How to Plan Your First Vacation to Thailand

Tipped to be one of Asia's most popular tourist hotspots, a holiday in Thailand has become a veritable rite of passage for globe trotters and backpackers the world over. As one of the most affordable vacation destinations in Asia, the availability of water sports activities, cultural highlights and the country's thriving food scene makes Thailand an attractive option for all. From finding hotels to making the most of your stay, here are some guidelines on planning your first Thai getaway.

Time the Visit

While there is no such thing as a "bad time" to visit Thailand, those who are heading to the country for the first time should time their trip so as to make the most of the experience. Although Thailand is touted as a year-round holiday hub, avoiding the monsoon rains and other inclement weather conditions can make your holiday a far more pleasant experience. The period from November to April is considered the best time to head to Thailand as it is also the official tourist season in the country. Sunny and clear skies prevail during this period although one is also likely to run into more tourists than when visiting during the off season. Selecting a time of year can also be dependent on various events such as celebrating New Year's Eve or cultural festivals in the local calendar such as Songkran or the Festival of Light. As a destination in which international shopping expos, concerts and other red-letter events are hosted annually, it is wise to explore the many local events taking place during the year of travel before planning the trip.

Secure Strategic Bases

Whether one is heading to Thailand for a weekend getaway or a month-long holiday, the benefits of securing conveniently located hotels cannot be overstated. Booking accommodation in venues that offer easy access to tourist attractions, cultural highlights, local transport options and great restaurants not only cuts down one's commute time but also creates a hassle-free vacation experience. Depending on the cities and areas of Thailand one is hoping to visit, it is necessary to narrow down the best accommodation options in terms of location. From Chatrium Hotels & Residences to other chain hotels in Bangkok Thailand and elsewhere across the country, choosing a well-situated rest should be a top priory.

Start with Bangkok

As the first point of contact visitors have with the country and the most dynamic city in Thailand, all first-time visitors should plan on spending a few days in Bangkok. From exploring the city's best-loved tourist attractions including the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, Wat Pho and Lumpini Park to dining in Bangkok's impressive food streets, visitors should plan to explore some of the city's main points of interest in the time available. Signing up for a river cruise on the Chao Praya is another great way to get a feel for the city for those who are in Thailand for a short stay.

Pencil in Some Beach Time

Home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, no trip to Thailand would be complete without spending time in the country's exquisite beaches and island havens. Pattaya, Trang, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Samui are just some of the many options available to visitors in search of sandy beaches and excellent water sports facilities. A tour of Angthong Marine National Park should be on the itinerary of every first-time visitor as it is one of the country's finest marine sanctuaries.

Sign Up for Activities

Whether it's water-bound activities such as scuba diving, surfing and snorkelling to adventurous excursions the likes of jungle treks, hikes and biking adventures, all travellers must explore the gamut of activity options accessible in Thailand. Depending on one's preferences and aptitudes, zip-lining across tropical landscapes, white water rafting in gushing rapids or hiking up to breathtaking waterfalls are just some of the best ways to spend time in Thailand.