617 THB, while a first-class ticket for the same journey costs 825 THB. Bangkok to Trat (where you can then change to a ferry taking you to Ko Chang) takes 5 hours and costs about 250-300 THB. A two-hour bus journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is just 120-140 THB.

Train – Trains in Thailand tend to be slow, but they’re an incredibly scenic option for getting around. Taking the train is a genuine Thai experience, making the journey as much a part of your trip as the destination. Day trains cost as little as 30-50 THB and night trains start at 875 THB for second class without air-conditioning. By the way, the air-conditioned night trains can be freezing so be prepared. A train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 11-13 hours and costs 715-900 THB, while Bangkok to Pattaya takes 4 hours and costs 30-50 THB.

There is a new Bangkok–Vientiane train for getting to Laos, which takes 11-13 hours and costs around 1,000 THB. Taking the train is also a convenient way to travel between Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Flying – Flights are a quick and affordable way to travel around the country, with prices ranging between 825-4,500 THB. Flights to the islands tend to be higher in price than flying between large cities or popular destinations. For example, Bangkok to Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Krabi all cost 450-825 THB for a one-way ticket, while a one-way from Bangkok to Koh Samui can be found for around 2,150 THB.

Budget-friendly airlines in Thailand include:

• Thai Lion Air
• Vietjet Air

Ridesharing – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber and it works the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the Grab app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi and you don’t have to worry about getting cheated on the price. I much prefer to use this app.

Ferry – Travel between islands and beaches is best done by long-tail boat, which costs around 150-275 THB per person for shorter trips. Bigger cities like Bangkok have regular ferries, costing 13-32 per ride.

Car rental – If you want to rent a car in Thailand, an IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. That said, unless you’re an adventurous traveler with experience driving in rugged conditions, I don’t recommend renting a car here as traffic in the cities is sluggish and the roads in rural areas can be unreliable.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars . Prices start around 700-800 THB per day.

Renting a motorbike is super popular in rural areas and on the islands, either for day trips or for road trips. Just make sure you wear a helmet and have insurance (and ideally have experience on a bike or scooter) as I’ve seen a ton of backpackers with road rash who wrecked their bikes because they just weren’t experienced enough.

When to Go to Thailand

Overall, the best time of year to visit Thailand is between November to March. The high season (cool/dry) is from November to March. Temperatures during this time are usually 30°C (86°F) or higher (yes, that is “cool” in Thailand). The islands are much hotter and more humid, though the entire country is very humid during this time. This is also the busiest time of the year so expect higher prices and lots of tourists, especially around Christmas/New Year’s.

If you plan on being in the north during this time, temperatures can drop quickly in the evenings so bring warm clothing. It gets cold at night, especially out in the mountains.

The shoulder season is from April to June, and it is HOT, with temps regularly over 40 C. It’s the hottest time of the year! The country is still really busy this time of year, though crowds begin to shrink after mid-April.

Monsoon hits the northern area at the end of May, bringing daily bouts of rain (though the weather is still warm). The low season is the rainy season, from July to October. Rainfall can be dramatic, ranging from light showers to major flooding. June and August have the heaviest rains, but things wind down during October. You might still get some afternoon showers, but October is also generally a good time to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Thailand

Thailand is a safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent attacks against tourists are uncommon. People who get in trouble here are usually involved with drugs or sex tourism, so if you avoid those activities you’ll likely not have any serious issues. I’ve been coming to Thailand for close to twenty years and have never felt unsafe or had a problem.

Solo female travelers will feel safe here (Thais are very respectful), though the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Thailand is very safe for women but, since I’m not a female traveler, check out some female bloggers who can provide a better perspective.

When it comes to cannabis, Thailand changed some of its regulations on marijuana in June 2022. This means that there are licensed weed stores, cafes, vendors with cannabis-infused beverages, etc., where you’re allowed to buy it within that space to smoke it. However, while it is technically legal for people over 20 to smoke weed in ‘your residence’ or certain areas, doing so in public can still land you a 25,000 baht fine. If you want to take part, follow the laws and use common sense. Regarding other drugs, avoid them. The penalties are harsh (and include the death penalty).

Petty theft (including bag snatching) can occur around major tourist areas so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking crowded public transportation. If you’re carrying a purse, wear it across your body and not over one shoulder so it’s hard for someone to take.

Scams in Thailand, unfortunately, are common (though they are rarely violent). The most common scam involves unmetered taxis and tuk-tuks. For that reason, always make sure the taxi driver is using the meter. For tuk-tuk drivers, make sure you know the price in advance so you don’t get ripped off while haggling.

For more information on common scams to avoid you can read this post on common travel scams to avoid.

It’s illegal to defame or talk ill of the monarchy so avoid doing so (avoid talking politics in general if you can). The penalty can be prison (or worse) so do not talk about the monarchy while you are in Thailand!

Anti-government protests are common around the country, but chiefly in large cities. If they occur when you visit, avoid them. They don’t usually turn violent but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance (112 from a mobile device).

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

The widget below can help you pick the right policy for your trip:

Thailand Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

7 Days in Thailand (Guide + Budget + Itinerary)

Thailand  is known as the Land of Smiles . Popular with tourists and backpackers, it is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast-Asia.

I recently took a week-long trip here with my family. Thailand is really big and they have a lot more to offer. Here I am going to share my Thailand itinerary , guide, and budget from Manila to Bangkok to Pattaya to Chiang Mai.  I planned this itinerary to get the taste of City, Province, and Beach in this 7-day vacation.

Table of Contents

When To Visit Thailand

You can visit Thailand all year round but according to many, the best time to visit is around November to April during their cool and dry season.

How To Get To Thailand

From the Philippines, a one-way ticket to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport can cost around 3000 Php   – 6000 Php depending on the season. So it can cost around 6,000 Php to 12,000 Php for a roundtrip ticket MNL – BKK. It’s best to book a flight 3 months earlier to get the best price.

Search For Cheap Flights Here from MNL – BKK

Estimated Price:

1 Person = 6000 Php to 12,000 Php

Currency in Thailand

Currently, the exchange rate of THB (Thai Baht) to PHP (Philippine Peso) is 1 THB = 1.68 PHP .  While 1 USD = 30.23 THB .

I find it better to exchange my currency to USD before I exchange it to THB. It’s also better if you exchange your currency at the airport before or after you arrived. The exchange rate wouldn’t be as good when you get outside.

Where To Stay In Thailand

Ideally, it’s best to stay near Thailand MRTs or SkyTrain Stations. That way, it will be easier to tour around the country on your own. There will be less hassle finding cars and commuting.

A friend of mine said Sukhumvit area is generally a good place to stay. There are plenty of hotels, hostels, restaurants, and shops to keep you entertained.

I stayed in a hostel called The Little Pig Sukhumvit which is 5 minutes away from Ekkamai Train Station and Gateway Mall. I stayed with my family in a Quadruple room with two double beds.

A single bedroom can cost as low as 700 Php per night and 1100 Php for a budget single bedroom with a private bathroom. A quadruple room can cost about 1600 Php . Not bad eh? The rooms have basic necessities such as free water, free soap, and Q-tips. They even have free biscuits, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Khaosan Road is known as the backpacker’s hub. It is filled with bars, restaurants, clothing stores, souvenir shops, street food, and a lively nightlife.

Budget Hostels 

600 Php – 1000 Php per night for Bunk Beds

Budget Hotels

1000 Php – 3000 Php per night for a single or double room.

Comfortable Hotels

2500 Php – 5000 Php per night for a single or double room.

Thailand Must-Haves

Make sure you are connected throughout your stay in Bangkok. That way you’ll have no problem using translators, google maps, grab app or even updating your friends! Book them through the Klook . Get everything you need from transport, wifi to activities then pick them up at the airport.

Wifi rental can cost about 252 Php per day. You can connect up to 8 devices. The connection is pretty good.

This 4G Thai sim card is 242 Php for an 8-day unlimited data. Both sim card and wifi can be picked up at the airport of your choice in Bangkok. Book them now!

How To Get Around Thailand

You have many options. You can either take the bus, tuktuk, the taxicab or the train (which is btw the best option for you). They also have Grab in Bangkok. However, Bangkok is a busy city and you’ll most likely spend a lot of time in traffic. It’s best to use their Trains.

Skip the long queue in Train stations by getting their BTS Card. The card is 493 Php and pre-loaded with 200 Baht (336 Php) . It’s good for a few days around Bangkok and if you run out of balance, you can easily top it up in any Station. The card can be used up to 5 years since the date of purchase.

Bangkok (Day 1 & 2)

Chao praya river.

One of the major attractions in Bangkok is getting a tour in Chao Praya River. From Saphan Taksin boat pier you can take a riverboat and tour on the nearby tourist attractions such as the Flower Market at Chinatown, Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Khaosan Road, etc. You can get a ticket at the Pier for 60 THB ( 100 Php) . But if you want to hit everything, you may purchase a hop-on-hop-off Day Pass ticket. It is 240 THB   (240 Php) per person.

Asiatique The Riverfront

One of the first stops in the river tour is the Asiatique Riverfront. It is a shopping, dining, sightseeing, activities, and events under one roof. Great place to visit with plenty of shopping options and eateries. You can find many good cafes with nice music.

Bangkok’s Chinatown is the biggest Chinatown in the world so it is definitely a must-see. To get there, you’ll need to stop at the Ratchawong Pier, and walk up from Ratchawong Road to Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road.

The Grand Palace

Located at the heart of Bangkok. This complex of colorful buildings is probably one of the most famous landmarks in Bangkok.

Entrance Fee: 500 THB (844 Php)

Entrance Fee: 50 THB (84 Php)

Entrance Fee: 100 THB (168 Php)

Khao San Road

This area is also known as the hub of backpackers. It is filled with hostels, bars, restaurants, clothing stores, souvenir shops, street food, and a lively nightlife.

One of the hidden gems in Bangkok is the TrueLove@Siberian Huskies Cafe.  Owned by a Thai family that raises Siberian Huskies. If you love dogs and coffee then you should visit this place!

They allow playtime with the huskies for an hour (usually around 12:30 pm  and 3:30 pm ) and if you’re lucky, you can even get a group photo with them.

Entrance Fee: 500 THB  per person (With Free Drink)

Siam Paragon

Another famous tourist spot in Bangkok is the Siam Paragon. It is a luxury mall with over 250 stores with brands including  Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Versace. Siam Paragon is located near the  Siam BTS Skytrain Station.

Central World

Central World is one of the largest malls in Thailand. Generally, a good place to shop, dine, relax and have a good time. It is located near  Chidlom BTS Skytrain Station .

Floating Market

Book Your Floating Market and Chatuchak Weekend Market Tour

Pattaya (Day 2 & 3)

If you are looking for an eye-popping experience of your life then this is the place you must visit. The beach, watersports, nightlife, the famous ladyboys, and beautiful girls as well are just some of the things Pattaya can offer to you.

If you want to go there by yourself, from Bangkok you can go to Ekkamai Bus Station (just right next to the Ekkamai BTS) and book a ride there. Or you can get a ride from the A1 Shuttle Bus and go to Mo Chit station and purchase your Bus Ticket to Pattaya. They leave every hour. The journey is around 2 hours.

If you want a hassle-free trip and don’t want to stress yourself from finding the stations, you may book a bus ticket from 12go.asia here.

Transportation Cost: 

Prices may vary.

A one-way bus ride from Bangkok to Pattaya is around 160 THB ( 270 Php).  

If you want to rent a car from Bangkok to Pattaya, it is usually around 1800 THB (3000 Php) – 2000 THB (33000 Php)

Book Transport From Bangkok to Pattaya Here

Chiang Mai (Day 5 – 7)

Chiang Mai is a province located in the Northern Part of Thailand. If you are looking for a different cultural experience in Thailand this place is a must-go.

There are many ways to get to Chiang Mai. You can either take the bus, car or train. But for the best way to travel to Chiang Mai is through their Sleeper Train where you can dine, eat while enjoying the view along the roads and sleep comfortably.

Flights usually take around 1 hour from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Busses or Cars are usually around 11-13 hours, same for the Train. So if you will spend almost an entire day getting there, I suggest you take the train! It will be worth it!

Book Sleeper Train Tickets to Chiang Mai Here

Book Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai Here

Book Bus Tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai Here

A One-Way Sleeper Train Ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (or vice versa) is around 1450 THB (2300 Php) to 1600 THB (2,600 Php)

A One-way Plane ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (or vice versa) is around 1800 THB (3000 Php) to 3000 THB (5000 Php)

A One-way Bus ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai 540 THB (900 Php) to 720 THB (1200 Php)

Things to Remember in Thailand

When visiting temples.

When visiting temples, you should be aware of the proper attire. Ideally, shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Tattered jeans, gym/yoga pants are also not allowed. If you don’t have the proper attire, you may buy it at a store near the temple.

Elephant Attractions

Elephants are magnificent and brilliant creatures. However, many of them are being exploited and worse, abused. Before you visit an Elephant attraction, make sure that you research the place beforehand. If the attractions you are visiting involves tricks and elephant riding, do not proceed.

Elephant riding is cruel as they use hooks or chains. Those poor animals who are also forced to do tricks are often beaten to submission just to please the audience. If you are a human with compassion and love for nature, do not support this. Many so-called Elephant Sanctuaries is even lacking basic provisions of water, food, and shade.

However, there are ethical ways for elephant interactions. Elephant Nature Park is one them, it is mostly home for rescued elephants. Elephant Hills is also one of them, they are chain-free and they offer natural encounters.

Scams in Thailand

Tuktuk Scam

One of the most popular scams that tourists fall for every day is the tuktuk scam. If you are spotted as tourists having a hard time finding your way through your destination, they will smile and offer you a ride while charging you 3x or 4x more than the fare.

To avoid this, just check on your google maps and check the distances. Always ask for the price before riding and calculate if it makes sense. Use your common sense.

Taxi Cab Scam

This is basically the same as the Tuktuk scam. Never agree when a taxi cab doesn’t turn on their meter as well. If you are in need of a car, it’s actually better to book grab.

Grand Palace is close scam

There will be some locals or tuktuk drivers who will say the Palace is closed today for a special event. Then he’ll offer you to ride the tuk-tuk and take you to other temples and shops where they will surely get a commission if you buy from them.

Jewelry Shop Scam

A tuktuk driver might also take you to a jewelry shop and show you all kinds of beautiful gemstones. They will desperately try to sell you one. Do not fall for it because the jewelry might probably be just colored glass and basically not worth anything.

Travel Deal Scam

Another scam is when they take you to a tourism agency that will offer exclusive travel deals that are ending soon. But chances are, you’ll probably pay more than the other agencies.

Accommodation

Budget Hostels   – 600 Php – 1000 Php per night for Bunk Beds

Budget Hotels – 1000 Php – 3000 Php per night for a single or double room.

Comfortable Hotels – 2500 Php – 5000 Php per night for a single or double room.

Basic Must-Haves

Wifi rental   – 252 Php per day.

4G Thai sim card –  242 Php for an 8-day unlimited data.

Food is very affordable in Thailand. If you want to eat cheap, you can survive for at least 200 – 500 Php per day.

If you want to go to restaurants you can spend as much as 1000 Php to 2500 Php depending on how fancy you want to get.

Transportation

BTS Card – 493 Php and pre-loaded with 200 THB (336 Php)

Bangkok to Pattaya 

By Bus 160 THB ( 270 Php).  

By Car 1800 THB (3000 Php) – 2000 THB (33000 Php)

Bangkok to Chiang Mai 

By Bus – 540 THB (900 Php)  to  720 THB (1200 Php)

By Air – 1800 THB (3000 Php)  to  3000 THB (5000 Php).

By Sleeper Trains – 1450 THB (2300 Php)  to  1600 THB (2,600 Php)

Entrance Fees and Activities in Bangkok

Chao Praya Express Hop On and Hop Off Pass  – 240 THB   (240 Php) per person.

Single Pass – 60 THB ( 100 Php) . 

Grand Palace Entrance Fee – 500 THB (844 Php)

Wat Arun – 50 THB (84 Php)

Wat Pho – 100 THB (168 Php)

Husky Cafe – 500 THB  per person (With Free Drink)

Floating Market Tour – 700 THB (1200 Php) – 2000 THB (3350 baht)

Related Posts:

• The Bangkok Experience
• Party in Pattaya

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Filipinos’ Travel Guide To Visiting Phuket In 2022

June 29, 2022 by Andrea Gabot

Phuket is known the world-over for its pristine beaches, and  is definitely one of the most sought-after vacation destinations. Thailand ’s largest island has an impressive array of hotels, resorts, and activities that are sure to help you make new memories. Read on for your ultimate guide to traveling to Phuket in the new normal!

Travel Guidelines and Requirements

First things first: Make sure that you have an approved Thailand Pass. The Thailand Pass is an all-in-one place where you can upload and easily access all your travel information. Learn more in this informative video from the Thailand Embassy:

As of June 2022, the required documents for entry to Thailand are: 

• Philippine passport
• Flight itinerary (to confirm arrival date) 
• Certificate of full vaccination (2 doses) 
• Proof of COVID-19 Insurance policy (10,000USD minimum coverage)

Unvaccinated travelers have the additional requirement of booking an Alternate Quarantine hotel for five nights or presenting an RT-PCR test result that is no older than 72 hours before your departure date. Similar requirements are needed for your flight back, as well. Click here for a convenient RT-PCR test package when in Phuket!  

As long as you can complete all these travel requirements, Philippine passport holders can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa! 

How To Get To Phuket

It’s important to keep in mind that there are no direct flights to Phuket from Manila. Travel time is a minimum of six hours, with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia or Singapore. You can book connecting flights to Phuket with these airlines:

• Philippine Airlines
• Thai Airlines
• Bangkok Airways
• Singapore Airlines

To have continued access to your travel information, hotel bookings, and other activities, avail of any one of these internet/data packages! Prices start at 10USD for a local sim card!

Have a hassle-free transfer from the airport to your hotel with these affordable packages, starting from 10USD for shared transfers and 21USD for private transfers. Click here for more information!

If you prefer to drive yourself around, check out this car rental service from Phuket International Airport! Just make sure to have a driver’s license (or an International Driving Permit), your passport, a valid ID, and a credit card! Prices start at 33USD. Click here for more information!

Where To Stay

Seaview patong hotel.

Enjoy a beachfront view and location with the Seaview Patong Hotel. This amazing package even includes a hassle-free airport transfer service and complimentary breakfast for two! Prices start at 118USD for a one night stay for two. Click here for more information! 

Crest Resort and Pool Villas

This five-star resort has an amazing view of the beach that you can admire from your very own private balcony! Prices start at 105USD! Click here for more information.

Where To Eat

Secret cliff restaurant.

Enjoy traditional Thai dishes with a picturesque view of Karon Beach. This package includes a round-trip transfer service from your hotel to the restaurant! Prices start at 24USD. Click here for more information! 

Blue Elephant Restaurant

Located in a gorgeous Sino-Portuguese house, this restaurant offers the best authentic Thai cuisine on the island. Blue Elephant offers a three-star Michelin experience with your choice of set menus. Book your own table with Blue Elephant Restaurant, starting at 44USD. 

Naughty Nuri’s In the Forest

Its unique Balinesian cuisine is what makes Naughty Nuri’s a must-try food destination on the island. Make sure to order yourself some of their famous BBQ pork ribs with Indonesian fried rice for the ultimate island experience. Prices start at 23USD for a set menu for two. Click here for more information! 

Things To Do

Day tour adventure.

Experience rafting, ATV trails, the elephant/waterfall trek, and more with this all-in-one adventure package! Choose from different combinations of activities, including hotel transfers and one meal, starting at 39USD. Click here for more information!  

Phuket City Day Tour

Explore the city of Phuket with this guided half-day tour! See the city’s most famous attractions and experience local life through its temples and markets. The tour includes snacks, soda, and a roundtrip hotel transfer. Prices start at 21USD. Click here for more information!  

Dolphin’s Bay

Visit one of the world’s largest dolphinariums and have the chance to see these wonderful creatures up-close. You can get tickets to watch the dolphins and their trainers at work for one of the most unique shows on the island! Prices start at 8USD. Click here for more information! 

Tiger Kingdom Phuket

Are you ready for a very close encounter with one of the biggest predators? See tigers and cheetahs up-close and get the chance to take your photo with them! This package comes with a ticket to the exciting attraction, as well as a roundtrip hotel transfer. Prices start at 23USD. Click here for more information!

Plan your trip with ease through KKday ! Keep up-to-date with the best deals and discounts to make the most out of your Phuket adventure!

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Requirements for Travel to Thailand from Philippines in 2023: Ultimate Guide

• February 18, 2023

Want to know the requirements for travel to Thailand from Philippines this 2023?

If you are a Filipino citizen and would like to travel to Thailand in 2023 as a tourist, then you will need to meet certain travel requirements.

In this article, we will discuss the requirements for travel to Thailand from the Philippines. We’ll also talk a bit about the Thailand Pass for Filipino tourists.

Keep in mind that in this blog post, we’ll talk about these requirements that are limited to Filipino tourist travelers only .

So, whether you are planning a trip to Thailand or just want to know what is required for you to go there as a tourist, keep reading!

Who is allowed to travel to Thailand?

• Fully vaccinated Thai nationals and non-Thai nationals
• Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated Thai nationals and non-Thai nationals
• Filipino Tourists
• Transit travelers who will be traveling outside Thailand

Transit travelers are only allowed to stay in Thailand for a maximum of twenty-four (24) hours

Requirements for Travel to Thailand from Philippines (2023)

Since the country is slowly opening their borders and easing their travel restrictions, you only need a few requirements to be able to travel to Thailand.

Are you a Filipino citizen who would like to travel to Thailand in 2023 as a vaccinated tourist ? Then you will need to meet the following requirements:

1. Valid Philippine passport

Make sure your passport has at least 6 months remaining before expiration.

Now that Philippine passport validity is 10 years, this won’t be an issue for most Filipinos. 🙂

2. Recognized Proof of Vaccination (Certificate of Vaccination)

Another Thailand travel requirement is a recognized vaccination certificate.

For us Filipinos, this means getting our VaxCert from the official DOH website.

Not sure how to do this? Check out this helpful post on  how to get VAXCERT PH online for more details. Using this guide, you can get your certificate of vaccination in just a few minutes.

3. Flight Tickets

Regardless of the airline you’re using, you will need to have a flight itinerary.

You can keep your flight tickets in a digital format. But, the Philippine immigration prefers printed copy of your flight details so it’s good to also have one just in case they ask for it.

Your flight itinerary should have a return  flight back from Thailand to the Philippines. This is to make sure that you’re coming back to the country after staying in Thailand for several days as a tourist.

During all my travels to Thailand, this isn’t really asked by the Thai immigration. Take note that the Philippine immigration may ask for it so prepare it just in case, to prevent offloading .

4. Confirmed Hotel Booking

You also need to have a confirmed booking document. This will serve as proof that you’ll be staying in one of Thailand’s accredited hotels or hostels.

Want to stay in a popular hotel in Thailand? I’d recommend these 2:

The Quarter Ari by UHG

Guests love :

• Outdoor infinity pool with great views of Bangkok
• Starbucks, 7-11 and pharmacy at hotel’s ground floor
• Affordable rooms with kitchenette + flat-screen TV

👉 Get DISCOUNTS on Your Stay with The Quarter Ari Here

The quarter silom.

• Hotel’s newly built in 2021
• Modern hotel with pool, gym, sauna and steam
• Room rate comes with free buffet breakfast

👉 Read Reviews of Happy Guests of The Quarter Silom Here

5. sufficient funds.

Sometimes, you may be asked to show proof of funds to prove that you have enough money to cover the whole duration of your stay as a tourist in Thailand.

Your financial documents may come in the form of:

• Credit card statements
• Bank statement (savings account or checking account)
• ATM receipts (not my experience, but I’ve heard of “horror stories” sometimes when the Immigration Officer will ask you to do a balance inquiry of your ATM cards so they’ll know how much you currently have)
• Proof of investments (when available)

6. Medical Insurance

Thailand used to require you to get health insurance before you could apply for a Thailand pass.

Your health insurance should cover treatment and medical expenses in relation to COVID-19. Plus, it needed to have a minimum coverage of USD10,000 (for non-Thai nationals only).

But now, this is NOT a mandatory requirement anymore. Meaning, if you’re arriving to Thailand on July 1, 2022 onwards , then you do not need to have it.

Even if it isn’t required, they’re still highly recommending that you get travel insurance.

Also,  Bureau of Immigration in Philippines  is requiring Filipinos to have it. If you’re travelling internationally as a Filipino tourist, you NEED to have:

Travel and health insurance to cover travel disruptions and hospitalization in case of COVID-19 infections during their allowable period of stay abroad

Personally, I like Pacific Cross travel insurance. It costs only ₱713 for an 11-day coverage in my upcoming travel to Thailand this August 2022. #notsponsored

To give you an idea, here’s how much their plans cost for a Manila – Thailand – Manila itinerary:

For more info, check out this next post on how we bought our travel insurance online .

Is Thailand Pass a requirement to travel to Thailand?

Thailand Pass used to be a travel requirement for travel to Thailand from the Philippines.

But as of  July 1, 2022 onwards , the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration in Thailand agreed to discontinue Thailand Pass registration for ALL travelers. This lifting of Thailand Pass applies to both Thais and foreigners.

This means that if you’re travelling to Thailand as a Filipino tourist on July 1, 2022, you do NOT NEED the Thailand Pass anymore, according to Thai Embassy .

Final Thoughts on Thailand Travel Requirements

In this post, you learned about the requirements for travel to Thailand from the Philippines.

We hope it’ll help you plan your international travels better so that you won’t have any issues when going to Thailand as a tourist.

Like this post about travelling? Check out this next article on the best cheap activities to do in Singapore (budget travel) .

Travelling internationally? Here are the requirements for travel to Singapore as a Filipino tourist .

Make sure to follow Live Free With Lianne on Instagram for more adulting and travel tips!

Your Adulting + Travel Accomplice,

Live Free With Lianne

4 thoughts on “Requirements for Travel to Thailand from Philippines in 2023: Ultimate Guide”

Thank you so much for the wonderful Tips and Ideas. It is such a GREAT BIG help.❤️🇵🇭🌈🏳️‍🌈📌

Hi, Junel. Thanks, glad you found it helpful!

Thank you so much, Lianne, for this masterpiece! You are very price. I am just wondering what happens when we get all these requirements ready. Do we keep them until the flight? Or do we have to bring this to the Bureau of Immigration first?

Hey John, thanks for visiting! You can keep them with you, and just present to Bureau of Immigration IF they asked for it. You can get more info by reading this post: 5 Tips to AVOID GETTING OFFLOADED at AIRPORTS [NAIA + Clark] http://thewiseliving.com/2022/12/avoid-being-offloaded-at-airports-immigration-requirements.html

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Exploring Thailand on a Budget: A Guide to Affordable Trips from the Philippines

The Land of Smiles, Thailand, is a popular destination for travelers from all corners of the globe. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, the country is an ideal escape for anyone looking for an adventure. Those hoping to explore Thailand without breaking the bank can be happy to know that there are plenty of affordable options for traveling from the Philippines to this beautiful country.

A trip to Thailand from the Philippines need not be expensive. Depending on the length of stay and the activities in mind, the cost of the trip can be kept to a minimum. The first step in planning a budget trip to Thailand is to decide the length of stay. Longer trips are generally more expensive, so if possible, try to limit the duration to a week or two.

The next step is to consider the transportation cost. Flights between the two countries can be quite affordable, especially if booked well in advance. Travelers should also look out for discounted flights or deals that include additional perks. For those who prefer to travel by land, buses and trains offer an economical option.

Once in Thailand, the most economical accommodation is hostels and guesthouses, which are widely available in most cities. Private rooms are usually quite affordable and allow for more privacy and convenience. For those who prefer a more luxurious experience, there are plenty of resorts and hotels to choose from.

When it comes to activities, Thailand has plenty of options that won’t break the bank. Exploring the many temples, attending cooking classes, and trying out the delicious street food are all good ways to have fun without spending too much. Beach activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking are also available for a reasonable fee. For those with a larger budget, day trips to nearby islands, elephant sanctuaries, and national parks are great options.

A trip to Thailand from the Philippines doesn’t have to be expensive. With a bit of planning and research, travelers can enjoy all that the country has to offer without breaking the bank. From flights to accommodation, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. With some careful planning and a bit of luck, a trip to Thailand can be an unforgettable experience.

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Thailand vs Philippines: The Honest Comparison [2023] You Need!

S outheast Asia is one of those regions of the world everyone wants to visit at some point in their lifetime.

The vibrant cultures, incredible food, breathtaking landscape and exotic wildlife sum up the lure of this part of the globe – and the Philippines and Thailand have it all.

However Thailand and the Philippines are actually very different, so making the right decision about which to visit for your once-in-a-lifetime holiday is important.

For example, if you’re looking for a holiday where there’s easy access to beaches, tourist hotspots, and excursion options – as well as a lively nightlife – then Thailand is going to be a better choice than the Philippines.

However the beaches in the Philippines and the natural scenery there is arguably better than in Thailand – and there’s far less tourists. So if you’re adventurous and want a holiday away from the crowds, this nation will provide a truly unique vacation.

But that’s just the start when it comes to how these two destinations differ.

That’s why we’re here to help!

Having visited both we compare them below, showing you their differences, similarities and what to expect in each. Let’s get started!

• A Quick Overview & Comparison

How Do The Beaches & Landscape Compare?

How does the culture & vibe compare, a taste of the east: how does the cuisine compare.

• Which Is The Better Choice?

A Quick Overview & Comparison: Philippines vs Thailand

Both countries have beautiful landscapes, mountains, jungles and waterfalls to explore, so are great destinations for a sunseeker that’s also looking for some adventure.

However if gorgeous beaches are your main priority, then the Philippines may be a better choice than Thailand. The pristine beaches in this country – and the thousands of Filipino islands – are spectacular. We recommend some of our favorite beaches later on in this article.

However the problem with the Philippines is that due to its geography, access to the best beaches is much harder than it is in Thailand.

Therefore Thailand, with its thriving tourist sector, is better catered for visitors. It has wonderful beaches too, they just tend to be far more developed and busy than the ones in the Philippines.

Of course for many peoples that’s a good thing. It means there are many excursion options geared towards tourists, many beach activities, as well as plenty of resorts with sea views and beach access.

As such a holiday in Thailand, is in many ways, a much easier experience than one in the Philippines.

In general, the infrastructure throughout Thailand is also better than the Philippines, so moving around the country is relatively cheap and easy. That’s a big plus as it means you can island hop Thailand’s east coast one week, and go elephant watching in its remote north the next.

However considering the Philippines receives less than 10 million tourists a year, and Thailand receives around 40 million, you will find that the Philippines is far less commercialized than Thailand.

What that means is that a Philippines vacation often feels more cultural, rustic, and less ‘touristy’ than one in Thailand.

In terms of expenses, the Philippines is a cheaper country than Thailand in regards to food and drinks too. For accommodation, the prices are quite similar in both countries. But we have found that similar hotels in major cities in the Philippines tend to be more expensive than in major Thai cities.

In essence, the Philippines is a country with raw natural beauty, but it needs an adventurous traveler to discover it. The reward though, is finding stunning places and having them all to yourself.

Thailand’s beauty is more easy to find – resorts are set up on the best beaches, and excursions are in place. The downside is you have to share the most beautiful spots with many tourists.

Thailand: The Beaches & Landscape

Thailand is one of those rare destinations that has it all. Beaches for relaxing, a famous nightlife and party scene, and food that’s known around the globe. It’s also one of the most beautiful countries on the planet.

For fantastic beaches, head out into the islands. Phuket’s famous beaches include Kata Beach , which offers a busy slice of paradise with street vendors, upmarket hotels, and beach activities such as surfing and snorkeling.

Freedom Beach offers a more serene choice, whilst still providing convenient access to food vendors and beach chairs.

But in general, expect a livelier and busier beach experience than what you would get in the Philippines.

That said, if you travel away from Phuket there are more laid-back coastal options. One of our favorites is Sunrise Beach on Ko Lipe. This gorgeous long stretch of white sand has shallow warm water perfect for swimming. It’s laid back, quiet by Thai standards, and the perfect place to unwind.

After a day’s relaxing, head to the region of Krabi where you can go rock climbing, jungle trekking, and sea kayaking.

The stunning natural beauty there, jungle-covered interior and incredible cliffs and caves offer an array of activities for tourists who want more from their trip than just relaxing on the beach.

For those looking for a more wholesome time, Koh Tao (meaning Turtle Island) on Thailand’s east coast is home to the country’s most beautiful coral reefs. Which naturally makes it the top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Whilst if you want to see jaw-dropping wildlife head to Isaan . This barely visited region of Thailand – as we’ve written about before – is home to breathtaking national parks, hiking trails, elephants, and even temples built on volcanoes! It’s a region almost all tourists ignore, but it feels like Thailand before tourism took over.

Philippines: The Beaches & Landscape

When it comes to raw natural beauty, the Philippines shines.

The geography of this country means it is difficult to get around – and traveling takes time – but the reward is worth it. Expect countless world-class beaches, and numerous paradise islands that feel like they exist in their own little world.

One of our favorite islands is Boracay which has everything a beach lover needs. This safe destination is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines, but you can still expect a secluded feel.

The white sand beaches there are gorgeous – the aptly-named White Beach is one – and the water is warm for swimming. The gently-swaying palm trees that line the coastline make this a true paradise island.

If you want somewhere even more remote, then head to Calaguas Island . The coastline is beautiful, unspoiled, barely developed, and you’re likely to be the only tourist around – that would be almost unheard of in Thailand.

Of course with 7600 islands to choose from, it’s not hard to find a secluded beach here! Many of those islands are also home to teeming underwater life which is perfect for snorkeling – and the snorkeling is argubly better than in Thailand too.

One of those is the Visayas archipelago, which has some of the most varied sea-life in the region. There’s the possibility to swim with sea turtles at Apo Island , spot whale sharks at Oslob , or even swim alongside massive schools of sardines at Moalboal . A great underwater camera – such as this one – is a must.

However the Philippines is far more than just coastline and beaches. This country has a lush mountainous interior with excellent opportunities for jungle trekking and wildlife spotting.

While in the Visayas you must visit the Chocolate Hills where over 1200 symmetrical mounds are packed together. It looks otherworldly.

A trip to El Nido is well worth it too, as it will give you the opportunity to trek the giant limestone slabs that jut out of the ocean and into the sky. The hike isn’t easy, but you will be rewarded with panoramic views across the South China Sea.

Thailand and the Philippines are culture-packed countries where you’re guaranteed to experience the incredible east.

As the less touristy of the two, the Philippines tends to offer a more authentic experience than Thailand. Although rural areas of Thailand, and regions like Isaan, also offer a look at this country before tourism took over.

In regards to language, we have found that English is more widely spoken and understood throughout the Philippines than Thailand. In fact many road signs are in English. Although English is widely understood in tourist areas of Thailand.

Thailand also has a lively nightlife scene, especially in Koh Phangan (more on that below), Patong and Bangkok. So if you’re looking for parties and fun past midnight, Thailand would be the best choice.

Although Filipino cities like Manilla also have decent bars, nightclubs, and entertainment.

Expect a friendly welcome in the Philippines, where locals are more than happy to see tourists!

That’s not always the case in Thailand, where tourists are sometimes seen negatively due to the many party tourits who visit for the nightlife, Red Light Districts, and Full Moon Parties.

Thailand : The Culture & Vibe

Thailand is a country known for its food, culture, stunning scenery, and more recently a great party scene – one of the best in the world.

For those looking for a wild time, Bangla Road on Patong offers its own selection of bars, go-go clubs and neon-covered craziness. As well as the famous adult entertainment clubs that have become synonymous with Thailand.

Koh Phangan is most well-known for its Full Moon Parties. This small East Coast island is home to the most famous parties in Thailand and 10,000 to 30,000 people flock to them every month.

Around 90% of Thais identify as Buddhists, and there’s also a significant Hindu influence in the country too. Therefore away from the parties and beaches, Thailand is a very spiritual place filled with spectacular temples.

One of our favorites – and one of the most serene – is situated in Phanom Rung Historical Par k. A remnant of the Khmer Empire, Phanom Rung is a breathtaking temple built on the rim of an extinct volcano.

You could – and should – also have a go at Muay Thai , Thailand’s national sport. Muay Thai (or Thai Boxing) can be traced back to 18th century Thailand, and has its roots deeply ingrained in Thai culture.

Gyms up and down the country offer training sessions (from a single day, to several months!) for foreigners and it’s a fantastic way to get to know this country and culture. In fact that’s something we’ve even written about in the past.

Philippines : The Culture & Vibe

The Philippines is a country where tradition and culture holds significant sway, and outside of the main urban areas life remains remarkably similar to what it was like decades ago.

To get a jaw-dropping window into rural life in the Philippines, you must visit the rice terraces carved into the stunning Banaue mountains.

Sometimes called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, it’s no surprise the centuries-old terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

They are still farmed to this day, and the little villages that dot the mountains will take you back in time. Stop and speak to the farmers and learn their story – maybe help out for the day – you will never forget it.

This is a religious country and beautiful churches and awe-inspiring temples dot the landscape. One of our favorites is Cebu Taoist Temple . Unlike other nearby temples this site is open to non-worshipers. It’s even possible to have your fortune read by monks that live here.

If you happen to be in the Philippines in January, then you will be lucky enough to experience the country’s biggest festival – Ati – Atihan .

This colorful celebration takes place on the island of Panay and is believed to be over 800 years old. Called the ‘mother of all festivals’, expect street food and lots of dancing during parades.

Both countries will provide a treat for your tastebuds. Whilst Thai food gets all the plaudits, Filipino cuisine is a rising star.

Thailand: The Food

Thai food is famous around the world, and no wonder. So if you’re a food lover, Thailand is going to be a dream destination – arguably more so than the Philippines.

Make sure you try the iconic Pad Thai – a stir fry dish made with thin rice noodles, meat or shrimp.

For something a little less known, Thailand’s remote and rarely visited northeast – Isaan – has a traditional dish called Laap which is delicious. It’s made up of minced meat seasoned with fresh herbs, lime juice and fish sauce, and is served with sticky rice.

You must try Thailand’s comfort food – Khao Phat – as well. This is good hearty fried rice that comes combined with a variety of ingredients. It’s perfect for a long day exploring Thailand’s sights.

Philippines: The Food

Filipino food is often forgotten about when it comes to Asian cuisine, with Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese all stars on the global food stage. However this country packs a punch when it comes to delicious dishes.

Adobo is regarded as one of the national dishes, and is a meat or seafood-based meal that is marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and other herbs.

The Philippines, like its neighbors, also has many different noodle dishes. One of our favorites is Bulalo . This noodle soup is the perfect comfort food, and is made up of slow-cooked beef, onions, and vegetables.

As for something sweet, why not try Buko pie . A buko is a young coconut, and the flesh is used to make a desert that is the Philippines answer to a custard pie. The water of this green coconut is also a popular drink throughout the country.

Thailand vs Philippines: Which Is The Better Choice?

A holiday to either Thailand or the Philippines is going to be an unforgettable experience with great food, scenery and culture. But both countries do provide very different vacations.

If you’re looking for a holiday where there’s easy access to beaches, tourist hotspots, and excursion options – as well as a lively nightlife and shopping scene – then Thailand is going to be a better choice than the Philippines.

However the beaches in the Philippines and its natural scenery is arguably better than Thailand. So if you’re adventurous and want a holiday away from the crowds, this nation will provide a truly unique vacation.

Recommended For Your Trip To Thailand Or The Philippines

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Philippines Travel Guide: The Ultimate 3-week Itinerary

Imagine remote islands with palm trees leaning over pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The Philippines is a country consisting of 7641 islands that not only offer tropical beaches but also rice terraces, hiking, surfing, and great diving. An interesting mix of Spanish, American, and Chinese cultures formed Filipinos into the extremely welcoming people they are today. Discover the best of the country in this Philippines Travel Guide.

Philippines Travel Itinerary

Traveling in the Philippines takes time because all islands are divided by the ocean. Experiencing the entire country in 3 weeks is impossible. However, this 3-week route takes you along some of the country’s highlights. This Philippines Travel Guide includes extra time meant as travel time.

Day 1: Manila

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is where your incredible journey starts. Most people have a love-hate relationship with this city and spend one or two nights here. If you want to explore the city, book a tour visiting the city’s highlights and tasting local food.

Tip: Grab Taxi is a great way to get reliable transportation around the city.

Where to Stay in Manila

Hotels in manila 😴.

Makati is the area where you need to spend the night and find all the trendy restaurants and bars.

Here are all your hotel options in Makati.

Day 2 – 3: Coron

The small fishing village Coron is all about hopping from one stunning island to the other. On the morning of day 2, fly from Manila to Busuanga island, followed by a 30-minute drive to Coron town.

Once you arrive, relax, hike up Mt. Tapyas before sunset, and go island hopping by boat ( book online ) on day 3. You can arrange this in advance or at the harbor.

Must-Try! The Philippines has the most delicious mangos. Don’t miss these!

Where to Stay in Coron

Hotels in Coron are available for every kind of budget, whether you want something more luxurious or something that’s more budget-friendly.

Hotels in Coron 😴

Tip: The best place to stay is in the center of town; this has the most options, with the only downside that you won’t have any beach near your hotel.

Day 4 – 6: El Nido

A 4-hour ferry from Coron ( find tickets ) takes you to one of the most stunning locations in your Philippines Travel Guide. El Nido is located on the northern tip of Palawan Island, offering pristine white beaches and paradise islands. You can visit these places by joining an El Nido Island Hopping Tour .

Book your island-hopping tour in advance here

Where to Stay in El Nido

Choose a hostel or hotel on one of the beautiful beaches in El Nido, with incredible views over the turquoise waters.

Hotels in El Nido 😴

Tip: You could also choose to stay in El Nido town. Although the town itself used to be a little underwhelming, it has been developing fast and now has some great hotels and restaurants.

Day 7: Puerto Princesa

From El Nido, drive down to Puerto Princesa to spend the night before catching your flight to Cebu.

Find your flight to Cebu

Getting to El Nido is possible by van or public transport. In Puerto Princesa, we highly recommend visiting the Iwahig Open Prison and having dinner at Kalui.

Good to know: Unfortunately, the standard Filipino kitchen isn’t that great. Rice and pork or BBQ chicken are the typical dishes. However, at popular restaurants, it is an entirely different world.

Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa has plenty of hotels to choose from that are perfect for spending the night before your journey to Cebu.

Hotels in Puerto Princesa 😴

Did you know? Puerto Princesa is known as ‘the city in the forest’ because of its luscious greenery and tropical atmosphere.

Day 8 – 9: Cebu

Cebu is one of the main islands and transport hubs of the Philippines. Arrive in Cebu by airplane from Puerto Princesa in the morning of day 8. Directly hop into the bus or car and make your way down to Moalboal. The following day, go Canyoneering in Badian and jump off the Kawasan Falls!

Where to Stay in Cebu

You can stay in Moalboal or Cebu City for your canyoning trip. Moalboal is the most convenient as it is very close to Badian, but keep in mind that this cheaper option can be fully booked due to the lack of accommodations.

Hotels in Cebu 😴

Alternatively, stay in Cebu City, which, although quite far away from Badian (around a 3-hour drive), has the option of free pick-up and drop-off (with Island Trek Tours).

Day 10 – 12: Bohol

Discover the unique landscapes of Bohol with rice terraces, chocolate hills, and white sand beaches. But what makes Bohol unique is the Philippine Tarsier. Tiny, monkey-like animals that move during the night. Book a day tour to explore all the highlights of Bohol. It is a short 2-hour ferry ride from Cebu to Bohol.

Get your boat tickets in advance

The endangered Tarsiers are extremely sensitive to light and sound. Only visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, where you’re not allowed to touch, talk to, or photograph them with flash. If you see tarsiers in cages, that’s not OK! Learn more about responsible wildlife tourism .

Philippines

Are you interested in visiting churches? Bohol has plenty! Did you know? The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia.

Where to Stay in Bohol

Bohol’s beauty makes it a hotel paradise! From luxury spas to cute guesthouses, there’s something for everyone on the island.

Hotels in Bohol 😴

Day 13 – 15: Siquijor

Majestic waterfalls, the friendliest Filipinos, and beautiful local life. The island of Siquijor is stunning to explore by motorbike in a 2-hour drive. Read about all the things to do in Siquijor .

From Bohol, take the 1.5-hour ferry to Siquijor.

Book your tickets for the ferry here .

Where to Stay in Siquijor

Most hotels are located on the western coastline of Siquijor or in the town of San Juan (which has the yummiest restaurants!).

Hotels in Siquijor 😴

Day 16: Travel day

While you’re still buzzing from the incredible last 15 days, it’s time to head back to Cebu to catch a flight to Siargao. Getting back to Cebu is a long trip, but it’s worth it for the next part of your itinerary.

• Catch the boat from Siquijor to Dumaguete (30 min; book your tickets here ).
• At Dumaguete, take the boat to Liloan Port, Cebu (20 min).
• From Liloan Port, catch the public bus to Cebu City (4 hours).

Spend the night in Cebu City and fly out to Siargao the next morning. Please note: If you’re planning to fly to Siargao, keep in mind that evening flights are often canceled. The Siargao runway does not have lights yet (April 2019).

Day 17 – 20: Siargao

Welcome to the ‘Most Beautiful Island in Asia’. Siargao has the perfect island vibe with great beaches, surfing, scenic drives, island hopping, incredible food, and a chilled vibe. You could easily spend a week in Siargao.

Read more: best things to do in Siargao

Where to Stay in Siargao

There are three main tourist towns: General Luna, Dapa, and Pacifico. Dapa and Pacifico are quieter, and General Luna offers the best restaurants.

Hotels in Siargao 😴

Day 21: Manila

Spend your last day in Manila. We recommend you be back in Manila at least 10 hours before your international flight back home leaves. Why? Most flights in the afternoon are delayed. We have been to The Philippines twice and had just two flights leaving on time or too early, haha.

Food rec: On your last day, visit Hummus Elijah in Makati!

Additional Philippines Travel Itinerary Options

If you have more or less time available, use one of the following options in your Philippines Travel itinerary.

• Visit the rice fields in the north of the Philippines (4-week route)
• Skip Puerto Princesa and fly directly from El Nido to Cebu (more relaxed)
• Skip Siquijor and spend your time in Cebu and Bohol (more relaxed)

Your Budget for the Philippines

The Philippines is a budget travel country. It is affordable to get around, and there is accommodation for every kind of budget. However, the prices for accommodation are a little higher compared to Indonesia or Thailand . If you’re on a tight budget, take the overnight ferry instead of an airplane and travel by bus. The currency in the country is the Philippine Peso (PHP, ₱).

Costs of Traveling in The Philippines

Travel on a budget in The Philippines, from $180 − $350 USD weekly per person, mid-range $320 − $180 USD, and high-end from $180 − $240 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hostels: $10 − $15 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $50 USD Book public transport
• Food: $2 − $10 USD
• Activities: $5 − $15 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Wifi and SIM Cards in the Philippines

Wifi is something you cannot relate to in the Philippines. It is unstable, and if they offer it, it’s usually not fast. We always recommend getting a SIM card to use Google Maps or make phone calls in emergencies. It is best to get a GLOBE or SMART SIM card (9GB for 1000 PHP) and top it up once you’re out of data.

Get your Sim Card here

How to get around the Philippines?

Transportation in the Philippines is well-arranged and affordable but time-consuming. Travel overland by taxi, tricycles, jeepneys, buses, and minivans and go from island to island by boat or airplane.

Flights Flights go as often as buses in the Philippines to cross to another island. Flight delays are common, so it is recommended never to book too tight with connecting flights or activities.

Boats and buses Ferries to cross to a different island are very common. Taking an overnight ferry can reduce costs on your travel budget. Booking boats and long bus rides in advance is common.

Book your tickets online in advance

Tricycle To cover short distances, a tricycle is very convenient. The vehicle is kind of a 3-wheeled tuk-tuk. You have to bargain with this kind of transport. Our rule of thumb was 100 PHP for 2 persons, including luggage for a 10-minute drive.

Motorbike In the main tourist areas (not cities), we recommend renting a motorbike and driving around by yourself. The price for tourists is about 400 – 600 PHP (±9 USD) per day, depending on the season.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines

From December to April, during the dry season, is the best time to visit the Philippines. Where March to May are the busiest and most expensive months. It is best to avoid traveling there from July to October when the typhoon season is active.

Always do your research per location. For example, El Nido and Siargao have two completely different seasons at the same time of the year.

Is the Philippines safe to travel?

Through media, the Philippines is commonly illustrated as unsafe and a no-go destination. However, that’s not true. The deep southern tip (Mindanao area) of the Philippines is the only no-go area due to possible terrorism. The rest of the Philippines is safe.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Philippines trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

It breaks our hearts to hear that people don’t visit the Philippines because of these stories. Why? The Filipino people are some of the friendliest in Southeast Asia. Although Tagalog is their first language, everyone understands and speaks English, which makes it even easier.

Visa for the Philippines

Most nationalities will receive a 30-day Visa on Arrival when flying to the Philippines. The only requirements are that your passport is valid for at least 6 months and that you must have an outbound ticket that will show you’re leaving the country within those 30 days. A standard visa is extendable up to 60 days.

Check online if you need a Visa

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• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to The Philippines via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

El Nido Island Hopping: A Full Guide to Tours A-D

Best things to do in coron, palawan, canyoning in cebu: jump off waterfalls in the philippines.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

It is recommended to only pack in a backpack? We are planning a trip to the Philippines , leave this week. My husband is thinking that us two plus our 10 year old son need to pack in 1 backpack so when we rent a motorbike that we can just have that for luggage and make it easy getting around.

Hi Ashley, we typically travel with a big bag each. There are many taxis, tricycles, jeepneys, buses, and minivans that can transport you and your luggage to your accommodation, then hire a motorbike once you’ve dropped your bags off. Have an amazing trip! :)

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Travel Planning in Asia — Book Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers & Flights

Where to go.

Travel Guides

Popular Routes in Thailand

• Bangkok → Chiang Mai
• Bangkok → Phuket
• Bangkok → Krabi
• Bangkok → Koh Samui
• Bangkok → Koh Phangan
• Bangkok → Koh Tao
• Bangkok → Ranong
• Bangkok → Chumphon
• Phuket → Bangkok
• Krabi → Bangkok
• Chiang Mai → Bangkok
• Chumphon → Bangkok
• Koh Samui → Koh Phi Phi
• Bangkok → Pattaya
• Bangkok → Hua Hin
• Bangkok → Surat Thani
• Krabi → Surat Thani
• Bangkok → Hat Yai
• Phuket → Koh Samui
• Surat Thani → Krabi
• Koh Phangan → Surat Thani
• Koh Samui → Surat Thani
• Koh Lipe → Pak Bara Pier
• Bangkok → Yangon
• Chiang Mai → Luang Prabang
• Pattaya → Hua Hin
• Bangkok → Kanchanaburi
• Bangkok → Koh Chang
• Bangkok → Koh Kood
• Chiang Mai → Mae Kampong
• Chiang Mai → Koh Samui
• Bangkok → Amphawa
• Bangkok → Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market → Bangkok
• Amphawa → Bangkok
• Hat Yai → Penang
• Nong Khai → Vientiane
• Trang → Koh Lipe
• Nakhon Ratchasima → Mae Sai
• Krabi → Thong Sala Koh Phangan
• Hua Hin → Koh Samui
• Koh Ngai → Khao Sok
• Koh Phangan Lomprayah Office → Bangkok
• Bangkok → Chao Lao Beach Chanthaburi
• Koh Muk → Koh Ngai
• Koh Lipe → Hat Yai
• Krabi Airport → Khao Phanom

Popular Routes in Malaysia

• Singapore → Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Lumpur → Singapore
• Singapore → Malacca
• Malacca → Singapore
• Kuala Lumpur → Penang
• Penang → Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Lumpur → Hat Yai
• Hat Yai → Kuala Lumpur
• Johor → Singapore
• Penang → Langkawi
• Langkawi → Penang
• Penang → Cameron Highlands
• Cameron Highlands → Penang
• Kuala Lumpur → Butterworth
• Butterworth → Kuala Lumpur
• Penang → Ipoh
• Ipoh → Penang
• Penang → Singapore
• Ipoh → Singapore
• Kuala Lumpur → Malacca
• Malacca → Kuala Lumpur
• Cameron Highlands → Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Lumpur → Cameron Highlands
• Genting Highlands → Singapore

Popular Routes in Cambodia

• Siem Reap → Bangkok
• Siem Reap → Phnom Penh
• Phnom Penh → Siem Reap
• Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville
• Phnom Penh → Ho Chi Minh City
• Phnom Penh → Kampot
• Phnom Penh → Bangkok
• Kampot → Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap → Phuket
• Phnom Penh → Battambang
• Siem Reap → Kuala Lumpur
• Siem Reap → Pakse
• Preah Vihear → Stung Treng
• Kratie → Siem Reap
• Siem Reap → Preah Vihear
• Banloung AVT → Siem Reap
• Siem Reap → Banloung AVT
• Siem Reap → Kratie
• Siem Reap → Don Det

Popular Routes in Vietnam

• Hanoi → Sapa
• Hanoi → Da Nang
• Hanoi → Hue
• Hanoi → Nha Trang
• Da Nang → Nha Trang
• Ho Chi Minh City → Nha Trang
• Hanoi → Tuan Chau Island Sinh
• Hanoi → Lao Cai
• Da Nang → Hanoi
• Lao Cai → Hanoi
• Ho Chi Minh City → Da Nang
• Ho Chi Minh City → Phnom Penh
• Hanoi → Dong Hoi
• Da Nang → Hue
• Hanoi → Vientiane
• Hanoi → Luang Prabang
• Hue → Pakse Northern Bus Terminal
• Sapa → Hanoi
• Ho Chi Minh City → Siem Reap

Popular Routes in Myanmar

• Yangon → Mandalay
• Yangon → Bagan
• Yangon → Mawlamyine
• Yangon → Bangkok
• Yangon → Thaton
• Mandalay → Yangon
• Yangon → Kuala Lumpur
• Yangon → Naypyitaw
• Yangon → Shwe Nyaung

Popular Routes in Laos

• Luang Prabang → Hanoi
• Vientiane → Hanoi
• Luang Prabang → Chiang Mai
• Pakse → Siem Reap
• Don Det → Siem Reap
• Vientiane → Vang Vieng
• Vientiane → Luang Prabang
• Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng
• Vientiane → Pakse
• Pakse → Ubon Ratchathani

Popular Routes in India

• Delhi → Chennai
• Chennai → Delhi
• Chennai → Mysore Jn
• Mysore Jn → Chennai
• Delhi → Jaipur
• Jaipur → Delhi
• Jaipur → Agra Fort
• Agra Fort → Jaipur
• Agra Fort → Delhi
• Delhi → Agra Fort
• Delhi → Bangalore
• Bangalore → Delhi
• Thiruvananthapuram → Chennai
• Chennai → Thiruvananthapuram
• Delhi → Gorakhpur
• Gorakhpur → Delhi
• Jaipur → Jodhpur Jn
• Jodhpur Jn → Jaipur
• Bangalore → Chennai
• Chennai → Bangalore
• Delhi → Agra

Popular Routes in Singapore

• Singapore → Johor
• Singapore → Penang
• Singapore → Ipoh
• Singapore → Genting Highlands
• Singapore → Batam

Popular Routes in Japan

• Tokyo → Osaka
• Tokyo → Kyoto
• Tokyo → Hiroshima
• Tokyo → Shin Yokohama
• Tokyo → Karuizawa
• Tokyo → Kanazawa
• Tokyo → Atami
• Tokyo → Echigo Yuzawa
• Tokyo → Koriyama
• Tokyo → Miyagi
• Osaka → Tokyo
• Kyoto → Tokyo
• Kyoto → Osaka
• Osaka → Kyoto

Popular Routes in Sri Lanka

• Colombo → Kandy
• Colombo → Nanu Oya
• Colombo → Ella
• Colombo → Anuradhapura
• Colombo → Jaffna
• Colombo → Galle
• Batticaloa → Colombo
• Jaffna → Colombo
• Trincomalee → Colombo
• Ella → Nanu Oya
• Kandy → Ella
• Ella → Kandy
• Kandy → Nanu Oya
• Nanu Oya → Kandy
• Nanu Oya → Ella
• Kandy → Colombo

Popular Routes in New Zealand

• Auckland → Wellington
• Wellington → Auckland
• Wellington → Palmerston North
• Wellington → Ohakune
• Wellington → Otorohanga
• Auckland → Otorohanga
• Greymouth → Christchurch
• Christchurch → Greymouth
• Wellington → Christchurch
• Christchurch → Wellington
• Wellington → Picton
• Picton → Wellington

Popular Routes in China

• Beijing → Shanghai
• Shanghai → Beijing
• Xian → Beijing
• Beijing → Xian
• Beijing → Shenzhen
• Beijing → Harbin
• Harbin → Beijing
• Shanghai → Shenzhen
• Shanghai → Yunnan
• Shenzhen → Macau
• Macau → Shenzhen
• Macau → China Kowloon Terminal

Popular Routes in Hong Kong

• China Kowloon Terminal → Macau

Popular Routes in Australia

• Cape Jervis → Penneshaw
• Penneshaw → Cape Jervis
• Sydney Central Station → Melbourne
• Melbourne → Sydney Central Station
• Sydney Central Station → Brisbane Coach Terminal
• Brisbane Coach Terminal → Sydney Central Station
• Brisbane Coach Terminal → Surfers Paradise Gold Coast
• Surfers Paradise Gold Coast → Brisbane Coach Terminal
• Sydney Central Station → Canberra
• Canberra → Sydney Central Station
• Melbourne → Canberra
• Brisbane International Airport → Byron Bay
• Byron Bay → Brisbane International Airport
• Byron Bay → Sydney Central Station
• Sydney Central Station → Byron Bay
• Brisbane International Airport → Noosa Sunshine Cost
• Noosa Sunshine Cost → Brisbane International Airport
• Byron Bay → Surfers Paradise Gold Coast
• Surfers Paradise Gold Coast → Byron Bay

Popular Routes in Indonesia

• Bali → Gili Islands
• Bali → Lombok
• Bali → Nusa Penida
• Bali → Jakarta
• Bali → Nusa Lembongan
• Bali → Gili Trawangan
• Bali → Gili Air
• Bali → Yogyakarta
• Bali → Ubud
• Bali → Gili Gede

Popular Routes in Philippines

• Manila → Bacolod
• Manila → Cebu
• Manila → Coron
• Manila → Cagayan de Oro
• Manila → Palawan
• Manila → Iloilo
• Manila → Ozamis
• Manila → Dumaguete
• Manila → Zamboanga
• Manila → Baguio
• Manila → Banaue
• Manila → Sagada
• Manila → Vigan
• Manila → Kabugao
• Manila → Tuguegarao
• Manila → Naga
• Manila → Legazpi
• Manila → Daet
• Manila → Sorsogon
• Manila → Turbina
• Batangas → Caticlan
• Batangas → Calapan
• Batangas → Romblon
• Batangas → Roxas City
• Batangas → Sibuyan
• Batangas → Odiongan
• Batangas → Abra De Ilog
• Bohol → Cebu
• Bohol → Siquijor
• Bohol → Dumaguete
• Bacolod → Iloilo
• Bacolod → Manila
• Cebu → Bohol
• Cebu → Siquijor
• Cebu → Dumaguete
• Cebu → Manila
• Cebu → Surigao
• Cebu → Ormoc
• Puerto Princesa → El Nido
• Puerto Princesa → Port Barton
• Puerto Princesa → Manila
• Coron → El Nido
• Coron → Manila
• Surigao → Siargao

Popular Routes in Egypt

• Hurghada → Cairo
• Cairo → Hurghada
• Sharm El Sheikh → Cairo
• Cairo → Alexandria
• Alexandria → Cairo
• Cairo → Giza
• Giza → Cairo
• Cairo → Dahab
• Dahab → Cairo
• Luxor → Aswan
• Aswan → Luxor
• Cairo → Luxor
• Luxor → Cairo
• Tahrir → Sharm El Sheikh
• Sharm El Sheikh → Tahrir
• Hurghada → Luxor
• Luxor → Hurghada
• Sahl Hashesh → Nasr City Go Bus
• Nasr City Go Bus → Sahl Hashesh
• Cairo → Sharm El Sheikh
• Port Said → Cairo
• Cairo → Port Said
• Alexandria → Sharm El Sheikh
• Giza → Sharm El Sheikh
• Sharm El Sheikh → Giza

Popular Routes in Turkey

• Alanya → Marmaris
• Marmaris → Alanya
• Mersin → Istanbul
• Istanbul → Mersin
• Alanya → Istanbul
• Istanbul → Alanya
• Istanbul → Sofia
• Istanbul → Goreme
• Goreme → Istanbul
• Istanbul → Sivas
• Sivas → Istanbul
• Antalya → Fethiye
• Fethiye → Antalya
• Fethiye → Istanbul
• Istanbul → Fethiye
• Mersin → Antalya Bus Station
• Antalya Bus Station → Mersin
• Trabzon → Ankara
• Ankara → Cappadocia
• Cappadocia → Ankara
• Ankara → Trabzon
• Antalya → Denizli
• Denizli → Antalya
• Istanbul → Cappadocia
• Cappadocia → Istanbul
• Alanya → Antalya
• Antalya → Alanya
• Sabiha Gokcen Airport → Eskisehir
• Eskisehir → Sabiha Gokcen Airport
• Belek → Antalya
• Antalya → Belek
• Istanbul → Antalya
• Istanbul → Ankara
• Alanya → Cappadocia
• Cappadocia → Alanya
• Antalya → Side
• Side → Antalya
• Istanbul → Bucharest
• Antalya → Tasucu
• Tasucu → Antalya
• Antalya Airport → Alanya Hotel Transfer
• Alanya Hotel Transfer → Antalya Airport
• Istanbul → Kayseri
• Adana → Kahramanmaras
• Kahramanmaras → Adana
• Milas Bodrum Airport → Bodrum Hotel Transfer
• Bodrum Hotel Transfer → Milas Bodrum Airport
• Goreme → Antalya
• Antalya → Goreme
• Silifke → Antalya
• Antalya → Silifke
• Nevsehir → Alanya
• Alanya → Nevsehir
• Antalya → Pamukkale
• Pamukkale → Antalya
• Bodrum Milas Airport → Marmaris Hotel Transfer
• Marmaris Hotel Transfer → Bodrum Milas Airport
• Gaziantep → Antalya Bus Station
• Antalya Bus Station → Gaziantep
• Antalya → Kemer
• Kemer → Antalya
• Kayseri → Konya
• Konya → Kayseri
• Istanbul → Bursa
• Istanbul Aksaray → Bucharest
• Nevsehir → Goreme
• Goreme → Nevsehir
• Diyarbakir → Istanbul
• Istanbul → Diyarbakir
• Antalya → Kas
• Goreme → Alanya
• Alanya → Goreme
• Adana → Erzurum
• Erzurum → Adana
• Antalya → Istanbul
• Dalaman → Bodrum
• Bodrum → Dalaman
• Trabzon Bus Station → Batumi
• Avsallar Hotel Transfer → Antalya Airport
• Antalya Airport → Avsallar Hotel Transfer
• Pamukkale → Izmir
• Izmir → Pamukkale
• Fethiye → Kas
• Kas → Fethiye
• Bodrum → Antalya
• Antalya → Bodrum
• Diyarbakir → Van Turkey
• Van Turkey → Diyarbakir
• Kayseri → Cappadocia
• Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport → Ephesus
• Ephesus → Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
• Bursa → Izmir
• Bursa → Ankara
• Edirne → Istanbul
• Istanbul → Edirne
• Izmir → Bursa
• Gemlik → Istanbul
• Istanbul → Gemlik
• Ankara → Bursa
• Bursa → Istanbul
• Istanbul → Canakkale
• Canakkale → Istanbul
• Bursa Bus Station → Kayseri
• Kayseri → Bursa Bus Station
• Kayseri → Bursa
• Bursa → Kayseri
• Marmaris → Antalya
• Antalya → Marmaris
• Antalya → Nevsehir
• Nevsehir → Antalya
• Istanbul → Batumi
• Antalya → Tbilisi
• Alanya → Mersin
• Mersin → Alanya
• Goreme → Pamukkale
• Pamukkale → Goreme
• Istanbul → Izmir

Popular Routes in Bulgaria

• Sofia → Istanbul

Popular Routes in Maldives

• Male → Maafushi
• Maafushi → Male

Popular Routes in Jordan

• Abdali Jett → Petra
• Amman → Petra
• Petra → Amman
• 7th Circle Jett → Amman
• Amman → 7th Circle Jett
• Aqaba → Wadi Rum
• Wadi Rum → Aqaba
• Aqaba → Petra
• Petra → Aqaba
• Amman → Aqaba

Popular Routes in Georgia

• Batumi → Trabzon Bus Station
• Batumi → Istanbul
• Tbilisi → Antalya

Popular Routes in Kenya

• Nairobi → Diani Beach
• Diani Beach → Nairobi

Popular Routes in Morocco

• Agadir → Marrakesh
• Marrakesh → Agadir

Popular Routes in Croatia

• Hvar → Split

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR BACHELORS ON THE ROAD

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After years of traveling, The Single Man has decided to share his expertise and knowledge on the world. Women, food and all other experiences are what make a trip worth it; after all, you work hard!

These journals are a compilation of months spent in South East Asia, The Pacific and Europe, with many more to go. I hope you find these travel guides useful when planning your next getaway and truly get the most out of life.

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The world is increasingly getting smaller with the advent of technology. In order to get the most out of the world, we must adapt. Whilst there are similar guides out there, they simply focus on the most base part of the trip - I wish I had something like this when I first started gallivanting around the world. No matter who you are, where you’re from or what you do, you can still live life to the fullest.

SINGLE MAN'S TRAVEL GUIDE

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Philippines Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Best Time to Go to the Philippines

• January to March | Ideal Months to Travel in the Philippines
• April to June | Summer and Peak Season in the Philippines
• July to October | Rainy and Off-Peak Season in the Philippines
• November to December | Holiday Season in the Philippines

Geography of the Philippines

• Arriving at Manila Airport: What You Need to Know

How to Get Around the Philippines

Hotels in the philippines, best hotels and resorts in luzon, best hotels and resorts in visayas, best hotels and resorts in mindanao.

• Best theme hotels and resorts in the Philippines

Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

• Manila | The Capital of the Philippines
• Palawan | Gateway to the Best Islands in the Philippines
• Boracay Island | Tropical Paradise
• Cebu | Islands, Diving, Historical Sites, and More
• Bohol | Countryside and Island Tours
• What to Eat in the Philippines
• Suggested 2-Week Itinerary in the Philippines
• Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines

Discover the treasures of the Philippines from beaches and islands, highlands, historical spots, and must-try food and fun activities. Find out the best time to visit and the best tourist spots. Learn how to get around from the Manila airport. Discover the best places to eat. Take inspiration from a 2-week itinerary that will take you around the best destinations in the country. Read this article for an introduction to traveling around the Philippines. 

It can be difficult to decide where to travel first in the Philippines. There are so many beautiful, postcard-worthy white sand beaches and pristine islands all over the Philippines, complete with crystal clear waters and rich and diverse marine life.

• Explore the widest collection of Philippine tours for your vacation
• Check out flights to the Philippines

Travelers who love swimming would find it hard to leave, as idyllic  beach trips , exciting  island-hopping adventures , and incredible  diving tours  are abundant here. The Philippines' beaches are among the best in the world as well, whether it's white sand, black volcanic sand, or even pink sand in some places. 

See our popular Top Tours in the Philippines

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• Find the best Philippines vacation packages for a hassle-free trip
• See destinations for solo travel in the Philippines

You can also take your pick from the Philippines' best festivals  that showcase the locals' culture and experience unique food trips that will get you craving for more Filipino food . 

If you're traveling to the Philippines soon, this ultimate guide has everything you need to know to plan your trip. 

The Philippines has two distinct seasons, wet and dry. The dry season starts from November until June. These months are considered the best time to travel to most destinations in the Philippines .

The wet season, on the other hand, is from July to October. During this time, an average of nine typhoons hit the Philippines and may cause flooding and landslides in some areas. While not all typhoons make landfall, the heavy rains may still affect your trip, so make sure to check weather forecasts. 

• Check out our  2-week Philippine itinerary packages

Note, though, that it doesn’t rain every day, nor does it rain the whole day during the wet season, unless there is a typhoon. It's still best to check the weather forecast for your Philippine destinations when planning a trip. Weather-wise, here’s what you can expect when traveling in the Philippines and where to go.

See our popular Best Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

January to march | ideal months to travel in the philippines.

January to March is usually the ideal period to travel to the Philippines. Even if there are bigger chances of precipitation, these are the months of the year when the temperature is cooler. The month of March also signals the upcoming festivals and the long weekend of Holy Week (Easter).

These months also highlight some of the biggest and grandest festivities:

The province of Aklan, where Boracay Island is located, commemorates the Ati-Atihan Festival in the second week of January. Check Boracay tours  and Boracay tour packages with hotel and airfare for your island getaway.

The highly anticipated annual Sinulog Festival   in the province of Cebu is celebrated every third Sunday of January. Check Cebu activities  and Cebu packages  for your trip.

Millions of devotees gather in Quiapo in  Manila City to join the procession during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival is usually every February or March. For 2024, it will be held in New Clark City, Tarlac. Read our Philippine Hot Air Balloon 2024 guide to learn more.

See our popular Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Tickets & Packages

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The Summer Capital, Baguio City , parades beautifully-adorned floats with flowers during the Panagbenga Festival in February. Check Baguio tours  and Baguio package deals with hotel  to make your trip more fun and hassle-free.

There are weeklong religious activities during Holy Week (Easter) in March or early April all over the country, but more specifically in Pampanga . Check Pampanga experiences  to make the most of your vacation.

April to June | Summer and Peak Season in the Philippines

During this time, the temperature and humidity levels are highest. This marks the summer season in the Philippines. Locals plan beach getaways or vacations in their hometowns. Expect that beach resorts will most likely be fully booked and have higher rates. 

The sun is the strongest from April to June, so precautions are needed when spending most of the time under the sun. Lather sunblock every two hours to avoid sunburn.

See our popular Island Hopping Tours

Boracay island hopping package private tour with lunch, snorkeling gear & kawa hot bath, palawan coron malcapuya, banana & bulog dos islands shared tour with lunch & transfers.

Some popular summer destinations in the Philippines include:

The natural, scenic, and hidden gems of Palawan. Check some Palawan activities  and learn more about the province in this Palawan travel guide . 

The white beaches, crystal clear waters, and extreme water sports of Boracay . 

The surfing paradise of La Union , Baler, Zambales, and Siargao. Check  Siargao adventures  and   learn more about Siargao in this guide . Book Siargao tour packages with airfare . 

The beaches and diving spots in Batangas . Explore the marine life of Batangas through an Anilao diving tour. Check other Batangas escapades .

• Check out our article on the Best Beaches to Visit in the Philippines

Aside from beaches and  island hopping tours in the Philippines, here are other summer season activities you can try:

Watch the Moriones Festival in Marinduque and how the people in Pampanga  celebrate the season during Holy Week. Check some activities in Marinduque and tours in Pampanga .

Taste the freshest catch in Dagupan City during Bangus Festival every April.

Head to Quezon Province and witness the colorful Pahiyas Festival, a thanksgiving festival held every 15th of May.

Witness the festivities and watch the beautiful women of the country all dressed up during Flores De Mayo.

Take part during the different pistang bayan (town fiestas) in the provinces of Batangas and Bulacan. 

In June, take part in the combined Pintados-Kasadyaan festivals of Tacloban City that features a sailboat race, the Subiran Regatta, and the religious rite Balyuan. Join a Tacloban city tour to get the full experience.

Join the celebration of St. John the Baptist's feast day, where locals get doused with water on June 24th. It’s officially called the Wattah Wattah Festival or Basaan Festival in Filipino. It's usually celebrated in Batangas, Bataan, and Nueva Ecija, to name a few.

July to October | Rainy and Off-Peak Season in the Philippines  

The volume of rainfall in the Philippines increases from July to August . These months are considered the wettest months, although it does not necessarily mean that it will rain all day long.

When typhoons hit, most of the islands in the country are affected, making trips around the country (depending on where the typhoon hits) difficult. Expect flight delays and even cancellations in some cases.

Philippine flights to different islands and beach resorts are cheaper during these months. Go to the beach, enjoy a food trip, or visit museums and historical places. Here are some other rainy season activities in the Philippines that you can try:

Go surfing and island hopping in Siargao . Browse our Siargao tour packages with airfare . 

Watch the dramatization of the blood compact between Sikatuna and Legazpi in Bohol during the Sandugo Festival. Check some  Bohol activities  and Bohol package deals for your escapade.

Catch the colorful Pagoda Festival in Bulacan.

Witness the street parades and dances in the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City . Check Davao activities to best experience the province.

Observe the Fluvial Parade of the Nuestra Señora Peñafrancia in Naga City.

Watch the elaborate and colorful MassKara Festival in Bacolod City. Check some Bacolod tours and learn more about the province in this Bacolod travel guide .

For Filipinos, Christmas or the holiday season starts as early as September or the beginning of the -ber months. Some establishments start to decorate their stores with Christmas ornaments as early as September 1st.

November to December | Holiday Season in the Philippines   

November marks not only the beginning of the dry season but also the start of the long holiday celebration in the Philippines. These are the best months to visit Philippine cities because of the night markets, light and sound shows, and Christmas bazaars.

• Read our article on the Top Philippine Christmas holiday destinations

November to December are the best months to do your holiday shopping, as most malls are on sale and extended operating hours. However, there are other things you can do too:

Watch the Higantes Festival (giant paper effigies) in Rizal. 

Appreciate a grand Christmas experience in San Fernando, Pampanga, and its Giant Lantern Festival. 

Enjoy the cold weather and admire the views of Banaue Rice Terraces while sipping a hot cup of tea or coffee in Benguet . 

Choosing the best time to visit the Philippines depends on what kind of activity you want to do. Come at different times to appreciate everything the country has to offer.

See our popular Sagada-Banaue Tour Packages

2-day adventure to buscalan kalinga tattoo village of apo whang-od from manila with homestay & meals, private sagada tour to cultural & nature attractions with snacks & transfers from baguio, 2-week scenic adventure tour to highlands of north luzon package from manila.

The Philippines' geography  is divided into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Before planning a trip to the Philippines, it's important to know where your chosen destinations are. Your transportation, schedule, and budget will depend on the distances between each place. You can also book all-inclusive Philippines vacation packages that will take you around the top tourist spots in the country. 

If you're outside the Philippines, your first destination will most likely be Manila , the Philippine capital located in Luzon.  Most connecting flights to other destinations in the countries continue from  Manila Airport .

The Luzon island group also includes other big islands and island groups like Palawan, Batanes , Baguio, and Vigan . Top Luzon activities include city sightseeing, beach adventures, and some island-hopping trips. Check out the top Luzon tourist spots that you should visit. 

See our popular Luzon Tour Packages

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Visayas   is located   in the central part of the Philippines. Cebu is the main gateway to other Visayas destinations. Visayas is home to destinations like Boracay, Bohol, Iloilo, Negros Region, Leyte, and Siquijor. The top activities and best tourist spots in Visayas include idyllic beaches, island-hopping, outdoor adventures, and food tours.

See our popular Visayas Tour Packages

Mindanao is located in the southern part of the Philippines. Davao City is the main gateway to other destinations in this island group, which includes Siargao, Camiguin, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro, to name a few. Top things to do and best tourist spots in Mindanao include outdoor adventures, beach escapades, and island-hopping.  Check out our Davao tourist spots itinerary if you're exploring Davao City and Samal Island .

• Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to the Top 15 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

Given the number and variety of things to do here, filling your itinerary for a week or so when traveling in the Philippines won’t be a problem. 

See our popular Mindanao Tour Packages

Arriving at manila airport: what you need to know      .

Like any metropolitan city, Manila can be confusing for first-time visitors with flights to Manila , starting with arriving at the airport. Manila international airport, officially known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Manila Airport , has four terminals, which are not connected via airport rail link. Consider this when booking your flights, as inter-airline transfers may be complicated.

• Dubai to Manila flights
• Singapore to Manila flights
• LAX to Manila flights
• Hong Kong to Manila flights
• Bangkok to Manila flights
• Taipei to Manila flights
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• Nagoya to Manila flights
• Seoul to Manila flights
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• Istanbul to Manila flights

However, there are now Point-to-Point (P2P) shuttle buses that you can board to transfer airports in the Philippines , or you can book a taxi or Grab car via the Grab App (like Uber) if you have connecting flights. You can also book rent a car in Manila services. These transport options take public roads, so allot sufficient transfer time if you plan to transit between airlines. Here's a rundown of these four airport terminals:

NAIA Terminal 1

Terminal 1 serves all the international flights from and to Manila except for the ones operated by airlines in NAIA Terminal 2 and NAIA Terminal 3.

NAIA Terminal 2

Terminal 2 houses the domestic and international flights of the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, and its affiliate PAL express. Starting July 2023, AirAsia and Royal Air domestic flights have been transferred to Terminal 2. This terminal is also known as the Centennial Terminal to commemorate the centennial declaration of Philippine independence.

NAIA Terminal 3

Terminal 3 caters to international flights operated by Cathay Pacific Air, AirAsia, Emirates Airline, Cebu Pacific Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Air Lines, All Nippon Air, and Singapore Airlines, as well as all some domestic flights of Cebu Pacific Air. It has a transit lounge (airport hotel) and a massage place.

NAIA Terminal 4

Terminal 4, the smallest of the four, serves domestic flights from CebGo, AirSwift, and SkyJet.

See our popular Manila Transfers

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• Cebu to Manila flights
• Davao to Manila flights
• Tacloban to Manila flights
• Iloilo to Manila flights

Outside Manila: Clark International Airport

A secondary international airport nearest to Manila is Clark International Airport. It takes two to three hours to travel from Manila to Clark, which is 93 kilometers away. One transport option is through the Premium point-to-point (P2P) Bus Service. This bus service has a station at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, which is ideal if you come from the southern part of Metro Manila. If you're coming from the northern part of Metro Manila, take the P2P bus from its North EDSA MRT / Trinoma Station in Quezon City.

You can also hire a car rental service from Clark to Manila  for a more comfortable and private transportation. Just make sure you have the requirements to rent a car in the Philippines .

Currency Exchange and ATMs

All airport terminals have money changers open 24/7 in both the arrivals and departure areas. There are ATMs as well that accept foreign-issued cards though fees may apply. Read our guide about money exchange in the Philippines .

Source: https://currencyrate.today/converter-widget

Free SIM Card

Once you arrive in Manila airports, take advantage of the free SIM cards given by the Philippines' major telecommunications companies: Globe and Smart. You can top up your credit in convenience stores like 7-Eleven all over the country.

Transportation to and from the Manila airports

All Manila airports have taxi stands. You can get a coupon taxi (white) that’s dispatched by airport personnel and charged a fixed price or a yellow taxi that’s metered. Both are more expensive than regular white taxis but relatively safer to use.

There are also shuttle buses that will take you to the nearest metro station. However, if it’s your first time in the Philippines, taking this route is not as comfortable as taking either an airport taxi or booking an accredited taxi/cab, hire Manila car rental  services, or carpool through the Grab App .  If you are traveling in a big group and have a lot of luggage, booking a van rental in the Philippines  or a budget car rental in the Philippines may be advisable. 

For a hassle-free arrival or departure, check out our Manila airport transfers . 

The primary way of getting around the Philippines is by buses, planes, and ships/ferries. Boat rides are great for inter-island trips with short distances; for everywhere else, flights are recommended.

Depending on when you visit, you can find a lot of cheap flights in the Philippines . In fact, sometimes it’s cheaper to book a flight than a ferry. The biggest flight carriers are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and AirAsia.   

Within small towns and cities, the primary modes of transport are bus, jeepney, or tricycle (like Thailand’s tuk-tuk or India’s auto-rickshaw, but smaller). In addition, major cities have taxi cabs and the Grab app. Only Manila has the metro system. If you want to go around the country in style, you may book an SUV rental in the Philippines or  luxury car rental in the Philippines .

You can also book self-drive car rentals in the Philippines if you want to explore on your own. Read our article on the best cars to rent for a road trip in the Philippines .

For inter-island transportation, sea transfers such as ferries are the best option. Secure your Philippines ferry ticket booking  in advance for a hassle-free trip. 

See our popular Sea Transfers & Ferries in the Philippines

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It is not hard to find accommodations in the Philippines . In top destinations, you would find various options, from 1- to 5-star hotels, ranging in price from budget to luxury. 

For budget travelers, there are numerous hostels, guesthouses, and homestays all over the country. Note that budget places are less likely to have a hot shower available, and in some places, there would be no Wifi.

It's highly recommended to book at least one night (or more) in advance, especially in popular destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera during peak season (e.g., summer and holidays).

Read our article guides on the best hotels and resorts in top destinations in the Philippines: 

• Best hotels in Manila
• Best serviced apartments in Metro Manila
• Best beach resorts near Manila
• Best hotels near Manila Airport
• Best glamping resorts near Manila
• Best hotels in BGC Taguig Metro Manila
• Best hotels in Makati City
• Best hotels and resorts in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in El Nido, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Coron, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in San Vicente, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Port Barton, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Antipolo
• Best hotels in Baguio
• Best resorts in Baler
• Best resorts in Batangas
• Best affordable Batangas resorts
• Best pet-friendly resorts in Batangas
• Best Batangas resorts with pool
• Best resorts in Bataan
• Best resorts in Bulacan
• Best resorts in Cavite
• Best resorts in Laguna
• Best hotels in Laoag Ilocos Norte
• Best resorts in La Union
• Best hotels in Legazpi City Albay
• Best resorts in Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Pampanga
• Best resorts in Pangasinan
• Best resorts in Puerto Galera
• Best resorts in Quezon Province
• Best hotels and resorts in Sorsogon
• Best hotels and resorts in Subic
• Best hotels in Tagaytay
• Best Tagaytay hotels with a view of Taal Lake
• Best hotels in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
• Best resorts in Zambales
• Best resorts and hotels in Boracay
• Best beachfront resorts in Boracay
• Best budget-friendly resorts in Boracay
• Best Boracay Station 1 resorts
• Best Boracay Station 2 resorts
• Best Boracay Station 3 resorts
• Best Boracay hotels and resorts for families
• Best Boracay workation resorts
• Best resorts in Bohol
• Best beachfront resorts in Bohol
• Best hotels in Bacolod City
• Best hotels and resorts in Cebu
• Best beachfront resorts in Cebu
• Best luxury hotels and resorts in Cebu
• Best budget-friendly hotels in Cebu City
• Best hotels near Cebu airport
• Best hotels in Iloilo City

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• Best hotels in Davao City
• Best resorts in Siargao
• Best beachfront resorts in Siargao
• Best Siargao hotels and resorts for groups
• Best Siargao budget hotels and resorts
• Best resorts in Samal Island

Best theme hotels and resorts in the Philippines

• Best beach resorts in the Philippines
• Best spa and wellness resorts in the Philippines
• Best glamping resorts in the Philippines
• Best farm stays & resorts in the Philippines
• Best treehouse resorts in the Philippines
• Best pet-friendly hotels and resorts near Manila
• Best mountain resorts near Manila
• Best budget-friendly quality resorts near Manila
• Best private resorts near Manila
• Best teambuilding resorts near Manila
• Best hot spring resorts in Laguna
• Best Bali-like resorts in the Philippines
• Best Maldives-like resorts in the Philippines
• Best Santorini-like resorts in the Philippines
• Most unique hotels and resorts in the Philippines
• Best natural hot spring resorts in the Philippines
• Best historic hotels and houses in the Philippines
• Best honeymoon resorts in the Philippines
• Best luxury resorts and hotels in the Philippines
• Best eco-friendly resorts in the Philippines
• Best PWD-friendly hotels and resorts in the Philippines

With over 7000 islands, you will definitely need to prioritize when deciding on the places to visit in the Philippines. Much depends, of course, on how long you will have in the country and what you are interested in doing. For starters, you can check out our article on the top tours in the Philippines .

Here are some of the most popular destinations in the Philippines that you shouldn't miss out on: 

4-Day Fascinating Culture & Nature Tour Package to Cebu & Bohol with Accommodations & Transfers

Scenic 1-week beaches & nature vacation package to cebu, puerto princesa & el nido palawan, manila | the capital of the philippines.

It has, for example, the old Spanish fortress in Intramuros  that provides you with a glimpse of what the city used to be under over three centuries of Spanish rule. Nowhere is the Spanish influence seen more clearly than in the Walled City, from the cobbled streets to the restored houses. Make sure to join Intramuros tours to get the full experience.

• Check   Manila activities  that you can add to your itinerary

Highlights in Intramuros include the old churches of San Agustin, built in 1587, and the Manila Cathedral, originally built in 1571 and governed by the Archdiocese of Mexico. Outside Intramuros, there’s also the historic Quiapo Church, whose annual Feast of the Black Nazarene every January attracts millions of devotees.

See our popular Manila Tours & Activities

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You can also try some of the trips around Binondo , the oldest Chinatown in the world. You can also watch one of the best sunsets in the Philippines along the Manila Bay at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.

When booking a hotel in Manila , we recommend booking accommodations either in Manila City or in Makati City . Both of these destinations have plush hotels, high-end shopping malls, and various bars and restaurants that offer a range of local and international cuisines.

See our popular Binondo Tours

Palawan | gateway to the best islands in the philippines.

You’ll see beautiful powdery, white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, towering limestones, hidden lagoons, and even a safari. 

See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities

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Puerto Princesa , the capital of Palawan, is often the first place that travelers go to, as it has frequent and affordable flights to and from Manila and Cebu. It is home to the Underground River , one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines . The city is the jump-off point for Honda Bay island hopping ,  Underground River tour , and several Palawan destinations like El Nido and San Vicente.

• Learn more in our article on the top attractions and activities in Puerto Princesa

Coron is another popular destination in Palawan. There are direct flights and boats from Manila to Coron (via Busuanga Airport, an hour from Coron town proper), making it a possible first destination for the Palawan leg of your Philippine itinerary.

If you’re into water activities, Coron is the getaway you might be looking for. It is best known for wreck diving and snorkeling, island hopping to hidden lagoons surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, and the iconic Kayangan Lake. Check out our Coron tour packages with airfare .

Google Coron, Palawan, and the first photo you'll see is of the view going to the freshwater lake. It's why Coron island-hopping  is popular with both locals and internationals.

See our popular Coron Tours and Activities

Coron is the best place for wreck diving because it has a handful of sunken ships hidden beneath its waters, some of which are big enough to be explored inside, while some are shallow enough to be seen by snorkelers. If you're not a certified diver, dive shops in Coron have Discover Scuba activities too.

• Learn more in our article on the top activities and places to see in Coron

El Nido is another well-known destination in Palawan. Over the years, the town has transformed from one that doesn’t even have an ATM and 24-hour electricity into a popular holiday destination.

There are regular island-hopping trips in El Nido that take you to various islands and beaches such as the Hidden Beach, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Hidden Lagoon, Paradise Beach, and Natnat Beach, among others.

• Read our guide on the top activities and attractions in El Nido  

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

Boracay island | tropical paradise.

Boracay became a popular destination for local and international travelers because of its fine, white sandy beaches (led by the famous White Beach ), its combination of Boracay nightlife scene and family-friendly atmosphere, and its many accommodations across budgets.

Watching sunsets may be cliché to some, but the sunset in Boracay is definitely one of the best you’ll see in the country. The silhouette of sailboats, the shadows of people walking along the shore, and the sky turning from blue to a fiery red and into a faint orange is an image you won’t quickly forget.

• Browse our Boracay tour packages with airfare

See our popular Boracay Vacation Packages

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Most Boracay hotels are lined up in White Beach grouped into Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. However, you can easily visit the other beaches there during your stay. Puka Beach, for example, may not have sand as fine as White Beach, but if you go early enough, you can avoid the crowds and have a relaxing hour or two by the beach.

Bulabog Beach is becoming a popular destination for kitesurfers. The winds here are strong enough for those who want to try something new or improve their skill. There are several shops offering lessons and provide rental gear too. 

You’ll have plenty of options in Boracay when it comes to food, as there are markets, budget restaurants, Western food, buffets, and bars that cater to different kinds of tastes. Read our article on the best restaurants in Boracay  to learn more. There are fun activities like Boracay pub crawls too! Indeed, Boracay is the destination to be if you want a bit of everything in one place.

• Read our guide on the top things to see and do in Boracay

See our popular Boracay Tours and Activities

Cebu | islands, diving, historical sites, and more.

The province of Cebu is another popular place to visit because of the range of natural, historical, and cultural attractions. 

Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island in the north are famous beach destinations because of their pristine beaches and sky-blue waters. Visitors usually combine a trip to these two destinations. Both islands provide a laid-back atmosphere if you want to just spend the whole day relaxing. 

See our popular Cebu Tours and Activities

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Malapascua is best known for its thresher sharks. It's the only place in the world where this species is consistently seen almost every day. 

Bantayan Island, on the other hand, is more for beach bumming and snorkeling. It has a healthy coral garden you can explore and a long coastline of white sandy beaches.

Make sure to go to the south of Cebu as well and include Moalboal in your Philippine itinerary. This is where you can experience the famous sardine run tour . Seeing the hundreds of thousands of sardines swimming beneath you (or above you if you choose to dive) is definitely an awesome experience unique to Cebu.

A must-try during your visit to Cebu is the fun canyoneering experience . It is an adrenaline-pumping activity where you jump into a pool of water from around 25 meters high. You’ll also get to trek and enjoy some moderate hiking activities and take the plunge at the azure waters of Kawasan Falls . 

See our popular Kawasan Falls Tours

Other places of interest in Cebu province include hiking Osmeña Peak, trekking to Tumalog Falls, lounging in Tingko Beach, Lambug Beach, and Basdaku Beach, just to name a few.

• Check our article on the  Top Tourist Spots in Cebu  

Cebu City, the capital of Cebu province, is cosmopolitan and developed. You can join a historical tour in Cebu that will take you to sites like Magellan’s Cross, as well as old churches and museums, among others. There is a variety of restaurants offering local and international food, too.

If you’re a meat-eater, never miss the famous lechon (suckling pig) that Anthony Bourdain called “the best pig ever.” There are countless bars and shopping malls for entertainment as well.

The Queen City of the South has the second busiest airport in the Philippines located in Mactan , flying to 25 domestic and 22 international destinations. From here, the best beaches in Cebu are easily accessible by private transportation and public buses. 

You also have several options for accommodation, whether you want to splurge or stick to a tight budget.

See our popular Cebu Vacation Packages

3-day cebu ultimate budget vacation package with hotel, transfers & add-on tours, bohol | countryside and island tours.

The island of Bohol is another must-include in your Philippine itinerary. There are endless tourist spots in Bohol that you can visit. You can do a countryside day tour of Bohol, but why spend only one day in one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines?

Bohol has many beaches and activities for those who want to see more of the region. Make sure to explore Panglao Island to make your trip more fun and exciting! Start your trip by trying Alona Beach activities such as fly fish, UFO, parasailing, banana boat ride, and many more.

A trip to Bohol is incomplete without joining  Chocolate Hills tours . These green hills that turn brown during the summer months will remind you of Hershey’s Kisses, hence the name. The viewpoint was affected by the major earthquake in 2015, but it has since been restored.

See our popular Bohol Tours and Activities

• See our guide on how to go to Chocolate Hills

Another must-see is the tarsier, a tiny primate (around 3.5 to 6 inches long) with huge eyes that can only be found in Southeast Asia. You can visit tarsier sanctuaries in Bohol, where you can see these tiny and cute creatures (do not hold or touch them, though).

While in Bohol, try the Loboc River Cruise experience . It provides you with a relaxing and scenic way to see the countryside while feasting on Filipino cuisine and being serenaded by local performers.

Bohol also has relics of Spanish colonial times; you’ll see several old churches that provide you with a glimpse of the province’s historical and cultural heritage. While some of these churches were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake, most of them have been restored, including Baclayon Church.

These destinations are only some of the best places to visit in the Philippines. The country has plenty more to offer travelers with various budgets and preferences for their trip. 

See our popular Bohol Vacation Packages

4-day premier bohol beach club resort package with breakfast & airport transfers, what to eat in the philippines  .

Filipino food is one of the most underrated in Asia. Most international visitors know what to expect from Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese food but are usually totally clueless about the Philippines' local cuisine. 

Filipino cuisine is actually one of the most diverse in the world. Because of its colonial past, it has influences from the west as much as it has oriental roots. Note, though, that the cuisine is meat-heavy. Vegetarian or vegan guests traveling outside major cities may find it hard to look for restaurants that provide vegetarian or vegan options.

If you are a first-time visitor in the Philippines and don’t know what Filipino food to try, here are some of the best food in the Philippines that you should keep on the lookout for in your culinary and food trips .

See our popular Food Tours

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The name adobo was given by the Spanish due to the similarity to adobo or adobar, a cooking practice that also uses vinegar and soy sauce indigenous to Iberia. It is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines due to its popularity across all regions.

Sisig is a favorite pulutan (food eaten with alcohol) accompanied by a local beer. The dish is made of chopped parts of a pig’s head and liver. Onions, chopped chili peppers, eggs, and calamansi are added. It is normally served in sizzling plates.

This appetizing dish originated from Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines. Hundreds of sisig variations are available today, such as tuna, squid, tuna, milkfish, and mussels. If you are looking for a vegetarian version of Sisig, some restaurants serve mushrooms and tofu sisig. Read more about it on our travel guide to Pampanga .

3. Lechon 

The pig is roasted for hours with occasional basting. It is served with a local sauce in some regions. One of the most famous foods in the Philippines, lechon is a must-try for anyone coming to the country. The best lechon in the Philippines are from Cebu. Read our travel guide to Cebu to learn more about it.

4. Sinigang

Sinigang is a Filipino soup or stew characterized by its sour and savory broth. A classic Filipino dish, sinigang is what most Filipino kids ask their moms for if they are sick. The sour taste is from the use of tamarind to flavor the broth.

This traditional food in the Philippines has evolved so much that several tamarind alternatives are being used these days. It includes guava, mango, kamias, santol, and even watermelon.

5. Caldereta

Caldereta is another classic Filipino dish and stew. This savory dish is cooked originally using goat meat, but beef, chicken, or pork can also be used these days.

Tomato sauce, liver spread, vegetables, bell peppers, and cheese are added to the meat. The name of the dish is derived from the Spanish word caldera or cauldron in English. 

6. Crispy Pata

Crispy pata or pork knuckles is a famous Filipino pork dish among Filipino family dinners.

This dish is made by boiling the entire pork knuckles with seasonings for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender. It is then frozen overnight with another batch of seasonings and then deep-fried until the skin is crispy. 

7. Chicken Inasal

8. Dinuguan

The name dinuguan derives from the word “dugo” or blood; hence the word dinuguan means “to be stewed with blood.” It is made of pig’s blood and offal.

Dinuguan is similar to the Irish black pudding except that it is a stew instead of sausage. Aside from being eaten with rice, Filipinos also pair it with puto (steamed rice cake).

9. Fish Kinilaw

Fish kinilaw is the ceviche of the Philippines. Made of raw fish, this appetizing dish is denatured using vinegar as a primary ingredient. Onions, ginger, chili peppers, black peppers, and calamansi are added for flavoring.

Popular fish used for kinilaw includes yellowfin tuna, mackerels, and marlins. 

10. Halo-Halo

Halo-halo is a Filipino favorite snack or merienda . This cold snack and dessert consists of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients such as beans, jellies, tapioca pearls, mixed fruits, leche flan, purple yam, and even ice cream.

Halo-halo is extremely popular, especially during the summer months, to cool off from the heat. You can find a lot of food stands selling halo-halo in the local neighborhoods.

Taho (soy pudding) is a popular street food in the Philippines . This healthy snack is made of soft tofu, caramelized brown sugar, and tapioca pearls. It is comfort food that you can buy from street peddlers, usually in the morning. In local neighborhoods, local peddlers walk or bike around houses. When you hear a deep voice shouting "taho," just shout back "taho" to call the peddler's attention to buy a cup. 

For non-Filipinos, you might have heard of balut from your adventurous friends who keep telling you that you have never been to the Philippines if you haven’t tried this Filipino street food.

Balut is a boiled fertilized egg embryo that is eaten from a shell. Don’t let it scare you, though; balut tastes like an ordinary egg with a tasty soup. It's usually sold in the streets at night, with some vendors going around local neighborhoods at night shouting "balot."

Suggested 2-Week Itinerary in the Philippines        

Creating an itinerary for a trip to the Philippines can be difficult, especially for a first-time visitor. This 2-week itinerary in the Philippines will give you an idea of how to maximize your time in the country.

See our popular 2 Weeks Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

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• 10 days Philippines itinerary tour packages
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Day 1: Manila

If you only have 2 weeks, a day tour in the capital city Manila is enough. If you're spending more time here, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Manila .

Things to do in Manila for 1 day:

Explore Intramuros . It used to be the center of government during Spanish times.

Visit Rizal Park. It’s a favorite leisure spot for the locals.

Watch the Manila Bay sunset along Roxas Boulevard.  

Go on a Binondo food tour and enjoy authentic Chinese food at the oldest Chinatown. 

Read our article on Manila layover activities for more ideas. 

Ride a night bus going to Baguio and travel to Banaue.

Day 2-3: Banaue 

The mountain province of Banaue is famous for its iconic rice terraces. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Located at around 1500 meters above sea level, it uses an ancient irrigation system where water comes from the rainforest above it. 

Things to do in Banaue for 2 days:

Walk around the rice terraces.

Check out the local village and watch an Ifugao cultural show.

Trek to Batad and check out Tappiya Waterfalls. Depending on when you go, you can swim there, too.

If you have more time to spare, go to Buscalan in Kalinga and get a traditional tattoo from Apo Whang-Od . 

Take a night bus going back to Manila so you can arrive early the following day. 

Day 4: Layover in Manila + Fly to El Nido

If you have time to explore Manila before your flight, head to the bustling city of Makati , where you can explore shopping malls or parks, and treat yourself to a good meal or a bit of shopping. You can go to Poblacion Makati and have some drinks , get a relaxing massage , or join a game night in BGC .

Make sure to withdraw enough cash for El Nido, Palawan. The ATMs in El Nido don't always have enough cash. Many places don’t accept credit cards yet, so you might want to plan just in case.

Day 5-7: El Nido, Palawan

Things to do in El Nido for 3 days:

Join an El Nido island hopping trip  which runs for a full day. Each tour has a different itinerary, so it’s up to you to select which sites you would like to visit. You can allot 1 tour a day.

Do the Taraw Cliff via ferrata canopy walk and see the stunning view of the town and the islands. 

Drink beers or cocktails and watch the sunset of El Nido in Las Cabanas.

Day 8-9: Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Things to do in Puerto Princesa for 2 days:

Explore the  tourist spots in Puerto Princesa  City or go island hopping in Honda Bay . 

Book a tour of the underground river for Day 9 (you should book this in advance). The whole tour will take 5-6 hours.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities

Day 10-12: Bohol

You can’t fly directly to Bohol from Puerto Princesa, but you can fly to Cebu and then take a ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol . The flight takes about an hour while the fast ferry takes about 2 hours.

Several fast ferries travel between Cebu and Bohol, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding transport to Bohol.

No advance booking is necessary. Just go to the ferry terminal in Pier 4 North Reclamation Area.

Things to do in Bohol for 2 days:

Do the  Bohol countryside tour  where you can visit most top Bohol attractions like the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Bilar Man-Made Forest, Baclayon Church, and Blood Compact Shrine. 

Join Bohol island hopping tours where you can have the chance to see dolphins and snorkel at the incredible Bohol diving sites like Balicasag Island . 

Explore Alona Beach in Panglao Island. There are several bars and restaurants there if you need a break from lounging in the beach.

For more adventurous activities, a trip to Danao Adventure Park is where you can experience the Plunge (canyon drop) as well as other exhilarating activities.

Bohol Chocolate Hills Countryside Private Tour with Transfers & Add-on Loboc River Cruise Lunch

Bohol countryside tour chocolate hills to loboc river cruise lunch with hotel transfers, bohol island hopping private tour to balicasag & virgin islands with dolphin watching & transfers.

Day 12-14: Cebu

Things to do in Cebu for 2 days:

When you arrive, go around Cebu City or book Cebu tour s and check out its top attractions, including the Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño.

Alternatively, you can go directly to Moalboal, around 2 hours from the city, where you can go island hopping and swim with the sardines if you book Moalboal tours .

From Moalboal, head to Alegria and Badian for the canyoneering and the Kawasan Falls adventure .

There are several flights from Cebu to Manila , so going back to Manila on Day 14 won’t be a problem. Just make sure to check your flights and allot extra time for delays so you won’t miss your flight out of the country! An easier way to a multi-destination itinerary in the Philippines is by booking all-inclusive Philippine tour packages . 

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines 

Now that you know which destinations you should add to your trip to the Philippines take note of these helpful tips: 

Is it safe to visit the Philippines?

Generally, yes. But it's always best to be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure at all times and be wary of strangers. If you're planning to do outdoor activities, check out our guide on travel insurance in the Philippines .

What are the Philippine citizens called?

We are called Filipinos (not Philippinos).

What languages are spoken in the Philippines?

The Philippines has two official languages: English and Filipino. This makes it easier for travelers to get around since English is widely understood and spoken.

While Spanish was the country's official language in the 19th and early 20th centuries, only a very small percentage of the population speak or understand it now.

A lot of words, however, derive their origin from Spanish. All over the Philippines, around 180 languages (and dialects) are spoken, 12 of which are used by at least one million people.

Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines? 

Passports holders from any country except the following either don't need a visa or can pay for a visa on arrival:

Afghanistan

Bosnia and Herzegovina

North Korea

Sierra Leone

South Sudan

Taiwan (have to apply for an ETA online)

Timor-Leste

If unsure, double-check with your embassy.

Is Wifi widely available all over the country? 

Most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in major cities would have Wifi connectivity, but the connection's quality varies widely, depending on location. You can use data but note that the signal can be weak to nonexistent in many islands. 

Can I use my credit card? 

Cash is still king in the Philippines. You can use credit cards in shopping malls and restaurants in major cities, but once you go out of the major cities, and especially in the islands, credit cards are not usually accepted.

Before leaving Manila or other major cities, make sure to acquire enough cash. A lot of destinations do have ATMs and money changers, but check before you leave.

Discover what the Philippines has to offer. With so many destinations to travel to, start planning your trip now!  Read our travel guides  to learn more and explore our collection of  Philippine tours and activities  for your trip. 

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